3/4/10 OOOPS, OFF TOO SOON

OOOPS, OFF TOO SOON
After visiting a friend on the 2nd floor at the hospital, I was getting onto the elevator. A man on the elevator started to exit, thinking he had reached ground floor. When the door closed I said,

"That is like people who start for heaven but get off too soon."

Saved By Grace Through Faith, Not Presumption.

Do not be like the man in Luke 8:13 who believed for a while and then fell away.
Jesus Said,
Luke 8:13
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

3/3/10 HELPING ISRAEL HURTS AMERICA? REALLY?

HELPING ISRAEL HURTS AMERICA? REALLY?
Have y'all seen the anti Israeli ad on FaceBook? It tries to prejudice people against US aid to Israel. In other words, it encourages rejection and resistance to God's plan for Israel. It erroneously tells us we could do more for our own people if we did not help Israel oppress the Palestinians. I am not addressing aid to Israel here, I am addressing false advertising.

QUOTE FROM ADVERTISEMENT...

Between 2009-2018, the United States is scheduled to give Israel--the largest recipient of U.S. aid--$30 billion in military aid. Through its illegal 42-year military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, Israel misuses U.S. weapons in violation of U.S. law to kill and injure Palestinian civilians, destroy Palestinian civilian infrastructure, blockade the Gaza Strip, and build illegal settlements in West Bank and East Jerusalem.

END QUOTE FROM ADVERTISEMENT...

FALSE NARRATIVE
Whether the figures are right or not, I do not know. However, it is worded in such a way as to falsely prejudice people against Israel and pro Israeli support.

We either accept this kind of propaganda or we believe God's plan for Israel's eventual redemption and restoration. Israel is the Apple of His eye. To stand against Israel is to stand against God.

I wonder who could be behind this? Hmmmm?

Probably some group from a country that kills Jews and Christians, silences those who protest by not allowing freedom of speech or religion.

3/3/10 FROM FUN TO FAITH

FROM FUN TO FAITH

When the Fun is Done,
Faith Carries us On

2/27/10 Things that could never happen

Things that could never happen;

Dissolving of Soviet Union,

Collapse of Berlin Wall,

Rise of Socialism/Communism in USA,

Acceptance/Legalizing/Enshrining of Homosexuality in USA,

Ascendancy of Islam to World Domination,

Overthrow of American Ideals (built on Christian values) by the Primitive/Tribal Religion of Islam,

Rise of Libertarianism (kissing cousin to anarchy) in USA.

Bible believers saw much of it coming.
Some of these things blind sided some of us, but after we saw what was happening, the pieces fit the puzzle.

If there was ever a time to Look Up, it is now, because Our Redemption Draws Near.

Luke 21:28

(28)  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

2/24/10 FISHERS OR KEEPERS

FISHERS OR KEEPERS

Remember the old saying,

God called us to be Fishers of Men, not to be Keepers of the Aquarium.

Good Fishing.

2/23/10 WHEWWW (tongue in cheek)

WHEWWW (tongue in cheek)

I was getting really worried.

How could I know for certain if the Bible is historically accurate?

But now, my questions are almost allayed.

IF (you see the word IF?) the date of a wall's construction in Jerusalem can be verified, the Bible might be true.

1st. The Bible has been proved time and again.

2nd, By faith we know... Faith is the evidence... Faith is the ground of trust... I believe God, regardless of whatever supposed evidence.

VERSES TO CONSIDER...

Biblical faith provides irrefutable evidence (vs.1), and produces unquestioning understanding, knowledge (vs.3).
HEBREWS 11:1, 3
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
3 Through faith we understand (perceive, know) that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Faith is essential to a right relationship with God.
HEBREWS 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Faith gets us into a right relationship with God and keeps us in a right relationship with God.
HEBREWS 3:12-14
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;

Faith must be current in order to be saving faith.
JOHN 3:18-20
18 He that believes (present active participle) on him is not condemned (present indicative passive): but he that believes not (present active participle) is condemned already (perfect indicative passive), because he hath not believed (present indicative active) in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that does evil (present indicative middle) hates (present indicative) the light, neither comes to the light (present indicative middle), lest his deeds should be reproved.

2/22/10 FAITHFUL OUT OF SEASON

FAITHFUL OUT OF SEASON

I reared back and loudly guffawed in feigned hilarity when a supervisor on a work-site tried to shock me by slyly slipping an unexpected and obscene ending to a seemingly innocent story.

Instead he was shocked when I bellowed THAT'S AS FUNNY AS HELL.

Suddenly I ended my mock response and gravely said, AND HELL AIN'T FUNNY.

I left him thinking.

From that point on he treated me with greater respect and chose not to use his gutter language in my presence. In fact, he and I had a serious talk about his failed relationship with Christ and I told him he needed to repent and give his life to Christ.

I could have ASSUMED that God would reach him, but the fact is God sent me to do that, because that is the job He gave me to do.

I can't save anyone, because that is God's job, but I can, I must, be His instrument, because there is no promise that He will save anyone aside from our lifting up Christ.

I chose to obey God, the supervisor is making his own choice.

2 Timothy 4:1-5

(1)  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

(2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

(3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

(4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

(5)  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

We Preach Faith In Christ So Sinners Will Hear, Believe, Call, Obey And Be Saved
ROMANS 10:13-1713 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

God Reconciles Through Christ; We Beseech Sinners In Christ's Stead
2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-20
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

We Hold The Keys To The Kingdom
1 CORINTHIANS 15:34
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

We Are Sent To Evangelize The World
MATTHEW 28:19-20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We Should Preach Repentance And Remission Of Sins And Bear Witness To Salvation
LUKE 24:46-48
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

Our Lifting Up Jesus Draws Sinners and Gives Them Faith
JOHN 3:14-15
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Product Of Sinning Religion
By the way, the supervisor had been misled to believe that he was secure because God wouldn't let him be lost. And Another One Bites The Dust.

