This is the second chapter of my Uncle's book on the End times, the Rapture, and Jesus' return. Please take a look.
Promise of His Coming: Chapter 2. Should we Test Potsherd
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Keeper’s Missive: The Subtle Tower of Babel and the Impossible Gate
Newest Christian Science Fiction story. Please check it out.
Keeper’s Missive: The Subtle Tower of Babel and the Impossible Gate
Keeper’s Missive: The Subtle Tower of Babel and the Impossible Gate
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
How to Select a Boxing Personal Trainer
Boxing is not a game. It is not like basketball, baseball, or football. It is a very dangerous sport. It is a combat sport. It is not for every body.
How to Select a Boxing Personal Trainer
How to Select a Boxing Personal Trainer
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Jacobs Journey
Genesis 28:10 And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put [them for] his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.
I. Man of Flesh blessing by falsehood Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
A. Critical Acceptance If God will be with me
B. Conditional Lordship
C. Carnal Tithe
II. Man of Fight blessing by force Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What [is] thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
A. Necessary Harm
B. New Name
C. Face to face
III. Man of Faith blessing by following Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.
A. Following
B. Forsaking
C. Family
J Vernon McGee; APG November 20, 2010sm
www.pastorandrew.ws
I. Man of Flesh blessing by falsehood Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
A. Critical Acceptance If God will be with me
B. Conditional Lordship
C. Carnal Tithe
II. Man of Fight blessing by force Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What [is] thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
A. Necessary Harm
B. New Name
C. Face to face
III. Man of Faith blessing by following Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.
A. Following
B. Forsaking
C. Family
J Vernon McGee; APG November 20, 2010sm
www.pastorandrew.ws
Monday, November 15, 2010
Power of the Gospel
Pastor Grosjean
www.pastorandrew.ws
Rom. 1:13-16 “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
I. Forgive Sins Rom. 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
A. Scope - remission of all sins
B. Source - faith in blood
C. Security - Redemption (the purchase of Christ)
II. Fortify and Secure
A. Through Faith, Sanctified & Justified .Rom 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
1. We have peace
2. We have access
3. We have rejoicing
B. Though Failing, Strength. Rom. 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” II Cor. 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
C. Through Fear of death, Secured by life Rom. 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
III. Fix for Service Rom. 6:18 “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
A. Identifies with Death Rom. 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
B. Identifies with Dirt of Burial Rom. 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
C. Identifies with Deliverance of Resurrection Rom. 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 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. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
IV. Free from Satan
A. Because of Who is for us. Rom. 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?”
B. Because of Who fills us I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
March 24, 2006; November 14, 2009sm, November 13, 2010sm
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
www.pastorandrew.ws
Rom. 1:13-16 “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
I. Forgive Sins Rom. 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
A. Scope - remission of all sins
B. Source - faith in blood
C. Security - Redemption (the purchase of Christ)
II. Fortify and Secure
A. Through Faith, Sanctified & Justified .Rom 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
1. We have peace
2. We have access
3. We have rejoicing
B. Though Failing, Strength. Rom. 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” II Cor. 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
C. Through Fear of death, Secured by life Rom. 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
III. Fix for Service Rom. 6:18 “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
A. Identifies with Death Rom. 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
B. Identifies with Dirt of Burial Rom. 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
C. Identifies with Deliverance of Resurrection Rom. 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 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. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
IV. Free from Satan
A. Because of Who is for us. Rom. 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?”
B. Because of Who fills us I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
March 24, 2006; November 14, 2009sm, November 13, 2010sm
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
7000 Not Bowed
www.pastorandrew.ws
Elder Grosjean
I Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria: 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room. 17 And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. 18 Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
I. Sovereign Assignments
A. Minister to the world Hazael king over Syria
B. Minister to the people of God Jehu king over Israel
C. Minister to the ministers Elisha prophet
II. Silent Allies - Seven Thousand
A. Sissified Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
B. Suppressed
C. Separated
III. Savior’s Assurances for Trust
A. Protection (I have left) I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
B. Provision Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
C. Proclamation Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
A saint somewhere is in sorrow and needs to know you are there too.
