You can watch us live each week!
http://www.lmcigreenville.org/watch-live/
Service Times
Sunday AM: 11am
Sunday PM: 6pm
Wednesday: 7pm
www.lmcigreenville.org
Worship Cast License #: 6786
CCLI #: 3105920
Sins and the Soul – Rick Bagwell
Tag: SOUL
The Immortal Soul – Rick Bagwell
You can watch us live each week!
http://www.lmcigreenville.org/watch-live/
Service Times
Sunday AM: 11am
Sunday PM: 6pm
Wednesday: 7pm
www.lmcigreenville.org
Worship Cast License #: 6786
CCLI #: 3105920
TRUST
THERE ARE THOSE WE TRUST, AND THERE ARE THOSE WE HAVE NO TRUST IN. MANY TIMES WE TRUST PEOPLE AND FIND OUT LATER THEY ARE NOT TRUST WORTHY. HOW CAN WE AS BELIEVERS KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?
MOST OF THE TIME IT’S THROUGH A PROCESS OF WAITING TO SEE IF THEY BETRAY OUR TRUST, OR HOLD TO THE TRUST WE PLACED IN THEM IN AN ADMIRABLE WAY.
TRUST IS FAITH IN ACTION. TRUST MEANS: TO PUT ONE’S CONFIDENCE IN.
IN THE WORD OF GOD, WE FIND INSTRUCTIONS IN WHAT NOT TO PUT OUR TRUST. I WILL LIST THEM: WEAPONS (PS. 44:6); WEALTH (PS.49:6,7); LEADERS (PS. 146:3); MAN (JER 17:5); WORKS (JER. 48:7); OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (EZEK. 33:13).
THIS SHOWS US WE CAN’T PUT OUR TRUST IN THINGS, PEOPLE, NOR OURSELVES. WELL, THAT COVERS ALMOST EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING BUT GOD, THAT IS.
WHY IS IT THAT PEOPLE, MUCH OF THE TIME, PUT THEIR TRUST IN THINGS, PEOPLE, AND THEMSELVES, BEFORE THEY PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD?
BELOVED, THIS IS THE WAY OF THE WORLD. WEAPONS, WEALTH, LEADERS, MANKIND, OUR WORKS, AND EVEN OUR RIGHTEOUS- NESS CAN FAIL US AT ANY TIME.
THE WORLD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE GOD AS THEIR SOURCE OF TRUST, BUT WE AS CHRISTIANS TRUST GOD FOR EVERYTHING, EVERYDAY.
OUR TRUST IS TO BE PUT IN GOD’S NAME: PSALM 33:20-22 – OUR SOUL WAITETH FOR THE LORD: HE IS OUR HELP AND OUR SHIELD.
FOR OUR HEART SHALL REJOICE IN HIM, BECAUSE WE HAVE TRUSTED IN HIS HOLY NAME.
LET THY MERCY, O LORD, BE UPON US, ACCORDING AS WE HOPE IN THEE.
OUR TRUST IS TO BE PUT IN GOD’S MERCY: PSALM 52:8 – BUT I AM LIKE A GREEN OLIVE TREE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD: I TRUST IN THE MERCY OF GOD FOR EVER AND EVER.
OUR TRUST IS TO BE PLACED IN GOD’S WORD: PSALM 119:41 – LET THEY MERCIES COME ALSO UNTO ME, O LORD, EVEN OUR SALVATION, ACCORDING TO THY WORD.
SO SHALL I HAVE WHEREWITH TO ANSWER HIM THAT REPROACHETH ME: FOR I TRUST IN THY WORD.
WHEN GOD’S FAVOR IS MANIFESTED TO US, WE CAN SUFFICENTLY ANSWER OUR ENEMIES WITH THE WORD. WE TRUST IN GOD’S WORD: WE TRUST IN HIS PROMISES THAT ARE CONTAINED IN HIS WORD, FOR HIS SERVANTS.
MATTHEW 12:17-21 – THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY ISAIAH THE PROPHET, SAYING,
BEHOLD MY SERVANT, WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN: MY BELOVED, IN WHOM MY SOUL IS WELL PLEASED:
I WILL PUT MY TRUST UPON HIM, AND HE SHALL SHOW MY JUDGMENT OT THE GENTILES.
