What must we do?

 Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Here is prophetic evidence that Jesus descended into hell,

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

He ascended and led captivity captive. Parading the vanquished enemy, satan and his demons, having victory over them by his death and resurrection.

1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

This is the gospel message! That Jesus took our punishment for sin on the cross, and remained a perfect Savior through the whole ordeal - proved by His resurrection. He remained holy, even when taking on our sins.

Acts 2:37 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 we do?

Praise God for the conviction of the Holy Spirit!, yes ask questions, Jesus has the answer, he is the answer to every question. What shall we do? Praise God for that open door of opportunity. Never be afraid to answer this question. It is the entrance into salvation. We show them Jesus, his death burial and resurrection. This for all who will receive him and the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

The promise is to you and to your children, note that this breaks the curse they had, his blood removes the guilt and all curses. By not believing, you are guilty of his blood. For he died because of your sin problem.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

The exact words used to convince others is dependent on the Holy Spirit, there is no one way to convince another of their need of the savior. One thing is sure, we must come to Jesus and be separated unto him. Jesus has said:

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. 

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Those who received were baptized, those who truly believed received the Holy Spirit, baptized unto Jesus. Three thousand souls were added this day to the kingdom. Here Peter had done a greater work as Jesus predicted.

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Jesus had completed all that was required to bring others into his kingdom. Others will bring in millions more. This is the time of the great harvest. There have been more saved in these last days then all the preceding years combined.

Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

A soul is delivered from captivity, what greater joy is their then this? Praise God for our living Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!

A little pruning

I wanted to prune back a big Pyracantha bush and Tuesday is yard waste pick up, so I began to prune and soon realized that there were much more pruned branches than my container could hold. I had a pick up load.  An earlier lesson was about conforming to Christ and removing things in our life that do not belong. Let's go to John 15. We may see a few twigs to prune in our spiritual life, but the Father sees a lot more that needs to be removed. We may not understand when hard things come our way, but it just may be the Father removing things in us or building something new from our roots in Christ.

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

If the branch is no good, unfruitful, it is taken up, lifted up, taken away. A person who continues to walk in sin and will not repent, will be taken up; every branch in Christ that does not produce fruit, he takes away. Jesus earlier used the example of the unfruitful fig tree:

Mat 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Paul adds to this theme, concerning an unrepentant sinner being taken by death.

1 Cor 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Note, that the destruction was the flesh, not the soul. This helps us see that it is Jesus' blood that saves; this person at one time had received the Lord, and only by God's grace in Jesus was he not totally consumed.

...and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

No one likes to have difficulties in life, but out of these we grow to rely on God and we become more like Jesus. The Father disciplines us. He purifies or prunes these branches.

He 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

We like to think that living for Christ is all about prosperity. It is true that we receive all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. However, we must submit to his will and follow him. Our sanctification, our holy life, our godliness will bring persecution, but it will be worth it all when we see Jesus face to face. Let us allow the Father to prune us and we will conform to the image of Christ so when we are put to the fire we may come forth as pure gold. His love is pure in us.

Eaglewings Ministries

Thicket

Jer 4:7  The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant. 
Jer 4:8  For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us. 

Jer 4:14  O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? 

This is Bible history. Jeremiah is warning Jerusalem of a coming judgment from God; Babylon, an enemy nation was to be sent to take them captive. Another lion nation, the Assyrians had scattered the northern kingdom of Israel. The LORD sent the lion nations to judge his sinful people. From the thicket a lion comes.This is a warning for us also, to purify our hearts and to put aside idols, or stuff that keeps us from worshiping the true God. Repent, weep, be sorry and do what is right. The Lion of Judah is coming to judge the nations with a rod of iron. Jesus is coming again.

Tradition

One of the few things my father told me before I was to marry was"now you can make your own traditions." I wondered about that statement, what are our family traditions? Was it stopping at a certain Foster's freeze for an ice cream? Was it stopping at a hamburger place that specialized in chili burgers? These things we did year after year when we made trips in our car. Was it our traditional Friday night gathering to play cards with my father and brothers? One tradition he passed down was to work hard and to be thankful for a job. My mother was a homemaker, always home and my father worked very hard, but was always home for dinner. They were faithful and our extended family was always together for thanksgiving and holidays. My family did not come to Jesus until I was nineteen. My affliction with cancer and being touched by God brought the family together to be baptized. After this God was in our traditions. My family loves the Lord Jesus Christ and the word of God. 