Thought of June 20, 05; preached June 12, 2009sn; November 14, 2010sn
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
Elder Grosjean
I Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria: 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room. 17 And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. 18 Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
I. Sovereign Assignments
A. Minister to the world Hazael king over Syria
B. Minister to the people of God Jehu king over Israel
C. Minister to the ministers Elisha prophet
II. Silent Allies - Seven Thousand
A. Sissified Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
B. Suppressed
C. Separated
III. Savior’s Assurances for Trust
A. Protection (I have left) I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
B. Provision Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
C. Proclamation Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
A saint somewhere is in sorrow and needs to know you are there too.
Thought of June 20, 05; preached June 12, 2009sn; November 14, 2010sn
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Zeal of Thine House
Zeal of Thine House
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
I. Patient Preparation
A. Right time
B. Reasoned response
C. Righteous anger
II. Purified of Pretense
A. Idolatrous Salesmen (those selling)
B. Ignorant but Sincere (those sacrificing)
C. Insincere and Sanctimonious (the superiors)
D. Insecure Saint (those disciples)
III. Protection of Purpose
A. Praise Psalms 42:4 When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
B. Prayer Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
C. Proclamation Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
D. Preaching
November 7, 2010sn
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
I. Patient Preparation
A. Right time
B. Reasoned response
C. Righteous anger
II. Purified of Pretense
A. Idolatrous Salesmen (those selling)
B. Ignorant but Sincere (those sacrificing)
C. Insincere and Sanctimonious (the superiors)
D. Insecure Saint (those disciples)
III. Protection of Purpose
A. Praise Psalms 42:4 When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
B. Prayer Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
C. Proclamation Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
D. Preaching
November 7, 2010sn
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Personal Revival
Personal Revival
Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
I. Chastisement (Intro)
II. Changing from Crowded by a Cloud of Witnesses
A. Hands (Work: lift up hands) I Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.
1. Service
2. Study
3. Supply
B. Knees (Walk: carry burdens) Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.
1. Commit to Work
2. Confirm Weak knees
3. Courage for Warfare
C. Feet (Witness: straight path)
1. Clear Message make straight paths
2. Complete Message Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
3. Communicated Message Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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!
III. Communion (Conclusion)
A. Peace with all men
B. Purity from muck
C. Presence of Messiah
November 7, 2010sm
Friday, November 5, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
From Fear to Fellowship
From Fear to Fellowship
II Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I. Fearful Servants Romans 6:19 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.
A. Fear of the Damned Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
B. Fear of the Devilish James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
C. Fear of the Delivered Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
D. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
II. Faithful Friends John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
A. Condition of Friendship (commands)
B. Calling of Friendship (not earned but given)
C. Confidence of Friendship all things that I have heard
III. Fellowship Beloved Daniel 9:20 And whiles I [was] speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21 Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
A. Skill and Understanding (Sound Mind) II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
B. Supplication and Unveiling (Love)
C. Steadfast and Unmoving (Power) I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
II Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I. Fearful Servants Romans 6:19 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.
A. Fear of the Damned Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
B. Fear of the Devilish James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
C. Fear of the Delivered Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
D. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
II. Faithful Friends John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
A. Condition of Friendship (commands)
B. Calling of Friendship (not earned but given)
C. Confidence of Friendship all things that I have heard
III. Fellowship Beloved Daniel 9:20 And whiles I [was] speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21 Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
A. Skill and Understanding (Sound Mind) II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
B. Supplication and Unveiling (Love)
C. Steadfast and Unmoving (Power) I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
What are you Thankful for?
What are you Thankful for?
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrates being grateful. The pilgrims that came to this wonderful land but found their first winter very difficult and tragic. However, God provided for them in preparation for the next winter through the kindness and generosity of the Wampanoag Indians. The Indians taught the naive colonists about fishing, planting and hunting. With their help, the Pilgrims were ready for the winter cold. After a bountiful harvest, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated with a three day feast.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving. He hoped to help our country to heal after the tragic Civil War. So, he set apart the last Thursday in November, and declared, “We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come. … No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God. … I therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States … to observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
We in our world today face the same challenges that the Pilgrims faced so long ago. For their story carries the themes of our existence. We all face a struggle to survive, whether for ourselves, our families, even in our spiritual lives. We all need help to overcome the challenges that stand in our way. And just like then, God is there to provide for our needs.
