I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
In this walk with and through Christ, by His blessed Holy Spirit, we must resolve to run this race to win. We must learn to praise God through our adversities and not give over our strength to complaining about what we are going through. Bless the lord and praise him anyway. The attacks are not against you, but against your faith and to make you doubt God. There will be ups and downs in your life, also good and bad times, through them all as Paul taught in Phil. 3: 13-14. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those thing which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
This may seem hard to a lot of us, because we get caught up in what we are going through. We tend to look at the problem instead of the solution. Thereby giving strength to the enemy, we start looking for pity and for someone to listen to our complaining. When this happens you have already lost the battle. Why? You lost because you are magnifying the power of the enemy and looking to share it with some one else.
Peter had a similar experience in Matt. 14:24-31; He started out in faith and believed, so much so, he walked on water. He was able to do this because he trusted and kept his eyes on Jesus. Unfortunately he started listening to his companions and began to doubt. What happen then? Well, he took his eyes off Jesus and the storm began to magnify and he began to sink into the waters of life. Not unlike a lot of us. We start out strong and allow others or our situations to draw our attention away from God and we began to sink. We loose faith and start crying “Lord save me”. We totally forget that He already has and just want us to walk in His saving grace.
The solution lies in the question Jesus asked Peter “O you of little faith, Why did you doubt?” You cannot win the race or the fight if you doubt. You must believe you have the power to win. That power is put in you when you are born-again, by the Holy Spirit Acts 1:8. For all of you who are going through, no matter how hard it may seem, don’t doubt God, keep the faith. Keep pressing toward the prize (victory) of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Don’t allow your own mind or those around you, to cause you to loose sight. Ignore the vain words of ignorance about the circumstances. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Eph.6:11.
God has given you all need to win, Faith, Hope and Charity (Love) Corinth. 13:13. Remember, you are bought with a price, the blood of Jesus, and you are no longer yours but His. So continue to grow in the spirit and strength, mature in the word of God and remember God cannot fail or lie. He is not like man; he does not give and take back. He (God) is true to his word to us. He gave you His power, by His spirit, so why are you begging? You have all you need, Use It! Amen and Hallelujah!!!
I close with this scripture until next time. Therefore let us, as many as are mature. Have this mind and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Phil. 3:15. May God keep you safe and provide all your needs according to His riches in glory, through Christ Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
You are only as good as your word
Oh! What a tangle web we weave when we practice to deceive. This week I would like to start by asking the question, do you lie? Before you answer, give this question a lot of thought. First, let’s examine the different ways that a person can lie. These are in word, deeds, and actions. What we may see as something else can simply be a lie in disguise. For example, we may lie without meaning to do so, because at the time we mean what we say. You meet a person and fall in love and tell them “I will never leave you or I will never hurt you. You may be sincere at the time, but you eventually do one or both. Was this a lie? You may say “It was the truth when I said it, so if I lied it was not intentional”. That may be true, never the less it turned out to be a lie. You did not keep your word and in the eyes of the other person you are only as good as your word.
Have you ever done something to deceive another person? If so, you were lying in your deed. We are born with sinful actions in our nature. Even a child learns to deceive at an early age. This occurs without thinking, it is in their nature. They know how to lie without being taught. If left to themselves they will find a way to do something wrong and when confronted, to avoid punishment, they will lie. I have often heard of the imaginary people children make up to avoid getting punished. Such as, I don’t know, some body, they or who, did it or made me do it.
Now an example of lying by action; have you ever broke something that belong to your mother or to a friend and didn’t tell them? That deception was a lie in action. There was no motive or word, only action that left them to blame whoever except you. As a whole we lie daily, when we go to work we put on a different face not our real one. Just to please our boss or coworkers simply to keep our jobs. We pretend to like someone when in reality we don’t. Isn’t that lying? When asked do we lie we say no. Isn’t that a lie? By now you hopefully get the point.
As children of God we are not suppose to be liars, because of the spirit of truth. Even before the Holy Spirit was given the law spoke against lying. Thou shalt not bare false witness. Col 3:9-10 says do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. So liars have no part in the kingdom of God but are of Satan’s kingdom. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty James. 2:12. As Christians we are suppose to be ensamples of Gods nature and not do things as the world does. Our lives should say something to people. When we lie and are backbiters, what kind of statement are we making to the world about the church?