2/20/10 LOST OPS

LOST OPS

When an opportunity is missed in a sporting event, it can eventuate in a lost game.

When an opportunity is missed in a business deal, it can eventuate in a lost account or lost income.

When we miss an opportunity in life it can eventuate in a lost relationship, life or soul.

Our moments are precious, our ops are rare. Paul said, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16

Because of other people making comments, I responded.

I don't believe that God makes our choices for us.

I believe God has provided for all people to be saved through faith.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

If I miss my opportunity to share Christ with someone, that person may not have another opportunity and therefore that person can be lost.

It was mentioned that Jesus would not lose any that the Father had given Him. I responded

The John 6 passage says the ones whom the Father gives to Christ are those who come to Christ by faith (Jn. 6:35-40). There is nothing said of the Father giving anyone to Christ, except by faith. Faith is the condition of salvation. For we are saved by grace through faith. Without faith it is impossible to be saved. Faith is our response to God, faith is not God violating our own will.

(The person in the discussion was a 5 point Calvinist)

...you assume that God is basically forcing faith on some and denying faith to others. Your assumption is based on your belief that God elects man unconditionally and unilaterally.

For those who may not know, the five points of Calvinism are as follows (TULIP).

Total Depravity... Meaning that man is not only corrupted throughout his entire being, but is so fully corrupted that he is unable to make a choice for Christ. However, we believe God enables all men to make a free will choice.

Unconditional Election... Since Calvinism believes humans have no free will, then they do not believe humans can choose to believe, repent, confess or obey God. Therefore, God must unilaterally and unconditionally choose who will be saved and unilaterally choose to allow the others to be lost, without any hope of salvation. This is called double election; election to salvation and election to damnation.

Limited Atonement... Since Calvinism claims that God unilaterally chooses to save some people through the atonement of Christ, they claim that Christ did not die for the sins of the whole world. Their position says that whoever Jesus died for must get saved.

Irresistible Grace... Since Calvinism believes that God chooses who will be saved and that Christ only died for those who are unilaterally and unconditionally chosen, then those people must become recipients of grace, not by faith or submitted will, but by God's imposition.

Perseverance of the Saint... Simply stated, this is the belief that whoever God has unilaterally and unconditionally chosen to be saved will never lose that salvation, regardless of what they do, since salvation is all by so-called sovereign choice.

DLG...
My original statement was, "a lost opportunity can eventuate in a lost... soul." I followed this initial statement by saying souls can be lost because others fail to share Christ with them and a person can lose his own soul because he fails to have an active and present faith in Christ. However, Jesus said it is possible for a soul to be lost (because salvation is dependent on faith).

I. Jesus Said It Is Possible For A Person To Lose His Soul...

MATTHEW 16:24-26 (same word as “perish” in Jn. 3:16).
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

MARK 8:34-36
34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

LUKE 9:23-25
23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

II. Every Soul Which Wills Not To Hear (accept) The Message Of God Through His Prophet (Including Jesus), Shall Be Destroyed (lost)...

ACTS 3:23
23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

III. Believers Have The Assignment And Responsibility To Convert A Christian And Save His Soul From Death And Sin...

JAMES 5:19-20
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

IV. Christians Can Cause Other Christians To Perish (Be Lost)...

1 CORINTHIANS 8:11
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

2/19/10 NO EXCUSES, FISH FOR MEN

NO EXCUSES, FISH FOR MEN

Deterrents to fishing;

too cold,

I won't be comfortable;

too hot, they won't be biting;

too late or too early, the tide is not right;

too windy or too calm or wind is in wrong direction;

too bothersome (getting rigged, launching boat, getting to fishing grounds);

too many people or my fishing buddy is not available.

Awe, forget it, I am going fishing anyway.

Jesus said, Fear not... thou shalt catch men.

MATTHEW 4:19-20
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway (immediately) left (forsook) their nets, and followed him.

LUKE 5:10
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

2/18/10 SUBSTANCE, NOT SYMBOLISM

SUBSTANCE, NOT SYMBOLISM

I appreciate tradition and symbolism, so this is not an attack on the values found in them. However, if people would be more concerned about getting the spots and blemishes off of their hearts than wearing smudges on their foreheads, it would be much better. Wearing a symbol that declares our commitment to Him should be accompanied by a life that abstains from sin. Otherwise, it is hypocrisy.

VERSES TO CONSIDER...
MATTHEW 6:1
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

MATTHEW 6:5
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

MATTHEW 23:5
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

His Mark Is Love And Holiness
Matthew 7:16-18
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

John 13:35
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 John 3:9-10
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.

God's Witness Concerning His Children
ROMANS 8:13-16
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

The witness of God's Spirit is not just some kind of “approval nudge;” the Holy Spirit testifies to our salvation by giving us lives that are set free from sin and conforms us to His will.

 

ROMANS 8:29 

(29)  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

We MORTIFY THE DEEDS OF THE BODY (FLESH),
We are LED BY THE SPIRIT (MEANING WE FOLLOW THE SPIRIT),
The witness of God's Spirit is the life we live in the Spirit.

1 PETER 2:21
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

2/18/10 WISDOM FROM ABOVE AND BELOW

WISDOM FROM ABOVE AND BELOW
True Wisdom comes from God

Demonic Wisdom destroys and brings confusion

DIVINE (TRUE) WISDOM...

* Divine Wisdom is Multifaceted;

* General/Temporal...

* Christian...

* Ministry...

* Overcoming.

God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness.
It is important to remember that wisdom is closely related to the Holy Spirit. In fact, some passages seem to indicate that He is wisdom personified. Certainly He is more than that, but He is the fountainhead from which our wisdom flows. In one sense of the word,

wisdom is related to the

knowledge,

understanding and

skill in performing a task.

