There are those who believe that God's love is unconditional, I see no scripture to support this. Yes, we do not earn it, but we do not receive it if we will not believe.
God's love is conditional on us desiring to be changed into a new creation, through believing. Those who do not want to believe and do not want to be changed will not be born again. They can go to church, pray and even do good works, but if they do not believe they will not receive eternal life.
Christ extended His love to the entire world, but most will not avail themselves to His love through belief in His finished work on the cross on their behalf.
Can anyone tell me, is it love to send someone to hell? All those who refuse to love Christ are going there.
Perhaps some of you can provide scripture to answer this questions.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Talent Does Not Save Us!
I am pretty sure the subject of a popular actor who committed suicide yesterday, is going to come up today in the news feed, glorifying him for his accomplishments as an actor/director.
A very popular actor killed himself yesterday, in spite of this act, he is being glorified by the media, as a wonderful person because he made people laugh and his acting skills were celebrated by many.
His popularity is based on his acting, his wealth and that he made people laugh. Does this sound like sensible evaluation of a man's life?
Let's see what this man's life was really like! He was divorced twice and remarried a third time. This man who is the darling of the media, had an affair while still married to his first wife, after that there were two divorces and a third wife.
Notice that most movie stars down through the ages are divorced and remarried, often multiple times, because they are so completely self absorbed, they cannot be a good companions to anyone.
Most actors and actresses love this profession because they are narcissists who desire continual praise and attention, fame is their goal.
He was in and out of rehap for cocain and alcoholism, and he spent his entire life focused on himself.
This man was invited by the Democratic party to speak at one of their fund raisers for our current president. When the news media reported it, they were bleeping out so many filthy curse words that very little of his message could be heard, he was known for his gutter mouth.
Is this the kind of man that believers want their children to enjoy and love?
When we base our love for someone on their talents rather than their character we are glorifying them for things that are not only not important to God but even disgust Him. It does not please God when we sing the praises of someone who hates Him.
I am not impressed with any charity work he may have done, although the media has not been mentioning any yet, or his talents in the movie industry, none of these things honor God, when someone lives a lifestyle of debauchery, God is angry with them.
Psalm 7:11 "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day."
This very popular actor/comedian pushed the political issue of same sex marriage forward before it was popular to do so. One of his movies depicted a nanny who was a cross dresser.
This man was asked this question on a popular talk show; "“If heaven exists, what do you want to hear God say when you arrive at the gates?”
His answer was this; "Is there seating at the front." His attitude toward God on many occasions was to mock Him. He had no reverence for anyone or anything. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, rejected every kind of authority and died defying God through the act of suicide.
He supported verbally and financially every liberal cause of our day.
NOW TELL ME WHAT SHOULD WE GLORIFY ABOUT THIS MAN?
When we evaluate someone on their talents, whether an actor or ball player we are sending the message that it doesn't matter how they live or who they hurt as long as they are talented and make people happy with that talent.
I don't know about you, but I intend to turn off the news every time this story comes up, I can't stand to hear any more accolades for someone who dishonored God in every way possible.
The best thing we can do now, is not to glorify him, but to pray for the salvation of his family and all the people who were influenced by his terrible example.
A very popular actor killed himself yesterday, in spite of this act, he is being glorified by the media, as a wonderful person because he made people laugh and his acting skills were celebrated by many.
His popularity is based on his acting, his wealth and that he made people laugh. Does this sound like sensible evaluation of a man's life?
Let's see what this man's life was really like! He was divorced twice and remarried a third time. This man who is the darling of the media, had an affair while still married to his first wife, after that there were two divorces and a third wife.
Notice that most movie stars down through the ages are divorced and remarried, often multiple times, because they are so completely self absorbed, they cannot be a good companions to anyone.
Most actors and actresses love this profession because they are narcissists who desire continual praise and attention, fame is their goal.
He was in and out of rehap for cocain and alcoholism, and he spent his entire life focused on himself.
This man was invited by the Democratic party to speak at one of their fund raisers for our current president. When the news media reported it, they were bleeping out so many filthy curse words that very little of his message could be heard, he was known for his gutter mouth.
