08/29/10 ON PERFECTION

08/29/10 ON PERFECTION

God's word says, "And being made perfect, He (Jesus) became the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9).

There is no salvation without obedience. Saving faith loves and obeys God.

Sinning religion damns the soul.

If we love Him, we obey Him.

PASSAGES...
John 14:15, 21, 23-24
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

John 15:10, 14
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

1 John 2:3-4
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 5:2-4
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Mark 3:35
35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Acts 6:7
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Romans 1:5
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name;

Romans 2:6-13
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

2 Corinthians 10:5
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Galatians 3:1
1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

1 Peter 1:2
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1 Peter 4:17
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

My source is, not to be confused with my "sources are," the Holy Bible. All of my references are taken from God's word.

You will notice that the list of verses above are taken from 9 different New Testament books (Hebrews, Mark, John, Acts, Romans, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, 2 Thessalonians and 1 Peter), written by 5 or 6 different writers. Also notice, I did not quote James, though I could have, along with a great number of other New Testament passages.

I do not quote other famous writers of the past or present. If they agree with these passages, then there is no need to quote them, if they disagree, then their counsel is damnable.

Blessed is he that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly (Ps. 1:1).

Notice also, I do not give a single verse that seems to espouse that which is contrary to the bulk of Biblical proclamation.

There is no salvation without obedience.
There is no obedience without faith.
There is no faith without grace.

Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are saved by grace.
We are saved through faith.
We are saved to obey.

Jesus came to save us from our sins, not in our sins.

08/28/10 THREE FACTORS OF FRUSTRATION

08/28/10 THREE FACTORS OF FRUSTRATION

Two of the frustrations in life.

1 Limited time and ability to absorb God's word,

2 The time to share God's word with others.

No, I am not longing to die, but with Paul I can say,

Philippians 1:21, 23

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

23 For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better"

Don't miss your limited opps. Redeem the time.

Colossians 4:5

(5)  Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

ANOTHER FACTOR...3 The physical weaknesses that come with age and sickness.

I always felt like I was in my twenties until I was hit by WNV at the age of 58. My whole body has suffered great setbacks because of the sickness. There are times My eyes tire more quickly and my body suffers fatigue. This cuts into my study and service time to the Lord. It does not put a barrier between me and God, but it diminishes my opportunities.

SO, be a good steward with your present blessings. Use your time, your skills, your advantages, your opportunities to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus and to serve the Lord and His Church, and to reach the unsaved, and to love your family and friends.

Time and Health and Opportunities are precious gifts that are sometimes not appreciated until they are limited or gone.

As a young person, as a young adult, do not miss your opportunities. There is no regret in being faithful, as a good steward of God.

Luke 12:42-44
(42) And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
(43) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
(44) Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

1 Corinthians 4:2
(2) Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

08/26/10 MY TYE BABY

08/26/10 MY TYE BABY

Grown men with stuffed toys.

Confession time. About 25 years ago our church ministry in Greensboro, N. C. fell afoul of the law. The State threatened to raid our church, take our children and put me (and others) in jail.

We continued to meet illegally. I would come to meetings with a duffle bag (prepared to go to jail).

Joanna (age 5/6) gave me a little Tye (?) baby in a convict uniform. I use to carry it with me, wherever I went.

C'mon, there was a fleeting moment that you thought that either I, or my church must have done something bad.

NOPE. Just remember,

Not everything legal is moral.

Not everything moral is legal.

Not everything illegal is immoral

Not everything immoral is illegal.

08/25/10 HEART AND HEAD SHOULD AGREE

08/25/10 HEART AND HEAD SHOULD AGREE

Here is an interesting thought from Psalm 1:1...

Do not listen to,

believe in,

trust,

follow or

obey

the counsel of anyone who does not believe it is possible to live a godly life.

God said, Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.

Why would anyone listen to a person who does not believe we can be godly?

Don't let sinning religionists teach you, counsel you or shepherd you.

They'll mislead you.

Psalms 1:1

(1)  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

08/25/10 EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF

08/25/10 EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF

I hear people say,"Just trust the Lord, "He will take care of it." They need to read what the Lord said about all of this. God gave our children to us, we are the stewards, not the State. Faith is one thing, presumption is another.

It is probably too late to save the ship, but now is the time to save our families. EVERY MAN AND FAMILY FOR ITSELF. If we can rescue others, if we can rescue our community, good, but Noah had to get out and Lot had to get out and now the people of God need to be concerned about doing what God called them to do and not surrender our children into the hands of a wicked State. We need to come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Don't side with the world, regardless of how enticing it may be.

On the other hand, I hear people say, "They will have to take my child over my dead body." Well, while they were blustering, the State came in and took them, and the wind bags that wrap themselves in Red, White and Blue show that they are more YELLOW than a ripe banana.

It is time for Christian Revolution. Not with guns and bombs, certainly not with ballots and bums in Washington, but with faith and love and obedience to God. It is time for New Testament Christianity.

08/25/10 AMERICANS WELCOME THE ENEMY

08/25/10 AMERICANS WELCOME THE ENEMY

For all of those who boldly spout-off their views of, fair minded, (supposed) equal justice for all, (so-called) freedom of religion for all religions; you are ushering in the most intolerant, vicious, unjust religious/political system in the world. when they have the upper hand Christian faith will be outlawed. And please, be very careful about lecturing me on your view of suffering and dying for Christ. Got family?

IT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN...

Once Islam is in charge, there will be no justice, mercy or freedom. For those who doubt this, they need to READ A BOOK. For those who think persecution is some romantic adventure, they need to OBEY GOD WHEN IT COSTS SOMETHING,then they will find out that it is not fun and games.

