Friday, June 26, 2015

Souls with Jesus


If Jesus is your Lord and Saviour your soul will return to him. We are not to fear man, but God.
 
Mat 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
 
Rev 6:9  And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
Rev 6:10  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Rev 6:11  And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Php 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 

Php 1:22  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Php 1:23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Php 1:24  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

2Co 5:6  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
2Co 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
2Co 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
 

Our life is in you, LORD God.


Thursday, June 25, 2015

Witness


John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
 
What is the condemnation? It is the condemnation to hell, being eternally in torment is a death that will not cease. In recent years it has been the fashion to avoid the mention of hell. People do not like the message of hellfire and brimstone. We must not leave off the truth that there is a place of torment. Hell is real, just as God is real. Jesus came to bring to us eternal life. Through him we are delivered from the eternal punishment for sin. The world seems to be glorying in sin. Evil is celebrated and our nation is being weakened because of disregard for God and his will for us. People are being led astray by evil. How will they escape from hell without our witness?
 
2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
 
Slack means to delay, to be slow
 
2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
 
The world grows more and more evil as the Day of the Lord approaches. We are to warn people of the coming judgment of sins. It is the will of God that we receive eternal life through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, the Son of God. Why would God have to send his Son if there was no punishment of sin in hell? Jesus came to save us from hell.
 
Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
 
There was no other way for our righteous God to save us then by the legal substitute sacrifice of His Son in our place. Jesus spoke these words of promise:

 
Joh 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Joh 14:4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Joh 14:5  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
 
To be condemned to hell is to refuse the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. People must hear that Jesus was sent to keep them from hell. Believe in God, believe also in the Son that he sent.
  
1Jn 5:8  And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
 
We witness through the spirit, through our personal baptism and through the shed blood of Jesus for the sins of all who would receive him.

1Jn 5:9  If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
1Jn 5:10  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.
1Jn 5:11  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
 

We are to be witnesses for God, through the atoning death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our message is the message of life and the saving of souls from hellfire; this is a most urgent message. We are to go out into the world with this message of hope. We have the words of life and we are to lead people to Jesus, praying with them to be saved.


Wednesday, June 24, 2015

No time to be drunk


Luke 21:34  "Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won't be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready. (ERV)


1Pe 4:7  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 

It seems to me that drug use has fried the minds of many people in leadership. They are unable to discern right from wrong. I see them controlled by the spirit of antichrist. The devil uses them for his evil purposes. Perhaps even more of a concern is that God is allowing this as a punishment. He has given them over to their evil ways. Our nation is in peril because it has turned from God. 

2Ch 7:13  If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 
2Ch 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

Let the people of God pray. Let the will of God be done and let Jesus return to establish justice and righteousness. LORD forgive me and the sins of my nation. I repent of my sins and the sins of our nation. May your people lead the nation back to your truth. In Jesus I pray, amen.


Monday, June 22, 2015

Fathers


An article in the news spoke of the ten best looking fathers. How like the world to focus on the least important value of a father. We do not need best looking fathers we need fathers with character and values. Our fathers need to care for their families, they must believe in God and have a true heart after righteousness. I suppose few of our fathers attain perfection, but they are loved by their families for being faithful as they show the value of honest work providing for their families. They care about their children, nurturing and protecting them. A child needs a father and a mother. The love that the parents have for each other adds strength and self worth to the children. 

A friend had accomplished much through hard work. Unfortunately his marriage to his wife ended in divorce and his four girls moved away with him and his new wife. After retirement he began to drink, but he always was a handsome man. At his funeral, his children played a song mocking his good looks. I had to say some things at the funeral about how this man had once given his heart to Jesus Christ. In the end it is our relationship and faith in Jesus Christ that matters. Beauty is vanity. Our heavenly Father is to be glorified through his Son and through our lives. Fathers are to be the priests of their homes. A priest intercedes for his spiritual children. As the head of the family, fathers need to care for the physical needs of his family, and also their souls. God comes first and then family, working and trusting the Lord to provide for their food and shelter. God bless homes with fathers and mothers who love God and their children. Christian Fathers, be strong and of good courage, for the LORD is with you.
 
Mat 6:9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11  Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

The Comforter


Joh 15:26  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:
Joh 15:27  And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
 
The Comforter, the Holy Spirit was not given as a blanket to stay under in bed. He is the Spirit of truth that is so badly needed at this time. The Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.
 
