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The Sins of Our Children. Many say that we are held accountable for the sins of our children. But is that so? The Bible teaches that we will be held accountable for every idle word that we speak. That we must seek out our own salvation, with fear and trembling. There is no verse in scripture that states that the unruliness of our children will be accounted to us as parents. Sin is a matter of choice and not hereditary. Its not something that is passed down from generation to generation. There is of course a curse that can be passed down to our children, that the scripture talks about. Specifically, when Jesus was being tried before the Jews and they called for His execution. Pilot warned them and they said let the curse be upon us and our children. I’ve noticed that some people try to blame their parents, for the condition of children , that end up on drugs, in jail or dead. They say ,if only the mom or dad, did this or that, then ma-by the child would have turned out different. Is this a true statement or is it an excuse for the lack of belief and trust in the lessons that the parents tried to teach? I believe that we should put the responsibility where it belongs, on the individual. The Bible states , Teach a child in the way of the Lord and the Word shall not depart from them. Does this mean that the lessons taught will save the child later in life? No, this is a misunderstanding of scripture. Again the salvation of each person is based upon their accepting Jesus as their Saviour. The word will not depart from them, but they still must make the commitment to Christ on their own. Then why does the Bible teach this? That there will be no excuse, when it comes the time for their judgment. The Bible does state, that if a man stand uprightly before God, then He will save his entire household. This is true, but, there goes a responsibility to God, on the part of each child to, endure until the end. Those that are saved are saved indeed, but those that endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. There is a controversy here in this statement, where some preach, once saved always saved, but in my studies I find, no where in scripture, where it ever contradicts, endure unto the end. We must tell our children the truth, they must hold on until death, their faith in Christ. Well show in scripture that the individual is held accountable for the word that they have been taught. There is a misconception going around in some teachings, it states that, everyone will be held accountable for everything in scripture. But this cant be, for we are only held accountable for what we have been taught. Lets get into the scripture and sort all this out. Matthew 27:25, “ Then answered all the people and said,”His blood be on us and our children.” Mark 13:12 “Now the brother shall betray the brother to death,and the father the son,and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.” Romans 9:11 For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth. In Matthew 27:25, The Jews brought a curse upon their children ,by their obstinance and hatred of Jesus. They condemned their children to banishment and captivity for generations to come. We can also bring curses upon our children by the same actions and also inactions. By not believing upon the name of Jesus, or by swearing an oath to God out of spite. For the Bible states, Its better not to make an oath, than to make one and break it. Here in this verse we can see that the parents wernt held accountable for the sins of their children but just the opposite, the children had to bear the sins of the parents, hard to believe but its true. Most of what we see in scripture has to do with prophecy, where the worst enemies that we will have will be of our own family. Children are born without sin, many believe the exact opposite, but the Bible is clear on this. Look at Romans 9:11 ,closely and you will see that Baby’s are born, haveing done, neither Good or evil, so children have an equal chance in life to make up their own mind to do good or to choose evil ,as a way of life. We raise up a child in the word and it shall not depart from them, but they will still be given a choice. So as you see ,we are not held accountable for the sins of our children. ars Condemming Sin in the Flesh,The Other Side Of Jesus. There has been a lot of controversy over what a Christian is supposed to do to convey the teachings of Jesus to the lost and unruelly in the world. We have been told here lately that we must be more tolerant and kind and submissive to other points of view. We are told and condemned ourselves over specific issues that have affected the Nation, region, local people and the Church as a whole. We have been subjected to anti-Christian points of view, where the world is now calling good evil and evil good. Do we as Christians judge others, No. We condemn sin in the flesh as scripture instructed us to. If we as Christians and ministers of the word don’t live up to the expectations of God to deliver the truth to a lost and dieing world, who then will? The opposition to the truth speaks of My Lord, Jesus only as the Christ of Love and understanding, but they ignore the other side of The Son of God. Jesus, the Ruler, Conquior, Debater, The Angel of Truth, Fighter of Unrighteousness, and the Rebuker of Sin and corruption. They ignore Jesus the Warier and punisher of evil, the destroyer of the anti Christ, false prophet and beast. Jesus came to this world as a Lamb, the next time He will not come submissive or tame, He will not come as a Baby in swaddling clothing, He will not come in a manger, He will not come in piece, but He will come as the Avenging Angel of Revelations. With Power and Great Glory. The Glory that He had prior to Bethlehem. With Power and Great Glory, a warier of renound, a warier of Righteousness, a warier, with the backing of the Father and Power of the Holy Ghost. Will there be faith on the earth when He returns? A question that we all should ask ourselves. Will there be men and women of integrity and morals on this planet of sin? Mel Gibson produced a film of extraordinary quality of the murder of Jesus; maybe He should also make a film based on the return of our savior at Armageddon. True, Jesus died for our sins, but we as Christians, no longer serve a, suffering, dieing Messiah (Hebrew), we serve the risen, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, The reigning King Jesus, alive and well, sitting on the right hand of Power. We serve the one, whose vesture is dipped in blood, riding a white stallion, weal-ding the sword of the Lord God Almighty. Who shall return with our Lord at the time of His Victory, will it be of those that stood the greatest test of faith in this life, will it be those of great courage in times of adversity? The Bible doesn’t state, but I pray that some of us today, in this time, in this era of global change, are found worthy to ride with Him, whose coming will mark, the end of sin and corruption. The survival of mans soul is at stake, the future of our loved ones and enemies is at a turning point. The spirit of anti-Christ is abounding every where, nation to nation, in our schools, government, politics, neighborhoods, there’s no where you can go without hearing anti Christian, anti Jewish comments. Can this world last much longer, have we become so lax in our studies that we can discern the signs of the seasons but miss the signs of the times? Romans 8; 16, should give us all a reason and a passion to fulfill the commission that Jesus left to us. “ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” We are not hear on this earth to make a name for ourselves, but we are hear to make the name of Jesus, stand out to the world and herald a new age to come, where all sin and unrighteousness, will be defeated forever. “ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” Rom.8; 14. So let us all rejoice in the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father, we are who we are by the grace of God. Hold on Children, for our redeemer still liveth and shall return to deliver us from the destruction to come. Glory be to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen. References Romans 8:1-22, Revelations, the battle of Armageddon. ars. Concerning Hell. As the scriptures say a lot about Heaven, it also says about the same about Hell. Its existence, that most people want to ignore. To give people an alternative to everlasting piece, God introduced a place of torment into their decision. Hell in the beginning was created not for man, but for satan and his fallen angels. Man was created to live eternally with God on this planet. I know that you’ve all heard the stories, that came out of russia, about the scientist drilling down into the depths of the earth, dropping sound devices into the holes and hearing screams and the sounds of people ,at incredible depths. True ? ,I don’t know, but it makes for a good discussion around the dinner table. What I know is true thou, is Gods account of a place that is hotter than a great blast furnace.Lets take a look at Luke12:4-5 , Jesus by His own words confirmed the existence of Hell, “But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear; fear Him, which He hath killed hath power to cast into Hell,....” Remember now the Gospel is for those who will believe, atheist will say there is no hell or heaven, and until God deals with them in a manner of His own choosing. They will remain un-believers, but one act of violence or near death experience for them ,will turn the most stern atheist into an agnostic. Even in the book of Psalms, the sorrows of Hell are apparent, 18:8, 16:10, 55:15, Psalms 27:20, gives us a unique look at the condition of hell and its size, lets read, “Hell and destruction are never full, so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” David knew about the existence of hell, and his information came from the Holy Spirit. How many times, does the Bible have to say that something exists, before its considered to be true? One. I believe that one of the most remembered verses in scripture about hells existence ,is found in Isaiah, 14: 12-15. “How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the Morning......yet thou shall be brought down to Hell, to the sides of the pit.” These verses not only prove the existence but condition and layout of Hell. A pit is a , grave or a vault, this grave that the writer talks about, has length, width, breath, depth and sides. An inescapable, vault or prison for the unrighteous and un-repenting of mankind and the whord of fallen angels of Satan. Some consider Hell as a place without light, with heat greater than a modern blast furnace, because the scriptures state that the sinner “will be cast into outer darkness, there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. “ This is just a taste of the scripture concerning Hell, enough to allow those that are lost to start thinking about their future.In the Book of Jude, the scripture tells us that,” On some haveing compassion makeing a difference and on others using fear, hateing even the garment, spotted by the flesh.” Convinsing some of the existance of Hell, is an important way of turning them around and directing them to Jesus. “Even thou, I make my bed in Hell, the Lord is with me, and I pray that God will always be with you. js, ars The Chosen of Christ. We as ministers must believe what the Bible states as truth. This sermon deals with,telling the truth, not as we know it but as Jesus told us. Jesus never tolorated sin and neather does He or the Father expect us to. If we as ministers cant tell the truth about what sin is then we are as lost as those that we try to reach. Lets see what Jesus had to say about sin. Luke 17;1-4 , ” It is impossible but that offences will come; but woe unto him, through whom they come.”