God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and wisdom is one of those gifts.

DEMONIC WISDOM...
While God is the source of all true wisdom, there is a wisdom that comes from a perverted knowledge, understanding and skill level. The corrupted, perverted form of wisdom is demonic in nature.
James 3:14-16
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

DIVINE WISDOM IS MULTIFACETED...
General/Temporal Wisdom...
General/Temporal wisdom is the knowledge, understanding and skill given to all people, regardless of their relationship with God, to live life on the temporal level. This wisdom is a tool that can be used for either good or evil, as are other human abilities. This wisdom can be seen in an individual's acumen for a variety of activities, such as, music, speaking, teaching, medicine, mechanics, architecture, construction, sports, as well as all other disciplines of this life. This wisdom is intended to be used in service to God, as all good things are supposed to be used. However, this wisdom can also be used in opposition to God or with indifference to God.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16
14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Christian Wisdom...
Christian Wisdom is the knowledge, understanding and skill that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians to grasp the meaning of the Bible and live the life of faith. All Christians have access to this level of wisdom, but it becomes specific to the needs, opportunities and responsibilities of the individual Christian.
James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Ministry Wisdom...
Ministry Wisdom is the knowledge, understanding and skill that Christians have concerning their service to God and His Church. This includes both the dedication of General/Temporal Wisdom and the Special Ministries associated with the Gifts of the Spirit. General Wisdom is when a person directs their natural gifts and abilities in service to God, such as a person who is wise in economics in the natural realm can be of assistance to the church in that same realm. Special Ministries/Gifts of the Holy Spirit is the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. This is when a person is endowed by the Holy Spirit to know, understand and do the work of God with special abilities, beyond those which are inherent to the individual from birth or learned through study and practice. A gift of the Spirit is to be guarded, developed and used in submission to God, for the up-building of the local church. Gifts of the Spirit are not simply fine tuned natural gifts, though they may work in concert together.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Overcoming Wisdom...
Overcoming Wisdom is the knowledge, understanding and skill to conquer temptation and live victoriously over sin. God gives this wisdom to lead Christians away from temptation and to deliver them from failure during temptation. This wisdom is available to those who ask in faith, without wavering.
James 1:2-8
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

2/16/10 MESSAGE TO SENIORS

MESSAGE TO SENIORS...
Another good time together.

I like the smiles we share.

Physical ailments don't change our love and joy relationship with God.

Age takes a toll and death stalks us our entire lives, but you have beaten the odds.

We suffer blindness, deafness and other ailments, but God will solve our problems with new bodies, not new parts.

Until then, we must conquer sin.

God gives us overcoming wisdom.

Two of the reasons I like to come;

1. To see your smiling faces, and that gives me joy;

2. I want you to see my smiling face and hopefully impart to you my joy and love for you.

Sometimes we hurt on the outside, but we smile on the inside. I squint when I play at the gym because I play without my glasses. People tell me not to have a scowl and I say I am not scowling, I am blind (laughter). Don't misread someone's hurt for a bad attitude.

Age brings its ailments. Our bodies start to die before we are born. The death process stalks us throughout life. Some of you are older than 21 (laughter), 65, 75 and much older (some are over 100). You have beaten the odds. Your bodies have suffered losses, such as hearing, seeing, moving, remembering, but you are still here and active.

Just because we are physically impaired does not mean we are useless, yet people treat us that way. They talk as if we are not in the room. They talk to us like we are little children and cannot understand them. Some of us respond by just smiling, nodding our heads and letting them think what they want to think (laughter). It isn't worth the argument. Being deaf or having memory loss does not nullify our value (grunts of agreement). One good thing about memory loss is I get to enjoy the same things for the first time, over and over again (laughter).

But there is coming a day when we will get all new equipment; not hearing aids, not eye glasses, not artificial limbs, not powered walkers, but a whole new body. We will beat death ultimately, through Christ. Until then, we have to contend with life. Until then, we are faced with trials, even in our advanced years.

God gives wisdom throughout life.
Natural Wisdom is the “know how” of life skills (work, art, war).
Special Wisdom is the “know how” of ministry to God and His people.
Overcoming Wisdom is the “know how” of victory over sin in the face of trials and temptations.

God tells us to rejoice in our trials and promises to give us wisdom to overcome our trials.
James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

When faced with problems, temptations, He is with you, ask and He will give you wisdom on how to be victorious.

Today, God is making us perfect on the inside and in eternity He will make us perfect on the outside too.

2/16/10 CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES

CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES

We will either have a society that is friendly to Christianity (the Christian faith) or we will not.

Rejection of Christianity results in either oppressive control or moral decadence, which runs rough shod over the morally responsible citizens.

Obama's Islamic favoritism will kill freedom in America.

2/13/10 WISDOM MATTERS

WISDOM MATTERS
Brothers in the Lord sometimes see issues differently. Sometimes it is an issue of facts, sometimes it is an issue of perspetive. In order to understand something correctly we should have a knowledge of the facts, and a grasp of various perspectives. Otherwise, we can have truth misapplied. Wisdom is the proper view and use of truth.

VERSES...
Psalms 49:3
3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

Proverbs 1:2-5
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 2:2
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Proverbs 3:13
13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.

Proverbs 4:7
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

2/12/10 I WILL TAKE THE GOSPEL PLEASE

I WILL TAKE THE GOSPEL PLEASE

They say the proof of the pudd'n is in the taste'n.

Christianity travels all over the world to feed the hungry, heal the sick, house the homeless, educate the unlearned, clothe the naked and all at no charge.

Islam travels all over the world to impose oppression, violence and death in order to force their loveless religion of rules on others.

Just pass me the Gospel of Christ please.

2/12/10 THE SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.

We live in difficult times. Those with the Spirit of God stand above and aside from the crowd.

* In Job's day, the Spirit of God was known as the source of understanding.

