12/31/13 A CONSIDERATION AND A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR.

12/31/13 A CONSIDERATION AND A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR.

Consideration...
If a coach told his team everyday that they could not win their games, and if the team meetings were spent in defeatist chatter, quoting losing coaches and players, do you think it likely that team would win a national title?

If a business manager (sales, distribution, manufacturing, support and service) constantly told their workers that they were too incompetent to succeed in their own field of endeavor, do you think that company would succeed?

If a military was constantly told that they could not defeat their enemy, that they would not have the necessary supplies and support to win their battles, and the home folks would understand and that their Commander in Chief would be honored by their failure, do you think they would win the war against their adversary?

If a person goes to a church that constantly tells them that they cannot resist temptation or Satan; that they cannot obey the commands of God, (though God Himself requires obedience); that they cannot live a victorious, overcoming, triumphant Christian life.

If their fellow travelers constantly spout off their own failures, thinking they glorify God;

if they read the works of men who promote a religion that does not believe Christ saves His people from their sins and

Denies an atonement which provides for Christians

to be pure, even as Christ is pure,

to be righteous, even as Christ is righteous,

to be holy, even as Christ is holy,

to be good and upright,

Do you really think that person is going to follow in the steps of Jesus?

Do you really think that he is going to be conformed to the image of Jesus?

Do you really think that he is going to be more than a conqueror?

Do you really think he is going to walk in the light, as Christ is in the light?

SO, FOR NEW YEARS
Challenge...
Get out of those defeatist churches,

Quit reading those defeatist books,

Quit listening to those defeatist speakers,

Quit hanging with those defeatist friends.

Saturate yourself with

God's word,

God's power,

God's victorious people.

Immerse yourself in the liberating truth of God, for the truth will set you free.

If your walk with Jesus is not in holiness, you are not walking with Jesus.

It is not God that tells you that you have to sin, it is Satan, so cast off the shackles and throw away the blinders.

12/31/13 HONESTY IS NOT HATRED

12/31/13 HONESTY IS NOT HATRED

It does not matter how much we love a person who is homosexual, homosexuality is still sin.

It is sin because God says it is sin.

A person is not homophobic or a hater of homosexuals just because he believes the Bible.

12/30/13 CAN/WILL/DOES GOD SAVE FROM SIN?

12/30/13 CAN/WILL/DOES GOD SAVE FROM SIN?

For those who are being told that Jesus does not save from the penalty, power and pollution of sin (that you have to sin because you are human)...
Do you think God can/will/does save a child molester from molesting children, for the remainder of his life?
Do you think God can/will/does save a spouse from committing adultery, for the remainder of his life?
Do you think God can/will/does save a murderer from killing people, for the remainder of his life?
Do you think God can/will/does save a thief, blasphemer, drunkard/druggie from his sins, for the remainder of his life?

If you do believe He can/will/does save these people from these heinous sins, then He certainly can save all others from less powerful sins, less invasive, less pervasive sins.

If you do not believe God can/will/does save these people from these heinous sins, then we are not talking about the same God and salvation and we are not talking about the same Savior.

Matthew 1:21
(21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

12/30/13 A GREAT IDEA FOR THE NEW YEAR...

12/30/13 A GREAT IDEA FOR THE NEW YEAR...

If you have a sin in your life (a behavior that is disobedience to God's commands), which you cannot stop, I have good news for you. Jesus came to save His people from their sins and deliver us from the power of darkness into His own kingdom.

Colossians 1:9-14
(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:


"Salvation" that does not save from sin is not salvation, it is useless religion.
Check out "Responses to Sin" verses below.