The question is, “Will we respond to life’s challenges with the same noble resolve that they did?” They responded to the harshness of the their situation with hard work. They responded with cooperation. They treated each other with kindness and compassion. But the part of the story that we most often forget is that they responded with thankfulness.
What were the Pilgrims thankful for? There were so many things. They were thankful for the Wampanoag Indians, for the harvest, for their food, and for their survival. But they were not just grateful in general. They were thankful to God in specific. They were not afraid to admit that God is the source of all blessings. He had seen them across the great ocean. He had protected them through the first heart-rending winter. He taught them about new foods through the generous Wampanoag. It was God Who provided the bountiful harvest.
If we learn anything from the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, we should make sure that we are not just grateful, but that we are grateful to God. We need to recognize the Heavenly Father as the Giver of all good things.
We should thank God, but not just for the provision for our daily lives. More importantly, we need to acknowledge and rely on His provision for our spiritual lives. Being lost in tragedy and condemnation of our sin is worse than the horrible trials that the Pilgrims had to endure. For our sin has no remedy outside of the provision of God’s own Son Jesus Christ. However, just as God brought the Pilgrims help and salvation from harsh physical conditions, Jesus brings salvation from the absolute self destruction of man’s sin.
As the Pilgrims sat down in celebration with the Wampanoag, so Jesus wants to sit and commune with us spiritually. Revelation 3:20 “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.” He wants to come into your life and give you what you need most. He offers forgiveness from sin, adoption into the family of God, a home in Heaven, and escape from Hell. Most importantly, He will give you victory over sin, Satan, and your own selfish nature.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Why not call on the name of the Lord today and thank Him for all of His provision in you life? More importantly, thank God for His provision of salvation. If you want to have God’s salvation in your life, pray to God like this:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that I am a sinner and have disobeyed your laws. But I know that you love me and that Jesus died for me. Now, I ask you to come into my life and save me. Please, forgive me of all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrates being grateful. The pilgrims that came to this wonderful land but found their first winter very difficult and tragic. However, God provided for them in preparation for the next winter through the kindness and generosity of the Wampanoag Indians. The Indians taught the naive colonists about fishing, planting and hunting. With their help, the Pilgrims were ready for the winter cold. After a bountiful harvest, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated with a three day feast.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving. He hoped to help our country to heal after the tragic Civil War. So, he set apart the last Thursday in November, and declared, “We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come. … No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God. … I therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States … to observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
We in our world today face the same challenges that the Pilgrims faced so long ago. For their story carries the themes of our existence. We all face a struggle to survive, whether for ourselves, our families, even in our spiritual lives. We all need help to overcome the challenges that stand in our way. And just like then, God is there to provide for our needs.
The question is, “Will we respond to life’s challenges with the same noble resolve that they did?” They responded to the harshness of the their situation with hard work. They responded with cooperation. They treated each other with kindness and compassion. But the part of the story that we most often forget is that they responded with thankfulness.
What were the Pilgrims thankful for? There were so many things. They were thankful for the Wampanoag Indians, for the harvest, for their food, and for their survival. But they were not just grateful in general. They were thankful to God in specific. They were not afraid to admit that God is the source of all blessings. He had seen them across the great ocean. He had protected them through the first heart-rending winter. He taught them about new foods through the generous Wampanoag. It was God Who provided the bountiful harvest.
If we learn anything from the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, we should make sure that we are not just grateful, but that we are grateful to God. We need to recognize the Heavenly Father as the Giver of all good things.
We should thank God, but not just for the provision for our daily lives. More importantly, we need to acknowledge and rely on His provision for our spiritual lives. Being lost in tragedy and condemnation of our sin is worse than the horrible trials that the Pilgrims had to endure. For our sin has no remedy outside of the provision of God’s own Son Jesus Christ. However, just as God brought the Pilgrims help and salvation from harsh physical conditions, Jesus brings salvation from the absolute self destruction of man’s sin.
