08/31/23 IT MEANS WHAT IT SAYS

08/31/23 IT MEANS WHAT IT SAYS

Though some folks openly deny what the Bible actually says and actually means,
God said, "Choose ye this day whom you will serve."
God said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved."
God said we must, "Confess our sins..." and "Confess faith in Christ..."
God said we must, "Repent...or perish."
God said, "Turn from your wicked ways, unrighteous thoughts... and return to the Lord."
God said, "Deny yourself... take up your cross daily... follow Him."
God said, "Walk in His steps."
God said, "Sin not..."
God said, "Walk in the light."
God said, " Walk in the Spirit."
God said, "Be perfect in love, as your Heavenly Father is perfect in love."
God said, "Be holy, as He is holy," Be righteous, as He is righteous," Be pure, as He is pure."
God said He, "Gives us everything necessary for life and Godliness."
God said He would, "Save His people from their sins." and also remember, God said, "We are children of God by faith."
God said we, "We are saved by grace, through faith... and we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works."
God said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
God said Christians, "Purify themselves from all filthiness of the flesh."
God said Christians, "Are not slaves to sin..., but we, are slaves to God and to righteousness."

The Bible is filled with God's commands, directives, instructions, which He enables us to follow and obey, and He holds us responsible to live by faith.

When someone tells you that faithful obedience is not part being in a right relationship with God, just remember what the Serpent told Eve, and remember that Paul was concerned that believers might get caught in the same devilish lie. God calls and enables us to believe and be saved from this wicked generation.

You can either choose to deny, and disobey, or you can choose to disbelieve, and not obey, but the end result is the same. You will not be saved if you if you do not believe to the saving of your soul from sin.

08/30/23 FREE WILL IS...

08/30/23 FREE WILL IS...

Free will is not a self originated power or authority that a person has to do whatever he wants to do.

Free will is the God given ability to choose from among viable, and available options.

08/30/23 THE ABSURDITY OF IT ALL

08/30/23 THE ABSURDITY OF IT ALL

The absurdity of a body part "thinking" it can not only exist separately from the rest of the body, but "thinking" it can flourish separately from the rest of the body is almost unimaginable.

Actually, body parts need to be in proper relationship with the rest of the body in order to do their intended functions properly, and the purpose of bodily parts is to serve the rest of the body. Body parts do not exists for self service.

Not only will the specific body part fail to do what it was intended to do, it will cause the rest of the body to suffer loss also.

I am not talking about what a doctor or a medical procedure can do with a body part. I am talking about a body part, "thinking" that it can function and be productive as its own being.

The longer you refuse to be a healthy part of a local body of believers, the more you will lose and the more you will rob the rest of that local body of believers.

A person cannot become a Christian and then reject God's plan to be a loving part of a living body of believes. This mentality of separation and errant superiority is older than the human race. It goes back to the original "Pride" movement (which also led to destruction). 

Isaiah 14:12-15 (notice clauses marked with asterisks *)
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, *I will ascend into heaven, *I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: *I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 *I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; *I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Again I say, the longer you separate, the more you lose and the more you rob yourself and family and God.

08/27/23 DON'T HARDEN YOUR HEART

 08/27/23 DON'T HARDEN YOUR HEART

You have the ability to harden your own heart but you also have the God given command and ability to decide, to believe, to follow, to obey, to love Jesus, to receive Christ.

As you choose to harden your heart, it will become easier for you to continue to harden your heart, and less likely that you will ever receive and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

For those who choose to resist God's grace, there will come a time when God will harden their hearts, which will result in them being suddenly cut off, and that without remedy.

The sooner you surrender to Jesus, the greater the gain.

The longer you resist Jesus, the less likely you will ever surrender, and the greater the loss will become.

08/27/23 BEAUTIFUL BUT DEADLY

08/27/23 BEAUTIFUL BUT DEADLY

(I asked earlier) If you know, please tell me what kind of flowering bush is this?

It looks like it might be SWEET AUTUMN CLEMATIS.

It is beautiful, but as we know, beauty can be deceiving and dangerous.

Sweet Autumn is an invasive plant that can also be POISONOUS (to the touch and if ingested). 

There are other plants that are beautiful, which are dangerous. It makes me think of the Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden.

