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Praise the Lord!!
In Psalms 26 there is much to learn. The psalmist is asking God to judge him, examine him and try him. Powerful words. Why? Many times people will say, "don't judge me". But in this psalm the psalmist (David) is asking God to judge him. What can be learned from this is the fact that when you walk upright, when you are seeking to obey the word of God and doing what it takes to make sure you do with all that is within you, you do not mind the Lord judging you. As a matter of fact, you want the Lord to judge you. For it is far better to be judged now while the blood is running warm in your veins than after you die. Judgment is part of living holy. David let the Lord know that he has trusted in Him and walked in the truth. He let the Lord know that he had not sat with vain persons nor with dissemblers. He let the Lord know that he hated the congregation of evil doers and would not sit with the wicked. All souls should be asking the Lord to search them, search their heart. Will you ask the Lord to search you? Judge you? David did.
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I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
To those of you that read the Bible Studies, the one today is essential. God's word, the Bible, has always and will always be the final authority when it comes to the Lord Jesus Christ, Heaven, salvation, sin and ever lasting torment. There is a teaching being spread that hell is not real. Not so!! The same teaching is not predicated on the word of God, the Bible, but the failed understanding of some spiritual life coach. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, do not adhere to that teaching. There is a heaven and there is a hell. Hell is not a bad feeling one has because they did something wrong. Is a prepared place for those that do not live the way the Bible teaches. All this horizontal/vertical nonsense being taught is not Bible. If you read and study the Bible, you will see for yourself that hell is real. In Jesus Name, do not follow that teaching!!! Your souls eternal resting place is at stake. You can lose your soul. These false prophet, preachers teacher talk from a human perspcetive and not from the word of God. They talk to make a person 'feel good' now, but there is price to pay when one does not become born again of the water and the Spirit. Don't be deceived. In the book of Luke chapter 16, verses 19-31 gives an excellent teaching on 5:. Read it. Also read Ezekiel 31:16, Matthew 11:23, Mark 9:47. Isaiah 5:14 says 'hell hath enlarged herself and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory and their multitude, and their pomp and he that rejoiceth shall descend into it". Don't be deceived. "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."- I Peter 1:15,16
Everything is not acceptable with God. One can not live any kind of way, do some of everything, say/talk any kind of way, etc. Those professing salvation or being saved must live according to the word of God. II Corinthians 6:14-15 says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" Light and dark do not mix!! Evil will always hate good. And good will always love the Lord. Saul, David; who had the problem? Which one was evil? Which one hated good? which one loved God? Studying the relationship between these two will teach one a lot. Saul was king. A king that the people wanted to be like others. Samuels son's were judges during this time and they walk not in the ways of their father. For this reason, the elders of Israel gathered themselves together and came to Samuel and asked for a king to judge Israel. Samuel prayed unto God about this matter. God responded, "hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say not thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them (I Samuel 8:7). God also told Samuel to let them know how this king would treat them (verses 9-18). Saul became Israel's king. Then in I Samuel chapter 16:3, God sent Samuel to Jesse's house and said, "and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me whom I name unto thee." And that someone was David. I Samuel 16:13 tells us that after Samuel anointed David the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. Here in is where the true nature of Saul started to show. Davids first show of being a leader and over comer came when he defeated Goliath the giant as his brothers cowered away from the fight. Davids' brothers came against him for his desire to defeat the enemy of Israel. The scriptures go on to say David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely. David was praised by the people for defeating the enemy of Israel. But Saul, the king of Israel became 'wroth' (I Samuel 18:8). One would think a king would be glad to have a fighter on his side that was courageous enough to fight against the enemy of his kingdom. But Saul did not concentrate on that. Instead he showed jealousy when the people rejoiced in David's victory. Saul even through a javelin at David to kill him. But, why? Saul even gave David his daughter to wife, but the reason was not to have a son-in-law. But to put a snare in Davids life (I Samuel 18:21). The scriptures also say that Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul (verse12). The scripture also says that when Saul saw that he (David) behaved himself very wisely, he (Saul) was afraid of him (verse 15). From this point forward, Saul sought to kill/destroy David. So, who had the problem? Saul or David? In the time we are living in now, how much is righteousness come against? How much is holiness come against by the wicked? How often are those that strive to live right treated like an enemy of the Lord and hated by those that say they love the Lord? So who has the problem? No place in the scriptures will one find David doing anything to Saul. David never did disrespect Saul. Everything Saul gave David to do, he did it. Every battle Saul sent David to fight, David came back victorious. So who had the problem? Saul even came against his own son Jonathan because Jonathan and David were friends. David would go into hiding or be on the run before he would do Saul any harm. Sauls hatred for David was so strong that when Ahimelech the priest went to Saul to answer for helping David, Ahimelech told