(3/4/16) TNH
SIMPLE BUT SIGNIFICANT.
Always remember, preaching is a two way event.
The shepherd leads in the way of God, and the sheep follow in the way of God.
The preacher feeds the flock, the believers feast together on God's word.
The pastor lovingly and faithfully shepherds the people, the congregation joyously and eagerly obey God's word.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Saturday, June 18, 2016
(3/27/16) EMPTY TOMBS OF JERUSALEM
(3/27/16)
EMPTY TOMBS OF JERUSALEM
His birth was the Promise,
His resurrection was the Performance...
Our resurrection is His Repeat Performance.
Jesus was viciously brutalized, then murdered in an horrific execution, and hurriedly buried in a borrowed tomb.
THREE DAYS LATER there were numerous empty tombs in Jerusalem. But why were they empty?
* Most of the empty tombs were empty, having never been used, and they awaited the inevitable interment of their owners.
* Some were empty because an earthquake had taken place, moving the stone doors from the caves, allowing their prisoners to be set free. Matthew concisely recorded several amazing events that took place on the day of Christ's crucifixion and three days later. Notice what happened after the resurrection of Christ (vs 53).
Matthew 27:51-53
(51) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
(52) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
(53) And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
* One tomb was empty because the Occupant wrestled death to the grave and arose in victory. It was this Victor over the dark domain that set the other captives free from death's cold, eternal and vindictive grip.
BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE, MUCH MORE.
Jesus not only promised that He would engage death and defeat it through resurrection, He promised to include us in His victory. We have all sinned and the wages of sin is death, but Jesus came to deliver us from our sins.
Jesus saves us from the penalty of sin (death). We are made alive in Christ now, but we are raised to reign with Him in the resurrection of the righteous.
Jesus saves us from the pollution of sin (the carnal mind).
Jesus saves us from the power of sin (the law of sin and death).
Jesus said.
John 5:25-29
(25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
(26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
(27) And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
(28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
(29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 11:25
(25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Notice that 11:25 and 5:29 address the same subject, but give two different perspectives.
(11:25) He will raise those who believe.
(5:29) He will raise those who have done good.
Daniel spoke of this.
Daniel 12:2-3
(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.
(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.
Notice that Daniel added that those who are wise and shine brightly, will turn others to righteousness. To be turned to salvation is to be turned to righteousness.
Paul said it this way.
Romans 2:3-13
(3) And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
(4) Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
(5) But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
(6) Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
(7) To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
(8) But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
(9) Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
(10) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
(11) For there is no respect of persons with God.
(12) For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(13) (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
The resurrection of Christ not only provides life after death for those who trust Christ for their salvation, it provides life before death. The life of Christ in us delivers us from Satan, sin and self.
Ephesians 2:1-10
(1) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
(2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
(3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS, AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED.
EMPTY TOMBS OF JERUSALEM
His birth was the Promise,
His resurrection was the Performance...
Our resurrection is His Repeat Performance.
Jesus was viciously brutalized, then murdered in an horrific execution, and hurriedly buried in a borrowed tomb.
THREE DAYS LATER there were numerous empty tombs in Jerusalem. But why were they empty?
* Most of the empty tombs were empty, having never been used, and they awaited the inevitable interment of their owners.
* Some were empty because an earthquake had taken place, moving the stone doors from the caves, allowing their prisoners to be set free. Matthew concisely recorded several amazing events that took place on the day of Christ's crucifixion and three days later. Notice what happened after the resurrection of Christ (vs 53).
Matthew 27:51-53
(51) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
(52) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
(53) And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
* One tomb was empty because the Occupant wrestled death to the grave and arose in victory. It was this Victor over the dark domain that set the other captives free from death's cold, eternal and vindictive grip.
BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE, MUCH MORE.
Jesus not only promised that He would engage death and defeat it through resurrection, He promised to include us in His victory. We have all sinned and the wages of sin is death, but Jesus came to deliver us from our sins.
Jesus saves us from the penalty of sin (death). We are made alive in Christ now, but we are raised to reign with Him in the resurrection of the righteous.
Jesus saves us from the pollution of sin (the carnal mind).
Jesus saves us from the power of sin (the law of sin and death).
Jesus said.