Brothers, let us practice what Paul taught in James 12: Above all do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by any other oath. But let your Yes be Yes and your No be No, least you fall into judgment. By all means be careful what you speak and how you live. You never know who is watching you and trying to be like you. Especially our leaders in the faith, we are watched closer than any others. Now, may the grace of God and His mercy keep you in your living, learning and speaking. In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
And for this reason God will send them delusions that they should believe the lie. 2Thess. 2:11
Have you ever done something to deceive another person? If so, you were lying in your deed. We are born with sinful actions in our nature. Even a child learns to deceive at an early age. This occurs without thinking, it is in their nature. They know how to lie without being taught. If left to themselves they will find a way to do something wrong and when confronted, to avoid punishment, they will lie. I have often heard of the imaginary people children make up to avoid getting punished. Such as, I don’t know, some body, they or who, did it or made me do it.
Now an example of lying by action; have you ever broke something that belong to your mother or to a friend and didn’t tell them? That deception was a lie in action. There was no motive or word, only action that left them to blame whoever except you. As a whole we lie daily, when we go to work we put on a different face not our real one. Just to please our boss or coworkers simply to keep our jobs. We pretend to like someone when in reality we don’t. Isn’t that lying? When asked do we lie we say no. Isn’t that a lie? By now you hopefully get the point.
As children of God we are not suppose to be liars, because of the spirit of truth. Even before the Holy Spirit was given the law spoke against lying. Thou shalt not bare false witness. Col 3:9-10 says do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. So liars have no part in the kingdom of God but are of Satan’s kingdom. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty James. 2:12. As Christians we are suppose to be ensamples of Gods nature and not do things as the world does. Our lives should say something to people. When we lie and are backbiters, what kind of statement are we making to the world about the church?
Brothers, let us practice what Paul taught in James 12: Above all do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by any other oath. But let your Yes be Yes and your No be No, least you fall into judgment. By all means be careful what you speak and how you live. You never know who is watching you and trying to be like you. Especially our leaders in the faith, we are watched closer than any others. Now, may the grace of God and His mercy keep you in your living, learning and speaking. In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
And for this reason God will send them delusions that they should believe the lie. 2Thess. 2:11
Monday, November 2, 2009
What is Man
What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him? For you made him a little lower than the angels, and you crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you put all things under his feet. (Psalms 8:4-6)
What is a man? I have asked this question many times since childhood; as I’m sure many other male children have. The answer I received was not the answer I was looking for. Instead of telling me what a man is, they told me what a man is supposed to do. This question plagued me and would not leave, as did others, until finally, I was driven to go out into the world in search of the answer. I was 17 years old at the time I told my mother I had to go; surprisingly, she didn’t put up a fight, as I thought she would. So off I went, to find my answers, first to the army and then the world. My thoughts were, if I could find the answer anywhere it would be in the army. Sorry to say my journey did not end there, I still had no answer.
After many years of turmoil, pain, and suffering; I still had not found the answer. Only at the point of death was the true answer found. I had to be born-again and accept Jesus Christ as my lord and savior before my understanding would be opened. I am writing this, not for debate, but that it may, hopefully, give an answer to those who are searching. So here goes.
Where did the word man come from? It was not a label we put on ourselves. What is the definition? To find the answer, let’s go to the bible in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 26: Then God said “let Us make man, in our image, according to our likeness”. So before man was created he was named and his blueprint was God’s own image. Now my question to you is what does that make him? The word tells us that God created himself for his own pleasure. This tells me that man is a god. Why do I say such an outrageous statement? Well, because I found supporting scriptures that say the same. John 10:34, for instance, is very direct. If you believe what Jesus said then read for yourself. Also read Gen.5:1, now, if Adam was created in God’s image and in Gen.5:1 Adam’s son , Seth was begotten in Adams image after his likeness; would it not be safe to say that Seth was also created in God’s image, Therefore a god.
Not all men were created in the likeness of God; Gen.5:2 states: He called them mankind. These began to multiply on the earth and the sons of God began to desire their daughters. They took wives for themselves of all they chose. Gen.6:2 Now it should be plain to see that there is a difference between the sons of God and mankind. Even though they are similar in appearance, there is a difference in their nature.
Furthermore, the Essence of a thing defines and establishes it’s character. Character is the emotional, intellectual, and moral qualities that define an individual. These I believe can be used to define a son of God. Further supporting scripture can be found in Psalms 82:6 & 97:7. There are many other scriptures throughout the bible, one must only seek to find. Just remember John 10:34-35 says "Ye are gods" and the scriptures cannot be broken.