The warning in Eden was ignored and death entered the world. God has warned us about things that are appealing, but are forbidden. Yet people are still drawn to destruction.

As it was with Adam and Eve, the full danger of taking the forbidden fruit is not realized instantaneously. The immediate cost may not even be evident to the one sinner, but the poison has already taken a toll. Yet the cost gets greater and greater, until there is no possible rescue.

As a sinner, you have sinned (which is what makes us sinners).
*Your sin has separated you and God.
*You are under God's judgment.
*Christ died to save you from your sins and your separation.
*Christ died and rose from the dead to save you from your sins.
*Confess your sins.
*Believe on Christ as your Savior.
*Repent (turn from your sins).
*Deny yourself and follow Christ every day.

If you are a believer.
*Don't sin (remember, Christ saves us from our sins, not in our sins).
*If you have sinned, stop immediately, turn from sin, confess your sin, believe God for forgiveness and deliverance from your sin.
*If you have continued in your rebellion for some time, you must repent now, while you have the opportunity; before you will be finally destroyed, cut off, ruined, and that without remedy.

1 John 2:1-6
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

08/27/23 THE "NO" RISK FACTOR

08/27/23  THE "NO" RISK FACTOR

There is NO RISK in building your life on a faulty foundation. Risk, by definition, involves "uncertainty," it is the "possibility of something bad happening." Building your life on a faulty foundation is a definite plan for disaster, failure, loss.

If you travel the world, gathering the costliest materials, finding the rarest treasures, obtaining the most advanced technology, but then you build your dream house on sand, or on a fault-line, or on a hazardous waste site, your dream will become a nightmare when certain disaster strikes.

Matthew 7:24-27
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

No one is smart enough to build a truly successful and meaningful life if they do not build according to God's plans, God's blue print, God's standards, God's guidance.

Your monument to self will look good, for a while, but total destruction will come, for yourself and all those who trust in your delusional pipe dreams.

08/24/23 THE REAL CONSPIRACY

08/24/23 THE REAL CONSPIRACY

The conspiracy is to get you to disbelieve that there is a conspiracy.
The conspiracy is to reject and deny that there is an actual conspiracy.
The conspiracy is to make us believe that the actual conspiracy is a conspiracy theory.

08/23/23 IT IS GOING TO GET WORSE

08/23/23 IT IS GOING TO GET WORSE

If you think Americans are messed up spiritually, relationally and morally now, "you ain't seen nothing yet." With modern society getting its information and inspiration from the internet, and considering how much of the internet is occupied by anti-Bible and anti-Christian teachers and organizations, and considering the coming expansion by the cults and the occult and the New Age and the rising A.I. influence, the prophesied deception of the last days will usher in the Biblical truth, "ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth." 

Read these words by Paul, concerning the coming deception and turning from God.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 NASB 1971 edition
1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless * the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?
6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;
9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,
10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because * they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,
12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.
13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,
17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.

08/22/23 REALLY SHORT, REALLY SIMPLE, REALLY IMPORTANT

08/22/23 REALLY SHORT, REALLY SIMPLE, REALLY IMPORTANT

One of the great truths of the Gospel Dispensation is that the Priesthood moved from a family tribe (the Levites) to the redeemed family (those who are born of The Holy Spirit).

Primarily this means that everyone has direct access to God through the High Priest (Jesus Christ).

This does not mean that anyone has access to God if they do not approach God in the Divinely prescribed way, as revealed in the Holy Bible.

The Bible makes it clear that no one can come to the Father, except through Jesus Christ.
The Bible makes it clear that no one comes to God except by grace, through faith.
The Bible makes it clear that those who come to God must believe on Christ, turn from their sins, confess their sins and follow Jesus.
The Bible makes it clear that Christ is God's satisfying sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, but we must make our calling and election certain.

This available access unites us with the Body of Christ.
There is a sense in which we are all Priests, but there is a sense in which we are all a Kingdom of Priests, a Royal Priesthood.
There is a personal and a corporate side to our Priesthood.

This does not mean that every believer is equally qualified in ministry functions. God gives specific gifts and calling and abilities to specific individuals for the up-building of other believers in local churches.

