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I will bless the Lord at all times His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
There is a song with a line in it that says, "time is filled with swift transition. Naught of earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God's unchanging hand." I thought about this song as the current events in hour country unfold. Everyday there is something happening that shakes someone's world. Many are in despair. Many are hurting. Many suffer depression. Many suffer physical pain due to sickness, injury or disease. Many have not hope in the future. Many that once believed in Jesus Christ no longer do. Many despise the Church and its teachings, blaming the actions of others as the reason. But, Jesu, Christ is still the answer!! In the book of John chapter 10. verse 10 Jesus said, "The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Jesus went on to say that He is the good shepherd and that the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Jesus is not the reason for evil, hurt and pain that is going on. Jesus came that one might have life. Won't you seek the Lord today so you can have life? Psalms 9:17 says, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Proverbs 13:15 says, but the way of transgressors is hard. Sin has a price. Song: 'I believe I will hold to His hand. Gods unchanging hand. I believe I will hold to his hand, God's unchanging hand. Build your hope on things eternal. Hold to God's unchanging hand.'
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I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Praise the Lord. During a Bible lesson there was a question asked about fellowship. Who is it ok to fellowship with and things of that nature. The discussion led to witnessing and what or how to address fellowship when the doctrine is different. Doctrine means teaching(s). I asked what does the 'fellowship' believe. The answer was they believe in Jesus, Heaven. The leader of the group wants to help youth get into Heaven, but he is not 'hard' like we are?? I am recounting the essence of the discussion and not words verbatim. In essence, the group meets together socially with others that want to go to Heaven, but nothing 'hard" or as it was described, nondenominational. I asked, would they come to Steadfast and how do you think they would receive the truth. The answer was 'they would not'. Not 'hard' like this. I am grateful for the discussion because it helped to answer a lot of questions the Church is facing right now. I even thought about what one must do to get on an airplane to take a trip. How many ways can a person enter an airplane to take a trip? How many doors can the person choose from? The answer is one. There is only one way to get on an airplane to fly to your destination. One. And as far as going to heaven, there is only one way, Jesus said he is the way, the truth and the life. How many ways is it to get into Jesus? One. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heat, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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." - Acts 2:27,28 No sin will enter into Heaven. And, there is no such thing as big sins or little sins. Sin is sin and the wages of sin is death. The sinner has to be warned of this. The church can not allow the fact that they won't like it or accept it keep the truth from being preached/taught to the sinner. And, it takes being called of God to preach the truth in season and out of season. For those that think or feel holiness preaching is hard and 'controlling', you need to get past that. God chose the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe. Time is short and now more than ever it is time to believe the Gospel and live. Stephen lost his life telling the people what they needed to hear and not what they wanted to hear. "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying, lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59,60 Hebrews 4:7 says, "Again, he limfiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." Praise the Lord.