Mat 15:1  Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Mat 15:2  Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Mat 15:3  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

The dictionary defines a tradition as a way of thinking, behaving or doing something that has been used in a particular group, family or society for a long time.

The Strong's Concordance

Tradition, paradosis: of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence.

Bad thinking and sin can be passed down.

Exo 20:4  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 

Exo 20:5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 

Exo 20:6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 

There are good traditions that define the character of a nation. Godly laws that honor God, such as our motto, in God we trust.  Now these traditions are under attack to be replaced by lesser values and ungodly laws. Churches have traditions, ways of doing things, but our traditions are not to take away from God's truth. When a tradition goes against the commands of God, they will not prosper. A nation that turns from God is headed for destruction unless they repent. A church must teach and practice truth by faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ as savior or their traditions are a hindrance. Traditions can become habits, so be sure that your traditions are acceptable to God.

Fire

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. 

John 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 

John 3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 

Fire is a consumer. The Bible speaks of evil souls cast into the fire where they are not consumed. I see things as I look at the fire, perhaps just my imagination. Do you see things in these fire images?

Mat 25:41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 


Rev 21:8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Mic 3:10  They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. 

Mic 3:11  The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. 

Mic 3:12  Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. 

The LORD told Micah to speak his words. The people want to hear prophets with easy words and there is no repentance.

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

Rom 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 

Rom 8:4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

Proverbs - the wicked

I would apply these proverbs to the direction our nations is going.

Pro 11:2  When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

 

Pro 11:9  An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

Pro 11:29  He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Pro 12:7  The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

 

Pro 12:13  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Pro 12:15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Pro 12:19  The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

 

Pro 12:22  Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. 

We are to repent and ask for forgiveness for ourselves, our nation and our leaders. Pray for peace and the LORD's direction.

Salvation

 

The book of Romans was first shared online in my Daily Bible lessons back in 2001. Many were being saved through our ministry on AOL at that time. The lessons were addressed to new believers. The comments are from this time of sharing.

I thank God for these particular scriptures. They are his promises and show us the steps to salvation from our sins. These scriptures are referred to often in leading many to Christ and a new life in His Spirit.

Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Preaching the word of faith

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

What is the way?

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Confess with your mouth, or write it on the screen, that Jesus has risen from the grave. He is the only one who said he was of God who has risen from the grave, proving that he is of God. He is God the Son as this other powerful witnessing verse says:

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.
Confession of faith in Jesus is believing and trusting in him with all your heart; this will save you from your sins.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

It is God who chooses you and then we respond with confession of faith and with believing in our hearts that he has risen from the grave. Confess your sins to God, he knows them, and give all to him. For Jesus has died for all your sins.

Psa 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

We acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and master of our life. After this, ask for the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all truth. By the spirit comes power to repent, to turn from the old ways, and to seek Gods direction and will. He will be the power to share the faith with others You will be born again of the Spirit of God.

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

1 Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Behold all things have become new, I am a child of God. I have everlasting life with Jesus and he holds me in his hand . I am an adopted child of the king, forever.

If you think Jesus cannot forgive you, you are mistaken. No one is beyond the cleansing blood of Jesus if you are able to respond to his love. After death it is too late.Yes, he loves you, now is the time of salvation. Come to Jesus.

Whosoever

Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

I have met people who were isolated from God and other people. When approached to receive Jesus, they say " No, what would others think?" Who cares! It is what God thinks of us that really matters. Do not for a second believe any voice of the world or in your mind that would say God does not love you. He loves you, he sent His son out of love to die to bring you freedom and life.

Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

There is no difference between Jew and Greek or Arab. All must come to God the same way; through the Lord Jesus Christ. If we trust in any other way, we perish in our sins.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Who shall be saved? Whoseoever shall call upon the Lord Jesus Christ, shall be saved.

Gospel of Peace

Our loving God wants you to come to him, to call upon him and to trust in him.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Psa 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

We must believe;

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

LORD father, make us lights that shine in the world and with you forever, all because we believe the message and tell others that your son has risen from the dead and is the way of forgiveness and life. Save the chosen lost and remove the darkness, in Jesus name, amen.

God Decides

It is a good thing to fear God. Those who do not fear him, are those who should fear him the most. They are arrogant and rebellious in the face of God. LORD have mercy on our arrogant drug using nation. Have your way Lord, I trust in you.