As the Pilgrims sat down in celebration with the Wampanoag, so Jesus wants to sit and commune with us spiritually. Revelation 3:20 “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.” He wants to come into your life and give you what you need most. He offers forgiveness from sin, adoption into the family of God, a home in Heaven, and escape from Hell. Most importantly, He will give you victory over sin, Satan, and your own selfish nature.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Why not call on the name of the Lord today and thank Him for all of His provision in you life? More importantly, thank God for His provision of salvation. If you want to have God’s salvation in your life, pray to God like this:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that I am a sinner and have disobeyed your laws. But I know that you love me and that Jesus died for me. Now, I ask you to come into my life and save me. Please, forgive me of all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Is Jesus Welcome for Dinner
Is Jesus Welcome for Dinner
Thanksgiving is a great holiday, but it is more than just a day to eat a lot of great food. It is a reminder of what we should be thankful for. In it, we celebrate good food, precious family, fellowship with those we love, and our priceless freedoms. It more than the meal. It is more than entertaining. It is the time to be close to those that mean the most.
In this season of visiting and eating, there is another more important meal to which you are invited. Jesus says to every man in Revelation 3:20, “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.” We can learn a great deal about the human condition from this short verse.
First, notice that Jesus is outside the door of the person’s heart. This is because our sins have separated between us and God. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” man is not basically good. We have a sin nature and it will control us if we do not get the deliverance of God in our life.
The good news is that God has made a way to take away our sin. Jesus sacrificed Himself to wash away our sin. But Jesus is a gentleman. He still knocks. Like all the people coming over for the Holidays, Jesus waits at the door until we come and welcome Him in.
This is the wonderful thing about God’s salvation. God does not expect up to face the challenges of our temptations, our sins, or even just the challenges of life alone. Jesus is not satisfied to direct you from outside. No, through the Holy Spirit, He comes into your life and heart if you are willing to just open the door. He wants to see you through it all. He wants to give you power to be victorious over every addiction even if it is just the addiction to sin.
But the thing that most people miss about this verse in Revelation 3:20 is that Jesus does not only want to come in and be in our lives. He wants to have communion. This is what is meant by God’s desire to “sup” with us. He wants to have spiritual supper with us.
During the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is not just a meal that draws us to other people’s homes. It is the desire to spend time with the people we love. That is God’s desire too. He knocks at your heart’s door because He wants to come into your life. He waits for your answer, because He will not force His way in. He wants to be close to you. He wants to forgive everything that you have ever done against Him. He wants to save us all from our selves and take us to Heaven. But God’s ultimate goal is to have communion with us. He wants us to be close to Him. He wants the same communion that we crave with our families and friends during these holidays.
That is the miracle of the Gospel. Jesus offers everything that we need for complete fulfillment in our life. And just like a true gift of the holiday season, the gift of salvation is completely free. You can not buy it. It is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart. You cannot pay Him to come in. You cannot clean up your own life to make it acceptable to Him. All you can do is open the door and let Him it. He is better than your holiday guests. He wants to clean up for you and with you. You cannot make yourself acceptable to God by cleaning up your life. You cannot clean yourself up to come to God. You come to God so He can clean you up.
Jesus is knocking at the door of your life. Will you let Him in to dine with you? Is Jesus welcome in your heart? If you have never opened the door to Jesus and asked him to save you and come into life, why not pray right now a prayer like this:
Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that has separated me from you. But You died to wash away all my sin. I hear you knocking at my heart’s door. Please come into my life and forgive all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Thanksgiving is a great holiday, but it is more than just a day to eat a lot of great food. It is a reminder of what we should be thankful for. In it, we celebrate good food, precious family, fellowship with those we love, and our priceless freedoms. It more than the meal. It is more than entertaining. It is the time to be close to those that mean the most.
In this season of visiting and eating, there is another more important meal to which you are invited. Jesus says to every man in Revelation 3:20, “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.” We can learn a great deal about the human condition from this short verse.
First, notice that Jesus is outside the door of the person’s heart. This is because our sins have separated between us and God. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” man is not basically good. We have a sin nature and it will control us if we do not get the deliverance of God in our life.
The good news is that God has made a way to take away our sin. Jesus sacrificed Himself to wash away our sin. But Jesus is a gentleman. He still knocks. Like all the people coming over for the Holidays, Jesus waits at the door until we come and welcome Him in.