Just a few words to express something that is on my heart today as a servant of the Lord. Prayerfully, these words will help someone in some fashion to do better, be better and most of all get saved before Jesus comes back for His church. I do not profess to know anything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified and His word. It is not my intent to offend anyone. The following thoughts are on my heart. My soul aches when I see or hear of the Saints of God getting into confrontations about Democrats being devils and Republicans being 'Gods People' and Patriots with the good of the country at heart. It pained my soul when I heard so. many preachers and "prophets" declare that "God said ? would be president a second term. It pains my soul to see all the hate going forth in the name of the Lord. My brethren this should not be. There are good people in both parties. There are Republicans that do not agree with everything the party does and vice versa with Democrats. Why is the church being drawn into this? The purpose of the Church is to prepare souls for the judgment and eternity. I do not know how those that do these things have no shame for disgracing the Name of Jesus and His Church. There are Republican sinners and Democrat sinners for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, which is why mankind needs Jesus Christ. A political affiliation does not equate to right standing with God. Marvel not, you must be born again! Politics and religion do not mix just like light and dark do not mix. Why are folks trying to make it seems as if the Republicans are God's people? That God is for the Republicans and if you are a Democrat you are a devil. I know i stated this earlier, but it just amazes me that the church has stooped so low Where in the Bible did Jesus Christ get involved with politics? Did Jesus ever approach Pilot and come agains how he governed the land? Jesus involvement with the rulers of the land was to turn them away from sin and bring them to repentance. Church, what are you doing? Jesus said He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Jesus said whosoever will, let him come. The Bible says as many as receives Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). Jesus divides good from evil, right from wrong in each person, not a collective group. Everyone that goes to church is not saved, does not love the Lord. Its and individual thing! Why are folks following those that promote confusion, hatred, division and discord? If someone identifies as a Democrat, they will automatically be viewed as a devil? How is it that all these theology trained preachers can't see this? How is it that those that study the word of the Lord for themselves do not see they are being led astray from the things Christ taught? As a matter of fact, Jesus called his followers Christians, And, Christian means Christ like. It does not mean just going to church. You can go to church your whole life and never get saved. The Bible says, He (Jesus) came unto his own, and his own received him not." - John 1:11 Being associated with a political party does not establish a walk with God or salvation. The Bible says, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). The Bible says, "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.: John 3:5-7. It does not say except one is a Republican or Democrat. My final thought is, if satan has blinded the minds of the preacher, apostle, evangelist, pastor, prophet what are these folks feeding the sheep? The Bible also says this: "Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. - Romans 16:17 Light and dark do not mix. Praise the Lord. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
I thank the Lord for salvation. I thank the Lord for the truth of the Gospel. Much soul searching has been going on . I pray that all that desire to go to Heaven are doing the same. These are truly perilous times and the very elect are being fooled. Fear has gripped the soul of the church and the life has just about been drained out of it. The enemy of the church has been trying since the beginning of time to wipe out the people of God. And, if he can not wipe them out, he will fool them into giving up their birthright by making the world more attractive that the ways of God. This pandemic has drove the church into hiding physically. It has made the church think it can use computers and online platforms to 'go ye therefore'. It has made the flesh of the Saints comfortable being at home. Most are watching more television than they ever have or are playing games. It does not take flesh long to take over if it is not subdued. The church has got to get back on the battlefield. My prayer is that the people of God will take a stand and go back to doing things the way God ordained it. If God sends plagues again, it is not to stop the church. The Saints are to have faith in God and use wisdom in doing things the way God said to do them. Man released this thing among us. Now more than ever it is time to have faith in God and live the life that we have preached about, sung about, testified about. The Lord reminds me often of Daniel. Daniel ended up in the lions den because he defied the laws of the land. Why did he defy the laws of the land? Because the laws of the land went against the word and ways of God. I can only image how his flesh reacted to being put in a lions den. How would yours react? Would you defy the laws of the land to obey the word of God? Covid is letting us know the answer to that. What kind of witness is God's church today? In the book of Hebrews the scripture states specifically to "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:'=- Hebrews 12:14. Then in II Timothy 4:3 the scripture states, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.""
The time that II Timothy is speaking of is in full swing today. Man kind would rather hear a fable than hear the truth. Mankind would rather hear sweet swelling words instead of the quick, sharp word of God. God has declared that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. So why are so many listening to half truth and in some cases no truth? Has your ear been turned to fables and not the doctrine of holiness? Is holiness now an offense to you? The church Jesus purchased with His blood is continuing to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered. That faith which was once delivered believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and His teachings that lead to obeying the Lord Jesus Christ and His teachings, which in turn will lead to holy living. The Bible says how shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they preach unless they be sent? ( Romans 10:14b, 15a). Do you hear? The coming of the Lord is soon. What or who are you listening to? The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. All that he made was good. God then formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:6). God gave man the commandment that he could eat of every tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good an evil. The Lord God then said, "it is not good that man should be alone: I will make him an help meet for him (Genesis 2:18).