HE SHALL NOT STRIVE NOR CRY; NEITHER SHALL ANY MAN HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS.
A BRUISED REED SHALL HE NOT BREAK, AND SMOKING FLAX SHALL HE NOT QUINCH, TILL HE SEND FORTH JUDGMENT INTO VICTORY.
AND IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES TRUST.
THIS IS DESCRIBING WHAT JESUS DID FOR OUR SALVATION; AND WE CAN PUT OUR TRUST IN HIM AND WHAT HE DID FOR US. ALL OF US, GENTILES AND JEWS ALIKE, CAN PUT OUR TRUST IN HIM FOR ETERNAL LIFE.
THIS BEING THE GREATEST OF THEM ALL, THERE ARE MORE WONDERFUL BENEFITS TO TRUSTING CHRIST: BENEFITS OF JOY: PSALM 5;11 – BUT LET ALL THOSE THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN THEE REJOICE: LET THEM EVER SHOUT FOR JOY, BECAUSE THOU DEFENDEST THEM: LET THEM ALSO THAT LOVE THY NAME BE JOYFUL IN THEE.
IT’S EASY TO HAVE JOY WHEN THINGS ARE GOING GREAT, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE STILL PUTTING OUT TRUST IN GOD AND THINGS ARE NOT SO GREAT?
I EXPERIENCED THIS ONE DAY A WHILE BACK, AND THE DAY BEFORE THAT.
FIRST, MY MOTHER HAD CANCER IN HER ARM, AND IT WAS REMOVED. THANK GOD, THE DOCTOR THINKS HE GOT IT ALL. THIS WAS HARD FOR ME AND MY SIBLINGS BECAUSE WE LOVE OUR MOTHER AND HAD ALREADY SEEN OUR DADDY, WHO WE LOVED DEARLY, PASS WITH LUNG CANCER BECAUSE OF SMOKING.
I DROVE BACK HOME TO BE COMFORTED BY MY HUSBAND WHO WAS WAITING FOR ME: AND ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS HE TOLD ME, WAS OUR PET, ROSIE, WAS VERY SICK AND SHE WAS TO BE PUT TO SLEEP THE NEXT DAY. I WAS CRUSHED. THIS WAS JUST TOO MUCH.
I WAS STILL DEALING WITH MY TRUST IN GOD TO TAKE CARE OF MY MOTHER, NOW THIS. ROSIE WAS OUR SPRINGER SPANIEL, WHO WAS QUITE A PERSONALITY, BUT VERY OLD AND WEAK. I LOVED HER SO MUCH.
I JUST HAD TO GET ALONE WITH GOD. I DIDN’T WANT MY HUSBAND TO DO THIS, BUT HIS MIND WAS MADE UP, AND IN THE END, I KNEW I HAD TO SURRENDER TO THIS. IT WASWHAT WAS BEST FOR ROSIE.
I CRIED AND CRIED, IT WAS SO HARD. I POURED OUT MY HEART TO THE LORD. HE BEGAN TO COMFORT ME WITH HIS WORD. THE SCRIPTURES BEGAN TO COME THROUGH MY TEARS. GOD INSTRUCTED ME WITH THAT STILL SMALL VOICE TO TURN TO PSALM 34 AND 44. ALL OF IT MINISTERED TO ME, BUT ONE VERSE IN PSALM 34, VERSE 18, GAVE ME THE GREATEST COMFORT OF ALL – THE LORD IS NIGH UNTO THEM THAT ARE OF A BROKEN HEART; AND SAVETH SUCH AS BE OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT.
I WAS THINKING, WHAT IS CONTRITE? THE DEFINITION IN STRONG’S IS: CRUSHED, AND POWDER.
THIS BROUGHT ME BACK TO A SERMON, IN FACT IT WAS THE FIRST SERMON I HEARD TD JAKES PREACH. IT WAS CALLED “ASHES.” HE TALKED ABOUT HOW WE CAN COME TO THE PLACE THAT WE ARE SO CRUSHED THAT WE BECOME THE POWDER FROM THE FIRE, WE CALL ASHES.