* Joseph lived in the knowledge of the Spirit of God.

* The four children of Israel taken captive to Babylon excelled in wisdom given by the Spirit of God.

JOB
Our whole world is in trouble. Human hedges (wealth, jobs, health, position) do not keep us safe. We need more than a “talking faith,” we need a “walking faith.” We need the wisdom that goes with a right relationship with God.

From the earliest of times the Spirit of God has been active in the lives of His people, and obvious to the people around them. Throughout history people have recognized the person, nature and work of the Holy Spirit. Even today we can learn and be challenged by Old Testament people who had an awareness and a relationship with the Spirit of God.

Job 32:8
8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding.

Remember, Job lived around the time of Abraham, therefore he predates Joseph, Moses, David and the Prophets. Still, in this early period we find that people were aware of the person and work of the Spirit of God. This should not surprise us. It was not that the Spirit of God had been discovered by research or meditation. The Holy Spirit had always been active in the lives of men, from the time of Adam in the garden.

God had instructed Adam concerning all the knowledge of life and about God Himself.

Adam walked with God and learned from God.

Eventually Enoch enters the stage of human affairs and he also walked with God, learning more about God.

These truths were passed on from generation to generation. each generation chose to change the facts and corrupt the message of God for suit their own purposes, but the basics were understood by the people of ancient societies.

It was a proper understanding that survived and found acceptance with Noah.

Noah lived a life that was pleasing to God and he became the progenitor of a new generation after God destroyed the world with a flood.

These truths passed from Noah to succeeding generations.

On the two occasions when Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister, he was reproved by both the king of Egypt and the king of Gerar for deceiving them, which could have made them party to an inappropriate liaison with Sarah. These standards were passed down from the beginning, when God instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden.

Note... Sarah was Abraham's half sister, so it was a half truth, but a half truth is a whole lie.

God revealed to Job some truths concerning our resurrection from the dead because of the Messiah's future victory over death.

Job 19:25-27
25 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

While Job was suffering, some of his friends (comforters) came to Job and actually contributed to Job's sorrows because they wanted to blame Job for his own problems. Elihu, another friend, came on the scene and offered his insights also. Though we do not accept all of the ideas of these ancient men, we do learn something about their knowledge, understanding and beliefs.

Elihu pointed out that wisdom is not always present in old age, but rather wisdom is the gift of God. In fact, he said God imparts His Spirit to men and thereby communicates understanding.
“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding” Job 32:8.

JOSEPH
Genesis 41:38
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Pharaoh recognized that the wisdom in Joseph was actually the wisdom of the Spirit of God.
Wisdom does not come from a University study of Philosophy, but from the School of Hard Knocks and Open Hearts.

From the time of his youth, Joseph had gone through very difficult times. He was misunderstood and despised by his brothers.

Though they had considered killing him, they chose to sell him as a slave and shipped him off to Egypt.

As a slave to Potiphar, the Captain of Pharaoh's Guard, Joseph worked hard and earned the position of being in charge of Potiphar's household.

When Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of improprieties, Potiphar quickly shipped Joseph to jail.

As a prisoner in jail, Joseph applied himself to be the best he could be and eventually became the jailers trustee.

It was in this place of humble, aggressive servanthood that Joseph won the confidence of his fellow prisoners.

God gave Joseph opportunities to counsel and comfort other prisoners.

Two of those prisoners were the king's Butler and Baker.

God gave Joseph insight into the meaning of their dreams, which eventuated in Joseph's release and appointment to Pharaoh's service in the palace.

As an adviser to Pharaoh, Joseph excelled all others in royal service and advanced to a position in Egypt that was second only to Pharaoh.

Pharaoh recognized that Joseph's understanding and wisdom came from God.

Even at this late date in history and though Egypt had developed a pantheon of gods, Pharaoh still had an awareness of the Person and Work of the Spirit of God.

Pharaoh recognized this presence in the person and work of Joseph.

We should live under the influence and in the light of God's Spirit. Our person and work should reflect the Person and Work of the Spirit of God.
4 HEBREW MEN
Daniel 1:17
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

God's Spirit gave knowledge, skill, understanding, learning and wisdom in various areas of life, causing these men to excel above their peers.

We may not accrue great wealth, or win awards and the applause of men, but if we take time to be close to God and to listen to God, we will be endued with the wisdom of the Spirit of God. If He does not give us the ability to make wealth, He will make us wise on how to survive by faith, while others are failing with their material gain.

CHRISTIANS
James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.

God desires to impart spiritual wisdom to us through His Spirit.

If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.

If He gave us His Son, He will freely give us the leading of His Spirit.

If the Old Testament saints enjoyed the wisdom, knowledge, leading, understanding of the Spirit of God, we certainly should, as New Testament believers.

We need His wisdom and the world needs to see His wisdom working in us.

2/12/10 WHERE'S YOUR GAME

WHERE'S YOUR GAME

Aren't you impressed when people bring their Game Faces to worship services but leave their Game at home?

Jesus said,

John 4:23-24

(23)  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

(24)  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

2/11/10 BE SURE TO BRING IT

BE SURE TO BRING IT

The baseball team had reached the end of the season and was headed to the championship game. However, they lost a player.

The manager had scouted a replacement and invited him to be part of the team.

When the day of the game came, Swifty finally showed up, but

he did not have his glove.

When they took the field

he just ambled around his position.

When the ball came his way

he waited for others to get it.

When he was at bat

he took no interest.

When he was designated to run for someone else

he just strolled the baseline.

He brought nothing to the game and then wondered why the team came up short.

Lord, help me bring something to the field and help me play my best.

2/11/10 CHRISTIANS AND SOCIETY

CHRISTIANS AND SOCIETY
1- When you hear that a Christian has committed a crime, do not believe it without solid evidence. Gossips, the media and government often serve as Satan's press secretaries (read that,
Secretary of PRESSure and
Secretary of opPRESSression).

