Can Faith Alone Save Us?

James 2 (KJV)

¹⁴ What doth it profit, my brethren, 

though a man say he hath faith, 

and HAVE NOT WORKS? 

CAN FAITH SAVE HIM?

¹⁷ Even so FAITH,

IF IT HATH NOT WORKS,

IS DEAD, BEING ALONE. 

¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, 

Thou hast faith, and I have works: 

shew me thy faith without thy works, 

and I WILL SHEW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS.

²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, 

that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD?

²¹ Was not Abraham our father 

justified by works....?

²² Seest thou how faith wrought WITH his works, 

and BY WORKS WAS FAITH MADE PERFECT?

²⁴ Ye see then how that 

BY WORKS A MAN IS JUSTIFIED, 

and NOT BY FAITH ONLY.

²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, 

SO FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.

Did you notice James stated THREE TIMES in just these few Scriptures that: FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (Vs 17, 20, 26)? 

He likened it to the body without the spirit is dead.  

It takes BOTH...Faith AND works.

Some teach or believe you don't need to be baptized or receive the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues.  They state, "we're saved by grace" ((Eph 2:5,8).  We are but those Scriptures we're written addressing THE CHURCH, those who had already been baptized in Jesus name and received the Holy Ghost.  

Jesus taught in Mark 16:16... he that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved. 

Jesus continued in verse 17... and THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW them that believe...they shall speak with new tongues. 

Have you been baptized since you believed?

Have you spoke with new tongues since you believed?

Have you followed Christ's teachings to be Born Again?

Acts 2 (KJV)

³⁸ Then Peter (who was taught by Jesus) said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Get back to where the Fire is (the Church)

Two embers had fallen out of the fireplace a few days back.  They sat on the bricks until they grew cold.  As I stoked the coals in our fireplace, I noticed those 2 embers once again.  There was no fire, no glow, not even a spark left in them.  They were so cold that I could pick them up with my hands and not get burnt. 

I threw them back amongst the glowing coals in the fireplace and watched.  Slowly,  I could see one begin to revive.  A little glow began to slowly return.  Then, I noticed the other began to exhibit the same. Each began grow a little more red, a little more glow coming from them until finally they sparked and a fire began to burn in them once again.  

These cold embers and blazing coals example to us how much we need each other and need the Church.  

Ecclesiastes 4 

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Maybe you are like those embers?  Maybe you have grown cold in your walk with God?  Maybe you feel the fire of the Holy Ghost isn't blazing as brightly as it once did in your heart?  Perhaps you no longer attend Church or never have? 

Get back to where the Fire is (the Church).  The more you are at Church worshipping together with fellow Believers, the more you'll begin to feel the warmth of the Holy Ghost begin to spark once again in your heart.  The more you are around those burning brightly with the Holy Ghost,  the more you'll begin to feel that old fire begin to rekindle within your heart as well.   

Pick up the Bible and begin to read it. Every day. Even if it's only a few verses, it's a start back on the right track.  Take a few minutes to talk to Jesus each day.  The more time you spend with Him, the more you'll grow in love with Him. Find a prayer partner. Attend Bible studies.  Be faithful to Church every time there are services.  Participate in the singing and worship. If you are one who is on Fire, reach out to someone who seems to be struggling or grown cold in their walk with God.

I need you.

You need me.

We do need each other.

We do need the Church.

Are You HEARING and DOING?

 Sharing some very good points I heard....

Several people were interviewed that were affected by the Los Angeles fires. 

They were asked if they thought they were going to heaven or hell?  Every single person said they HOPE they're going to heaven because they feel they're a good person.

Each person was asked:

***have you ever stolen anything? 

***have you ever lied?

***have you ever committed fornication? Or adultery? Or lusted after someone in your heart?

They answered yes. To all.  

Then they were asked:

***Have you ever used the Lord's name in vain? As a curse word?

Answer was 'yes'

Next question:

***do you love your mom (or dad or child or spouse)?

Yes? 

Have you ever used their name as a curse word?

No? Why not?  

Because you respect them? 