Responses to Sin...
There are several responses we can have toward sin
1- The Fool's Response. There is no sin, because there is no God, and I am personally good.
Psalms 53:1
(1) ... The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

2- Another Fool's Response. God does not judge sin or hold people accountable for sin.
Galatians 2:17
(17) But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

2 Peter 2:18
(18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

3- The Self-Deceived Man's Response. I do not need a savior, because I have no sin.
1 John 1:8
(8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

4- The Liars Response. I am a Christian, but do not keep His commandments.
1 John 2:4
(4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5- The Biblical Response. I am a Christian and I obey God.
1 John 2:3
(3) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Do not forget...
We have all sinned.
We all deserve judgement from God.
Christ will save those that call on Him by faith.
No one can obey or please God, by his own power.
Christ will save us from the penalty, the pollution and the power of sin.
Faith. through grace, enables obedience to God.

Confession and Repentance...
Someone might be thinking, "The Bible says that the right response to sin is Confession and Repentance." Ok, that is the proper response after sin has been committed and the Holy Spirit has confronted and convicted us, and we realize our guilt before God.

However, the Biblical response to the idea of sinning, the possibility of sinning, the temptation to sin is to obey God instead. Remember, the point of this post is that God not only forgives us of sins committed, He delivers us from the pollution and the power of sin. Sin's stranglehold has been broken. Followers of Christ are no longer under the domain of sin and Satan (darkness).

The darkness is scattered. As a believer, follower of Christ, I have been delivered (rescued) from the power of darkness (sin, Satan) and translated (moved) into the kingdom (the rule) of Christ; therefore, I now walk (live, behave) in a manner that is all pleasing to God, fruitful in every good work, strengthened with all might.

12/29/13 FOR THE NEW YEAR...

12/29/13 FOR THE NEW YEAR...
Concerning our relationship with God, here is the attitude, the worldview, the approach we should take as we exit 2013 and enter 2014:

2 Corinthians 5:17
(17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The Negative Side...
Whatever is counterproductive or compromising to our Christian development should be left behind us, whether our thoughts, words or deeds; whether our activities or associations. Repent (turn from, change your mind) concerning the old things of sin; die to the things that draw us away from intimacy with Christ.

The Positive Side...
Whatever will transform us from light to light, from faith to faith, from strength to strength, from grace to grace; whatever will conform us to the image of Christ, we should surrender to it, follow after it, embrace it; including thoughts, words and deeds; activities and associations. Always recognize that full commitment includes death to the negative, and life to the Spirit of God.

12/28/13 FULL BLOWN LOVE

12/28/13 FULL BLOWN LOVE

Sometimes people (whether family, friend or foe) are venomous, toxic, destructive. Their attitude and actions will limit the level of interaction and intimacy that we can have with them. However, we as Christians cannot allow their attitudes and actions to keep us from loving them. Remember, God expects and equips us to love our enemy, our neighbor and our spouse.

Love Your Enemy:
Matthew 5:44
(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;
and
Luke 6:35
(35) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Love Your Neighbor:
Galatians 5:14
(14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Love Your Wife (likewise, wives, love your husbands):
Ephesians 5:25
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
and
Ephesians 5:28
(28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
and
Colossians 3:19
(19) Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

The Nature of Love...
Christian love is sacrificial, it is not saccharine.

Christian love puts God first.

Christian love does not compromise the will of God.

Christian love brings division.

But in spite of all the problems that sinners present to Christians, Christians are to be perfect in love, as our Father in heaven is perfect in love.

Matthew 10:36-40
(36) And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
(37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
(38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
(39) He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
(40) He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Matthew 5:46-48
(46) For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
(47) And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
(48) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

12/27/13 A NEW YEAR'S THOUGHT...

12/27/13 A NEW YEAR'S THOUGHT...

Setting a broken bone is often a painful step towards healing/recovery. Likewise, the steps toward spiritual and relational healing/recovery, (whether with men or with God) are often painful.

When God shows us our sins, the proper response is godly sorrow, which results in repentance (2 Co. 7:10). The problem is that most people either have no sorrow for their sins or they have a worldly sorrow (2 Co. 7:10). Worldly sorrow produces regret, guilt, shame, but it does not result in repentance. Repentance is a change of mind, a change of direction.