 

Rom 9:13  As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Rom 9:14  What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Rom 9:15  For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

 

There was a time that I turned from God, but His great mercy drew me back. It was when I knew that I could not do anything without faith. By faith I returned to God and to a church that preached the word of God as truth. I never heard the Bible preached as absolutely true before. The haze that covers so many people in this sinful world was parted before my eyes, when I learned that there is a God who is absolutely good and a devil who was the opposite; a way of truth and a way of darkness. The veil of gray fog was lifted and I received God's forgiveness through Christ Jesus. It is possible for some to have strayed away and to be received back again, as a prodigal son by God's mercy, but He decides, for many stray away and never return. He received me back again. I fear God, I reverence the creator, I love my Abba Father and by his grace he loves me. How can it be that he would send His Son to die for me? Thank you my Lord and my God for choosing me as I turned back to you. This is repentance and His grace.

The Eye of God

 

 

For those who want to remove God from our Christian nation, you have made yourselves the enemy of God. For there is no other God than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The pride of man is his downfall, his devices will come to nothing and his secret plans will be exposed, repent and change your ways for God sees all.

 

Psa 33:11  The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Psa 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Psa 33:13  The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
Psa 33:14  From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
Psa 33:15  He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
Psa 33:16  There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
Psa 33:17  An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
Psa 33:18  Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Psa 33:19  To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Psa 33:20  Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
Psa 33:21  For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Psa 33:22  Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

 

Those who fight God, repent and return to the God of our fathers. If your heritage is marred come to Jesus and receive a new family of God. Our hope is in Jesus who paid the price with his own blood to free us from sin and death. If you desire to remove God, He will remove you from the Book of Life. Repent and turn towards truth and righteousness, come to Jesus for everlasting life. 

Humble Confession

Neh 9:1  Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
Neh 9:2  And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
Neh 9:3  And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

Neh 9:32  Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
Neh 9:33  Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

If there is one sin that is the greatest sin, it would be the sin of idolatry. To worship and serve a false god. A people who have turned from God's laws will allow every evil. This is the spirit of anti Christ that is now in the world. Allah is not the God of Israel and political correctness will destroy our nation. America needs to repent to the God of Israel and humble ourselves before him for the sins of our nation. We need to return to the reading of the Bible and stop all the lying and deceit. If we do not repent, the long suffering God of Israel will destroy our nation. We who are Christians must pray for our nation that God's righteousness will be honoured. We repent for our sins and lift up the name of Jesus. We belong to the God of Israel. Praise be to Him.

Must I forgive everyone?

Luke 17:3  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Luke 17:4  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

There is a condition to forgiveness, the person must say "I repent" (even if he doesn't mean it?) In Matthews gospel there was no condition given.

 

Mat 18:21  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 

Another condition is that the one you forgive is a brother, someone close, someone who has confessed faith in God.

 

It seems to me that to forgive someone that they would have to be sorry for what they did. If no repentance, then we should remove our self from them and do not be their victim. Pray that they repent and leave them be and give them to the LORD.

 

Rom 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2 Cor 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

If they repent forgive them, if they are unrepentant sinners, give them to God and do not carry their guilt and condemnation. Hold no malice towards anyone; pray for their salvation because Jesus forgave you when you were yet a sinner. If you reprove a sinner on the way to hell they may say "your judging me." Warn them in a loving way and Jesus will judge them, leave them to him.

A final verse to ponder by the Holy Spirit:

Mat 6:14  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Mat 6:15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The Ebenezer Stone

When the ark was in captivity, it brought plagues to the Philistine people. The false images bowed and were broken in the presence of the ark. For fear of the God of Israel the ark was returned to a place in Israel called Bethshemesh, and from there to Kirjathjearim.

1Sa 7:2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
1Sa 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
1Sa 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
1Sa 7:5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.
1Sa 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
1Sa 7:7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
1Sa 7:8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
1Sa 7:9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.
1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
1Sa 7:11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
1Sa 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

Israel missed having the Ark in the temple and by Samuel's counsel, they repented and put away their foreign idols. Satan doesn't give up easy, he always tries to disrupt the moving of God; the Philistines were coming to fight. The people cried out to Samuel, their prophet and Judge. He offered a burnt offering of a baby lamb and prayed. His prayer was answered with a voice of a great thunder that so upset the Philistines that Israel was able defeat and drive them away. The Ebenezer stone memorialized this victory. Ebenezer : God is our help (the stone of help).