And love them? 

Yet you have not shown that same respect and love to the One who shed His blood on Calvary to purchase our Redemption? (End of quote)

Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21 that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the Kingdom of Heaven,  only those who DO the will of the Father. 

Jesus continued teaching in verses 24-27 in the Parable of the wise versus foolish builder that the wise will not only HEAR but also DO what Jesus says.  

He likened everyone to the foolish man who will HEAR yet will NOT DO what Jesus says. 

Not because He's being mean. Or name calling. But because He's warning that not everyone who calls Him 'Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, only those who HEAR and DO (obey) what He says. 

Jesus taught Nicodemus and all the Disciples who were with Him that night in John 3:

Vs 3 - EXCEPT (unless) a man be BORN AGAIN, he CANNOT SEE the Kingdom of God. 

He went on to explain in verse 5 - EXCEPT (unless) a man be born of water (Baptism) and of the Spirit (infilling of the Holy Ghost), he CANNOT ENTER into the Kingdom of God. 

Vs 7 - Marvel not (don't be in wonder or amazement) that I said unto thee, you MUST BE BORN AGAIN. 

You MUST be BORN AGAIN of water (Baptism) AND of the Spirit (Holy Ghost) or you cannot see nor enter into the Kingdom of God.

Those words are just as important as John 3:16. 

John 3:16 is a summary of all that Jesus said in the verses prior - not to nullify them or for them to be ignored.

Whosoever believes in Jesus should not perish - because if you believe in Jesus you will read His Words, you will hear His Words, you will obey His Words. 

Jesus also said in John 7:38-39....

He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of Living Water. But this spake He of the spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

Jesus taught in Mark 16:16...

He that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; 

He continued in verse 17....

And THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW them that believe.... they SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES;

Have you been baptized since you believed? 

Have you spoke with new tongues since you believed?

That Promise is for you and your children and as many as the Lord our God shall call.  (Acts 2:38-39)

Jesus asked, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" - Luke 6:46 

Are you HEARING what Jesus is saying?

Are you DOING the things which Jesus said?

Marvel not that Jesus said you MUST be BORN AGAIN as He instructed in John 3:1-7.

A New Year & Resolutions

 A New Year & Resolutions

As the New Year approached, many pondered as to what their New Year Resolution(s) will be:

- diet

- pay off a debt

- travel to (destination)

and the list goes on.

The definition of Resolution means:

* A firm decision to do or not do something 

* The quality of being determined 

While resolutions can be good, very rarely does anyone  make a Resolution to....

* draw closer to God

* Read their Bible not only daily but even more

* Pray more each and every day

* Fast more

* Go to Church more

* Invite more people to Church 

* Tell more people about Jesus 

* Win a soul to Jesus 

☝️ THESE should be our top resolutions above all others.

Jesus is coming soon.  

We want to be ready for His coming, but we have to do our part to draw closer to Him.

If our mind and our time are filled with everything else with little or no time spent in God's Word and His Presence, we won't be ready when He returns. 

We want others to be ready for His coming,  but we have to do our part to reach out and sow seeds of the Gospel.  

There is a law of harvest.  If I do not sow seeds into the ground, I will not reap the fruit from it in due season. If you don't sow seeds concerning the Word of God into hearts and minds,  you will not see the fruit of harvest. 

Jesus gave the Great Commission: GO and TEACH.

Action is required on our part. 

In order to teach effectively what the Word of God instructs you must study and learn what the Bible teaches. 

Make the resolution (the quality of being determined) in this New Year to: 

* draw closer to God

* Read your Bible not only daily but even more

* Pray more each and every day

* Fast more

* Go to Church more

* Invite more people to Church 

* Tell more people about Jesus (sowing seed)

* Win a soul to Jesus (the harvest)

There Will Be No 'Participation Ribbons' Handed Out In Heaven

There Will Be No 'Participation Ribbons' Handed Out In Heaven

The trend for many years now has been to hand out 'Participation Ribbons' to everyone...
whether they won or not
whether they showed up or not
whether they participated and did their part or not
So that...
noone feels excluded
noone feels left out
and to boost self-esteem
and sense of accomplishment
even if they didn't win or do much
or anything to obtain the goal.

