Peace On Earth
Jer:6:14: They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
M't:10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Where is the peace on Earth we chime out that the Savior brought to us? In a deceived and deluded state at Christmas time we herald peace on earth, for one moment in time, and live the rest of the year with blood on our hands and strife in our hearts. The peace spoken of in Lu:2:14 refers to the time of the Son's entry into the world of men as a gift from a merciful God that men would be saved. It must have been a gloriously quiet day all over the planet. But just that day, that moment. The brutal occupation of Palestine did not end, the yoke of Rome's dominance over the world was not broken. Yes, peace on earth is a fable. Why is the body count climbing all over the world when we're so close to total peace and safety? We eat war with our dinners. This is the second time in some of our lives that we watch body bags returning to our shores while we watch the evening news. This a very grievous thing to watch and remember for some of us. War is what brings the Pax Romana's about, brutality is what maintains the "order", not love.
I hope the Preterists are enjoying their Millennial reign of Christ with all the peace and love out there. Gun sales skyrocket and the demand for survival gear out drives the supply. New diseases come to ravage mankind from whatever "source", almost constantly now. We can't believe a thing anyone tells us anymore because the easiness of the lie has come to live in men's and women's hearts in place of the love (M't:24:12).
Our churches are enraptured in a pseudo-blissful harmony and profit, the shows continue and the Wolves babble on. So called believers wrap themselves in a shroud of light claiming their "lives" couldn't be better now that they have "accepted" Christ. They have riches, love, contentment with the world they live with. Some say, "oh we're only striving to serve God, you know", all the while believing themselves free of the strife and agony that they have been conveniently misled into believing exists somewhere else in the neighborhood and NOT in their walk with Christ, the result of the poisonous fables of eternal security in sin they have been fed. (2Tm:4:4) ...among others.
As long as I have this, that and the other thing, I'll be fine. As long as my spouse doesn't do this, that or the other thing, we'll get along and I won't have to suffer through TV dinners, lonely nights and counseling. As long as we can all get along at the family picnic or funeral or wedding, that's all that matters. We're all getting along and that's what God wants, you know. ...Oh?... Ga:1:6: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. This other Gospel, and many there are, is one of convenience and compromise. Hell.
M't:10:35-36: For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Lu:12:51: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: It is raining Truth on the parade. That should be the end of the party. That is, if anyone is listening to God. If you are called out to Christ by the Spirit of God and you truly live as His, you've been laughing through the first few paragraphs. And I know a FEW of you are for you know the Truth. This bliss and harmony of today is of the Adversary children. Commitment to Christ is trouble between you and those around you who are dead to the Truth. We are told specifically we would have tribulation in this world (Joh:16:33) not bliss and harmony with it or those of their father the devil. And the only reason you still "get along" with them and their world is because you have chosen compromise over confrontation. Not an aggressive confrontational, in-your-face stand, no. Just standing for Christ and the ways of God, to use the words of the D.A.R.E. program our kids are taught at school, "Just say NO!". Look at it as active passivism if you will. When the real Jesus lives through you, there is no mistaking the target on your sealed forehead. Is that the case for us? The emphasis is always on our relationships with others, in our families, jobs etc. This is simply idolatry.
Joh:9:39: And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
Jesus always spoke in a parabolic manner. It was ordained and prophesied He would do so. (Psalms:78:2) It was all part of the plan to awaken the sleeping Saints to Salvation and to mark and confound the 'dead'. One aspect of this saying implies that those that see that they might not see are those with no spiritual eyes but rather pride, intellect and self will, those of a contrary spirit. Another deeper "layer" implies the total sovereignty of God and His choices and good pleasure. But we don't want to go there do we.
M't:13:19: When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. God knows His own and this passage speaks volumes about the wheat and tares, the real and the posers, and again the sovereignty of God.
M't:13:11: He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. God knew full well that many would come to an "understanding" of this Faith but not have the desire to receive the LOVE OF THE TRUTH. There seems to have been a form of delusion that Jesus Himself, ordained of the Father, brought long before the widespread outpouring of 2Thess2:11 we witness today. Judgment did indeed begin as Jesus stated when He came into this world. The separating had seemingly already begun. The startling and sobering truth is that many are called but FEW are chosen, (M't:22:14)
M't:10:37: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Jesus was very clear about where the lines were drawn. This smacks of total, painful, bloody separation from the carnal world doesn't it. We are mad with our idols (Jer:50:38). God respects no person or their standing, power, influence or plans. The only thing God "sees" is one of a penitent heart before Him, quiet, broken and resting in Him. Jesus is the Son of a jealous God. Families are an asset, yes, but also an obvious liability in that the inner workings of said can quickly turn the focus from the Master, from the Father, to self. We must guard against the wiles of devilish distractions and keep all things in a proper Godly and spiritual perspective. I would add that there are TRULY, Christ committed families out there, make no mistake, but for all intents and purposes they slide over into the "FEW" category. God bless and keep them. Hard things to look at but true nonetheless. Doing the will of God is more important than anything, anyone, or any structural institution on this earth. This is a very narrow way. M'r:3:33-34-35: And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. And when we truly do the will of God, the war comes to us along with the isolation as a true wanderer and stranger on this earth experiences according to scripture. The duality of man does not apply in God's Kingdom. That is why the old man is purged and dies away upon regeneration in Christ, conformed to His image. We are given ONE nature as a result, God's nature. It is God or Satan we serve. No TWO ways about it.
M't:10:38: And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.M't:10:39: He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
...? Is this what we truly believe?
1Tm:5:15: For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Ga:3:3: Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Faith by the hearing of the Word causes our "completeness". The works that follow are of God. Many a Faith has been acquired by reason and law, by convenience and design, our worldly acquisitions and focus on a "right" standing in our circles of influence and involvement have blinded and corrupted us. Is our flesh making our calling and election sure? We have truly taken the Grace of God for a long ride. The cares of the world and our own inner lusts have choked out the tender growth of the pure Gospel of Christ (M't:13:22). We refuse to fully separate ourselves to Christ. We've been troubled by a root of bitterness (Heb:12:15) We contend with the business of the "playground" instead of the spiritual battlefield. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2Pe:2:22
Where is the peace? Our hearts rage with the petty troubles around us and in us. And we are at "peace"? Our greedy hands grope for the things of this world and we insult the grace of God when we appear holy before men, a mirror image of the world we say we have forsaken. We war with one another with a spirit of Cain. We strive to come to terms with the lies within ourselves instead of asking God give us the courage to face the truth about humility and love and accept His reproof. We've jumped to conclusions squarely over the Pit with no net. The peace which comes to live within God's true elect is born of Spirit and not the world. There is no peace in this world or in what it has to offer the Elect. It offers death to the Elect. We are in love with a lie, a deception, compromised and ineffective in being true witnesses of the Gospel of Christ and the changing power of the Holy Spirit. The Peace we should seek is that which accompanies us through the storms, the tribulations of this life, as we strive to find real Life; Not in what Jesus told us doesn't exist. 1Jo:2:15: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Take heart Saints, Ro:11:5: Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. The remnant referred to here has nothing to do with those who survive the physical Judgments coming upon us, rather these are the they throughout all of history to the present and those in future, a remnant of all mankind, who have been called, chosen and sealed by God to have eternal life with Christ. Shouldn't the task of making our calling and election sure (2Pe:1:10) be wrought with a bit more fear and trembling (Ph'p:2:12)? Shouldn't this take up our time of sojourning here rather than contention, strife and self gratification? To some it applies, I am sure. A FEW. To the rest... we can't say you haven't been warned.
The strife we see in this world is synonymous with the strife within the spirits of men and women. The two are inexorably bound together. What is born in the spirit (darkness or light) lives outwardly in the same manner projecting the inward experience. Jesus Christ came to give us freedom from these bonds thereby creating the tribulation we must endure being not a part of this world. It is no leap to consider that Jesus is asking us which is more important, life or Life.
Fear not! Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1Pe:4:12-13-14) There is no peace until Jesus Christ fully RULES in your hearts, minds and bodies which YOU have brought into submission to Him according to the will of God. It is YOU who must make the sacrifice. And there is nothing easy about watching the spiritual blood drain away from your offering. What is your reasonable service? ... that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God (Ro:12:1). That is the plain hard Truth. Live or die. Your choice. Amen
Keep to the Road Saints of God. I pray God's blessings upon you wherever you are. Serve Him only. May His peace reign in your hearts. Have a good Summer.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Queen To Bishop
Queen To Bishop
Without doubt, these perilous times continue Saints. That should come as no surprise to the Elect for Man's self-generated 'Utopia' has risen to the fore and even now a withering hot sun of Truth beats down upon it's unclean fruits. The Camp is firmly divided now. I believe it's about time to address this issue of all the "Gay-ness" out there and earn myself a place, accused before the vile Sanhedrin of contemporary thought.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Ro:1:24
There is prophecy everywhere in the bible. God's will rules and He leaves nothing to chance where men are concerned. The New Testament letters are full of the testimonies by God through His servants of His plan to DAMN for disobedience and unbelief. Let's get it strait once and for all that there are only two roads to walk; One broad and one narrow.
The recent abomination in the State of Massachusetts granting marriage licenses to Sodomites in open defiance to all moral convention and spiritual, Godly conduct, has driven the last nail into our coffin as a nation and a people. "Causality" is in play, the dominoes are falling. There is no turning back to the way it was. If anyone is still on the fence about the fact that 2Thess2:11 is a thing of the past or future, they not only have their head in quicksand but they themselves risk delusion and damnation by regarding this ungodly union of same sex partners as acceptable, appropriate or stylish in this present age.
The Temples (us, 1Co:6:19), of God, have no business condoning the actions of these effeminate whores of Satan. The sodomite "Queen" has risen to rule as a Bishop in the fully apostate "church". And not just the Episcopal branch of Hell's religion. The Queen is arm-in-arm with Jezebel. There is dark unity in their purpose. The spirit of antichrist has risen to take a seat of authority in the assemblies (The Temple). The "Church Age" is over and the churches are tenfold more reprobate than the wicked World they sleep with!
We are witnessing firsthand, the actual, literal Judgment of God without need of book or verse, speculation or conjecture. Taste the bitterness of God's wrath! This is strong delusion to it's fullest! Look upon the filth and depravity and tell me everything is just fine in your world, that there is a bright hope for the future of Man. Pray delusion does not fall upon you yourselves because of compromise!
Remember that no one will ever stand before the Judgment seat of God and say they had never heard the Gospel! The Word goes forth to the four corners of the earth. Ignorance is not allowed by God. He is Just and Fair to warn everyone before they make their own decisions to hearken to Him by His Christ and His Gospel we preach or to their death-dealing passions.
Ro:1:26: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:Ro:1:27: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.Ro:1:28: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
What is the key phrase/truth here in Romans 1:28? What is the lynch pin to delusion and being "given over" to it, being disqualified (reprobate) by God? For what "cause"? "they did not like to retain God in their knowledge". They chose Death as God's servants have prophesied they would. Prophecy is being fulfilled as we speak and does that cause any of us to pause and fall before our God in awe and reverence, to work out our salvation (Ph'p:2:12) with more urgency, to diligently strive to make our calling and election sure (2Pe:1:10)? If you have strife inside of you, you have not the perfect Love of God. Grab the humble flashlight of the Word and best have a good look inside!
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isa:5:20
Now the churches, apostate and deluded for not desiring to retain and follow the Truth, welcome the Spirit of Sodom into their assemblies and fellowships as does the World they emulate. They are now compelled to admit these "dogs and cats" by the law of Man, a result of their tax exempt status granted them by the all powerful malignancy called the State. I can tell you this much with certainty, the cup of the wrath of God is trembling about now for this is considered "good" in the sight of men.
If you dare share any fellowship with one's such as these "Christianized" sodomites, churches that sanction such filth or "Christian" institutions promoting this, you violate the Holy tenet of separation from darkness stated in 2Cor6:14-16. You are COMMANDED to come out from this as fast as you can. Their garment is filthy! Have no fellowship with the works of this darkness (Eph:5:11) or join these in Hell.
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude:1:7
The example of Sodom and Gomorrah wasn't enough it seems, to keep this abhorrent behavior on the other side of the tracks for long. It is no longer thought of with fear and revulsion. The term "eternal fire" does not mean a good burning out and the old seed will spring up again. Eternal means forever. There is a curse upon this ungodly behavior. And a penalty for accepting this over obedience, purity and holiness before God.
Proud blind men have told the weak blind sheep that, in the "spirit" of the times, we must embrace these alternative lifestyles in the "spirit" of unity and "love". This is the spirit of Ecumenism, antichrist. Who is at the forefront of advocating this and acknowledging false gods of the World's religions as relevant in the "worship" of one God? Hint: He wears the sign of Dagon, he sits upon a throne today in Rome. He is called holy and father.
'Gayety' lives openly in the halls of government, the Church, business and in every walk of life. Disobedience to God's laws are sanctioned by Man's laws now. Wake up and smell the sulphur folks. Not much longer before the pot boils over.
Alternative lifestyles of all kinds are out of the closets and center stage, not to return to the shadows of a bad memory until after God's Judgment smites their ruin upon the ash hills of Hell. We are approaching a calamitous Judgment as a nation and our bad decisions have come home to roost. How many of us consider this as we strive to remain pure and holy before God?
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1Co:6:9
What is worse than that which we face for our deadly tolerance of sin today? Glad you asked, ...the Judgment that comes to those who outwardly refuse the call of God, the Gospel. After all, the Gospel is where it all starts and ends. How many of these Sodomites have heard the Word and rejected it? How many church leaders and congregations have done the same? Multitudes, multitudes by my reckoning by their fruits alone.
And what does Jesus say of the fate of these...?
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. M't:10:14-15 That city, town, state, country, world. Is the picture coming in any clearer now? You can't say you weren't warned. Ignorance of the Word won't cut it.
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; 2Pe:2:6
No, the warnings haven't been heeded. The ungodly have not remembered the example set before them. The dead yet live to die and their father Satan is dragging as many as he can into a burning eternity with him. I don't care about this world or it's sordid ungodly affairs. I don't derive my strength from it. I am a sojourner, a traveler, a stranger, a visitor here. The Holy Spirit and my Bible tell me so. And you? I have plucked up my old deep roots to this forsaken ground and am comfortable in the wind of the Spirit, content with the provision of Father God. Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job:13:15), NOT the World.
I do care about souls though, the Sodomites as well. You won't find a child of God demonstrating with signs or committing acts of civil disobedience or snarling in the face of any adversary. No, you'll find them quietly in prayer, with tears in their eyes for the souls falling into Hell like burning leaves scattered by the wind in the Autumn. You'll find them giving the Gospel by word and example and quietly walking away into the sunset if it is rejected. Were are not commanded to argue with anyone in Matt10:14. No debates of words. No contention. No violence. Drop the seed and move along.
I do care to tell any who would listen that your sins make me sick but I am commanded to love you nonetheless. I am not compelled by the laws of God regarding love to stand by your side as you continue in rebellion and sin though. I will watch from afar off as you burn in the end; The end that God has chosen for you because of your lack of desire for His Truth. The end that has rounded the corner and slips in unnoticed, unfelt, waiting until the poison has consumed the host.
I do care to tell you that it is as simple or as hard as you make it. Do not hate the sinner. Jesus said they know not what they do (Lu:23:34). He forgave them. They were deluded and given up to their own dark lusts for rejecting God. They all had a chance while the Gospel went out into the World. By their own volition, they were made into vessels of wrath, used by God to further His plan. The choices we make can readily determine our very Fate.
