12/31/10 HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS.

12/31/10 HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS.

Happy New Year to all my friends

Turn out the lights on 2010.

God lets us all begin again.

Some dreams came true and others failed.

We stayed the course when foul winds wailed.

O'er troubled seas our spirits sailed.

Now press we on, through unknown seas,

Of howling storm or gentle breeze.

You'll find your strength on bended knees.

Love y'all, DLG.

SOME THOUGHTS ON MY VERSE...
(mechanical and spiritual)

MECHANICAL
I have never written a poem like this before.
Three stanzas, three phrases each, and each phrase ends in a rhyme.
It is a little strange, but it fit the box and it was fun doing it.

SPIRITUAL
I do not take lightly the implications of the poem. It indicates that we faced and overcame our struggles last year, though I know that many people suffered many losses, setbacks and defeats.

I am not insensitive to those who hurt or those who ended the year shrouded in darkness. In fact, that is the reason for the poem. It is a call to all of us to launch into this new year with the right view and commitment. Keeping our eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

There are 365 days ahead of us this year (provided Jesus tarries and we live), and Satan will utilize every second of every hour of every day to ensnare and destroy us. God has a way out of every temptation, but not everyone will trust Him and follow Him into victory. I hope we all make it; not somehow, but victoriously.

If Jesus tarries and God wills that we make it through 2011, I want all of us to finish the year without having failed in the faith.

12/31/10 My New Years Tract for the Boulevard

12/31/10 My New Years Tract for the Boulevard

I have written a new tract, to be handed out on my street ministry on the Boulevard. This will primarily go to workers in the Resort Industry, but it is generic enough for anyone.

I want to get several of these distributed in the next several days, setting up more ops with people I meet on the street.

This is a folded 4x6 white blank card with black ink.

I boldfaced some sections. It is an attractive tract. I addressed health, family and work as well as spiritual needs in the next year, with the focus on spiritual needs. I mark the pages for you in this comment.

Those who work in maintenance, food and housekeeping services often catch buses along the Boulevard. Sometimes I try to schedule around those times.

(front page)
AIMING FOR HEAVEN
IN 2011
When you get a little time, I hope you read this. It is my way of wishing you
Happy New Year.
HELLO
Hi, my name is David, I am a pastor in Myrtle Beach and a Chaplain along the Boulevard. I hand out tracts, talk to people and pray for folks who are interested, because I want everyone to live life to the fullest and I want us all to make heaven our home. I am wishing the best for you in 2011. I hope you enjoy success in your health, your family, your career and most of all, in your relationship with God. I am not asking for anything, in fact, I just want to encourage you to live closer to God this year than you ever have in the past. I include a few daily reminders.

(page 2)
ADJUSTING OUR FOCUS
We're all so busy these days and have so many responsibilities with finances, family and work that most people don't invest enough time in their relationship with God. That is too bad, because He has invested so much in each of us and because we are going to spend eternity somewhere, based on the relationship we have had with God in this world.
SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT
Most people hope that success will just fall into their laps, but the fact is, our own choices and actions help determine how successful we are.
HEALTH
We cannot always determine the quality of health that we have but we can make choices that contribute to good health (diet, sleep, exercise, activities, habits).

(page 3)
RELATIONSHIPS
We cannot make others do the right thing, but we can contribute to a good relationship with a family member, friend or co-worker by being honest, forgiving, considerate and self denying.
VOCATION
While some people are workaholics, too many others are not dedicated enough to being successful in the workplace. Set goals and pursue them; be thankful for your job; respect others; be committed to the standards and success of your company; don't meddle in other people's lives and don't be a complainer.
SPIRITUAL
It is easy to focus on the present life while neglecting God and our own soul, but remember, the soul is eternal and the present life is only a vapor. The present life is an investment in eternity.