This is the wonderful thing about God’s salvation. God does not expect up to face the challenges of our temptations, our sins, or even just the challenges of life alone. Jesus is not satisfied to direct you from outside. No, through the Holy Spirit, He comes into your life and heart if you are willing to just open the door. He wants to see you through it all. He wants to give you power to be victorious over every addiction even if it is just the addiction to sin.
But the thing that most people miss about this verse in Revelation 3:20 is that Jesus does not only want to come in and be in our lives. He wants to have communion. This is what is meant by God’s desire to “sup” with us. He wants to have spiritual supper with us.
During the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is not just a meal that draws us to other people’s homes. It is the desire to spend time with the people we love. That is God’s desire too. He knocks at your heart’s door because He wants to come into your life. He waits for your answer, because He will not force His way in. He wants to be close to you. He wants to forgive everything that you have ever done against Him. He wants to save us all from our selves and take us to Heaven. But God’s ultimate goal is to have communion with us. He wants us to be close to Him. He wants the same communion that we crave with our families and friends during these holidays.
That is the miracle of the Gospel. Jesus offers everything that we need for complete fulfillment in our life. And just like a true gift of the holiday season, the gift of salvation is completely free. You can not buy it. It is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart. You cannot pay Him to come in. You cannot clean up your own life to make it acceptable to Him. All you can do is open the door and let Him it. He is better than your holiday guests. He wants to clean up for you and with you. You cannot make yourself acceptable to God by cleaning up your life. You cannot clean yourself up to come to God. You come to God so He can clean you up.
Jesus is knocking at the door of your life. Will you let Him in to dine with you? Is Jesus welcome in your heart? If you have never opened the door to Jesus and asked him to save you and come into life, why not pray right now a prayer like this:
Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that has separated me from you. But You died to wash away all my sin. I hear you knocking at my heart’s door. Please come into my life and forgive all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
How to Rebuild Gods House
How to Rebuild Gods House
Ezra 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. 3 Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.
I. Return to Gods Place: Leave the World (Enemy was Civil Government) Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
A. Rejected God’s Word
B. Ruined God’s Ways
C. Refused God’s Worship
II. Reclaim Gods Property: Lusts of the World (Enemy was Satan) Ezra 1:7 Also Cyrus the King Brought Forth the Vessels of the House of the Lord, Which Nebuchadnezzar Had Brought Forth out of Jerusalem, and Had Put Them in the House of His Gods; 8 Even Those Did Cyrus King of Persia Bring Forth by the Hand of Mithredath the Treasurer, and Numbered Them unto Sheshbazzar, the Prince of Judah.
A. Comes to steal (lust of the eyes) John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
B. Comes to kill (lust of flesh)
C. Comes to destroy (pride of life)
III. Rebuild Gods Place: Love to Worship (Enemy was Scoffers) Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye [do]; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.
IV. Rebuild Gods People: Love Not the World (Enemy was Self) Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. 11 Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
A. Depart from Sinners
B. Deny Sin I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
C. Die to Self
October 24, 2010sn
Ezra 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. 3 Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.
I. Return to Gods Place: Leave the World (Enemy was Civil Government) Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
A. Rejected God’s Word
B. Ruined God’s Ways
C. Refused God’s Worship
II. Reclaim Gods Property: Lusts of the World (Enemy was Satan) Ezra 1:7 Also Cyrus the King Brought Forth the Vessels of the House of the Lord, Which Nebuchadnezzar Had Brought Forth out of Jerusalem, and Had Put Them in the House of His Gods; 8 Even Those Did Cyrus King of Persia Bring Forth by the Hand of Mithredath the Treasurer, and Numbered Them unto Sheshbazzar, the Prince of Judah.
A. Comes to steal (lust of the eyes) John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
B. Comes to kill (lust of flesh)
C. Comes to destroy (pride of life)
III. Rebuild Gods Place: Love to Worship (Enemy was Scoffers) Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye [do]; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.
IV. Rebuild Gods People: Love Not the World (Enemy was Self) Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. 11 Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
A. Depart from Sinners
B. Deny Sin I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
C. Die to Self
October 24, 2010sn
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Keepers Missive: The Love Song of Baruchi
Here is my newest installment on the Keeper Missives. It's got bandits and murder. It's got romance and forbidden love. And it has a happy ending. It's got it all!
Keepers Missive: The Love Song of Baruchi
Keepers Missive: The Love Song of Baruchi
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