John 5:25-29
(25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
(26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
(27) And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
(28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
(29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 11:25
(25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Notice that 11:25 and 5:29 address the same subject, but give two different perspectives.
(11:25) He will raise those who believe.
(5:29) He will raise those who have done good.
Daniel spoke of this.
Daniel 12:2-3
(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.
(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.
Notice that Daniel added that those who are wise and shine brightly, will turn others to righteousness. To be turned to salvation is to be turned to righteousness.
Paul said it this way.
Romans 2:3-13
(3) And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
(4) Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
(5) But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
(6) Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
(7) To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
(8) But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
(9) Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
(10) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
(11) For there is no respect of persons with God.
(12) For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(13) (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
The resurrection of Christ not only provides life after death for those who trust Christ for their salvation, it provides life before death. The life of Christ in us delivers us from Satan, sin and self.
Ephesians 2:1-10
(1) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
(2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
(3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS, AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED.
(3/26/16) THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO LIVE
(3/26/16)
THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO LIVE
No, the circumstances of life are not good
and the spiritual climate is not good,
and the level of spiritual understanding is not good,
and the message of God is not well received,
and there are very few who even attempt to lift up the truth of the Holy Bible,
and there is an overabundance of false witnesses, false Christs and false doctrines,
YET men (people) are coming face to face with the real issues of life, and hopefully there will be an honest hunger for truth and a heart felt receptivity to the gospel of Christ, and hopefully, your voice, as one crying in the wilderness.
Last week I had the opportunity to share with several people in several different ways. Let me tell you about one of my opportunities.
I talked t o a couple of men, (1) concerning the claims of Christ on our lives and (2) the plan of God for the future of our fragile world. Both of these realities are clearly addressed in the New Testament. "Share," is not a bad word, as some groups want us to think. It is one of the many ways that believers WITNESS for Christ.
One of the things I run into on a regular basis, as I witness to others, is their enormous ignorance of the Bible, the human condition and the failure of modern attempts to solve the human tragedy. I am never surprised, because it has been following the European model many decades. But I am still amazed. And, as if things aren't bad enough, the intellectuals and the religious leaders are adding darkness to darkness as they parrot the lies they have been taught by Liberalism.
It is past time for Christians to get serious and get equipped. Though it is late, we must turn all of our energies to winning the lost world. Imagine Noah building the ark, and whistling Dixie, as the day of destruction closed in on the world.
120 YEARS
For 120 years Noah,
Built the ark,
Cried out to his neighbors to turn to God,
Prayed for his neighbors to repent,
Cried for the children.
For 120 years he was ignored, but he was faithful. We don't have 120 years. We will be rejected and ridiculed, but God help us to raise the warning and throw out the lifeline.
THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO LIVE
No, the circumstances of life are not good
and the spiritual climate is not good,
and the level of spiritual understanding is not good,
and the message of God is not well received,
and there are very few who even attempt to lift up the truth of the Holy Bible,
and there is an overabundance of false witnesses, false Christs and false doctrines,
YET men (people) are coming face to face with the real issues of life, and hopefully there will be an honest hunger for truth and a heart felt receptivity to the gospel of Christ, and hopefully, your voice, as one crying in the wilderness.
Last week I had the opportunity to share with several people in several different ways. Let me tell you about one of my opportunities.
I talked t o a couple of men, (1) concerning the claims of Christ on our lives and (2) the plan of God for the future of our fragile world. Both of these realities are clearly addressed in the New Testament. "Share," is not a bad word, as some groups want us to think. It is one of the many ways that believers WITNESS for Christ.
One of the things I run into on a regular basis, as I witness to others, is their enormous ignorance of the Bible, the human condition and the failure of modern attempts to solve the human tragedy. I am never surprised, because it has been following the European model many decades. But I am still amazed. And, as if things aren't bad enough, the intellectuals and the religious leaders are adding darkness to darkness as they parrot the lies they have been taught by Liberalism.
It is past time for Christians to get serious and get equipped. Though it is late, we must turn all of our energies to winning the lost world. Imagine Noah building the ark, and whistling Dixie, as the day of destruction closed in on the world.
120 YEARS
For 120 years Noah,
Built the ark,
Cried out to his neighbors to turn to God,
Prayed for his neighbors to repent,
Cried for the children.
