SO MANY QUESTIONS AND HE HAS THE ANSWERS

Have you ever thought about what the Bible means when it describes Jesus as the "Author and Finisher of our faith?"  Hebrews 12:1-2 says:  "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I would like to suggest that, as the Author, Jesus wrote the "Lamb's Book of Life," in which are the names of all who will trust in Him throughout time.  These verses speak of His book:

*  Philippians 4:3 - "And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the  Book of Life."
*  Revelation 3:5 - "He that overcomes, 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."
*  Revelation 13:8 - "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship Him, whose names are not written in the  Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
*  Revelation 17:8 - "The beast that thou saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is."
*  Revelation 20:12 - "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."
*  Revelation 20:15 - "And whosoever was not found written in the  Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."
*  Revelation 21:27 - "And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie:  but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
*  Revelation 22:19 - "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the  Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

On the other hand, it is quite possible that those two words state the same idea as the "Alpha and Omega,"; the "First and the Last"; and the "Beginning and the End?"  I am sure there are many who could answer my question, but I kind of want to wait until Jesus explains it to me!  Soon, very soon, I hope and pray!  Maranatha!  Come Lord Jesus!

 

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: 

now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

PERFECTION IS UNACHIEVABLE IN THIS LIFE

There is no perfect Church.  Why?  Because there are no perfect Christians. The reason?  Because we will not be like Jesus until we meet Him face-to-face.  The Apostle John wrote:
"Beloved, now are we the sons 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" (1 Jn. 3:2).

The Apostle Paul wrote that we do not deserve to be God's children, but that Christians are saved by grace (unmerited favor) and not by our worthiness through doing good.  He wrote:
"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).

Paul tells us that our ultimate Christ-likeness will be completed by the One Who gives us our "new birth":
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; 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" (Phil. 1:3-6).

In the mean time, like Paul, we struggle with our efforts to live for Christ and to serve our fellow man; he described our inward battle (note that he is speaking in the present tense):
"For we know that the Law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  For that which I do I allow not:  for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the Law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing:  for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the Law of God after the inward man:  but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  O wretched man that I am!  Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, with the mind I myself serve the Law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin" (Rom. 7:14-25).

 

Be patient with yourself and with others; God is not finished with us yet!

TRUE SALVATION RESULTS IN A LIFE OF PRAISE AND OBEDIENCE

*   Revelation 1:1-6 - "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John:  Who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.  Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written therein:  for the time is at hand.  John to the seven churches which are in Asia:  Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.  Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen."

*   Revelation 4:10-11 - "The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created."

*   Revelation 5:11-13 - "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever."

*   Revelation 7:9-12 - "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.  And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen:  Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen."

*   Revelation 19:1-9 - "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:  For true and righteous are His judgments:  for He has judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.  And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up forever and ever.  And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.  And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:  for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him:  for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready.  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

HE SPOKE AS ONE HAVING AUTHORITY

OLD TESTAMENT PRAYER - PSALM 23

[1] The LORD is MY Shepherd; I shall not want.
[2] He maketh ME to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth ME beside the still waters.
[3] He restoreth MY soul: He leadeth ME in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with ME; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort ME.
[5] Thou preparest a table before ME in the presence of MINE enemies:  Thou anointest MY head with oil; MY cup runneth over.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow ME all the days of MY life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 

NEW TESTAMENT PRAYER - MATTHEW 6:9-13

[9]After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.
[10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
[11] Give US this day OUR daily bread.
[12] And forgive US OUR debts, as WE forgive OUR debtors.
[13] And lead US not into temptation, but deliver US from evil:  For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LETTER OF THE LAW

AND THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW!  MATTHEW 5

[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
[22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:  and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council:  but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil:  but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you....

 

IS IT ANY WONDER THAT ISRAEL WAS AMAZED AT JESUS' TEACHINGS?

THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

JESUS LED AND EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

*   Luke 4:1, 14 - "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about."
*   John 3:34 - "For He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God:  for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him."
*   Acts 10:38 - "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him."
*   Hebrews 9:14 - "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"

 

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IS TO BRING THE LOST TO CHRIST

*   John 16:8-11, 14 - "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  Of sin, because they believe not on Me; Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged....He shall glorify Me:  for He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you."

 

DENYING THE SPIRIT'S "EVIDENCE," IS BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY GHOST

*   Matthew 12:22, 24-28, 32, 37 - "Then was brought unto Him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and He healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw....But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow does not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.  And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:  And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?  And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out?  Therefore they shall be your judges.  But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you....And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:  but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come....For by your words you shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned."

 

BELIEVING THE SPIRIT'S EVIDENCE RESULTS IN SALVATION

*   Romans 10:9-11 - "That if you shall confess with your mouth 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.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed."

 

WE ARE SAVED BY BELIEVING THE SPIRIT'S EVIDENCE!

TWELVE REASONS TO REJOICE

When persecuted:  "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Mt. 5:12).

When God chooses you:  "And Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Lk. 1:46-47).

When you know you are His:  "...rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Lk. 10:20).

When you see God in action:  "...the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen" (Lk. 19:37).

When thinking of Christ being with the Father:  "...If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I" (Jn. 14:28).