Is this the kind of man that believers want their children to enjoy and love?
When we base our love for someone on their talents rather than their character we are glorifying them for things that are not only not important to God but even disgust Him. It does not please God when we sing the praises of someone who hates Him.
I am not impressed with any charity work he may have done, although the media has not been mentioning any yet, or his talents in the movie industry, none of these things honor God, when someone lives a lifestyle of debauchery, God is angry with them.
Psalm 7:11 "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day."
This very popular actor/comedian pushed the political issue of same sex marriage forward before it was popular to do so. One of his movies depicted a nanny who was a cross dresser.
This man was asked this question on a popular talk show; "“If heaven exists, what do you want to hear God say when you arrive at the gates?”
His answer was this; "Is there seating at the front." His attitude toward God on many occasions was to mock Him. He had no reverence for anyone or anything. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, rejected every kind of authority and died defying God through the act of suicide.
He supported verbally and financially every liberal cause of our day.
NOW TELL ME WHAT SHOULD WE GLORIFY ABOUT THIS MAN?
When we evaluate someone on their talents, whether an actor or ball player we are sending the message that it doesn't matter how they live or who they hurt as long as they are talented and make people happy with that talent.
I don't know about you, but I intend to turn off the news every time this story comes up, I can't stand to hear any more accolades for someone who dishonored God in every way possible.
The best thing we can do now, is not to glorify him, but to pray for the salvation of his family and all the people who were influenced by his terrible example.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Terrorism Is Coming To America: Are You Ready?
Terrorism is coming to America, and perhaps soon. It might be a good time to evaluate whether or not we have been born again. Those who will be killed for their faith, will go to their heavenly home, a blessing to them.
However, those who have not trusted Christ will face terrible oppression and even hell if they convert to Islam to avoid torture and death.
We, in America, have been referred to as the "great satan", it makes sense that Islam would want to destroy us.
I am convinced that the open borders will be the conduit through which the terrorists are entering, the reason our president will not close the borders. They are coming in other ways too, but it seems that it would be easy to enter where many immigrants are entering with all kinds of illegal drugs, why would bringing in explosives be any more difficult?
We are in for some very hard times, life has been easy in recent years compared to what is coming. Far too many "seventies" children have been pampered, lacking nothing that they desired, they are not ready for hardship or extreme conditions.
May the Lord open the eyes of many to realize that the only way to escape insanity because of the horrors that are coming, is to submit to Christ. He will not necessarily take us out of them, but He will go through with us if we have trusted Him.
Those who do not know Christ will not have the strength or resolve to endure. It is only Christ Who can give us what we need when we need it.
May many turn to Christ in these last days before the Lord meets His bride in the air.
However, those who have not trusted Christ will face terrible oppression and even hell if they convert to Islam to avoid torture and death.
We, in America, have been referred to as the "great satan", it makes sense that Islam would want to destroy us.
I am convinced that the open borders will be the conduit through which the terrorists are entering, the reason our president will not close the borders. They are coming in other ways too, but it seems that it would be easy to enter where many immigrants are entering with all kinds of illegal drugs, why would bringing in explosives be any more difficult?
We are in for some very hard times, life has been easy in recent years compared to what is coming. Far too many "seventies" children have been pampered, lacking nothing that they desired, they are not ready for hardship or extreme conditions.
May the Lord open the eyes of many to realize that the only way to escape insanity because of the horrors that are coming, is to submit to Christ. He will not necessarily take us out of them, but He will go through with us if we have trusted Him.
Those who do not know Christ will not have the strength or resolve to endure. It is only Christ Who can give us what we need when we need it.
May many turn to Christ in these last days before the Lord meets His bride in the air.
Feelings Are Not The Focus
The devil will use feelings to make us think we are not forgiven. If we ignore them remember God's Word, soon the guilt will leave.
There is a difference between false guilt brought on by the devil's accusations against us and true conviction from the Holy Spirit, as we grow in wisdom we will learn which is which.
Feelings lie to us, they say things are good when they are bad and they will say things are bad when they are good. We must learn to ignore our feelings and think with the mind of Christ, then we will be able to discern whether the feelings are accurate or not.