Saul, "who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which with the kings son in law, and goeth at they bidding, and is honorable in thine house? Ahimelech answer caused Saul to say this, "thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou and all thy fathers house (I Samuel 22:16). Why? because Ahimelech had no evil to say against David and Ahimelech and the priest had assisted David in giving him food as he fled from Saul. Saul's hatred for David was great and many suffered and die because of Saul's hatred for a man that loved God and carried himself wisely! So, who had the problem? Saul could not get his footmen to kill the priest. But there was a man of the edomites that was more than willing to do it. Doeg (verse 18). Doeg killed four score and five priests (85). So, who had the problem? Do not allow jealousy for what God is doing in someone's life cause hatred. Do not be jealous of anyone that serves the Lord with all their heart. This kind of hatred is damaging to souls. Question. Do you have a problem with one of God's children because they service the Lord with all that is within them? So, who has the problem? Pastor Webb I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.- Psalms 34:1-3
One way the adversary is bringing division among God's people is music, praise and worship, etc. The young ones will say the way the old Saints sing and praise the Lord is out dated. The old ones will say the way the young ones praise the Lord and is too worldly. If I may, testify in this area for a moment. I have always loved music. From my first day in beginners band in middle school. I was a trumpet player and managed to master the instrument. The music teacher taught me a love for music. Not for any particular genre, but just music. As I got older I found a genre that I loved and was faithful to it. In college I use to DJ. I learned or had the gift to put songs in order to tell a story or soothe people on the dance floor. I was good at that too. I learned how to flow with the 'spirit' of the crowd. Any time I gave an event, the kids would come out and fill the place. Then one day in a church service, I heard another sound. Gospel music. And it did not sound like the sound I was making when I DJ'd. Back then, people did not play with the church like they do now. Back then, you could not even sing in the choir if you was not living right. Back then, when you put that choir robe on you could not wear any jewelry. Back then. I can remember singers singing with all that was within them to the Lord. Sweat would be running down their faces and the back of their shirt, suit coat or dress, but that did not stop them from glorifying God. And when they sang, I felt something I had not felt before. it was a feeling that I could not duplicate when I DJ'd. I had to find out what that was. Back then they would have musicals. Not performances, but musicals and not one got paid to sing or play the instruments. Back then it was considered an honor to sing and play for and unto the Lord. Back then. The choirs, quartets, soloists did not perform back then. They praised the Lord. I witnessed singers sing their heart out, almost to the point of fainting but then some kind of 'power' would over take them and they sang the house down. Then this feeling/presende would fill the room and people would start praising the Lord. Some would run. Some would shout. Some would dance. Some would end up on the floor. I had to find out what was doing that. Back then you did not hear worldly music in the church, at least the ones I went to as i was trying to find Jesus. I remember being in a service and an alter call was made. That same something that had folks running, shouting, dancing was pulling at me! Scared me. I would try to sit back and it would make me come forward. My friend told me it must be the Holy Ghost. My reaction was, "the what?" I did not fool with anything with ghost in it. But I could not fight it any more. I went to the altar and the rest is history. The service I was in was a gospel music conference. I got my first touch from God there. A lot has changed in the gospel music world since 'back then'. And one of the changes is I don't feel 'that' when I try to listen to what is being called gospel music today. And, I have nothing against any of the younger ones. I thank the Lord for them. But the younger ones now are not singing like the younger ones 'back then'. For all those musical I went to back then, most of the singers were young people. But something has happened. Is it the desire to be well known or wanting record/recording deals, fame/fortune, what? Young people, do not allow the desire for a music deal have you singing songs the do not glorify the Lord and honor his word!! When the gospel is taken out of a song, all you have is music. And music can make your flesh move, while starving the soul. When Paul and Silas were in jail because of preaching the gospel, what did they do? They prayed and sang. And what was the result? The Lord sent an angel to free them. Oh, praise God. God says He inhabits the praises of his people. The words and songs coming out of the mouth of Paul and Silas caused God to move on their behalf. And, as one that is now considered 'old' I know for a fact when the singing is done to the glory of God, He will move for you. When you sing, sing because of who the Lord is and what his word says. When you sing, sing because of the fact that the Lord allowed you to hear the gospel and get free from sin. When you sing, sing because you just love him and enjoy singing about him. Many of the songs today are about the person singing and their feelings and not about the Lord. Again, when you take the gospel out of a song, all you have is music. To this very day, I listen to songs that remind me of the word of God. The Bible teaches that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceededeth out of the mouth of God. So let's sing about the Lord. Let's sing about his works. let's sing about Him and not about them or self. The old ones are not against you young singers. We love you. But we need to be able to recognize the God of the Bible in your songs so we know you are singing about Jesus Christ and not some other God. Anybody can praise God. But worship has to be done in Spirit and in truth. Holiness has a sound that the world can not duplicate. The