If I offend (cause to stumble, violate or cause displeasure to someone), I need to be sorrowful (sorry) for my words/actions and I need to express and demonstrate that sorrow to the one I have offended. People confuse an apology, "I am sorry" with godly sorrow. Actually, the word "apology" comes the Greek, meaning, "to give a personal defense." Too often people are defending their words and actions rather than regretting, turning from and expressing true sorrow to the one they have offended. Words are not enough, when it comes to healing a broken relationship. As someone said, "'I'm sorry' does not pay the bill."

People are sometimes sorry that they got in trouble for their words/actions, or they are sorry that they got caught, but they do not sense the horror and vileness of their behavior. Even non-Christians sometimes acknowledge their errant ways and try to make amends, rather than just say the words. By God's grace, true sorrow leads to a change in behavior and attitude. True sorrow is the death knell for sinful, offensive behavior. True sorrow is the Biblical response to one's own violation of other people

Sometimes the healing hurts, but without the healing, there will always be the hurting.

2 Corinthians 7:10
(10) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Luke 15:10
(10) Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

2 Timothy 2:24-26
(24) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
(25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
(26) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

12/26/13 MOVING TO FULLNESS OF LIFE

12/26/13 MOVING TO FULLNESS OF LIFE

The Life Cycle of a Christian

DEATH FROM SIN, to

NEWNESS OF LIFE, to

DEATH TO SIN, to

FULLNESS OF LIFE

A right relationship with God requires a decision. The Bible clearly teaches this. However, a decision is not all that is required. A decision must be accompanied by action. For the believer who wants to follow Jesus fully there must be death; death of the Old Man (Ro. 6:6), death to the world (Ga. 6:14) and death to sin (Ro. 6:11).

Part of the problem with most Christian's commitment today is that a person might "make a decision" to believe on Christ and receive Him as Savior, but he/she does not come to grips with total trust and total surrender, which results in death.

Death is not pleasant.
Death is heart wrenching.
Death is a crises.
Death is life changing.

Most people think of total surrender as being like upgrading from coach to first class. It is not.

It is DEATH of self, it is TOTAL SURRENDER of heart and life, it is ABANDONMENT of worldly attachments and affections. IT IS NOT PLEASANT.

And, since people don't like to do the hard thing (especially today's generation), there are very few who enter into the Spirit filled life, the Spirit led life, the Spirit controlled life.

The GOOD NEWS is, on the other side of this spiritual death, there is fullness of life and power and purity and purpose and poise. Death is not death to the good, it is death to the tyranny of evil. Until there is total surrender, there is no peace treaty with God.

Romans 6:6
(6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Romans 6:11
(11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Galatians 2:20
(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 5:24
(24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 6:14
(14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Ephesians 4:22
(22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Colossians 3:8-9
(8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
(9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

12/26/13 DON'T BE CRUEL

12/26/13 DON'T BE CRUEL

Some of the game apps I have on my tablet are various kinds of puzzles. Some of the grand buddies like to play those games. How cruel it would be to hide pieces of a puzzle or disfigure some of the pieces. Yet, that is what happens to the puzzle of life when parents do not give their children the true gospel, or when they do not give a faithful presentation of the gospel with their lives.

I know that some people are going to mess up with life, no matter what parental help they get (Adam and Eve are examples). I also know that some (though very few) people will realize and follow the way of Christ, without any parental help. But the children are more likely to "believe on" and receive Christ if they are raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ep. 6:4).

It is un-Biblical to say that a person goes to hell because of another person's sins (Ez:18:20).

Each child becomes responsible for his own choices and actions (Ro. 2:6).

However, parents are responsible for training up a child in the way he should go (Pr. 22:6).

It is not enough to be a, "way show-er," you need to be a, "way go-er" (2 Jn. 1:6).

The clearer the message we give them, the better will be their opportunity to hear the word of God, and the better they hear the word of God, more likely they will be to become children of faith (Ro. 10:17).