There is a difference between false guilt brought on by the devil's accusations against us and true conviction from the Holy Spirit, as we grow in wisdom we will learn which is which.
Feelings lie to us, they say things are good when they are bad and they will say things are bad when they are good. We must learn to ignore our feelings and think with the mind of Christ, then we will be able to discern whether the feelings are accurate or not.
"Pastor" or Christ Which One Do You Follow?
Are you following a man who calls himself "Pastor" (a title) or is the pastor (a gift of service) who is a servant of the flock pointing you to Christ that you might follow Christ?
This is an important question, if we follow a man then we will not evaluate everything he says to be sure it is from God, we will simply believe all that he says and radically defend him.
If we follow Christ, then every man who claims to speak for God will be evaluated, to see if what he says if from Scripture and endorsed by God.
Acts 17:10-11
"10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
If a preacher refuses to be evaluated for what he says then he is not worthy for the ministry of leading a flock. Those who say things like "I protect MY pulpit", should be removed quickly, so that the gathering will not be perverted with a cult like oppressiveness.
Every man has the responsibility in the gathering to speak the truth evaluating everyone else through the Word to see if they are telling the truth. All errors should be openly challenged so that no one leaves the gathering believing the wrong doctrine or teaching.
1 Corinthians 14:29
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment."
1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."
If a pastor brings a wrong word, then those in the gathering need to correct him, if he resists the correction then he must be rebuked publicly for bringing wrong doctrine.
Because "Pastors" have been elevated to a godlike status, many in the church have neglected to keep them accountable, to maintain strict scriptural doctrine. The church has become apostate because the Word will not be obeyed in this matter of leadership.
When there is only a one man pastorship, then there is little accountability. When there is a plurality of leadership in the form of elders, several men to make decisions together through prayer and Scripture study, then errors will be handled and discarded before they become a big problem.
May each gathering look to the Word for their direction, setting aside all tradition to obey Christ.
This is an important question, if we follow a man then we will not evaluate everything he says to be sure it is from God, we will simply believe all that he says and radically defend him.
If we follow Christ, then every man who claims to speak for God will be evaluated, to see if what he says if from Scripture and endorsed by God.
Acts 17:10-11
"10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
If a preacher refuses to be evaluated for what he says then he is not worthy for the ministry of leading a flock. Those who say things like "I protect MY pulpit", should be removed quickly, so that the gathering will not be perverted with a cult like oppressiveness.
Every man has the responsibility in the gathering to speak the truth evaluating everyone else through the Word to see if they are telling the truth. All errors should be openly challenged so that no one leaves the gathering believing the wrong doctrine or teaching.
1 Corinthians 14:29
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment."
1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."
If a pastor brings a wrong word, then those in the gathering need to correct him, if he resists the correction then he must be rebuked publicly for bringing wrong doctrine.
Because "Pastors" have been elevated to a godlike status, many in the church have neglected to keep them accountable, to maintain strict scriptural doctrine. The church has become apostate because the Word will not be obeyed in this matter of leadership.
When there is only a one man pastorship, then there is little accountability. When there is a plurality of leadership in the form of elders, several men to make decisions together through prayer and Scripture study, then errors will be handled and discarded before they become a big problem.
May each gathering look to the Word for their direction, setting aside all tradition to obey Christ.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Make Our Conversation Interesting
Do we talk too much? When we notice that others are looking around more than at us while we talk, that is a clue that we are loosing them. They may be hoping for a break between words to be able to get away to visit with someone else.
Do we continue to talk while they are trying to interrupt to be a part of the conversation?
Or do we talk so long that they cannot interject at any point, making the conversation completely one sided.
If we notice others running away from us when they see us coming, perhaps we should evaluate our speech or how long we talk! It might be good to become aware of the eyes and micro-reactions that people are exhibiting to more fully learn how they are feeling about the conversation, to be considerate of others. Is the visit a discussion with two people participating? Or, are we the only ones talking continually.
Not everything we say and do is interesting to others. Knowing our friends and family would help us in discerning what would interest them, rather than attempting to impress them with what we think is interesting, blabbering on and on with meaningless details that make no difference to the story, we ought to be discerning in what would interest those listening.