The Apostles were also witnesses, having been with Jesus from the beginning of his earthly ministry. We are witnesses as well, if we have the Holy Spirit; He will testify of Jesus. Do not speak only of God, for the Father sent his Son into the world to save those who were lost in sin. The Spirit testifies of Jesus. All that the Father gives to Jesus will be saved. Those who leave him and betray him are serving the devil's antichrist. There is another spirit in this time; the spirit of antichrist. It opposes Jesus and the truth.
 
1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
 

To ignore Jesus is to ignore the truth of God and the salvation of God. Those who oppose Jesus oppose themselves. They cannot keep themselves from hell. Jesus is the way to eternal life with God the father, come to him and receive the Comforter. Jesus sends the Comforter to those who are saved in Him.


Thursday, June 18, 2015

Escaping Temptation


1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The word "temptation", can mean an experiment, attempt, trial; a, proving. It could be a temptation to sin or a situation that you are in to try your faith. If you experience  trials and temptations, you not alone, for these temptations are common to mankind.  The good news is that we will not be tempted above that we are able to stand. Hear this now; God will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Remember this: God will show you the way,whether it is to go through something or to escape from danger to soul or body. Look for the way he provides for you.

We are not to run from God or our responsibilities, but we can escape the things sent to bring us down. He may take us through the fire. If we trust him and circumstances are changed to where we are not sure of what comes next, keep trusting him and follow what you know to do. Follow the Spirit within you, be led by God, for you are never alone in Christ Jesus. He will make a way for you to escape.


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Misguided?


I am angry at an article on AOL news about a movie called "Jesus Camp", I don't know about the movie, but the article pointed out that a Christian parent was opposed to Harry Potter because it had a Warlock. Then it said that the parent said there was no global warming. The conclusion was that this faction of the conservative right was "misguided." Misguided? Who decides what is right and wrong?  Is it the liberal atheists who tell us what is the new normal? They give us common core curriculum in our schools to brainwash the kids to accept the liberal mind set? A transvestite is honored before a wounded soldier? Sick is the word for it. A nation that has left God and that is sick to the "core."  Yes, judgement is coming to America because America has turned away from God. If we were to have a decent president the evil liberal news media would not stop in tearing him down. As it is now they see no evil, hear no evil and only speak evil news. Repent and turn back to God and the Christian values of our founding fathers.
 

Pro 13:5  A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 


Monday, June 15, 2015

Overcome Evil with Good


Rom 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Rom 12:20  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
 

I asked my old friend if he was in a church. He said he went to a church once and he likes a positive church. No one likes to be condemned and if asked about church going, the usual response is "I am a good person" and I do not like negative condemning churches. I like a positive experience. This explains why the watered down, self centered churches are so popular. There is some value in knowing this because church people at times are judgmental of others. We are to do good and not evil. God is good and God will judge the world through his Son, Jesus Christ. Vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord. Let us not be the avengers of the evil we see. We are to do good works to all, even our enemies we feed and give to drink. Our humble loving service will draw them to question why we are different. Then we can tell them about Jesus who takes away our sins and who keeps us from the wrath of God and eternal hell fire. Be kind for everyone has their own battle. The church's responsibility is to speak the truth of God's word. Let the Holy Spirit speak the word to bring conviction. Let people know that the Bible is God's true word and that there is a right way and a wrong way. There is good and there is evil and it is God who is the judge for he created all things and he is holy and good. People are starving for the truth.


Sunday, June 14, 2015

An old friend


Rom 12:14  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rom 12:17  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

I had a phone call from an old friend, my age, that I had not seen or heard from in fifty years. I remember him as being into Hi-Fi. He built a sound amplifier and had a big speaker in his closet. I loaned him a record of Benny Goodman's orchestra playing "Sing sing sing". He never returned it. Funny thing is he mentioned that he wanted to get a copy of this swing music, but could not find one. Yes, I had forgiven him for taking my copy. We talked of kids and grand kids. It was good to talk to an old friend after all these years and yes the least slight can be remembered for all those years. We may remember past slights and problems but we do not hold them against the person. Live peaceably with all people as much as is possible, forgive and let live. Love is greater than hate, or jealousy or anger. Put these aside and be a child of the Most High God.
 