When you see others being blessed:  "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Rom. 12:15).

When others are being honored:  "...one member be honored, all the members rejoice..." (1 Cor. 12:26).

When the truth prevails:  "Rejoice not in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth" (1 Cor. 13:6).

When others are faithful:  "I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things" (2 Cor. 7:16).

When Christ is preached:  "...Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice" (Phil. 1:18).

When?  Always!:  "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice"  "Rejoice evermore" (Phil 4:4; 1 Th. 5:6).

When thinking of your relationship with Christ:  "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. 19:7).

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them!"

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Christians have become so focused upon the fact that "salvation is not of works, but by grace through faith," (Eph. 2:8-9) that some of us forget that God's grace calls us to surrender to the Lordship of Christ!  Salvation involves two factors:  Remission - Christ paid the penalty for my sins; and Repentance - my acknowledgement of my need for His salvation, and that I am being called to follow Him as my Shepherd, my Lord (Lk. 24:47)!  As a result, millions of people have believed that they are Christians because they believe the Gospel.  They believe that Jesus died for their sins, that He was buried, and that He rose from the dead according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4), but they fail to comprehend that Jesus' death made Him Savior, but He was raised to be LORD.  Philippians 2:5-11 says:

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father."

You see, man needs salvation because we disobey God.  When true salvation occurs, one is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and He leads us to obey our Lord (Jn. 14:17; 16:13)!  Yes, true salvation results in a desire to obey Jesus Christ as our Lord!  Here are a few verses written to believers:

*   Acts 5:29-32 - "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, Whom God hath given to them that obey Him."
*   2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - "...the LORD Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them...that obey not the Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ."
*   2 Thessalonians 3:14 - "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."
*   Hebrews 1:9 - "And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him."

When a person believes the Gospel, he finds not problem in understanding the words of Jesus:

 



"Ye call Me MASTER and LORD: and ye say well; for I AM" (Jn. 13:13).

IDENTIFYING OUR ENEMY

In this world of chaos and hatred, we often become focused upon the "soldiers" of our true enemy, instead of the spirit that has deceived them.  Terrorists, rioters, looters, murderers, rapists, thieves, etc., etc., etc., are those men and women who have rejected Jesus and His message of love.  Instead, they have listened to the very enemy of God!  In Romans 1:24, 26, 28, we are told that because of their rebellion against Him and His message of love, God has given them over to a reprobate mind.  So who are they following if they are opposed to God? Their leader has many names:

Abaddon -  Revelation 9:11.
Accuser - Revelation 12:10.
Adversary. - 1 Peter 5:8.
Angel of light - 2 Corinthians 11:14.
Angel of the bottomless pit - Revelation 9:11.
Anointed covering cherub - Ezekiel 28:14.
Apollyon - Revelation 9:11.
Beelzebub - Matthew 12:24.
Belial - 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Deceiver - Revelation 12:9.
Devil - 1 John 3:8.
Dragon - Revelation 12:9.
Enemy - Matthew 13:39.
Evil one - John 17:15.
Fallen star - Revelation 9:1.
Father of lies - John 8:44.
God of this age - 2 Corinthians 4:4.
King of the bottomless pit - Revelation 9:11.
King of Tyre - Ezekiel 28:12.
Lucifer - Isaiah 14:12.
Murderer - John 8:44.
Power of darkness - Colossians 1:13.
Prince of the power of the air - Ephesians 2:2.
Roaring lion - 1 Peter 5:8.
Ruler of demons - Luke 11:15.
Ruler of this world - John 12:31.
Satan - Mark 1:13.
Serpent of old - Revelation 12:9.
Tempter - Matthew 4:3.
Thief - John 10:10.
Wicked one - Ephesians 6:16.

But be of good cheer; Jesus has overcome Satan, and has him on a leash.  Whatever he does to us, the Lord has allowed, and the result will ultimately work together for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28)!  According to Ephesians 6:11-12, our job is to "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." 

BOTTOM LINE:  WE WIN!

WARNING: TIME IS EXTREMELY SHORT!

If you are reading this today, and have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ,  it is not too late to do so!  Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures!  Our world has gone completely mad!  Because Jesus knew what would happen in the last days, He gave this warning:

Luke 19:26-29 - "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all."

Genesis 6:5-8 - "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.  And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them.  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."

Genesis 19:15-19 - "And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.  And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.  And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.  And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:  Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast showed unto me in saving my life...."

God wants to show your mercy; He wants to save you by His incomprehensible grace!  Paul wrote that God wants to "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" (Eph. 2:7-9)!

 

CALL UPON JESUS TO BE YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR - NOW!

YOUR SALVATION IS BY FAITH IN JESUS AS YOUR LORD!

John 1:11-13 - "Jesus came unto His own people, and His own people received Him not.  But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

Romans 8:14-25 - "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him Who has subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.  And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body.  For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for it?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

Philippians 2:13-15 - "For it is God Who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  Do all things without murmuring and disputing:  that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

1 John 3:1-3 - "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:  therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons 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.  And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure."

 

My prayer is that all my family would surrender their lives to the Lord, Jesus Christ!

Note:  All Scripture is from the Skip's Lighthouse Version.