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Lu:21:34
If you still consider the petty inner workings of your personal lives to be more important than what rages around you, and what has been strategically left out of your hearts, ruin shall fall upon you. Many changes have occurred and have been totally ignored by the Saints. Many an eye is finally opening now. Is that a coincidence?
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Ac:20:28
I have a commission. The Watchmen have a commission. The Saints have a commission beyond spreading the Gospel (M'r:16:15). We have a duty to "feed" one another, look after each other's souls. Not one of us can change the Order of God or men's and women's hearts. We can only preach the Truth in Love and care for our own under an ever darkening sky, before the onslaught of Satan who is out to destroy the ELECT of God. Pray you take this seriously before it may be too late for you. Your possessions, points of view, vain works, will have done you no good when you are called into account for your souls. They will all have been passed, a memory, like a dream, a vapor dissolved by the reality of God's Holy Light. Then it will be too late to consider giving up totally to God by His Son. There will be no turning back. The sign over the Gate to your reward at the end of the Broad way will read: "Abandon hope, all who enter here".
Clean up your act Saints, NOW. Give no quarter to the ways and thoughts of the World. Reject sin out of hand. Have no concord with Belial, the infidel. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord. And God will be a Father unto you, and you shall be His sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The Queens have come to rule. Let them revel in their hellish "freedom". Let them rule away for the short time they have been given, to enjoy the sweet fruits of their perfidious rebellion. As a vapor they shall pass away quickly ...for none shall stand against the Final Judge, none shall escape His Truth, Wrath nor His blessings for following Him. Narrow the way for yourselves Saints, ...daily.
Prepare your souls. The crossroad has been reached, the turn made, the point of no return is well behind us.
And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed Isa:1:28
May the God and Father of Jesus Christ, the Author and Champion of our Salvation, grant you opened eyes and hearts. May He see fit to accept your spiritual offerings by the sufficient Grace He has given you. May you be the spotless Bride, conformed to the image of His beloved Son, our Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Without doubt, these perilous times continue Saints. That should come as no surprise to the Elect for Man's self-generated 'Utopia' has risen to the fore and even now a withering hot sun of Truth beats down upon it's unclean fruits. The Camp is firmly divided now. I believe it's about time to address this issue of all the "Gay-ness" out there and earn myself a place, accused before the vile Sanhedrin of contemporary thought.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Ro:1:24
There is prophecy everywhere in the bible. God's will rules and He leaves nothing to chance where men are concerned. The New Testament letters are full of the testimonies by God through His servants of His plan to DAMN for disobedience and unbelief. Let's get it strait once and for all that there are only two roads to walk; One broad and one narrow.
The recent abomination in the State of Massachusetts granting marriage licenses to Sodomites in open defiance to all moral convention and spiritual, Godly conduct, has driven the last nail into our coffin as a nation and a people. "Causality" is in play, the dominoes are falling. There is no turning back to the way it was. If anyone is still on the fence about the fact that 2Thess2:11 is a thing of the past or future, they not only have their head in quicksand but they themselves risk delusion and damnation by regarding this ungodly union of same sex partners as acceptable, appropriate or stylish in this present age.
The Temples (us, 1Co:6:19), of God, have no business condoning the actions of these effeminate whores of Satan. The sodomite "Queen" has risen to rule as a Bishop in the fully apostate "church". And not just the Episcopal branch of Hell's religion. The Queen is arm-in-arm with Jezebel. There is dark unity in their purpose. The spirit of antichrist has risen to take a seat of authority in the assemblies (The Temple). The "Church Age" is over and the churches are tenfold more reprobate than the wicked World they sleep with!
We are witnessing firsthand, the actual, literal Judgment of God without need of book or verse, speculation or conjecture. Taste the bitterness of God's wrath! This is strong delusion to it's fullest! Look upon the filth and depravity and tell me everything is just fine in your world, that there is a bright hope for the future of Man. Pray delusion does not fall upon you yourselves because of compromise!
Remember that no one will ever stand before the Judgment seat of God and say they had never heard the Gospel! The Word goes forth to the four corners of the earth. Ignorance is not allowed by God. He is Just and Fair to warn everyone before they make their own decisions to hearken to Him by His Christ and His Gospel we preach or to their death-dealing passions.
Ro:1:26: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:Ro:1:27: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.Ro:1:28: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
What is the key phrase/truth here in Romans 1:28? What is the lynch pin to delusion and being "given over" to it, being disqualified (reprobate) by God? For what "cause"? "they did not like to retain God in their knowledge". They chose Death as God's servants have prophesied they would. Prophecy is being fulfilled as we speak and does that cause any of us to pause and fall before our God in awe and reverence, to work out our salvation (Ph'p:2:12) with more urgency, to diligently strive to make our calling and election sure (2Pe:1:10)? If you have strife inside of you, you have not the perfect Love of God. Grab the humble flashlight of the Word and best have a good look inside!
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isa:5:20
Now the churches, apostate and deluded for not desiring to retain and follow the Truth, welcome the Spirit of Sodom into their assemblies and fellowships as does the World they emulate. They are now compelled to admit these "dogs and cats" by the law of Man, a result of their tax exempt status granted them by the all powerful malignancy called the State. I can tell you this much with certainty, the cup of the wrath of God is trembling about now for this is considered "good" in the sight of men.
If you dare share any fellowship with one's such as these "Christianized" sodomites, churches that sanction such filth or "Christian" institutions promoting this, you violate the Holy tenet of separation from darkness stated in 2Cor6:14-16. You are COMMANDED to come out from this as fast as you can. Their garment is filthy! Have no fellowship with the works of this darkness (Eph:5:11) or join these in Hell.
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude:1:7
The example of Sodom and Gomorrah wasn't enough it seems, to keep this abhorrent behavior on the other side of the tracks for long. It is no longer thought of with fear and revulsion. The term "eternal fire" does not mean a good burning out and the old seed will spring up again. Eternal means forever. There is a curse upon this ungodly behavior. And a penalty for accepting this over obedience, purity and holiness before God.
Proud blind men have told the weak blind sheep that, in the "spirit" of the times, we must embrace these alternative lifestyles in the "spirit" of unity and "love". This is the spirit of Ecumenism, antichrist. Who is at the forefront of advocating this and acknowledging false gods of the World's religions as relevant in the "worship" of one God? Hint: He wears the sign of Dagon, he sits upon a throne today in Rome. He is called holy and father.
'Gayety' lives openly in the halls of government, the Church, business and in every walk of life. Disobedience to God's laws are sanctioned by Man's laws now. Wake up and smell the sulphur folks. Not much longer before the pot boils over.
Alternative lifestyles of all kinds are out of the closets and center stage, not to return to the shadows of a bad memory until after God's Judgment smites their ruin upon the ash hills of Hell. We are approaching a calamitous Judgment as a nation and our bad decisions have come home to roost. How many of us consider this as we strive to remain pure and holy before God?
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1Co:6:9
What is worse than that which we face for our deadly tolerance of sin today? Glad you asked, ...the Judgment that comes to those who outwardly refuse the call of God, the Gospel. After all, the Gospel is where it all starts and ends. How many of these Sodomites have heard the Word and rejected it? How many church leaders and congregations have done the same? Multitudes, multitudes by my reckoning by their fruits alone.
And what does Jesus say of the fate of these...?
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. M't:10:14-15 That city, town, state, country, world. Is the picture coming in any clearer now? You can't say you weren't warned. Ignorance of the Word won't cut it.
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; 2Pe:2:6
No, the warnings haven't been heeded. The ungodly have not remembered the example set before them. The dead yet live to die and their father Satan is dragging as many as he can into a burning eternity with him. I don't care about this world or it's sordid ungodly affairs. I don't derive my strength from it. I am a sojourner, a traveler, a stranger, a visitor here. The Holy Spirit and my Bible tell me so. And you? I have plucked up my old deep roots to this forsaken ground and am comfortable in the wind of the Spirit, content with the provision of Father God. Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job:13:15), NOT the World.
I do care about souls though, the Sodomites as well. You won't find a child of God demonstrating with signs or committing acts of civil disobedience or snarling in the face of any adversary. No, you'll find them quietly in prayer, with tears in their eyes for the souls falling into Hell like burning leaves scattered by the wind in the Autumn. You'll find them giving the Gospel by word and example and quietly walking away into the sunset if it is rejected. Were are not commanded to argue with anyone in Matt10:14. No debates of words. No contention. No violence. Drop the seed and move along.
I do care to tell any who would listen that your sins make me sick but I am commanded to love you nonetheless. I am not compelled by the laws of God regarding love to stand by your side as you continue in rebellion and sin though. I will watch from afar off as you burn in the end; The end that God has chosen for you because of your lack of desire for His Truth. The end that has rounded the corner and slips in unnoticed, unfelt, waiting until the poison has consumed the host.
I do care to tell you that it is as simple or as hard as you make it. Do not hate the sinner. Jesus said they know not what they do (Lu:23:34). He forgave them. They were deluded and given up to their own dark lusts for rejecting God. They all had a chance while the Gospel went out into the World. By their own volition, they were made into vessels of wrath, used by God to further His plan. The choices we make can readily determine our very Fate.
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Lu:21:34
If you still consider the petty inner workings of your personal lives to be more important than what rages around you, and what has been strategically left out of your hearts, ruin shall fall upon you. Many changes have occurred and have been totally ignored by the Saints. Many an eye is finally opening now. Is that a coincidence?
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Ac:20:28
I have a commission. The Watchmen have a commission. The Saints have a commission beyond spreading the Gospel (M'r:16:15). We have a duty to "feed" one another, look after each other's souls. Not one of us can change the Order of God or men's and women's hearts. We can only preach the Truth in Love and care for our own under an ever darkening sky, before the onslaught of Satan who is out to destroy the ELECT of God. Pray you take this seriously before it may be too late for you. Your possessions, points of view, vain works, will have done you no good when you are called into account for your souls. They will all have been passed, a memory, like a dream, a vapor dissolved by the reality of God's Holy Light. Then it will be too late to consider giving up totally to God by His Son. There will be no turning back. The sign over the Gate to your reward at the end of the Broad way will read: "Abandon hope, all who enter here".
Clean up your act Saints, NOW. Give no quarter to the ways and thoughts of the World. Reject sin out of hand. Have no concord with Belial, the infidel. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord. And God will be a Father unto you, and you shall be His sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The Queens have come to rule. Let them revel in their hellish "freedom". Let them rule away for the short time they have been given, to enjoy the sweet fruits of their perfidious rebellion. As a vapor they shall pass away quickly ...for none shall stand against the Final Judge, none shall escape His Truth, Wrath nor His blessings for following Him. Narrow the way for yourselves Saints, ...daily.
Prepare your souls. The crossroad has been reached, the turn made, the point of no return is well behind us.
And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed Isa:1:28
May the God and Father of Jesus Christ, the Author and Champion of our Salvation, grant you opened eyes and hearts. May He see fit to accept your spiritual offerings by the sufficient Grace He has given you. May you be the spotless Bride, conformed to the image of His beloved Son, our Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Madness!
Today's "Christians": A Short Study In Madness
And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 1Sa:4:2-4
1Samuel bears a striking parallel to the condition of our churches today and our own lives. The simple 'jist' of these passages is that we have come to rely on our "things", our own devices, and not the Lord God. The old testament was given to us, in part, to show us what God has done to those who rely on anything else but Him, His person, His Christ, Jesus. The high priests clearly represent the leaders of the corporate church today. These leaders (high priests) were as corrupt as the people who called themselves children of the Living God. The people forgot their God and went for the safety of their institution represented in the Priesthood and the Ark of the Covenant. They relied upon a piece of wood and metal full of objects, ("it may save us"), instead of the God who called them to Himself. The people were obviously bent to idolatry and NOT Faith in their Living God. Sound familiar?
A true understanding of what the churches are up against today, the delusion they are under, can only come from a close study of the Bible. By reading the old testament we can quickly find parallels to the prophecies we read in the new testament.
And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. 1Sa:4:5
The enemy heard the sounds of their shouting and rejoicing and were troubled. They knew full well the power of this God who slew the Egyptians and countless other enemies of His people. However, victory would not belong to the children of Abraham this day, for God was displeased by their falling away from Him, the Living God. The people had departed to follow the dictates of their own sin tainted minds and had decided upon "chariots" (Psalms:20:7), instead of Him that would truly save them from destruction. This is another parallel to receiving God's mercy and grace through salvation and turning back to the World (Lu:8:14) And how many scriptures speak of the danger of reliance on intellect and physical or material strength over that of God? As was God's good pleasure, the enemy was hardened and fortified. Once again God used Israel's enemies to Judge them.
And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
1Sa:4:10-11
The people of God trusted in a piece of furniture and did not even call upon the name of God. Thus, God removed His presence from their midst and caused Israel to fall under the hammer of His righteous Judgment because they took their eyes off Him and relied on their "institution" to save them.
People in the dead churches today are revolted by passages like Rev:18:4. The words of Romans or Hebrews are soundly ignored or so twisted as to fit their own schemes and jaded perceptions of the salvation message. They firmly believe that their Salvation lies within the walls of their institution rather than in the person of God through His Christ. They reject the biblical reproof for turning anything into an idol before God. When the beautiful organ music rises to the vaulted roofs of their million dollar tare barns, who is it they are worshiping? Let's be realistic. I'd rather worship in the nearby hay field than in these houses of spiritual insanity. Many will tell you that if you do not belong to some church, especially theirs, YOU ARE NOT SAVED! Comforting, isn't it?
A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols. Jer:50:38
Do you think the Judgment upon Israel by God through ancient Babylon was a one shot deal either? The simple truth is that it prevails today as a price for turning from God and to our own devices/idols. Our world has been invaded by the madness of sin and our "religions" reflect the dark, inward experiences of the heart deceived. Welcome to the days of Noah.
Don't make the mistake of asking when these Judgments will occur, ask yourselves WHY. The corporate church today is mad with her idols. The corporate church today has become it's own idol! Individual "outsider" Christians today also are possessed of this spirit. There is no mistaking it. Some of us are slowly being brought into the realization that idols take many forms including the institutions we call "home" such as our churches, our lives and possessions, our very beliefs. In this day of the revealing of prophecy and God's Spirit being poured forth upon us, we realize that the old testament Judgments did not end but are carried forth into the present. The theme of the Salvation message remains unchanged. The truth of Judgment for spiritual adultery stands in tact. God's Word is continual and complete and not exclusionary when it comes to disobedience and sin. We have moved into an age of blind madness and forgotten the simple life we have been called to, hid in Jesus Christ (Col:3:3), that which some of us allegedly claim to have come into at one time in our lives. Unfortunately, some of us aren't that "dead" are we? We are not totally relying on God. We are trusting in ourselves.
Many believe that Satan is cast down and loosed upon this Earth now. I am in agreement. It is obvious that Satan has come in to the Churches in full array and "light" and now sits a glorious conqueror upon the high seat of authority over these churches. Read Revelation chapter 1 and 2. Jesus gives a hard sorrowful warning to these. Some He calls liars, Nicolaitans in Ephesus and orders them to repent. Did they? Pergamos was called the place where Satan sits. This is a picture of the truth about the devil reigning over the corporate church. Jesus tells them to repent or He will fight against them. Did they repent? Thyatira entertained the spirit of Jezebel. Most in that church had "known the depths of Satan" according to Jesus Himself. Though a few did not hold to this false doctrine, the entire church would be Judged. The few remaining in the Faith are exhorted by Jesus to "hold fast" until He comes.