Should Christians be prepared to suffer? YES! Should Christians expect to be persecuted? YES, AGAIN!! Will God keep and bless those who follow Him fully? YES, YES, YES!!! God will be more than sufficient for whatever trial we face and endure. But, God does not want us to suffer unnecessarily, and He does not want our children to be terrorized, possibly to the point of blasphemy and He does not want Satan to take people captive in this world and into the next.

Oh, and by the way, it will not just be Bible believing Christians who suffer the wrath of the god of Islam, it will be anyone and everyone that does not become compliant to its oppressive and murderous rule.

One more thought. The USA will suffer more than other countries. Think of it this way; when a law enforcement agent goes to jail, for breaking the law, he becomes the target of the most vile and vicious treatment. Since, the USA has been the biggest problem Islam has had to deal with, Muslims will vent their anger and also make an example of the “Great Devil.” It will not be your friendly Muslim neighbor in charge, it will be the Koran toting, sword wielding true Muslim in charge. Look at Muslim controlled countries.

Do not depend on the ballot to save America. Do not trust in the bullet to save America. Do not count on America being saved. The only hope for anyone is a complete surrender to Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. He will have mercy. But, beware, when He comes back, He does not come as a sheep to the slaughter, He comes as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; He does not come as a Savior, He comes as a Judge; He does not come as a suffering servant, He comes as the King of kings, to rule and to reign, with a rod of iron, to crush His enemies under His feet.

Now is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation.

08/24/10 THE REAL BABIES

08/24/10 THE REAL BABIES

I am sitting in WalMart parking lot. I am amazed and heartbroken at how many parents act disgusted and angry with their children. Adults are just too critical and demanding.

COME ON PEOPLE, they are children.

In fact, parents are communicating their own negativity, hostility and immaturity to their children. If they weren't going to love, train and nurture their children, they should not have had them.

08/24/10 THE NON-CHRISTIAN "CHRISTIAN"

08/24/10 THE NON-CHRISTIAN "CHRISTIAN"

If you are one of those, "Jesus is not the only way to God and salvation" CHRISTIANS, then you AIN'T a Christian. And that does include OBAMA.

08/23/10 PM WORSHIP... THE PATH OF DELIVERANCE

08/23/10 PM WORSHIP... THE PATH OF DELIVERANCE

Addressed the obstructions to success and finding path of deliverance.

Asked for responses.

Several folks shared ideas, concerns, questions.

Seaside Suffers from being Storm Battered and must Rebound.

Reversals and ruin and regrets resulted in

Reluctance and retreat and repose.

We have won many battles, but the war still rages.

We will not retire, retreat or resign.

I love my people & trust my God. Upward & Onward.

08/23/10 AM WORSHIP... THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

08/23/10 AM WORSHIP... THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE.

1- Spiritual qualities are produced by the Holy Spirit*.

2- Love is mentioned first because it is premier quality;

God is love*,

love is fulfilling of law*,

love motivated salvation*.

3- First mentioned when Abraham offered Isaac*.

Love is Godlike*;

love is self sacrificing/denying*;

love is obedient*.

4- Root out weeds of carnality and produce Perfect Love*.

PASSAGES...
Each asterisk (*) represents a different category, as mentioned in the AM WORSHIP post.

*1

GALATIANS 5:22-23
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

*2

1 JOHN 4:8
(8) He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.

*3

ROMANS 13:10
(10) Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

*4

JOHN 3:16
(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

*5

GENESIS 22:1-16
(1) And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
(2) And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
(3) And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and cleaved the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
(4) Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
(5) And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
(6) And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
(7) And Isaac spoke unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
(8) And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
(9) And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
(10) And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
(11) And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
(12) And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
(13) And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
(14) And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
(15) And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
(16) And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

*6

1 JOHN 4:16-17
(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.
(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.

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

*7

1 JOHN 3:16
(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.

*8

JOHN 14:21
(21) He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

*9

1 JOHN 3:3
(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

EPHESIANS 4:22-24
(22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
(23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
(24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

COLOSSIANS 3:9-10
(9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
(10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

08/23/10 SS CLASS... POLITICAL INTRIGUE

08/23/10 SS CLASS... POLITICAL INTRIGUE

1- World Is Unaware Of Impending Collapse (economic, political, governmental, religious, spiritual).

2- There is a Method to Muslim Madness.

3- The Church must be a Fully Functional Fellowship Of Faithful Followers of Christ.

Each one/Reach one.

Each part/Be a part.

BE WARNED, if you do not like politics mentioned in Bible studies, you will not like this SS Class.

If you don't like political, international intrigue, in Church Studies, then you will not like this Sunday School Lesson. But for those who are interested in seeing how believers fit into a world in trouble, you might appreciate this lesson.

1- Our society is as unaware of impending world disaster as a grub in the ground at Frawley Circle is unaware of Squirrel activities at Columbus Circle (the opposite ends of Central Park, NY).

The inevitable encroachment of Islam;

the irreversible collapse of US economy, free enterprise, capitalism;

the US betrayal and abandonment of Israel;

the Biblically prophesied alliances and/or attacks against Israel by Russia, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and other mid-eastern countries;

the rise of the revived Roman/European empire;

the demise of US power and Christian influence in the world are all taking place at a breakneck speed, yet hardly raising an eyebrow in our society.

However, one of two things will happen with the deterioration of the world as we know it.