WE ARE ALL KNOWN BY OUR FRUIT

*  Matthew 7:15-20 (SLV) - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly, they are ravening wolves.  You shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  No!  Likewise, every good tree produces good fruit; but a corrupt tree produces evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  So, by their fruits you shall know them."

*  John 12:23-25 (SLV) - "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone:  but if it dies, it shall bring forth an abundance of fruit.  He who loves his life in this world, shall lose it; and he who hates his life, in this world, will find that he has eternal life."

*  Romans 6:20-23 (SLV) - "For when you were slaves to sin, you were free from righteousness.  What fruit did you gain from those things, of which you are now ashamed?  For the end of those things is death.  But now, being made free from sin and become servants to God, you have the fruit of holiness, and the end of those things everlasting life.  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

*  Galatians 5:13-23 (SLV) - "For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love, serve one another.  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.  But if ye bite and devour one another, be warned that you may also be consumed by others.  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary to one another: so that you cannot do the things that you want to.  But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envy, murder, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  which I told you before, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

YOU SAY YOU LOVE GOD? SHOW ME!

The definition of "iniquity," is "a lack of righteousness, of justice; sin!"  People who say they are believers and yet, continue a life of sin, are not born again, and are no better than the Pharisees!  God disciplines His children, and He will not allow us to continue in sin (Heb. 12:5-8)!  Therefore, let all who name the name of Christ, depart from iniquity!

*  Matthew 7:23 (SLV) - "And then will I say unto them, I never knew you:  depart from Me, you who do the works of  iniquity."

*  Matthew 13:41 (SLV) - "The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who do the works of  iniquity."

*  Matthew 23:28 (SLV) - "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."

*  Matthew 24:12 (SLV) - "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall become cold."

*  Luke 13:27 (SLV) - "But He shall say, I tell you, I do not know you; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity."

*  Acts 1:18 (SLV) - "Now Judas Iscariot purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; (after he hung himself - Mt. 27:3-5) his body fell headlong, and his body burst open, and all of his bowels gushed out."

*  Romans 6:19 (SLV) - "I speak after the manner of men because of the weakness of your flesh: for as you have yielded your body to uncleanness and to iniquity; even so, today, yield your body as servants to righteousness. to holiness."

*  1 Corinthians 13:6 (SLV) - "Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth."

*  2 Timothy 2:19 (SLV) - "Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows those who are His.  And, Let every one that says they believe in Christ, depart from iniquity."

*  Titus 2:13-14 (SLV) - "We are looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, so that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself, a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

 

IF YOU SAY YOU LOVE GOD, YOUR LIFE SHOULD SHOW IT!

HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH DARKNESS

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 (KING JAMES VERSION)

"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."

 

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money.  They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.  They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.  Stay away from people like that!"

 

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 (EASY-TO-READ VERSION)

"Remember this:  There are some terrible times coming in the last days.  People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud and boast about themselves. They will abuse others with insults.  They will not obey their parents.  They will be ungrateful and against all that is pleasing to God.  They will have no love for others and will refuse to forgive anyone.  They will talk about others to hurt them and will have no self-control.  They will be cruel and hate what is good.  People will turn against their friends.  They will do foolish things without thinking and will be so proud of themselves.  Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure.  They will go on pretending to be devoted to God, but they will refuse to let that 'devotion' change the way they live.  Stay away from these people!"

 

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 (GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION)

"Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days.  People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people."

 

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 (THE LIVING BIBLE)

"You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian.  For people will love only themselves and their money; they will be proud and boastful, sneering at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them, and thoroughly bad.  They will be hardheaded and never give in to others; they will be constant liars and troublemakers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good.  They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with pride, and prefer good times to worshiping God.  They will go to church, yes, but they won’t really believe anything they hear.  Don’t be taken in by people like that."

THEY WILL KNOW YOU ARE CHRISTIANS IF YOU SHOW THEM LOVE!

*  Matthew 5:42-45 (SLV) - "Give to him who asks you, and from him who would borrow from you, do not turn away.  You have heard it said, you should love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless them who curse you, do good to them who hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you; so that you may demonstrate that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven...."

*  Matthew 22:36-40 (SLV) - "Master, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?  Jesus said unto him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  That is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like unto it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

*  John 13:33-35 (SLV) - "Little children, My time with you is short.  You shall seek Me:  and as I said unto the Jews, where I go, you cannot yet come; so now I say to you.  A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another.  As I have loved you, you also love one another.  By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another."

*  John 15:12-17 (SLV) - "This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.  Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  You show that you are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant does not know what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father, I have made known unto you.  You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:  that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.  These things I command you, that you love one another."

*  Romans 13:8-10 (SLV) - "Owe no man anything, but to love one another:  for he that loves others has fulfilled the Law.  For this:  You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shalt not bear false witness, You shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.  Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law."

*  Galatians 5:13-14 (SLV) - "For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  For all the Law is fulfilled in one commandment, even in this; You shall love your neighbor as yourself!"

 

YOU SAY YOU LOVE GOD?  I'M FROM MISSOURI!  SHOW ME!