Now Satan tries to emulate everything God does and has done so since the Garden of Eden. Some examples are in Ezek.28:1-7 and Isa.14:12-17 to name just a few. In the last days false prophets and false teachers shall rise up among you 2Peter 1-3 pretending to be what they are not. So,blessed children believe not every spirit, but try the spirit by the spirit 1John: 1-3. The nature of a man cannot change; just his appearance. Amen.
May God bless and keep you through Christ Jesus our Lord.
What is a man? I have asked this question many times since childhood; as I’m sure many other male children have. The answer I received was not the answer I was looking for. Instead of telling me what a man is, they told me what a man is supposed to do. This question plagued me and would not leave, as did others, until finally, I was driven to go out into the world in search of the answer. I was 17 years old at the time I told my mother I had to go; surprisingly, she didn’t put up a fight, as I thought she would. So off I went, to find my answers, first to the army and then the world. My thoughts were, if I could find the answer anywhere it would be in the army. Sorry to say my journey did not end there, I still had no answer.
After many years of turmoil, pain, and suffering; I still had not found the answer. Only at the point of death was the true answer found. I had to be born-again and accept Jesus Christ as my lord and savior before my understanding would be opened. I am writing this, not for debate, but that it may, hopefully, give an answer to those who are searching. So here goes.
Where did the word man come from? It was not a label we put on ourselves. What is the definition? To find the answer, let’s go to the bible in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 26: Then God said “let Us make man, in our image, according to our likeness”. So before man was created he was named and his blueprint was God’s own image. Now my question to you is what does that make him? The word tells us that God created himself for his own pleasure. This tells me that man is a god. Why do I say such an outrageous statement? Well, because I found supporting scriptures that say the same. John 10:34, for instance, is very direct. If you believe what Jesus said then read for yourself. Also read Gen.5:1, now, if Adam was created in God’s image and in Gen.5:1 Adam’s son , Seth was begotten in Adams image after his likeness; would it not be safe to say that Seth was also created in God’s image, Therefore a god.
Not all men were created in the likeness of God; Gen.5:2 states: He called them mankind. These began to multiply on the earth and the sons of God began to desire their daughters. They took wives for themselves of all they chose. Gen.6:2 Now it should be plain to see that there is a difference between the sons of God and mankind. Even though they are similar in appearance, there is a difference in their nature.
Furthermore, the Essence of a thing defines and establishes it’s character. Character is the emotional, intellectual, and moral qualities that define an individual. These I believe can be used to define a son of God. Further supporting scripture can be found in Psalms 82:6 & 97:7. There are many other scriptures throughout the bible, one must only seek to find. Just remember John 10:34-35 says "Ye are gods" and the scriptures cannot be broken.
Now Satan tries to emulate everything God does and has done so since the Garden of Eden. Some examples are in Ezek.28:1-7 and Isa.14:12-17 to name just a few. In the last days false prophets and false teachers shall rise up among you 2Peter 1-3 pretending to be what they are not. So,blessed children believe not every spirit, but try the spirit by the spirit 1John: 1-3. The nature of a man cannot change; just his appearance. Amen.
May God bless and keep you through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Game of Life
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ,
The game of life is a very interesting subject. I have often wondered why people say that life is a game. Is it to try and rationalize the crazy things that happen? Is it an attempt to not take life so seriously? Is it our feeble attempt to keep our sanity? Either way, how can we take anything in life serious, if it is a game? As I observed life situations, I ask myself, how in the world can we expect to be taken seriously, when all we do is play games? From childhood to adulthood we play games. We only get paid when we get older. Think of it, getting paid to play a game, not only that, but games pay more than professions. People that go to college and get an education and work hard to get ahead don’t come close to making the kind of money that playing a game does. Now isn’t that ironic?
People that play at life are treated like celebrities. All because they can hit, bounce, throw, and kick a ball. Let’s not forget those that can sing, dance and act, don’t get me wrong, I’m not belittling those with talent, but there's something wrong with a world that put these things before honest professions. There are more people who attend sports, rap, and rock and roll shows than attend church. There’s got to be something wrong with that scenario. How can these things be more attractive than truth and love? The dope dealer on the street corner is more alluring to our children than getting a job. We have young people in their 30’s playing video games and they have children of their own, also grandchildren. So what does that tell us? That we need to grow up and stop playing games.
So I have come to the conclusion that we work at play and play at work. That’s kind of backwards, isn’t it? The world is a backward place, with backward people, playing games. Sure games are fun; they give us some relief and stimulate our imagination. They take us to a place where we can dream or believe that we can do these things, only if. We can’t always be serious, but we have to put things in proper perspective. We have to realize that life is not a game, but is real and should be seen as such. We need a balance in our lives, which is where the word of God comes in, to guide us through the serious times.
