Sunday, November 29, 2020

THE MIND OF MAN VERSUS THE MIND OF CHRIST!

THE MIND OF GOD!

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 64:4 - For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

THE MIND OF UNSAVED MAN!

Romans 1:22-32Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.  

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:  who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, Who is blessed forever.  Amen.  

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:  for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.  

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, back-biters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

THEREFORE, WE SEE MAN TODAY:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.

Saturday, November 28, 2020

IT IS GOD'S JOB TO MAKE US LIKE HIM!

MAN WAS CREATED TO BE LIKE HIS CREATOR! 

Genesis 1:26-28 - And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.  So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.

DO NOT EAT FROM ONE TREE!

Genesis 2:15-17 - And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

GOD IS MISQUOTED!

Genesis 3:1-3 - Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die (the woman misquoted God).

MANKIND CEASED TO BE LIKE GOD!

Genesis 3:6-7 - And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof (she touched it and did not die; and she was emboldened ), and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

TODAY, MAN IS LIKE MAN; NOT LIKE GOD!

Genesis 5:1-3 - This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made He him;  Male and female created He them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.  And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

BUT OUR FAITH CHANGES THAT!

Proverbs 17:6-8, 15 -  I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O God: incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.  Show Thy marvellous lovingkindness, O Thou Who savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them.  Keep me as the apple of Thy eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings . . . . As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness:  I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.

1 John 3:1- 3 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons (children) of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him;  for we shall see Him as He is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS TO KNOW GOD'S WORD AND FOLLOW IT TO THE LETTER!  IF YOU DO THAT, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!

Thursday, November 26, 2020

THANKFULNESS!

 HUMILITY IS BASED UPON GRATITUDE!

Psalm 100:1-5 - Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.  Know ye that the LORD He is God:  it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;  we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.  For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ....

Hebrews 13:20-21 - 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, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

TRUE GRADITUDE

EXPRESSES ITSELF

IN THANKSGIVING!

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

SALVATION CANNOT BE ANY EASIER!

 THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!


THE ONLY MESSAGE THAT HAS THE POWER TO SAVE THE LOST!

Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes it; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile).  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

THE BIBLE MESSAGE KNOWN AS THE GOSPEL!

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:  and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  after that, He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some have died.

SALVATION IS A GIFT; IT CANNOT BE EARNED!

Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  not of works, so that no man can boast.


TRUST IN OUR RESURRECTED LORD TODAY!


Tuesday, November 24, 2020

IT IS NOT JUST IN THE WORLD; IT IS IN OUR HOMES, IN OUR MIRRORS!

 THE END TIMES CHARACTER OF CHILDREN!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men (and the children of men) shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (lacking self-control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER!

2 Timothy 3:14-17 - But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them; and that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  that the man (child) of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Monday, November 23, 2020

WE ARE EITHER PART OF THE CHAOS, OR A SOURCE OF PEACE!

THE CHRISTIAN WALK SHOULD BE PEACEFUL!

Romans 12:18 - If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 14:9 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Romans 15:13, 33 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. . . . Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:3 - Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:33 - For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brethren, farewell.  Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no Law.

Ephesians 4:2-3 - With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Colossians 1:19-20 - For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Hebrews 13:20-21 - 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, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

WHEN ALL AROUND YOU THERE IS CHAOS,

LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST CALM YOUR HEART!

Sunday, November 22, 2020

IT IS PRETTY CLEAR!

 PSALM ONE

[1] Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
[2] But his delight is in the Law (Will) of the LORD; and in His Law does he meditate day and night.
[3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever it does shall prosper.
[4] The ungodly are not so:  but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
[5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
[6] For the LORD knows the way of the righteous:  but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Saturday, November 21, 2020

AS THE WORLD SPINS OUT OF CONTROL, TRUST THE LORD!

 OUR CURRENT WORLD!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD!

