08/05/18 GOD'S VIEW OF BLASPHEMOUS OFFENDERS
(and how to respond to them)
When God tells us not to fellowship with someone because of something in his/her life, it must be abhorrent.
Romans 16:17-18
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Galatians 1:6-9
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
1 Timothy 6:3-5
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Jude 1:17-19
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
God has given us other directives concerning the problem of those who SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM GOD, HIS WORD, HIS FAITH AND HIS PEOPLE. I hope to address those points at another time.
But remember, part of our responsibility is to fill our lives with the Person and purposes of God. Consider the next verses of Jude.
Jude 1:20-21
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Rather than accepting those who separate themselves from God and His people and rather than ignoring their blasphemy, we are told...
Jude 1:22-23
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Restoration is not a one sided action. Loving, well meaning believers cannot supersede or preclude the need for blasphemers to repent and take steps of reconciliation, restoration and restitution to the church, as well as to God.
Being out of fellowship with a blasphemer does not mean that we don't love them or we don't treat them kindly or with dignity. It does not mean we don't help them when they are in need. It simply means that they are not "shipmates" on the Old Ship of Zion (fellow believers), it means that we are not two fellows on the same ship of salvation. I would throw a lifeline to a person lost at sea, but that does not make them my shipmate. We must not be unkind or rude to those who speak against Christ, His word, His people. But neither are we spiritually united with the enemies of the cross.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
08/05/18 PRESUMPTION IS NOT RESTORATION
08/05/18 PRESUMPTION IS NOT RESTORATION
Blasphemy against God requires God's forgiveness and restoration, not cheap human acceptance of unrepentant presumption.
Blasphemy against God requires God's forgiveness and restoration, not cheap human acceptance of unrepentant presumption.
08/05/18 NOT OUR JOB
08/05/18 NOT OUR JOB
Our forgiving others does not clear them.
We call people to reconciliation, we don't reconcile them.
That's between them and God.
Our forgiving others does not clear them.
We call people to reconciliation, we don't reconcile them.
That's between them and God.
08/05/18 GOD HEALS, "HURTS"
08/05/18 GOD HEALS, "HURTS"
The Christian objective is to help, not hurt, people.
Sometimes it hurts to be helped.
Sometimes it hurts to help people.
The Christian objective is to help, not hurt, people.
Sometimes it hurts to be helped.
Sometimes it hurts to help people.
08/05/18 DOING IS A CHOICE, CHOOSE CAREFULLY
08/05/18 DOING IS A CHOICE, CHOOSE CAREFULLY
Just because you can does not mean you should.
Self restraint is the job.
Self control is Fruit of the Spirit.
Just because you can does not mean you should.
Self restraint is the job.
Self control is Fruit of the Spirit.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
08/04/18 DON'T FEED ON HUSKS
08/04/18 DON'T FEED ON HUSKS
It is better to find God by hungering for His redemptive love than it is to flee His impending judgment.
Don't feed on husks.
COME TO THE FATHER
Luke 15:11-32
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
It is better to find God by hungering for His redemptive love than it is to flee His impending judgment.
Don't feed on husks.
COME TO THE FATHER
Luke 15:11-32
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
08/04/18 END TIME "AUTHORITIES"
08/04/18 END TIME "AUTHORITIES"
(important info)
Concerning the corruption of human government there are:
Haters (those who resist and reject law and law enforcement),
Baiters (those who undermine law and law enforcement, deliberately or not, by taunting),
Staters (those who want to make the State the ultimate authority),
Traitors (those who use their legal position as a cover for personally oppressing other people).
God's word directs Christians to honor those in authority, but we are also directed to obey God, rather than men when there is a conflict between the two. Christians must not make temporal issues into eternal issues, ostensibly in the name of Divine order. The State does have rights and power. Of course, the Biblical, and basic purpose of government is to protect the righteous and punish the wicked.
We live in a time and place that is full of upheaval (internationally, nationally, regionally, religiously, politically, racially, ethnically, legally, economically, sexually, educationally, socially, relationally, family, personally). Every area of life is in upheaval. The Bible clearly says that confusion comes from Satan. This is consistent with New Testament warnings concerning the future state of the world.
(NOTICE... "speaking lies," "...their conscience seared...")