2- Do not be intimidated by people in authority, such as; educators, employers, police and the legal system. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

1 Peter 3:14
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

2/11/10 TRAITS OF WISDOM

TRAITS OF WISDOM
Wisdom is not the sole possession of the aged, but when someone, whether young or old, claims to have wisdom, or sees himself as being wise, or wants to be thought of as wise, he should show these other qualities;

Pure,

Peaceable,

Gentle,

Approachable and Confront-able Humility,

Merciful,

Good in Character and Behavior,

Fair and Just,

Openly Honest and Righteous.

Wisdom doesn't act cocky.

Wisdom's Companions
JAMES 3:16-18
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

2/10/10 MY KAYAK STORY (a laugh and a lesson)

MY KAYAK STORY (a laugh and a lesson)

This happened to me in November of 2008. Since this "Pluff Mud" is like quicksand, I have actually heard of people dying in similar situations. However, I did not know about it until I experienced it for myself. For those of you who have not heard about my little adventure, you may find it entertaining. Enjoy

Well, I attempted to go out on my kayak on Friday, because it was a beautiful day and I did not have any pressing responsibilities. Wow, it was in the upper 60’s, sunny and calm winds. What an opportunity. I was really looking forward to paddling through the marsh to the mouth of the inlet, and catching some Spotted Sea Trout and Red Drum. I don’t usually catch Spots or Croakers, because I don’t fish for little fish. I would rather try to catch big fish than actually catch several small fish. I like to use live bait, so I bought a $9 Minnow Trap, to add to my bag of tricks.

I was set, except I mis-figured the tide at Morse’s Landing. I was off by about 30 minutes. I knew I would have enough water to get back in on a rising tide, but I had to launch before the tide was too low. I arrived at the landing, downloaded all of my gear and got ready to shove off. As I was walking by a group of people, a man said, “Your going to get cold.” I said, “I hope not.” Actually, I had already taken the wind and temperature into consideration and I had waded in the water, just to make sure.

I climbed aboard my “Sit On Top” kayak and started paddling out of the creek. A little ways out I came upon a small shoal. NO PROBLEM. All I had to do was get off of the kayak and pull it into the deeper water only a couple of yards away. As soon as I stepped onto the mud I began to sink. Now you need to understand, I have sunk in mud before, but nothing like this. My first step took me to my knees and my second step took me to my waist. At first I thought I would be able to get at least a few feet, but soon realized I was in trouble. If I had not had my kayak I may have sunk even more. It was like quicksand. (Of course, if I did not have my kayak, I wouldn’t have gotten into this mess to-begin-with).

I leaned onto my kayak and extracted one leg and then the other. I scootched (scooted) the kayak a few inches toward the shore and repeated my escape plan. I could not believe I had gotten myself into this mess. And boy-howdy (as Heath Barkley and Goober Pyle would say), what a mess. The stinking mud was caked on my legs and swimming trunks, and clung like a heavy slime. I looked up at the parking lot to see if anyone was laughing at this ridiculous display I was making. There was one vehicle with an older couple. While I was struggling to keep from being swallowed by the Mud Monster, they moved their vehicle closer. Part of me hoped they would be available to help, if I got in any more trouble, and part of me hoped they would not pay attention.

I think this is how it is with people before they get saved. They want to be saved, but they don’t want anyone to know that they need to be saved. The couple in the van did not roll their window down and offer me any help. As a matter of fact, I could not tell if they had taken out a pair of binoculars to view the horizon or to get a better look at Mud Man. Or maybe they had a camera, I could not really tell. So, what were they doing with that camera? Were they taking pictures of the beautiful seascape that is found throughout Murrells Inlet or were they planning to make $100,000 with a video of a man being sucked into his muddy grave?

Though all of these thoughts crossed my mind, I did not have time to focus on them, so I got back to my escape plan. I was tiring out. Did I mention that I could not believe I had gotten myself into this mess? This too is how a person feels before he gets saved. He reflects on the wrong decisions that got him mired in a life of sin. He thinks he has everything figured, he makes his plans, he thinks he covers all of his bases, only to find out that Time and Tide Wait for no man. When the tide of life has ebbed too far, there is no way of escape. As the Scripture says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of that way is death.” It also says, He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

I kept moving toward the shore, inch by inch, hoping for firmer footing. Eventually I was only sinking to my knees and then to my calf and ankles. Finally I was able to sludge my way to the waters edge. Now I had to retrieve my kayak and all of my equipment. I maneuvered everything to a pool of water, left behind by the falling tide. I washed myself off in the nasty water, cutting myself on oyster shells, but at least I was safe. I then had to carry everything back to my Camaro and clean everything enough to load into my car.

FINALLY, I was on my way home. It was not a fun day. As a matter of fact, it was one of the least fun outings I had ever had in my life. But I was not angry or bent-out-of-shape. Even in these passing, but aggravating moments of life, salvation gets us through our troubles without being mired down. If salvation cannot get us through the small things, then there is no hope in the real trials of life. And who knows, maybe we even learn a good lesson in the experience.

"YAK'N" CAN BE AN ADVENTURE

2/8/10 OLD TESTAMENT NEWS

OLD TESTAMENT NEWS

For those who do not believe in a literal fulfillment of prophecy and those who don't believe that Israel is a chosen nation in last days, you might want to read Ezekiel 38 (2500 yrs ago) alongside today's news.

Russia is providing Persia (Iran) with missiles that will be used against Israel. Sin makes smart people foolish, otherwise the Islamic world would realize that they cannot end God's revealed plan for Israel.

2/8/1- MY OBSERVATION.

MY OBSERVATION.

Though a person reads a book or sees a movie that convincingly depicts the horrors of a godless society oppressing the innocent and imposing injustice, and foisting inhumanity on the citizenry, he may not become alarmed.

