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What does the Bible say about a day that all across the land will have people shopping, putting decorations outside (lights, signs, inflatatibles)? A day that will have people getting in debt charging Christmas gifts? A day in which some teach children that santa goes all around the world in one night (?) and brings gifts to kids? A day that will have parents taking their children to take pictures with santa? A day that will have people flying all around the US an the world to visit relatives an friends? A day that will have employees and employers trying to figure out work schedules as employees want to take off to 'celebrate christmas'? Even as I am typing this, spell checks wants me to capitalize santa and christmas?? A day that will have some churches having christmas contatas, christmas plays, special services? A day that churches that say they believe in Jesus Christ will do things that are not of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Trees will be put up in sanctuaries all over. There will be christmas meals and sing-a-longs. Messages will be preached about Jesus being born in a manger as there was no room at the Inn. Choirs will sing christmas caroles. The colors green, red and white will be worn everywhere. Radio stations will begin playing christmas music until the first of the. year. All regular programming will be put on hold. A day that even those that do not believe in Jesus Christ will participate in some activity that is related to christmas. But what does the Bible say about christmas? What does it say? The Bible does say that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4). Did God ever mention christmas? Ever? What book of the Bible? What chapter of that book? What verse of the chapter? There is no where in scriptures where there is even a 'hint' or spirit of the word that would say Jesus wants His people to celebrate christmas. No where. The Bible teaches to study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15). The question is also asked in the scriptures, 'what is truth' (John 18:38)? To which the answer is "thy word is truth"-(John 17:17). Sanctification comes from the truth. Does 'the truth'; the word, mention christmas anywhere? The answer is no. But the Bible does say this, "For the customs of the people are vain; for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the ax. They deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.-Jeremy 10:3,4. Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 2a says, "Thus saith the Lord, learn not the way of the heathen,"- Jeremiah 10:2. Some will say "well that's your conviction, not mine". To which I would answer, "but what does the word of God teach? God gave man free will. Mankind can do as he or she pleases. However, in the judgment, all will be judged based on how he or she obeyed the word of God (Revelation 20:12 and Revelation 20:13). No exceptions. So if the word of God does not teach christmas, what will the judgment be for those that 'added to the word of God'?? Something God said not to do (Revelation 22:18,19). The Bible also speaks to the traditions of men. Mark 7:8 says, "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups; and many other such like things ye do". Or Colossians 2:8 which says, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ". Both of these scriptures from the Bible teach against the traditions of men, which is what christmas is. If one would take the time and search, he or she would find that it came from man, not God. With all the Bible Scholars with all these degrees, not one of them has studied this out and written about it? Especially those with large audiences. And when someone uses the salutation, 'merry christmas', what are they actually saying? What does merry christmas mean? Have a happy pagan holiday? Testimony- I use to celebrate christmas. I was taught to. I would go all out especially after my children were born. It is expensive to celebrate christmas!! I even wrote a play about christmas. It was so good, that the pastor agreed for this play to be presented to the church!!!??? This was before salvation. We would bake, make decorations, go to other christmas events, drive through neighbors to see lights, wait for santa to ride through the neighborhood on the fire engine handling out bags with apples, oranges and ribbon christmas candy. I did all that. But, oh when salvation came! Thank you Jesus for the truth!! Thank you Jesus!!! The one thing I will always praise God for is being taught to study the scriptures for myself, have a pray life and go to a church that teaches the truth according to the Bible. As I studied, I found that christmas was not in the Bible. Christmas is not of God!! I looked. I bought Bible dictionaries, Bible concordances, etc. I could not find christmas in them. As a matter of fact, Jesus never said to celebrate Him. He said to obey. One day I went into the garage of my home to take the trash out. I passed by the box with the christmas tree in it. As I passed by the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "this is not of me; I'm not in that." That's all it took. I drug that christmas tree box across the garage floor and put it in the garbage!! From that day till now, I know of a surety that christmas is not of God. I am not confused or misled. I do not argue about it with people. My job is to teach and preach the truth. Ephesians 4:21 says, "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus". And Jesus did not teach christmas. So anyone that is brave enough to go against the word of God and obey the traditions of men is free to do so. Anyone that reads this lesson will not be able to stand before God in judgement and say "I did not know, God. No one told me." Now you know. Eternity is a long time. Where will you spend it? Pastor Webb Steadfast Apostolic Church
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Yes, today is a day observed by most of the word, Thanksgiving. Taking one day of the year to express thanks, is alright. But for those that know the word of God, one day is not enough. The Lord wants us to be thankful everyday and not just for stuff, but for Him.