For 120 years he was ignored, but he was faithful. We don't have 120 years. We will be rejected and ridiculed, but God help us to raise the warning and throw out the lifeline.
(3/26/16) OPPORTUNITIES
(3/26/16)
OPPORTUNITIES
I have had opportunity after opportunity to witness and share with folks in the MB area lately. In fact, there have been people asking about coming to our church. GO FIGURE. A person came up to me this past week and said that he no longer had my card, but said he was interested in coming to our church. Sadly, I told him I am moving next week. How sad. He wasted time, he lost opportunities. I even tell people that if they want my teaching and preaching, all they have to do is move to North Carolina. It is easier than it sounds.
Don't miss your opportunities. While you have daytime, walk in it, work in it. The night comes when no man works.
John 9:4 (Jesus said)
(4) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
John 11:9-10
(9) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
(10) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
John 12:35-36
(35) Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
(36) While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Maybe you laugh at the idea of moving somewhere for preaching, teaching and healthy body life.
Actually it is one of the best reasons to choose a community.
More important than work.
More important than schools.
More important than pleasure.
More important than convenience.
OPPORTUNITIES
I have had opportunity after opportunity to witness and share with folks in the MB area lately. In fact, there have been people asking about coming to our church. GO FIGURE. A person came up to me this past week and said that he no longer had my card, but said he was interested in coming to our church. Sadly, I told him I am moving next week. How sad. He wasted time, he lost opportunities. I even tell people that if they want my teaching and preaching, all they have to do is move to North Carolina. It is easier than it sounds.
Don't miss your opportunities. While you have daytime, walk in it, work in it. The night comes when no man works.
John 9:4 (Jesus said)
(4) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
John 11:9-10
(9) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
(10) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
John 12:35-36
(35) Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
(36) While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Maybe you laugh at the idea of moving somewhere for preaching, teaching and healthy body life.
Actually it is one of the best reasons to choose a community.
More important than work.
More important than schools.
More important than pleasure.
More important than convenience.
(3/26/16) THE SAME KIND OF LOVE
(3/26/16)
THE SAME KIND OF LOVE
(meditate on this, it could be liberating)
The same kind of love (agapao) that held Jesus to the cross also holds people to their sins. Agapao love (ag ap ah' o) is the strongest, the most dedicated, the most focused kind of love.
This is the kind of love that sacrificed Jesus on the cross.
John 3:16
(16) For God so loved (agapao) the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This is the kind of love that holds men captive to moral darkness.
John 3:19
(19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved (agapao) darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Having the same kind of love, the same kind of dedication gives sinners the false impression that their love is as worthy as the love that honors Jesus.
This love of darkness gives the slave of darkness the confidence that he is as justified in his devotion and behavior as the person who loves God with his/her whole heart.
Darkness has become god to the person who loves darkness. He loves darkness, he is committed to darkness, he serves darkness, he rejects all other appeals to change his allegiance. He sees everything in the "light" of his darkness. He is bound, secured to his view, his love. HE LOVES HIS DARKNESS.
But God loves the slave of darkness and calls him to light, and love and life. If the slave of darkness turns his eyes upon Jesus, and looks full in His wonderful, loving, pleading face, if he cries to God for mercy, he will be delivered from chains of darkness, by God's excellent and glorious grace.
Trust in, and submission to, Jesus not only delivers slaves of darkness from sin's bondage, it directs their strongest love toward Jesus and other people. Salvation is miraculous.
Matthew 22:37-39
(37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
(38) This is the first and great commandment.
(39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Oh, the glory, the joy, the peace, to be delivered by love, in order to know true love and to love the One who loved us so much that He gave His Own life to save us.
THE SAME KIND OF LOVE
(meditate on this, it could be liberating)
The same kind of love (agapao) that held Jesus to the cross also holds people to their sins. Agapao love (ag ap ah' o) is the strongest, the most dedicated, the most focused kind of love.
This is the kind of love that sacrificed Jesus on the cross.
John 3:16
(16) For God so loved (agapao) the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This is the kind of love that holds men captive to moral darkness.
John 3:19
(19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved (agapao) darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Having the same kind of love, the same kind of dedication gives sinners the false impression that their love is as worthy as the love that honors Jesus.