We have too many people playing church and not taking the word of God serious, and this behavior trickles down to our children. I have heard many say “I’m not going to church where those hypocrites are, they want to tell us what to do and they don’t do it themselves.” People need to get real, because God is real and is not playing games. Life is real and not a game; please put things in their proper perspective so that our children will have proper examples to follow.
I will close with a scripture that hopefully will be food for thought. It comes from 1 Corinth.13:11 and I quote: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
So until next week, may God grant you his knowledge, wisdom, and understanding through Jesus Christ, our lord and savior and His grace and mercy. Amen.
The game of life is a very interesting subject. I have often wondered why people say that life is a game. Is it to try and rationalize the crazy things that happen? Is it an attempt to not take life so seriously? Is it our feeble attempt to keep our sanity? Either way, how can we take anything in life serious, if it is a game? As I observed life situations, I ask myself, how in the world can we expect to be taken seriously, when all we do is play games? From childhood to adulthood we play games. We only get paid when we get older. Think of it, getting paid to play a game, not only that, but games pay more than professions. People that go to college and get an education and work hard to get ahead don’t come close to making the kind of money that playing a game does. Now isn’t that ironic?
People that play at life are treated like celebrities. All because they can hit, bounce, throw, and kick a ball. Let’s not forget those that can sing, dance and act, don’t get me wrong, I’m not belittling those with talent, but there's something wrong with a world that put these things before honest professions. There are more people who attend sports, rap, and rock and roll shows than attend church. There’s got to be something wrong with that scenario. How can these things be more attractive than truth and love? The dope dealer on the street corner is more alluring to our children than getting a job. We have young people in their 30’s playing video games and they have children of their own, also grandchildren. So what does that tell us? That we need to grow up and stop playing games.
So I have come to the conclusion that we work at play and play at work. That’s kind of backwards, isn’t it? The world is a backward place, with backward people, playing games. Sure games are fun; they give us some relief and stimulate our imagination. They take us to a place where we can dream or believe that we can do these things, only if. We can’t always be serious, but we have to put things in proper perspective. We have to realize that life is not a game, but is real and should be seen as such. We need a balance in our lives, which is where the word of God comes in, to guide us through the serious times.
We have too many people playing church and not taking the word of God serious, and this behavior trickles down to our children. I have heard many say “I’m not going to church where those hypocrites are, they want to tell us what to do and they don’t do it themselves.” People need to get real, because God is real and is not playing games. Life is real and not a game; please put things in their proper perspective so that our children will have proper examples to follow.
I will close with a scripture that hopefully will be food for thought. It comes from 1 Corinth.13:11 and I quote: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
So until next week, may God grant you his knowledge, wisdom, and understanding through Jesus Christ, our lord and savior and His grace and mercy. Amen.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Jesus - The Way, the Truth, and the Life
In continuation of last week; I will try and explain in more in-depth terms, what or who Jesus is (John 14:6-7). Let’s address each one of these statements that Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” First let’s address “the Way.” The way to where? What was He talking about? Where was He talking about? The answer to that is, the way to the father, creator of all things, the way to the Kingdom of God, Our creator, Our All in All. God made us and we strayed from Him because of sin. Jesus came to redeem us from the bonds of Satan, from captivity, from slavery to sin. How did He do this? He did it by teaching us the truth.
The truth “What is the Truth”? The truth of God, Pilate asked Jesus that question and got no answer. Why? Because he was not of the truth see John 18:38. He that hath an ear let him hear what the spirit says to the church. Remember in my former lessons I stated “man does not have free will, but he does have choice. What will you base your choices on, a lie or the truth? In John 18:37 Jesus stated “He came to bare witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.
The life, I’m sure that at some time in your life you have seen fields, gardens, and houses that have been neglected. There was no one to care for them and they deteriorated. Grass and weeds covered the area, choking out the crop that was planted. Houses fell apart, because they had no upkeep. Does this compare to you because you have not accepted Jesus Christ in to your life? If you will accept Jesus, You will be accepting God the Father that sent Him into the world as a propitiation for our sins. Thereby we won't be just sitting, waiting on someone to care, when our lives have fallen apart.
I’m sure some of you are wondering what does this have to do with me. My life is OK, I don’t want to Change my life. I like my life the way it is. Let me assure you it will not last things will change. What seems to be a good time today will be a bad time tomorrow. Some maybe saying I don’t need you preaching Jesus to me. Well, maybe not just know we are all born in sin and shaped in iniquity (Ps. 51:5). How can we be fine or OK? Have you look at the world we live in? I don’t have the time or space to list all that is going on and man is helpless to stop it. Believe me when I say “If you stay in something long enough you will become like it, thereby accepting the conditions as OK. What can I do to change it?
