Christmas Reflections 2021

The thought that's been heavy on my heart for several days....

How much do we truly make Christmas about Jesus Christ?

Seriously - think about it, ponder on it, and soul search.

I'm not knocking the presents, the lights, the trees, the parties, or family gatherings.   I enjoy those, too.  

But if Jesus is the Reason for the Season, how much focus do we truly place on Him?

I've never taught my children there was santa....for many reasons. 

• I didn't like a fictitious character getting credit for what I worked hard to provide. 
• I didn't like the focus being on santa instead of / more than Jesus.  
• Just to name a few

So, while I didn't do those that, I still had to soul search how much I truly centered Christmas around Christ to my children.  

I said He was, but did my actions say something different?  We drove around playing Christmas music and looking at lights after their Dad passed,  trying to find some Christmas cheer. We tried to enjoy the beautiful tree with the presents beneath and the joy they'd bring, meager though they were. We gathered for parties with friends. And watched parades.

Even the Church "Christmas programs"

But how much attention did Jesus truly receive? 

Was it, is it, truly about HIM? or about watching the adorable kids perform? Or the warm fuzzy feeling WE get inside enjoying all these Christmas festivities and songs?

And the songs....don't get me wrong.  I love singing Jingle Bells and other fun joyful Christmas songs.  But how much are they truly about Jesus? and to Jesus? So many, too many, are about santa, or self, or worse...lust, fornication,  and adultery. I've cringed and grieved so much lately.  

I've reflected and I've repented for any way I've grieved God's heart and any time I didn't make Christmas more Christ focused.  

Because without Christ,  there would not be a Christmas!

Let's challenge each other to get back to Christmas being more Christ centered. After all, it's all about HIM and unto HIM. 

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!

Posted to Facebook and More To Life 

12-6-2018

https://www.moretolifetoday.net/the-potters-will/

My House Shall BeCalled A House of Prayer

 “And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer…” (Matthew 21:13)

In this passage of verse, Jesus became angry when He saw that the Temple had become a place to buy and sell, rather than a place to pray as was God’s original design.

When we hear this phrase, we often think of it as referring to a building such as the Temple in the Old Testament or the Church building in which we gather to have service on certain days of the week.  However, the word “house” can be defined as “a dwelling place” (see Strong’s G3624).  God wants the place where He dwells to be a place filled with prayer.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9)

The Greek word for “dwell” comes from the Greek word for ‘House’ and means “to occupy a house, reside” (see Strong’s G3611).  WE are God’s House, His dwelling place, if we have the Holy Ghost living inside of us.

“…For ye are the Temple of the Living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:16)

WE are the Temple of the Living God.  WE are to be the House of Prayer.

For it is through prayer that mountains move. It is through prayer that situations change. It is through prayer that WE change and get in alignment with God’s Will.

It was during a prayer meeting that the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Day of Pentecost. It was during a prayer meeting that the Holy Ghost was poured out at the Azusa Street Revival.

Let us not just appear to be a house of prayer but to actually BE a house of prayer!

Posted on FB and More to Life

12-5-18

https://www.moretolifetoday.net/the-house-of-prayer/

Is Your Anchor Secure

 “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast…” (Hebrews 6:19)

I was a widowed single mom for many years. Because funds were tight at times, I often had to be ‘handymom’. On one of those occasions, while trying to put shelving up in the bathroom, the drill slipped and drilled a hole in my finger. Thankfully, it wasn’t severe enough to require a visit to the doctor, so I bandaged my finger and proceeded to finish the job.

Standing there, feeling accomplished, suddenly all my hard work came crashing to the ground when one of the family cats decided to jump up on one of the shelves. Rather than get upset, I thanked God for allowing me to see BEFORE I put all the items on the shelves that they were not secure. To fix the problem, I merely needed stronger anchors. Anchors had been used originally to secure those shelves, but those anchors were not strong enough to hold up to the weight that they were going to have to bear.

How many times in life have we tried to secure things with weak anchors such as quick, microwave prayers as we rush through the day then groggy prayers as we are falling asleep at night? It may help things to appear to stay in place, but a burden heavier than we can carry may send us crashing to the ground.