Either some people will finally come to a realization of things we have known and declared unashamedly for decades, because the evidence will is irrefutable,

Or, people will be so blinded by the devices of Satan that they will not be able to see the obvious as it unfolds before their very eyes.

2- Not only did Islam present a danger to the nomadic tribes of the Mid-East 1400 years ago, and a life threatening presence to Europe 1,000 years ago, it has been on a consistent march to world domination throughout its entire history.

Remember, Islam came along in the wake of Judaism and Christianity, two of the most significant religious movements in the history of the world. (Judaism and Christianity are more than religious movements, but in the category of religious movements they are significant).

Islam was a human and carnal attempt to duplicate some of the teachings and practices of Judaism and Christianity, such as being monotheistic, unique, exclusiveness and believing in eventual world rule. However, Islam seeks world rule by human force, whereas Judaism and Christianity are waiting on God to accomplish His own Theocratic rule.

Concerning Islam, in 1899 Winston Churchill wrote in his book, The River War...
“How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property - either as a child, a wife, or a concubine - must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen: all know how to die but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome."

The USA became partners with Saudi Arabia and Persia, two of the most oppressive Islamic regimes (or any regime) in the world. This was driven by our desire/need for oil. This unholy liaison put America in bed with a rising monster and has now put us under the foot of a terrorizing tyrant.

Russia dealt with the Islamic problem for years, being neighbors with Islamic nations. Though the ruthless and godless Soviet Union kept Islam under a modicum of control, Russia could not conquer them and eventually terminated its war in Afghanistan. I often wondered why the second most powerful country in the world would go to war with donkey riders and cave dwellers, and wondered why unscrupulous atheistic Russia could not defeat them. While the Soviet Union was in existence, the Islamic threat was somewhat muted. with the collapse of the Soviet Union came the rise of Islam, all over the world. After Russia pulled out of Afghanistan, I wondered why USA would get involved, because I was a grub at Frawley Circle.

The leaders of our nation have not been unaware of the intended world overthrow, waged by Islam. For years I wondered why US leaders started to court world-wide Islam. It is because they knew the demographics and the intelligence reports. They knew that Islam will conquer the world, either by bullet or by ballot, and our leaders have been trying to court the coming world power. The free world (without a commitment to Jesus Christ and faith in His power to protect us) knew that a face to face with Islam was a date with the undertaker. Not only have we had leaders that were soft on the violent Islamic world, we now have a President that is pro Islamic religion.

Another impossible problem that eventuated was the rise of socialism/communism. Though socialism/communism has failed wherever it has sprung up, this cancer is now tightening its death grip on USA. Instead of USA being able to resist the lone surviving Communistic threat (China) we are now their slave because they own so much or our debt.

World peace, power, freedom, religion, government is now facing total collapse. I don't believe we are going to see a return of our free society. Therefore our only hope is in our Citizenship which is in Heaven. It is almost too late for the Church to finally stand up against the powers of darkness; almost too late to stand in the gap.

3- The Great Need For A Fully Functional Fellowship Of Faithful Followers of Christ.

I shared the thoughts I had posted concerning the Church's need to Evangelize A World In Trouble (A Metaphor & There is enough time in the day ... Saturday, 8/23) and called the believers to an active presence in a chaotic world. I reviewed my Metaphor, likening the Church to a Machine. I included the verses and the questions at the end of that post, calling for the believers to examine their own status, relationship and effectiveness in reaching a world in chaos.

08/21/10 A METAPHOR

08/21/10 A METAPHOR

I just recently posted the importance of letting God determine our agendas and set our schedules. Subsequently I wrote this little metaphor. It is short, therefore inadequate and it is not intended to be a doctrinal study. It is simply a little story to help us think about God's call to reach a lost and dying world.

A METAPHOR...
(short and incomplete, but hopefully thought provoking).

THE JOB...
The job is EVANGELIZING the world. Evangelizing is the proclamation of the gospel to a lost and dying world. While we want to see the world converted, we cannot control whether a person will be converted, but we can control whether we will evangelize those around us.

There are also support ministries that help promote the main job of evangelizing, such as; education, medicine, agriculture, feeding the hungry, providing water. The more support ministries, the greater the possibility of JOB #1 bearing fruit, which is the winning of the lost to Christ.

THE JOB ORDER...
The owner, designer, distribution manager are responsible for determining the job order.

God is the Owner, Designer and Distribution Manager, and He has said for us to evangelize the whole world, beginning where we live and reaching out to the whole world.

THE MACHINERY...
The size of the job dictates the size of the machine needed to do the job. All things being equal, the more machines, and the bigger the machines, and the more diversified the machines, the more work can be accomplished by that machinery. When there is a lack of machinery, there is a lack of productivity.

Believers are like the cogs and levers in a machine. The more cogs and the more levers the greater will be the output of the machine. When there are broken cogs and levers, when there are unused parts, when the parts are not fitted together correctly, then the work does not get done.

When there are not enough parts to run a fully functional machine, the Machinist has to arrange, align and adapt the existing machinery to do what should be done by a more adequate machine. Sometimes smaller machines are overworked.

The more believers and churches involved in doing the work of God, the more people will be evangelized. Church growth, leadership and training are part of reaching the world.

THE POWER...
A machine without power is a monstrosity. It takes up space and resources, but it produces nothing.

A church without the power of the Holy Spirit is a monstrosity. God has provided enough power to individuals and churches for them to do the work He has called them to do. There is no a lack power for those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. Individuals and churches both need the anointing and filling of the Holy Spirit.