This love of darkness gives the slave of darkness the confidence that he is as justified in his devotion and behavior as the person who loves God with his/her whole heart.
Darkness has become god to the person who loves darkness. He loves darkness, he is committed to darkness, he serves darkness, he rejects all other appeals to change his allegiance. He sees everything in the "light" of his darkness. He is bound, secured to his view, his love. HE LOVES HIS DARKNESS.
But God loves the slave of darkness and calls him to light, and love and life. If the slave of darkness turns his eyes upon Jesus, and looks full in His wonderful, loving, pleading face, if he cries to God for mercy, he will be delivered from chains of darkness, by God's excellent and glorious grace.
Trust in, and submission to, Jesus not only delivers slaves of darkness from sin's bondage, it directs their strongest love toward Jesus and other people. Salvation is miraculous.
Matthew 22:37-39
(37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
(38) This is the first and great commandment.
(39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Oh, the glory, the joy, the peace, to be delivered by love, in order to know true love and to love the One who loved us so much that He gave His Own life to save us.
(3/25/16) EVERY SUNDAY
(3/25/16)
EVERY SUNDAY
So a Greek friend wished me a good service on Easter Sunday. Then with a gleam in his eye he invited me to his church the next week, "for real Easter." (Eastern Church has different religious calendar).
I told him we celebrated last week. With a quizzical look on his face, he said, "Really?"
I responded, "Yes. We celebrate His resurrection every Sunday."
Hehehe.
EVERY SUNDAY
So a Greek friend wished me a good service on Easter Sunday. Then with a gleam in his eye he invited me to his church the next week, "for real Easter." (Eastern Church has different religious calendar).
I told him we celebrated last week. With a quizzical look on his face, he said, "Really?"
I responded, "Yes. We celebrate His resurrection every Sunday."
Hehehe.
(3/25/16) ONE TO THE OTHER
(3/25/16)
ONE TO THE OTHER
We won't find the empty tomb unless we go by way if the cross.
(2/25/16) SPORT-A-PHOR
(2/25/16)
SPORT-A-PHOR (spiritual lesson from sports)
Have you ever watched a great athlete, an actual super-star, do something really stupid and thereby jeopardize his career?
I have seen it time and again. Sometimes they do something in the game that is totally unnecessary, either hurting themselves, their team or inflicting major physical injury to an opponent. Sometimes it is something they do aside from the game itself. Not only do they hurt the game, their teammates, themselves and others, sometimes the idiocy of their action results in ruined lives or death.
TALENTED, GIFTED CHRISTIANS DO THE SAME
Through the years I have watched people, whom God chose to bless with abilities and talents, destroy their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. Look at the number of musical stars that have shot across the entertainment sky, only to be destroyed by drugs, drink, bad relationships. Many of them started out with a gospel background but decided to stroke their own feelings rather than die to self and follow Jesus fully.
What a shame. Their gifts were not their own to begin with. They were blessed of God and they failed to use their blessings for His glory. Pride and selfishness are destroyers.
Don't boast in yourself. Don't serve yourself. Don't please yourself. Until you live only for Him, you are prostituting the blessings of God. Serving self instead of God always results in tragedy.
Life is to serious to treat it in triviality.
SPORT-A-PHOR (spiritual lesson from sports)
Have you ever watched a great athlete, an actual super-star, do something really stupid and thereby jeopardize his career?
I have seen it time and again. Sometimes they do something in the game that is totally unnecessary, either hurting themselves, their team or inflicting major physical injury to an opponent. Sometimes it is something they do aside from the game itself. Not only do they hurt the game, their teammates, themselves and others, sometimes the idiocy of their action results in ruined lives or death.
TALENTED, GIFTED CHRISTIANS DO THE SAME
Through the years I have watched people, whom God chose to bless with abilities and talents, destroy their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. Look at the number of musical stars that have shot across the entertainment sky, only to be destroyed by drugs, drink, bad relationships. Many of them started out with a gospel background but decided to stroke their own feelings rather than die to self and follow Jesus fully.
What a shame. Their gifts were not their own to begin with. They were blessed of God and they failed to use their blessings for His glory. Pride and selfishness are destroyers.