Being a Priest or part of the Priestly order is not the same as being called, gifted and anointed to be be a Pastor, a Teacher or any other specially gifted minister of the Body of Christ. We are all Priests, but we all have our own place, part, position in the Body of Christ.

08/22/23 COMMIT TO CHANGE

08/22/23 COMMIT TO CHANGE

Trained helpers are important for optimal health, learning, ability and skill in musicality, vocation, athleticism, relationships, computer knowledge and performance, mechanical performance among other disciplines.

HOWEVER, it is amazing how people neglect, reject and object to Biblical and spiritual counsel, instruction, correction and leadership.

To turn from Biblical rebuke, encouragement, teaching, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness (which applies to every area of life, both personal and social) is to turn from Divine light, truth, power, leading, anointing, growth, and conformity to the image of Christ.

I can show you these truths in God's word if you can't find them yourself.
I am eager to share Scripture, which dispels spiritual darkness.
I am eager to declare truth, which sets the captive free.
I am eager to build people in the faith, which makes them more than conquerors.
I am eager to train people in godliness, which is the purpose of salvation.

No one reaches full potential in any area of life without dedicating to growth, change, focus, surrender, sacrifice.

Not only does the righteous person reject the counsel of the ungodly, the way of sinners and the seat of the scornful, the righteous person DELIGHTS IN THE LAW (THE TRUTH, THE REVELATION, THE WORD) OF THE LORD, and in God's law (truth, revelation, word), he meditates day and night.

08/21/23 BEWARE "EAR TICKLERS"

08/21/23 BEWARE "EAR TICKLERS"

Self identifying "Bible Preachers" have been so "loving" through the years that they have compromised the truth by not offending the enemies of the cross (the ungodly, sinners and scorners of Christianity: see Psalm 1), which includes politicians, academics, medical and social workers, lawyers and other preachers, as they promote a form of godliness (while denying the Divine power and purity of salvation), Statism, perversion, worldly wisdom, oppression and social evil of every kind.

Too many preachers have been concerned about offending people in their congregations, such as government officials, business leaders, teachers and school board members as well as worldly, carnal church folks who control the board or the purse strings of the church (thus slitting their own financial throats). This has contributed to the rapid fall of America and the loss of millions of souls.

Those preachers are more interested in being popular with a wicked world than being right with The True and Living God. The chaos of a world gone mad is just the beginning or our national woes. Each day the noose tightens on decency, family, Christian faith and living. Preachers MUST step-up, stand-up, speak-up NOW. Too much has been given over to the enemy already. We will never recover many of those who have been lost over the past few decades of Socialism's rise in America. Lost souls demand a bold ministry, regardless the cost to our personal lives or our ministries.

Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, strength and stand firm on immutable truth. Don't compromise your family, your parishioners into hell. Be instant in season and out of season.

08/20/23 FUNDAMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL

08/20/23 FUNDAMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL

These are not just talking points or pious platitudes. These are the works of Divine salvation.

Holy Spirit taught Bible study produces godly living and sound doctrine.
The Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture constantly presents truths that promote godly behavior and God honoring beliefs.
God's Spirit and His word produces Christlike thinking and action.
Remember, there is a form of godliness, which denies the power of God.

God's salvation changes our inner man and our outer man.
God redeems and transforms our human nature but delivers us from our sinful nature.
God forgives the sinner and God purifies the heart of the believer.
The unbeliever needs to be born again and the believer needs to be crucified with Christ.

08/19/23 LITTLE IS MUCH, WHEN...

08/19/23 LITTLE IS MUCH, WHEN...

It has been about a year since I caught this Bluefish (8/15/22). Three months later I suddenly faced some difficult health issues. God delivered me from the most threatening parts of my ailments, and He is sufficient for whatever else I have to deal with today. This part of my journey made changes in my activities (personal, ministerial), but God has been more than everything I need.

I am posting the Bluefish video from a year ago (a few months before my health problems), a short clip I just made with my ION Action Cam with a snapshot. I have been able to go fishing and hope to use my ION on my excursions. In fact, I hope to use my opportunities for planned evangelistic purposes. Pray for me, my health, my family, my church and my personal witness.

The videos and snapshot are not much (I only caught a Lizard Fish and a small Puffer).