One obvious lesson from these things Jesus speaks of is that though frail, prone to sin and seemingly unstable in the winds of false doctrine, the established corporate Church was STILL being used to send forth the Gospel despite it's shortcomings. Very interesting. Despite the weaknesses, the establishment of these institutions heralded the beginning of the great Church Age.
The churches were and are subject to constant attack. The white flags of surrender to self fly today. Would Satan care to leave these vessels of the Gospel alone and in peace? Certainly not. Today, sadly, we need not speculate as to the effectiveness of the sending forth of the true Gospel from these institutions and the "hearers" finding true conviction for sin and even revival in the land. Ain't happening. Read your Bible. Nothing of True Salvation, holiness or purity comes forth from the corporate churches. We have but to sit through the Wolf babble from the pulpits, on TV and radio to know this! The age of the corporate church being the sole instrument of the Gospel is long over and the decline has been striking. The Gospel now goes out through the individual moreso than these corrupt bodies. Like it or not, it is the truth.
O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Psalms:96:9
The most powerful force against the great Darkness assaulting true believer's lives today, after Godly Faith, is holiness. Yet very sadly, there is no preaching of this from the Pastors, Sunday school teachers, missionaries or even parents supposedly bring up their children in the nurture admonition of the Lord (Eph:6:4). Our young children, for the most part, do not reflect a good solid scriptural upbringing by those who claim to follow and obey Jesus Christ. The children reflect the true hearts of the parents. Hard to say which ones should be taken out behind the woodshed. I shall digress no further. This is a long study in itself. Suffice it to say, holiness is become just another platitude, a by-word, and bears little or no significance in the transparent lives most so-called believers today, in or out of the corporate churches.
As I have stated many times in the past, holiness would mean an abrupt end to the show, the profits, the club, the carnival family, the corporate idol. Baal would starve! How sad! The Judgment of God will be swift upon these reprobate establishments of idol worshipers and upon those who conveniently claim the cleansing of Christ outside the walls of these sepulchers. Of that, scripture guarantees. Make the time to search it out. Then you can be rid of me.
The corporate church of today parallel's the people of the nation of Israel in 1 Samuel. There is no mistaking the error in which they found themselves and the bitter price they paid for trusting in and/or worshiping anything or anyone but the Living God.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand,
he shall not be unpunished. Proverb:16:5
LET'S FACE IT!
We're afraid aren't we. We're afraid of everything but the God of our professed Salvation. We're afraid to draw nigh unto Him because we know full well what we must give up to do so. We're afraid to make it simple for ourselves as instructed by the scriptures. We know we MUST surrender not only our idols, toys and trust in Man's World but also the trust we once had in ourselves! We must sacrifice ALL to follow the real Christ including every penchant and desire for even the slightest control of our lives. We are NOT truly afraid of Hell are we?
We become abominations to God when we read and say amen to the life of Jesus, all the while conveniently forgetting that Jesus had no desire for anything but what God would have Him do, where God would have Him go. God fed Jesus, clothed Him, protected Him and never left Him until the time that Jesus received the penalty for our stupidity and unbelief. Thanks to Jesus, we will never be abandoned by our God if we truly serve Him. Jesus made the Way to God open and God promised His constant abiding in those who truly love Him and keep His commandments (1Jo:2:17-1Jo:5:3). Is this the way we want to live? As Christ? With the Father and Son abiding in us? Constantly at peace? Or do we want a little of 'this' and 'that' as well, a little control. Double minded fools we become if we suppose we can have it both ways (Jas:1:8/4:8).
We spend far too much time turning to "Christian" counselors when we should be listening to the Holy Spirit and reading God's word. What happened to our Faith? Christian counseling has become a huge business as if this should come as any surprise; A natural consequence of turning to ourselves instead of our God. How about this for "Christian" counseling: 1Pe:4:19: Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. This advice will never lead anyone astray. Unfortunately we "social" animals would lose our minds if we had to spend any real time alone with our professed God and live up to our primary "calling" to SEEK God FIRST wouldn't we.
We fear the reproach of the World more than that of the God who calls us in secret. We must retain our cheap paint job of self-generated integrity before men and women at all costs don't we? We solidly cloak ourselves in vain righteousness and spout the impressive pious platitudes all the while making 'nice' with the sins we so stubbornly and not so secretly cling to in our black hearts, KNOWING we professed them before others as forgiven at our conversions.
As far as "contrite" goes for some of you, I'd much rather counsel a Rattlesnake! How petty we've become. We subscribe to whispers don't we. We're afraid of going to the horse's mouth aren't we. We might get bit and be revealed as the meddling fools we truly are for indulging our weaknesses and thereby be discovered as Posers. Oh heaven forbid we lose our esteem in the fellowship. We are controlled by fear, not the Holy Spirit!
We're too busy in other peoples affairs aren't we? No time for searching the scriptures, oh no. Just touch up the rough spots with a little more Facade-Mender once a week and head off to fellowship like good little outwardly humble Christians.
We seldom say "I'm sorry" and mean it from the heart of Christ when we cause a mess in ours or someone else's life, all the while making sure not to allow our hearts to be revealed for what they truly are. I have news for some of you, by your words or actions alone, are the depths of your silly hearts are plainly revealed to those with true eyes! We're playing for keeps here aren't we folks? We just won't give it up. Keep this up and we'll have nothing to keep including our very souls!
I suppose we're back to it...we're Posers and fools, thinking we can get away with the farces we call our sanctified lives. Am I just whistling Dixie here? Do some of you suppose that I haven't been privileged to counsel liars or feel the sting of treachery from so-called brethren and witness the stupidity of self-professed Christians who, to me at least, look like the King in his new clothes! After the smoke clears and a pulse returns it is comforting to know that the Love of Jesus still remains in me for these and sadly, distance and silence become the only surety against a re-visiting of the madness. Counsel? Yes, I would counsel most with one word: REPENT!
It is sad to say that many folks have not the simple spiritual savvy to understand and apply the primary gift of sanctification and holiness. LOVE. Our use of the Love of Christ is discretionary, an abominable affront before God and our prey. Some of us very capably live up to the meaning of "a throw away society". Many use, abuse, devour and toss away the leftovers when the self-centered feasting's done don't we? My, my, isn't that a reflection of what is going on in your "sanctified" hearts as well? You bet it is and it sticks out like a dead fish on a hot sidewalk. Well, part of the solution lies in the Truth a lot of us fear to tell ourselves. The majority lies in a heart that TRULY belongs to Christ, broken, humble; In a spirit that is CONFORMED to the image of Christ. Frankly, I don't see it much at all these days. And I get around. And I readily tire of the "thousand yard stare" in response to the Truth. No, I don't need a vacation but I'm glad I live in the woods most of the time.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones,
and of all uncleanness. M't:23:27
We are sanctified alright, in our lies! We've changed the outside for sure but inside, the sepulcher stinks with the foul odor of the corruption of unrepented sins, the lair of the "Hider". We yet carry with us the self-inflicted social maladies from our twisted pasts which we have allowed to remain in us since our "conversions". We've either believed a lie or rejected the Truth. Our battle cry has become "Praise God but don't touch a thing!" We don't fool anyone but fools. We are hypocrites plain and simple. We "suffer" because of our base stupidity and unwillingness to face and grasp the Truth about ourselves. Our "god" is in a box! And that is NOT my problem. It is yours!
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Psalms:119:35
I thought I'd stop along the Way and tell it like it should be told, one more time: in the good old church-emptying, preacher-out-the-door fashion. By the Truth. I'm going on along the narrow way folks, with or without "friends", companions or so-called brethren. Jesus is quite enough for me. And how about you? Too simple for us?
Time is short. We've got a lot of work to do and we can't blame it on God. The same spirit of turning to our own devices in the old testament, lives a healthy and happy life in a lot of us today; The same spirit of divisiveness that warranted a bloody beating upon God's people of 1 Samuel and the removal of their "institution" as well. We are just like disobedient, unrestrained children. We don't want to pay attention to our Father who gives us the gifts, which are secondary to our fellowship and spiritual abiding with Him, so He drops a fire on us and takes away the gift as well. And some of us foolishly call this an attack for being a "Christian". Sorry, wrong number. Is this what we truly desire, Judgment? Well, have at it children. All I can say is, I warned you. The rest is up to you.
In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse
of the people with blindness. Zec:12:4
We have given way to madness. We are swimming in a whirlpool. Will we find true rest and peace or will we finally be laid down before the Philistines, cursed and punished for our unbelief and our reliance on our precious devices, fearful of the Truth? Will we repent and return to God alone? It's your call ultimately.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Proverb:14:33
May God have mercy on us. Amen
And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 1Sa:4:2-4
1Samuel bears a striking parallel to the condition of our churches today and our own lives. The simple 'jist' of these passages is that we have come to rely on our "things", our own devices, and not the Lord God. The old testament was given to us, in part, to show us what God has done to those who rely on anything else but Him, His person, His Christ, Jesus. The high priests clearly represent the leaders of the corporate church today. These leaders (high priests) were as corrupt as the people who called themselves children of the Living God. The people forgot their God and went for the safety of their institution represented in the Priesthood and the Ark of the Covenant. They relied upon a piece of wood and metal full of objects, ("it may save us"), instead of the God who called them to Himself. The people were obviously bent to idolatry and NOT Faith in their Living God. Sound familiar?
A true understanding of what the churches are up against today, the delusion they are under, can only come from a close study of the Bible. By reading the old testament we can quickly find parallels to the prophecies we read in the new testament.
And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. 1Sa:4:5
The enemy heard the sounds of their shouting and rejoicing and were troubled. They knew full well the power of this God who slew the Egyptians and countless other enemies of His people. However, victory would not belong to the children of Abraham this day, for God was displeased by their falling away from Him, the Living God. The people had departed to follow the dictates of their own sin tainted minds and had decided upon "chariots" (Psalms:20:7), instead of Him that would truly save them from destruction. This is another parallel to receiving God's mercy and grace through salvation and turning back to the World (Lu:8:14) And how many scriptures speak of the danger of reliance on intellect and physical or material strength over that of God? As was God's good pleasure, the enemy was hardened and fortified. Once again God used Israel's enemies to Judge them.
And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
1Sa:4:10-11
The people of God trusted in a piece of furniture and did not even call upon the name of God. Thus, God removed His presence from their midst and caused Israel to fall under the hammer of His righteous Judgment because they took their eyes off Him and relied on their "institution" to save them.
People in the dead churches today are revolted by passages like Rev:18:4. The words of Romans or Hebrews are soundly ignored or so twisted as to fit their own schemes and jaded perceptions of the salvation message. They firmly believe that their Salvation lies within the walls of their institution rather than in the person of God through His Christ. They reject the biblical reproof for turning anything into an idol before God. When the beautiful organ music rises to the vaulted roofs of their million dollar tare barns, who is it they are worshiping? Let's be realistic. I'd rather worship in the nearby hay field than in these houses of spiritual insanity. Many will tell you that if you do not belong to some church, especially theirs, YOU ARE NOT SAVED! Comforting, isn't it?
A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols. Jer:50:38
Do you think the Judgment upon Israel by God through ancient Babylon was a one shot deal either? The simple truth is that it prevails today as a price for turning from God and to our own devices/idols. Our world has been invaded by the madness of sin and our "religions" reflect the dark, inward experiences of the heart deceived. Welcome to the days of Noah.
Don't make the mistake of asking when these Judgments will occur, ask yourselves WHY. The corporate church today is mad with her idols. The corporate church today has become it's own idol! Individual "outsider" Christians today also are possessed of this spirit. There is no mistaking it. Some of us are slowly being brought into the realization that idols take many forms including the institutions we call "home" such as our churches, our lives and possessions, our very beliefs. In this day of the revealing of prophecy and God's Spirit being poured forth upon us, we realize that the old testament Judgments did not end but are carried forth into the present. The theme of the Salvation message remains unchanged. The truth of Judgment for spiritual adultery stands in tact. God's Word is continual and complete and not exclusionary when it comes to disobedience and sin. We have moved into an age of blind madness and forgotten the simple life we have been called to, hid in Jesus Christ (Col:3:3), that which some of us allegedly claim to have come into at one time in our lives. Unfortunately, some of us aren't that "dead" are we? We are not totally relying on God. We are trusting in ourselves.
Many believe that Satan is cast down and loosed upon this Earth now. I am in agreement. It is obvious that Satan has come in to the Churches in full array and "light" and now sits a glorious conqueror upon the high seat of authority over these churches. Read Revelation chapter 1 and 2. Jesus gives a hard sorrowful warning to these. Some He calls liars, Nicolaitans in Ephesus and orders them to repent. Did they? Pergamos was called the place where Satan sits. This is a picture of the truth about the devil reigning over the corporate church. Jesus tells them to repent or He will fight against them. Did they repent? Thyatira entertained the spirit of Jezebel. Most in that church had "known the depths of Satan" according to Jesus Himself. Though a few did not hold to this false doctrine, the entire church would be Judged. The few remaining in the Faith are exhorted by Jesus to "hold fast" until He comes.
One obvious lesson from these things Jesus speaks of is that though frail, prone to sin and seemingly unstable in the winds of false doctrine, the established corporate Church was STILL being used to send forth the Gospel despite it's shortcomings. Very interesting. Despite the weaknesses, the establishment of these institutions heralded the beginning of the great Church Age.
The churches were and are subject to constant attack. The white flags of surrender to self fly today. Would Satan care to leave these vessels of the Gospel alone and in peace? Certainly not. Today, sadly, we need not speculate as to the effectiveness of the sending forth of the true Gospel from these institutions and the "hearers" finding true conviction for sin and even revival in the land. Ain't happening. Read your Bible. Nothing of True Salvation, holiness or purity comes forth from the corporate churches. We have but to sit through the Wolf babble from the pulpits, on TV and radio to know this! The age of the corporate church being the sole instrument of the Gospel is long over and the decline has been striking. The Gospel now goes out through the individual moreso than these corrupt bodies. Like it or not, it is the truth.
O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Psalms:96:9
The most powerful force against the great Darkness assaulting true believer's lives today, after Godly Faith, is holiness. Yet very sadly, there is no preaching of this from the Pastors, Sunday school teachers, missionaries or even parents supposedly bring up their children in the nurture admonition of the Lord (Eph:6:4). Our young children, for the most part, do not reflect a good solid scriptural upbringing by those who claim to follow and obey Jesus Christ. The children reflect the true hearts of the parents. Hard to say which ones should be taken out behind the woodshed. I shall digress no further. This is a long study in itself. Suffice it to say, holiness is become just another platitude, a by-word, and bears little or no significance in the transparent lives most so-called believers today, in or out of the corporate churches.
As I have stated many times in the past, holiness would mean an abrupt end to the show, the profits, the club, the carnival family, the corporate idol. Baal would starve! How sad! The Judgment of God will be swift upon these reprobate establishments of idol worshipers and upon those who conveniently claim the cleansing of Christ outside the walls of these sepulchers. Of that, scripture guarantees. Make the time to search it out. Then you can be rid of me.
The corporate church of today parallel's the people of the nation of Israel in 1 Samuel. There is no mistaking the error in which they found themselves and the bitter price they paid for trusting in and/or worshiping anything or anyone but the Living God.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand,
he shall not be unpunished. Proverb:16:5
LET'S FACE IT!
We're afraid aren't we. We're afraid of everything but the God of our professed Salvation. We're afraid to draw nigh unto Him because we know full well what we must give up to do so. We're afraid to make it simple for ourselves as instructed by the scriptures. We know we MUST surrender not only our idols, toys and trust in Man's World but also the trust we once had in ourselves! We must sacrifice ALL to follow the real Christ including every penchant and desire for even the slightest control of our lives. We are NOT truly afraid of Hell are we?