Is your anchor strong and secure? If not, it’s not difficult to replace that weak anchor. It’s as simple as reading your Bible and praying daily combined with fasting often. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more secure our anchor will become so that we will be able to handle the weight of the storms life may send our way.

Posted on FB and More To Life on 12-4-18

https://www.moretolifetoday.net/is-your-anchor-secure/

A good marriage

 Someone asked the question on what makes a good marriage so I thought I'd share my thoughts on what made our marriage good with a love that has lasted beyond the grave....

A good marriage is not perfect, it will have it's ups and downs, and yes you will get angry with each other at times.

A good marriage is not giving up on each other and never letting the word 'divorce' proceed out of the mouth in the bad times.

A good marriage is one that endures because you love each other unconditionally, overlooking faults, or failures.

A good marriage realizes love is not a feeling but an action.

A good marriage endures through sickness and in health, in the good times and in the bad, loving and enduring even when it seems you've seen more of 'the poorer' than 'the richer' because you realize it is not money that makes you rich but the love you share so even if you don't have a lot of money, you are rich in what really matters...love, a true love, that has lasted far beyond the grave. A love that death could not kill. That is a good marriage and one I wouldn't trade for anything.

**Disclaimer, no offense intended for those who have been divorced. Some circumstances are beyond your control and I meant nothing negative toward anyone by my words. My reference is meant that when the going gets tough, the tough do not get going but stick together through it and grow stronger in their unity and love.

Posted on Facebook 12-3-2018

Bridle the Tongue

 “…He who restrains his lips is wise…and a man of understanding holds his peace.” (Proverbs 10:19, 11:12)

Have you ever had one of those “bite your tongue” days?  I definitely have, and I’m sure you have to.   What I would have said may have been truth, but it would not have been kind.

The Bible says to “speak the Truth IN LOVE” (Ephesians 4:15). Some words may be truth, but if they’re not spoken in love they should not be spoken at all.   

The wisest man who ever lived wrote, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).  

You can either place wood or water on the fire.  Wood feeds the flame and makes it burn higher and hotter while water helps to douse and put out the flame of anger.  If you choose to put wood (harsh words) on the fire (an argument), you may find yourself getting burnt.

The Bible tells us, “…he who restrains his lips is wise.”  (Prov 10:19) and “…a man of understanding holds his peace.”  (Proverbs 11:12) “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”  (Proverbs 13:3).  Your words can get you in more trouble than the things you’ve done.

“He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil (speaking injurious words), and his lips that they speak no guile (deceitful words):”   (1 Peter 3:10)

When I choose to bridle my tongue, I will not have regrets today for what I said yesterday.

Prayer:  “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14)

Posted on More To Life and Facebook 

12-3-2018

https://www.moretolifetoday.net/bridle-the-tongue/

Divorce and Remarriage

 This post won't be popular and I am not trying to offend anyone but I was asked to share this study concerning divorce and remarriage.  

It's important  to note that these Scriptures and teaching are written for the admonition and instruction of the saved.  Judgment begins at the House of God. (I Pt 4:17)  Hosea 4:6 issues a warning, "My people perish for lack off knowledge..."  We, as Born Again Believers, cannot be ignorant to God's Word.  

A new babe in Christ needs to fed the sincere milk of the Word, focusing on teaching the foundation and essentials of the doctrine (repentance, baptism,  infilling of the Holy Ghost,  then the necessity of living a holy life)

***IMPORTANT NOTE: All definitions are copied from Strong's Hebrew/Greek Lexicon.  They are not my personal interpretation. 

All Scriptures are King James version.  

Let's start by looking at  Matthew  5:31-32

-- It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, SAVING (except ) FOR THE CAUSE OF FORNICATION, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. 

Jesus is correcting some incorrect teachings in this passage of Scripture.  The Pharisees believed and taught that if a man was displeased with his wife, he could divorce her.  They liked to refer back to the teaching of Moses in Deuteronomy. 

Deuteronomy 24:1-3

When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.

Jesus did not mince words when the Pharisees came to him with this excuse, trying to use Scripture to justify divorce.  