..”rebuke him...” Luke 14 ;34-35,”Salt is good, but if the salt have lost his savour....it is neither fit for the land...but men cast it ou. He that hath ears, to hear, let him hear.” If we are offended by the scripture then we are offended by Christ. Ministers are the guideing light to the world. Jesus called the Pharisees , fools and hypocrites. Why? They deaveated from the truth. Are there not men so called ministers today that have and are devieating from the truth? The answer is yes, are they called by God to minister ? If their eye is dark ,then , no. Jesus said, ” Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.” I will say again, a man calling himself a minister of God, called by Jesus, a chosen one of Christ, will Not, behave himself, outside the boundries of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will not be a drunkerd, fighter, theif, homosexual or anything that is unrightious, in the sight of the Lord. There are men today that are totally unrulely. They have left their first love and have gone astray in a path that will lead to utter destruction., and those who agree with them or allow them to minister unto them are just as guilty in the sight of God. Be not partaker in their sin. The scripture states very loudly, ...” and If he hear not the church, cast him out as a heathern.” Strong words., yes, but realise that we are in a battle for the souls of men, its a battle that we cant afford to lose. If we cant stand up for rightiouness, then we will fall for anything. No sin shall inter into the kingdom of Heavan, period. Lets look now at what Paul said about those that are unruely in the church.Romans 16:17-18, ” Now I beseach you breathern, mark them which cause devisions and offences that are contrary to the doctrin, which ye have learned, and avoid them.” Paul as with Jesus never gave options as far as sin was conserned. How do we, in this verse” mark them”?,.. by telling others, the doctrine that they are using is false and warn them to avoid these types of people. Isnt this gospel, isnt this, word, isnt this a commandment?,.. then why do ministers often avoid useing the power that Jesus has deligated unto us, the chosen of Christ? Lets look at a commentary of Matthew Henry on this verse....Romans 16;17, M.H. Com.,... ”If truth be forsaken, unity and piece will not last long. Many call Christ, Master and Lord, who are far from serveing Him. They corrupt the head by decieveing the Heart.” The Holy Spirit has lead me to write this sermon ,because of the divisions in the church around this country and the world, willing me to warn them that are unruely, that Christ will repay all that cause devision and spread false doctrine. We are the chosen of Christ and are expected to stand up for rightiouness and truth. ” and it shall come to pass ,that they shall say, piece and safety, and sudden destruction shall come upon them.” We are not of this world, we are in this world but we dont hafe to tolloriate the false doctrine, teachers, preachers and especially sin. We will as the Chosen of Christ, continue to battle sin at the source, cutting it up from the roots. We have a flock to protect and if we dont stand between them and the wolf, then who will. ..” where much is given, much is expected...” Jesus is expecting much from us, for we hold the keys to the kingdom in our hands, we are ambasidors of Christ. Peaqce, love and prosperity to all, ” blessed are the feet of the man who carries the gospel..” in Jesus name, Amen. You are the Chosen of Christ. ars. The Miracle of Life. Have you ever seen a pitcher of warm water turn to Ice, how about seeing cancer disappear, prophecy's fulfilled, have you ever been pronounced dead yet still alive, have you ever been told that you have, Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Diabetes, and Reflex sympathetic dystrophy? Have you ever lost everything that you’ve owned? John 11:26-27 Jesus said unto her," I am the resurrection, and the Life, he that believeth in Me, thou he were dead, yet shall he live , and whomsoever liveth and believetyh in Me shall never die. Believest thou this ?" How many people can actually that they believe in Jesus and His promises? Its easy to say that the doctor healed me or it wasn't as bad as the doctors first thought, or some other excuse, except the truth. Some people cant handle the truth, some ignore the truth. Why is it so hard to get Christians to believe what Jesus said in John 11? Didn't he say that He WAS the life, or was He making this up, just to make Himself look good? I know that miracles do happen, I know that Jesus can raise people from the dead, I know that cancer can be cured by prayer, I know that a warm Glass of water can turn to Ice before your eyes, I know that My Redeemer Liveth. I Know. "he That Believeth in Me " Here is the key, the key that opens up promises, the key that opens up healing , mysteries , prayers, dreams, the key that will raise the dead and that will turn warm water into Ice. You may have heard the sermon, Now Faith, its true, its a fact of accomplishing any thing that your heart desires. It opens up doors with that key of belief, Satan puts up a fire before the door of belief, a shadow, a screen , a lie, and all you have to do is walk thru the fire, it cant harm you, its full of bright color and smell but there is no heat, its as when Jesus told us of clouds with no water, a picture of something that doesn't exist. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life," The way, a path, a door, an opening to some place other than where you are, Jesus is the door to the sheep fold and no man enters except thru Him. Satan trys to block that door with deception, lies and deception, putting up a smoke screen. The Truth, Fact, statement or statements with proof of existence, without false hood. The Life, living in our out of body, relevants, growth to maturity, self existence without end, eternal. The Miracle of life is in Jesus and in Faith, In God, in the Holy Ghost, in the Word. How do the statements at the beginning of this sermon fit in, because they are fact, their true, How do I know?, because it is my Miracle of Life, I was pronounced dead of a massive heart attack, and still I live, I have cardiovascular disease, I have been diagnosed with Liver cancer and I still Preach, I have Reflux Sympathetic Dystrophy and I still use my Arms, in a Court House, before wittinesses, I asked God to show me my future and the belief poured warm water into a glass picture on my table , and it turned to Ice, showing me that the Jury had a cold heart. Unbelievable ? Yes, My God is unbelievable, Hes the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Hes the everlasting to everlasting. The Miracle of life is in the Blood, which we have and are the seed of God, His blood flows thru us. You are Kings and Priest before God. You've done without for too long, you've been denied for too long you've been separated from the Master for too long, its time you take your place as a child of the King. How, by accepting the Miracle of life that was given to you at you rebirth. Can you be healed, Yes, delivered, Yes, set free from the bondage of, doubt, bad memories of days gone past ,Yes. What God has done for others, He will do for you. John 11:25-26, " I am the resurrection, and the Life,....And who so ever believeth in Me Shall Never Die." The Miracle of Life, isn't really a Miracle, its fact ,its promise, its, destiny, its part of who we became, when we gave our Heart to Jesus, If children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8;17. We now are royal blood, a people that was not a people, a royal priest hood, we have the life within us, we are more than conquerors. Accept the Miracles that are set before you, never doubt, Jesus proclaimed our victory over death, hell and the grave, He proclaimed us, victors over disease, illness, death, We are who we are ,by the grace of God. Sing praises to His name, for He is the great I Am. We no longer live in the shadow of death, we are no longer beggars , we are no longer slaves to sin and Satan, as Martin L. King, once said, I'm Free at last, I'm free at Last, Thank God almighty, I'm free at Last. "Ask , and it shall be given you , seek and ye shall find , knock and it shall be opened unto you." Have you asked, have you sought, have you even knocked on the door, where Jesus stands ready to make intersessions to God on you behalf, so that your prayers will be answered. Where death no longer control's your destiny, where sickness , no longer will bind you down , where disease will be only a minor interruption , and where hatred will no longer be in your vocabulary. The Miracle of life is many things, what it is to one, may be something different to others. You have to find out what it is to you. What has God done for you, how can you stand up and praise Him, what Miracle of life can you share with some one else? I'm alive by the grace of God, and without fear for the future, for the scriptures say, " If I live, I live unto the Lord, If I die I die unto the Lord, so weather I live or die, I am the Lords." Bless you all, in the Name of Jesus. ars The Begining of The End. Most people look at prophecy as ,for someone else, but this year that idea will change forever. Isiah 10;5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. Isiah 59:1, 10:5 thru 11:16, 66:1- 24. The Bible states that the antichrist shall conferm a peace treaty with Isreal for the length of seven years and at the mid point or 3 and a hafe years he shall break it. The Bible also states that God Himself, at the battle of Armogeddon ,shall kill the Assyrian. The point of this message is to call the lost into repentance, before its too late, Im not setting dates or times, just presenting the facts , so that others can make up their mind as to weather resist the call of God or take a look at the condition of their souls again. The Bible tell us in Revelations about Babylon and her destruction, lets take a look at Babylon again. The scriptures note that Babylon is a city of great wealth and prominance and is the center of money and goods. That the world had become wealthy by her and that she was the center of their attention. The Assyrian capitol of Babylon was was destroyed but the scripture tells us that she shall be destroyed twice.Jesus said, and this is very important to remember in prophecy, " That which is flesh is flesh and that which is spirit is spirit" Now if we look at every city in the world that would match the Bibles description of Babylon there comes, two, into mind, 1. New York City, New York and, 2. Babylon, Iraq. New York is the center of modern day commerse and center of world trade and the world banking system. Could this be the reason teriost are trying to destroy her or is there something else. Babylon ,Iraq has been destroyed, but Sadam Husain was trying to rebuild it, this is fact, he even placed his own name on the bricks of the construction site of the temple of Murdak. Speculation, you might say, but lets not deside yet, lets look at Bible fact. If we look closely at the Assyrian in scripture, God warns him and Isreal about him. Who then is the Assyrian? The Assyrian in scripture was and still is a nation of people that controlled the Babylonian Empire and took Isreal into captivity. The problem here lies, that the assyrians no longer have a nation but are scattered throuout the world. Then how can be define who the assyrian is?. We take the scripture as is and start to be Bible dectives. We know that the Bible tells us that the assyrians are the people of, Chaldeans, Nineveh, Hittites, Luites, Uruk and the people of Ur. Today they would be the people of western Egypt, Syria, Iran ,Iraq, ect. Why is this important to us today, look at the news headlines ,here is one artical that might bring all of this home to you, Jerusalem- Isreal had secret contacts with Syria several months ago... The secret meetings appeared part of an effort to restart peace talks between Isreal