Psalm 4:5 - . . . . put your trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40:3 - And He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:  many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalm 115:11 - You that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD:  He is their help and their shield.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 29:25 - . . . . but whosoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Philippians 2:19, 24 - But I trust in the Lord Jesus . . . . But I trust in the Lord....

WHY PUT YOUR TRUST IN HIM?  HE HAS EARNED IT!

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

Romans 5:8-9 - But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Romans 8:26-27 - Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

TRUST HIM TODAY FOR WHAT YOU SEE  IN THE WORLD, IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE WRATH OF GOD TO COME!

Friday, November 20, 2020

SAVED FROM SIN, WE ARE HIS CHILD BY FAITH!

 WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

The word "believe" appears 269 times in the KJV New Testament!  

Hear are a few clear examples!

John 3:14-18 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up (crucified):  that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.  He that believes on Him is not condemned:  but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God.

Acts 2:44-47 - And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 16:31 - And they (Paul and Silas) said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved....

Romans 10:9-10That if you shall confess with your mouth (your faith in) the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:18-21 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  Where is the wise?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the disputer of this world?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law:  for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.

Ephesians 1:12-13 - That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.  In Whom you also trusted, after that you heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation:  in Whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise....

Hebrews 10:39 - But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

1 Peter 1:18-21 - Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (worthless traditions and way of life) received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, Who raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

1 John 5:1, 5, 10, 13 - Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:  and every one that loves Him Who begat loves Him also Who is begotten of Him. . . . Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God. . . . He that believes on the Son of God has the Witness in himself:  he that believes not God has made (declared) Him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of His Son. . . . These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may (continue to grow in faith) believe on the name of the Son of God.

GOD'S MESSAGE IS CLEAR; BELIEVE IN JESUS!

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

GOD'S MESSAGE TO TODAY'S CHURCH: REPENT!

 REVELATION CHAPTER TWO:  TO THE CHURCH!

[1] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
[2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
[3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
[4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
[5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and REPENT, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou REPENT.
[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
[8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
[11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
[12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
[13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
[14] But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
[15] So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
[16] REPENT; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
[17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
[18] And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
[19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
[20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
[21] And I gave her space to REPENT of her fornication; and she repented not.
[22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they REPENT of their deeds.
[23] And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
[24] But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
[25] But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
[26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
[27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
[28] And I will give him the morning star.
[29] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

REVELATION CHAPTER THREE:  TO THE CHURCH!

[1] And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
[2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
[3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and REPENT. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
[4] Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
[5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
[6] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
[7] And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
[8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
[9] Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
[10] Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
[11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
[12] Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
[13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
[14] And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and REPENT.
[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
[21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
[22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

WE HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

WE MUST BE LIKE GOD TO GO TO HEAVEN!

BELIEVERS ARE SINNERS WITH GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile).  For therein is THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 3:21-23, 26 - But now THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD without (apart from) the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets; even THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God . . . . To declare, I say, at this time HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS:  that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans 4:3-7 - For what saith the Scripture?  Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth (God freely gives His) HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Romans 5:17-18 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ.  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF ONE the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For He (the Father) hath made Him (His Son) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD (by faith) in Him.

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now are we the sons (children) of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when He shall appear, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see Him as He is.

THESE ARE BUT A FEW EXAMPLES THAT EXPLAIN

HOW ONE ATTAINS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS:

BY FAITH IN OUR RESURRECTED LORD!


Monday, November 16, 2020

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW GOD?

MANKIND IS IGNORANT OF THE THINGS OF GOD!

Nehemiah 9:17 - And refused to obey, neither were mindful of Thy wonders that Thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage:  but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsook them not.

Psalm 22:3, 9But Thou are holy, O Thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. . . . But Thou are He that took me out of the womb:  Thou did make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.

Proverbs 16:2, 9 - All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. . . . A man's heart devises his way:  but the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 17:3 - The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold:  but the LORD tries the hearts.