Nothing, if you like things the way they are; such as sickness, homelessness, violence, death, joblessness, have broken- homes, and families. Need I say more? You’ve tried everything else why not try Jesus? All he is saying is come home to God your father. He didn’t say he was God, he said that God sent Him and He was one with God. The works he did and the words he spoke were from God not him. Through Christ Jesus, Father God showed us the way to redemption. The truth about God and the relationship that He wants to have with us. Jesus came to show us the way to that abundant life, to free us from bondage. Don’t fool yourself Satan is real and this world is his kingdom. So until next week, “May the truth (the word of God) find its way into your heart, so that you too can have that abundant life in Christ.
Amen and Hallelujah!!!!!
In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the lord one departs from evil. (Prov.16:6)
The truth “What is the Truth”? The truth of God, Pilate asked Jesus that question and got no answer. Why? Because he was not of the truth see John 18:38. He that hath an ear let him hear what the spirit says to the church. Remember in my former lessons I stated “man does not have free will, but he does have choice. What will you base your choices on, a lie or the truth? In John 18:37 Jesus stated “He came to bare witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.
The life, I’m sure that at some time in your life you have seen fields, gardens, and houses that have been neglected. There was no one to care for them and they deteriorated. Grass and weeds covered the area, choking out the crop that was planted. Houses fell apart, because they had no upkeep. Does this compare to you because you have not accepted Jesus Christ in to your life? If you will accept Jesus, You will be accepting God the Father that sent Him into the world as a propitiation for our sins. Thereby we won't be just sitting, waiting on someone to care, when our lives have fallen apart.
I’m sure some of you are wondering what does this have to do with me. My life is OK, I don’t want to Change my life. I like my life the way it is. Let me assure you it will not last things will change. What seems to be a good time today will be a bad time tomorrow. Some maybe saying I don’t need you preaching Jesus to me. Well, maybe not just know we are all born in sin and shaped in iniquity (Ps. 51:5). How can we be fine or OK? Have you look at the world we live in? I don’t have the time or space to list all that is going on and man is helpless to stop it. Believe me when I say “If you stay in something long enough you will become like it, thereby accepting the conditions as OK. What can I do to change it?
Nothing, if you like things the way they are; such as sickness, homelessness, violence, death, joblessness, have broken- homes, and families. Need I say more? You’ve tried everything else why not try Jesus? All he is saying is come home to God your father. He didn’t say he was God, he said that God sent Him and He was one with God. The works he did and the words he spoke were from God not him. Through Christ Jesus, Father God showed us the way to redemption. The truth about God and the relationship that He wants to have with us. Jesus came to show us the way to that abundant life, to free us from bondage. Don’t fool yourself Satan is real and this world is his kingdom. So until next week, “May the truth (the word of God) find its way into your heart, so that you too can have that abundant life in Christ.
Amen and Hallelujah!!!!!
In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the lord one departs from evil. (Prov.16:6)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Will the real "Jesus" please stand
Brothers, this weeks subject will be controversial to some because of the subject "Jesus". Which is offensive to some and misdirection for other. This is because of disbelief or lack of knowledge. Hopefully, this weeks word will help to displace some or both. The scriptures state that in the last days there will be many false "Christ" that will deceive many. So, which do you follow, If any at all. Lets explore further, today there are many who call themselves Jesus and that they are him returned in the flesh. There are many who follow these false Christ's. Also there are many teachings, lies and falsehoods taught in His name. I will not be able to address all that needs to be expounded on this week. I will post it until it is finished, "Hallelujah"!!
First, Who was the real Jesus? What did he look like? The real Jesus was conceived of God, by the "Holy Spirit". There are many that disagree with this. Why? Could not a God that created the Heavens and Earth, created man from the dust of the ground. created woman from a rib of that same man,create life in an undefiled womb (a virgin)? A God that gave life to an old woman's dried up womb, and to an old man's seed long past age (Sarah and Abraham). Could He not create life in what He created? That same "Jesus" was the word of God , that became flesh and walked among us (John 1:14).