and one of its most intractable enemies. From the Associated Press, Janurary,2004. The actual location of the Babylon in scripture isnt that important but a piece treaty with the assyrian or Antichrist is extremly important. How can we ignore scripture and the news when they both agree. A piece treaty will come and the antichrist will arrise as the savior of the middle east and he will break the treaty and try to destroy the Isrealies. The mark of the beast, travel in and out of the United States has taken a dangerious turn ,in security, a color code for passangers will soon be in effect, most of your money is now direct deposited, you never see it, earth quakes in divers places, the oceans are dieing, the two poles are melting, things are changeing. How much more does hafe to allow to happen before those that are lost call upon His name? The world is starting to burn, our forest are going up in flames, huricanes, volcanioes, massive mud slides, and still the lost will not come to Jesus. Fire and smoke, mingled with Blood, all these tribulations and they still will not repent. The Assyrian is comming, mankind is raceing toward Armogeddon, their feet run swiftly toward mischef, murder on their minds and blood on their hands. Children haveing children, homosexuals abound, raceisum, antisemitism, greed, lust, fornication, lies adultry, as the Bible states, as was in the days of Noah, so shall it be..... Lets look at Isaiah 35: 1-10, ..." and the desert shall rejoyce, and blossum as a rose, Isreal has blossumed, where there was only desert ,there rises crops to feed the nation and crops that are exported a bountiful harvest for the children of God." 3." Strengthen ye the weak hands and comfirm the feeble knees......behold your God will come with vengeance , even God with a recompence, He will come and save you. " Jesus knew and told us that a fire had allready been kindled and He never came to stop it, but to call the lost to repentance. The stage is set and the players are ready to preform their last act. The nations around Syria are becomming weaker as she becomes stronger, the antichrist will arise as a man of piece and he shall take three nations by force and the rest will abdocate to him. Ten Crowns and Ten Kingdoms.Our enemies are now our frends and we start pulling away from Isreal. The Bible states that all nations shall compass about Isreal, ready to destroy her. Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Revelations are all being fulfilled, there is a storm comming, and we are powerless to stop it. Only Jesus can quiet the storm, only Jesus can save you throu the day of the Lord. Only Jesus can save you and pull you out of the fire. How much more do you hafe to see, how much more do you hafe to endure alone, sickness, depression, a lonelyness and an empty space in your heart that you cant fill with drugs or alcohol. Will it take fire, falling down from Heavan to turn you around, will it take the ground opening up before you to open your eyes, as to what is happening? Verse 5, " Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." What will it take? Jesus loves you, God loves you, cant you love them in return, All they want is to trade your sins for a life that will never end, joy unspeakable and full of glory. Think about what Ive said, think about your future, think about the posabilities, if Jesus would come this moment would you wake up in Heavan or would you hafe to face the assyrian, the king of unrightiouness? The begining of the end started when Eve took the first bite. Where will you be, more importantly who will you be, when Jesus returns, a christian, blood bought and washed, or lost without hope? Remember we are in , The Beginning of The End. ars. Effective Prayer. "Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father. I come to you in the Name of your Son Jesus, asking, praying and giving thanks, for all the Blessings that you have bestowed upon me and my family. You are the Lord God almighty, the God of Abraham, The God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob and thou art my God." This is the beginning of my prayers to God, who, know,sees and understands all our needs before we even ask. What makes a prayer and effective prayer? An effective prayer is not a prayer at all, really, but a communication, one on one, with God. A unifying of Spirits, thru Jesus Christ our mediator. The Bible tells us that we are to come unto the throne room boldly and submit our petitions to God. We must praise God for His excellent Greatness, Power, Majesty and for His Glory, this is not much to ask, for all that our Lord has done for His Children. Hebrews 4:14-16; Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (If we Confess, Jesus, our, Profession, of Jesus will be valid.) For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;(Jesus considers all who believe because He experienced all that we do.) but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " Our most common prayers to God consist of our deepest concerns for the health and well being of our Friends, Loved One, Family, and our Enemies. This is our every day trial of faith that comes when we see others suffer. This however is different from a close encounter with the Lord for those things that Jesus called Petitions. In a general sense, a Petition is, a request, supplication or prayer; but chiefly and appropriately, a solemn or formal supplication. This is deeper than a prayer, that most of us, without us realizing, are common repetitive prayers. There is nothing wrong with this, God knows us by our level of Faith, but Jesus told us that the Father already knows our needs before we even ask. Hence the Lords Prayer. A humble petitioner; one who entreats submissively. Entreating; beseeching; supplicating; asking earnestly and submissively. A prayer addressed by a person to the Supreme Being, for something needed or desired, or a branch or particular article of prayer. An Effective Prayer comes from the Heart, is Spontaneous and is directly, from praying in the Holy Ghost, toward the Father. Effective Prayers are those when we spend time with the Father, discussing all that we see, hear and feel. God is a God of thoughts and feelings. he wants to talk to you and not just listen. He wants a real relationship, a loving relationship with His Children. We must spend time with Him, Getting to know Him, as He gets closer to us. Even doctors today tell us that a child grows best when, there is an interaction between them, and the parent, is God any different than a loving human parent? When your prayers go beyond just speaking at God and become prayers to God, then your prayers become a relationship, with God. Wesley states of Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly - Without any doubt or fear. Unto the throne of God, our reconciled Father, even his throne of grace - Grace erected it, and reigns there, and dispenses all blessings in a way of mere, unmerited favor. Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. We have access to God, without going thru man, nor Angel, for Christ Gave us of His Spirit, that we may enter into the Presence of God by the Name of Jesus. There is no need for any mediator than Jesus. Another man cannot be a mediator for you, this is beyond his power and access. When we understand our rights and privileges, that we possess, then our prayers and our very lives can be changed, so long as it is in the will of God. This is stated in 1John 5:14, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" Many times our prayers fall short, because they are not in Gods will for that person, place nor situation. If prophecy is dependant upon something happening, God will not answer a prayer that would change the prophecy. 1John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us,(Are you confident enough that God actually hears your prayers, if so then you are in direct contact with Him. I always ask God to forgive me of any sin that I may have committed, so that my heart is clear, before interring into His presence.) whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the Petitions that we desired of him. Psa 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy Petitions. Pro 15:28-29; The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. An effective prayer is not a mondain nor repetitive prayer, for Jesus was dissatisfied with the Pharisees repetitive prayers. Thus He taught us of praying with the Heart and with Power. Our prayers must address the fact, that, when we mention the Name of Jesus, we are then in Direct presence with God. We are no longer a servant but a Child of God. Jesus, as we became a believer, became not Just Lord and Christ to us, but also a Friend. Therefore God will deal with us not as a stranger but as a King & Priest. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. This is a passionate request and conversation with the Father. What is needed is a conversation with God without asking for anything. Seeking His will for us, seeking His wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Feelings for us. Take time just to talk with God. You'll feel the difference each time you pray. ars. References for Heb 4:16 - Heb_10:19-23, Heb_13:6; Rom_8:15-17; Eph_2:18, Eph_3:12 Heb_9:5; Exo_25:17-22; Lev_16:2; 1Ch_28:11 Isa_27:11, Isa_55:6, Isa_55:7; Mat_7:7-11; 2Co_12:8- 10; Phi_4:6, Phi_4:7; 1Pe_2:10 Being A Light in A Dark World. Being A Light in A Dark World. Every time I set down to write I always ask God what He wants me to say, for in me is nothing important. My Sermons come from the Inspiration of God. I hear on a daily basis, of many Christians in need, from the poor to the rich. People seeking aid, answers and reasons for their dilemma. I am writing a young lady with an extreme problem, I write Churches that sometimes, but most often, need revival within itself. As for the poor, Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us. There is nothing that we can do, to really help them. The shear magnitude of the problem prevents us from making a difference. Most times there are government officials that steal the aid before it arrives to those in need. When it does arrive, Warring factions most often steal it away from those that need it and say that, "We are going to Liberate you, so we need the food more than you." Buying food for a day or two doesn't help them, even for a year is little to alleviate the persistent problem. We still must continue to aid where and when we can, but we must not feed them only, but address the problems. Most of the problems around the world are controlled by one factor, mans refusal to accept Jesus as Lord and Christ. God stated that famine will encompass this world and it is coming to pass. There are so many that have been deceived and diluted into believing that there are gods many and lords many, afraid to ask questions for fear of their life, they go as a sheep to the slaughter, their head down and their throat exposed. This darkness grows by the minute and the Spirit of Anti-Christ also grows. If we cant see that the end is growing closer, then we, as the "Light of the World", are also in darkness. Have you ever tried to look into a mirror, then close your eyes for a minute, and try to remember what you looked like? Its the same way it is with being a light, sometimes we forget what we are all about, our light gets a little softer, not as bright. We cannot fear the darkness but we must illuminate it. When light and dark comes together, it turns gray, a little less notable, a little less recognizable and a little less helpful. Every country around the world is in the same condition and it gets worse by the minuet. When we go to bed at night some one in their daytime is being killed, starving to death, raped, murdered, sacrificed and recruited into the depth of utter darkness as a suicide bomber. The Apostle Paul stated that, Within Himself there was no good thing. Understanding our relationship with God is of the utmost importance along with the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of His word. I have made mistakes in my Ministry, and I am the first to admit it. We are not perfect and neither can we be, until the time of Rejoicing with Jesus takes place. Even the Apostle Paul stated that He had not attained perfection but was still striving for it. But even with our faults, we must still be a light. A light in a dark world that is traveling down the road to death and destruction. In Matthew 4:16, we see the effects of being a light in a dark world; " The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." many are on the streets seeking after a good feeling and answers as to their purpose in life. Many have given up on trying to be a citizen of any country and only live for the day, hoping to get a bit of food from somewhere. Multitudes are blinded to the light by problems and situations that they have found themselves in. Others have been taught as a Child to not expect any thing good in this life. In Luke 1:79, we see a reason to give light in a dark world. " To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, the darkness of sin and the shadow of eternal death without hope nor escape. A Darkness without the Father. We have read before;" Ye, thou I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;" The valley spoken of here is the outside world that we step into each and every day. We must be a light, if not, we may have the blood of those that we could have shown the way, on our hands. There is no super Christian, at least I haven't seen one. We are all the light, shining together as one to open up the darkness and show the way of peace, peace not in this life but rather into the next. Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. If therefore thine eye be single, meaning that ones purpose in life must be to please the Father in Spirit, without any other agenda. We are sent into the world to fulfill the will of our Father. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men (Your Testimony of Jesus.), that they may see your good works (These are the works and actions of not only of the Spirit but also of the flesh.), and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Seeking only to Glorify God and not of ourselves.) Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. ( Let not your light be one of self glorification. Keeping your mission always to gain souls for Gods kingdom and not trying to set up your own.) John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. The darkness in this world is choking multitudes, killing them from within. The light that we shine is not accepted to many that prefer the darkness and many do not understand the willingness of a Loving God to Save them. Jesus warned us that there will come a time when the darkness of this world will be so great, that no man will be able to work. Is that time now, or is it near. Let us always be a light, because our work shall soon be over and the night will fall. Is it so hard Being A Light in a Dark World. ars Babylon the Great. A Response. Dear Brother Olga; prophecy isn't one single incident but a series of events. Lets look at your response. Babylon the Great. " Anyhow, Babylon the Great is all religions opposed to Gods Kingdom, even those claiming to be Christian, but have no truth (see Matthew 7:21-23). (This is true but still its only one event that takes place.) I'm talking from literal Babylon, the center of all pagan teachings, and forward. (The first Babylon was destroyed but it was only the first of two.) Look at all the bloodshed, in the name of religion, or God. Allah, Christ, Buddha, all have had tons of violence in the name of their god. (The Violence spoken of and being historical Fact, was produced by man and not the will of God. If you noticed in the Books of Kings and others. The Children of Israel were instructed by God, Who, When and Where to fight. When they obeyed they won, when they disobeyed they lost.) (I have not found in Scripture where God ever instructed the Gentile race of people to fight, especially after the introduction of Jesus as the Christ.) That is the one God has in the vine press, his anger has already blazed against them, and they have fallen. Fallen from where? From his Grace, or Goodness. He has rejected them and their whole originations. Now will come their destruction. Revelation says he will put it in their hearts to carry out his will. Whose hearts? The Wild Beast of Revelation, which was, then was not, and is again. Who is this? The United Nations. It was, after WWI, as the league of nations, but when WWII broke out it was disbanded, then after WWII it was again, more powerful then it was before, this time as the United Nations. So it will be that God will put his thought, which is to destroy the harlot, Babylon the Great, into the hearts of the United Nations. Ooh, that makes a lot of since, huh?(This statement is true but again its only a part of the overall entries into the prophecy's. The United Nations has fallen into ruin and is lose its respect and power. They now have no more power over the governmental regulations than any one else does.) Yes, there are, 'those having insight', as prophesied by Daniel. (Daniel 11:33)(In Hebrew when a word or name of something appears twice it denotes that the event will take place twice. It can not be the literal Babylon on the Euphrates, for the whole representation here is of something future, and the literal Babylon had long since disappeared, never, according to the prophecies, to be rebuilt. In Isa. 13:20 thru 22, we see that this prophecy applies to the first destruction of Babylon in Iraq, which may I add has never been reoccupied as of today.) Here is one of the prophecy's that we must look at in Revelations, Rev 14:8-11, And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Very soon now we will see it. There can be only one truth; the truth will unite people, so there will be no divisions; also, its people will be in the same line of thought. (see 1 Corinthians 1:10) (Again this statement is true, but again the unity of thoughts will be only in those that have or should I say, when they make their allegiance to the will of the anti-Christ. Not every one will be under his control, because the Bible clearly states that many will give their life for the Truth of The Gospel of Jesus. Israel will run from him at the end of the first 3,5 years. This is Biblical Fact.)(There are three Battles that will take place in the end of days. 1. Gog and Magog. 2. Armageddon and 3. The Last Battle of Gog and Magog, when Christ destroys the Armies of Satan and cast him into the Lake of Fire, where the Beast and the False prophet are.)Mankind will not, I repeat will not join together in unity to make a peaceful world. This world is going to rock and shake as a drunkard, it will be on fire. This is Gospel and Truth. ) Praise our God and Father, and his Only Son, Christ Jesus. May you be able to see the truth too, and be led to his one organization teaching his truths and setting people free from the bondage of sin and death. Yes, there is a spiritual paradise now, but a physical one is to come, where there will be a paradise earth, which I hope to live on, and I will be ruled over by Christ and his anointed brothers. Then after the 1000 year reign, Christ will hand the kingdom back over to God, so that HE, God (YAHWEH not Christ), will be all things to all people. (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-28) (Again this is true, but, God stated that Christ will be King over Jerusalem forever and sit on the Throne of David.) (In Psalms, 2:6, we see the Lord God declare His King to Rule this world. "Yet have I set my king(Jesus) upon my holy hill of Zion.") Take care. Olga Olga k (olgak@teacher.com) Stockton, Ca USA - 03/11/06 at 23:25:21 (EST) I appreciate your comments on our messages and invite you to our site to look deeper into prophecy. Rev.A.R.Smith Shout To The Lord. Remember the song,"Shout to the Lord?" Shout to the Lord all ye Earth, Let us sing. Power and Majesty, Praise to the King. Mountains Bow Down and the Seas shall roar, at the Sound of your Name. This is one of the most Beautiful songs that I know, that praises God, but it still doesn't compare to the Glory that is God. God is God. We must all shout to the Lord for His Excellent Greatness, His Wisdom, knowledge and Strength. The Mountains shall bow down to Him, and the Seas shall roar, for the Lord God is an awesome God. His shadow covers the Valley and the Earth Quakes at His presents, The endlessness of Space opens up to Him and separates for His passage. Gods Power and Love is legendary. None other can reach up to His heights, nor reach down to the depths that our God can. We cannot see God, but we can see His works. We cannot see God but we can see His majesty and will in our Lives. We serve a God that doesn't call for the blood of the innocent nor those that refuse to believe, He waits upon man because of His Son. He is all knowing and all caring. When was the last time that you entered a Church without any other agenda except praising the Lord? When was the last time that you've told anyone that as for you and your house, you would serve the Lord? This world is headed into the darkness of unbelief and fear. Fear not of the Lord but of Death. The Death of a Loved One, the Death of their Income, and the Death of fearing False Religions. The Bible tells us that in the end days, Mens Hearts will fail them because of Fear. What is it that you Fear? In Psalms, 2:6, we see the Lord God declare His King to Rule this world. "Yet have I set my king(Jesus) upon my holy hill of Zion." There is only one God, The God of Abraham, The God of Isaac and The God of Jacob, The God of our fathers and The God of Creation. So therefore if The Lord God be for you, what is there to fear. Psalms 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Psalms 2:7 is not stating that Jesus was adopted nor created, but it is stating that God declared that Jesus(Emmanuel) is and shall always be His Son. Psalms 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Shout to the Lord, He will Hear you. God inhabits Praise. Your praise and worship causes Him to be near to you, to inhabit your praise of Him. He delights in the company of His Children. His arms open wide to receive each and every one that will call out His name, in Reverence and Joy. I've read many an article that call man, no higher than the animals that they tend, I have read article after article that call man, no better than the trees that they cut down and cast into the fire. I've even read article after article, that say that God is Dead and the world can only be saved by changing attitudes to all peoples, places and religions. Mankind was created in the image of the Lord and being so, we are much higher that the other creations that were created. Who do you think God is, a fantasy, a myth, a legion or is He real to you? If He is real then, Shout to the Lord, all ye earth, let us sing. Sing of His Majesty, Greatness, Knowledge, Wisdom, Power and Love. Who else can Heal, Create, Listen to Prayers and also is able to deliver upon you request? There are none in this world that can even see or Speak. So Shout to the Lord. ars Comets, UFOs and The Bible.pt 1. The belief of UFOs. and little green men from Mars has grown, ever increasingly, from the early sixties. The imagery of exterrestrial beings have also been found in writings and paintings from the earliest of times. The Bible explains all these events, if you look close enough. Scientist say that, the building blocks of life on earth came from comets impacting the planet, bringing life in its various forms. They say that these events begat the evolution of all species and life forms on this earth. Has mans wisdom and knowledge of the universe came to this type of error in their thinking? I would have to say yes. God tells us that man shall turn away from the truth and follow after science, so called. Science is good in its place but when man trys to use science to explain away the truth of the Bible, then mans wisdom becomes useless and void of reasoning. The makeup of comets was designed by God and are within His control. I say this because of the scriptures stating, There was nothing made, that was not made by God. He has created all things visabel and invisabel. Comets and falling Stars are Biblical fact and not fiction. I have spoken of this fact about Scripture and questions that we have in this life, many times before. The Fact is, "There is an answer, for every question in the Bible." The falling stars that we see, are a reality, just as comets. These are natural events that do, and will take place, untill the end of times. There is the physical side and the spiritual side, here we must look into the spiritual. But for the spiritual side of this debate we must start with, Revelations 8:10; "And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star (Comet) from heaven, burning as it were a lamp (Burning here represents a description of the tail and head of the comet, which is seen evaporating; in reality; but its appearance by the naked eye; appears to be on fire.)