Ephesians 6:4
(4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Ezekiel 18:20
(20) The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Romans 2:6
(6) Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Proverbs 22:6
(6) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

2 John 1:6
(6) And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
1 Peter 2:20-22
(20) For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
(21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
(22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Romans 10:16-17
(16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
(17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

12/25/13 IT IS INCARNATION AND RESURRECTION, NOT INCANTATION AND PRESTIDIGITATION

12/25/13 IT IS INCARNATION AND RESURRECTION, NOT INCANTATION AND PRESTIDIGITATION

Isn't it strange that the most viewed religious service in the world, concerning the birth of Christ, was led by a man who is supposed to represent Christ on earth, although he contradicts the very teaching of Christ and Peter and the New Testament writers, by saying that a person does not have to believe in Christ in order to go to heaven?

And this "Papa" of the Roman Catholic religion claims that he and other Roman priest have the power to turn bread and wine into the actual body and blood of Christ and sacrifice Christ again and again on an altar in front of the congregation, and that the bread and wine are actual deity.

I know, it sounds like I made this up, but it is what the Roman religion teaches.

12/25/13 TIME AND ENERGY

12/25/13 TIME AND ENERGY

Here are Two Priceless Presents we must not neglect or squander.

TIME and ENERGY.

When we have them we take them for granted. When they are limited or depleted or gone, we bemoan their loss.

WISDOM values them while they are plentiful and realizes they are two of God's most precious gifts.

12/24/13 PARENTS... CHILDREN'S GIFT ALERT...

12/24/13 PARENTS... CHILDREN'S GIFT ALERT...

Make this their merriest Christmas ever.

Give them a mother/father that does not abuse them with violence, threats, ridicule, anger, verbal insults, lifelong nightmares, broken hearts, warped view (of life, marriage, family, parenting, Christianity, gender identification, faith), spousal abuse.

Give them a godly role model, a self denying mother/father, a home of constant peace.

God has given everything so that they might be spared adult abuse and life scarring home life. It is up to the parents to deliver God's gifts. If you don't bring heaven into their lives, you make their lives a living hell. The momentary eruptions of parental anger will overshadow the attempts to make them think they have a happy home.

If you don't know where to find this gift of true love, it was wrapped in swaddling clothes, then hung on a tree; you will find God's gift of love at the foot of the tree.

Please, don't let Christmas come and go without God's gift of love and salvation filling your heart. PLEASE, for their sake. PLEASE, for your family's sake. PLEASE, for your own sake. PLEASE, for God's sake (in the name of God).

12/24/13 FROM DRAMA TO TRAGEDY

12/24/13 FROM DRAMA TO TRAGEDY

The fact that there was no room for Jesus in the inn makes for great drama, the fact that there is no room for Jesus in the hearts of men makes for great tragedy, because closed hearts are cold, empty, hopeless hearts. For those who have closed Him out of your life, remember,
Revelation 3:20
(20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

As the old chorus says,
Into my heart,
Into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Come in today,
Come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

12/23/13 WHAT A WONDERFUL UNIVERSE

12/23/13 WHAT A WONDERFUL UNIVERSE

I really enjoy doing things with my grandchildren; playing all kinds of games (board, sports, word puzzles, computer), fishing, boating, studying, singing, eating, rough housing, watching "wideos", playing in the water, making videos, and of course church and Bible study.

But then there is this: sitting around the house, each one quietly doing his own thing, yet, not closing anyone out. In fact, including each other, occasionally reaching out and touching and embracing each other, showing affection, quietly saying, "I love you." I miss those times with my own children, when they were small and we all thought that the sun rose and set in each other.

What a wonderful universe when each individual body follows its own course, yet orbits cooperatively and orderly as a unified system, held in place by the love and wisdom of God. When family loses that harmony, or when people exchange Biblical interdependence for selfish independence, chaos follows.

12/22/13 SAD TO SAY

12/22/13 SAD TO SAY

If you don't give up sin, you don't know how terrible and destructive sin is... but you will, I am sad to say.