Concerning our lives, little is much when God is in it. Whatever we have, regardless of how small, give it to the Lord, as the Widow gave her two mites (worth only a fraction of a penny). Give sacrificially (time, treasure, talent). She did not have much, but she gave her all. You can't give "your all" if you are not willing to die to self.

Never discount the "little." God values the little if it is our all. Your loving and faithful service to God is immeasurable. Your family needs you to be totally committed to Christ. Your church needs you to be totally committed to Christ. Your world needs you to be totally committed to Christ.

As the song says,
Little is much, when God is in it.
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There's a crown, and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus Name.

Remember, "for the lack of a nail, a kingdom was lost."

08/17/23 BE STRONG

08/17/23 BE STRONG

If you denounce DEI, CRT, Child Mutilation (falsely so-called "gender affirming care"), attacks against (the Bible, morality and nuclear family, and Christian faith and rule of law and personal freedom), then pay attention to what Liberal "wokeness" and spiritual blindness are doing through anti-freedom, anti-Christ politicians today.

Prepare to suffer greatly at the hands of darkness. The enemy of truth is relentless. It seeks to destroy everyone in its way.

Regardless of your politics or your opinion concerning Trump, the ultimate agenda of Socialism is always anti-freedom, anti-family, anti-Christian, anti-Bible anti-Christ. 

You can't serve God and Satan at the same time. You must decide whom you will serve (Choose this day who you will serve) and you must stand strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 NKJV
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 

Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- 

Philippians 1:27-29 NKJV
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 

Here is one of my ministry and life motto passages for nearly six decades.
Joshua 1:5-9 NKJV
5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.
6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

08/14/23 HUNGER FOR TRUTH

08/14/23 HUNGER FOR TRUTH

Since so much error, deception and false doctrine is communicated today (especially to those who depend on internet information) I am deliberate and somewhat detailed in my preaching, teaching and writing. I try to address Biblical, doctrinal, theological problems, which others present in a "matter of fact," fashion. My communications can therefore appear to be redundant, but I try not to be unnecessarily verbose or repetitive. It takes me a little longer to say some things, but it is better to get a right understanding than a shallow or inadequate view. As the saying goes, "A little information is a dangerous thing." I also address a wide range of subjects in order to inform and equip believers for godly living and productive service. Don't fear quantity if it is also quality. Quantity and quality should be part of your spiritual training.

A few passages which guide my ministry.
Colossians 1:27-29
27 ... Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Hebrews 13:20-21
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

08/12/23 BEWARE UN-SANCTIFIED STUBBORNNESS

08/12/23 BEWARE UN-SANCTIFIED STUBBORNNESS

A major cause for people failing to move forward in their walk and service to God is their deliberate refusal to let God change their minds.

Though Scripture, God’s leading, spiritual counsel, indicates the need for folks to change their direction, they hold tightly to their viewpoint, understanding, preferences, desires, fears, prejudices, habits, anger, culture.

Being Christian requires total and continuous surrender. It may seem as though God's demands are too great, but the real loss comes by clinging to the world, the things of the world, the wisdom of the world.

We can't take hold of God's blessings if we cling to that which is contrary to God, His nature and His will. We will lose what we have from God if we don't keep everything surrendered to God.

08/10/23 GLORY ONLY IN JESUS

08/10/23 GLORY ONLY IN JESUS

It is sad that some people glory in man's sinfulness, man's fallen condition, God's wrath, God's supposed unilateral predestination to reprobate people, God's inability and/or unwillingness to save all men or to save the repentant from all sin.

Rather we should glory (boast) in God's wisdom, love, justice, mercy, grace, lovingkindness, salvation, deliverance.

But then again, they don't know that they can glory in the salvation God provides for fallen mankind because they have been given a negative, limited and dark view of God by people who don't know the Biblical truth about God.

God's wrath is real, but it is not His first choice for a relationship with mankind, it is not His defining characteristic. God wants us to come to Him because He draws us but He resorts to driving us if we harden our hearts. If we will not be drawn or driven, we will fall into the hands of an angry God.

Know Him. Love Him. Serve Him.
Glory and boast in the wisdom (righteousness, sanctification and redemption of God).