We become abominations to God when we read and say amen to the life of Jesus, all the while conveniently forgetting that Jesus had no desire for anything but what God would have Him do, where God would have Him go. God fed Jesus, clothed Him, protected Him and never left Him until the time that Jesus received the penalty for our stupidity and unbelief. Thanks to Jesus, we will never be abandoned by our God if we truly serve Him. Jesus made the Way to God open and God promised His constant abiding in those who truly love Him and keep His commandments (1Jo:2:17-1Jo:5:3). Is this the way we want to live? As Christ? With the Father and Son abiding in us? Constantly at peace? Or do we want a little of 'this' and 'that' as well, a little control. Double minded fools we become if we suppose we can have it both ways (Jas:1:8/4:8).
We spend far too much time turning to "Christian" counselors when we should be listening to the Holy Spirit and reading God's word. What happened to our Faith? Christian counseling has become a huge business as if this should come as any surprise; A natural consequence of turning to ourselves instead of our God. How about this for "Christian" counseling: 1Pe:4:19: Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. This advice will never lead anyone astray. Unfortunately we "social" animals would lose our minds if we had to spend any real time alone with our professed God and live up to our primary "calling" to SEEK God FIRST wouldn't we.
We fear the reproach of the World more than that of the God who calls us in secret. We must retain our cheap paint job of self-generated integrity before men and women at all costs don't we? We solidly cloak ourselves in vain righteousness and spout the impressive pious platitudes all the while making 'nice' with the sins we so stubbornly and not so secretly cling to in our black hearts, KNOWING we professed them before others as forgiven at our conversions.
As far as "contrite" goes for some of you, I'd much rather counsel a Rattlesnake! How petty we've become. We subscribe to whispers don't we. We're afraid of going to the horse's mouth aren't we. We might get bit and be revealed as the meddling fools we truly are for indulging our weaknesses and thereby be discovered as Posers. Oh heaven forbid we lose our esteem in the fellowship. We are controlled by fear, not the Holy Spirit!
We're too busy in other peoples affairs aren't we? No time for searching the scriptures, oh no. Just touch up the rough spots with a little more Facade-Mender once a week and head off to fellowship like good little outwardly humble Christians.
We seldom say "I'm sorry" and mean it from the heart of Christ when we cause a mess in ours or someone else's life, all the while making sure not to allow our hearts to be revealed for what they truly are. I have news for some of you, by your words or actions alone, are the depths of your silly hearts are plainly revealed to those with true eyes! We're playing for keeps here aren't we folks? We just won't give it up. Keep this up and we'll have nothing to keep including our very souls!
I suppose we're back to it...we're Posers and fools, thinking we can get away with the farces we call our sanctified lives. Am I just whistling Dixie here? Do some of you suppose that I haven't been privileged to counsel liars or feel the sting of treachery from so-called brethren and witness the stupidity of self-professed Christians who, to me at least, look like the King in his new clothes! After the smoke clears and a pulse returns it is comforting to know that the Love of Jesus still remains in me for these and sadly, distance and silence become the only surety against a re-visiting of the madness. Counsel? Yes, I would counsel most with one word: REPENT!
It is sad to say that many folks have not the simple spiritual savvy to understand and apply the primary gift of sanctification and holiness. LOVE. Our use of the Love of Christ is discretionary, an abominable affront before God and our prey. Some of us very capably live up to the meaning of "a throw away society". Many use, abuse, devour and toss away the leftovers when the self-centered feasting's done don't we? My, my, isn't that a reflection of what is going on in your "sanctified" hearts as well? You bet it is and it sticks out like a dead fish on a hot sidewalk. Well, part of the solution lies in the Truth a lot of us fear to tell ourselves. The majority lies in a heart that TRULY belongs to Christ, broken, humble; In a spirit that is CONFORMED to the image of Christ. Frankly, I don't see it much at all these days. And I get around. And I readily tire of the "thousand yard stare" in response to the Truth. No, I don't need a vacation but I'm glad I live in the woods most of the time.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones,
and of all uncleanness. M't:23:27
We are sanctified alright, in our lies! We've changed the outside for sure but inside, the sepulcher stinks with the foul odor of the corruption of unrepented sins, the lair of the "Hider". We yet carry with us the self-inflicted social maladies from our twisted pasts which we have allowed to remain in us since our "conversions". We've either believed a lie or rejected the Truth. Our battle cry has become "Praise God but don't touch a thing!" We don't fool anyone but fools. We are hypocrites plain and simple. We "suffer" because of our base stupidity and unwillingness to face and grasp the Truth about ourselves. Our "god" is in a box! And that is NOT my problem. It is yours!
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Psalms:119:35
I thought I'd stop along the Way and tell it like it should be told, one more time: in the good old church-emptying, preacher-out-the-door fashion. By the Truth. I'm going on along the narrow way folks, with or without "friends", companions or so-called brethren. Jesus is quite enough for me. And how about you? Too simple for us?
Time is short. We've got a lot of work to do and we can't blame it on God. The same spirit of turning to our own devices in the old testament, lives a healthy and happy life in a lot of us today; The same spirit of divisiveness that warranted a bloody beating upon God's people of 1 Samuel and the removal of their "institution" as well. We are just like disobedient, unrestrained children. We don't want to pay attention to our Father who gives us the gifts, which are secondary to our fellowship and spiritual abiding with Him, so He drops a fire on us and takes away the gift as well. And some of us foolishly call this an attack for being a "Christian". Sorry, wrong number. Is this what we truly desire, Judgment? Well, have at it children. All I can say is, I warned you. The rest is up to you.
In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse
of the people with blindness. Zec:12:4
We have given way to madness. We are swimming in a whirlpool. Will we find true rest and peace or will we finally be laid down before the Philistines, cursed and punished for our unbelief and our reliance on our precious devices, fearful of the Truth? Will we repent and return to God alone? It's your call ultimately.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Proverb:14:33
May God have mercy on us. Amen
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Armored For War
Armored For War
(The Battle for Your Soul)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1Pe:5:8
I am grieved when I hear anyone say that "Jesus did it all for me so I don't have to do anything now, but just believe in Him." Excuse me, Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Jas:2:19 So, all the devils have to do is believe also. Not good company to keep. Breaking news folks, you are in a battle for your very soul! That is the truth! And I will give you another truth: You don't spend enough time in the Word of God to care to know the Truth!
Are we truly prepared for war, Saints of God; The daily war against the wiles of the devil, the protracted war in the spirit, the ultimate battle for your soul? Satan wanted Jesus to turn from God in Matthew chapter 4. Satan wanted to lord it over Jesus. Satan still wants to be like God. Satan wants God's elect to turn away as well and he is pouring in the rounds to get us to quit the Good Fight! Either by complacency or willful sin, he will stop at nothing to distract, deceive and destroy the Saints, the Elect, if that be possible, (M'r:13:22).
Are we fighting against Satan and being victorious? Well, soldiers of Christ, the time has come for us to check out our gear and provisions. Let's take a break between incoming rounds to go down the checklist and see if we're up to this "fight" of Faith (1Tm:6:12) And if your armor is on, leave it on.
Shall we.....
THE RULES:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph:6:12
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2Tm:2:3-4
OUR EQUIPMENT (THE ARMOR):
IT'S PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph:6:11 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand. Eph:6:13
WEAPONS CHECK:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strong holds;) 2Cor:10:4
THE CHECKLIST:
TRUTH
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, Eph:6:14
The Truth is what will stop Satan in his tracks, get him out of your ear and make him change his tactics, put him on the defensive. Jesus calls Himself the Truth and since He is in us, we can stand the test. Read Matt 4:1-10 of Jesus' experience in the wilderness. Our Pastors have no truth today do they. Nor do their blind charges. They are tossed by the wind to and fro and double minded (Jas:1:8). We are instructed not to be as these in Eph:4:14. No Truth, and we are easily deceived. We believe the lies, we are weakened and confused. The poison of deception seeps through the cracks and put us into a sleep of death. No freedom there. No victory. Speak the Truth against your adversary in whatever form he comes at you. We LIVE by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God and if that be so, the Lie cannot prevail. If Jesus IS the Truth and He lives in you, as you, and you as Him, you're off to a great start.
THE BREASTPLATE
...and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Eph:6:14
Righteousness is "rightness" as Christ is righteous. It is given to us when we are born again into the image of Christ (Ro:4:24). We live clean and pure in meekness and humility. Not involving ourselves in the works of darkness, and being not OF this world. (Joh:17:14 - Joh:17:16 - 1Co:2:12 - 2Co:6:14 - 1Pe:2:9 - 1Jo:2:15-16)
Though righteousness be imputed to us we are obligated by obedience to God's command to bear the good fruits of His Spirit and not shipwreck our faith (1Tm:1:19). There is no eternal security in sin implied in this passage! Sin of any kind after conversion will destroy us! So many professed followers of Jesus Christ live as the world don't they. They retain the same passions and interests, goals and games. Without the Breastplate of Righteousness, one's heart is defenseless and is clearly exposed to the enemy. One swift stroke and the heart is deceived, darkened, hardened, defiled, lost to sin. 1Jo:2:29: If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. If Jesus Christ lives in you, and you are obeying His commands, your breastplate is secure.
FOOTGEAR
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Eph:6:15
It is a powerful allegory! The Gospel of peace is reconciliation through repentance and forgiveness. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Ro:10:15 And: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isa:52:7. Our feet carry us out into the World we live in, to bear witness to Christ and spread the Truth of Salvation. It brings peace where it is heard and accepted. It also brings reproach from those who reject the Truth (Matt 10:22). Are we laced up and going forth or are we like the barefoot, lazy Church of today, spreading a false gospel of user-friendly ease, worldly prosperity and counterfeit light. If we are laced up and bearing witness to the real Christ, we're doing fine along the Way.
SHIELD
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph:6:16
Note well, the scripture says the darts of the "wicked", not just the wicked one (Satan). Also note "all" the darts! NOT just a few! The spirit of antichrist embodies men and women and the attacks come to us through the physical world as well as our "thought" (spirit) world. The shield is the first line of defense! It is held out before the rest of the armor. Heb:11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Your faith is your belief in Jesus and His power to save and protect, your belief that His Truth will prevail and you along with it. Faith is not a faulty thing, manufactured by man, it is a gift of God (Eph:2:8) Faith makes us strong, steadfast and immovable! That is why we are exhorted to "hold fast" to it (Heb:10:23) lest we let it slip away and pay for it (Re:3:3). Our faith moves mountains and turns back the waves of attacks meant to distract us, lower our defenses and strike us down in defeat. Without this mighty shield before us, we are exposed to the brunt of the attack. Faith is moveable as a shield is. We place it against the direction of the hammer blows of Satan and the World and they are turned aside. But only if we haven't forgotten how to use it. Is the faith of today's Church unseen and working in the spirit realms out into the physical realm? I say no. Their "faith" is of the carnal realm, what they can understand with the five senses and includes a false faith produced by the smooth pabulum of instant salvation and the reward of Heaven despite the sins they commit "following" Christ. Faith today is based on a belief in one's self, not God. If your Faith is in Jesus Christ totally and you are striving to live sinless and pure before God and men, your shield is in good working order.
HELMET
And take the helmet of salvation, Eph:6:17
The helmet covers the head. The head is where it all begins, where the commands come and go. The head gives the orders! The renewing of the mind is paramount to victorious living in Christ, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Ro:12:2 Four out of the five senses are located on the head. The ears are located there and we all know Ro:10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The eyes are located there and when we see only Christ and His Way, we possess a single eye: M't:6:22: The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. And the mouth! What can we say. Col:4:6: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Warnings! about the "tongue" : (Jas:1:26 - Jas:3:5-6 - Jas:3:8 - 1Pe:3:10) How about (Ti:2:8)
So, when we are saved, converted, changed into the image of Christ, this Salvation covers like a helmet guarding our Headquarters against the noise of the world, causing our "output" to be Godly, reserved and pure. The sensual sights and sounds try to get in to pollute our minds and thus cause the mind to be used to generate sinful thoughts and then cause us to act upon them with the members of our bodies. ...But to no avail if the helmet is firmly in place. Ro:6:12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. The orders which go forth from the head protected by the helmet are righteous, the eyes stay fixed on Jesus, the ears are deafened to the allures of the worldly voices, the sirens of sin. The mouth speaks as one whose emotions and passions are under control, subdued, sweetly seasoned, with meekness and respect. Where are the helmets of the professing Church goers today who blend in like chameleons with the wicked world around them? What's wrong with their salvation message? If you have been truly given the merciful gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ and you are not compromising in any way, your helmet is properly guarding your Headquarters.
SWORD
...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Eph:6:17
We all know : For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb:4:12 Before we start swinging away in some mystical dream of real combat we must read the next verse of Ephesians chapter 6, following verse 17: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph:6:18. Did we get the word "for" here? We are defending each other also. The Word discerns not only the intents of one's own heart but those of others!
Remember that the shield and breastplate, the helmet and belt do well in protecting us from the fiery darts and wiles of the enemy but the Word of God, our sword, is used to really reach out and touch someone, friend and foe alike! We must be careful to use this in a Godly manner, meekly blessing as we go with it. We must also remember that this Word of God is a most deadly weapon against those satanic spirits who embody those who plot to destroy us and the spirits themselves that come against us in the long cold watches of the night, in our own thoughts. Our own new Life is being thrust forth with this sword since we are in Christ and He is in us! The Word of God IS creation power (2Pe:3:5-7)...and able to destroy! Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. M't:24:35 Jesus speaks TRUTH. The Word IS Truth which will never pass away from God's creation. The Truth is ALIVE! This is awesome, frightful, glorious power here Saints.
Today's church-goers know pitifully little of the Word of God. So how can they defeat anything? They are already defeated themselves, sadly. Today's Wolves in shepherds clothing have them believing they need only what the church gives them along with their false grace messages, eternal security in sin, prosperity and the like. There is no need for personal search of the scriptures, pastor Wolf has all the answers. Lazy sheep have become cash cows, sleepy hosts of the parasites embodying angels of dark light. The armor of the sheep lies in pieces, scattered and forgotten. Their swords rust on the ground, useless, impotent. Their desire for the Truth and the Word has all but drained away like water into the sand. And their leaders? While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 2Pe:2:19 No armor, no defense against the lies, only bondage, no real freedom, and certain spiritual death. If you love the Word of God and it lives in you and is spoken through you and the Love which is in Christ abounds in your heart (Ro:5:5), your prayers are heard by God. Your sword is sharp and true, stained with the blood of righteous battle for Truth. And strongholds fall like houses of cards before the wind!
Checklist complete.
If one piece of our spiritual Armor is missing, we can be assured of deep
and possibly MORTAL wounds by the enemy!
.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armour of light. Ro:13:12
Check your spiritual gear at all times Saints. Never lay any of it aside especially after a victory over temptation to sin or after you've calmly beaten off an attack by those who despise and revile you for Christ! Don't take any of the armor off and don't park your sword and shield beside a tree and think to relax and bask in the victory. That is when the enemy will hit all the harder! Take heed lest you fall (1Co:10:12)! A cunning foe waits until the defenses are weakened or down completely before they strike. This is war according to the Bible. Act accordingly and be sober, vigilant and awake.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ro:13:14
YOU are the one called to be shielded and armed, equipped to fight the battle. Why should we never fail to keep our armor on at all times? Because the Gates of Hell are coming against us constantly because of our Faith. And too many of us fail to understand our enemy's persistence and subtleties. We must respect his power to destroy and be vigilant (1Pe:5:8) and do combat righteously. ON OUR KNEES! And by our words and actions!