12/22/13 GOOD NEWS FOR ALL PEOPLE

12/22/13 GOOD NEWS FOR ALL PEOPLE

DLG note... I know you know these six passages, but read them again with His birth in mind. CAPS added for emphasis.

Luke 2:10-11
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be TO ALL PEOPLE.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

John 1:6-12
(6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
(7) The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that ALL MEN THROUGH HIM MIGHT BELIEVE.
(8) He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
(9) That was the true Light, which lighteth EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD.
(10) He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
(11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
(12) 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:

Romans 1:16
(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to EVERYONE THAT BELIEVETH; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1 Timothy 4:9-10
(9) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
(10) For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially of THOSE THAT BELIEVE.

2 Peter 3:9
(9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.

Revelation 22:16-17
(16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
(17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And WHOSOEVER WILL, let him take the water of life freely.

12/21/13 PICK A GIFT

12/21/13 PICK A GIFT

The gift of Adam or the Gift of God; which will you give during the Holy Days?

Adam, as the father of the human race, bequeathed sin, shame, suffering, sickness and separation to all of his children, because he chose to disobey God and to please himself instead.

God, as the heavenly Father, gave His Son, as a Babe in Bethlehem, as the Conqueror of Calvary, as the Lord of Life and the Prince of Peace, because He loved loved us so much that He Sacrificed His Son to Save Us from Our Sins.

As children of Adam, we pass on the nature of rebellion to our own children. Too often we pass on the evil ways and self serving beliefs or our own rebellion.
But for those who trust in Christ as the One Who will save us from our sins, Christians pass on the love and life of Christ to our children.

Our legacy, our gift to our children and grandchildren will either be a life lived in the power and purity of Christ or a future filled with futility. There is no hope for our offspring, outside of Jesus. Look at the direction of a world that does not trust and obey God.

So, accept the gift of love and life as you celebrate His birth, and give the Gift of love and life by passing on the true meaning of His birth to others.

Joy to the World.

12/20/13 SHORT TESTIMONY

12/20/13 SHORT TESTIMONY

The following comment may not appeal to some of you. I understand that. It is a brief account (less than 500 words) of my relationship with Jesus, from conversion (at the age of three) to the time God filled me with His Spirit (freshman in Bible College). I hope it is a blessing to those who read it. Remember, God wants children to come to Him. What a wonderful God.

My Early Years In Christ...

When I was a small child, my unsaved daddy (who had a Christian mother) told me some Bible stories and had me pray at meal time and when I went to bed. The Holy Spirit took that little bit of opportunity and drew me to faith in Christ. When I was three years old, I asked Jesus to come into my heart and take away the ugliness. In fact, He even called me to preach at that very early age.

My desire for God and Bible truth caused my dad to start taking me to church (leaving me at Sunday School and worship services). God continued to feed and lead me as the years passed. I can remember a few occasions when I strayed from my walk with Jesus, but His Spirit would convict, convince and call me back from my backsliding.

Around the age of 12 my interest in girls (which had actually begun a few years earlier) became stronger and I did not know that God would actually purify my heart and protect me from the unclean thoughts that assailed me. For the next several years I struggled with my sinful nature, going through cycles of spiritual victory and backsliding. I also lost interest in being a preacher, since that did not look like much fun. Even when our church had a liberal minister (unsaved and a mocker of Bible faith), God would deal with me and I would go to the altar to repent (though the minister had no idea what I was doing there).

In my late teen years God dealt heavily with me and I quit fighting His call to preach. However, it was not until I went to Bible College and heard that God would purify my heart, that my total surrender led to the Spirit filled life. After this, there were rare occasions of faltering, but the constant internal battle was over. The root of evil was removed, so that I could love with perfect love. But victory is not a one time choice, either at salvation or entire sanctification; it is a daily walk and constant surrender, or as the Bible says,

Luke 9:23-26
(23) And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
(24) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
(25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
(26) For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

In fact, wouldn't it be a great Christmas present to children or grandchildren, to lead them to a right relationship with the Babe born in a manger, Who died on a cress and rose from the dead. Think of all the misery they will be spared if they fall in love with God and follow Him fully.