Don't boast in yourself. Don't serve yourself. Don't please yourself. Until you live only for Him, you are prostituting the blessings of God. Serving self instead of God always results in tragedy.
Life is to serious to treat it in triviality.
(3/24/16) TWO THOUGHTS ON CURRENT AFFAIRS.
(3/24/16)
TWO THOUGHTS ON CURRENT AFFAIRS.
1. When was the last time you heard Cuba referred to as a Communist country? When did Cuba denounce Communism?
There is a reason our government and media do not want us to think about Communism. They want us to be sucked into its destructive maelstrom.
Otherwise why would Obama be so friendly to the enemy of freedom?
2. ALSO, now we know what it is to DANCE ON SOMEONE'S GRAVE. Shame on Obama.
TWO THOUGHTS ON CURRENT AFFAIRS.
1. When was the last time you heard Cuba referred to as a Communist country? When did Cuba denounce Communism?
There is a reason our government and media do not want us to think about Communism. They want us to be sucked into its destructive maelstrom.
Otherwise why would Obama be so friendly to the enemy of freedom?
2. ALSO, now we know what it is to DANCE ON SOMEONE'S GRAVE. Shame on Obama.
(3/24/16) TASTE AND SEE
(3/24/16)
TASTE AND SEE
So, one pastor tells you that you can resist temptation (by the grace and power of the indwelling Spirit of God), and another pastor tells you that you cannot resist temptation. Which one, based on this one point, will be the greater help to you in following Jesus?
If you can resist one temptation (by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit), why can't you resist all temptation?
TASTE AND SEE
So, one pastor tells you that you can resist temptation (by the grace and power of the indwelling Spirit of God), and another pastor tells you that you cannot resist temptation. Which one, based on this one point, will be the greater help to you in following Jesus?
If you can resist one temptation (by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit), why can't you resist all temptation?
(3/23/16) BUSY DAYS AHEAD
(3/23/16)
BUSY DAYS AHEAD
These are really busy days for us. Along with working on our move (arrangements, packing, departure, relocating) I am very busy working on several ministry projects (study, writing, recording, planning, communicating).
I am starting some groups, for the purpose of teaching and evangelism and discipling. As you know, I already have some groups (such as, PASTOR DAVID'S BIBLE STUDY, THE NET HOUSE), and other ones, which I will rework. I am also starting DASH CAM and CHILDREN'S BIBLE LESSONS groups, with other projects as well. Some of this work is for the purpose of ministering to loved ones and friends, while we are away from them, but will continue as a future outreach to others.
I am not adequate for such work, but God is enabling me. Please keep me in your prayers and ask God to open doors of opportunity for us in our new field of service and to strengthen those who are separated from family members during this time of transition.
BUSY DAYS AHEAD
These are really busy days for us. Along with working on our move (arrangements, packing, departure, relocating) I am very busy working on several ministry projects (study, writing, recording, planning, communicating).
I am starting some groups, for the purpose of teaching and evangelism and discipling. As you know, I already have some groups (such as, PASTOR DAVID'S BIBLE STUDY, THE NET HOUSE), and other ones, which I will rework. I am also starting DASH CAM and CHILDREN'S BIBLE LESSONS groups, with other projects as well. Some of this work is for the purpose of ministering to loved ones and friends, while we are away from them, but will continue as a future outreach to others.
I am not adequate for such work, but God is enabling me. Please keep me in your prayers and ask God to open doors of opportunity for us in our new field of service and to strengthen those who are separated from family members during this time of transition.
(3/22/16) SIN IS THEIR STATEMENT OF FAITH
(3/22/16)
SIN IS THEIR STATEMENT OF FAITH
The world (even the church world) loves sin and hates righteousness. I know this is true because I meet so many people who readily argue for
the right to sin,
the need to sin,
the Divine mandate to sin,
the Divine failure to conquer sin;
so many who argue
against the right to live righteously,
against the need to live righteously,
against the power to live righteously,
against the option to live righteously,
against the power of God to enable us to live righteously.
In fact, people bring this principle up to me in a conversation (out of the clear blue), in spite of the fact that we may have been talking about Pickleball.
You see, this thing of promoting the lie that we must sin is Satan's old war cry.