AS WE SERVE THE LORD, AND CONTINUE TO TRUST HIM THROUGH THESE HARD PLACES. HE BEGINS TO ELEVATE OUR FAITH, BECAUSE WE KNOW, WITHOUT A DOUBT, WE WILL NEVER COME THROUGH THESE THINGS ALONE.
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW THE LORD, GET THROUGH THESE HARD TO UNDERSTAND THINGS. A DEATH OF A LOVED ONE, OR A LOSE OF A CHILD. THEY CAN’T GET HELP THEY NEED FROM THE WORLD THAT BRINGS JOY.
WELL, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME: THE LORD RESTORED MY JOY AND GAVE ME PEACE AS I BEGAN TO WORSHIP HIM IN IT.
* PART 2 COMING UP.
THE LIFE GIVER
Nowhere in the Bible do we find where Jesus came to bring death. Everywhere He went, He brought life. He is the access to the Father, the only access. He raised the dead. He gave eternal life through His death.
In John 10:9-11 Jesus said, –
I am the door; (or I am the access to the Father) by Me if any man enter in, He shall be saved and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
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.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.
Jesus is the door to the sheepfold.
He is the way of life.
Who would shut-up the way of life, to live the way of the world?
We are in this world, but not of this world.
By Him, we have eternal life, but we can also move about on this earth, living in two worlds (heaven and earth), freely, with His guidance, without fear of the enemy.
Why? Because He watches over us.
He is our Shepherd; the Good Shepherd. He watches over us individually, with tender care, and self sacrificing love.
The Shepherd died, that we might live.
Also, our Shepherd knows when it is time for us to go home to heaven.
At that time, He will call us. But before that, He will prepare us for our journey.
Many are afraid of death. They walk around in fear of the unknown.
We, as children of God, are to have life each day and not dread and fear of death.
For, Jesus came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly: More than we can possibly use. Abundant supply.
Those who receive life from Him, have within them, continual sources of life for others.
We witness: they get saved: they witness: others get saved; and it goes on…
Those in their graves, who are dead in Christ, will know life again. This is our Blessed Hope.
1 Thessalonians 5:14, 16-18 —-For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (or die) in Jesus will God bring with Him.
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Part of our abundant life in Him, is to know these things, this great promise of being able to be with our loved ones, when the end of this age comes, who died in-Christ.
Every day, I go to Greenville from my house, I have to pass by my Daddy’s grave. I have the peace of knowing his soul and spirit are not in that grave, but are with Jesus. Only his body is left there, but it will be resurrected on that day of the Rapture, and if I am passing by that way at the time his body leaves that grave, I can watch it come up and meet the Lord in the air with My Daddy.
To me, it’s as though he is on a trip and will soon return to me.
Woman of God, it is an abundant life when we know that we know we are ready to meet the Lord, should He come today.
Sinner, don’t be left behind. Trust Him today to care for you as your good shepherd.
Jesus loves you; He gave His life for you. You are not really living until you put your life in His hands. I’ve heard people say, “I’m not ready, I am still young. I want to live my life they way I choose.”
What are you giving up to invite Him into you life? I’ll tell you. You are giving up eternal torment and destruction for eternal life; You are giving up hell for heaven; you are giving up the lordship of Satan, for the Lordship of Jesus Christ; you are giving up no peace for the “Prince of Peace.
Some women tell me they are afraid their boyfriend or husband will get mad or even leave them if they ask Jesus into their lives. Would you sell your soul to the devil for someone who wants you to go to hell, and to be eternally separated from God? He doesn’t love you, he loves himself, he loves the sin you share with him. He is just like the devil, when he gets through with you, he will laugh at you. This might seem harsh , but believe me, I have seen too much of it.
We can decide to serve God and live according to His standards, or we can set our own standards and live outside His blessings.
The choice is ours.
Proverbs 8:36 —But he that sinneth against Me wrongeth his own soul: all that hate Me love death.
Romans 6:23 —For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
There is coming a time when all this will be played back in your mind computer. You will remember when you were witnessed to about your soul’s destination. Their is only one way you can be born again, saved from destruction:
For you who did not pray that prayer with me,
Invite Jesus into your heart now, don’t live another day without Him, there is no promise of another chance.