Consider these two verses.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--
31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

Paul was speaking of WISDOM in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. He contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God. Christ is our wisdom and in this wisdom Christ is our Justifier (righteousness), Sanctifier (sanctification), Redeemer (redemption). Divine wisdom reveals that CHRIST IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, OUR SANCTIFICATION AND OUR REDEMPTION. It is in this great truth we boast, we rejoice, we glory.

Jeremiah said,
Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the Lord. 

Paul said,
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,

24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.

30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--
31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

08/10/23 NO BRAG, JUST FACT

08/10/23 NO BRAG, JUST FACT

The Bible believer who professes to be, "saved," "redeemed," "born of the Spirit" is not boasting in his own inherent or personally attained righteousness; he is boasting the death and resurrection of Christ, he is boasting in the grace of God, he is boasting in the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Christian who professes to be pure, holy, righteous, obedient to God, faithful to God's commands is not boasting in his own inherent or personally attained goodness; he is boasting in the death and resurrection of Christ, he is boasting in the grace of God, he is boasting in the work of the Holy Spirit.

Sinners who do not know the joy of sins forgiven, mock those who profess salvation.

Christians who do not know the joy of a pure heart, mock those who profess Entire Sanctification.

Entire Sanctification is the work of God in the life of a totally surrendered believer. It is part of their salvation. It is not an extra to their salvation.

The normal Christian life is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22, but then the work of God that enables total victory over sin, internally and externally, is introduced in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.Be sure to read entire passage and note the shift between verses 11- 22 and 23-24. Very important.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

08/09/23 NO LONGER SINNERS

08/09/23 NO LONGER SINNERS

The person without Christ is deceived if he claims to be without sin.
The person with Christ is deceived if he claims to be with sin.

You cannot be delivered from sin and held by sin at the same time.
You cannot be turned from sin and walking in sin at the same time.
You cannot be forgiven of sin and committing sin at the same time.
You cannot be cleansed from sin and corrupted by sin at the same time.
You cannot be a servant of God and a slave of sin at the same time.
You cannot be holy and sinful at the same time.
You cannot be alive in Christ and dead in sins at the same time.
You cannot be in the light and in the dark at the same time.

It is true that the unsanctified believer is Double Minded (the Old Man and the New Man, or Carnally Minded and Spiritually Minded) but God's indwelling Spirit enables and empowers the believer to make the right decisions; enables the believer to do the right thing.

(note portions I designate with asterisks*)
1 John 3:4-10
4 *Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and *sin is lawlessness.
5 And you know that *He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.
6 *Whoever abides in Him does not sin. *Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
7 Little children, *let no one deceive you. *He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
8 *He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. *For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 *Whoever has been born of God does not sin, *for His seed remains in him; and *he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
10 *In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: *Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 

Though a battle may rage from time to time in the heart of a believer, he will usually choose to obey God. On those occasions when the believer refuses to follow the Holy Spirit and refuses to invoke the word of God to combat and defeat the evil one, then the believer will falter and fail, he will sin. It is imperative for the believer to repent immediately. The longer the fallen one waits to repent, the more darkness they will enter and the more darkness will enter them. It is easier to walk in victory than to turn from the wicked one.

1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but *God is faithful, who *will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation *will also make the way of escape, *that you may be able to bear it.

08/09/23 IS YOUR CONNECTION RESTORED

08/09/23 IS YOUR CONNECTION RESTORED

When I click-on my computer, I am always glad to see,
"Your internet connection has been restored."

Much more importantly, if my relationship with God has been broken through willful disobedience or lack of faith, I am always glad God tells me,
"Your Divine relationship has been restored.

Sadly, there are human relationships, which get broken but are not restored because someone does not accept God's healing, God's mending.

The Prodigal's father waited and watched until one day he saw his son return from his life of wallowing in the mud.
The parable is a picture of the sinner repenting and returning, and it is a picture of our heavenly Father receiving and restoring the rebellious child.

Sadly, some folks never, "come to themselves," as they wallow in their separation. They never turn their longing heart back toward home and loved ones, they never brighten the life and face of loved ones who watch and wait. 

One day there will not be anyone waiting or watching. One day there will be no more longing for restoration. One day it will be too late to return to family and Heavenly Father.

How sweet the words,
"Your relationship has been restored."