In the book of Isaiah chapter one verse fourteen, the scriptures says, "Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them". The does not want man to just think of Him one, two, three days a year. Is He thought of on March 8th? Or June 3rd? or August 19th?? When you look at the definition of thanksgiving some say 'it is the aspect of praise that gives thanks to God for what He does for us. Thanksgiving also extends past a meal on the 4th Thursday in November. We are to thank the Lord for making a way for souls to be saved. Thanksgiving Day is one day out of a year. Eternity is for ever. For those that are not saved (repented of their sins, been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of the repented sins and filled with the Holy Ghost), seek salvations. For those that are saved, continue to be a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be that light of holiness the world needs. One day of thanks is not enough to save a soul. There is a tract that we used in the past that spoke to what an unsaved person that lost his soul had to say to his saved friend. The man that lost his soul wanted to know why his friend did not tell him about hell, Jesus, salvation. The tract went on to show the different times the friend could have witnessed but did not. Therefor.e a souls was lost in hell/the lake for eternity.
Do people today believe in hell? Or does everyone think everyone is going to be with the Lord when they die? Does everyone think it is ok to live contrary to the word of God and then rest in peace when they die? Not so. One of the things this ministry is about is the truth. The truth based on the word of God. No, we do not know all there is to know about the Lord and His ways, but the Bible is sufficient enough to teach us his ways. And, anything the Lord does not expound on or give specifics about, we do not try to guess. I thought about the tract because today, it is becoming more and more challenging to tell people the truth without them getting offended. It is almost as if they resent telling them that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). When in essence you are trying to keep their soul from being lost for ever. Some feel that 'religion' is personal and they can choose how they want to serve god. When I hear that statement I have to ask, "what god are you talking about?'. For the God of the bible has a way the He is to be served and followed. One can go all the way back to Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis. Why did god refuse Cain's offering? If one believes that they can serve God how they choose, why did God not respect Cain's offering? When Cain showed his discouragement at God not accepting his offering, God said this; "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?"- Genesis 4:7a. Know for certain that God is holy and all that follow Him must be holy. Not only that, but God made a way for men, women, boys and girls to be holy. Repent and be converted (John 3:1-3-7). The flesh way of doing things will never be acceptable with God. Marvel not, you must be born again of the water (baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of the sins repented of) and the Sprit (getting filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4 and Acts 2:38). Note in Acts chapter 2 only those that gladly received his word were baptized (verse41). For all those that reject the teaching. Reject the witness of holiness, how can that soul be saved from eternal suffering? How? Jesus said when He comes, He is coming with the reward for both those that obeyed and those that continue to live in sin.(Revelation 22:12). Galatians chapter 5 tells us what the works of the flesh are (adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings). Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man south, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). Eternity is a long time. Where will you spend it? Pastor Webb Steadfast Apostolic Church This is a subject that is vital today and worth repeating because so much is happening to try and change what the Lord has commanded and taught. Most recently it has been said that a person will not go to hell because of their sins. This is false teaching. What makes preaching and teaching the truth so vital today is too many are teaching false doctrine and too many are believing it.
Many are asking 'where is the church? why isn't the church speaking up?'. Good points. Always remember everyone has not bowed to the false teaching. You just may need to look to find the truth being preached and taught. And then once it is found, will you obey it? The Lord said to follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the lord (Hebrews 12:14). The Lord also said, "be ye holy for I am holy (I Peter 1:16). Holiness is not an option. Holiness has already been defined by the Lord in HIs word. But look around. How many are living holy that profess to be saved? I write today as a preacher, teacher and older woman of the Gospel and one that came out of the world by the truth- the word of God. Feelings and emotions have some how been made a part of redemption. Feelings and emotions has some how been made a part of repentance. Be advised that when feelings and emotions are involved repentance can not take place. Feelings and emotions will keep a person bound in their sins. Salvation is not based on feelings and emotions. It is based on believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto repentance. Acts 3:9 says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord:". Matthew 18:3 says, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven." Jesus told Peter, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."- Luke 22:32 When conversion takes place, salvation comes. Jesus said to love not the world neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."- I John 2:15. The next questions would be, 'what is the world?' I admonish you to ask the Lord to lead you to a holiness church that is a real holiness church and not just a place to hear good music, sing, dance and shout so the truth can be taught to you. Gentiles, we are running out of time. Hebrews 12:12-16 makes a bold declaration for holiness. Many today talk about blessing, prosperity, declare and decreeing and the like. But the Bible does not make mention of any of these. But the Bible does make mention of Holiness.
