07/06/23 (RE-POST VIDEO) JW AT THE DOOR
Re-post. Recounting JW encounter. This is an example of how how I deal with Bible subjects (Theology, Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Eschatology, Ecclesiology, Anthropology, Cosmology, Astronomy). I hope you watch.
GO LIVE 2016
NOT JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
A 12.5 minute review of an encounter I had this morning with some Russellites (Falsely called Jehovah's Witnesses).
They claim to believe the Bible, but they do not believe these truths from the Bible.
They do not believe Jesus raised Himself from the dead.
They do not believe that Jesus is God.
They do not believe in only one God.
They do not believe in the physical resurrection.
They do not believe that Jesus ascended physically into heaven, that Jesus sits physically in heaven, that Jesus will return physically from heaven, that Jesus wil reign physically on the earth.
They do not believe that the Father created all things.
They do not believe the Holy Spirit is a Person.
There are other things we talked about, but basically,
THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THE HOLY BIBLE.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
07/06/23 (RE-POST VIDEO) JW AT THE DOOR
07/06/23 DECEPTION AT THE END
Probably the most significant sign, as the end draws near, is all invasive, rapidly spreading, totally destructive deception and chaos, in every area of life.
Today's dystopian, dysphoric society is just the tip of the coming "iceberg." Knowledge is increasing faster than it can be absorbed and technology (AI and Quantum Computers) is ushering in an apocalyptic world. But, as Scripture says, knowledge will multiply but men will not be coming to the knowledge of the truth.
The more society learns and the more society changes, the less society knows and the less likely society is to be enlightened and transformed by God and His salvation.
The lies abound in science, media, communication, history, medicine, politics. Likewise, Satan's deception, his lies about God, about salvation, about the Bible, about morality, about doctrine, about interpersonal relationships, about Christian relationships and Christian living are a worldwide plague, and the only hope is loving and walking in the light of God's truth.
I am dedicated to staying on top of spiritual dangers and threats, and I have been combating the gathering darkness for almost sixty years, but it is impossible to keep up with the flood of lies. If it is so difficult for a full time, God appointed shepherd, how much more daunting for even the dedicated, well established churchman?
I work at it and I study God's word in order to lead my people away from, and out of Satan's traps. Yet, there are people who are being deceived, ensnared, poisoned because they choose the appeal of forbidden fruit instead of the correction of the word of God. I watch as people reject Biblical truth and blindly dance into a life of self aggrandizement, drawing their family and friends with them.
I often study and teach about the dangers of false teaching and false teachers. Sadly, most people swallow the popular lies and resent anyone who attempts to tell them otherwise.
It is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I can see the disastrous end, but I can't get the victims to listen, much less turn from their destructive ways.
Don't take these days lightly and don't take Bible teaching and counsel lightly. The only way out of the coming darkness is to walk in all of the light of God. Don't just listen for sound doctrine, seek it with your whole heart and embrace it as if your soul depends on it, because it does.
07/05/23 WE CAN ALL USE A LITTLE HELP SOMETIME (VIDEO 2016)
This is a memory from seven years ago. If you don't want to hear me point out God's plan for fulfilled lives, families and churches, "just walk on by..." This was a LIVE FB video. I hope it blesses you.
07/05/23 NOT JUST A ROAD TRIP
The Christian life is not a road trip for fun and relaxation; it is a mission transformed life of loving trust and obedience in service to God and His people.
The Christian life is not our own personal itinerary, designed according to our temporal and self oriented desires; it is a life of Divine purpose, schedule, comradery and accountability.
And keep in mind, God always knows best, and God always does all things well, and God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose and God gives us everything we need for life and godliness. But He does not provide all of these blessings to the person who takes their own route in life, rather than follow Him.
07/05/23 THE NEED FOR LOCAL SHEPHERDS
07/05/23 THE NEED FOR LOCAL SHEPHERDS
The shepherd protects his flock by fighting the lion, the wolf and the bear.
He guards them by placing himself between the sheep and their enemies, as a door that shuts out the intruder.
He leads them to food and drink.
He seeks them when they go astray.
He rescues them when they get into trouble.
He guides them through difficult terrain.
These are some of the reasons God calls, equips, trains and enables His under-shepherds.
It is an insult to God for a believer to think he or she does not need a pastor or does not need to follow a loving, knowledgeable, self sacrificing pastor.
Yet, pastors watch in great dismay as disgruntled, self-sufficient parishioners reject the plan of God, the leading of God, the provision of God. It is bad enough when someone removes himself or herself from God's plan, but it is even more disturbing when folks rob others of God's will.
God's directive to the leadership of the church was spoken by Paul.