(Burning with Great Fire as a Comet. This is the part of this verse that signifies that the star mentioned is a Comet. Directed by God, to impact the Earth.)(The other part of the great fire, is a representation of the carbon elements located within the comet that are burning as it inters into the earths atmosphere.), and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters (Here we see that when the comet impacts the earths atmosphere, it will break up and the fragments will fall upon one third of all rivers and streams. This is reality and extremely credible) Rev 8:11 And the name of the star (The comet) is called Wormwood(Named after the Plant): and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died (Because of poisoning) of the waters, because they were made bitter.(Toxic) (The comet, also proven by Scientist, are made up of different elements, this is the reason God will use special elements, derived from the wormwood plant, to incorporate into this comet and destroy many that will drink the water. The compound alpha-thujone, found in wormwood, formerly gave absinthe liqueur its toxicity. Because of its bitter taste the common wormwood has long symbolized human rancor and is often so represented in the Bible. Absinthe, an emerald-green distilled from and other aromatics, including angelica root, sweet-flag root, star anise, and dittany. This combination was and still is very toxic.) Here in Revelations 9:1, we see the comet representing an angel from Heaven. And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star (Angel) fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. Mat 24:29-30; Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars (Comets,Asteroids) shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. We see things in the natural and in the spiritual. But not all men can nor will, look at the spiritual side of creation. The evolution theory coming from comets, is about as bad as the theory of evolution from Darwin. The end of signs from Heaven, to prove Gods existance, stoped with the declaration from Jesus; Mat 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: Mat_16:1-4; Mar_8:11, Mar_8:12; Luk_11:16, Luk_11:29; Joh_2:18, Joh_4:48; 1Co_1:22 .a star: References; Rev.1:20, 8:10; Isa.14:12; Luke10:18; 2Thessalonians 2:3-8; 3:1-5. End Part 1. Part two will discuss aliens and UFOs. ars. Comets, UFOs and The Bible.pt 2. In part 2 we will look at UFOs and their place in the Bible. Scientist and the military establishment, have been doing secret research on flying saucers since before WWII. Many of the things that people have been seeing are just that, experiments and nothing else. Those that say they have been abducted by aliens are being mislead by their minds and spirits. remember that satan can appear as an angel of light. If we believe the Gospel and the words of God in Genesis, then we cannot believe the reports of any alien beings, for this is contrary to the Teachings of the Bible itself. Here is the verse that proves this; Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. We as Christians cannot believe in beings that were created that have not been created in the image of God. So where does this all leave us? It leaves us with the words of Jesus of the end days; Mat 24:22-25; And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. (References; Isa.44:7, Isa.44:8, 46:10,46:11, 48:5, 48:6; Luke 21:13; John 16:1) So if you've noticed in all the programs aired on television of UFOs, Religions, ect., you must have noticed that commentary of these programs are trying to remove mans belief in One God and the Truth of The Bible. The Bible is true, and Christianity is not a cult but a lifestyle that we as believers have chosen to live. Lets take a look at Ezekiel's wheel. What is represented here is the manifest destiny of mankind and Gods will for mankind. Each wheel is a representation of the course that man will take upon the earth in his era. Not to state that this was the only instance of a vision or physical sighting of the Wheels. As mankind makes a change in his direction, for our time, getting closer to the end, the wheels change rotation and direction. There are many interpretations of this wheel(s), after we read a little, I will show you a few others. Eze 1:16-24; The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the color of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of a host: when they stood, they let down their wings. Wesley states of the wheels; "Providence orders, changes: sometimes one spoke of the wheel is uppermost, sometimes another. But the motion of the wheel on its own axle - tree, is still regular and steady. And the wheel is said to be by the living creatures, who attend to direct its motion. For all inferior creatures are, and move, and act, as the Creator, by the ministration of angels directs and influences them: visible effects are managed and governed by invisible causes." Barnes states; "Their “work” or make, i. e. their construction, was “a wheel in the middle of a wheel;” the wheel was composed of two circumferences set at right angles to each other, like the equator and meridian upon a globe. A wheel so placed and constructed did its part alike on each side of the living creature beneath which it stood. "The wheel is simply by itself having a projecting axis; so of these it is said, “their appearance and their work was, as it were, a wheel within a wheel.” and finally Clark states; "There were either two peripheries or rims with their spokes, or the nave answered for the wheel within. I have examined models of what are called Ezekiel’s wheels, which are designed to move equally in all directions: but I plainly saw that this was impossible; nor can any kind of complex wheel move in this way." So as you can see, we are not off very much in interpretation. The wheels are controlled, not by motors nor engins, but by the spirits of the Liveing Creatures within the wheel(Mind and Spirit Controll) We are seeing the spiritual and physical manifestation of mans destiny and Gods will. Is it really so surprising that many see wonders in the heavens? God stated that there would be, but as for little green men from Mars, its a little far fetched and against Scripture. There is no other life out there except the Spiritual. With as much trouble as man has caused God, do you believe that He created man else where in Space? I don think so. Jesus died once for all mans sins and will not do it again. Lets get away from fantasy and get back to the truth. (References.)Gen 1:26 - 27 in the image: Psa.139:14; Isa.43:7; Eph.2:10, 4:24; Col.1:15 male: Gen.2:21-25, 5:2; Mal.2:15; Mat.19:4; Mar.10:6; 1Co.11:8, 1Co.11:9 How do you measure Success? Success; The favorable or prosperous termination of any thing attempted; a termination which answers the purpose intended; properly in a good sense, but often in a bad sense. How do you measure Success? Is it, the amount of money you've made, the position that you've attained, or how about, owning the posesions that others covet? Isa 56:11-12; Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant. Is success viewed in the physical or rather in the spiritual? Many don't believe in an after life, don't believe in the spirit of man, don't believe in reward and punishment, but only believe in themselves. In Luke 9:25 we see the down side of material gain. “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” To lose ones self, is to lose your spirit and direction in life, to lose who you were raised to be. Seeking things that are not profitable to you, nor to your family. The spirit of man, is exactly what makes him an individual. To be cast away is to be rejected by the Father,to become an abomination to living flesh and an abomination to those lost in Hell. There has never been two people with the same spirit. For example, a man named, David, is alone in this universe according, not to the flesh(For there are twins.), but according to his spirit. We see in 2Pe 2:18, “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity(Emptiness; want of substance to satisfy desire; uncertainty; inanity.), they allure(To attempt to draw to; to tempt by the offer of some good, real or apparent; to invite by something flattering or acceptable; as, rewards allure men to brave danger. Sometimes used in a bad sense, to allure to evil; but in this sense entice is more common.) through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness(Sportiveness; gaiety; frolicsomeness; waggery) those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” Success in mans terms is not righteous gain but is in error. To attain success in this world, in most cases, is to harm, neglect, overrun and ignore the wants and feelings of others, primarily the family unit. To be the head of a corporation, to have millions of dollars in the bank, nor owning vast amounts of property, is not success, it all becomes burdens. There is coming a time that this worlds riches will no longer provide enjoyment, but it will be thrown away as useless material. 1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. In 1Titus 6:5 we see that there are Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, what does this all mean? Literally, turned aside; hence, distorted from the right. Men are using all manner of vain arguments to obtain control of any specific situation. Success is not success if it takes a road that leads to, vanity, wantonness, or trickery.