Saturday, June 13, 2015

The Supernatural


Mat 12:39  But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Mat 12:41  The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Mat 12:42  The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 
Mat 12:43  When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Mat 12:44  Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Mat 12:45  Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

The final speaker at the Pastor's conference spoke of the need for the presence of God to be in our church services. He said we should not get into a rut where things are always the same way, but we should expect the Lord to move in new ways manifesting his power. What are people interested in now? Entertainment and movies are about the supernatural. The pastor said that we need the supernatural moving of God in our church services. Jesus is greater than the supernatural demons of the world. The Holy Spirit is to move in these last days like he did in the early church. If we want people to be drawn to our church we need the presence of the power of God working wonders with healings and deliverance.

This can only happen by fasting and prayer. There is a local church that is known worldwide because they represent themselves as a place of the supernatural. When other churches are struggling this church continues to grow and has grown so much as to stimulate the economy.  We want healings and deliverance by the Holy Ghost, but Jesus must fill the empty clean house. So it is important that the focus not only be on signs and wonders but also on the atoning sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST, repentance after hearing the preaching of the word. We must learn of him and be renewed in our minds. It is not enough to be touched if we do not continue in his word. Discipline is required to be a disciple and there is little of that in this sinful world.


Friday, June 12, 2015

Be Careful


2Co 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 
2Co 11:4  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 

The devil is always trying to separate us from Jesus Christ, our salvation. He works through our thinking, corrupting our thoughts in regards to the simple truth by faith  in God's word and the atonement through Jesus Christ. Being with people with twisted views of the faith is a dangerous thing. Watching the news and hearing the world's view of thing can bring confusion. This is why we must be careful to keep our thoughts pure by renewing our minds in the word of God, the word of truth. Do not be around these who are sure of their thinking, but who twist the truth. It is a spirit that comes with these who teach error and who plant doubts about basic truths. Once accepted as truth, this spirit of unbelief will blind the person to truth. In the last days many will leave the faith and believe in doctrines of demons. If you know someone in error do not reject them and accuse them, because this is what satan wants you to do. We do not agree with wrong thinking but we bear with those who are wavering for perhaps they will receive the truth and be restored.  What is your faith built upon? There is no other foundation than the Lord Jesus Christ.
 

1Co 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Partakers of Christ


Heb 3:12  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 
Heb 3:13  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 
Heb 3:14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 

After hearing a message at the Pastor's conference about how everything is changing in our world, that good is being called evil and evil good; how the church is being pushed to conform to the way of the world and that laws are being made restricting the free practice of our faith. Another problem is that many churches are not preaching the truth of God anymore, but a cultural message of self betterment and motivation to succeed. Let it go no further! We must stand our ground. We are to preach the true word of God and not let it slip away. 

Take heed not departing from the living God and take heed not departing from the Son of the Living God, who is equally God, sharing his glory. It is God the Son who has secured our salvation. It is not just believing in one God, but also believing in his Son. Do not put down Jesus when the word says that he is to be lifted up!  Exalt the Lord, our salvation is not just from God the Father, without the Son we would not have access to the father. We cannot come to God on our own merit, no matter how hard we believe in him. We are sinners and can only come to God in God's son, Jesus Christ.

Heb 3:14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 

We believe in God the father and we must believe in God the son, who is our God and Saviour. It is only in Jesus that we have the right to call upon God as our Father. Jesus and the Father are one.



Wednesday, June 10, 2015

King of Sodom


Gen 14:17  After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 
Gen 14:18  And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 
Gen 14:19  And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 
Gen 14:20  and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!" And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 
Gen 14:21  And the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself." 
Gen 14:22  But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 
Gen 14:23  that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.' 

The king of Sodom came out to meet Abram after his victory over kings who had taken Lot captive. We must be aware that after we experience a victory, that this king representing the devil, will rush in to tempt you to rely on him. But from out of nowhere another king, the king of Salem, a priest of the most high God came blessing Abram and offering him bread and wine. These were symbols of the communion of Jesus Christ. Melchizedek was a type of Christ. Abram gives a tithe to the king of Salem (Jerusalem) and he refused any gain from the king of Sodom. God wants to bless us. Satan will seek to give us desires, but he seeks to destroy your soul. God's Holy Spirit will give you truth and be your supplier of every blessing. Do the will of God and seek not the support of the devil and the world.

Mat 6:33  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.


Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Music from the heart


John 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Sunday our Old Time Gospel Music Group played at a local church after the Sunday service for their annual picnic. Our group was fed hamburgers and macaroni salad and then we set up to play in the noonday shade of the church office building. This church, like many has put away their hymn books and they sing modern music, that no one knows, led by a young music director. Our group played the old hymns and had a great time. Several joined in, using their old hymn books to sing along with us. We know hundreds of the old hymns by heart.