12/19/13 WELL, I AIN'T

12/19/13 WELL, I AIN'T

I have thought about it and come to this conclusion: some of my friends probably think I am religious. Well, I ain't.

I am in love with Jesus and have found out that living with no spiritual life (without life in Christ) would be like living without my senses (seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, smelling).

God made us to be psycho/physical totalities and we are incomplete until we come alive to God through faith in Christ. Imagine living a lifetime without senses, and then suddenly have them come alive. That is a glimpse of what it means to be made alive by God's Spirit.

Sooo, not only did He make me totally alive and give me meaningful priorities in this present life, He gives me eternal life, to live, grow, love and learn forever.

Wooo hooo. I have beaten the lottery.

12/19/13 FREE TO SIN OR FREE FROM SIN?

12/19/13 FREE TO SIN OR FREE FROM SIN?

Through faith, Christ makes us free from sin, not free to sin. There is no such thing as a sinning Christian. If a Christian sins, he must repent or perish. Faith in Christ is submission to Christ. Take a few moments to review God's view of sin and salvation.

Romans 6:15-23
(15) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
(16) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
(17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
(18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
(19) I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
(20) For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
(21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
(22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
(23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Think about this...
To sinning religionists, the phrase, "Sinless Christian" is offensive and absurd.
To God, the phrase, "Sinning Christian" is offensive and absurd.

12/18/13 STEP RIGHT UP

12/18/13 STEP RIGHT UP

Wow, here is great news for the sinner and the follower of Christ.

Hebrews 4:16
(16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We are invited by the sovereign King of the universe to come before His throne, His throne of grace (not His throne of judgment), for two things.

1- To obtain mercy. The guilty man needs the mercy of the Holy and Just God. Judgment would separate us forever. No matter what we have done and no matter how long we have done it, God is merciful and He will forgive and cleanse the repentant sinner who comes to God.

2- To receive grace to help in time of need. While mercy provides forgiveness, grace provides help, whatever help we need, such as deliverance, power, wisdom, courage. Grace provides everything we need to live victoriously in obedience to God. His help is not assistance, it is deliverance. Deliverance is available to the one who comes to God. Deliverance comes when we need it; not too late.

Sinning religionists only believe the first part of this verse; that we can obtain mercy. They do not believe they can find grace to help (deliver, strengthen) when help is needed.

God's help should be understood as when Peter was sinking in the sea and cried out for help, rather than the idea that God adds to our self saving ability.

Sinning religionists do not boldly come to God in time of need. They simply surrender to defeat, not believing God or obeying God, but rather presuming on God to accept moral and spiritual failure, distrust, disobedience in the place of faith and grace. Sinning religion is defeatist religion; it is presumption, not faith.

12/18/13 RETURN HIS CALL

12/18/13 RETURN HIS CALL

If you do not feed your spirit on spiritual food, your spirit will be weak, your spirit will be sick, your spirit will die, which leads to death in every area of your life and culminates in the second death, which is separation from God forever, spent in eternal judgment (suffering).

Jesus came that we might have life, abundant life, eternal life.

You can call on Jesus, because He has already called on you.

12/18/13 DON'T SPREAD THE FILTH

12/18/13 DON'T SPREAD THE FILTH

Hey guys, some of you are sending your hooker friends to my site. You really need to stop visiting that filth, because its corruption will ensnare you and take a toll on you and those you care about.

Some guys like to visit sites on the web (including FB sites and even RESTRICTED FB sites) that are pictures of females skimpily clad or unclad. However, since the social media system ties us all together, your secret little visits to internet whores show up on, "PEOPLE YOU MAY KNOW" lists.

The porn that you drool over, shows up on phones, tablets, laptops and desktops, where little children may accidentally encounter them. For instance, I may be showing family pics or ministry posts to someone, and all of a sudden, there is your lust connection, without warning. I don't want to see it, myself, but then I have to take steps to clear it from my electronic devices. It will even tell me which friend I have who patronizes the internet porn.