How hard is it to keep on the narrow way? Remember what Peter said :
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1Pe:4:18
May God bless and keep you in His Way. And get that shield up! ...that's better.
Now keep to the Road Saints! Amen.
(The Battle for Your Soul)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1Pe:5:8
I am grieved when I hear anyone say that "Jesus did it all for me so I don't have to do anything now, but just believe in Him." Excuse me, Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Jas:2:19 So, all the devils have to do is believe also. Not good company to keep. Breaking news folks, you are in a battle for your very soul! That is the truth! And I will give you another truth: You don't spend enough time in the Word of God to care to know the Truth!
Are we truly prepared for war, Saints of God; The daily war against the wiles of the devil, the protracted war in the spirit, the ultimate battle for your soul? Satan wanted Jesus to turn from God in Matthew chapter 4. Satan wanted to lord it over Jesus. Satan still wants to be like God. Satan wants God's elect to turn away as well and he is pouring in the rounds to get us to quit the Good Fight! Either by complacency or willful sin, he will stop at nothing to distract, deceive and destroy the Saints, the Elect, if that be possible, (M'r:13:22).
Are we fighting against Satan and being victorious? Well, soldiers of Christ, the time has come for us to check out our gear and provisions. Let's take a break between incoming rounds to go down the checklist and see if we're up to this "fight" of Faith (1Tm:6:12) And if your armor is on, leave it on.
Shall we.....
THE RULES:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph:6:12
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2Tm:2:3-4
OUR EQUIPMENT (THE ARMOR):
IT'S PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph:6:11 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand. Eph:6:13
WEAPONS CHECK:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strong holds;) 2Cor:10:4
THE CHECKLIST:
TRUTH
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, Eph:6:14
The Truth is what will stop Satan in his tracks, get him out of your ear and make him change his tactics, put him on the defensive. Jesus calls Himself the Truth and since He is in us, we can stand the test. Read Matt 4:1-10 of Jesus' experience in the wilderness. Our Pastors have no truth today do they. Nor do their blind charges. They are tossed by the wind to and fro and double minded (Jas:1:8). We are instructed not to be as these in Eph:4:14. No Truth, and we are easily deceived. We believe the lies, we are weakened and confused. The poison of deception seeps through the cracks and put us into a sleep of death. No freedom there. No victory. Speak the Truth against your adversary in whatever form he comes at you. We LIVE by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God and if that be so, the Lie cannot prevail. If Jesus IS the Truth and He lives in you, as you, and you as Him, you're off to a great start.
THE BREASTPLATE
...and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Eph:6:14
Righteousness is "rightness" as Christ is righteous. It is given to us when we are born again into the image of Christ (Ro:4:24). We live clean and pure in meekness and humility. Not involving ourselves in the works of darkness, and being not OF this world. (Joh:17:14 - Joh:17:16 - 1Co:2:12 - 2Co:6:14 - 1Pe:2:9 - 1Jo:2:15-16)
Though righteousness be imputed to us we are obligated by obedience to God's command to bear the good fruits of His Spirit and not shipwreck our faith (1Tm:1:19). There is no eternal security in sin implied in this passage! Sin of any kind after conversion will destroy us! So many professed followers of Jesus Christ live as the world don't they. They retain the same passions and interests, goals and games. Without the Breastplate of Righteousness, one's heart is defenseless and is clearly exposed to the enemy. One swift stroke and the heart is deceived, darkened, hardened, defiled, lost to sin. 1Jo:2:29: If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. If Jesus Christ lives in you, and you are obeying His commands, your breastplate is secure.
FOOTGEAR
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Eph:6:15
It is a powerful allegory! The Gospel of peace is reconciliation through repentance and forgiveness. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Ro:10:15 And: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isa:52:7. Our feet carry us out into the World we live in, to bear witness to Christ and spread the Truth of Salvation. It brings peace where it is heard and accepted. It also brings reproach from those who reject the Truth (Matt 10:22). Are we laced up and going forth or are we like the barefoot, lazy Church of today, spreading a false gospel of user-friendly ease, worldly prosperity and counterfeit light. If we are laced up and bearing witness to the real Christ, we're doing fine along the Way.
SHIELD
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph:6:16
Note well, the scripture says the darts of the "wicked", not just the wicked one (Satan). Also note "all" the darts! NOT just a few! The spirit of antichrist embodies men and women and the attacks come to us through the physical world as well as our "thought" (spirit) world. The shield is the first line of defense! It is held out before the rest of the armor. Heb:11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Your faith is your belief in Jesus and His power to save and protect, your belief that His Truth will prevail and you along with it. Faith is not a faulty thing, manufactured by man, it is a gift of God (Eph:2:8) Faith makes us strong, steadfast and immovable! That is why we are exhorted to "hold fast" to it (Heb:10:23) lest we let it slip away and pay for it (Re:3:3). Our faith moves mountains and turns back the waves of attacks meant to distract us, lower our defenses and strike us down in defeat. Without this mighty shield before us, we are exposed to the brunt of the attack. Faith is moveable as a shield is. We place it against the direction of the hammer blows of Satan and the World and they are turned aside. But only if we haven't forgotten how to use it. Is the faith of today's Church unseen and working in the spirit realms out into the physical realm? I say no. Their "faith" is of the carnal realm, what they can understand with the five senses and includes a false faith produced by the smooth pabulum of instant salvation and the reward of Heaven despite the sins they commit "following" Christ. Faith today is based on a belief in one's self, not God. If your Faith is in Jesus Christ totally and you are striving to live sinless and pure before God and men, your shield is in good working order.
HELMET
And take the helmet of salvation, Eph:6:17
The helmet covers the head. The head is where it all begins, where the commands come and go. The head gives the orders! The renewing of the mind is paramount to victorious living in Christ, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Ro:12:2 Four out of the five senses are located on the head. The ears are located there and we all know Ro:10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The eyes are located there and when we see only Christ and His Way, we possess a single eye: M't:6:22: The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. And the mouth! What can we say. Col:4:6: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Warnings! about the "tongue" : (Jas:1:26 - Jas:3:5-6 - Jas:3:8 - 1Pe:3:10) How about (Ti:2:8)
So, when we are saved, converted, changed into the image of Christ, this Salvation covers like a helmet guarding our Headquarters against the noise of the world, causing our "output" to be Godly, reserved and pure. The sensual sights and sounds try to get in to pollute our minds and thus cause the mind to be used to generate sinful thoughts and then cause us to act upon them with the members of our bodies. ...But to no avail if the helmet is firmly in place. Ro:6:12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. The orders which go forth from the head protected by the helmet are righteous, the eyes stay fixed on Jesus, the ears are deafened to the allures of the worldly voices, the sirens of sin. The mouth speaks as one whose emotions and passions are under control, subdued, sweetly seasoned, with meekness and respect. Where are the helmets of the professing Church goers today who blend in like chameleons with the wicked world around them? What's wrong with their salvation message? If you have been truly given the merciful gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ and you are not compromising in any way, your helmet is properly guarding your Headquarters.
SWORD
...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Eph:6:17
We all know : For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb:4:12 Before we start swinging away in some mystical dream of real combat we must read the next verse of Ephesians chapter 6, following verse 17: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph:6:18. Did we get the word "for" here? We are defending each other also. The Word discerns not only the intents of one's own heart but those of others!
Remember that the shield and breastplate, the helmet and belt do well in protecting us from the fiery darts and wiles of the enemy but the Word of God, our sword, is used to really reach out and touch someone, friend and foe alike! We must be careful to use this in a Godly manner, meekly blessing as we go with it. We must also remember that this Word of God is a most deadly weapon against those satanic spirits who embody those who plot to destroy us and the spirits themselves that come against us in the long cold watches of the night, in our own thoughts. Our own new Life is being thrust forth with this sword since we are in Christ and He is in us! The Word of God IS creation power (2Pe:3:5-7)...and able to destroy! Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. M't:24:35 Jesus speaks TRUTH. The Word IS Truth which will never pass away from God's creation. The Truth is ALIVE! This is awesome, frightful, glorious power here Saints.
Today's church-goers know pitifully little of the Word of God. So how can they defeat anything? They are already defeated themselves, sadly. Today's Wolves in shepherds clothing have them believing they need only what the church gives them along with their false grace messages, eternal security in sin, prosperity and the like. There is no need for personal search of the scriptures, pastor Wolf has all the answers. Lazy sheep have become cash cows, sleepy hosts of the parasites embodying angels of dark light. The armor of the sheep lies in pieces, scattered and forgotten. Their swords rust on the ground, useless, impotent. Their desire for the Truth and the Word has all but drained away like water into the sand. And their leaders? While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 2Pe:2:19 No armor, no defense against the lies, only bondage, no real freedom, and certain spiritual death. If you love the Word of God and it lives in you and is spoken through you and the Love which is in Christ abounds in your heart (Ro:5:5), your prayers are heard by God. Your sword is sharp and true, stained with the blood of righteous battle for Truth. And strongholds fall like houses of cards before the wind!
Checklist complete.
If one piece of our spiritual Armor is missing, we can be assured of deep
and possibly MORTAL wounds by the enemy!
.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armour of light. Ro:13:12
Check your spiritual gear at all times Saints. Never lay any of it aside especially after a victory over temptation to sin or after you've calmly beaten off an attack by those who despise and revile you for Christ! Don't take any of the armor off and don't park your sword and shield beside a tree and think to relax and bask in the victory. That is when the enemy will hit all the harder! Take heed lest you fall (1Co:10:12)! A cunning foe waits until the defenses are weakened or down completely before they strike. This is war according to the Bible. Act accordingly and be sober, vigilant and awake.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ro:13:14
YOU are the one called to be shielded and armed, equipped to fight the battle. Why should we never fail to keep our armor on at all times? Because the Gates of Hell are coming against us constantly because of our Faith. And too many of us fail to understand our enemy's persistence and subtleties. We must respect his power to destroy and be vigilant (1Pe:5:8) and do combat righteously. ON OUR KNEES! And by our words and actions!
How hard is it to keep on the narrow way? Remember what Peter said :
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1Pe:4:18
May God bless and keep you in His Way. And get that shield up! ...that's better.
Now keep to the Road Saints! Amen.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Delusion Update
Sweet' blasphemy hot off the press:
Here it is Saints, the newest of the new and improved Book Of Delusion being offered as "Truth"!
The Text:
(World Net Daily)
TESTING THE FAITH
New Bible translation
promotes fornication
Archbishop of Canterbury praises
version for 'extraordinary power'
New Bible translation
promotes fornication
Archbishop of Canterbury praises
version for 'extraordinary power'
A brand-new translation of the Bible – praised by Britain's archbishop of Canterbury, that nation’s senior Christian voice – flatly contradicts traditional core Christian beliefs on sex and morality.
Titled "Good as New," the new Bible is translated by former Baptist minister John Henson for the "One" organization, to produce what the group calls a "new, fresh and adventurous" translation of the Christian scriptures.
The 104th archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams – leader of the Church of England – describes it is a book of "extraordinary power," but admitted many would be startled by its content.
"Instead of condemning fornicators, adulterers and 'abusers of themselves with mankind'," says Ruth Gledhill, the London Times religious affairs correspondent, "the new version of his first letter to Corinth has St. Paul advising Christians not to go without sex for too long in case they get 'frustrated.'"
"The new version, which Dr. Williams says he hopes will spread 'in epidemic profusion through religious and irreligious alike', turns St. Paul's strictures against fornication on their head," adds the Times.
The One organization that produced the new Bible translation is dedicated to "establish[ing] peace, justice, dignity and rights for all." It is also focused on "sustainable use of the earth's resources," challenging "oppression, injustice, exclusion and discrimination" as well as accepting "one another, valuing their diversity and experience."
According to Ekklesia, a London-based "theological think tank" that supports the "One" translation:
The translation is pioneering in its accessibility, and changes the original Greek and Hebrew nomenclature into modern nicknames. St. Peter becomes "Rocky," Mary Magdalene becomes "Maggie," Aaron becomes "Ron," Andronicus becomes "Andy" and Barabbas becomes "Barry."
In keeping with the times, translator Henson deftly translates "demon possession" as "mental illness" and "Son of Man," the expression Jesus frequently used to describe himself, as "the Complete Person." In addition, parables are rendered as "riddles," baptize is to "dip" in water, salvation becomes "healing" or "completeness" and Heaven becomes "the world beyond time and space."
Here's how Williams, the top Anglican archbishop, describes the new Bible: "Instead of being taken into a specialized religious frame of reference – as happens even with the most conscientious of formal modern translations – and being given a gospel addressed to specialized concerns … we have here a vehicle for thinking and worshipping that is fully earthed, recognizably about our humanity."
In addition, notes Ekklesia, the archbishop praises Henson's translation for eliminating "the stale, the technical, the unconsciously exclusive words and policies" in other translations.
Here, according to the London Times, are a few sample passages:
Mark 1:4
Authorized version: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
New: "John, nicknamed 'The Dipper,' was 'The Voice.' He was in the desert, inviting people to be dipped, to show they were determined to change their ways and wanted to be forgiven."
Mark 1:10-11
Authorized version: "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. And there came a voice from the heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
New: "As he was climbing up the bank again, the sun shone through a gap in the clouds. At the same time a pigeon flew down and perched on him. Jesus took this as a sign that God's spirit was with him. A voice from overhead was heard saying, 'That's my boy! You're doing fine!'"
Matthew 23:25
Authorized version: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"
New version: "Take a running jump, Holy Joes, humbugs!"
Matthew 26:69-70
Authorized version: "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, 'Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.' But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest."
New: "Meanwhile Rocky was still sitting in the courtyard. A woman came up to him and said: 'Haven't I seen you with Jesus, the hero from Galilee?" Rocky shook his head and said: 'I don't know what the hell you're talking about!'"
1 Corinthians 7:1-2
KJV: "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."
New: "Some of you think the best way to cope with sex is for men and women to keep right away from each other. That is more likely to lead to sexual offences. My advice is for everyone to have a regular partner."
1 Corinthians 7:8-7
KJV: "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."
New: "If you know you have strong needs, get yourself a partner. Better than being frustrated."
__________________________
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isa:5:20
Sharpen your Swords and get those Shields up! God bless you!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Remember...
We DO Need To Be Reminded!
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 2Pe:1:12-13
Greetings in Jesus' name, precious Saints of God! The Way is narrow and long. The Apostle Peter exhorted the Saints by way of reminder and so shall I. The gift of Salvation you have been given is precious and bought at the highest price imaginable. A loving Father offered up His own Son to free us from the bonds of sin and the awful penalty for it. Please receive this offering of scripture and read it carefully with a sober mind and humble heart.
2Pe:1:3: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1:4: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
1:5: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
1:6: And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
1:7: And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
1:8: For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9: But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
1:10: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1:11: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1:4: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
1:5: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
1:6: And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
1:7: And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
1:8: For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9: But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
1:10: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1:11: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I exhort you all to keep away from the World ...for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1Jo:2:16) Remember that you shall be called into account for all you have done on this earth!
Remember that the power of our Merciful God has come to live in you by way of His Son Jesus Christ (Eph:1:19-20), by His death and resurrection. Do not soil this new garment, this New Life you have been given. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (Ro:6:12)
Jesus Christ is far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph:1:21). We needn't fear anything but that we displeased our Master. God has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church (Eph:1:22). The Church is the "called out", separate and apart from the World. The Church (Elect), is His Body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all (Eph:1:23). The Church is a singular Body in completeness, as Jesus and the Father are single, complete, one.