OUR WORLD TODAY

THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN 

*  Luke 17:26-30 (SLV) - "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but the same day that Lot went up out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

NOAH

*  Genesis 6:11-13 (SLV) - "The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.  And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.  And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth."
*  Genesis 7:16-17 (SLV) - "And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.  And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth."

LOT

*  Genesis 19:15-17, 30 (SLV) - "And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take your wife, and your two daughters, which are here; lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.  And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.  And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed.  And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain...."

 



THE BELIEVER'S PRAYER

*  2 Samuel 22:3, 49 (SLV) - "The God of my Rock; in Him will I trust: He is my Shield, and The Horn of my salvation, my High Tower, and my Refuge, my Savior; You save me from violence. - And that brings me forth from my enemies: You also have lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me:  You have delivered me from the violent man."
*  Psalm 18:48 (SLV) - "He delivers me from my enemies:  yes, You lift me up above those that rise up against me:  You have delivered me from the violent man."

THE LORD'S PROMISE

*  John 14:1-3 (SLV) - "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 ye may be also."
*  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (SLV) - "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."

THE GLORY OF THE LAMB IN REVELATION

*  5:11-14 (SLV) - "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him Who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.  And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped Him Who lives forever and ever."

*  7:9-12 (SLV) - "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God Who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.  And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen:  Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen."

*  15:3-4 (SLV) - "And they sang the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Your ways, O King of saints.  Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?  For You only are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before You; for Your judgments are made manifest."

*  19:1-4 (SLV) - "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:  for true and righteous are his judgments: for he has judged the great whore, who did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.  And again they said, Alleluia.  And her smoke rose up forever and ever.  And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God Who sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia."

*  21:9-10, 22-23 (SLV) - "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.  And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God....And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb were the temple of it.  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it:  for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."

*  22:1, 3-5 (SLV) - "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb....And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him:  And they shall see His face; and His name shall be on their foreheads.  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God will give them light: and they shall reign forever and ever."

 

PRAISE AND GLORIFY HIM TODAY, AND UNTIL HE COMES FOR US!

(SLV) = Skip's Lighthouse Version

NO ONE WON THE ELECTION

It is the day after the election, and fifty percent of the American voters (including the illegal aliens, felons, and the dead), have spoken.  One side celebrates victory and the other side feels their way of life will be destroyed.  Neither view is correct!  First of all, there is no victory in a nation divided.  And, the U.S. Constitution, which the losing side seemed to ignore, guarantees them "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  Once again, each of the three branches of government will have the opportunity to provide protection from the over-reach of power of the others (something totally missing of late).  America has been given "a second chance" at being a "melting-pot" rather than a "stove of many pans!"  However, the problem, the real problem with America cannot be fixed by a new government.  America, like the rest of our chaotic world, is filled with those described in the following Bible passage!  Based upon these five verses, America is more likely to have an assassination before it has a inauguration! 

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 New Living Translation

"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!"

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 New International Version

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 King James Version

"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."

If you prayed before the election, actually believing your candidate will solve America's problems, you have a great deal of disappointment ahead.  We are about to see the character qualities mentioned above, loosed upon our own government, our churches, and within our own families! 

 

PRAY THAT GOD WILL HAVE MERCY ON THOSE YOU LOVE, AND PROTECT THEM FROM THOSE EVENTS THE BIBLE TELLS US ARE COMING!

AN ELECTION DAY JOKE (SORT OF)!

*  1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (SLV) - "Pay attention:  I will 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."

*  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (SLV) - "But I do not want you to be lacking knowledge, brethren, concerning those who have passed away, and 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 souls of those who 'sleep' in Jesus, God bring 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 precede those who 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 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."

First let me say, Americans have fought and died to insure that our citizens (take note of who is authorized to vote:  citizens!) have the freedom to choose our local, state, and national leaders!  In this present election, we have seen near riots at campaign gatherings, a fire-bombing of a campaign office, dozens of folks who "promise" to leave if their candidate loses, illegal aliens encouraged to vote, dead people voting "absentee" ballots (sorry for the grotesque pun), and even an attempt on the Republican Presidential candidate's life.  Yard signs have been stolen, death threats spray-painted on buildings, calling for the murder of "Trump voters." 

While neither candidate has lived a life that parents want as role-models for their children, their sins are not so bad that the blood of Jesus cannot cover them, should they place their faith in His atonement for their sins, and honor Him as their resurrected Lord!  The same is true for this writer, and for all those willing to read this.  Jesus died for sinners; His Father raised Him, showing that He was pleased with Christ's self-sacrificial offering.  While He reigns in the hearts of born again believers, one day, very soon, He will return to reign on earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords!

I will not tell you how to vote, but I will tell you that Christians are called "salt" by their Lord, because He wants us to stand against Satan and his demons; He wants us to, at least, slow down the corruption and decay that is eventually going to occur under the false Christ, the Antichrist.  We vote, not for a perfect person, not even for a person beyond reproach; we vote in our hope that the candidate will endeavor to slow the downward spiral that our nation is clearly experiencing today!