I realize some folks are held captive by such carnal pleasure. However, Jesus can and will set your free. So, even though you may not like me posting this, think about how blessed you are to have me as your friend. I love you, and I am warning you that it will destroy you and I am telling you that Jesus can/will set you free if you walk in faithful obedience to Him. Think about it; how many other posts like this have you ever seen?

(A FRIEND COMMENTED THAT SOMETIMES THAT FILTH IS SPREAD BY CLEAVER PORN SITES THAT MAY TRICK YOU INTO CLICKING THEIR SITE OR ATTACH TO YOUR FRIENDS LIST. HE ALSO GAVE GOOD INFO ON HOW TO AVOID SUCH ATTACKS)

Thanks my friend. I have run into these problems in the past, but the things I am dealing with actually shows me that the females have mutual friends with me.

I am concerned about the future of fb also. I have to live in the world, but I do not have to be of the world. However, the intrusiveness and offensiveness can go to far. I have to live in a world of offenses, but I take steps to avoid temptation and to avoid the appearance of evil. Sometimes it is a tight rope.

However, I thought this would be a good time and way to share with my friends who frequent these spots. I hate to see them get entangled. I have had other friends who have lost their families because of this kind of activity. Most of my friends know that I love them, even when I am blunt.

IT SPREADS...
Most people do not realize that sin and moral corruption spreads like an invisible disease. The effects of this moral blight is spiritually transmitted, silently. People not only put themselves at risk, but also the younger, weaker family members.

This is why I am always "on duty" on fb. I am also concerned about leaving my grandchildren a legacy of truth and encouragement. It is getting more difficult everyday to find spiritual warriors for Christ. I am trying to do articles and videos that they can reference when they get older, and I am gone to be with the Lord.

Anyone call fall prey to this snare. Sometimes a person is able to escape it, but even then the cost is unspeakable. However, it is better to turn from sin, even after it has beaten and robbed us, than to hopelessly succumb to its ever increasing invasiveness. And, the fact is, too often the sins that we have in our lives, eventually have us under their control. It takes the power of God to set us free.

What if your child or grandchild comes across your secret sins, buried in your computer, either now, or after you pass away. Is that how you want them to think about you.

Years ago guys would get porn and hide it in the house, but then they could always throw it away or burn it. NOT NOW. There is a good possibility that internet porn will become part of your electronic DNA, and part of your legacy to your loved ones.

12/16/13 SHORT HOP FROM LIBERTINISM TO ANTINOMIANISM

12/16/13 SHORT HOP FROM LIBERTINISM TO ANTINOMIANISM

Yes, I know people want to be able to do whatever they choose, without accountability. The USA has almost reached that level. However, once the moral climate permits individual libertinism, it won't be long before societal antinomianism victimizes everyone. Living with one's own selfishness and immorality is one thing, being the victim of complete cultural collapse is another.

12/16/13 SAY YES TO "GOD TIME"

12/16/13 SAY YES TO "GOD TIME"

One of the main obstacles to personal growth and spiritual victory is the failure of a person to have a disciplined devotional life.

I am not talking about being rigidly structured, since that is usually out of the question in our modern society. Nor am I talking about a static formality that goes through the motion of ritual and liturgy. I am talking about a dynamic relationship that puts first things first, regardless of the demands made by a hectic schedule.

It is not only the obligations of life that demand our time, it is our need for personal time, which is a legitimate need. However, it seems there is much more demand on our time and energy than we can supply. This is where discipline comes into the equation.

We have to say yes to God-time, even if it means saying, "no" to other worthy commitments. It needs to be quality time as well as an adequate length of time, focus time, feasting time.

No one becomes great at any discipline without a dedication to that discipline. Corporate body life is important, but nothing replaces personal quiet time with God. Take a few moments to evaluate your alone time with God and set a new course for a closer walk.