Mark 10:2-12

And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 

And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? 

And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the HARDNESS OF YOUR HEART HE WROTE YOU THIS PRECEPT. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he saith unto them, 

Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.   

Mark 10 omits the phrase except for the cause of fornication.   

Looking at this one passage of  Scripture in Mark 10 would cause one to question whether anyone could ever be free to remarry once divorced.  This is where you have to study the Scriptures, comparing what each disciple wrote in the Gospels.  A person cannot take one Scripture and make a doctrine out of it.  They must be looked at in its entirety, comparing Scripture with Scripture.   

Mt 5 and Mt 19 can be used to cross reference (compare with) Mark 10 for further explanation concerning Jesus' teachings...

Matthew 19:3-9

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

 He saith unto them, -- Moses BECAUSE OF THE HARDNESS OF YOUR HEARTS SUFFERED YOU TO PUT AWAY YOUR WIVES: BUT FROM THE BEGINNING IT WAS NOT SO.

 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, EXCEPT IT BE FOR FORNICATION, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. 

Fornication is more than  premarital sex.   The word translated as fornication is the Greek word "porneia" G4202 meaning:

Harlotry (including adultery & incest)

Illicit sexual intercourse  (adultery,  fornication,  homosexuality, lesbianism, beastiality (sexual relations with an animal), etc)

Intercourse with relatives (Lev 18)

Intercourse with a divorced man or woman (Mk 10:11-12)

Jesus' teachings reveal the only Biblically sanctioned grounds for divorce is unfaithfulness by their spouse.   If the spouse has committed adultery, incest, or turned to some other lewd perversion such as homosexuality or lesbianism or beastiality (which are an abomination to God), then the person is allowed to divorce and is free to remarry.  

When Jesus taught in Mt 5:31-32 and Mt 19:9...

"But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, SAVING (except ) FOR THE CAUSE OF FORNICATION, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." He was trying to correct an error in their thinking.   

According to the teachings of Jesus, a married person cannot divorce their spouse just because they decide they no longer love that person, their breath stinks, they don’t like that they're getting fat, going bald, not as attractive as when they first married, or whatever  "reason"  (excuse) they may try to come up with to justify divorce.   Jesus said if a person divorces their spouse for ANY OTHER CAUSE OTHER THAN SEXUAL UNFAITHFULNESS and then remarries, they are considered an adulterer.  And if they divorce their spouse without biblical  grounds, and their spouse remarries,  they are causing the divorced spouse to commit adultery. 

Some err in thinking that marrying the person cancels out the sin and makes it justified in the eyes of God. If this was so, John the Baptist would not have been vehemently chastising  Herrod that it was a sin for him to be married to his brother PHILLIP'S WIFE.  (Mark 6:17)  Notice John still referred to her as Phillip's wife despite Herrodius divorcing him and then marrying Herrod.  Neither of them wanted to be told their marriage was still a sin and not sanctioned in the eyes of God.  Yet John the Baptist felt so strongly against it that it cost him his life.  

Romans 7:1-3

-- Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then IF, WHILE HER HUSBAND LIVETH, SHE BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER MAN, SHE SHALL BE CALLED AN ADULTERESS: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another.

Does this mean the person who has divorced and remarried without Biblical grounds (unfaithful spouse) should divorce their second spouse and return to the first?   Biblically, once someone has remarried,  their first spouse cannot take them back again.   

Dt 24:3-4

And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;    Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord.

Who then is free to remarry? 

Widows are free to remarry.  (Rom 7:1-3 + I Cor 7:39)

The one who has remained faithful to their marriage vows despite the unfaithfulness of a spouse who has broken their vows.  (Mt 5:31-32 + Mt 19:3-9)

Reconciliation is always best, if possible,  but sexual faithfulness is important to God and why He makes allowance for this one cause.  The two become one flesh whenever sexual relations take place.  The marriage bed becomes defiled when someone steps outside of their marriage vows and commits adultery.  They have joined themself to another, violating their marriage partner and the sacredness of their unity.

1 Corinthians 6:16-20

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot (*see def below) is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 

Flee fornication. 

Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Definition of harlot:

any woman indulging in unlawful sexual intercourse, whether for gain or for lust

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.  

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,    Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

We like to focus on the love and mercy of God (which He is), but we cannot be ignorant to the side of God that requires holiness and righteous living with consequences for those who don't.

As posted on Facebook 12-3-2016

 

Which Baptism is correct?

Did you know? 

Jesus taught Peter and the Disciples how to baptize (John 4:1-2)

Peter remembered what Jesus said later on as recorded in Matthew 28:19 and yet he still commanded them to be baptized in the NAME of JESUS.
And yet....None of the other Apostles argued with Peter that it was not how Jesus said to baptize.

Why? Because Jesus had already taught them HOW to baptize and WHO He was.
They understood what Jesus was instructing in Mt 28:19 and knew that Peter instructed correctly.
We do not find record anywhere that they baptized any other way than in the Name of Jesus.

Have you been baptized in the Name of Jesus?
Act 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the NAME of the Lord.

The Message of Repentance is not popular

Noah wasn't popular. He was mocked and ridiculed for preaching the need to repent and warning about the coming destruction. No one believed him until it began to rain and it was too late.

Jeremiah wasn't popular. He was hated and despised for preaching the need to repent and warning that destruction was coming while the majority proclaimed blessings, peace and safety. He felt the pressure to silent. He was persecuted but he could not refrain from speaking. No one believed him until it was too late.

John the Baptist wasn't popular for preaching his hard messages on repentance but he kept preaching and warning against sin. He lost his life trying to warn and adminish others.

Oh to be like Jesus! We sing it. We proclaim it. But Jesus was only popular for a short span of time while He healed the sick, fed the multitudes, and performed miracles. They loved Him while He was doing things FOR them. But when He began to preach the harder messages of denying the flesh and taking up your cross and calling out sin, the crowds began to thin as people turned against Him. Until finally, there were only a faithful few standing with Him at the foot of the cross while the majority that once followed and adored Him yelled "Crucify Him!"

Messages of true repentance are not popular but these preachers keep preaching and warning because they care for your soul. They love you enough to keep warning you even when they know they're often despised. Again, the cries are going forth to repent. Will you listen? Will you examine and cleanse your heart? Saints and sinners alike. God in His mercy is giving another altar call before it's too late. Will you heed to His voice?

Disputing False Doctrine

Paul realized the need to combat false teachings. He stayed in Ephesus for 2 years DISPUTING and trying to PERSUADE the people concerning the Kingdom of God and correcting false doctrine. 

Some hardened their heart and would not hear or believe.  Some spoke evil against them and "that way". But Paul continued teaching in that area DISPUTING DAILY so that some might believe and be saved.  The others will never be able to say when they stand before God that they were not told. 

Keep teaching and preaching the Truth. Speak the truth in love but speak the Truth without fear or seeking the favor of man. Time is running out. Souls are hanging in the balance.  💔🙏

Come Unto Jesus

 So many are focusing on mental health awarenness when the main focus needs to be on spiritual health awareness. 

So many are focusing on talking to a counselor instead of directing people to the Wonderful Counselor. (Isaiah 9:6)

So many are directing others to a pill to mask the pain instead of directing them to the Healer of the Brokenhearted. (Luke 4:18)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus - Phl 2:5

We are instructed to have the mind of Christ...to think how Jesus thinks. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53:3) Jesus knows all about heartache and sorrows. Sorrows will come in this life, but Jesus gives us hope and deliverance to rise out of depression.

Jesus came to preach good tidings unto the meek (meek means depressed in mind - H6035). He came to bind up the Brokenhearted (crushed in heart - H7665). He came to proclaim liberty to the captives and to open the prison doors of those whose minds are bound. Jesus wants to give you the oil of joy instead of mourning. And the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness.

Jesus said...

Come unto Me, all ye that labour (feel fatigued - G2872) and are heavy laden (overburdened with anxiety - G5412), and I will give you rest (refreshing - G373).   (Mt 11:28)

Come, let Jesus heal your heart and mind. 