What did He look like? Well he did not look like the pictures that circulate among us. He was not white, with long hair and blue eyes. He was not Asian, Black, or many other ethnic persuasion that want to identify Him with their race. He was born of the linage of Abraham, Isaac,and Jacob (Israel). Now, as to what He looked like, let us refer to (Isaiah 53:2-3). He had no comeliness; And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men. A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised and we did not esteem Him. Does this sound like the Jesus that you have pictures of or have pictured in your mind? This was the Jesus that went to the cross for you and me. Hallelujah!!!!!.
Now what does "Jesus" look like today; The resurrected "Jesus"? God does not leave us blind to his truth. The question is do you believe the scriptures? If so go to (Rev. 1:14-17). And I quote, His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like flames of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnance, and His voice as the sound of many waters. He had in his right hand seven stars, out of his mouth went a two-edged sword, and His countenance were like the sun shining in his strength. And when I saw him , I fell at his feet as dead. But He laid his right hand on me , Saying to me "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
If these men do not look like this, How can they be Jesus? Jesus sits on the right-hand of God; how can He be back here? He has not been back since His resurrection and received unto the father (God).
How would one know this? Well, refer to the scriptures(2 Peter 3:10). But the day of the lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up; I ask you again has this happened? This is what will happen when Jesus returns. So beloved be not deceived; study to show yourselves approved of God, rightfully dividing the word. So until next week "May God Bless and keep you through Christ Jesus". Amen.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Morality or Spirituality
Can a man live a moral life and not be spiritual? Can a man obey the law and not be spiritual? Can a man be religious and not be spiritual? These are valid questions. I was watching a program the other night about the ten laws (the ten commandments). The one being addressed was the commandment " Thou shalt not commit Adultery". There were quite a few opinions about this matter, which extended to the question, was man born to be unfaithful? Some answered yes, others answered no. What do you say?
Lets address the first of the previous questions. (#1) Can a man live a moral life and not be spiritual? I say yes. How so you may ask ? By obeying the law. The law does not have the power to change man's heart or mind. The law only serves to make man aware of his sins (Rom. 5:13). The law cannot make a man righteous before God (Heb.10:1-2). The letter of the law killeth (2 Corinth. 3:6).
Secondly, (#2) Can a man obey the law and not be righteous or spiritual? Yes, if you live under and by the law, you are living under sin. You must be born again. (Read Rom. 7:4-25) " very revealing". The law does not have the power to make a man righteous.
Thirdly, (#3) Can a man be religious and not be spiritual? Yes, there is a difference . The spirit revealed this to me. Religious people know what to do, but spiritual people know how to do. There are many religions in the world, but can any of them deliver you from sin or give you salvation? Many people do things religiously everyday. Religion is simply a way of life. If religion can change a man, why is there so much hatred, prejudice, jealously, enviousness, and strife in the church? Where these things exist, there is no power or spirit (not the right kind).
I close with these passages from (Rom. 10:1-4). Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Lets address the first of the previous questions. (#1) Can a man live a moral life and not be spiritual? I say yes. How so you may ask ? By obeying the law. The law does not have the power to change man's heart or mind. The law only serves to make man aware of his sins (Rom. 5:13). The law cannot make a man righteous before God (Heb.10:1-2). The letter of the law killeth (2 Corinth. 3:6).
Secondly, (#2) Can a man obey the law and not be righteous or spiritual? Yes, if you live under and by the law, you are living under sin. You must be born again. (Read Rom. 7:4-25) " very revealing". The law does not have the power to make a man righteous.
Thirdly, (#3) Can a man be religious and not be spiritual? Yes, there is a difference . The spirit revealed this to me. Religious people know what to do, but spiritual people know how to do. There are many religions in the world, but can any of them deliver you from sin or give you salvation? Many people do things religiously everyday. Religion is simply a way of life. If religion can change a man, why is there so much hatred, prejudice, jealously, enviousness, and strife in the church? Where these things exist, there is no power or spirit (not the right kind).
I close with these passages from (Rom. 10:1-4). Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
May God bless and keep you all , until next week through Christ Jesus . Amen.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Fall of Man - Part II
When God created man, he had everything that was needed to survive. God also gave him dominion or ruler ship over all the creatures of the earth (Gen.1:26). He was full of godly wisdom , knowledge and understanding. He did not have free will, but he did have choice. that choice was given to him in (Gen. 2:15).
And God saw that it was not good for man to be alone Gen. 2:18). All the other creatures had mates, but man had no suitable mate. So God caused man to fall into a deep sleep and he took one of man's ribs and closed the place with flesh(Gen. 2:21). Then God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of man and brought her to him (Gen. 2:20-25).