08/08/23 THE WONDER OF SINNING RELIGION

08/08/23 THE WONDER OF SINNING RELIGION

The only "wonder" in "sinning salvation" is that anyone believes in it.

If your salvation "saves" you from the penalty of sin, but not from your actual sin, from sinning, from all sin, from personal sin, from sinful thoughts and words and deeds, from inherited sin, from the power and the pollution of sin, then your "salvation" is not Biblical salvation, then your "salvation" is not God's salvation, then your Salvation" is not salvation.

Before you go off on me or my post, at least find out how I base my beliefs on Biblical revelation.

I plan to address this subject in an article I am transcribing from a "walk and talk" I did earlier today.

08/05/23 HOW FAR WILL GOD GO

08/05/23 HOW FAR WILL GOD GO

If you ever wonder how far God will go to give you the opportunity to turn to Him, remember, He gave His Son.

Don't take it lightly, because He didn't.

08/04/23 LISTEN FOR GOD'S MESSAGE

08/04/23 LISTEN FOR GOD'S MESSAGE

Often your preacher doesn't know about specific problems in a person's life, but God directs him to deal with those areas.

Don't be upset with him, his message or God's leading.

Humble yourself, obey God, walk in the Spirit and in the light of His word and move forward in love and faith.

08/04/23 THE SOONER, THE BETTER

08/04/23 THE SOONER, THE BETTER

If what your preacher is preaching, addresses problems in the way you are living, then what you need to do is talk to your preacher and ask for counseling and instruction in righteousness.

It is better to seek counseling before God resorts to correcting and reproving you through the preaching.

07/28/23 CONSISTENT INCONSISTENCIES

07/28/23 CONSISTENT INCONSISTENCIES

Thanks to the consistent errors and false accusation of those who promote sinning religion, I realize how much more Biblical it is to believe in personal responsibility and the glorious love and mercy of God. Christ not only died for the sins of the whole world, He provides the grace necessary to live righteously, sensibly and godly in this present age.

Titus 2:11-14 (NASB 1977)
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus;
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

07/28/23 AN ABSURDITY THAT HAPPENS EVERY WEEK

07/28/23 AN ABSURDITY THAT HAPPENS EVERY WEEK

June 1 (Transcribed and based on a "Walk and Talk Audio" I made while on an exercise walk)
I was thinking about the absurdity of an athletic team, musical team or business team being formed and operated, without the expectation of being a congruent team.

Let me give you an example take a football team, basketball team, soccer team, whatever kind of athletic or other kind of team that you want to imagine, where each team member depends on the other team members for success and they are made up of people who want to succeed in their field of competition. Imagine a team with really talented players and with a decent or exceptional coach, but a team member decide he is going to run his own program. American football is an easy illustration because so much is required for teamwork. Each one has his job and if his job is not done correctly then everybody suffers and it can cost an entire game.

For instance, the snap of the ball goes to the quarterback, who will turn to his right and pitch out to an end around situation, or a halfback going around the right side, therefore the linemen are supposed to block their assignment in a certain direction to give the runner opportunity to make yardage. But when the ball gets snapped, the quarterback drops back a couple of steps and pitches out, expecting the running back to continue to follow the blocking and maybe pick up that extra yard they need for a first down, or possibly break loose and get a touchdown. He's hoping the linemen are pulling and blocking. It looks like an open field around the right end, but instead, when the halfback receives the ball he pulls up and throws a 45 yard pass to nobody. Yeah, to nobody. Well, I take that back, there was somebody there but he's on the other team.

Nice pass dude. Nice play. Great minds in football put together an awesome play, coaches worked on the execution of that play, men made the commitment to give you all the running room you needed, and you decided it does not need to be done as planned. You need to throw a pass that doesn't make any sense.

"Pastor," you say, "that does not make any sense."
I know it doesn't I know it doesn't. But how many pastors see this happening all the time because people want to run their own play. They want to do what will make them look good or what pleases them or meets their standard of success, and therefore they discount what the coaches have designed, they discount all the practices they were in, they discount the commitment of their fellow players, because they want to do it their way. That doesn't make sense.