Where ever you are on this earth, remember to take care of the brethren, stand in the gap for them, help each other, tell each other the Truth, go to battle for one another, and FORGIVE ...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Eph:6:18). FOR ALL SAINTS!
If you have truly counted the cost of following Jesus Christ (Lu:14:28), take up that cross (M't:16:24), fix your eyes on the Savior and fight the Good Fight like the soldier you have been called to be (2Tm:2:3-4). Never fear the suffering which you are given to share in by following Jesus (Ro:8:18 - 2Co:1:5 - 2Co:1:7 - 1Pe:4:13) Never fear the degradation and reproach of mere men (Lu:6:22 - 1Tm:4:10), but stand firmly grounded in the foundation which has been built around the Chief Cornerstone (M'r:12:10) which can never be moved, which will never wash away in any storm!
As the waves of adversity may crest over the boat, and the storms buffet you, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus standing out there upon the waves, above it all. Reach out your hands to Him and smile in your hearts. For nothing can harm you while so mighty a Shepherd watches over you. Walk like true men and women of God!
This Body of Saints are ONE with the Father and Jesus ...I and my Father are one (John:10:30). And if we are truly come into a new life in Christ, then the glory which God gave Jesus has been given to YOU, to US, that we (the Body) may be one, even as Jesus and Father are one (John:17:22)!
So as Peter says, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1Pe:4:19) And count it ALL joy, Saints.
The spiritual war yet rages, the Summer will melt away and the Winter come; All things will pass away, heaven and earth shall pass away, but Jesus' words shall not pass away (M't:24:35). I pray you will all be standing in His presence at the end of it as overcomers, victorious, not as the vanquished, set apart for eternal fire. Keep your Faith (Heb:10:23), give your life away as Jesus did (M't:16:25), seek earnestly the excellency of Christ (Ph'p:3:8) and follow Jesus even unto death.
Keep His precious Word in your hearts. Keep your spiritual Armor on at all times, get those Shields up, and put that Sword of Truth in front of you!
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
(M't:7:13-14)
Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
(Lu:13:23-24)
Get on that narrow way, ...or walk away.
May the God of our Salvation, the Architect of our Faith, bless, strengthen, enlighten and keep all of you in these evil days and may the He be praised forever and for ever, through Jesus Christ the Lord, amen.
Don't give up! You're going to make it!
And keep to the Road, Saints of God. Always!
Monday, July 16, 2007
No Baggage
No Baggage!
(On The Narrow Way)
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. Mark:6:8-9
When we "surrendered" to God the Father through Christ, the Way, the Door, and stepped out onto the narrow way, did we forget to leave some things behind? Did we tell the God of our salvation that we were ready to follow in the footsteps of our lowly Master and embrace the poverty which comes of separation from the World? Big question, ...did we embrace the power which we "claim" we had been given at the moment of regeneration, to begin to strip off the baggage of our earthly existence and seek the things of Heaven and the Spirit of God?
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1Jo:2:16
Didn't the Father of Jesus Christ tell us we'd be taken care of, needs met, even some wants (desires of the heart) realized?
M't:6:25: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
M't:6:30: Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? What carnal "needs" and "loves" do we have but those which the World has told us we NEED; The symbols of affluence and position, security and gain. If we've been drawn out of the World into Christ, what's with the baggage we carry?
Weren't we exhorted to desire heavenly things? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (M't:6:33).
Aren't we exhorted to lay up treasures in Heaven, (M't:6:20) and follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, (1Cor14:1) ?
And what should we do with these spiritual gifts? ... Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church (1Cor14:12) ...Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Eph:6:18) Yes, service to others, not to one's self. Getting tough?
Haven't we been told of the perilous times in which we live and the importance of focusing on the "now" of our souls instead of the "maybe" of earthly gain and pleasure, ...Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (M't:6:34)
The love of baggage...
Thou shalt have no other gods (baggage) before me. Ex:20:3
Read the entire book of James as a letter to the backsliders in the church! See if you can come away challenged in the least bit to use it as a measure of your own walk as a child of God. An example of James' "outreach" to the backslidden Saints: James 4:1-4 ...From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. What is the source of the warning and rebuke? The love of baggage, the world, self... must I continue?! Is this regenerated (Ti:3:5), sanctified (2Tm:2:21), separate and apart (2Co:6:17), a royal priesthood (1Pet 2:9)? You say you have been called out of darkness and into His light. You claim you have been separated to God wholly and completely yet you greedily strive and contend for the things of this World under the jealous eye of the God you claim to serve. You are trailing baggage behind you. And baggage is a good sign that what it is that is clattering behind you and what you have placed before you, between you and God, has become an idol you refuse to surrender upon the altar.
I will repeat, 1Co:10:19: What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? You sacrifice to idols when you spend money on your vain trappings, amusements and status symbols like your houses and cars, families and businesses. Your "sacrifice" is the precious time you spend pursuing the money to sustain a way of life you wish God to FIT INTO. Your life must fit into God's will, not the other way around! This is sacrificing your time and money to satisfy yourself. The money is and idol. Time is and idol. YOU are an idol! You sacrifice yourself to idols! We do well to remember who gives and takes away... Read Luke12:16-20.
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils (1Co:10:20). And what do you sacrifice to the God you claim to serve and worship if not your very bodies of clay along with it's desires... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Ro:12:1). Seems to me an acceptable sacrifice to God does not include holding on to your money, possessions, hidden lusts and worldly desires. Maybe it's just me... So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Lu:12:21
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God,
they wander for lack of meat. Job:38:41
Can you honestly say, "I have counted ALL things as loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ," (Ph'p:3:8)? What did Paul face for "selling out" to the pursuit of the real Jesus? ...In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (2Co:11:26). FALSE BRETHREN! Even Paul himself had to suffer Posers! They had to be pretty sharp to initially deceive Paul didn't they! I personally KNOW posers who have gone to great lengths to assume the mantle of "believer" to literally save their carnal lives and homes! This happens ALL the time. What lengths will Satan go to destroy the true follower of Christ? Every trick of "light" possible, Saints! Be vigilant!
For some of you backsliders and Christ-claiming, church-goers, this may be getting a little too thick for you to swallow but the Truth will do that sometimes. What did Paul desire? ... For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Ph'p:1:23) I certainly don't have to explain this passage.
What is it (after we are truly re-born of God) that we should desire? How about, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1Pe:2:2) As Paul states, ...a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Heb:11:16) Is the God of Grace, the Father of Jesus Christ ashamed of some of us? I'd say a big YEP to that! We have become shameful, compromised specimens of true Christianity haven't we? We've blended away our calling to chastity and purity and holiness because we haven't the guts to obey God and rely on the power He gives us to resist the World. Love of the World is what breaks the fellowship between us and God. Isn't that obvious?! Our true intents and allegiances become evident in our fruits. We have refused to believe God. We refuse to let go of our selves. Some of us do not desire the hard Truth. We tire of the Way. We choose the gratification of our flesh instead of fidelity and resignation to His most blessed covenant, made with you by way of the Cross; Certified by the glorious resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Confirmed by the Holy Spirit in the heart of the true believer. We become God's enemy because of unbelief! Not possible? Yes it is. And factual and evident! FRUIT! (M't:7:20)
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. Ec:6:2
I repeat, you lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not (Jas:4:2). You may get the 401K, the house and cars, the woman of your dreams, status in some church leadership position, but this scripture says that you yet have not. And this "not" is the kingdom of God, His blessing, treasure in Heaven, a right relationship with the Father of your professed salvation. You are dragging your "stuff" behind you on your perceived narrow way and this "stuff" is dragging you backwards and you make no forward progress in the light of the heavenly economy. You are being dragged into Hell!
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. Isa:21:6
We tire of sounding out the same alarm time and again from these walls above the Camp. We tire but do not quit. We are told that if we warn the wicked of their evil ways, to turn from it; and if they do not turn from their evil ways, they shall die in their iniquity, their sins, BUT we, the watchmen, will have delivered our souls (Eze:33:9). The alternative for those of us faithful to our calling to the Body and the lost, in obedience to Jesus Christ, is not at all pleasant to contemplate; But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. (Eze:33:6) What is this "sword"? Is it not the enemy of our souls, the hater of Jesus Christ, even the devil and sin?
The trumpet blows a repeating refrain: turn from your sins! Heed this well, ...When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. ...But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. (Eze:33:18-19) Doesn't Heb 10:26 back this ancient scripture up? Would the destruction of your eternal future count as something to be warned of when danger is near? I pray it be so. We pray you would listen for the sakes of your souls.
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city,
the watchman waketh but in vain Psalms:127:1
Enemy of the Cross?
Make no mistake, compromisers "in" Christ, it's a TIGHT FIT down that narrow way and no baggage of this life will ever get through! The flames of trial and tribulation lick the sides of this Way and you propose to drag your worldly idols through unscathed? Your baggage will condemn you! Your vain folly will destroy your souls! Most of our churches are dragging us down the "broad way" and your church will not save you! And I say that some of you have passed the point of no return. You've gone around the bend alright, right into the arms of the Fate of those who choose to befriend the World and what it has to offer. You have fully become enemies of the Cross! (Phil3:18) Our own churches are full of enemies of the Cross! We are led by them. We are duped into complacency and trust in the idols we have set up in the pulpits to scratch our itching ears. Our weakness is sickening. We sit with them and have fellowship with them and regard them as brothers and sisters. There are those who display ALL the trappings of Godliness yet have never had the life-changing encounter with the architect of our Salvation. We fellowship with adulterers, drunkards, spiritual "killers", liars, idolaters......darkness, darkness, and more darkness. And we think we can remain holy before God for this? Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 1Co:6:9
And, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Lu:6:22
If you have been called and have chosen to follow the REAL Christ, you have chosen against your belly! If you have been called and have chosen to follow Jesus Christ, you have renounced worldly vain pursuits, the pleasing of your "former" appetites, and have won for yourself hatred from the world and true Life with and in Jesus Christ. HAVE YOU?! (Ro:8:13)
Or have you become one of these: ...Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Ph'p:3:19 Who has redeemed you? A Pastor, a friend, a husband, a wife, a banker, a state of mind, your own mental ascent to an "understanding" of the truths of God? Heaven forbid! You have been redeemed with the most precious substance in the entire Universe, ...with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1Pe:1:19.
Saints, you have begun a journey as the apostles did in Mark 6. You have striven to enter in at the strait gate and now follow Jesus down the narrow way to Life. Jesus' journey down His narrow way ended at the cross for us and then Glory! His journey was sacrifice and death. Our journey is "death" to our selves all along the way and then ultimate victory, (Rev2:17/26 - Rev3:5/12/21)Take no thought for the things of this world. Don't give them a second look. Take the words of Jesus seriously! (M't:10:38 - M't:16:24) Not one scrap of worldliness is acceptable in the eyes of GOD.
Jesus, ...let them hate us, let them revile us for your sake. Because of You, let them destroy our lives and bodies. We shall follow you, covet your Love and rebuke, and revel in the Joy of this glorious fellowship of suffering for surrendering to your will! We shall never quit the Road, nor fear being alone and despised as your servant Paul. Jesus, we are of good cheer because YOU have overcome the World and by your provision, we may also! Thank you Jesus!
Will your pastors dare to preach these scriptures?! : Ro:8:18 - 2Co:1:5-7 - Ph'p:1:29 - Ph'p:3:8 - 2Tm:1:12 - 2Tm:3:12 - Heb:5:8 - 1Pe:2:19/2:21/3:14/4:1/4:13/4:16/4:19/5:10/Re:2:10 Certainly NOT! The World's idea of Christianity is become a plague of "sleep" upon us, a sickness, a wretched disease. Repent and come clean with your lives! Give it up already.
Follow Jesus and not the World. Lay hold of Him, His Truth and Life. Suffer with and for Him and he will know your name in the end and bid you enter into Life at the end of your bloody journey through the traps and trials of this quickly passing life. You cannot serve two masters. It's baggage or sacrifice, Jesus or Hell! Still your choice. 'Nuff said.
Time is not on your side! The Lord God is! Serve Him only!
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 1Jo:5:19
Keep to the Road, Saints of God. Travel light! The love of baggage is the love of the World. Remember that. Amen
(On The Narrow Way)
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. Mark:6:8-9
When we "surrendered" to God the Father through Christ, the Way, the Door, and stepped out onto the narrow way, did we forget to leave some things behind? Did we tell the God of our salvation that we were ready to follow in the footsteps of our lowly Master and embrace the poverty which comes of separation from the World? Big question, ...did we embrace the power which we "claim" we had been given at the moment of regeneration, to begin to strip off the baggage of our earthly existence and seek the things of Heaven and the Spirit of God?
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1Jo:2:16
Didn't the Father of Jesus Christ tell us we'd be taken care of, needs met, even some wants (desires of the heart) realized?
M't:6:25: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
M't:6:30: Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? What carnal "needs" and "loves" do we have but those which the World has told us we NEED; The symbols of affluence and position, security and gain. If we've been drawn out of the World into Christ, what's with the baggage we carry?
Weren't we exhorted to desire heavenly things? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (M't:6:33).
Aren't we exhorted to lay up treasures in Heaven, (M't:6:20) and follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, (1Cor14:1) ?
And what should we do with these spiritual gifts? ... Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church (1Cor14:12) ...Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Eph:6:18) Yes, service to others, not to one's self. Getting tough?
Haven't we been told of the perilous times in which we live and the importance of focusing on the "now" of our souls instead of the "maybe" of earthly gain and pleasure, ...Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (M't:6:34)
The love of baggage...
Thou shalt have no other gods (baggage) before me. Ex:20:3
Read the entire book of James as a letter to the backsliders in the church! See if you can come away challenged in the least bit to use it as a measure of your own walk as a child of God. An example of James' "outreach" to the backslidden Saints: James 4:1-4 ...From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. What is the source of the warning and rebuke? The love of baggage, the world, self... must I continue?! Is this regenerated (Ti:3:5), sanctified (2Tm:2:21), separate and apart (2Co:6:17), a royal priesthood (1Pet 2:9)? You say you have been called out of darkness and into His light. You claim you have been separated to God wholly and completely yet you greedily strive and contend for the things of this World under the jealous eye of the God you claim to serve. You are trailing baggage behind you. And baggage is a good sign that what it is that is clattering behind you and what you have placed before you, between you and God, has become an idol you refuse to surrender upon the altar.
I will repeat, 1Co:10:19: What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? You sacrifice to idols when you spend money on your vain trappings, amusements and status symbols like your houses and cars, families and businesses. Your "sacrifice" is the precious time you spend pursuing the money to sustain a way of life you wish God to FIT INTO. Your life must fit into God's will, not the other way around! This is sacrificing your time and money to satisfy yourself. The money is and idol. Time is and idol. YOU are an idol! You sacrifice yourself to idols! We do well to remember who gives and takes away... Read Luke12:16-20.
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils (1Co:10:20). And what do you sacrifice to the God you claim to serve and worship if not your very bodies of clay along with it's desires... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Ro:12:1). Seems to me an acceptable sacrifice to God does not include holding on to your money, possessions, hidden lusts and worldly desires. Maybe it's just me... So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Lu:12:21
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God,
they wander for lack of meat. Job:38:41
Can you honestly say, "I have counted ALL things as loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ," (Ph'p:3:8)? What did Paul face for "selling out" to the pursuit of the real Jesus? ...In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (2Co:11:26). FALSE BRETHREN! Even Paul himself had to suffer Posers! They had to be pretty sharp to initially deceive Paul didn't they! I personally KNOW posers who have gone to great lengths to assume the mantle of "believer" to literally save their carnal lives and homes! This happens ALL the time. What lengths will Satan go to destroy the true follower of Christ? Every trick of "light" possible, Saints! Be vigilant!