Proverbs 21:2 - Every way of a man is right in his own eyes:  but the LORD ponders the hearts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

- - - BUT - - -

Romans 8:26-39 - Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestine to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn (Resurrected) among many brethren.  Moreover whom He did predestine, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?  It is God that justifies.  Who is he that condemns? It is Christ Who died, yea rather, Who is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also makes intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THANK YOU LORD JESUS FOR FORGIVING OUR SINS, 

AND FOR CONTINUING TO TOLERATE OUR IGNORANCE!

Saturday, November 14, 2020

MY PRAYER FOR ME AND YOU!

 HEBREWS 13:20-21

Now the God of peace, Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Friday, November 13, 2020

MY VERSION OF A ROMANS MESSAGE!

 ROMANS 10:8-13 (PMV)

But what does God say?  He says, My Word is near you, even in your mouth as you speak it, and in your heart when you believe it; that is, the Word that produces faith, the Word which My followers share; that if you openly confess your faith in Christ with your mouth and truly believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart a man believes and is declared by God to be righteous; and as a result, with his mouth, he boldly tells others of his salvation.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes in Jesus. will not be ashamed.  And there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile (non-Jew):  for the Lord is rich in His mercy and His grace to all who trust in Him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

I CAN'T WAIT!

WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER!

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

A VETERAN'S TESTIMONY!

JULY 8, 1959 - First two of nearly 60,000 U.S. Military Casualties of Viet Nam!

Major Dale R. Buis and Master Sergeant Chester M. Ovnand became the first Americans killed in the American Phase of the Vietnam War, when guerrillas struck a Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) command in Bien Hoa twenty miles northeast of Saigon.  Military advisors had been assisting the Vietnamese since November 1, 1955.  Nearly twenty years and 60,000 American deaths later, the United States signed a "peace treaty" on January 27, 1973 with the North Vietnamese Viet Cong, and abandoned its effort to stop "the Communist dominoes" from falling in Southeast Asia.  The "peace treaty," basically a surrender, allowed for a "peaceful withdrawal" of American Troops, and yet, 507 Americans died from 1973 - 1975, the year the last name was added to "The Wall" Monument!  That name is U.S.A.F. Second Lieutenant Richard Vandegeer, who was killed in action on May 15, 1975. 

My "twenty-year" career in the United States Navy!

At the age of sixteen, my father drove me to the U. S. Navy Recruiting Office in Columbus, Ohio.  Although I did not have a choice, it was perhaps the best thing he could have done for his son!  I had my physical, and took the four mental/aptitude tests on which I surprisingly scored an exact average of 60 points (apparently that was good for a high school dropout)!  I later discovered I was obsessive - compulsive and the structure helped by stay out of jail or the grave! 

By the age of eighteen, I was an Draftsman Illustrator Third Class (strange field for a color-blind sailor), and in love with my wife of fifty-eight years and counting.  That was the same year my God-mother told me that I had been baptized as a Roman Catholic, and after taking Catechism classes, was confirmed in the church.  That turned out to be fortunate because my wife-to-be was also a Catholic.  We were married following Judy's graduation, and eighteen months later, had our first daughter.  Then, two years later, we had our second girl.  Within five years, I had left the Catholic Church over an argument with a priest, had entered and college, declared myself an atheist, and on January 31st, 1971, "got saved" (recognized Jesus as my Lord and Savior).  By this time, I was stationed with the Blue Angels, my last assignment before finishing my career with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon.

The Lord used the Navy to provide me with stability, with an education (Master's Degree in Theology), medical benefits for my family, and a pension that keeps us from starving on Social Security.  God has been so good to us, Now, I am longing to see Him so that I can, not only quit sinning, but so that I can thank Him to His face for all He has done for me and those He entrusted to my far less than perfect care!  

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY TO ALL THOSE WHO SIGNED "THE BLANK CHECK" TO UNCLE SAM, PAYABLE UP TO AND INCLUDING OUR LIVES.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE "JAR HEADS" WHO GUARDED US "PROTECTORS OF THE SEAS!"

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

JESUS, OUR BLESSED HOPE!

JESUS PROMISED TO COME FOR US!