Monday night I joined a local community band at the Monday night concert in the park. It was HOT, 103 degrees. Acorns from a tree kept falling on our heads and into the upright Tuba. They looked like rabbit pellets. We played marches and show tunes featuring music by Henry Mancini. A lot of the music I was not familiar with and just read the notes. There is a big difference in reading notes and playing from the heart. The LORD wants us to worship him from the heart and not by mouthing words. 

I really  am not touched by much of the new Christian music and I cannot sing it from my heart like the old hymns of the faith. I understand that they want to appeal to the young people, but why imitate their music? Is it pleasing to the LORD?




Monday, June 8, 2015

Androids and Hell


I have several directions to go this morning. I had been thinking about getting a small laptop, something portable, maybe to do Bible studies and to connect on the Internet. I did not find anything small enough, or cheap enough... I did find an Android Tablet that was less expensive and with a keyboard case. This is better for me then trying to type on a screen. I will see if it will do what I want. No, it will not connect to chats, but it has other features that are useful including  camera and video. 

Lisa sent me a note and got me to thinking about the Trinity. The Bible shows God as all powerful, someone to fear, a consuming fire. The Old testament required that we obey or pay by the judgement of God. Jesus came to take our judgement upon himself. God came in the Son, a friendly approachable God, that was touched and had feelings of love and mercy for us. This is God in all his grace for all who would believe in him. The Holy Spirit is God invisible. The presence of God as a wind, but whose presence brought miracles and truth; the world desperately needs truth. Through Jesus we are filled by the Holy Spirit, we fear and reverence our Father who invites us into his presence as adopted children. Jesus is our approachable Saviour and High Priest who has experienced suffering and death as a human. We have a God with a loving heart who cares for his people. What happened to the consuming God?
 He is still there to take vengeance on those who chose to go there own way, doing evil and harming the people of God. God is approachable through Jesus, for all people. Come to the friendly God and Saviour and do not fall into the fire of God and eternal hell. Hell? Yes, hell is where sinners go who have not been covered by the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. He died for you to keep you from hell.
Hopefully the Android will be a blessing and hopefully you will trust in Jesus and stay out of Hell.

Heb 12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 

Heb 12:29  For our God is a consuming fire. 


Sunday, June 7, 2015

Encourage


Rom 14:1  Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Rom 14:2  For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Rom 14:3  Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

We can be tolerant of another's choices that are not important and we should not say words to start an argument, let it go and walk in peace.
 
Rom 14:10  But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Rom 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Rom 14:12  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Stop being your brothers judge. God is the judge. We may encourage but not condemn. It is best to make sure that we are not the problem. We are known by our fruit, so let's be sure that we are behaving as Jesus and doing his will.
 
Rom 15:1  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Rom 15:2  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Rom 15:3  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

We are to help others to be fruitful in their callings. We need to get the focus off of self and others faults and be a blessing, helping others grow. By doing this we also will increase in godliness.
 
Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Gal 6:2  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Gal 6:3  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.


We are to restore, not condemn. Who made us a judge? We are to be positive, for we of ourselves are forgiven sinners; we are nothing apart from Christ.


Saturday, June 6, 2015

To Know God


Isa 50:4  The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. 
Isa 50:5  The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. 
Isa 50:6  I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 
Isa 50:7  For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. 

Joh 8:54  Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 
Joh 8:55  Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 
Joh 8:56  Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 
Joh 8:57  Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 
Joh 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 

Joh 10:14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 
Joh 10:15  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 

Php 3:10  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 
Php 3:11  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 
1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 
1Jn 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 

1Jn 5:20  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. 
1Jn 5:21  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. 


Friday, June 5, 2015

Whosoever will


John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

To receive Jesus is to be received by God the Father who sent him. It is the will of God that we come to Jesus and be saved. We must obey God from the heart, before we can come to Jesus and be saved. We cannot be saved by blood relationship; being a Jew or being born into a Christian home. We are not saved because we will to be saved, unless we submit to God's will. The flesh may pretend to be a Christian for reasons of the self; perhaps a girlfriend is a church member, or it may be a way to get new customers for your business, or social contacts, as belonging to a club. We are not saved because someone else wills it, although the prayers of a friend may contribute to your salvation. I have seen people dragged to the altar at church because of the will of a well meaning friend, but they would soon run from church. God the father wills for you to be saved, to be born again of His Spirit and he must put that desire in your heart. He will draw you to Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Your will must submit to the will of God. Your spirit must be moved by the Spirit of God. Spirit to spirit we are made new by receiving the gift of salvation purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ our saviour. Obey God and be a whosoever will.
 