If we are children of God, through faith in Jesus Christ we may call out to God ourselves, with the Lamb of God as our intercessor. Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb. God's spirit in us prays to the Father and he helps us. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and helper. He is God with us and we are as priests to God and son's of the most high God. We are the Spirit filled family of God. May I suggest that you find an Ebenezer stone of any size to remind you that God helps us? Jesus is the Rock of my salvation. I had a custom of going to a rapid place on the river for prayer. I would find a white stone and pray for a certain person and throw the stone into the living waters. These were as Ebenezer stones for God to help those that I prayed for. There was a large Ebenezer stone in Israel, but we can make our own to remember God is our help.

Returning to God

Deu 4:25 When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger: 

Deu 4:26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.
Deu 4:27 And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.
Deu 4:28 And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.
Deu 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Deu 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
Deu 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

God told his people as they were entering the promise land that their children's children would turn away from the One that chose and blessed them. They would get used to prosperity and turn away to worship the gods of the other nations. They would be destroyed and as Ezekiel spoke later only a third would be left and scattered among the nations.

Our nation is like the Israel of old. We have been blessed above all nations and have drifted away from the God that blessed America. Individuals who once served God have turned away from him chasing the lusts of the flesh. But, as God said to Israel, if you repent and turn back to God, seeking him with a whole heart, He will be found.

Last night a young prodigal son who had left God and was entangled in the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, came to me as I was on the Internet. He sent me an instant message wanting me to help him come back to God. I led him back again to the LORD in prayer. Jesus loves us and if we stray away from him, which is easy to do, he will receive us back. 

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

No one needs to hear your sins confessed but Jesus who is our mediator to God the Father. We all need to confess our sins and repent of them. Keep me Jesus as the apple of thine eye. Thank you Lord for your mercies.

True Lies

False witnesses

In the news they repeat a lie over and over and the people believe it to be truth; this is how they shape public opinions. The greatest news event was that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. He said he would do so and he did overcome death and the grave. He gave us the sure way to eternal life. He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6) This is the gospel, the good news. However, the news shapers were busy covering up the truth with an "official" news story. A lie to hide the inconvenient truth. Jesus arose from the well guarded grave on the third day as he said he would. The guards guarding his tomb by law would die if a prisoner escaped. Instead there was a cover up by a false account of what happened.

Mat 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Mat 28:14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Pro 12:17  He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 

Removing truth and righteousness is removing God from society. In the laws in Leviticus, sexual sins were not allowed. All the new laws supporting gay rights go against the laws of God. Television sitcoms and movies have shown that sex before marriage is normal. Every perversion is available to see or to experience through the Internet. Political leaders collect information on their opponents, even using the FBI, so that they may blackmail or accuse them. A ruthless leader could destroy the opposition or control them by digging up the files on their life style. The lie of evolution is taught as truth, removing God as the creator. Wake up people and return to the God of Christian America. Sure you can dig up sins committed by our fathers in the past, but they believed in God.The majority today do not know what to believe. I believe that the Bible is the truth of God. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to us in a human body, taught us, did many healings and miracles, and was killed on a cross for our sins. He was our substitute sin bearer and our atonement for sins. He did come out of the cave tomb back to life and there were many witnesses to prove that he did this. He is the way to eternal life with God, his Father. We become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ and that is the gospel truth.

1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 
1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
1Jn 1:10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

No place for repentance

I see two men who were called the son of perdition in the Bible; Judas Iscariot and the Beast, the antichrist that will come as a false Christ in the last days.(2Thes 2:3) In both of these men satan enters into them to try to destroy Jesus or his people. Along with these who have no place for repentance are the fallen angels who followed satan. All of these will be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented forever. Jesus died to redeem fallen children of Adam. Judas and some of the fallen angels are now in hell and hell will be cast into the lake of fire. Pray for men but never for angels. Pray to God, but not to his angels. Angels are servant messengers, but people were created in the image of God.

Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Mat 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

My first thoughts are that the chief priests were as guilty as was Judas. They were the spiritual leaders who schemed to kill Jesus. They hired Judas to betray the Lord with their temple silver. Now the silver was no longer acceptable to be returned to where it was taken, in the temple treasury? Such hypocrisy. Money is neutral, it is how it is secured or used that may be sinful. Judas sinned by coveting money more than his love and obedience to Jesus the Messiah. His covetousness clouded his spiritual vision. He sought repentance from those who were as evil as he was. It was too late for Judas, the devil had entered him and the devil would be sure that he died. Jesus called Judas the son of perdition.

Joh 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Millions of people are in religions that offer no place of repentance for salvation and eternal life. They need to come to Jesus.