God is righteous and demands full obedience from His creation. He will not tolerate unrighteousness, and designed hell to eternally house those who are not willing to submit their lives to Him.
There is no other way to the Father but through Jesus.
Jesus said in John 14:6 … I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the Father, but by Me.
Jesus is Life. He is still giving life.
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.
Think about it. Everlasting life.
Look at verse 17,18 —-For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God
Pray this prayer with me, and receive Jesus, by faith, as your Lord and savior:
Jesus, come into my life, and save me. I am sorry for my sin, I repent of my sin. I am tired of trying to live my life, my way. I give my life to You.
Deliver me from every stronghold of bondage. In Jesus name I pray.
Thank You for saving me.
bondage,
We have already seen where Jesus Christ is life, conqueror over death, and the only way to the Father.
There are also special promises from God for those who serve Him:
Eternal life
Peace
Joy
Abundant life
Heaven
Escape from hell
There is a great contrast between heaven and hell, and both are real places: one to joy and one to darkness with no hope.
Choose the life giver.
BY WHOSE STRIPES YE WERE HEALED
1ST PETER 2:24 WHO HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE, THAT WE , BEING DEAD TO SINS, SHOULD LIVE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS: BY WHOSE STRIPES YE WERE HEALED.
WHAT A POWERFUL VERSE, JESUS BORE OUR SINS ON THE CROSS.
THE POWER OF THIS ACT ON THE CROSS GAVE US POWER OVER SIN.
WE WERE OFFERED FORGIVENESS OF OUR SIN,IF WE ACCEPTED BY FAITH, WE WERE GIVEN GRACE TO BE DEAD TO SINS. SIN WILL NO LONGER HAVE POWER OVER US.
THIS GRACE THROUGH RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LIVING CHRIST GIVES US STRENGTH TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION.
EVER MAN IS TEMPTED WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY WITH HIS OWN LUST.
THERE IS A CURE FOR THIS, AS OUR MIND IS RENEWED BY THE WORD OF GOD AND A CONTINUAL FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
JESUS HUNG ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS.
HE DID THIS FOR US BUT WE MUST STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, PRAY, WORSHIP AND PRAISE WITH A THANKFUL HEART, THATS OUR PART OF THE BLESSING OF RELATIONSHIP.
WE THROUGH HIM CAN NOW LIVE A RIGHTEOUS LIFE.
YOU SEE, THE CROSS WAS ALL ABOUT US, JESUS CAME FOR US TO REDEEM US AND LIVE IN US.
BUT NOW ITS NOT ALL ABOUT US, BUT FOR ME ITS ALL ABOUT HIM.
HED PURSUED ME AND CAUGHT ME, NOW I AM PURSUING HIM EVERYDAY AND CATCHING HIM.
WHAT A BLESSING TO PURSUE GOD.
NOTICE THIS, THE WORD OF GOD CONNECTS SALVATION OF THE SOUL TO HEALING.
NOT ONLY DID JESUS DIE FOR OUR SINS, HE WAS WHIPPED AND BRUISED TO TAKE AWAY SICKNESS.
SURELY HE HATH BORNE OUR SICKNESS AND CARRIED OUR PAIN.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A THEOLOGIAN TO UNDERESTAND THIS CONNECTION.
JESUS IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER.
WHAT HE DID ON THE CROSS WAS NOT TEMPORARY, IT WAS A COMPLETE WORK.
SALVATION IS ALL INCLUSIVE , SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY.
JESUS FILLS OUR SPIRIT WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE FILL OUR MIND WITH THE WORD OF GOD, HE FILLS OUR BODY WITH HEALING.
I HAVE BEEN HEALED MANY TIMES, MY WIFE AND I HAVE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE HEALED BY THE POWER OF GOD.
YOU CAN PREACH SALVATION AND NOT ONLY TO PEOPLE GET SAVED, MANY WILL GET HEALED.
YOU CAN PREACH HEALING AND NOT ONLY DO PEOPLE GET HEALED, BUT PEOPLE GET SAVED.
THE GOSPEL IS GOOD NEWS NOT ONLY TO THE UNSAVED BUT TO THE SAVED.