But there will be no 'participation ribbons' handed out in heaven.

✔️We must each do our part to strive and enter in.
✔️We must be faithful to daily pray.
✔️We must be faithful to daily Bible reading.
✔️We must be obedient to God's commands and instructions  (which are found within the pages of the Bible.  EVERYTHING that is written in those pages are for us to learn from. Romans 15:4)

✔️We must be faithful in ALL things for it is only those who are faithful that will hear "well done thou good and faithful servant, enter in to the joy of the Lord." Matthew 25:21

A servant does not just "show up".
A servant does not get by with just doing the minimum while everyone else does the work.
A servant must serve and do the will of the authority over them.
It is only the servant who has been faithful and been obedient to God's Word no matter what He says do or not do that will hear, "well done, enter in!"

Jesus warned, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
  — Matthew 7:21 (KJV)

There Will Be No 'Participation Ribbons' Handed Out In Heaven

If we want to make it to heaven, we must be faithful in all matters and do, not our will, but the will of the Father, whatever He requires of us.

For it is only those who are faithful that will hear, "well done thou good and faithful servant, enter in to the joy of the Lord."

There Will Be No 'Participation Ribbons' Handed Out In Heaven.

ROBBING GOD ~ TITHES & OFFERINGS

For some reason this came to me this morning, out of the blue, so I grabbed a pen and began to write.....

TITHING 

When pastors teach/preach about tithing, those who do not tithe become indignant, even irritated.

Some have said:

"That Church is only wanting money!" or

"That pastor is money hungry!"  or

"I have bills to pay. I need this money more than the Church does."  or

"You have to pay to play at that Church!" (upset because they are not being used on the platform or placed in positions because they do not pay tithes)

Tithing is a mandate from God - not the Pastor or the Church.  

They just enforce it BECAUSE GOD said in Malachi 3:8-9....

⁸ Will a man rob God? 

Yet ye have robbed Me. 

But ye say, "Wherein have we robbed Thee?" 

In tithes and offerings.

⁹ Ye are cursed with a curse: 

for ye have robbed Me...

Some rebuttal, "but I need that money."

However,  God says in Haggai 1:5-10...

⁵ Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; 

CONSIDER YOUR WAYS.

⁶ Ye have sown much, and bring in little; 

ye eat, but ye have not enough; 

ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; 

ye clothe you, but there is none warm; 

and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

⁷ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; 

CONSIDER YOUR WAYS.

⁹ Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; 

and when ye brought it home, 

I did blow upon it. 

WHY? saith the LORD of hosts. 

BECAUSE OF MINE HOUSE THAT IS WASTE,

and ye run every man unto his own house.

¹⁰ THEREFORE the heaven over you 

is stayed from dew, 

and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

It takes income (money) to pay the utilities, bills and upkeep of the Church the same way each of us need it for our own homes. 

God instituted TITHES AND OFFERINGS for that purpose. 

It also takes each of us helping with the necessary upkeep and repairs.

GOD (not the Church; not the pastor) said we're ROBBING HIM when we don't pay tithes and give offerings to the Church. 

The remedy? Malachi 3:10-11....

¹⁰ BRING ye ALL the tithes into the storehouse, 

that there may be meat in Mine house, 

and prove me now herewith, 

saith the LORD of hosts, 

if I will not open you the windows of heaven, 

and pour you out a blessing, 

that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

¹¹ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, 

and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

You want God's blessings? 

Pay Tithes and give offerings. 

That's Scriptural.

Many think it's the Church's job to give to them, but, Biblically, it's our responsibility to give to the Church.  

Consider your ways.

It is a fearful thing to rob God. 

God gave us pastors after His own heart. (Jer 3:15) Who are we to decide we don't need them?

This morning at 8:55am this came strongly to my mind.....

God gave us pastors after His own heart. (Jer 3:15)  Who are we to decide we don't need them?