(Lies) Phi 3:18-19; (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Then you say, “What is success?” Success is, seeing a child not going hungry, seeing a family made up of a Mother and a Dad, seeing a man raise His children in the fear of the Lord. Success is, knowing that as each day comes to a close, you have done your best, knowing that your family serves the Lord in Spirit and Truth, having godliness with contentment, being satisfied with yourself and with God, no matter what state that you are in. Success is, being content no matter weather, rich or poor, Living a life without covetousness, having food and raiment and being satisfied. Being a success is , being able to sit on your porch, listening to the sounds of the night, knowing that if you never see another day, you've completed your destiny with the Lord. Jesus said of success; “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” In Phi 4:11 Paul speaks of what success is, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” This is Success, Revelations 3:7-13; And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. So, how do you measure success? Ars. Faith is the Assurance. I want to speak of, the Faith of the believer in Christ, the Faith in the Church and the faith within ourselves. In the Revised version of the Bible, it speaks of faith in this manner; Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance (trustworthiness and abiding, unwavering confidence. To know what is and is not.) of things hoped for, the proving, (Trying; ascertaining; evincing; experiencing.)of things not seen. Barnes states of this version; Quote; The idea here is, “ground or confidence.” There is scarcely any verse of the New Testament more important than this, for it states what is the nature of all true faith, and is the only definition of it which is attempted in the Scriptures. Eternal life depends on the existence and exercise of faith.” Unquote. In this last phrase Barnes states that Eternal life depends upon, “the existence and exercise of faith.” In a way I agree with him, for we must, as believers, first believe that “God is”, but we must look at who is going to be eternal, this is where I disagree with this statement. Eternity and being immortal, is a destiny of all manner of men, and not just the Saved. Men have always looked for a way to become immortal, they shall receive immortality but not in this life. In Isaiah 66:24, we see the proof of this; “And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men(Body's) that have transgressed(Sinned) against me(God): for their worm(Soul) shall not die(but be Immortal), neither shall their fire(Punishment, rewards for their mortal actions.) be quenched(Set aside); and they shall be an abhorring(Revulsion) unto all flesh.(Those that are alive)” In the King James version we see; Now faith is the substance (“that which stands under.” In a general sense, being; something existing by itself; that which really is or exists; equally applicable to matter or spirit. Thus the soul of man is called an immaterial substance, a cogitative substance, a substance endued with thought.)of things hoped for(This covers many of our wants and desires.), the evidence (conviction, Greek word denotes “putting to the test,” examining for the purpose of proof, bringing to conviction.)of things not seen. The confidence of faith is based, not on “works of righteousness which we have done” Our confidence in God is based on our ability to believe God and His word. Our substance is supplied by God, 1. According to our level of faith. and 2. By our ability to hold fast our profession of Faith. The phrase,” faith is the substance”, declares that our physical needs that are, supplied by God, in a manner and timing of His choice and not ours, are the things that we can see. The substance of things hoped for, is any or all the needs of the physical flesh, which includes, food, clothing, healing and instruction. We initially began our Faith with believing that there was a God. Heb 11:6 But without faith(Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth. The assent(To admit as true; to agree, yield or concede, or rather to express an agreement of the mind to what is alleged, or proposed. To the mind as to the truth.) it is impossible to please him(God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. As you see faith begins in the mind and not of the other senses. This is the reason that Satan and the other spirits of anti-Christ, desires to control the mind of man. If we loose control of our thoughts, then we start loosing control of our faith. Its like the story of the old woman, that asked God to remove a mountain from her back yard, so she could see the valley on the other side. She prayed and went to sleep, the next morning she proclaimed, “Just as I thought, Its still there.” She declared that, the night before she didn't believe in her prayer to be answered, her faith wasn't what it should have been. Then faith grew to believing that Jesus was the Son of God. Our very existence as a Christian is based on Faith. In Matthew 6:25, we see Jesus trying to explain what our faith should be based upon. “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” Jesus stated very clearly; “Take no thought”( Be not burdened by) 1. “your life.” (We have no control over our life as far as the state of the physical body, for many things that happen to us are common. We neither have control over our death.) 2.”eat.“ Our daily food is provided by the Lord without respect to persons. Being Believers in Him. 3. “drink” This is the same as food, God knows that these body's can't survive, so He provides us with water. 4. “what ye shall put on.” Clothing is also provided by God to cover our nakedness. Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God (Salvation of the soul must be our priority before anything that this life offers. Our needs are met by Gods riches in Heaven and not by our works.), and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Mat 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. According (Here the whole preceding parts of the sentence are to accord, i.e. agree with, correspond with, or be suitable to, what follows. According, here, has its true participial sense, agreeing, and is always followed by to. It is never a preposition.) We cannot put our trust in man, for man will always let you down. He has no way of answering prayer, his money is corrupt and his intentions are in question. In Phi 2:21 we see this, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” Who has separated himself from the Mercies of God, who has turned aside the promises of God and has turned to seek help from his neighbor, who has denied his faith and turned to the things of this world, who stands with God? “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” We must act, According to Knowledge, According to Truth, and According to Faith. ars The Rapture,A coming Event Daniel 2:44-11:35 The Rapture, A coming Event. Are we reserved to go thru the Day of Gods Wrath? The Bible Says no. To begin with, what is prophecy, Its the study of future events. There are those who think that the rapture has already taken place, and that Jesus has already set up His kingdom on earth. These people would love for those that read their statements to believe exactly what they say. This is a deception, that even in the days of Paul, were common. Lets look at 2nd Thessalonians, 2:1-5. A letter had been forged in Paul's name and was sent to the Church stating that the rapture had already taken place. 2nd,Thes 2:1-5 "That ye be not soon shaken (agitated.) in mind, or be troubled, nether by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand., Let no man deceive you..... The church at Thessalonia was upset, for they received a false letter in Paul's name, they were sad because, they thought that they were lost, believing that the church had already been raptured. Or should I say caught away. There must have been discussion, prior to this, Considering Paul's own words of; ”the day of Christ is at hand.” about a catching away of the Church, otherwise, this confusion would not have taken place. We see this throughout scripture. What a blow that had to be on these people, waiting on Jesus to return and take them home and then hearing that He had already come and gone. Isn't that what were hearing today? The Day of The Lord that Paul speaks of is depicted as a “falling away first.” There are many interpretations of these words, but that is what interpretation is, ”An Idea.” 2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first( References for one interpretation)(1Ti_4:1-3; 2Ti_3:1-3, 2Ti_4:3, 2Ti_4:4 ) , and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. This is referring to the tribulation period because of the words close to the end of the verse; “showing himself that he is God.” Prophecy has to take specific time lines that were set up by God. There are over 230 prophetic verses in scripture that have to line up and be fulfilled before the rapture can take place. There are many that don't believe in the Rapture, but the rapture is an event that is an Idea of interpretation, that we cannot ignore. There are specific references to a great falling away and a catching up, in scripture. Unless otherwise noted, prophecy must be taken literally to be understood. There are two distinct phases, listed in scripture, may I say, more than once, The first is the rapture(Gathering. Mat 24:31 ) and the second is the glorious appearing. The word rapture is not mentioned in scripture, but we must look at the meaning. The word comes from the word; L. raptus, rapio. A seizing by violence. Rapidity with violence; a hurrying along with velocity; Some reference for these are, Mth. 24:29-31; Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather (To bring together; to collect a number of separate things into one place or into one aggregate body.) together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Where will this gathering take Place? Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Scofield says of 1Co 15:52; Two resurrections are yet future, which are inclusive of "all that are in the graves" (Joh_5:28). These are distinguished as "of life"; (1Co_15:22); (1Co_15:23); (1Th_4:14-17); (Rev_20:4) and "of judgment"; (Joh_5:28); (Joh_5:29); (Rev_20:11-13). They are separated by a period of one thousand years (Rev_20:5). The "first resurrection," that "unto life," will occur at the second coming of Christ (1Co_15:23) the saints of the Old Testament and church ages meeting Him in the air (1Th_4:16); (1Th_4:17) while the martyrs of the tribulation, who also have part in the resurrection (Rev_20:4) are raised at the end of the great tribulation. (5) The mortal body will be related to the resurrection body as grain sown is related to the harvest (1Co_15:37); (1Co_15:38) that body will be incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and spiritual (1Co_15:42-44); (1Co_15:49). (6) The bodies of living believers will, at the same time, be instantaneously changed (1Co_15:50-53); (Phi_3:20); (Phi_3:21). This "change" of the living, and resurrection of the dead in Christ, is called the "redemption of the body"; (Rom_8:23); (Eph_1:13); (Eph_1:14). (7) After the thousand years the "resurrection unto judgment" (Joh_5:29) occurs. The resurrection-body of the wicked dead is not described. They are judged according to their works, and cast into the lake of fire. (Rev_20:7-15). gather: Isa_11:12, Isa_49:18, Isa_60:4; Zec_14:5; Mar_13:27; Joh_11:52; Eph_1:10; 2Th_2:1, 25:31-46., One of the major verses in scripture that indicates that a special event will take place is in Matthew 24:22; “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” Notice in this verse the phrase; ” should and shall, be shortened“ In conjecture, we see an indication for this action, to be set into being, question 1, Is it because of a catching away or 2. Is it because of the harshness of the tribulation period, resulting in the same action? Rev. 19:11-21. Look at John 14:1-3., 2nd Cor. 5:8-10 and Rev 19:1-10, These last three should be read in conjunction with each other. As you've noticed a lot of prophecy times are lined up with each other in one or two single verses. That is the reason we have to look carefully at each verse to see weather there are more than one event taking place. The Day of wrath. Rev_11:18, Rev_16:14; Isa. 13:6-22; Jer_30:7; Joe_2:31; Zep_1:14-18; Rom_2:5; Jud_1:6 Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Rev 6:15- And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; (Note that Rev 6:15 is all inclusive. Is this an indication that only the lost and unrighteous shall be on the earth at this time?) Rev 6:16-17 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, The day of Wrath is noted in scripture as an event that has a time line and a table. “we shall be saved from wrath through him.” The second coming passages or Glorious Appearing passages are just as long and start from Dan 2:44-45 thru Rev 22:7,12 and 20. Lets look at Daniel and the entire 70 weeks in retrospect. Daniel 9:24-27. 