1 Timothy 4:1-3
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
(NOTICE... "lovers of self," "proud," "blasphemers," "unholy," "without natural affection," "trucebreakers," "false accusers," "incontinent" (dlg note... without self control), "fierce" (dlg note... violent), "despisers of those that are good," "traitors," "heady" (dlg note... head strong), "highminded" (dlg note... insolent, arrogant, self assertion), "lovers of pleasure,"
2 Timothy 3:1-7
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(NOTICE... "will not endure sound doctrine," "heap to themselves teachers" (choose carnal, self serving leaders), "shall turn away from the truth,"
2 Timothy 4:3-4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
The Scripture warns us about men becoming a law unto themselves. Lawlessness is also known as ANARCHY. Surprisingly, today's political view, LIBERTARIANISM, is related historically as well as presently with anarchy. I did not realize this until several years ago I heard a Libertarian judge, Andrew Napolitano (regaled for his strong constitutional views), state that Libertarianism is anarchy. I researched this thought and found it to be true.
The reason I mention this is because our society is becoming more comfortable with Libertarian ideals, therefore more comfortable with Anarchy. This is infecting all areas of society, from the pulpit to the pew, from the Statehouse to the street. The influence of Paganism, Idolatry, Humanism, Naturalism (all traced back to the Tower of Babel) results in man setting himself as the ultimate authority.
Romans 1:18-32
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
My point is that Christians have dual citizenship. We are citizens (resident aliens) of this world, but we also have our citizenship in heaven.
This world is not our home, but we should live in submission to lawful authority. When the rule or rulers of this world challenge our obedience to the rule of God, we must obey God rather than men (regardless of the level of the tyrant).
However, we are not directed to establish a Theocratic rule as a governmental model in this world, though we ourselves are part of the kingdom of God. We are to stand firm in our submission to Christ without being subversive to government, since Government is God's appointed rule in this world concerning earthly issues.
This is a difficult balance to maintain, especially as corruption abounds (corporately or with individual actors in the government).
(important info)
Concerning the corruption of human government there are:
Haters (those who resist and reject law and law enforcement),
Baiters (those who undermine law and law enforcement, deliberately or not, by taunting),
Staters (those who want to make the State the ultimate authority),
Traitors (those who use their legal position as a cover for personally oppressing other people).
God's word directs Christians to honor those in authority, but we are also directed to obey God, rather than men when there is a conflict between the two. Christians must not make temporal issues into eternal issues, ostensibly in the name of Divine order. The State does have rights and power. Of course, the Biblical, and basic purpose of government is to protect the righteous and punish the wicked.
We live in a time and place that is full of upheaval (internationally, nationally, regionally, religiously, politically, racially, ethnically, legally, economically, sexually, educationally, socially, relationally, family, personally). Every area of life is in upheaval. The Bible clearly says that confusion comes from Satan. This is consistent with New Testament warnings concerning the future state of the world.
(NOTICE... "speaking lies," "...their conscience seared...")
1 Timothy 4:1-3
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
(NOTICE... "lovers of self," "proud," "blasphemers," "unholy," "without natural affection," "trucebreakers," "false accusers," "incontinent" (dlg note... without self control), "fierce" (dlg note... violent), "despisers of those that are good," "traitors," "heady" (dlg note... head strong), "highminded" (dlg note... insolent, arrogant, self assertion), "lovers of pleasure,"
2 Timothy 3:1-7
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(NOTICE... "will not endure sound doctrine," "heap to themselves teachers" (choose carnal, self serving leaders), "shall turn away from the truth,"
2 Timothy 4:3-4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
The Scripture warns us about men becoming a law unto themselves. Lawlessness is also known as ANARCHY. Surprisingly, today's political view, LIBERTARIANISM, is related historically as well as presently with anarchy. I did not realize this until several years ago I heard a Libertarian judge, Andrew Napolitano (regaled for his strong constitutional views), state that Libertarianism is anarchy. I researched this thought and found it to be true.
The reason I mention this is because our society is becoming more comfortable with Libertarian ideals, therefore more comfortable with Anarchy. This is infecting all areas of society, from the pulpit to the pew, from the Statehouse to the street. The influence of Paganism, Idolatry, Humanism, Naturalism (all traced back to the Tower of Babel) results in man setting himself as the ultimate authority.