The holiness church is under fire on all sides today. Mainly because there are so many false teachers and false followers. II Corinthians 11:14 says, "And not marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."- wow!! The Lord wants His people to contend for the faith which was once delivered. Today, many are trying to make it easy for folks to get saved. There is no easy way to get saved. The word of God professes what it takes to get saved. The false teachers and preachers are bringing forth another gospel than what was first preached. God still has a faithful people. If you want to be saved, look for them. They are there. God still has faithful preachers. If you want to be saved, look for them. They are there. And this ministry, Steadfast Apostolic Church, is one of them. Nothing is more precious than your soul. Don't wast the time the Lord has given you catering to your flesh and desires and neglect your soul. The word of God says, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Do not be deceived in this day and hour. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ until you find Him. While the blood is running warm in your veins, seek the Lord. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
I give honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. As a servant of His contending for the faith is a. must. The time we are living in allows for personal opinions, emotions, disrespect, tantrums by Saints to exists and be excused. But the word of God does not support such. The Lord has been reminding me more recently that I did not just start to follow after Him. And when I pray I say but it feels just as new now as it did when I first got it. Praise God. I still know the sound of holiness. I still contend for holiness. I am not confused about holiness. I am not trying to live in the world and profess Christ too. The ways of the Lord are never going to change. The word of God, the Bible, is the blue print for salvation. It is the blue print on how to get it and how to keep it. By it i mean the Holy Ghost and salvation. For there is no such thing as once saved always saved. Saints now days want to sin and be holy at the same time. Impossible and it is up to those in ministry to keep the path straight. if the pulpit is afraid to correct someone because they do not want offend that is a wrong move. All that want to go to heaven should welcome correct on this side so the judgment on "that side" won't he eternity in hell. Yes, hell. To some hell is a 'hate word'. Well, the Bible speaks often of it. To those that are working out your salvation with fear and trembling, take the rebuke and correction. If the pastor is not living right, do not use that as a reason to not obey. Ask God to lead you a ministry that is teaching and preaching the truth so when correction comes it will be right. Correction, rebuke is part of being saved. We all need it. As long we are in the flesh we all will need correction and rebuke. I have found that those that are working out their salvation take correction so rebuke never becomes necessary. Rebuke is for the hard headed, self will, stiff neck, rebellious. Saints welcome correction and don't want rebuke. If you obey the correction you will not have to face rebuke. In addition, too many are playing with the doctrine. There was a time when one did and could not go before a people to preach or teach unless there was evidence of a holy life. It did not matter how educated, or well versed one was, if the evidence was not there one sat until it was. Today, too many are talking and the talk and teaching is not scriptural sound. This generates confusion. And who does the Bible say is the author of confusion? The devil. Too many jump and run from holiness to luke warm so their sins will not be addressed. Wrong move again. For the wages of sin is still death. Running to a new assembly will not dismiss the sin nor bring about repentance. Jesus said the day you hear his voice, harden not your heart!! I preached a message yesterday entitled, The Most Uncomfortable Feeling in the World is rejected conviction. This happens when God is trying to convict a soul of sin, and the person, refuses to accept the conviction. Wrong move again. I give God the praise and glory for all he is doing and all he has done. Holiness is still right!! Holiness means separation from the world. If you take on the name of Apostolic or Pentecostal, you have to be holy. Other wise, you are a liar. And according to the word of God, a liar can not tarry in his sight. Amen The Bible teaches to train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
In Deuteronomy chapter six, the Lord commands the His word be taught diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou fittest in thine house, and when thou walkers by the way, and when thou lies down, and when thou risest up (Deu. 6:7) Question....are the Saints doing this? Or are the children seeing parents act one way at church and another way at home? The Lord is not pleased with such. Are the parents praying at home? Having Bible study at home? Doing things with their children that the word teaches? Or is the parent looking for ways to keep their children entertained? Are the parents always late to church so the children don't see anything wrong with being late either. Do the parents talk against the church, the pastor, the word of God? Do the parents do unseeingly things and the children grow up thinking it is ok to do the same? Do the parents live online and so the children grow up doing the same? One thing I know for sure, the word of God does not change. God requires holiness. Parents are required by God to teach their children the word of God and how to love the Lord. Parents are instructed by God to teach them daily from the time they get up until the time the go to bed. Does this mean have Bible study and church all day? No. Children learn the most by what the hear and see their parents do. Children come into the world a blank slate. Clean. Clean mind and heart. Then what do parents allow to go into the hearts of their children by what the parents exposes the child to. Anyone with any age on them remembers how children were not allowed to be in the room with grown folks when they were talking. Growing up I never heard my grandparents talk about anyone, curse or disrespect anyone. I never saw them argue with each other either. Thank you Jesus. But today, what are children being exposed to? What are parents allowing to share the thoughts of young people? God said to teach them, train them His ways. Parent, guardian- what are you teaching your children? The ministry is not a game or a joke. The work of the ministry is to save souls by making disciples that at some point repent of their sins and be converted to Saints. The work of the ministry is to feed the Saints and help perfect them to the will of God.