John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled:  you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 50-54 - But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming. . . . Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:9-11 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.  For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.  For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words. . . . For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you (already) do.

BELIEVERS ARE LOOKING FOR OUR BLESSED HOPE;

UNBELIEVERS HAVE NO SUCH HOPE!

Monday, November 9, 2020

THE RAPTURE - THE TRIBULATION - THE SECOND COMING!

 

TWO DISTINCT PHASES OF THE

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

A Comparison Between the Rapture (Pre-tribulational Coming) and the Second Advent (Post-tribulational Coming)

1. TIME

  1. RAPTURE--before the tribulation (Revelation 3:10). The church will be kept out of that hour or time of testing which will come upon the whole world. See our booklet, Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation? (50¢).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--after the tribulation (Matthew 24:29-30; Revelation 19:11-16).

2. QUICKNESS

  1. RAPTURE--in a "moment" (Greek-"atom," a split-second, literally "uncut, indivisible," we divide and cut time into years and months and days and hours and minutes and seconds, but the smallest measure of time is an "atom" of time which we might call a split-second), in the blinking on an eye (1 Cor. 15:52). It is very sudden. It will happen before people will realize it is happening (even as it was with Enoch, see Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5). An example of a man being raptured away suddenly so as to be seen no more is found in Acts 8:39 (where the Greek word for rapture, harpazo, is used).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--slow enough for people to realize and see what is happening (Matthew 24:27; Rev. 1:7; Psalm 2:2; Rev. 19:19). The second coming of Christ to the earth will be visible and obvious to all. No one will miss it.

3. DATE (THE DAY ON WHICH IT WILL TAKE PLACE)

  1. RAPTURE--UNKNOWN DAY. The Lord Jesus will surely come for His Church (John 14:3) but we do not know when (compare 1 John 2:28 and 3:2 where the subjunctive mood is used indicating that while the fact of His coming is sure, the time of His coming is unsure). The rapture is imminent which means that He may come at any time. See Allen Beechick's discussion of the UNKNOWN DAY in the book The Pretribulation Rapture).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--KNOWN DAY. The date of the second coming can be calculated to the very day. It will occur 2520 days (7 years, or 84 months, each month made up of 30 days) from the time that Antichrist makes a treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27) and it will occur 1260 days (3½ years) from the time of the abomination of desolation (Matt. 24:15). See Revelation 11:2,3; 12:6,14; 13:5; 2 Thess. 2:8 (Antichrist destroyed at 2nd coming). Of course, this "known day" cannot be known or calculated by anyone until the treaty is signed (Dan. 9:27).

4. PRECEDING SIGNS

  1. RAPTURE--NONE (Tit. 2:13; Rev. 22:20; etc.). He may come for His Church at any time and nothing needs to be fulfilled before He comes. The only thing we are waiting for is the completion of the church (Matt. 16:18; Rom. 11:25), and only God knows when this will be.
  2. SECOND ADVENT--MANY (Matthew 24:3-28). There is much that must be fulfilled before Christ returns to the earth (such as all the events in Revelation 6-18).

ILLUSTRATION: The rapture can be likened to Thanksgiving (a holiday without signs) and the second advent can be likened to Christmas (which is preceded by all kinds of signs). When you see the signs of Christmas (decorations, lights, trees, etc.) then you can be sure that Thanksgiving will take place at any time. If Christmas is near then Thanksgiving must be even nearer!

5. VISIBILITY

  1. RAPTURE--Christ seen only by the church (1 Thess. 4:17; 1 John 3:2).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--Christ seen by every eye (Rev. 1:7; Matthew 24:24-27).

6. LOCATION

  1. RAPTURE--in the air (1 Thess. 4:17).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--on the earth (Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11).

7. ASSOCIATED JUDGEMENT

  1. RAPTURE--the judgment seat of Christ (2 Tim. 4:1,8; 1 Pet. 1:7).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--destruction of the wicked armies (Rev. 19:17-19) and the judgment of living nations (Matthew 25:31-46).