THE OIL...
A fueled machine needs to be oiled to keep the moving parts working efficiently. Oil keeps the friction down and extends the usefulness of the machine.

The Holy Spirit is the Oil that keeps the Church running smoothly and efficiently. Again, individuals and churches need the life giving Oil of the Holy Spirit to help them through the difficult and destructive challenges of life.

Think about this...
What part do I play in the work of God?
Am I doing the work to which He is calling me?
Am I the working part in the local church that He wants me to be?
Am I seeking His leading, empowering, anointing to be the part and do the work, to which He is calling me?
Is my local church moving as efficiently, as smoothly and productively as it can, based on my participation?
What can I do to help my church accomplish its mission in my community and my world?

08/21/10 MANY HANDS MAKE...

08/21/10 MANY HANDS MAKE...

There is enough time in the day to do all that God wants me to do. There is not enough time in the day to do all the things that I would like to do.

The secret is finding out what He wants me to do and then doing it with my might (Ecc. 9:10; Co. 3:23).

There is more that needs to be done than there are willing people to do it, and this is the heartbreak.

Pray for laborers (Lk. 10:2).

PASSAGES...
Ecclesiastes 9:10
10 Whatsoever thy hand finds to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Colossians 3:23
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Luke 10:2
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.

This is why it is important for pastors to have willing workers. The more people available to carry the load, the bigger the load can be. The more people who are co-laborers the more work that can be done. The larger the congregation of willing workers, the more ministry and outreach to others can be provided.

ONLY TWO RELIGIONS

08/19/10 ONLY TWO RELIGIONS

If RELIGION is, "The systematic belief in G/god and the worship and service rendered to that G/god," then there are only two religions (the true and the false).

Since Christianity is the systematic belief/worship/service to the One, True, and Living God.

Therefore we are left with only Christianity & anti-Christianity. However, to espouse the Christian religion is not the same as trusting Christ for salvation.

08/18/10 SENIOR MEETING... SALVATION, THEN AND NOW

08/18/10 SENIOR MEETING... SALVATION, THEN AND NOW

Was salvation in the Bible days the same as today?

How does anyone enter kingdom of God, enter heaven?

How does anyone escape the wrath to come?

How does anyone become saved?

The answer is the same today as it was in Bible days.

Trust Jesus, constantly, consistently and continuously.

Bible salvation has three aspects.

Past (I was saved)

Present (I am being saved)

Future (I shall be saved).

I gave an illustration.

A lost sailor is rescued and says, I was saved.

While on-board the rescue vessel during the storm the sailor says I am being saved.

As the sailor anticipates reaching harbor the safety of land, he ssys I shall be saved.

08/18/10 PM SERVICE... Speak with Grace and Love to Everyone.

08/18/10 PM SERVICE... Speak with Grace and Love to Everyone.

Our words should be Seasoned with Grace and should be Gracious (Co. 4:6). Harsh spoken Christians are a contradiction.

As salt purifies & preserves, our words should be pure and healing.

Our tongue determines the direction of our lives (Ja. 1 Pe. 3:8-15). Refrain from evil, speak no deceit. Glorify God, proclaim salvation.

08/18/10 SWALLOW A LIE AND YOU WILL DIE

08/18/10 SWALLOW A LIE AND YOU WILL DIE

The argument that FREEDOM OF RELIGION should guarantee the right of Islam to have a mosque near GROUND ZERO is a farce, because there is no absolute freedom of religion in USA, even for Christian churches. Our church cannot get access to a building (even with owner approval) if it is in an Adult Entertainment Zone (tattoo parlors), & no Christian legal group will fight it. AND THE LIE GETS BIGGER.

ATTENDING THOUGHTS
... the State will not allow our church to occupy a building that is in a great location, even if the owner approves of our occupancy, because there is either a liquor store or a tattoo parlor within a given distance.

The Church should never be denied access to an area on any such codes. Certainly it should never be denied to go where the sin is strongest.

... Also, I do not know of a single Christian advocacy group who will fight for our right to take our ministry to the gates of hell, and I have talked to the the biggest and best in the land.

Don't believe everything you hear about freedom of religion from the media or the government, or even from uninformed Christians.

... BTW, I am not CRYING about it. I am CRYING ALOUD about it. I know what the social, economic, religious, political, moral landscape is like and I know that God will still accomplish His will, though He is allowing the Cup of Iniquity to be filled at the present time.

I do not say these things because I feel "put upon" by the anyone. I say these things so others will know the truth and not be caught off guard; so they will know where the enemy is working; so they will not put their hope in lost causes.

Also, adult entertainment includes much more than the two weak examples I gave. However, these are the two adult businesses that PROHIBIT the Church from occupying a building in this shopping center or area.

In the past, I have had a church building that was attached to a bar. I would operate a ministry next to a strip club or any other business, if I could.

I told the CODE MAN that I would not expect the City to evict the adult businesses if we were able to use the building, but he said the State of South Carolina would not allow it.

WOW, SIN IS NOW PROTECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT. I think not. Sin is protected by the anarchists that have taken over the government. Sin is now protected by the people that have been put in office by people who thought they were going to protect the righteous and punish the wicked.

Those government officials, whether elected or bureaucrat, who protect wickedness and punish the righteous are the enemies of God, whether they wear a uniform or they occupy the White House.

Do not be partakers of their sin.

... Oh, another thought, while I am thinking about it.

There are some things we cannot do, because the it is not simply a matter of our own choosing; such as occupying a building that is not ours.

However, when we are Biblical, we can obey God, even if it means paying a price.