I almost posted it but recorded and saved it into the notes on my phone instead. Then Bro Motes preached about the watchman in Ezekiel 3:17-21.

We do need Pastors and we need to heed the voice of the watchman on the wall.  The watchman is sent to warn not only the wicked but also the righteous....for our soul's sake.

The Potter's Will

 The Potter’s Will

"The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,  Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: So he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel." (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

How many times have we said, "Use me, Lord!" or "I'll do whatever You ask!" and "Whatever it takes for my will to break, that's what I'll be willing to do!"  Yet when the trials and opposition come, and things get tougher, we begin to struggle and fight against it praying for it to end.

God is trying to form and shape us into the vessel HE wants us to be. When we fight against the storms, whose will are we really seeking?  God's will? Or our own?  He knows what's best for us and will not put on us more than we can bear (although sometimes we feel it is). When we come through these trials, we'll be refined like silver and tried like gold.

Trials will either make you...bitter or better.   You can either become...a victim or a victor.

Through trials you gain:

Experience

Knowledge

Endurance

Patience

Understanding

Compassion

 Love

 Faith

God has each of us on the potter's wheel, but sometimes we resist the way He's forming us.  He's trying to shape us one way, but we're pulling in another. If we have our way, we will be deformed. But, if we let God have His way, we'll be transformed into a vessel of honor...something we both will be proud of.

It hurts!  Oh, how it hurts at times...but stay yielded to the Potter’s will!

https://www.moretolifetoday.net/the-potters-will/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR39HW3F0Hz9ZZmTFjAxvkRyu599oiYvWPCvkGPuE8ARl3CktD_-XgkTTxU_aem_HJGY89MMFf_mqvA_t548mQ

12-6-18

Happy THANKSgiving!

The world tries its hardest to remove Jesus from every holiday.  They haven't been able to commercialize this particular holiday other than the sale of an abundance of food. So, they try to remove the one word that directs our attention to God.... the word "Thanks".... and replace it with other words. 

This is not "Turkey" day (although many will be eating plenty of it.  It is not "Friends"giving. Or whatever other word they try to replace it with. It is THANKSgiving.

While we are thankful for our friends, family, and so much more, remember to direct that thankfulness upward and take time to say, "Thank You Jesus for your many blessings on me." It is because of Him that we live, and move, and have our being.  We are abundantly blessed because of our loving Savior.

We're unworthy Lord but you have blessed us anyway. Thank You Jesus!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
(11-24-22)

Accusing vs Excusing

A man, who was hurting and deeply wounded inside after his wife treacherously departed, was looked down on and told, "something drove her away." 

Would that same statement be made to a woman whose husband treacherously departs? Would it not be considered harsh and condemned as being judgmental? 

It is not "different" and the same care, concern, and compassion should be extended whether man or woman. 

Yes, something drove that person away = SIN!

But every man (person) is tempted, 

when he/she is drawn away of their own LUST, 

and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, 

it bringeth forth sin: 

and sin, when it is finished, 

bringeth forth death.

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:14-16

I do not post this to defend or condemn.  

We need to get back to judging with righteous judgment and not man's. Trying and weighing a matter out in the Spirit and not our own thoughts and surmisings. 

...their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. Romans 2:15

We need to exercise great caution when excusing one while accusing another lest we excuse the guilty while condemning the innocent.  

Put it in God's hands and let Him sort it out.

(11-19-22)

Thanksgiving Is More Than Just a Day

 A question was asked on Fb concerning who all had already decorated for Christmas.   Many said they already had. One poster's comment caught my attention: "Thanksgiving is just a day but Christmas is a season." That is incorrect and not how it is supposed to be.  

Thanksgiving should be a season that is kept in the heart all year round - focusing on and remembering all that God has blessed us with. So many blessings we do not deserve. 

I love Christmas time, too, but I do not want to rush past the one holiday that the stores cannot commercialize = the Giving of thanks to our Heavenly Father above. 

They've tried to change the focus away from giving thanks to God by calling it "Turkey Day" or "Friendsgiving". That's not what the day/the holiday/this season is about.  