The church is not positions, conferences, conventions and elevations. This is not what Jesus died for. The church is not a dance hall or entertainment center. The church is not for movies and game night. Not the church that Jesus purchased with his blood. So next time you go looking for a church, look for what is preached that the Bible teaches not fair speeches that do no bring about repentance. Marvel not, you must be born again. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
In the book of Acts chapter 3, Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray. At the gate of the temple was a lame man asking alms of those that entered. When the lame man saw Peter and John, he asked them for alms too. Peter fastened his eyes on the man and said, "Look on us". The man gave heed to what was said. The Peter said unto him, "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." Peter then took the man by the hand, lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, waling, and leaping, and praising God (Acts 3:1-8). When people began to ask what happened, Peter answered them. Peter let it be known that that same Jesus that whom they denied, that Holy and just one that they denied. That one that they desired to be killed and a murderer to be loses instead is how made the lame man hold. Then when you go to Acts chapter 4:2, you will see where the priests, captain of the temple and the Sadducees were grieved that "they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. But wait a minute. When Peter was preaching to the people and telling them what had just taken place, does the scripture state that Peter mentioned Jesus being raised from the dead? No. Peter was preaching to them about the power of Jesus Christ to bring deliverance. Peter was preaching to them what Jesus can do. But, the priests, captain of the temple and the Sadducees missed the message. They were so ingrained with their false teaching that they did not hear what Peter was saying. How many do this today? How many today hold fast to false teaching and doctrine when the truth is presented to them and they missed the message? Many have problem with the baptism. The Bible is clear that one must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Very clear. But how many ,miss that message? This is the time we are living in now. Everyone wants the blessings but not the blessor (Jesus Christ). Many reject the truth of the Gospel as if God is going to change it for them. Peter and John were put in jail (hold) because of the truth. The truth will NEVER change. In Acts 3:19, Peter told the people to "repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord". When one makes this change, then he or she will no longer miss what God has said and what the Lord is saying. Did you miss the message? "Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall be do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."- Acts 2:38 Did you miss the message? I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Someone asked a question about sin- what is sin? In an age where everything goes and individuals want to do what they want to do the way they want to regardless of..; defining sin can be a challenge. Some feel if the Bible does not specifically name something as sin, then it is not sin. Not so. Answering a question like this requires Bible study and prayer to get an understanding. Most will get Offended when an attempt is made to define sin. Causing offence has always been part of preaching and teaching the Good News. Jesus offended many with the truth. Jesus made many angry and made many enemies. But one thing for sure, the Lord God requires holiness. For He said without it, no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Here is some of what the scriptures say regarding sin. I Corinthians 6:18 "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is withou tthe body; ut he that committeh fornication sinneth against his own body." "All unrighteousness is sin:"- I John Sin- that which is done wrong, an offence or violation of the divine law of God. Disobedient to the word of God. Sin started in the garden of Eden in the Genesis. Galatians 5:19-21 says, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying's, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." There is much more. I would admonish you to search it out. For in the sight of God the wages of sin is still death, but the gift of God is eternal life. To obtain the gift of eternal life, one must repent of their sin (disobedient to God), be baptized in the Name of Jesus for the remission of sin and then get filled with the Holy Ghost. Search it out. |
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