It is rude to continue to talk when the person we are speaking to is showing discomfort at our prattle.
May the Lord make us sensitive to the needs of others in conversation, and help us to be willing to listen more than we talk, unless others are asking us questions to know more. Silence can be golden, for others.
James 1:19 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;"
Do we continue to talk while they are trying to interrupt to be a part of the conversation?
Or do we talk so long that they cannot interject at any point, making the conversation completely one sided.
If we notice others running away from us when they see us coming, perhaps we should evaluate our speech or how long we talk! It might be good to become aware of the eyes and micro-reactions that people are exhibiting to more fully learn how they are feeling about the conversation, to be considerate of others. Is the visit a discussion with two people participating? Or, are we the only ones talking continually.
Not everything we say and do is interesting to others. Knowing our friends and family would help us in discerning what would interest them, rather than attempting to impress them with what we think is interesting, blabbering on and on with meaningless details that make no difference to the story, we ought to be discerning in what would interest those listening.
It is rude to continue to talk when the person we are speaking to is showing discomfort at our prattle.
May the Lord make us sensitive to the needs of others in conversation, and help us to be willing to listen more than we talk, unless others are asking us questions to know more. Silence can be golden, for others.
James 1:19 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;"
What Does The Menorah Teach Us?
There are seven candles on the Menorah, each one represents a spirit.
The center candle is the Holy Spirit, on one side stand the candles of wisdom, understanding and Counsel. On the other side there are the spirits of Might, Knowledge and Humility (fear of God).
Isaiah 11:1-2
"Isaiah 11:1-2
"11 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
When we walk with God we should have all of these characteristics if we are to be useful to God.
We may have knowledge but without wisdom, counsel or humility, knowledge produces arrogance;
Proverbs 18:2 "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
Proverbs 2:2-5 "Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 15:22 "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed."
1 Corinthians 8:1 "Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies."
When "might" is present without wisdom and humility we have tyranny.
Ephesians 5:15-17 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
James 3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
We must have understanding to be able to rightly discern what is useful to God in our Christian walk. We must also not exercise partiality in the body, based on financial conditions, outward beauty or personalities.
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Proverbs 3:13-18 "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
Often we think it is enough to know that we need all these elements as depicted in the Menorah, but we fail to flesh them out in our walk each day. Knowing them is of no value if we do not pray that God would make them paramount in all that we are and do.
It might be good to meditate on each one that God may reveal to us those that we are lacking. If we see ourselves as being perfected in each and every one, then we may be suffering from pride. No one can say they have not failed in one of these if not all of them. May the Lord open our eyes to that which we lack, that we might become the person He wants us to be, useful for the kingdom and fervent and diligent concerning what God will do in us.
The center candle is the Holy Spirit, on one side stand the candles of wisdom, understanding and Counsel. On the other side there are the spirits of Might, Knowledge and Humility (fear of God).
Isaiah 11:1-2
"Isaiah 11:1-2
"11 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
When we walk with God we should have all of these characteristics if we are to be useful to God.
We may have knowledge but without wisdom, counsel or humility, knowledge produces arrogance;
Proverbs 18:2 "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
Proverbs 2:2-5 "Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 15:22 "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed."
1 Corinthians 8:1 "Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies."
When "might" is present without wisdom and humility we have tyranny.
Ephesians 5:15-17 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
James 3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
We must have understanding to be able to rightly discern what is useful to God in our Christian walk. We must also not exercise partiality in the body, based on financial conditions, outward beauty or personalities.
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Proverbs 3:13-18 "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
Often we think it is enough to know that we need all these elements as depicted in the Menorah, but we fail to flesh them out in our walk each day. Knowing them is of no value if we do not pray that God would make them paramount in all that we are and do.
It might be good to meditate on each one that God may reveal to us those that we are lacking. If we see ourselves as being perfected in each and every one, then we may be suffering from pride. No one can say they have not failed in one of these if not all of them. May the Lord open our eyes to that which we lack, that we might become the person He wants us to be, useful for the kingdom and fervent and diligent concerning what God will do in us.
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