I'm not saying no ones ever done something like that I'm just saying does that it doesn't make any sense and that person would not be in the lineup very long if he did that. Especially if he did it more than once. Or what if a pass play is designed and everyone executed their assignment perfectly, but when the quarterback gets the ball he chooses to run the ball up the middle, into the face of unblocked defensive players.

This can happen in basketball, this can happen in soccer. Football, in may ways is much more dependent on team work. When a player runs his own play and the ball is either stopped short of the yardage they wanted, or it is jolted from the carrier and a fumble takes place, the team does not benefit from either of these two scenarios.

But that doesn't happen, does it? Seldom, but if it does happen it is very and the person is going to suffer some kind of penalty from the coach or from the ownership of the team or maybe from their fellow teammates but it won't go on long.

So, how in the world can I even imagine such a ridiculous story? Well it happens all the time. It happens in churches. People want to run their own plays. They don't see the validity of the other positions or players, they think they can do it all themselves. Well, even if even if they can do it all on their own that's not what God requires that is not even what God allows. God has made the local church to be a local body, one body of believers with each part congruently contributing to the success of the other parts thank you.

There are sports minded people, team oriented people, who would shake their heads in amazing disapproval if such a thing happened on a favorite ball team, but they don't bat an eye when they or another person pulls such a knucklehead play in the body of Christ.

07/28/23 CHOOSE YOUR PATH AND WATCH YOUR STEP CLOSELY

07/28/23 CHOOSE YOUR PATH AND WATCH YOUR STEP CLOSELY

WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) is a great question, it is not a statement of faith.

In Sheldon's book, In His Steps, a pastor challenges the people in his congregation to live a more Christlike life by asking themselves the question, "What Would Jesus Do?"

I read the book while I was in Bible College and it made a great impression on me. And because of this I thought it was a good book. I still think it's a good book. It was not until later that I realized there are theological groups that do not like the book because they think it is too man oriented. In other words they interpret the message to be, human endeavor, works of the flesh are sufficient to live the Christian life rather than a spiritual conversion and seeking the wisdom and the power of God to live the life that he or she should live. 

It is true that some people do view the Bible, the words of Jesus and his example, as a standard to be followed, without having a salvation experience or a Christian walk with Jesus. This skewed view of Christian living is related to the erroneous view that humans do not have the ability or responsibility to make choices concerning their relationship with God, concerning their conversion experience or their walk with God. Such a doctrinal position does not hold man responsible or accountable for faith, repentance, confession and choosing to follow Jesus. Those people believe that salvation is unilateral and unconditional, which is totally against God's revelation in the Bible.

No, asking the question, WWJD? is not the salvation experience and it is not simply a rule book or guideline for the unregenerate. However, it is a valid question for saved (converted, regenerated, justified, faithful believers) to consider. Even the Bible tells us to walk in the steps of Jesus.
1 Peter 2:21-25
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

dlg note...
As believers, we are responsible for our walk with God.
Consider these directives from God's word.

*walk in newness of life (Ro. 6:4)
*walk in the light, even as Christ is in the light (1 Jn. 1:7)
*walk in the steps of Jesus (1 Pe. 2:21-22)
*walk as Christ walked (1 Jn. 2:6)
*walk in truth (3 Jn. 1:4)
*walk in love (Ep. 5:2)
*walk in faith (2 Co. 5:7)
*walk in good works (Ep. 2:10)
*walk worthy of our calling (Ep. 4:1)
*walk worthy of the Lord (Co. 1:10)
*walk worthy of God (1 Th. 2:12)
*walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh (Ro. 8:4; Ga. 5:16, 25)
*walk after God's commandments (2 Jn. 1:6)
*walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11)
*walk in paths of the righteous (Pr. 2:20)
*walking in the ways of the LORD (Ps. 18:21)
*walk honestly (Ro. 13:13)
*walk as children of light (Ep. 5:8)
*walk circumspectly, carefully, wisely (Ep. 5:15)

I am so glad that Jesus actually saves me, cleanses me, forgives me, empowers me, encourages me, comforts me.
I am glad that He is alive and active in my life, rather than simply a model, an example to follow in my own power.

He is my Savior, my Sanctifier, my Deliverer, my Guide, by Strength, my Shield, my Song, my Light, my Food, my Drink.
He is my all in all.
He is all I need.
He gives everything I need for life and godliness.
He is the giver of every good and perfect gift.