Those who mock the idea
of being holy,
of living holy,
of having perfect love,
of having a perfect heart toward God,
of having the mind of Christ,
of being faithful,
of obeying God,
are mocking Biblical Christianity,
are spokespersons for sin and Satan.
People will point to a portion of Romans seven as if that small portion, taken out of context actually nullifies the ending of seven and beginning of eight (as well as the entire Holy Bible).
When Paul
addressed the problem of a divided allegiance,
when he declared his inner struggle with the sin nature,
HE WAS NOT BOASTING, HE WAS BEWAILING HIS CONDITION.
However, when people raise the Romans seven argument, they are not crying out with Paul,
Romans 7:24
(24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
NOR ARE THEY PRAISING GOD FOR DELIVERANCE, as Paul did,
Romans 7:25-8:14
(25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 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.
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
(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:
(4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
(9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
(13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
If people put half the enthusiasm and energy into believing Christ to deliver them from sin, as they do in celebrating their sin orientation, their sinning and their Divine right to sin,
THEY WOULD BE DELIVERED FROM SIN.
SIN IS THEIR STATEMENT OF FAITH
The world (even the church world) loves sin and hates righteousness. I know this is true because I meet so many people who readily argue for
the right to sin,
the need to sin,
the Divine mandate to sin,
the Divine failure to conquer sin;
so many who argue
against the right to live righteously,
against the need to live righteously,
against the power to live righteously,
against the option to live righteously,
against the power of God to enable us to live righteously.
In fact, people bring this principle up to me in a conversation (out of the clear blue), in spite of the fact that we may have been talking about Pickleball.
You see, this thing of promoting the lie that we must sin is Satan's old war cry.
Those who mock the idea
of being holy,
of living holy,
of having perfect love,
of having a perfect heart toward God,
of having the mind of Christ,
of being faithful,
of obeying God,
are mocking Biblical Christianity,
are spokespersons for sin and Satan.
People will point to a portion of Romans seven as if that small portion, taken out of context actually nullifies the ending of seven and beginning of eight (as well as the entire Holy Bible).
When Paul
addressed the problem of a divided allegiance,
when he declared his inner struggle with the sin nature,
HE WAS NOT BOASTING, HE WAS BEWAILING HIS CONDITION.
However, when people raise the Romans seven argument, they are not crying out with Paul,
Romans 7:24
(24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
NOR ARE THEY PRAISING GOD FOR DELIVERANCE, as Paul did,
Romans 7:25-8:14
(25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 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.
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
(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:
(4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
(9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
(13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
If people put half the enthusiasm and energy into believing Christ to deliver them from sin, as they do in celebrating their sin orientation, their sinning and their Divine right to sin,
THEY WOULD BE DELIVERED FROM SIN.
(3/22/16) THE NET HOUSE MINISTRY DISTINCTIVE
(3/22/16)
THE NET HOUSE MINISTRY DISTINCTIVE
I just posted a statement concerning the ministry distinctive for The Net House. I re-post it here, because it has been my objective in every church I have ever served.
Each church, each ministry, each minister has a ministry distinctive.
It may be its music program,
or its cultural focus (art, sports, poverty),
or its targeted demographic (by age, race, language),
or its type of ministry (social, educational, cross cultural)
or it could be the message that is distinctive, (such as evangelism, family, gifts of the Spirit, fellowship).
Of course a church should address all of the basic issues, on some level. The larger a church is, the more it can use in addressing its main concern. But larger churches are not proportionately stronger than smaller churches, because the ratio of committed believers usually diminishes as the size goes up.
Based on our history of ministry, we anticipate being a well rounded church with many areas of concern. However, the preaching and teaching of the word, the call to total commitment, and the emphasis on the fullness of the Holy Spirit, which is manifested through pure heart and a pure life will be the distinctive of The Net House ministry.
We are at a disadvantage because so much misinformation has be spread concerning the doctrine and life of "HOLINESS."
Biblical holiness is not a life of externalism, or self righteousness, or insensitivity and judgmentalism.
Biblical holiness is not about gifts of the Spirit or signs and wonders or uniformity.
Biblical holiness is the basic truth that God not only saves us from the sins we have committed, but He cleanses us from the inner corruption, with which we were all born.