1st we have the Babylonian captivity, Cyrus decree to rebuild Jerusalem, then we have the restoration of 49 years, rebuilding the temple and the city walls under two different men. 1. Ezra and 2. Nehemiah. Next we have the 434 years of silence, or 62 hep tads, until Messiah shall be cut off but not for Himself. And Jesus crucified, this is 483 years. That leaves 1 hep tad or 1 seven year period of tribulation for the Jews, which is called in Jer.,30:3-11, the time of Jacobs trouble. ars The Lies of The Gospel of Judas. Many new religions and cults, see the manuscript of the so called, Gospel of Judas, as historical and Biblical fact. The facts, as we see it, come not from man but from God. The fact is that Judas Iscariot was cursed and condemned to everlasting punishment in the lake of Fire, for his part in the betrail of Jesus. These so call Christian Gnostic (Knowledge) Gospels are an illusion and far from being fact. If these people would read not just the New Testament facts, but the Old Testament Prophecy's, they would see that the prophecy's of the betrayer of Christ and the predictions were written before these so called gospels. For example; “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt 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.” Psa 55:12-15; For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. Psa_41:9, Psa_55:12-15Isa_53:10; Zec_13:7 These gospels are a denial of Biblical fact and are trying to deceive the very elect, as the Bible indicates, would take place. That is the reason that God stated that He would shorten the days. Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. In a recently published article by a, World Peace Religion, member, we read the following. “Quote”;Well, this revelation about Judas is nothing compared to the others in the Christian Knowledge Gospels. In the Koran, (Sura Chapter 4:156) the angel Gabriel who brought Mary the good news tells the Prophet Muhammad that in fact Jesus was not even crucified, a likeness, an impostor was, because this was the story in the Christian Knowledge Gospels which were burned by the Church Fathers forever (they hoped) 1,700 years ago. The Gnostic Gospel of Judas never mentions the crucifixion or the resurrection. Seth was the third child of Adam and Eve. There was a group of Gnostic (Knowledge) Christians named after Seth, Sethians. In the Christian Gospel called "The Second Treatise of The Great Seth", 56.6-19 in NHL 332, Jesus Christ told Simon, "It was another...who drank the gall and the vinegar; it was not I... it was another Simon, who bore the cross on his shoulder. It was another upon whom they placed the crown of thorns. But I was rejoicing in the height (the hills) over… their error. And I was laughing at their ignorance. (for thinking it was I who they were crucifying)". The Christian Gnostic Knowledge Gospels contradict the 4 Canonized Gospels in the New Testament endlessly. The 4 New Testament Gospels contradict themselves endlessly. “Unquote” The term "gnostic" derives from "gnosis," which means "knowledge" in Greek. The Gnostic's believed that they were privy to a secret knowledge about the divine, hence the name. (Huxley coined "agnosticism" on the basis that all knowledge must be based on reason. We cannot rationally claim to have access to knowledge that is beyond the powers of the intellect. There is nowhere in the scripture that states, that the knowledge of God toward man, is limited to any, sect nor generation, but is open to all whom seek this knowledge. Let us now look at the Bible for the facts about Judas and the Crucification. Mat 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. In these following statements we see how Biblical interpretation gets many into false religions and into much trouble. “Quote”;One need only look right in the Holy Bible to see what is really going on. God the Father said through Prophet Isaiah that the Bible writers, the Priests and Prophets who wrote the Bibles, “the scribes were creating for the people a shelter, a refuge, of lies and falsehoods, (Isaiah 28:14-15) which would cause the people to fall backward and be broken and ensnared and taken.” (Isaiah 28:9-13). God the Father called the Holy Bible “The Word of Satan!” God said to the scribes, "You prophesy by Baal, Beelzebub, Satan!" (Jeremiah 2:8). God the Father said, "They (the scribes) say, 'Says the Lord', when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they wait for the fulfillment of their word!" (Ezekiel 13:6). Jesus launched into an absolute diatribe in Matthew 23 calling the Bible writers, the scribes, lying venomous snakes who spewed their own divisive racist deadly hateful lies right into your Holy Bible and signed them, “said God”, and “said Jesus”. Jesus lambasted the scribes and those who followed the same Old Testament followed by Judaism, Christianity and Islam today.”Unquote.” Isa 41:24 Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of naught: an abomination is he that chooseth you. As far as hell and the lake of fire being a man made thought, lets read; Isa 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. These Christian Gnostic (Knowledge) Gospels not only deny the New Testament accounts but they also deny the Old Testament Accounts of prophecy. These are the Blind leading the Blind. Those that follow, these types of teachings, are those who, have no knowledge in them of the works of Christ. These people deny all the prophetic word of the Old Testament such as these verses, just to name a few; If God were unrighteous, would He be able to Judge the World? No. God is just and no lier. False doctrine, Teachings and Teachers, seek to justify themselves for their lack of understanding and knowledge by calling that which is Good, Evil and Evil, Good. ars Isa_50:5, Isa_50:6, Isa_53:1-12; Dan_9:26; Zec_12:10, Zec_13:7; Mar_9:12; Luk_24:25, Luk_24:26, Luk_24:46; Joh_19:24, Joh_19:28, Joh_19:36, Joh_19:37; Act_13:27-29, Act_17:2-3, Act_26:22, Act_26:23, Act_28:23; 1Co_15:3; 1Pe_1:11 ars As the Lightning Shineth. Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. We all see this life as an experiment in futility, one day as it becomes another. We look at our neighbor, as the enemy of our ability to succeed at prominence. We see the religions of the world as, a hindrance to world wide unity and we don't bother thinking about eternity, for it is too far away. For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Where ever the dead in spirit are there will the devourers of the flesh be gathered. Have we become a world of the dead walking? Mankind has almost come full circle, his attitudes and actions are reminiscent of the past, as was Sodom and Gomorrah were, so shall it be in the time of the end. Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. Can't you see the Tribulation coming upon this world? What is Tribulation? Severe affliction; distresses of life; vexations. In Scripture, it often denotes the troubles and distresses which proceed from persecution. 1.A powerful earthquake struck early Thursday near the South Pacific nation of Tonga, prompting tsunami warnings for as far away as Fiji and New Zealand. 2.A Tsunami in the Indian Ocean leaves at least 216,000 people dead or missing. 3.Former Liberian president Charles Taylor was arrested for alleged crimes including corruption, rape and genocide. 4. Africa sees worst drought in history, millions die. 5. Russia signs military pact with China and India. 6. Prayer illegal in public schools and the Bible cannot be taught. 7. Homosexuality is on the verge of taking over, churches, marriage, schools and politics. 8. Christianity Illegal in most countries. Etc Etc Mankind has become more inexcusable, they are turning from the righteous Lord to an unrighteous world and its values. What are they seeking, an everlasting life in the flesh, immortality in their works, lasting happiness at the cost of their brethren? Oh, fool hearty man, don't you understand, that there will be no history, nor book, pictures or commentary, of man after this world is turned into a land of fire and desolation? Weather you believe in God or not, don't you understand that this world will not last forever? Man has corrupted, government, laws, boarders and country's. The natural order of nature, that God established, has been destroyed by mans pollution, over grazing, over planting and over consumption of all that was provided to us by the Lord. What lie has Satan told you? What kind of deception have you taken to heart, what religion has told you that all will be well? What will prove to you that The Scriptures are True? What sign are you looking for? Here is the sign that was given by God, of the end of times; Luke 11:30 For as Jonah was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. Jesus was the sign of the beginning of the end, Jesus was the Light that came to break up the darkness, and to warn all that would listen, that the time was short. You are looking for a sign? Well you already had it. There is no religion, nor historian, that can denie that Jesus was real. These are the signs of the world today; Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, war, great earthquakes in divers places, famines, pestilences, fearful sights, great signs out of the heavens, Commotions, Insurrections, betrayal both by parents, Children against the parents, morality gone, and a great falling away from the Truth. Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy and the sign of the end. Remember that God states that,” Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.”Where will you be when the Christian Church is gone, what man will testify of you, what creature or spirit will be able to rescue you from the fait of all that have rejected God? “I am Alpha and Omega”,The first and the last letters of the Hebrew alphabet denotes the whole of anything, from beginning to end. Alpha= The First(Beginning) and Omega= The End(Eternity) I am from eternity to eternity, I am from everlasting to everlasting, and there is none like unto me, sayest the Lord. There is still time, as long as there is breath in your body, to accept Jesus. Remember the sign was here and eternity waits for no man. Ars. Rev_1:11, Rev_1:17, Rev_2:8, Rev_21:6, Rev_22:13; Isa_41:4, Isa_43:10, Isa_44:6, Isa_48:12 Part Time Christians. Half way salvation. Jesus was teaching to pick up your cross and follow me. Letting the dead bury the dead. A look into part time Christians, ready only at a weeks notice. Many people call upon God when its ether convent, or when they are in trouble, having only faith for the moment and not for the long run. Matthew 23:4, Jesus said, For they bind heavy burdens and grevious to be borne, and lay them on mens shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. Mat 23:1-12 - M Henry says of these verses; We find not Christ, in all his preaching, so severe upon any sort of people as upon these scribes and Pharisees; for the truth is, nothing is more directly opposite to the spirit of the gospel than the temper and practice of that generation of men, who were made up of pride, worldliness, and tyranny, under a cloak and pretence of religion; yet these were the idols and darlings of the people, who thought, if but two men went to heaven, one would be a Pharisee. Now Christ directs his discourse here to the multitude, and to his disciples (Mat_23:1) to rectify their mistakes concerning these scribes and Pharisees, by painting them out in their true colours, and so to take off the prejudice which some of the multitude had conceived against Christ and his doctrine, because it was opposed by those men of their church, that called themselves the people's guides. Note, It is good to know the true characters of men, that we may not be imposed upon by great and mighty names, titles, and pretensions to power. People must be told of the wolves (Act_20:29, Can you say that, when you've seen a fellow Christian