(back page)
ONLY CHRIST DIED FOR YOUR
SINS AND ROSE PHYSICALLY
DAILY DOs AND DON'Ts *
Follow Christ fully: Don't play games.
Seek God by reading The Holy Bible and praying: Don't neglect time with God, He is your life (breath, food, drink, strength, light).
Find and fellowship with others who follow Christ and the Bible: Don't be a lone wolf or hang with bad company.
Love God and your neighbor completely: Don't be self centered.
Be cleansed from all sin: Don't hold to secret sins.
Avoid all appearance of evil: Don't be careless.
Confess Christ to others: Don't hide your faith.
* These thoughts come from the Bible.
Pastor David L. Gould Phone xxxxxxxxxx

12/30/10 A FEW ADVANTAGES

12/30/10 A FEW ADVANTAGES

I was talking to an owner of a car business yesterday. He asked where our church meets, and responded positively when I said, "My house." I agreed, but asked him if he would be more productive in sales and service with or without a building. He understood immediately. If all I want to do is meet, a house works; if I want a Life Saving Station, a building helps. I've done it both ways, Give me a building any day.

A FEW ADVANTAGES...

I have had meetings in my home through the years, with over 50 people in attendance for worship, study, fellowship, meals, activities, sometimes lasting for several hours. Some people may not need room and facilities for a full program, I do; but I do the best I can with what I have.

I realize there are some advantages to a "house church" but here are some of the advantages that go with having a building. This is not to argue against house church ministries. Sometimes it is not only the only choice, sometimes it may be the best choice. I am simply sharing my observations on how a dedicated facility has advantages over a house church.

A dedicated building gives a location that can be advertised and marketed. This gives greater range of outreach than simple word of mouth, inviting people to a private home.

People tend to be more responsive to an "established" ministry rather than one that has no "roots." More visitors will come to a dedicated building.

Logistics problems are intensified for a house church; parking, neighbors, hours of vital activity, meeting space, running several programs at one time, having several Bible classes running at same time, fellowship and activity meetings.

The average house is verrrrrrry limited in the number of people it can serve.

Since most living rooms are not designed to accommodate large numbers of people, the house church is limited even more.

Since the average meeting room will seldom run at more than 75% seating capacity, the house church is limited even more.

It is easier and better to have a dedicated building for youth ministry.

Potential for growth in program, numbers, outreach, influence and impact on the community is greater with a dedicated building.

There are other reasons, but I just wanted to share a few thoughts.

If you have a building, shame of you if you don't use it to its fullest possibilities.

Anyone who has been part of our ministry knows that we have not only used our buildings, we have almost worn them out. Our ministry has been as close to a 24/7 as any church I know about. In fact, if I had a building now, I think it would be 24/7 within a year, ministering to all kinds of subgroups and subcultures. I am not just spouting off, I am basing it on the things I have done in ministry since 1965 and considering the possibilities of MB. Oh well.

12/28/10 THREE EXPERIMENTS, ONE CONSTANT

12/28/10 THREE EXPERIMENTS, ONE CONSTANT

My most recent post caused me to think... God has had three great social experiments in history.

1- Adam in the Garden

2- Israel/Judah as a Theocracy and

3- USA as a nation built on a Christian foundation.

There was ONE COMMON CAVEAT.

Do not turn from God, or you will fail.

Again, God and His word have been proved to be right.

12/28/10 THE REVELATION OF GOD SETS THE STANDARD

12/28/10 THE REVELATION OF GOD SETS THE STANDARD

If, according to U.S. law, religions would be legal or illegal, based on foundational beliefs, Islam would be illegal and Christianity would be legal.

This is the way it was at America's founding. There is nothing in Biblical Christianity that conflicts with America's historic laws.

NOT SO with Islam. America changed, not Islam or Christianity. USA has failed as a nation in proportion to rejecting Christ.

See, this is important, because all of the gainsayers attack America's Christian foundation, as if that was the cause of our problems.

In fact, it has been the rejection of Biblical Christianity that has moved us from being the so-called City on a Hill to becoming a nation in decline.

It was not America's loyalty to Christian standards that undermined USA, it is America's move away from Biblical values that has contributed to USA being "just another one of the nations of the world."