Biblical holiness is the Divine work of cleansing us from all sin and filling us with His loving Spirit, and replacing the DOUBLE MIND with the MIND OF CHRIST, perfecting us in love and conforming us to the image of Jesus.
Biblical holiness is the deeper life that is available to any believer who dies to sin, self and the world.
Biblical holiness calls us out of worldliness, but sends us into the world to share the Good News of Christ through words, action and a Christ like attitude.
Biblical holiness is related, both to what we are, and what we do.
Biblical holiness is focused on Jesus rather than self.
This is the message we bring and it should permeate every ministry that we perform.
Biblical holiness is God's plan for all believers and is possible for all believers.
THE NET HOUSE MINISTRY DISTINCTIVE
I just posted a statement concerning the ministry distinctive for The Net House. I re-post it here, because it has been my objective in every church I have ever served.
Each church, each ministry, each minister has a ministry distinctive.
It may be its music program,
or its cultural focus (art, sports, poverty),
or its targeted demographic (by age, race, language),
or its type of ministry (social, educational, cross cultural)
or it could be the message that is distinctive, (such as evangelism, family, gifts of the Spirit, fellowship).
Of course a church should address all of the basic issues, on some level. The larger a church is, the more it can use in addressing its main concern. But larger churches are not proportionately stronger than smaller churches, because the ratio of committed believers usually diminishes as the size goes up.
Based on our history of ministry, we anticipate being a well rounded church with many areas of concern. However, the preaching and teaching of the word, the call to total commitment, and the emphasis on the fullness of the Holy Spirit, which is manifested through pure heart and a pure life will be the distinctive of The Net House ministry.
We are at a disadvantage because so much misinformation has be spread concerning the doctrine and life of "HOLINESS."
Biblical holiness is not a life of externalism, or self righteousness, or insensitivity and judgmentalism.
Biblical holiness is not about gifts of the Spirit or signs and wonders or uniformity.
Biblical holiness is the basic truth that God not only saves us from the sins we have committed, but He cleanses us from the inner corruption, with which we were all born.
Biblical holiness is the Divine work of cleansing us from all sin and filling us with His loving Spirit, and replacing the DOUBLE MIND with the MIND OF CHRIST, perfecting us in love and conforming us to the image of Jesus.
Biblical holiness is the deeper life that is available to any believer who dies to sin, self and the world.
Biblical holiness calls us out of worldliness, but sends us into the world to share the Good News of Christ through words, action and a Christ like attitude.
Biblical holiness is related, both to what we are, and what we do.
Biblical holiness is focused on Jesus rather than self.
This is the message we bring and it should permeate every ministry that we perform.
Biblical holiness is God's plan for all believers and is possible for all believers.
(3/22/16) WHAT WE DO KNOW
(3/22/16)
WHAT WE DO KNOW
(concerning attack on Brussels)
It was not a regenerated follower of Christ.
It was not a Holy Bible believer.
It was not Holy Spirit led or empowered .
Biblical faith, Christian conversion, and submission to the Holy Spirit is the right response to ALL false religion, which includes Islam, Humanism, Materialism, Liberalism.
Like it or not, any belief system that opposes the Biblical faith of Christianity is a religion. We either accept and trust the God of the Holy Bible or we have another god. THERE IS NO NEUTRAL GROUND, NO IN BETWEEN.
There is no time to lose. BELIEVE, REPENT, FOLLOW JESUS.
I sound the alarm because the house is on fire, because the inmates are running the asylum, because the enemy is already here, because the plague is ravenous.
WHAT WE DO KNOW
(concerning attack on Brussels)
It was not a regenerated follower of Christ.
It was not a Holy Bible believer.
It was not Holy Spirit led or empowered .
Biblical faith, Christian conversion, and submission to the Holy Spirit is the right response to ALL false religion, which includes Islam, Humanism, Materialism, Liberalism.
Like it or not, any belief system that opposes the Biblical faith of Christianity is a religion. We either accept and trust the God of the Holy Bible or we have another god. THERE IS NO NEUTRAL GROUND, NO IN BETWEEN.
There is no time to lose. BELIEVE, REPENT, FOLLOW JESUS.
I sound the alarm because the house is on fire, because the inmates are running the asylum, because the enemy is already here, because the plague is ravenous.
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