Take a few minutes to think on this passage.
Colossians 3:1-17
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

07/28/23 PERVERSION-ISH AS A LANGUAGE

07/28/23 PERVERSION-ISH AS A LANGUAGE

Translation from Perversion-ish (often spoken by deceived "Christians"), into English...

Perversion-ish is
"Gender affirming care."

English is
"Child Mutilation."

The following judgement was leveled against Old Testament Israel, but the Divine principles are applicable to every person, society, government and nation.

Isaiah 5:20-25 KJV
20 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!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

DLG note...
This is a warning to individuals (even professed Christians), families, churches and the USA.
This is a warning that will be ignored by most individuals (including professed Christians), families, churches and nations.

07/27/23 The Devil Lies

07/27/23 THE DEVIL LIES
(Transcribed from a, "Walk and Talk Audio" I made while on an exercise walk)

The Devil Lies
The devil says we cannot obey or keep the commands of God.
The devil says God does not expect us to obey or keep the commands of God.
The devil says keeping the commands of God has nothing to do with being a Christian.

Here Is Biblical Truth
We are not saved by obeying or keeping the commands of God but IF we are saved, we obey and keep the commands of God.
He that is born of God obeys and keeps His commands.
He that does not obey and keep the commands of God, is not born of God.

The Devil's Misdirection
If the devil does not keep us from looking to Christ for forgiveness, he will deceive us into to presuming on God, rather than trusting God for deliverance from sin's power and pollution.
The devil will convince us to ignore God's word and deny God's salvation from sin.
The devil will lead us to accept, and endorse and practice disobedience, which is sinning religion.

Salvation Is Salvation From Sin
We do not keep the commands of God in order to be saved, we keep the commands of God because we are saved.
Salvation saves us from our sins.
Salvation saves us from this untoward generation.
Salvation saves us from the wages of sin.
Salvation saves us from the power of darkness.

Salvation Transforms Us
The person who is saved in all of these ways does not disobey God, he does not break God's commandments.
As far back as Moses, God said that those who love Him keep his commandments.
When Jesus was asked what is the great commandment, Jesus referred to this exact same passage, which says "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart with all thy soul with all thy strength," and the second great commandment is, "love your neighbor as yourself."
God tells us that love is the fulfilling of the law.

This is not "salvation through works.
This is Salvation that works.

This is not religion in the flesh (carnal man).
This is salvation from the flesh (carnal man).

07/26/23 SACRIFICING FOR YOUR CHILDREN

07/26/23 SACRIFICING FOR YOUR CHILDREN

I heard a non-believer say that any parent who would not lay down his/her life for their child is a danger to their children. 

I might have phrased it differently, but the point is valid and it is much more disturbing than it might seem to be. 

Laying down your life is not always done in a super heroic fashion. Laying down your life does not always require being thrown to the lions or burned at the stake or shot by a firing squad.
Laying down your life might mean making choices that puts the children ahead of personal desires and goals, even when the desires and goals are admirable.
Laying down your life might mean changing your understanding, your point of view, your hopes, your rights.
It might mean bringing your reason, your desire, your emotions, your conscience and your will into a different alignment. 

Sometimes parents are dedicated to give their children the best they can, from their own limited and conditioned point of view. They have seen life from a temporal or a spiritually shallow perspective. Therefore they give their children either limited or even destructive direction in life. This is where sound counsel comes into the picture. Wisdom needs to be sought and followed. The wisdom of the word and the wisdom of a walk with God is greater than the wisdom of this world, regardless how lofty it may seem to be. Children do not need the pleasures, the praises, the positions offered by this world. Children need to be taught that wisdom and true meaning are not found in the accolades of men but in the acceptance of God. 

The real question is what is the absolute best advantage a parent can give their child? Here are some components to consider.
Truth, Biblical truth.
Loving family and loving church family.
Godly examples.
Morally driven friends.
Unfailing and uncompromising preaching and teaching and pastoral leadership. 

Sadly, there are parents who are looking to promote their dreams above their children's needs and there are people who profess faith in Christ who want their own way more than they want God's way.

Remember, giving your best means denying yourself. That too, is Biblical parenting.