We must make sure that we believe in our cause, because God will honor us for being obedient to His will, and He will not honor us for fighting for our own misunderstanding. This is where conscience and convictions, in contrast to convenience and convention, comes into the picture.

We should be willing to suffer for conscience and conviction, but not for convenience or convention.

08/18/10 KNOW YOUR SOURCE

08/18/10 KNOW YOUR SOURCE

Sometimes my stomach has this little growl that actually sounds like my phone vibration (this is true).

I kept answering my phone, but no one was there. I decided to ignore the sound. Now I weigh 98 pounds, and have 320,000 unanswered messages. hehehe (this part is not so true).

It is important to know the source of a message (this part is absolutely true).

08/18/10 LESSONS FROM SPORTS - WINNING

08/18/10 LESSONS FROM SPORTS - WINNING

After watching me "slay" several opponents, a friend asked, "Is winning the most important thing?" Quickly I said, "it depends on the game." 

When I play a game, I play to win and to have a good time. If it is an actual competition I play to win, for myself,my team and my supporters.

Sometimes people violate moral principles and relationships in order to win a game, when in fact moral principles and relationships are more important. The only time winning is the most important thing is when we are "playing" against sin and Satan. In that situation we must give it our best effort and it does not require us to compromise morals and it does not make us guilty of breaking relationships.

Paul gave us a Lesson from sports in

1 Corinthians 9:24-25
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

08/16/10 JUST EXCUSES

08/16/10 JUST EXCUSES

There is nothing in Christianity that is bad for anyone, anywhere, anytime. The only people who reject Biblical Christianity (true Christianity) are those who want to hold on to their chosen sins. The only "reason" for rejecting Christ and His salvation is because people do not want to come under the holy rule of the sovereign, holy, eternal and only God.

NONSENSE...
People claim that God is too restrictive. Yet they turn to lifestyles, religions, organizations and philosophies which are far more restricting and authoritarian.

Or, they pass judgment on Christian standards without examining the origin, intention and authenticity of such standards.

Or, they resist authority in their own lives, yet impose authority on other people.

Or, they are simply libertarian or libertine and do not believe in any rule over their lives at all.

People claim that the claims of Christ and the Bible are not reasonable, yet they have not examined them or they hold them to a different standard than other disciplines of life.

After we look at all of the excuses people have for not trusting, following Christ, it all comes down to a matter of holding on to personal sin rather than accepting Divine authority.

Salvation is available to the whole world, because it is obtained through faith, which is the gift of God, rather than through wealth, works, station or self denial.

Every society prospers, advances and improves when Biblical Christianity is allowed free expression and when Christian moral principles are held forth as the social standard.

Therefore, it can be said,

There is everything in Christianity that is good for everyone, everywhere, all of the time.

Only a fool would reject Christ.

08/14/10 FIRST AMENDMENT NOT INTENDED FOR ALL RELIGIONS

08/14/10 FIRST AMENDMENT NOT INTENDED FOR ALL RELIGIONS

Just a thought. I wonder how many people think that freedom of religion was intended for all religions in this country?

I have been lurking (and discussing) in various places, and the answer is, "WOW! not only are there SOME people who mistakenly believe that the First Amendment was intended to be applied to all religions, there are NUMBERS of people (who should know better), who also believe this absurdity."

Freedom of Religion was not guaranteed for Muslims, Hindus or even Mormons (who would come on the scene at a later date). It guaranteed religious freedom to those of the Christian faith.

People of other faiths were allowed to practice their faith, provided it did not conflict with the basic principles of law, based upon Judeo/Christian revelation.

It amazes me that people can be confused about this fact. There is basically nothing in the Christian faith that is contrary to the fundamental principles of the land. While there were some principles and laws that were not Christian, generally, Christians were not required to disobey their faith. While some of those laws were imposed on Christians, they were adjusted at a later date to allow Christians freedom to follow their beliefs.

Two reasons we have such confusion today.

First (and foremost), we have moved away from a basic understanding and submission to the rule of God in public life.

Second, we have moved away from the original intent of the Founding Fathers.

The solution is not to accommodate all religions (since that would be impossible, given that some "religions" would force others to yield to their authority), nor is it to deny other religions, if it means denying the one true faith, which is Christianity.

The answer for Christians is, OBEY GOD, NOT MAN, when there is a conflict. We are headed toward this showdown in our country, and only those who have a deep faith in Christ will stand true under persecution.

08/14/10 DANCING ON THIN CONCRETE

08/14/10 DANCING ON THIN CONCRETE

Making Tracts. DANCING ON THIN CONCRETE. I make home made tracts to use in personal ministry & outreach. I have them formatted to fit on 4x6 plain index cards, folded into 4x3 booklets. I adapt the message to specific needs & then offer the tract to that person. Below I give the background & text of one of my tracts. I will share some of these from time to time & hope you get a blessing from the messages.

EXPLANATION...
Most people are not aware that they will suddenly give an account before God. People also PRESUME that they are going to be given a free pass to heaven, without a personal faith in Christ and His salvation. This tract addresses this fallacy. I have numbered (the pages) as they appear in the booklet. At the end of the tract, I invite people to contact me for more information (phone number and email).

DANCING ON THIN CONCRETE
Years ago a wedding party of about 600 people was celebrating when the dance floor collapsed beneath them. Those who were partying were focused on the pleasure of the moment, unaware of the thin concrete dance floor's danger.

Their joy turned to sudden and final horror as the floor fell several stories. Video captured the moment when music and dancing ended and the entire party disappeared amid screams of terror and looks of horror.