Romans 1:18-32
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
My point is that Christians have dual citizenship. We are citizens (resident aliens) of this world, but we also have our citizenship in heaven.
This world is not our home, but we should live in submission to lawful authority. When the rule or rulers of this world challenge our obedience to the rule of God, we must obey God rather than men (regardless of the level of the tyrant).
However, we are not directed to establish a Theocratic rule as a governmental model in this world, though we ourselves are part of the kingdom of God. We are to stand firm in our submission to Christ without being subversive to government, since Government is God's appointed rule in this world concerning earthly issues.
This is a difficult balance to maintain, especially as corruption abounds (corporately or with individual actors in the government).
Friday, August 3, 2018
08/03/18 WITNESSING IS ESSENTIAL
08/03/18 WITNESSING IS ESSENTIAL
DASH-CAM MESSAGES: 2 messages
1. Telling the same person twice.
2. Better to be shown than find it alone.
PART 1
I often meet the same people I have previously met and witnessed to while kayaking or fishing or while I am just, "owt and abowt.". My witnessing varies to degree and depth, from person to person.
While I was at the boat ramp, checking the wind and weather, I talked to a young man, with whom I had actually talked and and witnessed last year. He works with the UNC Marine Lab. However, I did not realize that we had met until our conversation was almost over.
As we were talking, I could tell he was getting ready to shove off with his crew, so I needed to speak quickly.
I shot straight to the heart of things by asking, "Are you a Christian?"
He suddenly had a funny look on his face, and he seemed to be mulling over the question and conversation.
He hesitatingly said he was a Christian, but since he did not answer immediately, I guessed that he might not be saved.
Realizing we did not have much time to talk I could not delve any deeper, but I wanted to leave him with something to think about.
I said, "You need to follow Jesus, just as closely as you can, cause we are living in difficult times and you need to follow Jesus just as close as you can."
Again he got a look on his face, with a knowing smile. He said, I think I have talked to you before.
As I was trying to remember the situation, he said, "It was right down here on this ramp."
I always hope that my witness will stay with people and they will think about their relationship with God.
So, how do I feel when I meet someone a second time, but they might not have acted on the truths I shared with them before?
I figure, God has given me a second chance, a second opportunity to share with them. Therefore God has at least two situations through which to speak with that person. God can do whatever He wants to do, but He does choose to work through His people. This is why our witness is so important.
Romans 10:14-17
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
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.
Think about it. Some people NEVER have anyone witness to them. Maybe no on else has spoken to this young man since I did, last year. But now he has been witnessed to twice, by one person, within a year.
I have witnessed to a lot of people who have never had anyone else tell them about Jesus. HOW SAD IS THAT?
PART 2
IT IS BETTER TO BE HELPED THAN TO FIND OUR OWN WAY.
(On my drive home, I decided to check out a possible new fishing spot. When I pulled down the road, I went left, when I should have gone right. I chose to use this as another little message.)
People can find their own way to God (as the Holy Spirit helps them and leads them), but how much better to be helped by someone? It is faster, easier, more likely to be productive if someone helps us find the way of Christ, than if we have to find it on our own.
I stopped at the entry way to the marina to see if it was for members only.
Boy, that would be a bad thing. A person wants to get to heaven, hopes to get to heaven, studies about getting to heaven, but they never find the right way, and when they die they are told that they cannot come in because you have to be a member.
You can't get in. The gates are locked. There is only one gate. That gate is Jesus.
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
This is why we witness. So that we can tell people about Jesus, about the Way.
I make personal comments about the area, about a building that would make a nice church building, then I close this message by saying,
KEEP ON FISHING.
YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY, KEEP ON FISHING.
DASH-CAM MESSAGES: 2 messages
1. Telling the same person twice.
2. Better to be shown than find it alone.
PART 1
I often meet the same people I have previously met and witnessed to while kayaking or fishing or while I am just, "owt and abowt.". My witnessing varies to degree and depth, from person to person.
While I was at the boat ramp, checking the wind and weather, I talked to a young man, with whom I had actually talked and and witnessed last year. He works with the UNC Marine Lab. However, I did not realize that we had met until our conversation was almost over.
As we were talking, I could tell he was getting ready to shove off with his crew, so I needed to speak quickly.
I shot straight to the heart of things by asking, "Are you a Christian?"