Saints know that sound. The Saints look for that sound, not the age of the one producing the sound. It is jut like preaching. The preacher can be two years old. If he or she is preaching the word of God, that is what counts. The old ones will be able to eat from it as well as the young ones. For there is no old or young gospel! Also, the young singers 'back then' did not dress any kind of way. They did not come into the house of God disrespectful looking. They did not dress revealing and they were neat and presentable. It makes a differences. Love you. Holiness does not change. From the cradle to the grave, holiness does not change. Pastor Webb I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Time passes so quickly. Things change so quickly. But there is one thing that does not change and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. I specify the Lord Jesus Christ because it is not enough to say God any more. There are so many false gods today just like there are so many false religions. When asked what makes holiness right, it the answer is because that is what God said to be, Holy in all manner of conversation (I Peter 1:15). He also said to follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). So holiness is not an option if one plans on going to Heaven. It has always been this way. Once challenge to day is finding witnesses, true witnesses. For there are many that say the love Jesus and are saved. But did they do what it takes to get saved? Talking about salvation does not mean one is saved. Talking about Jesus does not mean one is saved. There is more to it than that. The Bible teaches that in the last days many would depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (I Timothy 4:1). Many profess holiness, but are not living life the way the Bible teaches a holy person should live. And this is not about comparing oneself to anyone else. But it is about examining yourself to see whether or not you are in the faith. Every tree is known by his own fruit. How do you get 'saved'? The condensed, blog answer is one starts with repentance. When God created man and placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden the world was perfect. Adam and Eve were perfect. Then the serpent came with words and Eve at of the fruit from the tree God said not to eat from. She then gave the same fruit to Adam to eat, and sin entered the perfect world and the two perfect people were not flawed because of disobedience to God. Now everyone born from Adam and Eve's off spring to babies in 2022, all are born into sin. From the flood until today, God has been seeking to redeem mankind back into fellowship with Him. The Old Testament way did not change or touch the heart of men. Mankind would make sacrifices for sin, but still continue to live in sin. Then God came Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice. The Bible tells us the the word is God and this word was made flesh (Jesus Christ) and dwelt among us. Jesus lived a sin free life and is the perfect example that it is possible to live without sin through Him. Since it has always been God's way that blood must be shed for sacrifices to be excepted by Him, Jesus had to die on the cross and shed His blood for the sins of the world. The Bible says He that knew no sin became sin. And after Jesus was crucified and placed in a borrowed tomb, He rose of the 3rd day with all power in His hand. But He could not stay on earth after He rose. He had to leave so the comforter (Holy Ghost) could come and be available to fill the repentant soul. Why does one need to be filled with the Holy Ghost? Because the Bible teaches that without God's Spirit you are none of His (Romans 8:9). Now man no longer has to kill animals to offer up for his sins. Jesus is the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world (John 1:19). Those that hear this, believe it, except it by repenting of their sins (cleans the heart out), gets baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38), shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and become born again of the water and the Spirit. I admonish you to find a holiness church and start attending Bible Study. Allow some one to teach you the ways of the Lord. For the Bible says, "how shall they hear without a preacher". Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the fight of God is eternal life THROUGH JESUS CHRIST out Lord. Eternity is a long time and time is running out. Start looking for a church. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Perilous times are upon us like never before. There is so much confusion and falseness relating to the Lord and the Bible. So many just do not know what to believe. Many have left the truth because of untruths that sounded 'good'. Then we have laws being made that go directly against the word of God. So when the word of God is preached or taught that goes against the laws, many call foul, or say we are haters, or mean, or call us a cult or say we are trying to control and dictate what folks believe. As I hear so many times, "that's what you all believe. Don't force your beliefs on me'. Contrary to popular belief, there is only one way to be saved and one way to God. Only one. There has always been only one. There will always be only one. The Lord said in the last days it would be this way. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are goo, traitors, heady high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God: having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."- II Timothy 3:1-5 What folks that feel this way and speak this way fail to realize that living in sin is going to cost them their eternal soul. The Bible says, the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). It is not that the church hates the sinner or anyone for that matter. But the God that the church serves hates sin. And, it is the love of God that teaches and shows a person their sins so he or she can repent and be saved. When God calls something sin, there is not a law that man can come up with to change the word of God. And God has called his people to be witnesses to his truth and his ways so souls can come out of sin. Repent of your sins before it is too late. Anyone one remember this song? 'When we all get to Heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.'