Acts 20:28-30
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
07/05/23 STOP, LOOK and LISTEN
07/05/23 STOP, LOOK and LISTEN
When you find yourself withdrawing from Biblical and loving pastoral counsel, leadership, authority, you need to STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN. It is important because you are acting contrary to Divine revelation and plan.
As sheep that stray from the shepherd and the flock, you are vulnerable and you put your family at risk.
You are about to make a decision that will destroy your relationship with God and negatively impact other people who are watching your walk with Christ.
07/05/23 DERAILED AND SIDETRACKED
07/05/23 DERAILED AND SIDETRACKED
Derailed and Sidetracked are two of Satan's ways to destroy those who have turned to Jesus. The rail or track is the path along which a believer travels, while following Jesus.
A train is derailed when a sudden and catastrophic event removes a train from its tracks. Spiritually, this is when a Christian is completely separated from a right relationship with God; when a believer is no longer following Christ.
A train is sidetracked when it moves off of the main route. This can be temporary and may even be for the benefit of the train. However, when a believer is sidetracked, he has left the prescribed path and taken another route. This may be for a brief time, but it is still a separation from God's call. Temporary sidetracking can be eternally costly, to the one who is sidetracked or to others who are traveling with the sidetracked believer. Being sidetracked can also become a lifelong condition. I remember seeing train cars which have been sidetracked and left sitting, uselessly sitting for years.
Don't allow Darkness to get you offtrack. You must watch and deliberately choose to be faithful to God. God's word tells us to abide, continue, remain, follow.
God's words to Jude are appropriate at this time.
Jude 1:14-25 (especially notice the designated *verses)
14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,
15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.
17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:
18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.
19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
*20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
*21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction;
23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
*24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
Obviously this is a subject with many ramifications. It would be a great "discussion starter."
07/05/23 CHRIST'S UNDERSHEPHERDS
07/05/23 CHRIST'S UNDER-SHEPHERDS
Pastors are shepherds but Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. We are under-shepherds. We do the work of the shepherd for a portion of His flock.
The shepherd is a provider and a protector. Sheep need shepherds to lead them, feed them, shear them, protect them, help them, find them, restore them.
You better have a pastor who does these things. God decided how He wanted to run, care for and protect His churches. To deliberately refuse the ministry of a loving, competent pastor, an under-shepherd to Jesus, is to refuse the provision, the protection, the leading, the nurturing, the shearing that God wants to give you and your family.
If it is wrong to disregard Jesus, it is also wrong to disregard God's chosen ministry.
No one will see the dangers, opportunities, weaknesses, problems for you and your family as clearly as your pastor.
No one can protect and equip you and your family as well as a loving, anointed pastor.
To reject God's provision is to throw yourself and your family to the wolves.
It is not easy for a loving pastor to tell his people the hard truths they must know.
Make certain that you are making his job as easy and as profitable as possible.
Hebrews 13:7
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
As a pastor I have watched people turn from God's shepherding plan. They did not want to be counseled, admonished, corrected, taught, reproved or instructed in righteousness.
There is only one outcome for those people.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
07/04/23 DELAY IS REFUSAL
07/04/23 DELAY IS REFUSAL
The best time to eliminate a negative thought word or deed from your life is before you embrace it.
If you make the major mistake (or it could possibly be, the sin) of allowing negativity or the appearance of sin into your thoughts, words or actions, then you should turn from it IMMEDIATELY with the determination to avoid, resist and reject it totally in the future.
If you have allowed the unallowable to become part of your thoughts, words and actions, then it is imperative that you confess it, repent of it and humbly accept God's authority in your life now, before it is eternally too late.
Your life, your family, your relationship with God hangs in the balance. Choose you this day whom you will serve.
07/04/23 TRUE SALVATION
07/04/23 TRUE SALVATION
This is a summary of a WALK AND TALK video I did a few days ago.
07/01/23 WALK N TALK, TRUE SALVATION
I watch a CoE street apologist debate Islamist, atheist, Secular Humanists and other promoters of false faith. He is well educated, sincere, passionate and a very talented communicator. But I heard him tell people today that they should read the Bible, especially the words of Jesus. (This is good advice). He interjected that the teachings of Jesus have, "deep metaphysical truths." He went on to say that The Sermon On The Mount is instruction on how to live the Christian life. (Again, this advice contains truth). But "deep, metaphysical truths that instruct us in salvation is not the gospel.
But why couch the gospel in Psychological and Humanistic terms? Just keep it simple and Scriptural. Salvation is the miraculous incoming of the Holy Spirit into our lives, the transformation of regeneration. As we trust and follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit brings to us God's revelation, God's enlightenment, which enables and empowers us to live a miraculous life that is pleasing to God.