8. IDENTITY OF THOSE REMOVED FROM THE EARTH AND THOSE REMAINING ON THE EARTH

  1. RAPTURE--Believers are removed; unbelievers remain (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; John 14:3).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--Unbelievers are removed; believers remain (Matthew 24:37-41 and Luke 17:34-37). See Matthew 24:38 where the unbelieving world in Noah's day was taken away in judgment.

9. PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S COMING

  1. RAPTURE--to receive His bride (John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:17).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--to receive His kingdom (Luke 19:22; Rev. chapters 19-20)

10. THE BODIES OF LIVING BELIEVERS

  1. RAPTURE--church age believers are raised (those who have died) and are translated and "changed" (those who are living) with the result that they have immortal, resurrection bodies (1 Cor. 15:52-53; 1 Thess. 4:17).
  2. SECOND ADVENT--believers who survive the tribulation enter the kingdom in natural bodies (Matthew 25:23), and these believers will eventually bear children and re-populate the earth.
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Sunday, November 8, 2020

GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!

GOD WANTS US ALL TO BE LIKE HIM!

Genesis 1:26-27 - And God said, Let us make man (mankind) in Our image, after Our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.  So God created man (mankind) in His own image, in the image of God created He him (them); male and female created He them.

Note:  While Genesis 1:27 does say God created Adam in His image, this Scripture does not say he was created in His likeness!  However, in Genesis 5:1, we see that Adam was created in God's likeness:  but I believe when Adam sinned, he ceased to be like God.  I believe this is supported by the fact that Cain, Abel, and Seth were conceived after Adam sinned, and Genesis 5:3 specifically states that Seth had Adam's likeness, not God's. 

BEING BORN AGAIN DOES NOT MAKE US LIKE HIM!

John 3:3-7 - Jesus said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  Nicodemus said unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born (can he be physically born twice)?  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water (a physical birth) and of the Spirit (a spiritual birth), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.

Note:  If being born again meant one was made like God, the follow verses would not make sense:

Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world:  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove (put to the test) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:20-24But you have not so learned Christ; if so be that you have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  that you put off concerning the former conversation (lifestyle of) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ....

1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 - Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.  For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:  that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence (lust), even as the Gentiles who know not God:  that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.  For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

WE WON'T BE LIKE GOD UNTIL WE SEE JESUS!

Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Philippians 3:20-21 - For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God:  therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons (children) of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see Him as He is.

GOD'S WILL WILL FINALLY BE A REALITY IN BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS!

WHY NOT ALLOW HIM TO BEGIN HIS WORK IN YOU TODAY, WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME?

Saturday, November 7, 2020

1 THESSALONIANS: OUR HOPE; THEIR DREAD!

WHEN THE GOSPEL IS BELIEVED, PEOPLE CHANGE!

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 PMV - For they themselves show us the impact we had upon you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, Who delivered us from His wrath to come.

YES, THIS SAME JESUS IS COMING BACK FOR US!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 PMVBut I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those believers who have died, that you do not sorrow, even as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so the believers who have died, Jesus will God bring with back with Him.  For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not ascend before those who have died.  For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

A HOPELESS, CHRIST-REJECTING WORLD, WILL EXPERIENCE GOD'S WRATH! 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 PMV - But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction shall come upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  You are all the children of light, and the children of the day:  we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not fool ourselves, as do others; but let us watch and be hopeful.  For they that live in sin love the darkness; and they that are drunk with sin, are hide in the cover of night.  But let us who love the light, be alert, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God has not appointed us to suffer His wrath, but to obtain salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we live or have died, we should live eternally, together with Him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and encourage one another, even as you have been doing.

TIME IS SHORT:  TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST TODAY!

Friday, November 6, 2020

IT IS THE WILL OF GOD THAT BELIEVERS SUBMIT TO GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY, UNLESS....

Romans 13:1-7 - OBEY THOSE IN AUTHORITY!