If he meets someone who has suffered unspeakable cruelty, he may not be convinced.

If he becomes the victim of heinous crimes, still, he will not stand up.

Awake, Believe, Stand Firm.

A QUICK GLANCE AT THE HOLY SPIRIT

Enlightenment for understanding. Old Testament view of God's Spirit; Job, Moses, Psalmist, Solomon and Ezekiel. Holy Spirit gives light and life. He generates and regenerates individuals and nations. He gives physical life to animals and men; He gives animal life that ceases at death; He gives spiritual life that never ends; He gives eternal life to believers. Know the Spirit.

Proper Understanding Requires Enlightenment...
The Bible writers were directed in what to say and how to say it. Their writings were infallible. They were Inspired, God Breathed in transmitting the message of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2 Peter 1:19-21
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Although translators do not have the same Divine inspiration as Bible writers, a proper translation of the Bible requires either personal spiritual insight or enlightenment, or at least a reliance on those who have had enlightenment (dependence on other scholars for linguistics, history, theology and culture). Otherwise they will miss the spiritual implications and applications of a passage.

Likewise, those who read the Bible must be enlightened in our study of the word of God, in order to understand it correctly. Remember, Inspiration is what God gave to the writers of the Bible and Enlightenment is what He gives to humble, honest readers of the Bible, so that we will understand Divine meaning. Without Enlightenment we will not understand the Inspired Word because we will not have the, “mind of Christ”

1 Corinthians 2:14-16
14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I believe there is a Divinely deliberate overlapping of spiritual and natural truths. The Hebrew word, “Ruach” is used in reference to wind, breath, spirit and life. The same term is sometimes used as a name or title for the “Spirit” of God. It takes more than a mastery of linguistics to rightly translate the word of God.

This ruach can be air, or animal spirit or human spirit or life or the Spirit of God. The word soul is sometimes understood as “life.” However, the loss of life is not the end of the soul, as the so-called Jehovah's Witnesses teach.

OLD TESTAMENT WITNESS... 
I find it interesting, even fascinating, that Old Testament believers understood the Holy Spirit to be the giver of life.

JOB
Job, who probably lived about the time of Abraham (1800 years before Christ), enjoyed deep insight into Divine truth. He got his insights from two sources; the history/traditions passed to him from previous generations (Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah) who had witnessed and communicated the acts and teachings of God (both orally and written), and from his own encounter with the Holy Spirit, Who inspired Him. Though Job lived about 3800 years ago, Job made this statement concerning the raised and reigning Christ, still future to us today.

Job 19:23-27
23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever!
25 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

This same Job stated that the source of his life was the Spirit of God, as a breath in his nostrils. This was obviously the way life and the invisible/eternal inner essence of man was described by God and the first generations of mankind.

Job 27:3
3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;

Job 32:8
8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding.

Job 33:4
4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Job understood that he derived his life from God, that he was more than flesh and blood, and that he would live after he died.

MOSES...
Moses, the great Law-Giver, who is one of the most important men in all of history, restated Job's point of view in the book of Genesis. While Job predates Moses, Moses transmitted God's official record of creation. In that record Moses explains the origin of human life;

Genesis 2:7
7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

God must have communicated this truth to Adam, and Adam to succeeding generations, until we find it quoted by Job and eventually Moses himself. From Moses we see that Adam was created as a living, spiritually based creature and from Job we see that each man since creation owes his own spiritual nature and life to the presence of God's Spirit in his life.

Take note of the continuity of spiritual awareness from Adam to Job and then to Moses. They were all aware of the Spirit of God as an active and influential Person in their lives. While they did not understand the Trinitarian doctrine, they did understand that the Holy Spirit is God and they lived in the light of that realization.

THE PSALMIST...
The Psalmist, whether David or someone else under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,

Psalms 33:6
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Not only does the spirit of man derive its existence and sustenance from God, so too, the Starry Universe. In fact, in this passage we see that the “word of the LORD” created the heavens. This links the creative work of the Holy Spirit with the creative work of Jesus, the Son of God, Who is also known as, “The Word Of God.”

John 1:1-3, 14
1 In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Another thing to notice in this Psalm is the power of God to create, to bring into existence whatever He wills. This gives us comfort and hope. We can rest in the assurance that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1 Jn. 4:4); we can cast all of our care upon Him, because He cares for us (1 Pe. 5:7). If He can speak the starry universe into existence (He. 11:3), He can and will do all things necessary for our life and godliness (Ro. 8:28, 32; 2 Pe. 1:3).

SOLOMON...
Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived, commented on this subject as well.

Ecclesiastes 3:21
21 Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?

Solomon, a scientist and philosopher, pointed out that there is a difference in the animal life and the human life imparted by the breath of the Spirit of God. At death, the spirit or life force of the human moves into a spiritual realm and when an animal dies, its life force is gone.

Ecclesiastes 12:7
7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

In this passage, Solomon is more explicit and dogmatic concerning the eternal destiny of the eternal spirit of man. The New Testament writer of the book of Hebrews said,

Hebrews 9:27
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

After death every person will give account of itself and the life it spent on earth. We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14), having received the ability to live forever and the ability to choose our own allegiance and destiny. However, it is because of these two traits man has the great responsibility to make the right choices in life.

Hebrews 2:3
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

EZEKIEL...
Ezekiel, more than 600 years before Christ, foretold the end times restoration of Israel. Ezekiel preached the prophecy of the Valley of Dry Bones to announce that God raise Israel as a nation, from the dead, and restore it to a place of importance.

Israel would cease to exist as a nation in 70 AD, yet 1900 years later Israel would be re-established and take its place among the nations of the world. Twenty five hundred years after Ezekiel's prophecy, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu referred to this passage, pointing out that God has raised it from the dead.