However, ritualistic religion often times misses the miraculous and experiential side of salvation, replacing it with formulaic religion.
There must be a personal realization for salvation and a surrendered faith in Christ as the risen Lord.
I also read recently a post, which quoted Arthur Pink (a raving Calvinist). Pink was saying that the further he goes in his faith, the more he is aware if the wickedness of his flesh. Actually, the more we draw close to Jesus the more we should see our own incompetence and frailty and our need for Jesus. Through Christ we can do all things. I know the context of the verse, but I also know that the application of the principle is true in our walk with Christ. He enables us to do that which is pleasing to Himself. He enables us to not do that which is displeasing to Himself. He has called me to walk in the light, to keep His commandments and do that which is pleasing in His sight. He has called me to be delivered from sinful nature, the Old Man, (which is also referred to as "the flesh," not to be confused with the physical body of flesh).
Pink refers to Romans 7:18, supposedly to prove that he all wants to stop sinning, but he is unable because of his "flesh" (his sinful nature, from which he claims that he cannot be delivered in this present world.
If Pink had read the end of chapter 7 he would have seen that Paul asked who would deliver him from this "body of death" (aka the sinful nature, the carnal mind, the Old Man). Also, if Pink had read the end of Romans chapter seven and ALSO Romans chapter eight he would see that God has provided complete deliverance from all sin in this present life.
Salvation is not us doing better or struggling the rest of our natural life with the sinful nature, it is us living in victory, walking in the light, being pure even as Christ is pure. This is what the Bible teaches, contrary to the teaching of sinning religion.
Reformed Theology does not teach this complete deliverance through the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit and the enlightenment of the Holy Bible. Also, there are those who know the Biblical truth, but they are not living the life of victory because they are not surrendered to the power of God. Salvation delivers us from the penalty, the pollution and the power of sin.
It is not a matter of do the best you can or a matter of presuming on God's mercy (believing that God does not hold people accountable for sins they are committing, supposedly as believers. He does not accept us in our sin or our sin in us. He accepts the repentant, believing person and delivers them from all sin in this present, evil age.
07/03/23 ALIGN WITH GOD, NOT DARKNESS
There is a power that moves people to disobey God's commands and reject God's revelation, but the power I am referring to is not God. If you find yourself in conflict with the will of God, the word of God, the way of God and the work of God, then you are opposed to God Himself. Wanting your own way instead of wanting God's way is the express lane to destruction.
07/03/23 UPDATE AND RE-POST OF MY SCHEDULE
07/03/23 UPDATE AND RE-POST OF MY SCHEDULE
Last evening I pointed out that each book of the Bible reveals specific truths about Jesus, and I gave examples from each book. Next Sunday Evening I am planning to give a short summary of each book with simple drawings. The format will include a continuous historical narrative, while relating the salvific applications. I expect this exercise to take me about 60 minutes. It should be a very good and productive session.
You are invited to join us in-person or online.
THE FOLLOWING IS A RE-POST OF MY MINISTRY SCHEDULE.
I have added another element to our Sunday Evening Gathering. (As I announced earlier, I am having individuals in our church share their Personal Journey with Christ. This is not a personal testimony about a specific and recent victory in their life, but an overview of their encounter and walk with Jesus). But for my preaching and teaching on Sunday Evenings I am planning to give an overview of a different Bible book each week. This should be a nice addition to our Old Testament and New Testament Studies during Sunday AM Bible Class and Sunday Am Praise and Proclaim Service, as well as our Doctrines of Salvation Study on Wednesday nights.
This Quick Survey will connect the dots of the entire Bible. It will be concise, yet it will be an overview of Biblical revelation and doctrinal truth.
Here is an update of my present teaching and preaching schedule.
(All services are in-person and online).
Sunday Mornings we have two meetings: Bible Class and Praise and Proclaim Service.
I am teaching and preaching from the book of Genesis and from the Harmony of the Gospels.
(Sometimes I switch the subjects between Bible Class and Praise and Proclaim, depending on the lesson and message of those particular passages).
Sunday 10:00 AM Bible Class: 45 minute session.
Sunday 11:00 AM Praise (music, testimonies) and Proclaim Service: Usually between 60 to 90 minutes.
Sunday Afternoon Fellowship meal (coming soon) for those who are interested. We should be resuming this activity soon.
Sunday 6:30 PM Evening Gathering. A mixture of fellowship, teaching, preaching (a weekly series covering each Bible book), approximately 90 minutes.
Wednesday 7:00 PM. Doctrines of Salvation Study, Q and A Time, Discussion.