GOD GAVE US PASTORS

 Taught at Bible Study on 10-21-2019

GOD GAVE US PASTORS

 

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart,
which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Jeremiah 3:15

 

October is Pastor Appreciation month….a time when we recognize the work and sacrifice of Pastors and give them honor.

Many do not fully realize what all their pastor does for them and the Church.  They spend countless hours and even sleepless nights praying for various ones in the congregation.  

They cry, pray, and fast for souls they see going astray.  They visit the sick, make hospital calls (sometimes in the middle of the night), and emergency runs during a crisis (thankfully the police are understanding most times).

They counsel and advise.  They try to lead and guide.

They grieve when someone does not listen to their words and ends up in a mess.  Then tries to comfort and help them work things out when they come back to the Pastor in tears pleading with him to fix it.

The Pastor makes house calls trying to reach out to lost souls or backsliders, working outreach in an effort to see Church growth as souls are birthed into the Kingdom. 

Sometimes, he is the one running to pick people up for Church and then getting them back home afterward.  All while trying to prepare for the service.

The Pastor is usually the first one at Church trying to get things ready for the Service and he is usually the last one to leave: making sure the sound system and audio are turned off, turning off lights, turning off the AC/Heat units, making sure doors are locked because there is no one else available to do it.

The Pastor is sometimes the janitor as well because there are few or none who are able or willing to help with repairs around the Church.  In 2018, on Pastor Appreciation Day, our pastor was up on a ladder changing a light bulb and adjusting the projector screen because there was no one else available to do it.  (Bro. Robert helps where and when he can – and does a lot – but he can’t do everything)

The modern day mindset of a Pastor’s duties

The modern day mindset is that the Pastor should also be there not just to feed them spiritually but also to mow their lawn, make repairs around the house, babysit, help pay bills or buy groceries, run errands for them or take them here or there when asked, etc and do it all for free with a smile…which are misconceptions of a pastor’s duties.

We live in a day when people only want to hear a motivational, feel-good message.  Anything less is considered harsh and labeled unloving, uncaring, and judgmental.  That is unbiblical thinking.

A resigned Pastor was invited to come back and preach at a Church that he formerly pastored.  He preached the clear Word and named sins that people needed to get out of their lives.  Some heeded the preached Word and with tears, came to the altar to repent. 

One particular man rose up indignant and responded, “How dare he?! He knows better than to preach like that!”  I was shocked that he would speak against the man of God like that and didn’t respond but wish I had said, “No, sir, he knows better than to not preach like that.”

People today do not fear to speak against Man of God like they used to.  People have lost their fear of God and respect for the office of the Pastor.

God has set Pastors as the watchman over our souls

Pastors have a fearful responsibility.  They’re human and don’t like to or want to deal with people getting angry with their words but God has mandated for them to warn against sin.

Ezekiel 3:17-21

When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die;
and thou givest him not warning,
nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way,
to save his life;
the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity;
but his blood will I require at thine hand. 

Yet, if thou warn the wicked,
and he turn not from his wickedness,
nor from his wicked way,
he shall die in his iniquity;
but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Again, when a righteous man
doth turn from his righteousness,
and commit iniquity,
and I lay a stumblingblock before him,
he shall die:
because thou hast not given him warning,
he shall die in his sin,
and his righteousness which he hath done
shall not be remembered,
but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Nevertheless, if thou warn the righteous man,
that the righteous sin not,
and he doth not sin,
he shall surely live,
because he is warned,
also, thou hast delivered thy soul.

If the Pastor does not warn against sin, that person’s blood will be required of the Pastor at judgment day.  (see also Ezek 33:1-9 + Ecc 12:9-12)

That’s a heavy and fearful responsibility!  Especially, in this day and time when people do not feel that is the Pastor’s place.  

Paul admonished Timothy (a young Pastor) to not only PREACH the Word, but he was also to REPROVE (tell a fault) and REBUKE (forbid, charge, admonish).  THEN he followed up by instructing him to EXHORT (intreat, beseech) with all long-suffering and doctrine.

Sometimes the Pastor has to speak clearly and reprove and rebuke a sin – not that he wants to but because we are living in a time when people do not want to hear that what they’re doing is contrary to the Word of God and is a sin.  Instead, they are turning their ears away from the Truth. 