John 3:16  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.


Thursday, June 4, 2015

Our friend John


Some things we do not have to understand or try to figure out. With God, walking in his will is our calling and the things that happen are best seen looking back. Look back to see God's grace in the things that happen. Every day our phone would ring and it would be John calling. Never is there much to say but it was just a friendly chat with my wife. Yesterday the phone rang and it was John's sister calling long distance to say that John had died in his sleep. That is a good way to go. John was a veteran who fell off of a truck and hit his head. This injury slowed him down. For years he ran with old friends who were into drinking and drugs. After many years of this John came to Jesus as his saviour; he was changed, a pleasant man who lived in assisted living. He would come to our church all dressed up in an old suit and tie; very proper and almost out of place in the casual dress of today's church people. John was simple, gentle and faithful. That is a good combination of character traits. Keep life simple, be content with what you have. Stay in contact with friends and be kind. Let us thank God for his many blessings and for our friends with us and in our past.
 

1Th 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

The family of Jesus


Mar 3:31  There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.
Mar 3:32  And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
Mar 3:33  And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
Mar 3:34  And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Mar 3:35  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
 
Jesus is not rejecting his physical family, but he is showing that his spiritual family are closer than his natural family. The true family of Jesus are those who do God's will. Remember that to be in God's will we are to be sanctified unto him. Our walk is to be by choice, a spiritual walk with him. I like the old hymn, "In the Garden" that says " he walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am his own." We love the family of God because we love the Lord Jesus. We love God our Father and we love our brethren. Meeting together is to celebrate our relationship as adopted children of God. There is no mention of Jesus calling his natural birth mother as "mother". Some religious people refer to Mary as the mother of God. That elevates her beyond her position as a blessed chosen humble woman, chosen as the birth mother, and yet Jesus did not hesitate to call the mothers of faith who obey God as his true mothers, and faithful Mary is included as she obeyed God. This was for us to understand. In the church we have new brothers, sisters, mothers and yes even spiritual fathers of faith who are closer than our birth family that have not come to Jesus. We are to love our natural families, but we truly love and are one with God's spiritual family, that do his will.
 

John 13:34  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

What is God's will?


1Th 4:3  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 
1Th 4:4  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
 
1Th 4:7  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

What is the will of God? It is your sanctification, your holiness given to you by God through Jesus. It is our responsibility to live as a holy person dedicated to God. The flesh has it's will and it is usually to spend time after the lusts and desires that it seeks. I suppose the opposite of faithfulness to God is the adultery of the flesh, seeking desires fueled by lust; seeking other gods of entertainment or even the occult. Sanctification is consecration, giving oneself completely to God. It is being pure in thoughts and actions. To be sanctified is to be holy. The scriptures command that we are to be holy as God is holy. (1Peter 1:16) For God has called us to holiness and that is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
 
Rom 8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.


Let your conscience be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading you into your Holy calling as a child of God. Not as a child tossed here and there by every wind of doctrine, but a child who reads God's word, who studies the word to follow the will of God. You know what is right, so let us do what is good and holy from a heart loving God and others. Walk in truth, walk in the Spirit and be holy, for this is the will of God. Jesus has changed you to be like him.


Monday, June 1, 2015

Exhort

Tit 2:15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Speak the truth of God, and exhort, to encourage, strengthen. To take someone aside to straighten out their thinking and to put them back in the right path. The opposite of this I suppose would be to gossip about a person, to tear them down. We are to build up the body of Christ through sound teaching and instruction, no divisions unless a person opposes the truth and causes strife. Some must be rebuked, convicted of wrongdoing with meekness and love, but also with the authority of the word of God. We are not to be ashamed of God's word, nor of our service to him. How often have we seen someone corrected and restored? This is a lovely thing, but more often we see people talked about in gossip and often they feel the shame, but it comes from the devil. The devil seeks to kill and destroy. God sent his Son to restore that which was lost. We are to be in the place of Jesus, restoring people, bringing them into godly conviction so that they can walk in the light of God.