While we may say that the sinews, the fat and muscle, and the skin have been restored to the bones of a dead Israel, God has not yet breathed spiritual vitality or eternal life into Israel. This will happen when Israel calls upon and receives Jesus Christ as the Messiah. This will take place during the seven year tribulation period.

Ezekiel 37:6
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

OLD TESTAMENT UNDERSTANDING...
If Old Testament believers understood the life giving power of the Holy Spirit, then Christians should live in the light of that power. The truth of the Holy Spirit giving life and light is recorded in the Law and the Prophets; in the Law, the History, the poetic and the prophetic books of the Old Testament. The Person and work of the Holy Spirit was understood by Job, Moses, the Palmist, Solomon and Ezekiel. Christians should have as much knowledge and power as they had, but very few spend time with the Holy Spirit; very few are spiritually oriented.

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY, TAKE TIME TO BE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

2/7/10 DELIVERANCE FROM PERSONAL JUDGMENT

DELIVERANCE FROM PERSONAL JUDGMENT
(short overview)

False Premise
Let's look at Ezekiel 18.
The Jews in the day of Ezekiel believed that each person would be judged and punished for the sins of his father. 

EZEKIEL 18:1-4
1 The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
3 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die.

Suffering is Not Always Punishment...
God condemned this false doctrine, which is still in vogue with many Christians. While it is true that the innocent suffer because of the guilty, the innocent are not punished for the sins of the guilty. Every man suffers for other people's sins, but no one is punished for other people's sins. We are all punished for our own sins. But God does not want us to be punished, even for our own sins. This is why He offers deliverance from sin and judgment.

The rest of the chapter 37 points out that the faithful, righteous man would not be punished for the wicked and the wicked man would not be forgiven for the righteous man. Those who turn from righteousness to sin will be judged and punished.

God's Way of Escape from Sin...
At the end of the chapter, God calls on people to be saved. Though we are not Israel, we are the object of God's love and redemption through Christ. These words are applicable to us today.

EZEKIEL 18:30-32
30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Notice the specifics of God's call to salvation.
God warns that we will be judge according to our own deeds (30).
God calls sinners to repent, change their mind, change their direction concerning sin. It is not just a matter of regretting our past or fearing our future, it is a matter of hating our rebellion (30).
Rebellion will be the Ruin of everyone who does not Repent (30).
Repentance includes a casting away of our sins. We should hate our sins and be finished with our willfully sinful ways (31).

However, it is not left us to us to save ourselves.
If we will turn from sin, He will impart a new heart, a new spirit (31). As Paul said, We will become new creations in Christ, old things will pass away and all things will become new (2 Co. 5:17). This is why we Must be born again (Jn. 3:3). It is not a matter of me trying to do better, it is a matter of Him changing me and empowering me to trust and obey Him.
Why should anyone die in sin, when deliverance is at hand (32)?
God does not desire the death of those who die. God wants us to live (32).
The Spirit of God Redeems, Regenerates and Restores those who are taken captive in their sins.
We cannot stop the world from oppressing the weak or causing the innocent to suffer, but we can escape the judgment of God by
repenting,
turning from our sin (by turning to God),
casting away the evil we have practiced.

God will give us a new start, with a new heart.
People need to make the right decision early, because a delayed decision is a decision to rebel. God warns us,

PROVERBS 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2/7/10 IN THE NEWS (Prophecy, Good and Bad)

IN THE NEWS

(Prophecy, Good and Bad)

Prime Minister, Netanyahu referred to Ezekiel 37 and God's raising Israel from the Valley of Dry Bones.

God is at work in our world. It is true that He will raise up a nation in a day, but what we read in Ezekiel 38 is very current and alarming. Ezekiel foretold a time when Persia (Iran) would unite with other powers, including Russia, Ethiopia and Libya to annihilate Israel.

Anti-Semitism is All Consuming
Persia was the fountain head of the Caste System (hyper racism) that took over India and the name “Iran” means, “Land of the Aryans.”

Hitler and Iran have been major players in Satan's arsenal of antisemitism. Satan has always hated Israel and Ezekiel 38 foretells the coming attempt at another “final solution.”

The Islamic faith is a breeding ground of anti Israeli sentiment and planning. Iran (65 million +) along with the rest of Islam's 1 billion + adherents is historically the arch enemy of Israel (now around 20 million world wide). Islam wants the annihilation of Israel as a nation and they want the tiny real estate of Israel to add to their enormous world wide holdings.

2/7/10 THE HOLY SPIRIT AT CREATION

QUICK VIEW OF CREATION AT CREATION

Overview

* His “brooding” was essential to 6 days of creation.

* Two accounts of one creation.

* God introduced as Elohim and Jehovah.

* World was created (from nothing) and made (from something).

* Plant, animal and human life created separately.

* Man is psycho-physical totality. Man is a trichotomy.

* Five functions of the body (see, hear, smell, taste, feel).

* Components of soul (reason, desire, emotion, conscience, will).

Three realms of human consciousness.

Body is physical consciousness

Soul is self consciousness

Spirit is God consciousness

The Holy Spirit restored earth from chaos and gave life to man.

The Holy Spirit In Creation
Spirit of God moved (brooded) over the face of the waters.
Prior to the Spirit of God imparting His life giving power to the earth in Genesis 1:2 we find the earth in a state of darkness, death and decay. The formless, empty world was encased in water. There was no dry land. In fact, the atmosphere was watery as well.

It was to this chaotic, corrupted world that the Spirit of God came with His restorative and redemptive will, wisdom and power. The work of the Spirit of God was essential in preparing the world for the six days of creation. He hovered, brooded over the face of the deep. He programmed the world to become a living, productive environment. Before God could say, "Let there be light," He had to establish and organize it into a viable ground of existence.

God Is Light
The “moving” over the earth, as a bird moves over a nest is not an argument for female Deity, since male birds sometimes build and set the nests.