at a fault, that you have helped him to return to the right path, or did you start accusing them or start rumors at church? Have you looked in the Bible quickly to find fault with someone else, trying to find the right scripture to condemn them and to justify yourself, making yourself self righteous? Jesus called these types of people hypocrites, for they say one thing and then do another. Jesus goes on to say, Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Are we so ready to condemn that we condemn ourselves? Luke 6:23.....condemn not and ye shall not be condemned....., What is a part time Christian? You know, they show up at special gatherings of the church, homecomings, song fest, business meetings, these are the ones that give a dollar or two to the offering and then want their say heard. These are the first ones there on Easter and the last to be seen when it comes to doing the work at the church building. Sounds harsh? Jesus said more., Jesus wasn't afraid to call people what they were. Jesus wasn't afraid to tell the truth. Isn't that whats being saved is all about, not being afraid any more? Are we not to be about our Fathers business, going out into the highways and by ways ,compelling them to come in? Being a Christian doesn't stop at midnight Sunday night. Jesus had to rebuke the Pharisees many times, today we call them part time Christians, in His day, He called them, hypocrites. They wanted the best seats, the best tables, the best clothes, the best food, they wanted attention for everything that they did, and no responsibility for their actions, that were contrary to the Law. But they wanted the work to go to everyone else, sound familiar? You may ask yourself, why would someone want to preach a sermon like this? The answer, Look around you, look at the world, look at the neighborhood, look at the church, its changing by the minute, Jesus said it would. God wants wariers, he wants people to be able to stand and endure when the pressure comes on, when the heat goes up, when the decision that his people make are not decisions of what to wear to church, but decisions of weather we are willing to give our life for Jesus. Giving to life to Jesus is different from giving your life for Jesus. With salvation, come responsibility. A responsibility to seek out others for the kingdom of God, a responsibility to always help the Christian in need before anyone else. This is scripture, this is the Truth. Yes there is coming a time when we will have to make that decision and much more. to put on the whole amour of God and be willing to stand. This world is at its wits end, fightings and trouble every where, murder, governmental hippocracy, no one knowing who to believe. There are people in the churches today that will judge others so much that we lose good working Christians. Its time this all stops, were all in this together. Jesus said, if we can't love our brother that we can see, how then can we say that we love God who we cannot see? Lets get back to business and if you are a part time Christian, come back into the fold, be one of the sheep again, Jesus will lead you into the paths of righteousness. Its time to stop being religious and start being the Children of God. ars. Mat_23:23, Mat_11:28-30; Luk_11:46; Act_15:10,Act_15:28; Gal_6:13; Rev_2:24 Bro Stef’s Commentary: Speeches like this only add fuel to the already burning fire. When the Pope or the President of The United States calls for the formation of a illegitimate state at Israel’s expense, this causes countries like Iran to become emboldened and to come to the rescue of it’s abused brother state. Hence, they escalate their political talk to threaten those against them with nuclear war or mass murders within those countries who are their enemies. Excerpt from the Popes speech on Easter Sunday April 16, 2006: "May the international community, which reaffirms Israel's just right to exist in peace, assist the Palestinian people to overcome the precarious conditions in which they live and to build their future, moving toward the constitution of a state which is truly their own," Benedict said. To see the complete speech go here. Former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco and Fox News correspondent, Marc Ginsberg, said on Fox News Saturday April 29, 2006 that he was sad to have to report that he believes Iran will develop a nuclear bomb. As I watched the interview with Mr. Ginsberg and how he discussed the process politician’s go through with sanctions, it became clear to me that he was right in his assessment. As the world body tries to talk and negotiate with Iran, Iran is brilliantly using this time to build their nuclear weapons arsenals. I also thought about Ezekiel 38 and how Russia and it’s Arab alliances will come against Israel in the “appointed time.” For Persia (Iran) to be considered a threat to Israel, I think Iran will have to have nuclear weapons that cause Israel and the world great concern. It seems to me as I read how God has always delivered His people, the odds are always staked against them (The Jews) and that deliverance seems humanly impossible. Should Iran develop and maintain a nuclear arsenal, one could say that the cards are effectively stacked against Israel. Think of it like this…Israel’s enemies are most of the known world, but, the ring leaders who will lead the charge are bully countries like Russia, China, Iran (Arab – Muslem Alliance). That really does stack the deck against tiny Israel! Therefore, with this in mind, it seems reasonable to me that Iran and the Arab alliance will be armed with nuclear capabilities and determined to destroy Israel. At this precise moment God steps in, like He did at the Red Sea when He delivered His people from Pharaoh and parted the waters, so He will destroy Israel’s enemies in that battle and the world will have to acknowledge it was a miracle - of God like proportions! The willingness of many Israelis to make concessions on the borders of Jerusalem in exchange for peace is an indication that Bible prophecy, related to the Jews and Jerusalem, is nearing fulfillment. There has been a fundamental change in general opinion with regard to Jerusalem since the 2003 election when there was a near consensus that the borders of Jerusalem were non-negotiable. Even the politicians in Israel today are starting to mention plans that include the giveaway of portions of the city of Jerusalem, a city that was only reunited after 2,000 years - at the end of the Six-Day War in 1967. Present-day concessions on Jerusalem will lead to the End Times scenario that is found in Bible prophecy. Zechariah 12:2 says that those who have control of Jerusalem will be intoxicated with power. Zechariah 1:12- 16 says that God is aggressively possessive of Jerusalem and will return to Jerusalem and build His Temple here. Isaiah 51:3, Joel 2:3, and Ezekiel 36:35 say that Jerusalem will be returned to the Garden of Eden. The Psalmist wrote that God has chosen Jerusalem as the place where He will rule and reign from and dwell among His people forever - Psalm 132:13, 14. The bottom line here is that God will not allow His city or country to be permanently occupied by gentile ruler ship. Let’s not forget, God is jealous for His land and Jerusalem. He will not rest until He and His people are completely established in the land of Israel. See Eze 39:25; 2 Chronicles 6:1-11; Micah 4:1; Isaiah 2:3; Zechariah 14; Psalm 24 and Na 1:2-8 . In conclusion, and I hope I am wrong on this one, I believe Iran will develop nuclear weapons and will march against Israel in our generation. I think the world will try to negotiate this issue to death, giving Iran all the time they need to get the job done. Who then Shall Prophesy? pt.1. Who then Shall Prophesy in the name of the Lord, a man of Wealth, Wisdom, Knowledge, Position, Insight, Educated, Young, Old, who? This may sound simple, but only one type of people can Prophesy. Those that are called (Those that hear the voice of God urging them to ask for the gift.) and are willing to accept the gift and responsibility. A prophecy that comes to pass, comes from God, and the Prophecy's that do not come to pass, are man made and are erroneous, these do not come from God. Jer 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, “The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart.” Many so called prophets today, which we call, psychics and sooth-sayers and seers, are only after money and notoriety, they have no vision, no interpretation nor calling from God. We must remember that Satan only knows the past and not the future. Many well meaning Christians say that there are no more prophets, no more dreamers of dreams and no visions from visionaries. This belief has resulted in much knowledge being suppressed. Many, that have the gift of prophecy, suppress their gift for not wanting others to downgrade and separate them from the body of the Church. Prophecy is a gift, that must be used in order to enlighten the unbeliever into the truth of Gods word. Prophecy is not primarily for the believer, but only for his information, but prophecy is for the lost and unbeliever, to show them that God is using every means to convert them to salvation, thru His Son Jesus. Just because someone prophesies, doesn't mean that he is a prophet, many times he is delivering a special, warning or message of encouragement from God. This is called a, “Rema Word", from God. So if a Christian or a Church, suppresses a prophecy, from being delivered, then they are actually hindering Gods work. Even prophecy, prophecies of prophets in our time. 1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. Purpose, to Learn and to Comfort. Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.“I will give power” Prophecy's come from power given to men, from God. Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 2Pe 1:20 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.” This is the interpretation of Scripture. Men want to have all control of the scriptures including all prophetic verses, but the Bible states that all have a prophecy, a vision a dream and an interpretation. Lets read, 1st.Sa 10:6; “And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.”This is how a man Prophecy; Barnes, Wesley and J.F.B. States of 1st. Samuel; Shalt be turned into another man - This is a remarkable expression, and occurs nowhere else. It describes the change in point of mental power and energy which would result from the influx of the Spirit of the Lord 1Sa.10:9. In the case of Samson it was a supernatural bodily strength; in the case of Saul a capacity for ruling and leading the people of which before he was destitute, and which the Spirit worked in him. (Compare Acts.1:8; Isaiah 11:2-4.) 1Sa 10:6 - the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee — literally, “rush upon thee,” suddenly endowing thee with a capacity and disposition to act in a manner far superior to thy previous character and habits; and instead of the simplicity, ignorance, and sheepishness of a peasant, thou wilt display an energy, wisdom, and magnanimity worthy of a prince. 1Sa 10:6 - Will come - Heb. will leap, or rush upon thee. Another man - That is, thou shalt be suddenly endowed with another spirit, filled with skill of divine things, with courage, and wisdom, and magnanimity; and other qualifications befitting thy dignity. In 1st.Co 14:1, The Apostle Paul, encouraged all to prophecy. 1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 1Co 14:24-25. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:This is why prophecy is for the unbeliever. So then what is prophecy? PROPH'ECY, n. [Gr. to foretell, before and to tell. This ought to be written prophesy.] 1. A foretelling; prediction; a declaration of something to come. As God only knows future events with certainty, no being but God or some person informed by him, can utter a real prophecy. The prophecies recorded in Scripture, wh |