Likewise, people are partying, oblivious to the impending dangers of a faulty foundation. People trust in popular but erroneous beliefs concerning eternity.

They are not skating on the thin ice of radicalism or fanaticism, but they are dancing on the faulty beliefs of societal norms. They have the same desires and actions as the people around them, so how could there be any problem with their lives or beliefs?

However, they are standing on a weak foundation, partying like there is no tomorrow. Their laughter will be turned to terror, their security will be turned to disaster. They would never skate on thin ice but they assume their spiritual foundation is safe and sound, while they are dancing on thin concrete.

The Bible says this life will suddenly give way to the horrors of the next world, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth; where there is eternal

punishment for sin and where the cry of human torment never ceases. The moment of transition will bring a sudden change from celebration and revelry to suffering and punishment. The moment of this life's fleeting pleasures will give way to eternal separation from God. There will come a moment when the facade and pretense of this world will be swept away and the reality of eternal destiny will come rushing up to meet those who have chosen to live their lives without the love, forgiveness, presence and mercy of Christ. A life lived without Jesus leads to eternity without God. People who presume on God's mercy are dancing on thin concrete and will only realize the error of their way when the bottom drops out and they are lost forever.

GOD'S WAY OF ESCAPE
Believe that you have sinned against God. Believe that you deserve to be separated from God for eternity in eternal punishment. Believe that God removes your sin through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and that He rose again from the dead. Confess and turn from your sins, believe on Jesus as your Rescuer and you shall be saved from the dark night of eternal separation and the eternal torment which awaits you.

Don't Dance On Thin Concrete!


Why I Use Tracts
I like to use tracts because it gives people a chance to think about the message on their own time; it gives them a way to contact you later; it gives opportunity to address specific issues; I am also offering something I did and I can ask them to let me know what they think about the story/poem.. Also, when used as a calling card (Let me give you this little tract I wrote, it has my number/email) I can give message along with my number.

08/12/10 WHEN TO BELIEVE A DONKEY

08/12/10 WHEN TO BELIEVE A DONKEY

People scoff (with incredulity) when they read about a donkey trying to alert the prophet of God that he was walking straight into certain destruction. Today there are media donkeys who see more clearly the dangers looming in our future than some of those who are thought to be God's ministers. Beware the preacher that cries, Peace, Peace.

08/11/10 WEDNESDAY SERVICE... BIBLE CHRISTIANS IN A CHRIST-LESS WORLD

08/11/10 WEDNESDAY SERVICE... BIBLE CHRISTIANS IN A CHRIST-LESS WORLD

I related the Christian call and relationship to the present evil world and the meaning of current events in light of Scripture.

Muslim Invasion through infiltration and intimidation;

Social Holiness given up for Secular Social Justice (race, feminism, sodomy);

Freedom of Religion replaced by Freedom of Worship;

Failure of human governments (Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarian);

Hijacking of America by secularists and socialists.

BIBLE CHRISTIANS IN A CHRIST-LESS WORLD
God calls us to holiness of life and calls us to reach a lost and dying world.
Be not conformed, but transformed by Christ and transforming others.
Islam conquers by fifth column tactics or by force, either by ballot or bullet; infiltration or intimidation.
American principles, laws, religion, constitution are under attack and falling.
American rights lost under some of most popular Presidents.
Biblical Theology replaced by Liberation Theology.
People more committed to their race, their political party, their governmental form than to the Lordship of Jesus and the Authority of the Bible.
Freedom of Worship is contained in four walls and is not evangelistic.
Freedom of Religion reaches into thoughts, beliefs, words and works, and cannot be controlled or contained by government.
America's hope is not in the Democrats, Republicans, Independents or Libertarians, but in a personal relationship with Christ. Earthly kings and kingdoms will collapse. Our hope is not in this world.

God's directives for living in this present evil world are found in the Bible.
2 TIMOTHY 3:1-14...
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

08/11/10 THE MEMO

08/11/10 THE MEMO

I must have missed the memo.

You know the one.

The one that says it is acceptable for Christians to use foul, abusive, crude, sexist, racist, prurient, gutter language and innuendo.

I remember the days when females were expected to talk and act like ladies. Even lowlife men were careful about public displays of crudeness. Not anymore. From Sarah Palin to little children, speech is polluted.

What! There was no memo?

HERE IS THE REAL MEMO...
(worth re-reading)

2 Timothy 3:1-14

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

08/11/10 SPORTAPHORE FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM

08/11/10 SPORTAPHORE FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM

Metaphors of Life in Sports

My game at the net is very aggressive and effective, yet, I am about to subordinate that part of my game for an upcoming tournament. I am teamed with a tall player, also very good at the net. I don't know that he is better than I, but together we bring a pretty good package. I will play behind him, to run down the deep shots. I hope our combination is a winning formula.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM...
Sometimes it is good for the team if we step back and let someone else move up. Playing a team sport implies the idea of being a teammate. If a game requires four players on a team and the game requires four separate skills (running, jumping, throwing and catching), it would be great to have four people who are exceptional in each skill. However, if there are two people who are equally skilled at running but only one of them is skilled at catching, then the “catcher” may need to forgo his stronger skill of running in order to fill out the teams overall competitive profile.

In the Church we sometimes need to step back and let someone else step up. It could be that I am more suited for one ministry than another, but the church already has someone performing in that particular area. It could be that I am actually better qualified in that area than my brother, but there is another ministry that needs to be performed, and there is no one to do it.