Depending on the meaning of "let there be light," the universe was not necessarily shrouded in darkness prior to the “creation” of light. After all,

God is light. He has always had a glory, brightness inherent to Himself.

Jesus referred to that glory when He prayed in John 17. He manifested that light on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt. 17).

The Scripture tells us that God is light.

Sometimes God shrouds His light in darkness, as with Moses coming down from the mount and when He was present in the Tabernacle and the Temple.

Light was absent on the watery earth and needed to be restored.

This does not mean there was no light elsewhere in the universe prior to Genesis 1:3-5.

Two Accounts Of Creation
Genesis 1 and 2 are not contradictory, but complimentary accounts of creation. They are not two separate accounts from mixed legends or myths. Both chapters are Divinely revealed accounts and communicate specific information about God and His creation of the world and mankind.

Elohim And Jehovah
In Genesis 1 God is referred to as “Elohim,” which is a subtle introduction to the “Tri-unity of God.” Elohim reflects the creative power and nature of God.

In Genesis 2 God is introduced as “Jehovah” or “Yahweh,” also known as “I Am” (Ex. 3:14). This Name reflects the redemptive character of God throughout the Bible. Remember, Jesus called Himself by this Divine name, when He said, “Before Abraham was, I Am” (Jn. 8:58). The Jews understood Him and tried to stone Him for claiming to be God (Jn. 8:59).

Create And Make
In chapter one the creation of man was very matter-of-fact and administrative (Ge. 1:26-28). In chapter two we are given a much more intimate account of the same event, plus we are shown the two facets of man's origin in the words that mean “to Create” and “to Make.

“To create” is to bring “something from nothing,” and “to make” is to form “something from something else.” The three times that we are told God created were in connection with the heavens and the earth (vs. 1), the animal life (vs. 21) and human life (vs. 7). The other events, subjects and “days of creation” were actually the “forming of something from something else.”

Animal And Human Life
Animals have a “soul-ish” life, or existence, in the sense that they have brains and functioning minds, though limited in scope.

Animals are not self-aware or self-determining, as humans are.

Animals do not have “spirits” in the sense that they are eternal or free will agents. This is why the point is made that the immaterial part of man rises to the spiritual realm at death and the immaterial part of animals ceases with the death of the animal (Ecc. 3:21).

Solomon did not believe that the immaterial parts of animals and humans were equal, because he said that animal “spirits” return to the dust at death and the human “spirit” returns to God Who gave it (Ecc. 12:7). In the case of animals, it is should be understood as “breath,” but in the case of humans it should be understood as “spirit.”

Nature Of Man
Man was created and made, he is a psycho-physical totality...
Man was both created and made. The human body was made from the dust of the earth and then God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul” (Ge. 2:7). This is said to be the act of Yahweh (Jehovah, I Am). The intimacy is evident in the statement that “the LORD God (Jehovah) breathed into his nostrils.” The word “breath” is the same Hebrew word that is translated “spirit.” The Spirit of God “inspirited” man, God in-breathed the spirit to Adam. This joining together of spirit and body resulted in the soul of man.

Nature and Functions Human Nature

Human nature is the nature to be human. Human nature includes body, soul and spirit.

I believe the Bible teaches that man is a Trichotomy, consisting of Body, Soul and Spirit. We find this in Genesis 2:7 and also in 1 Thessalonians 5:32, where Paul prays for the salvation of the human “spirit, soul and body.” God was not being verbose and Paul was not getting paid per word. God meant what He said and we should accept what He said.

The body is the “other consciousness”

The five senses of the human body are Seeing, Smelling, Hearing, Tasting and Feeling.

The soul is the “self consciousness”

The five functions of the human soul are Reason, Desire, Will, Emotions and Conscience.

The spirit is the “God consciousness.”

Spirit Restored Earth and Gave Life To Man
The Spirit of God was not only active in restoring order to a world in chaos, He was active in the imparting of life to the first man, and thus, the human race.

2/6/10 TRY THIS...

TRY THIS...

Take a Bible book, like 1 John (below). Categorize all applicable verses into one of two lists concerning

Deliverance From Sin Now.

One List will have verses that seem to say we cannot be delivered from sin in this life and

The Other List will have verses that seem to say we can be delivered from sin in this life.

Remember, these are verses that seem, on the surface to fit into one of the two lists. Obviously, both positions cannot be true, therefore we say, "seem" because we do not want to misrepresent God.

CHAPTER ONE... (10 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (1 verse)
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Deliverance From Sin Verses... (4 verses)
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

CHAPTER TWO... (29 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (0 verses)

Deliverance From Sin Verses... (20 verses)
2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

2:5 But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

2:6 He that saith he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

2:7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines.

2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.

2:10 He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

2:11 But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

2:17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever.

2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

CHAPTER THREE... (24 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (0 verses)

Deliverance From Sin Verses...(15 verses)
3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.

3:4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

3:6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins hath not seen him, neither known him.

3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.

3:15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?

3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

3:24 And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

CHAPTER FOUR... (21 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (0 verses)

Deliverance From Sin Verses...(7 verses)
4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.

4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.

4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.

4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

CHAPTER FIVE... (21 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (1 verse)
5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Deliverance From Sin Verses... (7 verses)
5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.

5:5 Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not.

5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

THREE THOUGHTS...
1. You may not agree with all of my choices.
Actually, I have not included all of my choices, because some verses are linked to other verses. I only selected verses that stand alone.
If you have questions about my choices, I will be glad to respond.

2. The seeming contradictions must be answered, since there is no contradictions in the Scripture.
The few verses must be understood in the light of the many verses.
I will be glad to address the verses that seem to deny deliverance.

3. Obviously I do not believe that God is unable to deliver from sin or that He won't deliver us from sin or that He does not expect us to be delivered from all sin.