12/27/10 AT LEAST CONSIDER THIS

12/27/10 AT LEAST CONSIDER THIS

Easy to understand.

If you have never sinned, you are not separated from God.

If you are not separated from God, you don't need to be recinciled to God.

If you do not need to be reconciled to God, you don't need to repent, confess or trust Christ for salvation;

OTHERWISE, be saved now or be lost forever (2 Co. 6:2).

WHY I POSTED THIS...
I posted this because I was thinking about people who are antagonistic toward God's message of loving reconciliation, through the self sacrificing death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Okay, so they don't think they need forgiveness for ever disobeying God and they do not need power to conquer temptation and they have never hurt anyone and they have never been selfish or lied or stolen or hated someone.

Fine, but why should they discourage others (who need God's forgiveness and renewal), from believing in the sacrificial death and physical resurrection of Christ. After all, millions have been delivered from evil behavior and set free from destructive habits, by the power of Jesus Christ.

And think about this. Jesus does not force us to become Christians and His message has always been filled with love and mercy. His work has always been to help the less fortunate in medical, educational, relational, economic and personal areas.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Love, the Master of Mercy, the King of Kindness. His true followers have done more to help this world than any other group of people on the planet.

AHA

So, for those who do not need a Savior, why do you have to attack Christ, the Bible, salvation and believers? Oh, oh, I know why, because you have sin in your heart and you don't want to give it up.

12/26/10 FB NOTE... GOD IS THE GIVER OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT

12/26/10 FB NOTE... GOD IS THE GIVER OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT

INTRODUCTION...
God has given us His Son, Jesus, and His Holy Spirit; Jesus has given Himself for us, so that we might have eternal life. However, there are a great number of attending blessings that come to us because God gave Jesus. If He has given us His Son, will He not freely give us all things? God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

This NOTE lists many of these gifts, along with the appropriate verses. This is not an exhaustive list of New Testament passages, though it is fairly thorough, containing 115 passages, addressing over 50 different, though interrelated categories. For the most part, I limited my choices to verses that actually used the words, give, gift, given gives and giver (KJV). It was done rather quickly, so if you see errors, please feel free to email me. You may choose to rename my categories.

I realize that the meaning of the passages are broader than my labels covers. I also realize that the primary intent of the passage may be something other than what I label, however, the passages do include secondary applications. For instance, Give us this day our daily bread, includes both material and spiritual sustenance. Instead of letting my labels be restricting, you should allow God to speak to you from the passages.

I hope this list provides easy access to information, but more than that, I hope it encourages you when you are facing difficulties and challenges you as you grow in grace.

A List of Gifts from God (arranged alphabetically according to headings I chose arbitrarily)...

A PARTIAL LIST OF GOD'S GIFTS...
God Gave His Son...
John 3:16
(16)  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 4:10
(10)  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
2 Corinthians 9:15
(15)  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Ephesians 1:22
(22)  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
1 John 5:10
(10)  He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Christ Gave His life...
Matthew 20:28
(28)  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Galatians 1:3-4
(3)  Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
(4)  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Galatians 2:20
(20)  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Ephesians 5:2
(2)  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.
Ephesians 5:25
(25)  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
1 Timothy 2:6
(6)  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Titus 2:14
(14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

God Gave His Holy Spirit...
Luke 11:13
(13)  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
John 7:39
(39)  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
John 14:16-17
(16)  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;
(17)  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 15:26
(26)  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 16:13
(13)  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
Acts 2:17-18
(17)  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
(18)  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Acts 2:38-39
(38)  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(39)  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Acts 5:32
(32)  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Acts 8:18
(18)  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Acts 10:45
(45)  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 11:16-17
(16)  Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
(17)  Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Romans 5:5
(5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 8:15
(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.
1 Corinthians 2:12
(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.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
(8)  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.
1 John 3:24
(24)  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John 4:13
(13)  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

All Things...
Romans 8:32
(32)  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

All Things that Pertain to Life and Godliness...
2 Peter 1:3
(3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Assurance of Coming Judgment...
Acts 17:31
(31)  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Consolation and Hope...
2 Thessalonians 2:16
(16)  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

Crown of Righteousness...
2 Timothy 4:8
(8)  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Daily Bread to His Children...
Matthew 6:11
(11)  Give us this day our daily bread.