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

If a tormented person comes to us to repent, it is an opportunity to bring them to Jesus. If we are sinful hypocrites as were the high priests, then we are working with satan to kill the lost. May this never be so. We are to be as ambassadors, evangelists and preachers for Jesus to bring the lost to him. If our hearts are evil, what good are we? We must keep our ways pure; repentance, reading the Bible and prayer, so that we can help the lost to find life in Jesus, before the devil kills them. Lord make us your bold witnesses in these last days. In Jesus name, amen.

They Sin More and More

Hos 13:1 When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.

Ephraim (Israel) trembled when they realized that they were dead in their sins and facing judgment. Often though people will exalt themselves placing humanity or science or some other idol as a right. It may be a right to them, but it is not right to a righteous God, to sin and worship Baal. Because of this they would die in their sins.

Hos 13:2 And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

They were totally given over to the worship of Baal, kissing the calf idols. This literally reads "sacrificers of men kiss calves". The Bible speaks of child sacrifice by worshipping the god Molech. There may have been human sacrifices to Baal as well. We call it abortion in our time.

Lev 18:21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

They made idols of silver and kissed the calf. Can we compare this to a people worshipping a bull market? Making idols of their silver and gold. Gold currently sells for $1600 an ounce, showing how the dollar is failing and how people kiss their silver and gold for security. Well kiss it goodbye for we had better kiss the Son of God instead.

Psa 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Judas betrayed the Son of God with a kiss, loving silver more than the Lord.

Luk 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Judas like Ephraim had gone too far and had to face imminent death. If you feel you have gone too far into sin, repent and turn to Jesus for forgiveness and a new life. Open your heart and eyes to Jesus who came to save you and all who will believe in him.

Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Hos 13:3 Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.
Hos 13:4 Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.

Jas 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Our life is like a vapor in comparison to eternity. The God of Israel sent his Son Jesus to be your savior from sin and death; he is our savior.

Luk 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Joh 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.

Hos 13:5 I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

Hos 13:6 According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

The LORD met their needs in the wilderness and established them in the promise land. Prosperity and ease had turned their hearts away from obedience and the worship of their true God. We hear so much on prosperity and the spirit. Be careful less ye turn from the LORD God of Israel unto prosperity gods of the people around you. Beware also that you not forget Jesus in your spirit talk. Some are leaving God and Jesus, the Bible and truth for the words of other spirits. Seeking higher and higher levels, but not after their God who gave them all truth and good things.

Psa 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Hos 13:7 Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:
Hos 13:8 I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.

Israel had left the safety of their LORD and the LORD was forced to stalk them as wild beasts, to repay them for their choices. They walked in danger. This is the LORD of the old covenant who has given us grace through his Son Jesus, by the New Covenant of faith.

Leopards, bears, lions, all are under the dominion of God. The children of God had become children of satan. The unruly parents often raise unruly children. Do not offend God or his servants. The following story of Elijah is for our learning.

2Ki 2:23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
2Ki 2:24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

Perhaps if a multitude of children come at you in hostility, or a youth gang in an inner city, then you may call on the name of Jesus. We are now in the age of grace. Elijah had power to call bears and even fire from heaven, but in this time we are sent to save people from the coming judgment. An example of this change was when James and John wanted to send fire down on those who would not receive Jesus in Samaria, but Jesus rebuked them.

Luk 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
Luk 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

The spirit of Jesus seeks to save and not to destroy.

Hos 13:9 O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.
Hos 13:10 I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?
Hos 13:11 I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.

Jehovah is the God of Israel and also their king. When they demanded a king like the other nations they received Saul. There is no king like the Lord and no king like Jesus his son. You trust Jesus for he will not lie to you. Evil men will try to rule from satan's power, but our Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God is greater.

Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Hos 13:12 The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid.
Hos 13:13 The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children.

As a woman in travail ready to give birth to a new life, Israel stubbornly refuses the new life with God by faith because he will not forsake his sins; by doing this he opposed his own salvation.

2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Hos 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

The LORD was willing to deliver them from death and the power of the grave. He would come in Jesus to die in our place to save us from sin and death.

1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hos 13:15 Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

With the LORD's compassion removed, Israel's prosperity would come to an end. He would come in judgment as a hot and dry east wind would come drying out everything in it's path.. The Assyrians would invade like the east wind sent from the LORD.

Hos 13:16 Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

The LORD would keep his covenant promise to Israel. They had caused him to come against them.

Lev 26:23 And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;
Lev 26:24 Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.
Lev 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

No people can live for long in prosperity ignoring the God of Israel. His grace is in his Son, the Lord Jesus christ.

1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1Pe 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
1Pe 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Believe in Jesus, depart from sin and be saved.