For some of you backsliders and Christ-claiming, church-goers, this may be getting a little too thick for you to swallow but the Truth will do that sometimes. What did Paul desire? ... For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Ph'p:1:23) I certainly don't have to explain this passage.
What is it (after we are truly re-born of God) that we should desire? How about, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1Pe:2:2) As Paul states, ...a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Heb:11:16) Is the God of Grace, the Father of Jesus Christ ashamed of some of us? I'd say a big YEP to that! We have become shameful, compromised specimens of true Christianity haven't we? We've blended away our calling to chastity and purity and holiness because we haven't the guts to obey God and rely on the power He gives us to resist the World. Love of the World is what breaks the fellowship between us and God. Isn't that obvious?! Our true intents and allegiances become evident in our fruits. We have refused to believe God. We refuse to let go of our selves. Some of us do not desire the hard Truth. We tire of the Way. We choose the gratification of our flesh instead of fidelity and resignation to His most blessed covenant, made with you by way of the Cross; Certified by the glorious resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Confirmed by the Holy Spirit in the heart of the true believer. We become God's enemy because of unbelief! Not possible? Yes it is. And factual and evident! FRUIT! (M't:7:20)
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. Ec:6:2
I repeat, you lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not (Jas:4:2). You may get the 401K, the house and cars, the woman of your dreams, status in some church leadership position, but this scripture says that you yet have not. And this "not" is the kingdom of God, His blessing, treasure in Heaven, a right relationship with the Father of your professed salvation. You are dragging your "stuff" behind you on your perceived narrow way and this "stuff" is dragging you backwards and you make no forward progress in the light of the heavenly economy. You are being dragged into Hell!
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. Isa:21:6
We tire of sounding out the same alarm time and again from these walls above the Camp. We tire but do not quit. We are told that if we warn the wicked of their evil ways, to turn from it; and if they do not turn from their evil ways, they shall die in their iniquity, their sins, BUT we, the watchmen, will have delivered our souls (Eze:33:9). The alternative for those of us faithful to our calling to the Body and the lost, in obedience to Jesus Christ, is not at all pleasant to contemplate; But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. (Eze:33:6) What is this "sword"? Is it not the enemy of our souls, the hater of Jesus Christ, even the devil and sin?
The trumpet blows a repeating refrain: turn from your sins! Heed this well, ...When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. ...But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. (Eze:33:18-19) Doesn't Heb 10:26 back this ancient scripture up? Would the destruction of your eternal future count as something to be warned of when danger is near? I pray it be so. We pray you would listen for the sakes of your souls.
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city,
the watchman waketh but in vain Psalms:127:1
Enemy of the Cross?
Make no mistake, compromisers "in" Christ, it's a TIGHT FIT down that narrow way and no baggage of this life will ever get through! The flames of trial and tribulation lick the sides of this Way and you propose to drag your worldly idols through unscathed? Your baggage will condemn you! Your vain folly will destroy your souls! Most of our churches are dragging us down the "broad way" and your church will not save you! And I say that some of you have passed the point of no return. You've gone around the bend alright, right into the arms of the Fate of those who choose to befriend the World and what it has to offer. You have fully become enemies of the Cross! (Phil3:18) Our own churches are full of enemies of the Cross! We are led by them. We are duped into complacency and trust in the idols we have set up in the pulpits to scratch our itching ears. Our weakness is sickening. We sit with them and have fellowship with them and regard them as brothers and sisters. There are those who display ALL the trappings of Godliness yet have never had the life-changing encounter with the architect of our Salvation. We fellowship with adulterers, drunkards, spiritual "killers", liars, idolaters......darkness, darkness, and more darkness. And we think we can remain holy before God for this? Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 1Co:6:9
And, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Lu:6:22
If you have been called and have chosen to follow the REAL Christ, you have chosen against your belly! If you have been called and have chosen to follow Jesus Christ, you have renounced worldly vain pursuits, the pleasing of your "former" appetites, and have won for yourself hatred from the world and true Life with and in Jesus Christ. HAVE YOU?! (Ro:8:13)
Or have you become one of these: ...Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Ph'p:3:19 Who has redeemed you? A Pastor, a friend, a husband, a wife, a banker, a state of mind, your own mental ascent to an "understanding" of the truths of God? Heaven forbid! You have been redeemed with the most precious substance in the entire Universe, ...with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1Pe:1:19.
Saints, you have begun a journey as the apostles did in Mark 6. You have striven to enter in at the strait gate and now follow Jesus down the narrow way to Life. Jesus' journey down His narrow way ended at the cross for us and then Glory! His journey was sacrifice and death. Our journey is "death" to our selves all along the way and then ultimate victory, (Rev2:17/26 - Rev3:5/12/21)Take no thought for the things of this world. Don't give them a second look. Take the words of Jesus seriously! (M't:10:38 - M't:16:24) Not one scrap of worldliness is acceptable in the eyes of GOD.
Jesus, ...let them hate us, let them revile us for your sake. Because of You, let them destroy our lives and bodies. We shall follow you, covet your Love and rebuke, and revel in the Joy of this glorious fellowship of suffering for surrendering to your will! We shall never quit the Road, nor fear being alone and despised as your servant Paul. Jesus, we are of good cheer because YOU have overcome the World and by your provision, we may also! Thank you Jesus!
Will your pastors dare to preach these scriptures?! : Ro:8:18 - 2Co:1:5-7 - Ph'p:1:29 - Ph'p:3:8 - 2Tm:1:12 - 2Tm:3:12 - Heb:5:8 - 1Pe:2:19/2:21/3:14/4:1/4:13/4:16/4:19/5:10/Re:2:10 Certainly NOT! The World's idea of Christianity is become a plague of "sleep" upon us, a sickness, a wretched disease. Repent and come clean with your lives! Give it up already.
Follow Jesus and not the World. Lay hold of Him, His Truth and Life. Suffer with and for Him and he will know your name in the end and bid you enter into Life at the end of your bloody journey through the traps and trials of this quickly passing life. You cannot serve two masters. It's baggage or sacrifice, Jesus or Hell! Still your choice. 'Nuff said.
Time is not on your side! The Lord God is! Serve Him only!
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 1Jo:5:19
Keep to the Road, Saints of God. Travel light! The love of baggage is the love of the World. Remember that. Amen
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Count The Cost
Count The Cost
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lu:14:28
Which of you, who have come to the REAL Jesus Christ by the drawing of the Father (Joh:6:44), have counted the true cost of following your professed Savior to eternal life?
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence
stedfast unto the end; Heb:3:14
Which of you, who have started in the faith, continue in the purity of this Gift given you by God?
Which of you has ever been told the Truth of the difficulty (Matt7:14) that lies ahead of you when you have heard the Gospel and come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?
Do you have "sufficient" to finish this race, this walk, this journey; Sufficient understanding of what it means to give up everything you are and possess, to be accounted worthy of Life (Matt10:38)?
...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
M't:16:24
Did your Pastor tell you - of the total sacrifice YOU must become (Ro:12:1)? Or did he sit there with dollar signs in his eyes telling you that your life would be easier if you belonged to his church because any sin you commit now is forgiven?
Did your Pastor tell you - you'd be hated (rejected-reviled) of all men if you follow Christ (M't:10:22), or did he slap you on the back, utter a biblical platitude or two and invite you to join their Christian Soft Ball Team instead, offering worldly fellowship and new business opportunities with your new "brethren"?
Did your Pastor tell you - the lusts of the flesh have no place in your new life nor the Assembly (1Pe:1:14), or did he say that your indiscretions were excusable and that money, power, prominence and esteem were blessings for all the mammon you penitently throw in the plate every week?
Did your Pastor tell you - your 'Cake' is for having and eating too, or did he tell you to stop seeking the things of this World and serve Jesus Christ only and forsake riches and vanity? (Lu:14:33 - 1Jo:2:15 - Jas:4:4)
Did your Pastor tell you - to serve Jesus Christ and no others (Matt6:24), or did he tell you he has all you need for you to survive in this world AND get you to heaven without you spending too much time in the Bible for yourself or grieving over this unnecessary "fear and trembling" over your state of Salvation?
Did your Pastor tell you - your money in the plate matters pitifully little and your soul is what counts?
What your Pastor should have said to you was that he wouldn't want anyone who wasn't bound and determined to seek holiness and truth from the Word and the Spirit ...in his congregation. Your Pastor should ask you if you've counted the cost of truly following Jesus. That is, if even the Pastor is a true follower of Jesus. I don't recall Jesus organizing a pension plan, 401-K, housing and schooling for the pastoral kiddies as a perk to preach the Gospel. Wouldn't things like that tend to make a strong man go soft? Go figure.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Jas:4:8
As we have stated, Faith does not supercede the necessity of holiness nor does Grace accommodate man in his sin. If your Pastor offers you two worlds, you're in big trouble. You're BOTH in big trouble! You cannot waltz with the passions of the World, claiming imputed righteousness to cover your continued "indiscretions", all the while thinking yourself pure and spotless and without sin! That "reed" is blowing to and fro. Where in the Bible does it speak of Jesus' PERSONAL righteousness being imputed to us? Here is one of the the scriptures that the soul butchers cut up to fit their eternal security in sin gospel: Ro:4:22: And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. What was imputed to Abraham? Faith! What does this have to do with the false teaching of the imputed personal righteousness of Christ to cover our sins?
Follow a Man and perish!
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1Jo:2:27
Pastors, preachers, teachers and the like are GUIDES, MESSENGERS! They are not to be followed as the ULTIMATE authority! They too are accountable. The FATHER is the ultimate authority. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches and makes the final determination as to when and where Truth is applied in your lives. NOT MEN! We are esteeming men over God and Jesus Christ! Well, what does the bible say about our esteem of ANYONE but God in our lives...? Look it up. It might lead to places you don't want to go but where's your sense of adventure?
Pastors today justify their callings in and by a name ONLY. Yes, blaspheming the name of Jesus Christ! The Corporation rules, not Christ! Stop kidding yourselves. Pastors today are waterless clouds (Jude:1:12) and princely puppets, spewing false doctrine and easy Salvation that includes one's OLD SIN NATURE! Pastors today are leaking poison through their teeth while spewing delusional rhetoric of right living before God. Which God? Pastors today want to offend no one with the TRUTH and justify their filthy gospel of compromise before their congregations!
...Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Lu:16:15
Holiness, to these, is a dirty word!
A healthy approach to working out your salvation (Ph'p:2:12) is holding your spiritual life up to the light of (1John2:27). Who's been "teaching" you? I am NOT saying that you should fire the Pastor and go off on your own. What I AM saying is that men DO NOT lead anyone into the Truth. The Holy Spirit does. Men guide, admonish, bring the Gospel, instruct in the "ways" of righteousness! If we've turned to men as our final authority, ...we are walking into Hell BACKWARDS! Think about that! 'Nuff said.
Let's take a look at the progression of events in the life of one CALLED to Christ:
(Did you exhibit GODLY sorrow?)
OK, you have answered the call of God, by His Spirit (Joh:6:44), to come to Him through Jesus Christ, have fallen before His Majesty broken and convicted of sin, full of GODLY sorrow... For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2Cor:7:10-11)
I pray we began in the True Faith with the cold, hard, painful understanding that we had come to the absolute end of ourselves and that we saw ourselves as NOTHING in the eyes of this Merciful and Fearsome God who had called us by His mercy and good pleasure to eternal life IF we continue henceforth to obey His commands. I pray our conversion began as it did with Paul the Apostle, face down in the dust of the Damascus Road, and full of fear, emptied of all pride and self awareness. I pray you experienced the wretchedness described by Paul in (Ro:7:24).
You then couldn't hold back the tears and sobs of Joy over a merciful God who had answered you when you called out from this place of awareness of your wretchedness, looking upon Jesus, and God had forgiven your sins through His Son. But I pray you KNEW there was much more to do! I hope you didn't head for the nearest Church!
You had then counted the cost of following the Way (John:14:6), (Jesus), to eternal life (Lu:14:28), obeying his commands for righteousness, purity and holiness, NEVER going back to your old sins again. NEVER thinking to live in them using Jesus Christ and His (imputed) Righteousness as a cloak so you can have your worldly cake and eat it too! You had continued soberly and meticulously, counting the cost of following ONE Master (M't:6:24) and had happily forsaken the World and everything in it (Matt 19:29)!
And right now, as we speak, you are alone on a very narrow way with your Savior, hated and reviled (Lu:6:22), rejected and outcast because you want nothing to do with the pomp and vain glory of this life, Churchianity or posing for the camera.
You mortified (killed) the deeds of the flesh (Ro:8:13). Right now you are striving to enter in to Life (Lu:13:24), enduring until the end (Matt10:22), holding fast to your Faith (Heb:10:23), being sober and vigilant (1Pe:5:8). REJOICING in your poverty and sufferings (1Pe:4:13)! ARE YOU!?
Jesus Christ is NOT your meal ticket, a by-word, but He is your very LIFE! If you have come to His narrow way since your conversion, you have the Hope of eternal life with Jesus and the Father.
If not, I honestly don't know what else to say.
ON BROKENNESS...
There is little in the way of brokenness among many so-called followers of the Master Jesus. Brokenness is a sure sign of honesty also. Pride of the world like sorrow of the world is what I see in many lives. There are two kinds of sorrow as described in 2Co:7:10. Which do you truly exhibit?
Brokenness, contriteness, CONTINUE on in the lives of the true believer after the salvation experience. It is a sign that regeneration has taken hold in your lives. Our realization of wretchedness must continue as we progress in the Faith. Our "good works" are NOT perfected in our bodies. The good works of the Holy Spirit are what is perfected in us (1Jo:2:5).
There should be constant unmistakable signs of the new man/woman. After one's so-called receipt of grace, it seems many lose the brokenness and humility and the world, cares and pride of this life take back over, muting the spiritual "voice", (thorny ground). After the conviction of wretchedness (Ro:7:24), comes brokenness and a contrite spirit which leads to constant Godly humility. It is no longer you that truly lives! (Ga:2:20) Period.
There are many "signs" in many lives that some vestiges of self will and purpose yet exist, thus compromising the witness to the point of no effect. Hypocrisy becomes the norm and the "voice" within them (their "talk") does not ring true with their actions. We can't rise up after we are crushed by the weight of true Godly conviction to our wretchedness. Impossible. This is the essence of the emptying of ourselves and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In order that the "new" man survive, the old one MUST be bound. Our example is in the admonition which rings through (Ph'p:2:8). You can't say such a display of humility would go unnoticed by others in one's life! We don't need much in the way of discernment to be able to make the distinction between one who has been caused to be emptied of themselves and one who has only reveled in the "moment" and yet holds on to pieces of the "old ways" thinking Christ will cut them some slack. What are the wages of sin, ANY sin?
This goes for the churches and those who may have "come out of her" as well. Day and night, black and white. The Seed seems to have been sown to thorns in many lives. What would explain the troubles in the Body? Distractions, self, pride! Is this brokenness, contriteness, humility, holiness, obedience to God's Word, ...peace, rest?