He suddenly had a funny look on his face, and he seemed to be mulling over the question and conversation.
He hesitatingly said he was a Christian, but since he did not answer immediately, I guessed that he might not be saved.
Realizing we did not have much time to talk I could not delve any deeper, but I wanted to leave him with something to think about.
I said, "You need to follow Jesus, just as closely as you can, cause we are living in difficult times and you need to follow Jesus just as close as you can."
Again he got a look on his face, with a knowing smile. He said, I think I have talked to you before.
As I was trying to remember the situation, he said, "It was right down here on this ramp."
I always hope that my witness will stay with people and they will think about their relationship with God.
So, how do I feel when I meet someone a second time, but they might not have acted on the truths I shared with them before?
I figure, God has given me a second chance, a second opportunity to share with them. Therefore God has at least two situations through which to speak with that person. God can do whatever He wants to do, but He does choose to work through His people. This is why our witness is so important.
Romans 10:14-17
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
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.
Think about it. Some people NEVER have anyone witness to them. Maybe no on else has spoken to this young man since I did, last year. But now he has been witnessed to twice, by one person, within a year.
I have witnessed to a lot of people who have never had anyone else tell them about Jesus. HOW SAD IS THAT?
PART 2
IT IS BETTER TO BE HELPED THAN TO FIND OUR OWN WAY.
(On my drive home, I decided to check out a possible new fishing spot. When I pulled down the road, I went left, when I should have gone right. I chose to use this as another little message.)
People can find their own way to God (as the Holy Spirit helps them and leads them), but how much better to be helped by someone? It is faster, easier, more likely to be productive if someone helps us find the way of Christ, than if we have to find it on our own.
I stopped at the entry way to the marina to see if it was for members only.
Boy, that would be a bad thing. A person wants to get to heaven, hopes to get to heaven, studies about getting to heaven, but they never find the right way, and when they die they are told that they cannot come in because you have to be a member.
You can't get in. The gates are locked. There is only one gate. That gate is Jesus.
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
This is why we witness. So that we can tell people about Jesus, about the Way.
I make personal comments about the area, about a building that would make a nice church building, then I close this message by saying,
KEEP ON FISHING.
YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY, KEEP ON FISHING.
08/03/18 MORE THAN JUST WORDS ON A PAGE
08/03/18 MORE THAN JUST WORDS ON A PAGE
The more informed and enlightened the reader, the clearer the Bible will be.
You need to know the Author to understand the message.
This is why Liberals and other non-believers don't understand the Bible. The Bible is in this world, but it is not of this world. The Bible has a spiritual dimension, which requires spiritual understanding. It is not simply intended to give "head knowledge," but heart knowledge. This is what is meant in the following passage.
1 Corinthians 2:7-16
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
The more informed and enlightened the reader, the clearer the Bible will be.
You need to know the Author to understand the message.
This is why Liberals and other non-believers don't understand the Bible. The Bible is in this world, but it is not of this world. The Bible has a spiritual dimension, which requires spiritual understanding. It is not simply intended to give "head knowledge," but heart knowledge. This is what is meant in the following passage.
1 Corinthians 2:7-16
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
08/03/18 TWO DIFFERENT STANDARDS FOR CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS
08/03/18 TWO DIFFERENT STANDARDS FOR CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS
If contrary to Jesus & New Testament teaching, it's not Christian.
If contrary to Mohammad & Koran, it's not Islam.
If contrary to Jesus & New Testament teaching, it's not Christian.
If contrary to Mohammad & Koran, it's not Islam.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
08/02/18 FACTS ARE FRIENDS TO FAITH
08/02/18 FACTS ARE FRIENDS TO FAITH
I'm an unashamed Bible believer and radical Christ follower.
I welcome and rejoice in honest scrutiny.
Liberal's, not so much.
STANDING SURE AND TALL
I am glad to be accused of, and associated with. extreme loyalty and likeness to Jesus, and to the heroes of Biblical faith. (I am referring to Biblical Christianity, not the people and groups that have hi-jacked the name of the true Church and masqueraded as the Biblical followers of Jesus).
Conversely, when most Liberals are faced with the ugliness of their chosen philosophy and leaders, they often make excuses and try to distance themselves from the dark side of their heritage.