I also lead a Men's Ministry Study on Thursday nights at 7:00. This is a training class for future leadership in the local church. It is a combination of Bible, Theology and Christian History.
The present study is titled, "Bible Theology In Genesis."
07/01/23 SUDDEN IS NOT ALWAYS SUDDENLY
07/01/23 SUDDEN IS NOT ALWAYS SUDDENLY
Sudden destruction is often the end of hidden failure.
Unnoticed, one worn strand (of dozens), which was part of the steel cable supporting the sky gondola broke, causing the next weakest strand to break, putting more stress on the entire cable. More strands broke, then "suddenly" the cable snapped. The sudden catastrophe was the result hidden failures.
We sometimes watch loved ones, going along as if all is well, not seeing the invisible sinews of life weakening and breaking. It takes awhile, and then another strand of their inner strength is weakened because of neglect or undue stress. Eventually the weight of life becomes too much for the individual to handle on their own and suddenly, almost without warning, their life goes crashing to destruction.
This is why we, as Christians, must stay under the watchful eye of God, why we must walk in the light God gives us, must grow in grace and knowledge of Christ, must deny ourselves and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes the broken pieces are put back together, but the collapse and destruction takes a life long toll. Sometimes the fallen one never accepts the recovery program of God.
Spiritual inspection and maintenance is essential to life and godliness. The cooperative work of the believer with the Holy Spirit, the word of God, and the ministry of a faithful local church are Divine safeguards provided for our safety and success.
07/01/23 DON'T BE A VICTIM
We can't always stop people from lying to us, but we must make certain that we won't be deceived.
07/01/23 WALK N TALK, TRUE SALVATION
07/01/23 WALK N TALK, TRUE SALVATION
I watch a CoE street apologist debate Islamist, atheist, Secular Humanists and other promoters of false faith. He is well educated, sincere, passionate and a very talented communicator. But I heard him tell people today that they should read the Bible, especially the words of Jesus. (This is good advice). He interjected that the teachings of Jesus have, "deep metaphysical truths." He went on to say that The Sermon On The Mount is instruction on how to live the Christian life. (Again, this advice contains truth). But "deep, metaphysical truths that instruct us in salvation is not the gospel.
But why couch the gospel in Psychological and Humanistic terms? Just keep it simple and Scriptural. Salvation is the miraculous incoming of the Holy Spirit into our lives, the transformation of regeneration. As we trust and follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit brings to us God's revelation, God's enlightenment, which enables and empowers us to live a miraculous life that is pleasing to God.
However, ritualistic religion often times misses the miraculous and experiential side of salvation, replacing it with formulaic religion.
There must be a personal realization for salvation and a surrendered faith in Christ as the risen Lord.
I also read recently a post, which quoted Arthur Pink (a raving Calvinist). Pink was saying that the further he goes in his faith, the more he is aware if the wickedness of his flesh. Actually, the more we draw close to Jesus the more we should see our own incompetence and frailty and our need for Jesus. Through Christ we can do all things. I know the context of the verse, but I also know that the application of the principle is true in our walk with Christ. He enables us to do that which is pleasing to Himself. He enables us to not do that which is displeasing to Himself. He has called me to walk in the light, to keep His commandments and do that which is pleasing in His sight. He has called me to be delivered from sinful nature, the Old Man, (which is also referred to as "the flesh," not to be confused with the physical body of flesh).
Pink refers to Romans 7:18, supposedly to prove that he all wants to stop sinning, but he is unable because of his "flesh" (his sinful nature, from which he claims that he cannot be delivered in this present world.
If Pink had read the end of chapter 7 he would have seen that Paul asked who would deliver him from this "body of death" (aka the sinful nature, the carnal mind, the Old Man). Also, if Pink had read the end of Romans chapter seven and ALSO Romans chapter eight he would see that God has provided complete deliverance from all sin in this present life.
Salvation is not us doing better or struggling the rest of our natural life with the sinful nature, it is us living in victory, walking in the light, being pure even as Christ is pure. This is what the Bible teaches, contrary to the teaching of sinning religion.
Reformed Theology does not teach this complete deliverance through the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit and the enlightenment of the Holy Bible. Also, there are those who know the Biblical truth, but they are not living the life of victory because they are not surrendered to the power of God. Salvation delivers us from the penalty, the pollution and the power of sin.
It is not a matter of do the best you can or a matter of presuming on God's mercy (believing that God does not hold people accountable for sins they are committing, supposedly as believers. He does not accept us in our sin or our sin in us. He accepts the repentant, believing person and delivers them from all sin in this present, evil age.