We must have both eyes open if we are to speak out against the compromise and fakery going on in the souls and lives of those we have been brought together with and those out in the world to whom we preach repentance. Nothing happens by chance. This is how we are "trained" to rule and reign in this life. Without perfect spiritual sight, constant humility and the grief which keeps us honest, we are sunk, stagnant and not moving forward along the Way. We are liars! And the lack of these "fruits" in others who call themselves born again, which we can plainly discern as NOT the result of a total surrender to God and forsaking of self, ...glares in contradiction to their witness.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2Co:13:5
Constantly examine yourselves to a fault. Be absolutely strait with God. If believers are not honest with themselves, they cannot be honest with God. Too much fear of losing one's place in the world and the society in which we are a part of will never open the way to honesty and the full crucifixion of self, only to the sorrow of the World ...and spiritual death. Are you disqualified (reprobate)?
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 2Co:7:9
That "damage" is rebuke, chastisement, reproof, telling it like it is, calling it as it is. When one is rebuked, does it not cause pain at first? Paul knew full well the need for us to speak out against falsehood and the "damage" it would cause. Those who would not receive this would certainly cause "damage" to the messenger. Ask Paul.
Saint or Poser. That is STILL and ALL the question.
Is this what you desire Saints... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Ph'p:3:10) ...? Suffer? Where do you hear that from the pulpits today?!
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and FEW there be that find it. M't:7:14
Have you TRULY counted the cost of following Jesus the Lord? Or have you listened to one-too-many preachers out there telling you that YOU have to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, pray the little "prayer" they offer and send for the free material they have for you? Is that what we call conviction of sin and wretchedness? I call it a sales pitch. "Come on, everyone's doing it. It's easy, painless and you get to wallow in the muck of your past sins because they are all forgiven into the future." Who wants to "work" beyond receiving this free gift, this "Jesus-meal-ticket"? Who needs to read the Bible and find out that they are called to pain, want, depravity, suffering and death!? Certainly not those in the churches today. There isn't much wanting there, only spiritual depravity.
Is that the way the Gospel was brought to the World in the beginning? Is that the way the Holy Spirit through Paul and the others preached people into devastating conviction of their fallen state and sins? Could Paul or anyone convert anyone without them being called (drawn) to Jesus in the first place by God the Father (John6:44)? We've made a racket of heaping trophies to ourselves thinking we've led people to Christ. The Bible tells us there are many who think they are doing the Kingdom a favor by doing such things when in reality they are doing what comes out of their own spirits, unperfected love and twisted assumptions that they can do whatever pleases them. These are not vessels, these are potters. And what will these tell Jesus when they stand before Him? ..."Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matt:7:22) And what will Jesus say? ..." I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt7:23)
What awaits in the REAL future for those who buy into cheap grace is eternal torment. What awaits those who preach this error along with those who pose as men of God in any ministerial leadership,
...is blackest darkness (Jude:1:13). To put it in the words of a Poser Prince I once knew, "good luck".
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him . 2Tm:2:11
Count the cost of surrender after true conviction of your sins and mortality.
Count the cost of crucifying yourself daily.
Count the cost of being TRUE, suffering defamation, spite, rejection.
Count the cost of forsaking the World and the Flesh.
Count the cost of dying before your very eyes as a reasonable sacrifice to God your Father.
Count the cost of seeking the riches of Jesus Christ.
...before you go calling yourself a "Christian".
If you can do this and yet follow Jesus in His narrow way, as He walked,
may Life be yours, ...at the end of your Journey. Amen
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he (Jesus) walked. 1Jo:2:6
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lu:14:28
Which of you, who have come to the REAL Jesus Christ by the drawing of the Father (Joh:6:44), have counted the true cost of following your professed Savior to eternal life?
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence
stedfast unto the end; Heb:3:14
Which of you, who have started in the faith, continue in the purity of this Gift given you by God?
Which of you has ever been told the Truth of the difficulty (Matt7:14) that lies ahead of you when you have heard the Gospel and come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?
Do you have "sufficient" to finish this race, this walk, this journey; Sufficient understanding of what it means to give up everything you are and possess, to be accounted worthy of Life (Matt10:38)?
...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
M't:16:24
Did your Pastor tell you - of the total sacrifice YOU must become (Ro:12:1)? Or did he sit there with dollar signs in his eyes telling you that your life would be easier if you belonged to his church because any sin you commit now is forgiven?
Did your Pastor tell you - you'd be hated (rejected-reviled) of all men if you follow Christ (M't:10:22), or did he slap you on the back, utter a biblical platitude or two and invite you to join their Christian Soft Ball Team instead, offering worldly fellowship and new business opportunities with your new "brethren"?
Did your Pastor tell you - the lusts of the flesh have no place in your new life nor the Assembly (1Pe:1:14), or did he say that your indiscretions were excusable and that money, power, prominence and esteem were blessings for all the mammon you penitently throw in the plate every week?
Did your Pastor tell you - your 'Cake' is for having and eating too, or did he tell you to stop seeking the things of this World and serve Jesus Christ only and forsake riches and vanity? (Lu:14:33 - 1Jo:2:15 - Jas:4:4)
Did your Pastor tell you - to serve Jesus Christ and no others (Matt6:24), or did he tell you he has all you need for you to survive in this world AND get you to heaven without you spending too much time in the Bible for yourself or grieving over this unnecessary "fear and trembling" over your state of Salvation?
Did your Pastor tell you - your money in the plate matters pitifully little and your soul is what counts?
What your Pastor should have said to you was that he wouldn't want anyone who wasn't bound and determined to seek holiness and truth from the Word and the Spirit ...in his congregation. Your Pastor should ask you if you've counted the cost of truly following Jesus. That is, if even the Pastor is a true follower of Jesus. I don't recall Jesus organizing a pension plan, 401-K, housing and schooling for the pastoral kiddies as a perk to preach the Gospel. Wouldn't things like that tend to make a strong man go soft? Go figure.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Jas:4:8
As we have stated, Faith does not supercede the necessity of holiness nor does Grace accommodate man in his sin. If your Pastor offers you two worlds, you're in big trouble. You're BOTH in big trouble! You cannot waltz with the passions of the World, claiming imputed righteousness to cover your continued "indiscretions", all the while thinking yourself pure and spotless and without sin! That "reed" is blowing to and fro. Where in the Bible does it speak of Jesus' PERSONAL righteousness being imputed to us? Here is one of the the scriptures that the soul butchers cut up to fit their eternal security in sin gospel: Ro:4:22: And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. What was imputed to Abraham? Faith! What does this have to do with the false teaching of the imputed personal righteousness of Christ to cover our sins?
Follow a Man and perish!
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1Jo:2:27
Pastors, preachers, teachers and the like are GUIDES, MESSENGERS! They are not to be followed as the ULTIMATE authority! They too are accountable. The FATHER is the ultimate authority. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches and makes the final determination as to when and where Truth is applied in your lives. NOT MEN! We are esteeming men over God and Jesus Christ! Well, what does the bible say about our esteem of ANYONE but God in our lives...? Look it up. It might lead to places you don't want to go but where's your sense of adventure?
Pastors today justify their callings in and by a name ONLY. Yes, blaspheming the name of Jesus Christ! The Corporation rules, not Christ! Stop kidding yourselves. Pastors today are waterless clouds (Jude:1:12) and princely puppets, spewing false doctrine and easy Salvation that includes one's OLD SIN NATURE! Pastors today are leaking poison through their teeth while spewing delusional rhetoric of right living before God. Which God? Pastors today want to offend no one with the TRUTH and justify their filthy gospel of compromise before their congregations!
...Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Lu:16:15
Holiness, to these, is a dirty word!
A healthy approach to working out your salvation (Ph'p:2:12) is holding your spiritual life up to the light of (1John2:27). Who's been "teaching" you? I am NOT saying that you should fire the Pastor and go off on your own. What I AM saying is that men DO NOT lead anyone into the Truth. The Holy Spirit does. Men guide, admonish, bring the Gospel, instruct in the "ways" of righteousness! If we've turned to men as our final authority, ...we are walking into Hell BACKWARDS! Think about that! 'Nuff said.
Let's take a look at the progression of events in the life of one CALLED to Christ:
(Did you exhibit GODLY sorrow?)
OK, you have answered the call of God, by His Spirit (Joh:6:44), to come to Him through Jesus Christ, have fallen before His Majesty broken and convicted of sin, full of GODLY sorrow... For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2Cor:7:10-11)
I pray we began in the True Faith with the cold, hard, painful understanding that we had come to the absolute end of ourselves and that we saw ourselves as NOTHING in the eyes of this Merciful and Fearsome God who had called us by His mercy and good pleasure to eternal life IF we continue henceforth to obey His commands. I pray our conversion began as it did with Paul the Apostle, face down in the dust of the Damascus Road, and full of fear, emptied of all pride and self awareness. I pray you experienced the wretchedness described by Paul in (Ro:7:24).
You then couldn't hold back the tears and sobs of Joy over a merciful God who had answered you when you called out from this place of awareness of your wretchedness, looking upon Jesus, and God had forgiven your sins through His Son. But I pray you KNEW there was much more to do! I hope you didn't head for the nearest Church!
You had then counted the cost of following the Way (John:14:6), (Jesus), to eternal life (Lu:14:28), obeying his commands for righteousness, purity and holiness, NEVER going back to your old sins again. NEVER thinking to live in them using Jesus Christ and His (imputed) Righteousness as a cloak so you can have your worldly cake and eat it too! You had continued soberly and meticulously, counting the cost of following ONE Master (M't:6:24) and had happily forsaken the World and everything in it (Matt 19:29)!
And right now, as we speak, you are alone on a very narrow way with your Savior, hated and reviled (Lu:6:22), rejected and outcast because you want nothing to do with the pomp and vain glory of this life, Churchianity or posing for the camera.
You mortified (killed) the deeds of the flesh (Ro:8:13). Right now you are striving to enter in to Life (Lu:13:24), enduring until the end (Matt10:22), holding fast to your Faith (Heb:10:23), being sober and vigilant (1Pe:5:8). REJOICING in your poverty and sufferings (1Pe:4:13)! ARE YOU!?
Jesus Christ is NOT your meal ticket, a by-word, but He is your very LIFE! If you have come to His narrow way since your conversion, you have the Hope of eternal life with Jesus and the Father.
If not, I honestly don't know what else to say.
ON BROKENNESS...
There is little in the way of brokenness among many so-called followers of the Master Jesus. Brokenness is a sure sign of honesty also. Pride of the world like sorrow of the world is what I see in many lives. There are two kinds of sorrow as described in 2Co:7:10. Which do you truly exhibit?
Brokenness, contriteness, CONTINUE on in the lives of the true believer after the salvation experience. It is a sign that regeneration has taken hold in your lives. Our realization of wretchedness must continue as we progress in the Faith. Our "good works" are NOT perfected in our bodies. The good works of the Holy Spirit are what is perfected in us (1Jo:2:5).
There should be constant unmistakable signs of the new man/woman. After one's so-called receipt of grace, it seems many lose the brokenness and humility and the world, cares and pride of this life take back over, muting the spiritual "voice", (thorny ground). After the conviction of wretchedness (Ro:7:24), comes brokenness and a contrite spirit which leads to constant Godly humility. It is no longer you that truly lives! (Ga:2:20) Period.
There are many "signs" in many lives that some vestiges of self will and purpose yet exist, thus compromising the witness to the point of no effect. Hypocrisy becomes the norm and the "voice" within them (their "talk") does not ring true with their actions. We can't rise up after we are crushed by the weight of true Godly conviction to our wretchedness. Impossible. This is the essence of the emptying of ourselves and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In order that the "new" man survive, the old one MUST be bound. Our example is in the admonition which rings through (Ph'p:2:8). You can't say such a display of humility would go unnoticed by others in one's life! We don't need much in the way of discernment to be able to make the distinction between one who has been caused to be emptied of themselves and one who has only reveled in the "moment" and yet holds on to pieces of the "old ways" thinking Christ will cut them some slack. What are the wages of sin, ANY sin?
This goes for the churches and those who may have "come out of her" as well. Day and night, black and white. The Seed seems to have been sown to thorns in many lives. What would explain the troubles in the Body? Distractions, self, pride! Is this brokenness, contriteness, humility, holiness, obedience to God's Word, ...peace, rest?
We must have both eyes open if we are to speak out against the compromise and fakery going on in the souls and lives of those we have been brought together with and those out in the world to whom we preach repentance. Nothing happens by chance. This is how we are "trained" to rule and reign in this life. Without perfect spiritual sight, constant humility and the grief which keeps us honest, we are sunk, stagnant and not moving forward along the Way. We are liars! And the lack of these "fruits" in others who call themselves born again, which we can plainly discern as NOT the result of a total surrender to God and forsaking of self, ...glares in contradiction to their witness.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2Co:13:5
Constantly examine yourselves to a fault. Be absolutely strait with God. If believers are not honest with themselves, they cannot be honest with God. Too much fear of losing one's place in the world and the society in which we are a part of will never open the way to honesty and the full crucifixion of self, only to the sorrow of the World ...and spiritual death. Are you disqualified (reprobate)?
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 2Co:7:9
That "damage" is rebuke, chastisement, reproof, telling it like it is, calling it as it is. When one is rebuked, does it not cause pain at first? Paul knew full well the need for us to speak out against falsehood and the "damage" it would cause. Those who would not receive this would certainly cause "damage" to the messenger. Ask Paul.
Saint or Poser. That is STILL and ALL the question.
Is this what you desire Saints... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Ph'p:3:10) ...? Suffer? Where do you hear that from the pulpits today?!
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and FEW there be that find it. M't:7:14
Have you TRULY counted the cost of following Jesus the Lord? Or have you listened to one-too-many preachers out there telling you that YOU have to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, pray the little "prayer" they offer and send for the free material they have for you? Is that what we call conviction of sin and wretchedness? I call it a sales pitch. "Come on, everyone's doing it. It's easy, painless and you get to wallow in the muck of your past sins because they are all forgiven into the future." Who wants to "work" beyond receiving this free gift, this "Jesus-meal-ticket"? Who needs to read the Bible and find out that they are called to pain, want, depravity, suffering and death!? Certainly not those in the churches today. There isn't much wanting there, only spiritual depravity.
Is that the way the Gospel was brought to the World in the beginning? Is that the way the Holy Spirit through Paul and the others preached people into devastating conviction of their fallen state and sins? Could Paul or anyone convert anyone without them being called (drawn) to Jesus in the first place by God the Father (John6:44)? We've made a racket of heaping trophies to ourselves thinking we've led people to Christ. The Bible tells us there are many who think they are doing the Kingdom a favor by doing such things when in reality they are doing what comes out of their own spirits, unperfected love and twisted assumptions that they can do whatever pleases them. These are not vessels, these are potters. And what will these tell Jesus when they stand before Him? ..."Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matt:7:22) And what will Jesus say? ..." I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt7:23)
What awaits in the REAL future for those who buy into cheap grace is eternal torment. What awaits those who preach this error along with those who pose as men of God in any ministerial leadership,
...is blackest darkness (Jude:1:13). To put it in the words of a Poser Prince I once knew, "good luck".
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him . 2Tm:2:11
Count the cost of surrender after true conviction of your sins and mortality.
Count the cost of crucifying yourself daily.
Count the cost of being TRUE, suffering defamation, spite, rejection.
Count the cost of forsaking the World and the Flesh.
Count the cost of dying before your very eyes as a reasonable sacrifice to God your Father.
Count the cost of seeking the riches of Jesus Christ.
...before you go calling yourself a "Christian".
If you can do this and yet follow Jesus in His narrow way, as He walked,
may Life be yours, ...at the end of your Journey. Amen
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he (Jesus) walked. 1Jo:2:6
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)