God does not require me to do a job in the church just because it needs to be done and there is no one else to do it. However, sometimes there are jobs which are less appealing, which need to be done, and I am qualified to do. For the good of the church I may find myself doing that which is not my favorite ministry or my strongest ministry.

It could also be that a new person needs to step into a ministry for which I am better qualified. In that case I may find myself as "teacher" or support or back up, rather than "doer." Still, for the good of the church, I must be willing to step back. After all, it is not about me, it is about Jesus and it is about doing His will. It is about serving His Church and doing His work.

Jesus came, not to be served, but to serve. We must be willing to serve, even wash feet, for the good of the team.

08/10/10 GYM TRUTH

08/10/10 SPORTAPHORE GYM TRUTH

Played about 160 minutes of Pball. Some of the people I played with and against were weaker players, but had a really good time. I enjoy helping other people improve their (life/game). It is good to help people find their niche and overcome the weaknesses they have. I handed out some homemade Tracts to some folks and hope to get their response soon.

ANOTHER WAY TO SAY IT
SPORTAPHORE

(Life's Lessons in Metaphor, from the Sports we play.)

I like to be liked, want to be wanted, choose to be chosen, but it takes more than athletic ability to win the admiration and friendship of team mates. It takes spiritual qualities such as, mutual respect, self sacrifice and encouragement. I want others to want me on their team.

08/10/10 WITHOUT COMPROMISE

08/10/10  WITHOUT COMPROMISE

So long as it does not compromise my relationship with Christ;

I want to be wanted,

I like to be liked,

I choose to be chosen.

God reached beyond my inherent un-reachable-ness, because He is love and mercy.

My response to His grace should make me wanted, liked and chosen by other people.

Though some will reject me, others will be drawn to Christ in me.

Let the Beauty of Jesus be Seen in Me.

WORDS TO THE CHORUS
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me
All His wonderful passion and purity
O my Savior divine, all my being refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

08/10/10 WE ALL NEED JESUS

08/10/10 WE ALL NEED JESUS

I have a pastor friend who looked at me yesterday and said (with a smile in his voice), "Dave, you need Jesus."
I immediately smiled back at him and said, "YES I DO," since everyone needs Jesus.

We all need Jesus, but some of us have dear friends who have broken relationships with Christ. Let us agree together for those who are backslidden.

To my backslidden friends, I miss you and love you. Come home.

Words from a great old song...

Softly and Tenderly
Will L. Thompson
1880

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

* Refrain:
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?

* Refrain:

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.

* Refrain:

Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.

* Refrain:

08/09/10 PM SERVICE... THREE HUMAN CONDITIONS

08/09/10 PM SERVICE... THREE HUMAN CONDITIONS

I explained the differences between...
The Natural Man (the unsaved person who is living simply in the natural, temporal, material realm)

The Carnal Man (the saved person who has not yet sought and received Divine cleansing from the sinful nature).

The Spiritual Man (the saved person who has surrendered and believed Christ for the fulness of the Holy Spirit which cleanses from the Old Man, the Double Mind).

I Also Addressed Purity and Maturity.

Purity can come at an early stage and is obtained through an ACT of grace.

Maturity is attained through GROWTH in grace.

The "perfect" person in...

Philippians 3:12 are those with resurrection perfection, and

Philippians 3:15, those with Biblical (Christian) Perfection.

Christian Perfection is attainable here and now.

Remember, Christian Perfection, or Biblical Perfection is not...

Absolute Perfection (possessed only by God), or

Angelic Perfection (possessed only by angels), or

Adamic Perfection (possessed only by Adam before his sin).

God provides Atonement Perfection for those who are totally surrendered to His will.

I spent time explaining to our children that there is no purity as long as there is the "remains of sin", the Old Man, the Carnal Mind.

Explained that God delivers ...from ALL sin.

08/09/10 AM WORSHIP... PSALM 34.

08/09/10 AM WORSHIP... PSALM 34.

Verse by Verse...
While being sought by Saul, David feigned madness, but was sent away from Abimelech.

David's experience should be our experience.

We should find Victory in praising and blessing the LORD.

Our main focus and boast should be in the LORD. The poor, downcast should hear our praise. They will be drawn to our God.

We should make God known to the masses.

God will hear us when we call, and deliver us from all of our fears.

Others will find faith through our testimony.

We are never alone in the battles of life.

We should challenge others to taste, try Christ.

Believers should reverence God and trust Him for their victory.

When the way of the world fails, God still cares for His children.

Children and young people should learn faith from the older saints.

Inner faith is demonstrated through our words and our works.

God has a commitment to the righteous. He watches and hears us when we are in need.

God is against the ungodly.

Righteousness begins in a broken and contrite heart. God knows our thoughts.

Believers are not spared trial, but we are given victory over adversity.

God will judge the godless but He will protect the believer.

08/09/10 SS CLASS... DIVINE MISSION OR DEVILISH CHAOS

08/09/10 SS CLASS... DIVINE MISSION OR DEVILISH CHAOS

Reviewed vss. that draw distinction between;

natural and supernatural;

eternal and temporal;

earthly and heavenly;

carnal and spiritual;

human and Divine;

demonic and Divine.

Believers are predestined to experience; victory, triumph, deliverance through faith in Christ.

Conquerors are those who seek truth with whole heart.

Either live on Divine mission or devilish chaos.

08/07/10 LIFE LIVED ON TWO DIFFERENT PLANES

08/07/10 LIFE LIVED ON TWO DIFFERENT PLANES

Life is either a series of Divine missions, miraculously lived in the power of the supernatural, eternal God, or a tangle of events lived in the malaise of godlessness. We either choose to face the challenges of life by faith or we settle for an unrewarding existence by mere mortal effort. Human attainment results in futility, but godliness has the promise if this life and that which is to come.