If I were a prophet (I am definitely not), I would tell you that a vote for Trump will not make America as great as it has been, but I hope he will be "the last trump" we as believers, will need to elect!  So, I am saying, it is my hope that the Church, those of us who are trusting in the God Who governs in the lives of men, whether they want Him to or not, will come for us very soon, so this will be THE LAST TRUMP we will ever need to elect!!!!!!!

S.A.L.T.

SALT AS A PRESERVATIVE

*  Leviticus 2:13 (SLV) - "And every offering of your meat offering shall you season with salt; neither shall you allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your meat offering:  with all your offerings you shalt offer salt."
*  Numbers 18:19 (SLV) - "All the offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given to you, and your sons and your daughters with you, by a statute forever: it is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD unto you and to your seed with you."
*  Matthew 5:13 (SLV) - "You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savor, with what shall it be salted?  It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
*  Mark 9:49-50 (SLV) - "For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.  Salt is good:  but if the salt have lost its saltiness, with what will you season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
*  Luke 14:34 (SLV) - "Salt is good:  but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned?"

[(SLV) = Skip's Lighthouse Version]

S - Stops corruption, decay, destruction, and rotting.

A - Always helps to preserve that which is good.

L - Loves what is good, light, and truth.

T - Treasures that which pleases the Lord.


V - Votes for that which slows evil.

O - Opposes that which encourages evil.

T - Takes a stand for righteousness and against evil.

E - Endeavors to promote good, and to withstand evil.

S - Stands with those who promote life, liberty, and justice. 

VOTE

AN AMAZING PSALM ABOUT JESUS AS GOD AND AS ISRAEL'S KING

PSALM 110

[1] The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
[2] The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
[3] Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
[4] The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
[5] The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
[6] He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
[7] He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

NEW TESTAMENT CROSS REFERENCES

[1] Ps. 45:6-7; Mt. 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44; Acts 2:34-36; 1 Cor. 15:25; Heb. 1:13.
[2] Gen. 49:10; Num. 24:17; Ps. 45:6; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15.
[3] Judg. 5:2; 1 Chr. 16:29; 2 Chr. 20:21; Ps. 29:2; 96:9.
[4] Num. 23:19; Zech. 6:13; Heb. 5:6; 6:20; 7:17, 21.
[5] Job 21:30; Pr. 11:4; Zeph. 1:15; Rom. 2:5; Rev. 11:18.
[6] Ps. 2:9; Isa. 28:16; 60:12; Dan. 2:28, 35, 44; 4:3, 34; 6:26; 7:14, 27; Mic. 4:7; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Cor. 15:24.
[7] Judg. 7:5; 1 Kgs. 17:4; Rev. 7:17; 21:6; 22:1, 17.

 

THE WORD OF GOD IN MIND-BOGGLING!

This Psalm speaks of the future glory of the Son of David, Jesus Christ.  It is a picture of The Son of God (LORD = YHVH = Jehovah = Jesus) speaking to Himself as Jesus, the Son of Man, in His role as the Son of David, Israel's Messianic King.  And I thought the Trinity was difficult to understand! 

 

The Bible is simple enough to save a child.

And, it is complex enough to humble theologians!

GOD IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

Ever since the creation of the Universe, there have been men and women who have heard the voice of God.  Adam and Eve heard Him in the Garden; Noah heard the Lord's instructions to build an ark; Moses heard Him of and on over forty years, from the time of the Exodus, until Moses died overlooking the "Promised Land."  The prophets heard Him; kings, both Gentile, and those of Israel, heard Him.  And, even though these heard Him, the Bible says no man has ever seen the Father (Jn. 1:18; 1 Jn. 4:12).  Here are just a few examples from the "Skip's Lighthouse Version":
   *  Deuteronomy 4:12 - "And the LORD spoke unto you out of the midst of the fire:  you heard the voice of the words, but you did not see Him; you heard only a voice."
   *  1 Kings 19:12-13 - "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.  And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood at the entrance of the cave.  And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What are you doing here, Elijah?"
   *  Luke 3:22 - "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, You are My beloved Son; in Whom I am well pleased."
   *  Acts 9:4-5 - "And Saul fell to the ground, and he heard a voice of Jesus saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?"

Although I am certainly not a prophet, a priest, a king, or an apostle, I have been blessed to have heard God a handful of times over my forty-five years as a born again believer.  All of them were during times of spiritual stress!  With the situation included, here they are:
   *  Situation:  I was depressed because I felt I lacked the love believers should have.  While I was weeping over the sudden death of a young father of three that had just occurred leaving his widow destitute, I heard the Lord say, "You wanted to love as I love; this is what My kind of love feels like; I will help you grow in love in due time!"
   *  Situation:  While I was weeping over one of my daughter's unwed pregnancy, and struggling with anger, grief, and utter sadness, I heard the Lord say, "Jesus wept!"  I knew He was letting me know He understood!
   *  Situation:  Struggling with learning Greek for seminary, I was ready to give up.  I felt led to open an Our Daily Bread Devotional, and I heard God say the same thing three times:  "Turn to September second."  Finally, when I did, the title was "God's Love Softens Hearts."  I immediately remembered that on that day, I had had an emotional breakdown in a chapel service, and didn't know at that time, why.  I realized it was God softening my heart, for I had been distraught over having to attend a liberal seminary instead of a wonderful Bible teaching seminary too far away for me to commute.
   *  Situation:  I lost my temper in a group exercise when one "jerk" refused to cooperate with the rest of us; he thought it was funny to sabotage our need for a unanimous decision.  The Lord told me later, "As much as possible, get alone with all men."  He was letting me know this guy was clearly the exception!
   *  Situation:  I had been called to pastor a church, but my wife refused to go.  I awoke from a nap and heard the Lord say, "You go and let her come on the weekends."  It was not until later I realized it had to be the Lord, because if it was my own thought, it would have been in first person: "I'll go and she can come on the weekends."

 

Listen for the voice of God; He is no respecter of persons! 

What He has done for a "scoundrel like me," He can do for you!

HOW THIS ATHEIST CAME TO FAITH IN CHRIST

1.  A ROCK MUSICIAN FROM CALIFORNIA, TIM COFFMAN, CAME TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.

2.  THE LORD PUT ME ON HIS HEART, AND HE SENT ME A POCKET NEW TESTAMENT.

3.  I THREW THE NEW TESTAMENT ACROSS THE ROOM.

4.  THAT NEW TESTAMENT MYSTERIOUSLY ENDED UP IN MY BRIEF CASE.

5.  SINCE I WAS TOTALLY BORED,  I PICKED IT UP FOR A LAUGH, AND OPENED IT AT RANDOM.

6.  AS A SOCIOLOGY MAJOR, I WAS ASTOUNDED AT THE BEAUTY AND COMPASSION OF  MATTHEW 25 (A PARABLE AND CHRIST'S IDENTIFYING WITH THE DOWN TRODDEN).

7.  I SHOCKED JUDY BY TELLING HER I HAD READ FROM THE BIBLE.

8.  THE KIDS TURNED ON THE TV TO AN ALABAMA CHURCH SERVICE AND LEFT IT THERE.

9.  INSTEAD OF TELLING THEM TO CHANGE THE STATION, I TOLD JUDY HOW AMAZED I WOULD BE IF THAT “JOKER” PREACHED ON THE ONE CHAPTER I HAD READ.

10.  HE IMMEDIATELY ANNOUNCED HIS MESSAGE WAS ON MATTHEW 25, THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS!

11.  I JUMPED UP AS THOUGH I HAD WON THE LOTTERY!

12.  I ACTUALLY HEARD THE GOSPEL THREE TIMES OVER THE NEXT THREE HOURS; THE LAST OF WHICH WAS FROM REX HUMBARD OF THE CATHEDRAL OF TOMORROW IN AKRON, OHIO.

13.  DURING HIS “INVITATION,” HE POINTED AT THE TV CAMERA AND SAID, “YOU THERE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM; GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND ACCEPT JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR.”

14.  I DID!

15.  I IMMEDIATELY KNEW THREE THINGS:  MY SIN WAS FORGIVEN; THE BIBLE WAS THE WORD OF GOD; AND THAT I NEEDED TO PREPARE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. IT WOULD BE TWENTY YEARS BEFORE I WAS CALLED TO PASTOR A SMALL RURAL KENTUCKY CHURCH!

16.  45 YRS; 10 MO; AND 1 WEEK AGO (JAN. 31, 1971), I BELIEVED!  I STILL DO!

 

I READ HIS WORD; I BELIEVED HIS WORD; MY LIFE IS STILL BEING CHANGED BY HIS WORD!

TIME IS SHORT - SHARE YOUR FAITH!

I have believed in Jesus Christ for nearly forty-six years, and even though I am absolutely certain that I am a born-again child of Almighty God, every once in a blue moon, Satan tries to doubt my relationship with the Lord.  When those times come (thank God they are infrequent!), I have always remembered how the Lord got through my atheistic, thick head, and moved me to believe and to repent;  faith moved me to kneel in my living room and to trust in His Son on January 31, 1971. 

God orchestrated my salvation by using believers from four states, including three T.V. preachers.  And that was only the beginning!  Within a matter of one week, He miraculously connected me with the church that had been praying for my salvation, every Wednesday night for six months.  Within that first week, I was asked to "give my testimony" (I had no idea what that was), and when I did, a Southern Baptist deacon walked the aisle and accepted Jesus!  Praise God!

From that time until now, God has closed doors, opened doors, and gently guided me through this mine field we call life.  While I am sure He has spoken to me off and on throughout the years, I am only aware of four times when I recognized the voice I heard was His.  Ironically, all four were times of great depression, and I heard what I needed on those occasions.  I am not sure how many days there are in forty-six years, but to hear from God on just four of them, certainly does not make me "special."  I am just blessed and grateful! 

I, like Israel, have frequently looked back at those "markers" when facing doubt (Joshua Ch. 4), and while they have assured me, I have discovered that, while they are important, in reality, I have to ask myself, "Do I believe in Jesus Christ today?"  The answer is "YES!"  You see, the word "believe" is a present tense verb.  The question, "Do you believe?" means, "At this moment in time, do you believe Jesus Christ, God's Son, is both your Savior and your Lord?"  Again, for me, thank God, the answer is a resounding "YES!" 

My Pastor has asked me to give a short testimony this coming Sunday, as to how God saved me by using His Holy Word.  If you know me, or have read my blog in the past, you know that limiting me to two minutes, is like allowing a hungry dog to eat only one bite of steak!  That being said, I will use notes, I will stick to my notes, and with your prayers, God's will and help, I will "tell somebody!"  But today, in this post, I will tell you:  Jesus, Creator God, crucified, buried, and raised from the dead, is my Savior and my Lord!  I pray that everyone reading this has their own testimony of how you have come to faith in Jesus!

Based upon how current events are lining up with end-times prophecy, we don't have much time to reach the lost.  I pray you will join me in sharing your faith to as many as God leads you!

IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS, FROM BEGINNING TO END

Jesus is God and has been from the very beginning (all from Skipslighthouse Version (SLV):

*  Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
*  Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom...."
*  Psalm 119:160 - "Your Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Your  righteous judgments endures forever."
*  Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...."
*  Proverbs 8:22-23 - "The LORD possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old.  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, as long as the world has existed."
*  Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding."
*  Isaiah 41:4 - "Who has made and done it, calling the generations from the beginning?  I, the LORD, the first, and unto the last; I Am He."
*  Isaiah 46:10 - "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure."
*  Isaiah 64:4 - "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen, O God, beside You, what He has prepared for him that waits for Him."

*  John 1:1-2 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God."
*  John 6:64 - "But there are some of you that believe not.  For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him."
*  Acts 15:18 - "Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world."
*  Ephesians 3:9 - "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ."
*  Colossians 1:18 - "And He is the head of the body, the Church:  Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence."
*  2 Thessalonians 2:13 - "But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."
*  Hebrews 1:10 - "And, You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Your hands."
*  1 John 1:1 - "Jesus, Who was from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our eyes, Whom we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life."
*  Revelation 1:8 - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come, the Almighty."
*  Revelation 21:6 - "And He said unto me, It is done.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is thirsty, of the fountain of the water of life freely."
*  Revelation 22:13 - "I Am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."

QUIT TRYING TO WORK YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN

Born again by the Holy Spirit - the work of God:
*  John 3:3-8 (SLV) - "Jesus answered and 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?  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water (physical birth - see v. 6) and of the Spirit (spiritual birth - see v. 6), 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.  The wind blows where it desires to, and you hear the sound of it, but you cannot tell where it comes from, or where it is going:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

Redeemed by the Son of God - the work of God:
*  1 Peter 1:18-23 (SLV) - "Forasmuch as ye know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain religious efforts you  received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who truly was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth (believing in Jesus - see Jn.3:14-18; 6:29) through the Spirit leading to the love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:  being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever!"

Transformed into the image of His Son - the work of God:
*  Romans 8:28-29 (SLV) - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those 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 among many brethren."
*  Philippians 1:3-6 (SLV) - "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; 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!"
*  Hebrews 13:29-21 (SLV) - "Now the God of peace, Who raised our Lord Jesus from the dead, 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."

 

We do not deserve any of this; it is God's gift of grace to us (Eph. 2:8-9)!

BASEBALL, POLITICS, AND SALT

I am very tired today.  No, I got my normal amount of sleep.  No, it isn't because my Congestive Heart Failure is getting worse.  No, it isn't because of the never-ending bombardment of political ads, political facebook posts, nor is it from knowing all those who promise to move out of the country if this election turns out "wrong," are never going to bless us with their absence.  Those things all may contribute to my needing a nap.  What truly has me worn out, is a ten inning seventh game of a World Series, featuring two teams that have a combined record of 176 years without a title!  The game not only went into extra innings, there was a rain-delay!  Nevertheless, I stuck it out to the bittersweet end.  I say "bittersweet," because I hate to see either team lose!  It takes a lot out of you if both teams are "underdogs!"  Saddest of all may be the fact that "Harry Caray" didn't live to see his Cubbies win!

According to Wikipedia, "Harry Caray, born Harry Christopher Carabina (Mar. 1, 1914 - Feb. 18, 1998) was an American sportscaster on radio and television, doing commentary of five Major League Baseball teams, St. Louis Cardinals and Browns, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and he spent the last sixteen years of his career as the announcer for the Chicago Cubs.  Not only was he an expert on baseball, he was entertaining and always hopeful that his "Cubbies" would win.  He is even more special to me, as he nicknamed his son "Skip." 

"Caray's" famous "The Cubs Win; The Cubs Win" proclamation didn't happen as often as he would have liked, but that was due to so many years of under 500 baseball.  He never lived to see his "Cubbies" win a World Series, but he is probably driving everyone in heaven nuts with "The Cubs Win!"

Perhaps the best thing about Chicago's long-awaited championship, has nothing to do with baseball at all.  In a day when there is "saber-rattling" from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, when our own military is being sabotaged by our current "command-in-chief" (purposely lower-case!), when the two major political parties seem unable to offer us a candidate for President who will unify our nation, when racism is rampant among both Blacks and Whites, when Wall Street keeps predicting a cataclysmic financial collapse, etc., etc., etc., it was great to spend five hours focused upon a baseball game!  So, thanks to the Cleveland Indians (can't believe political correctness hasn't changed that), and to the Chicago Cubs, for providing America with a distraction fit for the record books in so many ways! 

Next Tuesday, those of us who are willing to stand in long lines to vote for a new President, will have my greatest respect for making their voices heard around the world:  in this election, like so many before it, even the dead will "have a voice!"  Between illegal aliens voting, people casting many votes, and the deceased participation, I am afraid that the pro-life, pro-Constitutional Supreme Court appointees, pro-Second Amendment, pro-Israel, the Washington Outsider, will not have a chance.  Especially when millions of Christians will not participate because neither candidate meets their spiritual standards!  Never mind that there are other offices on the ballot, and some state and local issues being decided, they are either too lazy, too apathetic, or have too high of standards when it comes to having a leader whose sins differ from theirs.  Looking back at the elections they did vote in, one has to wonder how this election is so different from the last eight years. 

Christians are called to be "salt!" 

We don't make the meat, but we do need to slow down the decay!  

THE JESUS OF THE BIBLE

*  Matthew 1:21, 23, 25 - "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS:  for He shall save His people from their sins....Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us....And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:  and he called His name JESUS."

*  John 20:30-31 - "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book:  but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name."

*  1 Corinthians 12:3 - "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."

*  1 John 2:22 - "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?  He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son."

*  1 John 4:15 - "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."

*  1 John 5:1, 5 - "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him....Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

*  Revelation 19:10, 13 - "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not:  I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:  worship God:  for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy....And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and  His name is called The Word of God."

"BE IT KNOWN UNTO YOU ALL, AND TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, THAT BY THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, WHOM YE CRUCIFIED, WHOM GOD RAISED FROM THE DEAD, EVEN BY HIM DOTH THIS MAN STAND HERE BEFORE YOU WHOLE.  THIS IS THE STONE WHICH WAS SET AT NOUGHT OF YOU BUILDERS, WHICH IS BECOME THE HEAD OF THE CORNER.  NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER:  FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED!"  (Acts 4:10-12)

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH

ACTS 2:22-47 (Skipslighthouse Version)

          Peter said, Men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as you yourselves also know:  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death:  because it was not possible that He should be held by it.  For David spoke concerning Him saying, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  because You will not leave my soul in hell, neither will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.  You have made known to me the ways of life; You shalt make me full of joy with Your countenance. 
          Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; he seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption.  This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He has shed forth this, which you now see and hear.  For David is not ascended into the heavens:  but he said himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, You sit here on My right hand, until I make Your foes Your footstool.  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, Whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
          Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
          And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this evil generation.  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:  and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  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 meals 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.

MY FORTY-FIVE YEAR TESTIMONY

Have you ever wondered how someone knows he or she is born again?  As a new believer, my wife and I were introduced to the Charismatic Movement, and wanting to "get as close to God as humanly possible," we studied God's Word, and although we understood "from where they were coming," we did not have peace about what they were saying.  Something just didn't seem right.  For one thing, we noticed that the attrition rate among Charismatics was very high.  We attributed that to the fact that whenever someone got sick, lost a loved-one, or got a divorce, their faith seemed to be so shaken that they "threw out the baby with the bath water."  They doubted everything they had been taught, and many even came to the conclusion that the Bible was no better than any other "religious book."  Sad!

Many years have passed, and I cannot tell you the number of times that I doubted that I was saved.  Every time I lost a battle with temptation, I was so depressed and questioned my relationship with God.  However, during that time, I have hungered for God's Word, and so I have basically devoted my life to studying it, doing it, and sharing it with others (Ezra 7:10)!  And, while I still fail, while I still doubt myself, while I still question my salvation, I hold onto the fact that Jesus died for my sins according to the Scriptures, that although He was buried, His Father raised Him from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4)!  I came to understand that born again believers still struggle with sin, and that God has promised to forgive us if we acknowledge our sins to Him (Rom. 7:15-25; 1 John 1:8-10; etc.); and I know in my heart that one day, in the not so distant future, I will be like Him, for I will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2)!!!

I have also learned that when I doubt my salvation, I cannot look back at the moment in time when I knelt and surrendered my life to Him, or my walking the aisle to ask the preacher to baptize me, or any other past activity.  That is because the word "believe" throughout the Bible is a present tense verb!  My salvation is not sure because of the past, but it is certain because I believe the Gospel today!  Jesus is my Lord and Savior today!  He is my Creator and the One Who will change this vile excuse for a man, into His own likeness!  He is in the process; I am "being processed!"

No, looking back at the times when God "worked coincidences" (my personal miracles); at those times I heard Him comfort me with His voice; and those times I found myself on the other side of the "Red Sea," looking at a few "stones I had piled up"; none of them proved I was saved.  What they did prove to me, was that from the very beginning of my "new creature life," He was at work on me, His adopted child (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:3-9; Phil. 1:6; etc.)!  No, my salvation, my "new birth," is not because I did something, or have continued doing something, but it is because God willed that I become like His Son!  And based upon my struggle with living for Him, I take it that the "process" requires much more time with those of us who started out as atheists!  Thank God He is still at work on me, and I cannot express how much I long for "my change!"

 

SALVATION IS NOT BASED UPON US, BUT IT IS THE WORK OF GOD IN US!