But, everybody talking about heaven is not going. I love this song. The desire is to see the Lord's face in peace. In order to do this, there are things that have to be right in the life. Going to heaven is not automatic. The Lord gives each 24 hours in a day to 'redeem wisely'. Seeking the Lord and his righteousness is necessary to seeing His face in peace. The Bible teaches that God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalms 7:11). Living contrary to the word of God will keep a soul from seeing the Lord in peace. Be admonished to seek the Lord until you find him. Do not settle for a religious experience. Marvel not, you must be born again (John 3:7). Go to a REAL Bible preaching church and sit up under the word of God. Let that word renew and transform your mind. For your thoughts are not His thoughts. One has to become a new creature in Christ. Many believe they are already saved and Heaven ready. Yet the fruit of their life and the fruit of their thoughts is not according to the teachings of scripture. We are running out of time. Jesus Christ is on HIs way back. And, He is coming back for a church without spot or blemish. "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish."- Ephesians 5:27 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid."- Romans 6:1
Profound statement from the word of God. One can not continue in sin and expect to be saved (go to Heaven). Impossible. The Lord God said he chose the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. With all that is happening in the world right now, it would behoove mankind to start seeking the Lord for salvation. Folks have played church long enough. It is time to get back to preaching the Gospel, living the Gospel, coming against all unrighteousness, fasting and praying, and so on. Things are not going to get better because the word of God says so. What should get better is mans relationship with the Lord. The Saints should be drawing closer. The sinner needs to go to Church and be preached to. The backslider needs to repent and do their first works over. Jesus Christ is on his way back for His church. He is not going to take anything. Marvel not, you must be born again. This ministry is based upon the word of God. It is not based upon the ideal ology of a mankind or any organization. It is based on the word of God. God called us to preach it and that is what we are going to do. As time comes to a close I can not help but cry loud and spare not. Repent, repent before it is too late. Repent. Praise the Lord. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Praise the Lord.
The year is almost over, 2021. Many challenges and changes have taken place. But through it all the Lord is still Lord. Jesus never told his followers to trust in the world or man. He taught to trust in the Lord will all your heart. The word of God also teaches to continue in the faith which was once delivered. The word also tells us to not add or take away from the word of God;. The fall away is in full force. All Saints are admonished to hold fast, hold on, don't be deceived. As 2021 comes to an end I would admonish all to seek the Lord. Time is running out. The dispensation of grace is almost over. It is truly time to draw nigh to the Lord like never before. 2022 will be a challenge also. If you are saved, hold on. If you have not obeyed Acts 2:38 it is time to seek the Lord so He can draw you. We are running out of time. Steadfast will end the year with prayer. Starting December 26th until January 8th 2022 we will be praying at the church from 7:30 to 9:00/9:30. All are welcome. We are praying, seeking the face of God. For He alone knows what we have need of and He knows how to supply it. We will also be fasting (no food or water one day each week. Help us Lord. Pastor Webb Praise the Lord everybody!! The Lord is still good. The Lord is still in control. The Lord is still on the throne.
What a day and time we are living in! What a time to be saved!! What a time to be a witness for the Lord. What a time, what a time, what a time. The goal for the Saint of God is to go to heaven and be with the Lord. Therefore, all the things going on that could invoke fear has not affect on the Saint of God! The Bible teaches that fear hath torment (I John 4:18). The Lord has said he would provide and care for his people. I John 5:4 says, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that over cometh the world, even our faith.." Therefore it does not matter what the world does or what the world comes up with. Faith over comes fear. Hold on Saints. To those that are not saved, seek the Lord while the blood is running warm in your veins. When someone witnessed to you about the salvation, going to church, repentance, being baptized in Jesus Name, they are trying to get you to obey what the Lord has said is necessary to go to heaven. When someone witness' it is not to get followers for themselves. It is to tell you what the Lord said. In the book of Matthew chapter 28 the Bible says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever, I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." And, the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost is JESUS (Matthew 1:21). Eternity is a long time. Where will you spend it?? |
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