[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  [2] Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God:  and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power?  Do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same:  [4] For he is the minister of God to you for good.  But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain:  for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.  [5] Wherefore you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  [6] For for this cause pay you tribute also:  for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  [7] Render therefore to all their dues:  tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

1 Timothy 2:1-6 - OBEY THOSE IN AUTHORITY!

[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;  [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  [5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  [6] Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Acts 5:25-32 - OBEY UNLESS THEY CONTRADICT GOD!

[25] Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.  [26] Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence:  for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.  [27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,  [28] Saying, Did not we command you that you should not teach in this name?  And, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.  [29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  [30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom you slew and hanged on a tree.  [31] Him has God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  [32] And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, Whom God has given to those who obey Him.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

IN OUR WORLD OF CHAOS: REMEMBER THIS!


PSALM 23


  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures:  He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul:  He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies:  You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

GOD'S WORK AND OUR "WORK" IN SALVATION!

 GOD'S WORK FOR OUR SALVATION!

John 3:14-18 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up (Crucified):  that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.  He that believeth in Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

Ephesians 2:1-9 - And you hath He quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  among whom also we all had our conversation (lifestyle; way of life) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened (made us alive) us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.

OUR PART IN OUR SALVATION!

John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:  and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 6:29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him Whom He hath sent.

Acts 5:14 - And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.

Acts 10:43To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.

Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile).

1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received (have believed), and wherein ye stand:  by which also ye are saved . . . For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures....

Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

ETC.; ETC.; ETC....

ACCORDING TO GOD'S WORD, THIS FREE OFFER IS DUE TO EXPIRE!

BELIEVERS ARE SOON TO BE CAUGHT UP IN THE AIR WITH JESUS, 

AND ALL HELL IS ABOUT TO BREAK OUT ON EARTH - DO NOT DELAY!

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

SALVATION: BOOKS, A BOOK, AND A LAKE OF FIRE!

 GOD'S OFFER TO SAVE US FROM

THE ETERNAL LAKE OF FIRE!

John 3:14-18And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,* even so must the Son of Man be lifted up:  that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.  He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God.

*Note:  See that event as a type for Christ's Crucifixion in Numbers 21:8-9.

Revelation 20:10-15 - And the devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.  And I saw a Great White Throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:* and another book** was opened, which is the Book of Life:** and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,* according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:  and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire.  This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life** was cast into the Lake of Fire.

*Note:  "The books" apparently are records of a person's thoughts, words, and deeds, which reveal all are guilty of sin, and therefore, worthy of death in the Lake of Fire. 

**Note:  "The Book of Life" apparently is a record of those who accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and who therefore will benefit from Jesus taking our sin and giving us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)!  "The Lamb's Book of Life" is also mentioned in Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 21:27; and 22:19.


NO ONE DESERVES TO BE SAVED;

SALVATION IS A GIFT OFFERED,

AND MUST BE ACCEPTED BY FAITH!

Monday, November 2, 2020

TO QUOTE THE VICTIM OF RACISM, CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

 IT IS GOD'S WILL THAT BELIEVERS BE ONE!

John 17:20-23 - Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us:  that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.  And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one:  I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.

HOWEVER, HE HAS SOME QUALIFICATIONS!

Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14 - Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. . . . And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Titus 3:10-11 - A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

2 John1:10-11 - If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:  for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

WHICH BRINGS ME TO ADDRESS THE FREQUENT STATEMENT THAT NO MATTER FOR WHOM YOU VOTE, WE CAN STILL BE FRIENDS!

Any person who votes for a party that wants to change the Pledge of Allegiance; the Flag itself; to rewrite the Constitution; that wants to repeal the Second Amendment that allows citizens to own firearms; the supports open borders allowing millions of illegal aliens to have financial assistance, and the right to vote; supports the murder of unborn children; supports the radical, racist group Black Lives Matter; supports the defunding of the Police; supports a candidate who sniffs and fondles women and girls; etc.; is certainly not going to be interested in being my friend!  Feel free to unfriend me and repent!!!!!!!