Earnest of the Spirit...
2 Corinthians 1:22
(22)  Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
2 Corinthians 5:5
(5)  Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Eternal Inheritance to His Children...
Acts 20:32
(32)  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Eternal Life...
John 10:28
(28)  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 17:2
(2)  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Romans 6:23
(23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Galatians 3:22
(22)  But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
1 John 5:11
(11)  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:16
(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.

Faith...
Romans 12:3
(3)  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Romans 12:6
(6)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Corinthians 3:5
(5)  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

Favor and Wisdom in This Life...
Acts 7:9-10
(9)  And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
(10)  And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Food That Endures...
John 6:27
(27)  Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Gifts of the Spirit...
Romans 12:6
(6)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Co. 12-14
SINCE THIS INCLUDES ALL OF CHAPTERS 12-14, I HAVE NOT POSTED IT HERE.
Ephesians 3:7-8
(7)  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
(8)  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 4:7-8
(7)  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
(8)  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Ephesians 4:11
(11)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
1 Timothy 4:14
(14)  Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
2 Timothy 1:6
(6)  Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:9
(9)  Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Hebrews 2:4
(4)  God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Glory of God...
John 17:22
(22)  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

God's Word...
John 17:14
(14)  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Good and Perfect Gifts...
James 1:17
(17)  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Grace of God...
Romans 5:15
(15)  But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Romans 15:15
(15)  Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
1 Corinthians 1:4
(4)  I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
1 Corinthians 3:10
(10)  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Galatians 2:9
(9)  And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Galatians 2:20
(20)  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Ephesians 3:2
(2)  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Ephesians 3:7-8
(7)  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
(8)  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 4:7-8
(7)  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
(8)  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Healing...
Acts 3:6
(6)  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
James 5:16
(16)  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Heavenly Gift...
Hebrews 6:4
(4)  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Increase...
1 Corinthians 3:6
(6)  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Keys of the Kingdom...
Matthew 16:19
(19)  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Kingdom to His Children...
Luke 12:32
(32)  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Knowledge of Salvation to His People...
Luke 1:77
(77)  To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God...
2 Corinthians 4:6
(6)  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Light to Those Who Sit in Darkness...
Luke 1:79
(79)  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Ephesians 5:14
(14)  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Living Bread...
John 6:51
(51)  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Material Needs...
2 Corinthians 9:8-9
(8)  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(9)  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever.
1 Peter 4:10
(10)  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Mercy...
2 Timothy 1:16
(16)  The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

Ministry of Reconciliation...
2 Corinthians 5:18
(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;
Colossians 1:25
(25)  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;

Ministerial Authority...
2 Corinthians 10:8
(8)  For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
2 Corinthians 13:10
(10)  Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

New Commandment (to love one another)...
John 13:34
(34)  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
1 John 3:23
(23)  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Peace...
John 14:27
(27)  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
(16)  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Promises, Exceeding Great and Precious...
2 Peter 1:4
(4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins...
Acts 5:31
(31)  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
2 Timothy 2:25
(25)  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Repentance Opportunity...
Revelation 2:21
(21)  And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Rest to His People...
Matthew 11:28
(28)  Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Revelation of Future...
Revelation 1:1
(1)  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Salvation...
Ephesians 2:8
(8)  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Scripture...
2 Timothy 3:16
(16)  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Spirit of Power, Love and Sound Mind...
2 Timothy 1:7
(7)  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him...
Ephesians 1:17
(17)  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Temporal Blessings...
Acts 14:17
(17)  Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

True Bread of Heaven...
John 6:32-33
(32)  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
(33)  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Understanding...
2 Timothy 2:7
(7)  Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
1 John 5:20
(20)  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Unspeakable (indescribable) Gift...
2 Corinthians 9:15
(15)  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Water of Life...
John 4:14
(14)  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Wisdom...
James 1:5
(5)  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2 Peter 3:15
(15)  And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