Gratitude is the best attitude. Many grumble and complain about what they do not have, but I choose to be thankful.  I choose to remember and focus on God, His goodness, and all He has blessed me with, the many times He's heard my cries and answered my prayers. 

Jesus,  I'll never forget what You've done for me and my family!  I remember and I'm so so very grateful! Thank You, Jesus!

Don't Forsake the Altar

 THE ALTAR was the largest and highest piece of furniture  in the Tabernacle.  

THE ALTAR was the first thing seen when entering.  

THE ALTAR was a place of repentance, a place of sacrifice,  and a place of death.

One could go no further without FIRST visiting THE ALTAR. 

THE ALTAR is still an extremely important piece in our walk with God. 

It is at THE ALTAR that we confess our sins before God.

It is at THE ALTAR that we sacrifice our own will, our own desires and our own ways to submit them to God's.  

It is at THE ALTAR that we crucify that old sinful nature. 

It should be the FIRST place we go as we enter into the Presence of God through prayer. 

Don't ever bypass THE ALTAR.

We need to visit THE ALTAR every day. 

Don't forsake THE ALTAR.

Time is swiftly fading - are you ready?

Oct 31, 2024....

Found 4 small volunteer gourds growing (2 are tiny)

2 watermelon 

 

Figs and banana peppers still growing 

 

And God paints the most beautiful sunsets.

The sun set fast. 

Just like life.

Time is swiftly fading. 

Eternity is getting nearer and nearer.

Where will you spend it?

What are you doing to prepare for it?

Are you seeking FIRST the Kingdom of God

AND His Righteousness (how He instructs to live right before Him)?

Only one life,  so soon it will pass.

Only what's done for Christ will last. 

So LIVE FOR JESUS all your days

It's the only life that pays

Jesus said,  "if you love Me, KEEP (fulfill a command/observe & do) My commandments" John 14:15)

Do you love Him?

Are you observing and doing His commands?

John 3 (KJV)

⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water 

and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

⁷ Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

Mark 16 (KJV)

¹⁵ And He said unto them, 

Go ye into all the world, 

and preach the gospel to every creature.

¹⁶ He that believeth 

and is baptized 

shall be saved; 

but he that believeth not shall be damned.

¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe;

In my name shall they cast out devils; 

they shall speak with new tongues;

You believe - that's the first step.

Repentance and turning from sin is the next.

Jesus said it is those that believe AND are baptized that shall be saved.  

Have you been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ since you believed?

Have you received the Holy Ghost (spoke in new tongues) since you believed? (Acts 19 + Mk 16:17 + Jn 3:3-7)

If not, the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  

“Then Peter (who was taught by the Lord Jesus)

said unto them, 

Repent, 

and be baptized 

every one of you 

in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

  — Acts 2:38 (KJV)

Jesus in His Mercy is Warning - Are you Ready?

 Two years in a row on this same day, God is sending forth a warning cry to make sure our hearts are right and to get ready. His return is getting closer and closer. Don't let anything keep you from making it and hearing Jesus say, "Well done, enter in!"

Jesus is Coming Soon - Are You Ready?

For years and years people have been trying to guess and figure out exactly when Jesus is going to return. Back in the 80's, someone wrote "88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Return in '88" (obviously He didn't).

And then a FB memory popped up that it was rumored the world was going to end on Sept 23, 2017. Here we are years later and Jesus still hasn't returned. But I can assure you, that doesn't mean that He is not coming.

HIS RETURN IS CLOSER NOW THAN IT'S EVER BEEN! 

Jesus said in Mat 25:13 - Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.  

While no one knows the day or hour of His return. The main thing is to keep your heart right, oil in your lamp filled and burning bright (stay prayed up and full of the Holy Ghost), and keep working for God's Kingdom until He returns.

He's coming soon! Are you ready?

Have you followed Jesus' instructions in John 3 and Peter's instruction in Acts 2:38 to be Born Again of water (Baptism in Jesus name) and of Spirit (filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in another tongue)?

It's not too late.

(Fb memory 9-22-17)