The man said "This is now flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone ; She shall be called woman ; for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh. The man and woman were both naked and they felt no shame, because there was no knowledge of sin in them (Gen. 2:20-25)
Now comes temptation, remember man did not have free will, but he did have choice. He is either subject to God's will or Satan's. The question remains, why did the serpent approach Eve and not Adam? To clarify this point, Adam was created in God's image after his likeness therefore, he could not be tempted by evil. So the serpent approached Eve the weaker vessel.
Some would argue this point, but let wisdom prevail. When Adam saw the woman he said "This is flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone, but he did not say "Spirit of my spirit". Therefore, she was the weaker vessel, subject to carnal thinking. Her husband did safely trust in her, so he listened to her as she had listened to the serpent. Sin was born into the world, which is disobedience to God's law. The wages of sin is death Rom. 6:23).
The act of sin brought a curse on the woman and the serpent , but God did not curse man , for he was created in his own image. He cursed the ground for Adam's sake (Gen. 3:17-19). Now the battle continues to wage between man and woman until this day. For example the old adage of women's lib, (I am equal to man, I can do anything a man can do, etc.).
The only way man can win is to take his rightful place and teach the woman (Eph. 5:22-33). Thereby, redeeming the woman and himself back into the position of grace in God. This can only be done through "Jesus Christ " which is the second Adam. So until next week may the grace of God bless and keep you.
Amen!
And God saw that it was not good for man to be alone Gen. 2:18). All the other creatures had mates, but man had no suitable mate. So God caused man to fall into a deep sleep and he took one of man's ribs and closed the place with flesh(Gen. 2:21). Then God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of man and brought her to him (Gen. 2:20-25).
The man said "This is now flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone ; She shall be called woman ; for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh. The man and woman were both naked and they felt no shame, because there was no knowledge of sin in them (Gen. 2:20-25)
Now comes temptation, remember man did not have free will, but he did have choice. He is either subject to God's will or Satan's. The question remains, why did the serpent approach Eve and not Adam? To clarify this point, Adam was created in God's image after his likeness therefore, he could not be tempted by evil. So the serpent approached Eve the weaker vessel.
Some would argue this point, but let wisdom prevail. When Adam saw the woman he said "This is flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone, but he did not say "Spirit of my spirit". Therefore, she was the weaker vessel, subject to carnal thinking. Her husband did safely trust in her, so he listened to her as she had listened to the serpent. Sin was born into the world, which is disobedience to God's law. The wages of sin is death Rom. 6:23).
The act of sin brought a curse on the woman and the serpent , but God did not curse man , for he was created in his own image. He cursed the ground for Adam's sake (Gen. 3:17-19). Now the battle continues to wage between man and woman until this day. For example the old adage of women's lib, (I am equal to man, I can do anything a man can do, etc.).
The only way man can win is to take his rightful place and teach the woman (Eph. 5:22-33). Thereby, redeeming the woman and himself back into the position of grace in God. This can only be done through "Jesus Christ " which is the second Adam. So until next week may the grace of God bless and keep you.
Amen!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Soul Purpose /Why am I Here?
This week I will attempt to address the question that at one time or another man asks himself. " Why am I here"? Through out our lives we experience many different things, some good and some bad. Others strange or hurtful. Many we accept and embrace, others we wrestle with without understanding, often asking why? What did I do for this to happen to me ? Believe it or not, there is a purpose for us being here and all that we go through. Let me elaborate.
In the beginning God created the heavens and earth with all the living creatures and said "It is Good". He then created man from the dust of the ground and blew the breath of life into him . And man became a living soul. Was this an act of God so he could try and torment man ? No, to the contrary. It was the beginning of an awesome plan. God first made the decision to create man in his image, after his likeness created he him, male and female created he them. (Read Gen. 1:26-27, 2:7, 9:6) So now this living soul had to have purpose. What was and is that purpose? The answer to this question is obvious to those of spiritual knowledge. God created man to be conformed to his image, to become sons of God. (Read Rom. 8:28-30)
There is a difference between the sons of God and the sons of mortal man. They each serve different masters. (Read Gen. 6:2 ) One of the flesh and one of the spirit. The spirit man seeks to do the will of God and the fleshly man seeks to do the will of Satan.
Adam was created in God's image, until sin entered into him and separated him from God. He was driven out of paradise to fend for himself. (To be continued next week) (Read Gen. 3:1-23, Rom. 7:14-25)
So until next week, may God bless each and everyone and that you be transformed by the spirit to the renewing of your mind and accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior.