2 Timothy 4:2-4

Preach the Word;
be instand in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
For the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the Truth,
and shall be turned unto fables (a falsehood).
2 Timothy 4:2-4

Paul also admonished Timothy that those who sin were to be rebuked before all (publicly). (1 Timothy 5:20)  This is contrary to current modern theology, but it is Bible. 

Pastors are not trying to humiliate someone and rarely has our Pastor ever had to address a sin publicly.  The goal is repentance and restoration, but sometimes sins have to be addressed.

Paul actually named names and called out sins – he would be considered judgmental and unloving by today’s standards – but he was warning against false doctrines, false prophets, and wolves in sheep’s clothing and trying to stop sins that were spreading like a cancer.

Paul issued some strong teaching to the churches and instructions to the Pastors.  After, he concluded with “Brethren, pray for us.” (1 Thess 5:25)

Pastors face and deal with things many most likely will never know about. 

Paul listed many of the perils (dangers) he faced that most did not think about.  He was stoned, beaten, thrown in prison, shipwrecked, faced robbers, made many journeys which wearied his body.  But he also faced dangers from his own countrymen and false brethren.

He was weary, tired, and in pain at times.  There were times he was hungry and thirsty. There were times he was cold and not properly clothed.  He would fast often to see strongholds broken and those who were captive to sin set free. Not to mention the things he had to deal with daily and also the care of the Church. (2 Cor 11:23-28)

There are many things Pastors deal with but will never mention it.

Our Pastor needs our prayers. We need to pray for our Pastor and all Pastors – they carry a heavier load than we realize or can comprehend.

We need to thank God for Pastors who are more concerned about our soul than about hurting our feelings in an effort to get us ready for Heaven.

 

 

 

Romans 10:14-15, 17

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heart?
and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach except they be sent?
as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.

So then faith cometh by hearing,
and hearing by the Word of God.

Hearing the preached Word of God helps to increase our Faith and develop us into mature Christians in Christ.

 

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart,
which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Jeremiah 3:15

The Pastors goal is to help us grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.  But we have to do our part by showing up for feeding times.

The Gospel only works on the hungry and thirsty. 

Thank God for Pastors!  Thank God for our Pastor!

And I know he’s thankful for those who love God, love His Word, and are faithful to prayer and Church attendance…it makes his job a little easier.  😊

THE MARK OF THE BEAST and THOSE THAT DO KNOW THEIR GOD

 

THE MARK OF THE BEAST and
THOSE THAT DO KNOW THEIR GOD

I was unsure whether to continue with Endtime studies or move on to another topic, but because we are living in perilous times and can see signs that the antichrist will soon be revealed and the implementation of the mark will soon be introduced, I felt it imperative to continue with this line of study.

Many people realize that it cannot be very long until this prophecy will be fulfilled. We can clearly see that governments and corporations around the world are pushing us in that direction rapidly.  But many think it won’t be implemented until after the Church is raptured out. Those that adhere to that belief could end up taking the Mark without realizing it, thinking ‘there’s no way that could be it.  The Church is still here.’ That is why we teach what the Bible says concerning WHEN the rapture will occur and what lies ahead.

What Do We Know About the Mark?

Revelation 13:16-18 says….And he causeth ALL both small and great,
rich and poor, free and bond,
to receive a MARK in their right hand or in their foreheads.

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had THE MARK,
or the NAME OF THE BEAST, or the NUMBER of his name.

Here is wisdom, let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six (666).

We focus mainly on the mark but Scripture reveals there will be 3 different things that will allow a person to be able to BUY or SELL… (1) Receiving the mark …..OR (2) Having the name of the beast …..OR (3) Having the number of his name

Definitions:
       Mark = a scratch or etching, i.e. a stamp, a badge of servitude  (G5480)
       Name = a ‘name’ (literally or figuratively) (authority or character) (G3686)
       Number = a number (as reckoned up) (G706)

I don’t claim to understand fully how it will be implemented and what each mean or how it will be used… I do believe it will be presented as something ‘for the greater good.’