Facts are the friends of faith.
I'm an unashamed Bible believer and radical Christ follower.
I welcome and rejoice in honest scrutiny.
Liberal's, not so much.
STANDING SURE AND TALL
I am glad to be accused of, and associated with. extreme loyalty and likeness to Jesus, and to the heroes of Biblical faith. (I am referring to Biblical Christianity, not the people and groups that have hi-jacked the name of the true Church and masqueraded as the Biblical followers of Jesus).
Conversely, when most Liberals are faced with the ugliness of their chosen philosophy and leaders, they often make excuses and try to distance themselves from the dark side of their heritage.
Facts are the friends of faith.
08/02/18 DON'T CHOOSE THE WRONG WAY
08/02/18 DON'T CHOOSE THE WRONG WAY
Beware what you reject and you accept.
REJECTING Bible truth leads to being cut off from God and ACCEPTING lies, which leads to hell.
Beware what you reject and you accept.
REJECTING Bible truth leads to being cut off from God and ACCEPTING lies, which leads to hell.
08/02/18 "ANOTHER" IS NOT THE SAME
08/02/18 "ANOTHER" IS NOT THE SAME
WOW. Watched a video where false Witnesses (JWs) & false Israel (IUIC) exchanged darkness. False Christs abound in our land.
ANOTHER IS ANOTHER BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE SAME
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
False religions and cults have ANOTHER Jesus, ANOTHER Spirit and ANOTHER Gospel, because the jesus and spirit and gospel they have is not the same Jesus, Spirit and Gospel that the New Testament proclaims. If it is not the same, then it is different. False religions and cults have a different Jesus, different Spirit and different Gospel.
PLEASE GET YOUR CHILDREN TO A BIBLE BELIEVING, BIBLE HONORING, BIBLE FOLLOWING CHURCH.
PLEASE HAVE BIBLE STUDIES WITH THEM. (Let people lead the study who believe the Bible and live by the Bible).
If you need help finding a Bible teacher, let me know.
The initials "IUIC" represent the cult which calls itself, ISRAEL UNITED IN CHRIST.
It is (supposedly) a Black Hebrew group (supposedly the true people of God), which is basically another "rules and regulations" or "law" or "Sabbath" keeping cult. They claim that they are the true Israel. It is very convoluted and blatantly un-Biblical and anti-Christ.
WOW. Watched a video where false Witnesses (JWs) & false Israel (IUIC) exchanged darkness. False Christs abound in our land.
ANOTHER IS ANOTHER BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE SAME
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
False religions and cults have ANOTHER Jesus, ANOTHER Spirit and ANOTHER Gospel, because the jesus and spirit and gospel they have is not the same Jesus, Spirit and Gospel that the New Testament proclaims. If it is not the same, then it is different. False religions and cults have a different Jesus, different Spirit and different Gospel.
PLEASE GET YOUR CHILDREN TO A BIBLE BELIEVING, BIBLE HONORING, BIBLE FOLLOWING CHURCH.
PLEASE HAVE BIBLE STUDIES WITH THEM. (Let people lead the study who believe the Bible and live by the Bible).
If you need help finding a Bible teacher, let me know.
The initials "IUIC" represent the cult which calls itself, ISRAEL UNITED IN CHRIST.
It is (supposedly) a Black Hebrew group (supposedly the true people of God), which is basically another "rules and regulations" or "law" or "Sabbath" keeping cult. They claim that they are the true Israel. It is very convoluted and blatantly un-Biblical and anti-Christ.
08/02/18 MORE THAN JUST A BOOK
08/02/18 MORE THAN JUST A BOOK
You Can't Tell the Players Without a Program (Holy Bible).
Previews of Coming Attractions (Holy Bible).
MORE THAN JUST A BOOK.
You Can't Tell the Players Without a Program (Holy Bible).
Previews of Coming Attractions (Holy Bible).
MORE THAN JUST A BOOK.
08/02/18 SEEDS OF DISCORD
08/02/18 SEEDS OF DISCORD
Henry Ford hated Jews, promoted Muslims.
Dearborn is unsafe zone for non-Muslims and known as, "Muslim Capital of North America."
Henry Ford hated Jews, promoted Muslims.
Dearborn is unsafe zone for non-Muslims and known as, "Muslim Capital of North America."
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