The scriptures go on tell us that the serpent deceived the woman. The man followed suit and did not obey what God told him. Sin has now entered the world that was perfect. The serpent beguiled Eve, but no one made Adam eat of the forbidden fruit. He did it on his own. When Eve gave it to him, he could have said no. Many times people blame others for their sins. No one can make a person sin. After Adam and Eve were put out of the garden, they had two children, Cain and Abel. The Bible says, in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Scripture goes on to tell us that Cain killed his brother Abel. He lured him into one of his fields and killed him. When God asked him about it, he lied. Sin is now found in one of the sons of Adam and Eve. How did it get there? There were only four people in the earth this time and three of them sinned against God. All it takes is one person. This text also teaches us that is important what is in the parents. This scripture teaches us that sin nature is passed down. The Bible backs it up by saying, We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All of mankind needs the redeeming work of Christ in their life to the saving of their soul!! Matters not the race, creed or color, we all have sinned!! You are born a sinner needing to be redeemed. Thank the Lord for the redeeming work of Christ on the cross. In Luke 24:47, Jesus said, "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." As by one sin entered into the world, by one sin can be remitted. Romans 5:17 says it best, "For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." Have you repented of your sins? Time is running out. The Bible study lesson on last night was a great reminder that God sees everything. God is omniscient (He has total knowledge; he knows everything). He sees everything that His people go through. He sees the devil and his imps trying to make the people of God turn away from God. He sees the devil seeking whom he may devour. He sees the wicked setting traps and snares for the Saints. God sees the wicked plotting against the just. God sees every struggle, every pain. Nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13).
The scripture text was I Kings 21:1-7;17-20. Ahab wanted to buy Naboth's vineyard, which was Naboth's inheritance. When Naboth refused to sell, Ahab went home, pounting (verse 4). Ahab's wife, Jezebel, stepped in and said "I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezereelite. She proceeded to have false letters written and placed Ahab's signature on them. The letters contained falsehoods against Naboth. He was falsely accused of blasphemy. As a result, Naboth was led out of the city and stoned to death. Ahab, the king of Israel at the time, did nothing to stop an innocent man from being killed. A good man was killed behind a lie. But God saw what was done. God called for the prophet Elijah to go and seek Ahab out and speak a word to him. God knew exactly where Ahab was (verse 18). God told Elijah what to say (verse 19). When Ahab heard the judgment of God against him, he tore his clothes, humbled himself, put sackcloth on, fasted (verse 27). Because of this, God spoke to Elijah and told him to tell Ahab, "Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil IN HIS DAY; but in HIS SON'S DAYS WILL I BRING THE EVIL UPON HIS HOUSE."- verse 29. Jezebel lost her life (II Kings 9:33). Ahab was killed in battle (I Kings 22:1-38 All of those in the house of Ahab, including his 70 sons, was killed too (II Kings 9:11; II Kings 10:7). The heads of his sons were cut off and placed in baskets. God sees everything. God is the avenger of the righteous. If God does not execute judgment quickly does not mean he has forgotten. Sometimes it appears as if the wicked are winning, but they are not. In God's own time He will take care of the wicked. Several verses in Psalms 37 lets it be known that the wicked shall not prevail in the end. So fret not thyself because of evildoers (verse 1). The wicked shall soon be cut down (verse 2). Evildoers shall be cut off (verse 9). The wicked shall perish (verse 20). Transgressors shall be destroyed together (verse 38). This lesson is also a reminder of why the Gospel must be preached. Why sin must be preached against and called out. God does not forget. The wages of sin is death. Praise the Lord. The Lord is good. A very present help in trouble.