Whatever it turns out to be, the main thing is that the Bible issues a dire warning against taking the mark and worshiping the beast and its image…..

Revelation 14:9-11

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice,
If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark
in his forehead or in his hand,
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,
which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation;
and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever:
and they have no rest day nor night,
who worship the beast and his image,
and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelation 16 reveals there will be vials of God’s wrath that will be poured out upon those who had the mark of the beast and upon them which worshipped his image.

This is only for those who take the mark and worship the beast.

This is not to cause us to fear but rather to alert us to Watch and pray! 
And pray for and reach for your unsaved family and friends!
Time is running out! 

But the good news is God’s Word assures us….

The people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits in those days (Daniel 11:32).

Do you know your God?  Are you walking in the power of His might?

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of His might.

God wants to work mightily through each and every one of us who are Born Again!

We are going to have to trust Him like never before in these Endtime hours.
We are going to have to learn how to walk in the Spirit, and not in the flesh.
We are going to have to learn how to pray and operate in the Gifts of the Spirit.
That is God’s will when He gives a person the Holy Ghost…a vessel He can use.

God will give us patience and strength to face the persecution we are going to face in these Last Days, but we need to be walking in the will of God and keep His commandments.

Revelation 14:12

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

 

HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND THE FAITH OF JESUS!  Those are the ones who will be able to stand!

In this end time hours, we need to do as Ezra did and prepare our hearts so we’ll be sensitive to hear God’s Voice and what the Spirit is saying to the Church in these last days.

Ezra 7:10 - Ezra had PREPARED HIS HEART
                      (1) to SEEK the Law of the Lord,
                      (2) and TO DO IT,
                      (3) and to TEACH in Israel statutes and judgments.

PREPARE means ‘to make something ready for use’ and also ‘make someone ready or able to do or deal with something’
          Are you making your heart ready for God to use?
          Are you making yourself ready to be able to deal with whatever God asks of you?

SEEK the Law of the Lord means ‘to go in search of: look for, to try to discover, or seek advice’
          Are you searching the Scriptures daily?
          Are you trying to discover what God’s Word instructs or requires of you?
          Are you asking God for His advice? 
          Are you open to listen to what God is saying to do or not do?

TO DO IT
          Are you willing to do whatever God asks or requires of you?
          Remember the old slogan ‘Just do it!’?
           We only have a little time left.  Is there anything worth being lost over?
          Is there anything worth in this world that’s not worth giving up in comparison
               to eternity and all Jesus did for you and me?
          Can you truly pray and say ‘whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord, that’s
               what I’ll be willing to do’
           If not, we need to go back to the first and prepare our hearts through prayer and
               fasting.

TEACH GOD’S STATUTES AND JUDGMENTS
          God doesn’t want us to be a novice concerning His Word.
          We are to STUDY to show ourselves approved unto God. 

2 Tim 2:15

          Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman (teacher) that needeth
          not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (expounding) the Word of Truth.

God wants each of us to be able to teach others about His Word as we grow in the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of His ways. 

The more time we spend with Him, the more we’ll get to know Him.
The more we get to know Him, the more we’ll know about Him.
The more we know about Him, the more we can tell others about Him.

All of us need to be telling others about Jesus and trying to lead them to Him. 
Jesus saved us so we can reach for and try to save others.

It’s harvest time – in the natural season and in the spiritual season.  Are you praying to be a laborer in the harvest?  Jesus said in Luke 10:2…

          The Harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few:
          Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers
           into His harvest.

John 4:35
           Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

These things need to be our focus in this endtime hours…
           To know our God!
          To walk in the power of His might!
          To Prepare our hearts through prayer and fasting and Bible reading!
          To Seek God’s laws and learn HIS WAYS, not our ways!
          To just do it!
          And to teach others about Jesus!  Be a witness for Him!

 

Because in the end when we finally stand before Him, we want to hear Him say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter in!” and not “depart from Me, I never knew you.”

There is nothing worth missing heaven for.
There is nothing worth going to hell over.
We’ve got to be ready so we can stand and make it all the way Home!