PASSAGE...
1 Timothy 4:8
8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

The allure of the material is great, so it takes courage, humility and faith just to escape the "gravitational pull" of trusting in the things we see.

Still, after a person is saved, he/she has the weight of carnality which keeps them "earthbound." Again, it takes faith to be released from such a connection with the merely natural.

Even after there is complete deliverance from all sin in this present evil world, by trusting Christ for entire sanctification, the battle continues, not inwardly with a corrupted nature (flesh, from which we can be delivered through the Blood of Christ), but outwardly with the world and the devil.

Victory is obtained by trusting Christ, with our lives, our problems, our opportunities, our relationships, our plans. Victory is dependent on faith, for this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:3-4
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4) For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.

08/05/10 NO NEW BIRTHER WELCOME

08/05/10 NO NEW BIRTHER WELCOME

If Obama gets saved and lives his life in submission to Jesus Christ, the Left will become more upset over his re-birth than the so-called "birthers" have been concerning his first birth. In fact, if he had been Born Again before the election, being "Born Again" would have probably kept him from being President. New Birth is more detrimental than Shady Birth, Muslim Family, Communist Parents, Terrorist Friends.

08/04/10 SEEING AND SAYING THE TRUTH

08/04/10 SEEING AND SAYING THE TRUTH

A Problem Withe Positive Confession
I have decided to not say anything negative, think anything negative, read anything negative, watch anything negative, listen to anything negative or believe that anything negative exists, and by the end of the day, all things negative will disappear. There ought to be a way to make money off of this. Maybe I will call it, "Positive Thinking" or "Positive Confession." The only obstacle is, REALITY.

Seeing And Saying The Truth
Just because a person is honest concerning the negative realities of life does not make that person NEGATIVE. In fact, honesty allows the person of faith to see the negatives, and overcome them. A lie does not accomplish the truth of God. Human ills, like sickness, poverty and oppression are overcome by recognizing the problems and then taking positive actions to conquer the problems; the problems of life are not solved by ignoring them or pretending that they do not exist. If we all took that approach, the hungry would stay hungry, the diseased would stay sick, the oppressed would stay oppressed and the lost would go to hell without the witness of Christ.

If God had not been honest about our sin, if He had just said that sin does not exist, He would not have provided atonement through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

(Of course, if God had not been honest, He would not be God).

Ephesians 2:1-7

(1)  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

(2)  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

(3)  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

(4)  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

(5)  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

(6)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

(7)  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 3:18

(18)  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Scripture does tell us to overcome evil by claiming it does not exist.

Scripture tells us to overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:20-21
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

The so-called positive thinking, possibility thinking and positive confession is the cheap, easy way out.

To ignore the negative or to say that positive confession overcomes evil, is an excuse for not doing the right thing. God's response was to do the good thing by giving His Son.

In His earthly ministry,Jesus went about ding good and then He died, doing good, by giving His life as a ransom for the lost.

Acts 10:38
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

God has created and redeemed us, so that we too will go about doing good

Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Instead of just going about, offering empty praise from hearts that are untouched by the sin and sadness of a world in rebellion. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19
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.

It is interesting that those who claim to be so positive are so negative about those who are honest about reality.

08/04/10 SENIOR MEETING... BLESSED IN TWO WAYS

08/04/10 SENIOR MEETING... BLESSED IN TWO WAYS

FIRST

There are seniors who are living on the streets, eating from garbage cans, sleeping under bridges, dressing in rags, fending off attackers, sweltering in the heat, suffering sickness and injury, lonely and alone. There seniors who are living with family, being abused verbally, emotionally and physically.

However, everyone in this room has a safe home, good food, a clean room, comfortable bed, air conditioning and heating, medical attention, friends, concerned staff, social and spiritual opportunities.

Everyone here is abundantly blessed.

SECOND

There are seniors who do not know that life has a spiritual dimension. The world is looking for a solution to life's problems, but they do not know that the fundamental need of all people and the fundamental answer to all problems is spiritual. God created us to be spiritual people.

I would not ask a blind man to describe a sunset, a deaf man to describe a song, a man without taste buds to describe a taste, yet people without spiritual awareness are always explaining life. People want solutions to problems but they want to leave out the most important factor of life and existence, a relationship with God.

1 Corinthians 2:14
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.

There are those who are living without spiritual knowledge or spiritual counsel. There are those who are relying on the natural rather than the Supernatural to solve their problems and answer their questions.

However, everyone in this room has the advantage of hearing the message of God's word, God's answers to life's problems, God's direction for lost souls, God's comfort for broken relationships, God's promise for a brighter tomorrow, God's provision for eternal life. Everyone here knows that faith in Christ's death and resurrection gives present love, joy, peace and eternal life.

God will not only move us from the realm of the simply natural to the spiritual, He will move us from the realm of the carnal believer to the spiritual believer.

1 Corinthians 2:15
15 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

You can spend time reading, listening to Scripture, meditating, sharing with others. You can spend time seeking God and focusing on His truth. You do not have to live your life in the lowlands of the natural, you can move to the higher ground of spiritual reality. You do not have to continue as a babe in Christ, you can move into maturity and purity.

Everyone here is abundantly blessed.

Everything may not be the way you want it, but you have so much more than so many others in this world. Give thanks for what you have and seek God for what He wants you to have in the life to come.