Times are changing. At this very hour there is unrest in America. Unrest to the point of individuals not conducting themselves lawfully. Damaging property that belongs to someone else is not ok. How is looting going to change anything? How is name calling and cursing going to change anything? What people need to realize is that time is coming to a close. There is not enough protesting that can change what is about to take place. The word of God has already told us that there will be much pain and destruction as the coming of the Lord comes near. In the book of Matthew chapter 24 the disciples asked Jesus what would the sign of his coming and ending the world. Jesus answered: "And said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:3-8 Notice the Bible says, beginning of sorrows. How many are prepared for the sorrows that is about to come on the land? Not many. What is happening in our country has brought and is bringing tears. With the pandemic changing the normal flow of life, many have been affected and hurt. Many are without jobs and in need of care. And this is just the beginning. Some would ask, 'what is the answer?' The answer is Jesus Christ. Until the hearts of men change, there will always be hatred and violence. Cain killed his brother for no reason, except jealously and hatred of him (Genesis 4:1-8). The first brother on brother crime, but not the last. Until the heart changes, there is no change. Mark 7:20-23 says, "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from withing, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thought, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; All these evil things come from withing, and defile the man." Men, women everywhere need to repent so the Lord Jesus Christ can do a work in their heart. The good new"of the Bible is Jesus can change a heart. Once the old is repented of, the new can come in. For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Eternity is a long time. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
As time comes to a close my thoughts and heart are constantly on the things of the Lord, examining myself to see if I am still in the faith. Examining the ministry to see if it is still in line with the teachings of scripture. Fear has been unleashed on this country and people are scared of 'the thing' and dying. Lives have been turned upside down because of fear. A lot of what is being spread by media is not true but it feeds the fear. I admonish the people of God to have faith in what they say they believe as relates to Jesus Christ, the Bible and the power of God. The Bible says "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7. I John 4:18 says fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. The Born again believer is going to have to live the faith. The sign of the times is letting it be known that the end of time is near. And without faith it is impossible to please God. I wonder what people believe this means. One can not have fear and faith at the same time. As time comes to a close the faith of the blood bought believer will be tested. You have to pass the test(s). Mankind is flesh and blood. Mankind needs fresh air. Mankind needs to be around other people. Mankind was not made to be isolated. Mankind needs to breath air from the open atmosphere and not keep rebreathing his own stale air. Wearing a mask is not healthy. God did not make mankind to wear a mask. Help Lord. My prayer is that those that are blood bought will have faith in God. Sometimes one can not explain what they believe. It has to be lived and demonstrated. The book of Matthew chapter 24 speaks to the things that will happen as times comes to an end. Pestilences is one of them. Repent and get saved before it is everlasting too late. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Praise the Lord!! The Lord is still good. He is still a very present help in trouble. This virus has everything in turmoil. It is time to seek the Lord. Death is everywhere. Death is the vehicle that is used to carry the soul to its final destination. And, the final destination is not Heaven if a soul has not obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that repentance is to be preached. For a person has to repent in order to gain salvation. Sin has a price. And some of what we are seeing across the land is the result of sin. Mankind has turned its back on the God of creation. Mankind has refused the teachings of Jesus Christ. There is a price to pay to reject Christ. John the Baptist came preaching repentance. The very first sermon Jesus preached was about repentance. Both of them said to 'repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.'(Matthew 3:2, 4:17) Repentance is still the message that is to be preached. Not power. Not money. Not the wisdom of men. But repentance. Isaiah 58:1 says, "Cry loud, spare not, lift thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Isaiah 59:1 says, "behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear: Bu your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Do you need to repent? Back sliders need to come back to the Church. Those that have heard the Gospel message and chose not to obey it need to obey and get saved. Repent before it is ever lasting too late!! God calls for Holiness (Hebrew 12:14 and I Peter 1:16) As a preacher when I look around and see all that is going on in the world today, especially with this virus, it lets me know that time is almost up and Jesus is coming back for His church and the sinner is going to go to hell. So. many reject holiness. The Bible says without it, no man shall see the Lord (Hebrew 12:14). Don't be afraid of the virus. Be afraid of dying without being converted. Repent. |
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