Wisdom in Speech...
Luke 21:15
(15)  For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Ephesians 6:19
(19)  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

REVELATION GIFTS FOR THE MILLENNIAL CHURCH...
Eat from Tree of Life...
Revelation 2:7
(7)  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Crown of Life...
Revelation 2:10
(10)  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Eat Hidden Manna and White Stone...
Revelation 2:17
(17)  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

According to Works...
Revelation 2:23
(23)  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Power Over the Nations...
Revelation 2:26
(26)  And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Morning Star...
Revelation 2:28
(28)  And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 1:1
(1)  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation 2:21
(21)  And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Revelation 2:7
(7)  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:10
(10)  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:17
(17)  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:23
(23)  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Revelation 2:26
(26)  And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Revelation 2:28
(28)  And I will give him the morning star.

12/26/10 MERCHANTS OF ERROR

12/26/10 MERCHANTS OF ERROR

POISONED OR UNPOISONED

It is just as deadly to convince someone that the well is poisoned as it is for the well to actually be poisoned. There are many programs that falsely say the Bible is errant, and this misleads non-believers to reject the only answer to their sin problem.

Amazing how many intellectuals are so gullible.

THE MERCHANTS OF ERROR...
I have seen snippets from so many different documentaries on TV (loaded with people who are not saved, not intellectually honest and not even informed) addressing issues like the Bible, the supposed real story of Christmas, the supposed Bible account of the end times, the supposed lost books of the Bible, the supposed real Jesus, or the supposedly true story of the Bible.

The problem is most people are so unlearned and prejudiced that they accept the false notions of people who have CHOSEN not to believe the Bible, rather than examine the evidence themselves or at least listen to someone who is as well lettered and much better informed.

It is not that people are convinced by the facts, because they have not even heard the facts. It is that they are looking for support in their rejection of truth.

Here is where the well is said to be poisoned. People will not even come to the well of Bible truth and Christians salvation, because they have pre-decided that the Bible is wrong and Christianity is full of errors, contradictions and myths. If they could only know the characters who attack the Bible, they would see that they are buying into another person's anger and hypocrisy.

12/26/10 UNDELIVERED GIFTS

12/26/10 UNDELIVERED GIFTS

Hey, did you ever find yourself, after Christmas, with gifts that you had not yet delivered to other people?

Well, God has given believers the responsibility to give His gift of love and salvation to other people (Ro. 1:14; 2 Co. 5:19-20).

Look under the TREE (the Cross; Ac. 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; Ga. 3:13: [based on Joshua. 10:26-27]) and you will see gifts for all your friends.

Be sure to distribute them.

PASSAGES...
WE HAVE SOMEONE'S GIFT...
Romans 1:14
(14) I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
DLG notes...
God has given us the message of salvation, to give to other people. Until we deliver it, we owe it to them.

2 Corinthians 5:19-20
(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.
DLG notes...
Believers have the responsibility to call on others to be reconciled to God.

JESUS HUNG ON A TREE IN AN IGNOMINIOUS DEATH...
Acts 5:30
(30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Acts 10:39
(39) And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Acts 13:29
(29) And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher.

Galatians 3:13-14
(13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
(14) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Joshua 10:26-27
(26) And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.
(27) And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day.
DLG notes...
To die by hanging or crucifixion was an ignominious death. Christ died a terrible and despicable form of death.

In the Joshua passage the instrument of death was called a tree, and thus the interpretation of the "tree" passages in the New Testament. The word can also be translated stick, wood, plank, timber or gallows.

Remember, when people put up Christmas trees, they are often cut trees or dead trees, so the use of the word tree for the tree product is not unusual, even in our day.

12/24/10 Merry Christmas to all of my FB friends.

12/24/10 Merry Christmas to all of my FB friends.

There really is joy in giving and the Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. Most of us would like to give more to those we love and to those who are in need.

How wonderful it must be to be God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift.