Life

Never assume

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Too many this days live off assumptions, but what are they assuming?
They are assuming what the Bible teaches. They go to church once a week think they are good with God the rest of the week because they made an assumption about the man or women before them was correctly teaching them the Bible.
Prime evidence that this is true of a video where a young man stood at the front of a church and knelt down and proposed to this boyfriend and the entire congregation cheered. This event is opposite the teaching of the Bible. In fact the building 100% stopped being a church that day. It just became a social club for sinners. Why? Because their leader told them it is ok to live in sin.
The Bible teaches to love the sinner, but hate the sin, but there is a next step as well. Tell the sinner they are sinning in the love you have for them. For because you love them you wish for them to join you in the eternal life to come. However, this will be impossible since they have embraced the sin over God.
The Bible states clear to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. When you love God that much, God becomes the first think you think of when you get up to the last think you think of when you go to sleep. You live the Bible 24/7/365.
You stumble and fall into your own sins, and sorrow, grief, fear, anguish and anger assaults you. For you have failed Jesus once again. You beg and plead His forgiveness and it is given. That is the life of a Christian.
When these two young men “marry” they will have chosen their sin fully over God. For the Bible plainly states that they are living in sin. The Bible clearly states you cannot be of the world, which is sin, and to be one with God. If fact it states those that are the friends of the world are the enemies of God. Not that God is their enemy, but that they have chosen freely to be His enemy.
In love we should be weeping tears of sadness and anguish because these two men as well as the entire congregation have chosen the pit of fire, but because they assume they are not fully aware that they have done so.
To not assume, you, yourself MUST read the Bible. Understand that it may have been penned by men, but they were given the word through the Holy Spirit. That is why the Bible being thousands of year old is the only document to have survived so long in tacked and 98% unchanged.
Can you get that: THOUSANDS of YEARS, UNCHANGED, and supported by what extremely few historical records survived.
The Bible is so pure and so accurate and so complete is due to one simple fact: GOD IS REAL AND UNCHANGING.
Only humans change. So those that say the Bible accepts sin changed, not the Bible. Read it yourself and see.

The consequences for not bearing fruit

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Below is a part of John 15. This chapter of the Bible is part of one of the private times Jesus had with His disciples. They were as He Himself stated His friends. Meaning that these men were saved. They are the first that can truly be called “Christian.”
They were given the teachings from Him much like the one that I will discuss shortly. They were told the requirements for living a true “Christian life.”
I will start with the fifth verse. “He that abideth in me”
“He that abideth” is “meno” in the Greek. Means “I remain, abide, stay, wait: I wait for, await”
“Abide” – accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation).
To act in accordance with a rule or teachings.
Within the Bible are the “rules” and the teachings of Jesus and His Father …. God.
Those that truly have Jesus “abide” in them they will without argument, excuses or complaints take the Bible literally. They will know that if it is called a sin it is a sin. They will strife to end their sinning nature. Sure they will stumble and fall, but they will feel guilt, sorrow, grief. If someone doesn’t feel this are they truly “abiding?” Per the Bible the answer is no.
Those that say we must accept those that live in sin. This is opposite what the Bible teaches. It says love them, care for them, but tell them they will not be welcome into heaven if they insist on remaining in their sin. This is not me saying this, this is the Bible, this is Jesus, and this is God. See verses seven and ten.
Living in sin is not abiding. Verse five says if a person does not abide in Jesus they do not bear fruit.
If someone does not bear fruit, what is the result? Per verse two God Himself will removed them from Jesus, from the Body of Christ and the result is verse six. That person is cast off, withered and they will be cast into the fire. The fire is the pit of fire.
You sin you burn. I didn’t say it JESUS SAID IT.
Also key in on this important fact. They are REMOVED from Jesus. These means that they were once part of Jesus. The only way to be part of Jesus is to be saved, born again, a Christian. Yet it says they are removed from the vine and given to the pit of fire. Ponder upon that for a while, and make the appropriate changes within your life to bear fruit for Jesus.

John 15
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Daniel 12:2: my personal view

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In chapter twelve of the book of Daniel we are given insight into what is to occur to the people of Israel just before the second coming of Jesus Christ. In verse two it speak specifically of a type or resurrection.
If they believe in a resurrection there differing views on this particular verse. I actually find that mine differs from what I have read. You see I believe in the specialness of the Jewish people. They have a special place in God’s heart and a special purpose in His ultimate plan for all of creation.
To me I see that there is a full resurrection of every single Jew ever born upon the day that Christ set foot upon the Mount of Olives. Both righteous and unrighteous. Nowhere in the Bible does it state when the pit of fire was made or where it will be. The Bible does say that both good and bad of the Israeli nation will be resurrected and by the way the wording is done in way that it will be at the same time. It does say the righteous will be rewarded and that those that turned their back on God will receive their due.
This resurrection is separate from the Rapture and is separate from the resurrection at the end of the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ.

Really??

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So the pro-Christmas community is in a tether over Starbucks new cups. Two of my friends on Facebook summed it up wonderfully. The First one stated we are not to get into the foolish arguments. This 100% qualifies as something foolish when compared to what truly needs our attention like the butchering of aborted babies, no decorations on cups is extremely foolish.
The second person said this: To not worry so much about keeping Christ in Christmas but instead keep Christ in Christian which is a 24 hour 365 days a year endeavor.
The mere fact that these cups are an “issue” shows fully that people do not truly understand what it is to be “Christian.”
Per the Bible, first and foremost we are to place God first in EVERYTHING. Every single aspect of your life. Not just a couple of hours on Sunday if you even do that, but in every word spoken by you, to how you drive down the road. What should be on your mind all the time is God, the Bible and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Once you do this the next part required by God is to treat all other as you would wish to be treated. Then the rest of the commandments follow closely behind.
Would you like it if your body was torn from your mother’s womb and then your body was torn apart for money? I didn’t think so. Why are people not upset that the Middle East is being purged of Christianity, the very birth place of this believe system.
So the next time people wish to get upset about something. Get upset at all those folks turning their backs upon God and how the world is more important to them than the One who created it all. As I have said before humanity would be extinct if not for the grace of God.

Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort

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These are what we have been told to help those that live in sin. We are told to teach God’s Word unto all. Yet many say “c’est la vie” that say this profess to be “Christian.”

There is a point where we must let go and allow people to decide upon their own. This is true of anything that is why God gave us free will. However, as Christians the moment you say you are one you are drawing a line in the stone, not in the sand, but in the stone. It is a line that cannot moved and should not move, but that is not the case in today’s day and age.
When those that try to follow the teaching of the above three words they are attacked, they are accused of “judging.”
Here is the thing. When Jesus made his statement “take the beam out of your own eye before you take the splinter out of your neighbors” (paraphrased). Here is the important element of that analogy. A beam and a splinter are the same thing word wise. What Jesus was saying is the person “judging” suffers from the same sin. It also means that they are not working within the facts given within the Bible.
Those who stick to the Bible and what the Bible teaches are reproving. When they challenge someone using what the Bible teaches they are rebuking. And when they then ask you in love to stop sinning they are exhorting.
So the people that keep using the “judging card” as I call to me are trying to avoid practicing their Christianity. They wish to keep it all to themselves and in the meantime are sinning against God.

Why are you speeding your way away from God?

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As I look about me more and more I see a falling away it is becoming a rarity to find a true servant of Christ. A prime example is on the roads we drive every day. As you look upon them as you drive down them you actually see a snapshot of faith and belief in God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Titus 3:1 we are instructed to follow ALL the laws of the land. Why? Because no power either good or bad is put into place without God’s approval. Some may cause horrors like Hitler, some may bring a time of peace and prosperity like Reagan. Will others snub their nose at God like Obama.
These are placed here by God to see how humanity will respond through their belief and faith in God. If they just roll over and allow things to happen that they know are against God like the Germans did in the 1930’s and as the American public is now doing. Then God will pass judgment upon them, either here and now or as well as when they stand before Him while He sets upon the Great White Throne.
But back to the main discourse: Obeying the laws of the land, no matter how minor or trivial they are.
Upon the interstate is a thing called a speed limit, this is actually a law that is placed for our safety and wellbeing. I be necessity go five miles over the speed limit. But why is it a necessity? For my own personal safety. Since I know there is someone out here that will use their car as a weapon or even have a gun and someday they may decide to use it because I am in their way and they have no desire to honor or even acknowledge God.
But why am I in their way? Because they have chosen to sin against God. The sin they are committing is by driving well beyond the law. They endanger all about them because they care for none others but themselves and their selfish desires to sleep in or watch a show to name two examples. They should leave earlier and allow for problems upon the road and work within the laws of the land. Laws even though made humans allowed by God. Their speeding is an outright rebellion against God. Yes I said rebellion.
This is why looking at the road is a snapshot on faith. Those that strive to follow the values set forth by God strive to serve God by following ALL the teaching within the Bible. Those that speed are snubbing their nose at God and saying He is not first in their lives.
As they run up my tail or flashing their lights at me. It is not me they are doing these things to. They are doing it to God, because I am trying to obey God.
This need to go fast is another way to ignore God. It is not just disobedience by disregarding the law, but it is an overall selfishness. Seeking only to please themselves and not God.
Now does this mean to support laws that go against God? No it does not, for we are told to place God first in ALL things. If a man-made law goes against God we are to strive to return it to that which reflects God’s will and desires.
When placing God first it must be done in ALL things, so you must plan your day out to not only pray to God but to honor God in all the things you do throughout the day. From speaking to simply showing common courtesy for we are told after placing God first in all that we do we are to love our fellow humans as we would love ourselves. Would you like it if someone was rude to you? Being rude, even on the road, for speeding is rudeness, for they are both sins against God.

Through great trails come great saints

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All about us the signs of sinning against God become the norm instead of the unusual. It is in these times of unbelief, doubt and outright disobedience that saints have risen to the top. Look at Job and Daniel for example.
In this year a horrific sin was exposed to the light and few saw it for what it truly was. The human sacrifice of babies has returned to this world sanctioned and supported by the governing powers of this nation. From it all other sins have flourished and grown. In return Judaism and Christianity have increasingly come under attack. The symbols of our faiths being torn down in the name of freedom and as a result more and more sin takes dominion and true freedom fades into non-existence.
As this happens fewer and fewer truly follow the teachings of God’s Holy Word.
Could it be by this lack of believe and faith that the Holy Ghost gives a greater portion to those that remain loyal to God?
Does this explain how parts of Acts 2:17 have become fact? Is it plausible that the rest of this verse is not far from coming to pass?
I believe so.
So as we move ever faster into the end times of humanity as a disobedient creation of the One and Only Creator I can’t help but look about and listen for news of actions by the few willing to stand against the masses and face whatever will occur even unto death itself.
Who is willing to stand up and shout: “ENOUGH!!!!!”
Only to have fewer and fewer listen till it is too late and the rise of the Antichrist takes place.
I see elements already falling into place that say: “Soon.. it will be soon.”

A Judgment and a prayer

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I have been going through the book of Daniel the last couple of weeks. Reading it studying it and reading commentaries. As I entered into the ninth chapter this morning I feel as Daniel did when he read the prophecy of the 70 years enslavement of the Israelites given by Jeremiah. Only I am reading Daniel.
In Daniels prophecies he was given an image of what turned out to be Antiochus Epiphanes, the first “little horn.” As study what this man did to the Jews and how he defiled the temple I came into understand of what is happening with this nation I live within, the United States. I know without a doubt that this was the second nation created under the blessing of God. I do not cater to those that say this is not true. There is too much evidence that states otherwise. Too much documentation, and the mere fact that the basis for our government was a slightly changed version of that used to govern the colony of Pennsylvania, which was written by the Quaker William Penn.
This is a Christian nation, yet now too many have turned from God. Too many say they are His, but in reality they are not. I have wondered why God allowed this nation to place under two terms of the obviously most anti-Christian and anti-Israeli president ever encountered in this nation and I suddenly realized through reading the book of Daniel that He was placed in power to usher this nation into a time of God’s judgment against those that call themselves Christian and Jew alike within this nation.
In many ways this man is reflecting the image of Antiochus Epiphanes. So he is the “little horn” of the “little horn” who is an image of the true “little horn” to come. His purpose is to punish this nations for turning its back upon God. Will others follow in his footsteps? That is the important question.
What can change this for the betterment of Christianity and this nation as a whole? The answer is simple. It is the answer that Daniel came to. It is the answer that Jesus gave us.
1) We are to pray for forgiveness for our sins against God by turning our backs upon His will and His teachings.
2) We are not just sit and pray but are to take action as well (James 2:14-19).
a) Turn form those that support sin
b) Become active in church and prayer
c) Vote for those that support God and against any that oppose God
d) Change laws that go against God and obey ALL laws that fall within the dictates of the Bible

Below is a modified version of the pray Daniel offered to God in Chapter nine of the book in his name:

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. We have refused to listen to your servants those that truly profess your Word and teaches, who spoke on your authority to our government officials and ancestors and to all the people of the land.
“Lord, you are in the right; but as you see, our faces are covered with shame. This is true of all of us, including the people of all the states and major cities and the entire nation, those scattered near and far, wherever you have placed us because of our disloyalty to you. O Lord, we and our government officials, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. We have not obeyed the Lord our God, for we have not followed the instructions he gave us through his servants those that truly profess your Word and teaches. All this nation the Untied States has disobeyed your instruction and turned away, refusing to listen to your voice.
“So now the solemn curses and judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured down on us because of our sin. You have kept your word and done to us and our leaders exactly as you warned. Never has there been such a disaster that as happened in this nation. Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the Lord our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth. Therefore, the Lord has brought upon us the disaster he prepared. The Lord our God was right to do all of these things, for we did not obey him.
“O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from sin through giving unto us your one and only Son as a Sacrifice upon the cross. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness. In view of all your faithful mercies, Lord, please turn your furious anger away from your this nation. All the neighboring nations mock the United States and your people because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors.
“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate nation that was only second to Israel.
“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.
“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and this nation.”

As I look about me……..

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For around 2600 years the time of the Gentiles has been heading down a journey. A journey toward the acknowledgement that God is the creator of everything. For longer than that they have rejected this believe because they do not wish to surrender themselves to the dominion of something above them. They make up fantasies which enable them to say “No there is no such thing as God.” Others go about saying there is a God, but they do not honor Him as such. They imagine Him to be a benevolent spirit that grants their wishes and allows them to live their lives as they please.
This is not what God wants. God wishes to have a relationship with us, not just as our Creator, but someone that will talk and share His creation with Him. There is only one way to accomplish this relationship with Him though and most of the human race has no real desire to do what is required of them.
What is required? Surrender. To turn over all that was, is and will be within us over to Him. To not only say He is God, but to truly follow what He asks of us. In the book of Daniel this happens two times. Once for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when they are ask to bow to the image of Nebuchadnezzar and when those that were jealous of Daniel plotted to place him into the lion’s den.
What is the most important element in both instances is that these four men refuse to submit to what the world offers. They place more value in God over the world and all that is within the world including those in power.
This has been lost for the most part from those that say they are followers of God. They place more value in the world then they place in the Creator of all. They compromise too much when they should be standing their ground. They say that the world is grey when God through His Son Jesus Christ says it is black and white.
The compromising must end. Too much is happening too fast, must faster than we have ever thought would happen. Does this mean we are approaching end of times? More and more are saying yes it is, I am leaning strongly in the direction myself, but there are still things that must take place, more signs that were given unto us through the Bible. The handbook to salvation through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. But there are those that try to discount the Bible. Why? Because they still wish for humans to be the gods when they are not. So they blind themselves and other to the truth, for it is better to share misery than it is to share happiness.

Daniel’s journey into the den of lions

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What caused him to be taken and given to the lions? It all boils down to humans trying to be more important than God. What Daniel did was say “no God is more important.”
In several recent laws humans are saying they are more important than God. This should have caused everyone that calls themselves “Christian” to respond as Daniel did. Most did not. They caved in and said let it be. This using what Daniel did as an example of what someone that calls themselves “Christian” should have done lays guilt at the door step of all that did not echo Daniel.
Ponder upon that and make the necessary changes required in your life to reassert God as the most important being in your life and in your world and culture.
(2 Timothy 4:1-5)