Amen
In the beginning God created the heavens and earth with all the living creatures and said "It is Good". He then created man from the dust of the ground and blew the breath of life into him . And man became a living soul. Was this an act of God so he could try and torment man ? No, to the contrary. It was the beginning of an awesome plan. God first made the decision to create man in his image, after his likeness created he him, male and female created he them. (Read Gen. 1:26-27, 2:7, 9:6) So now this living soul had to have purpose. What was and is that purpose? The answer to this question is obvious to those of spiritual knowledge. God created man to be conformed to his image, to become sons of God. (Read Rom. 8:28-30)
There is a difference between the sons of God and the sons of mortal man. They each serve different masters. (Read Gen. 6:2 ) One of the flesh and one of the spirit. The spirit man seeks to do the will of God and the fleshly man seeks to do the will of Satan.
Adam was created in God's image, until sin entered into him and separated him from God. He was driven out of paradise to fend for himself. (To be continued next week) (Read Gen. 3:1-23, Rom. 7:14-25)
So until next week, may God bless each and everyone and that you be transformed by the spirit to the renewing of your mind and accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior.
Amen
Sunday, September 6, 2009
True Power
This world (Satan's Kingdom) is not built on love or caring . It is built on love of vanity (Eccl. 1-2). Selfishness, Enviousness and strife are at the basic core. Out of these , awful things are inflicted upon mankind. Abuse, injury and death are everyday occurrence. Society has accepted, by the harding of the heart, these conditions that has led to loss of love or caring for one another. Fear reigns through out the world , the weak are preyed on daily.
Only the strong survive is the mindset. Laws have been put into effect,but the law does not change the heart of men. (Heb. 10:1-10). What it did was create another tool for evil to use against the poor and the weak. Those with money could hire the best lawyers and it became another hiding place for evil ,because the law was not perfect, it did not stop mans treatment of man.
Then " Jesus Christ" came into the world and showed us a better way, a way of strength (Heb. 10: 11-17). He showed us a way of exalting power over the enemy, that way is love. This is " True Power". Love your enemy,bless them that curse you and pray for them that wrongfully use you (Matt.5: 44-48). Jesus showed us the way to another world , a world of righteousness. That has and did change man and his perception of himself.
The world sees this as weak, but this is " True Power " Think of the strength it takes to look evil in the eye and say I forgive you or I love you. Even when they know they have done you wrong . This strength is not of man , but of God . For God is love (1 John: 4-7). He that does not love has never known him or seen him (1 John:4:12). In order to receive "True Power", you must be born again out of the flesh into the spirit (John:3-3). Therefore gaining power over the work of the flesh Creating a new You !!!. Hallelujah !!!
We cannot receive the "Power" unless we are born again and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1-8). There abides faith, Hope and charity(Love) and the greatest of these is charity (Love) (1 Corinth: 13-13). Then and only then can we have the strength to renew our minds daily (2 Corinth 4: 16-17). So don't give up on life , you can be changed. Pray and ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and accept him as your personal savior and I believe with you that you will be born again. Praise the lord !!!.
So until next week, may the lord bless and keep you all Amen.
Only the strong survive is the mindset. Laws have been put into effect,but the law does not change the heart of men. (Heb. 10:1-10). What it did was create another tool for evil to use against the poor and the weak. Those with money could hire the best lawyers and it became another hiding place for evil ,because the law was not perfect, it did not stop mans treatment of man.
Then " Jesus Christ" came into the world and showed us a better way, a way of strength (Heb. 10: 11-17). He showed us a way of exalting power over the enemy, that way is love. This is " True Power". Love your enemy,bless them that curse you and pray for them that wrongfully use you (Matt.5: 44-48). Jesus showed us the way to another world , a world of righteousness. That has and did change man and his perception of himself.
The world sees this as weak, but this is " True Power " Think of the strength it takes to look evil in the eye and say I forgive you or I love you. Even when they know they have done you wrong . This strength is not of man , but of God . For God is love (1 John: 4-7). He that does not love has never known him or seen him (1 John:4:12). In order to receive "True Power", you must be born again out of the flesh into the spirit (John:3-3). Therefore gaining power over the work of the flesh Creating a new You !!!. Hallelujah !!!
We cannot receive the "Power" unless we are born again and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1-8). There abides faith, Hope and charity(Love) and the greatest of these is charity (Love) (1 Corinth: 13-13). Then and only then can we have the strength to renew our minds daily (2 Corinth 4: 16-17). So don't give up on life , you can be changed. Pray and ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and accept him as your personal savior and I believe with you that you will be born again. Praise the lord !!!.
So until next week, may the lord bless and keep you all Amen.
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