JESUS LOVES US WHY LEAVE HALF OF THE BENEFITS OF SALVATION ON THE TABLE.
TAKE ALL HIS BENEFITS, DROWN YOUR RELIGIOUS IDEAS THAT CAME FROM THE PITS OF HELL.
WHO GAVE MAN THE AUTHORITY TO DENY THE POWER OF GOD .
HEALING IS CONNECTED TO THE CROSS.
GLORY BE TO GOD, BE HEALED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. IF YOU WILL BELIEVE IT GOD WILL DO IT, ITS ALREADY PAID FOR.
RECEIVE IN JESUS’ NAME, BE HEALED. CLAIM IT AND ENJOY THE BLESSING.
APPEARANCES
I ASK YOU TO READ THIS MESSAGE WITH AN OPEN MIND AS I, AS AN OLDER WOMAN, TEACH YOU WHAT GOD HAS LAID ON MY HEART TODAY.
IN SCRIPTURE, WE ARE TOLD TO ABSTAIN FROM CERTAIN THINGS AND ACTIONS, SUCH AS: FORNICATION (I THESSALONIANS 4:3); ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL (I THESSALONIANS 5:22); AND FLESHLY LUSTS (I PETER 2:11).
GIRLS (AND GUYS), GOD HAS GIVEN A BEAUTIFUL BODY TO REJOICE IN.
ALL OF US ARE …FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE…(PSALM 139:14).
WHEN GOD CREATED WOMAN, HE FORMED HER FROM ONE OF ADAM’S RIBS; WHICH WAS THE FIRST RECORDED SURGERY. GENESIS 2:21-23 – AND GOD CAUSED A DEEP SLEEP TO FALL UPON ADAM, AND HE SLEPT: AND HE TOOK ONE OF ADAM’S RIBS, AND CLOSED UP THE FLESH INSTEAD.
AND THE RIB WHICH THE LORD HAD TAKEN FROM MAN, MADE HE A WOMAN, AND BROUGHT HER TO THE MAN. WOMAN MEANS: “AT LAST THIS ONE.” WHY DID ADAM CALL HER “AT LAST THIS ONE?” BECAUSE ALL THE ANIMALS CREATED HAD A MATE.—-…AND THE LORD GOD SAID, IT IS NOT GOOD THAT MAN SHOULD BE ALONE; I WILL MAKE A HELP MEET FOR HIM (ONE SUITABLE TO HELP HIM) (GENESIS 2:18).
SO HERE WE GO! IT IS GOD’S PLAN THAT MAN IS ATTRACTED TO WOMAN, AND WOMAN TO MAN.
IN GENESIS 4:1, WE SEE …AND ADAM KNEW EVE HIS WIFE; AND SHE CONCEIVED…
SEX BEGAN.
BEFORE THE FALL, AND RECOGNITION OF GOOD AND EVIL, THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ONE MAN ONE ONE WOMAN TO BE CLOTHED IN GARMENTS. THEY WERE CLOTHED IN THE LIGHT OF GOD, IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN WHERE THERE WAS NO SIN OR CORRUPTION. ALL WAS PURITY AND PEACE. THERE WAS NO SEXUAL CONTACT BETWEEN ADAM AND EVE BECAUSE THEY WERE IN A PLACE OF HOLY COMPANIONSHIP.
DID GOD KNOW THEN THAY WOULD FALL AND SIN? YES, BECAUSE THE SCRIPTURES SAY IN REVELATION 13:8b – …THE LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD…SO WE SEE, GOD MADE PROVISION FOR OUR SINS BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, BEFORE CREATION. GOD KNEW THE CHOICES OF MAN TO COME, AND GAVE US A SAVIOR THROUGH HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST. IT WAS GOD’S DIVINE PLAN THAT HIS SON WOULD DIE FOR US, AND RISE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY, AND ASCEND BACK TO HEAVEN TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR US. WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME TO JESUS. COME TODAY.
AFTER GOD PRONOUNCED THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN, IT IS RECORDED THAT HE CLOTHED ADAM AND EVE, AND AS HIS WIFE, SHE CONCEIVED A CHILD.
OUR AGE IS NOW CALLED A SEXUAL REVOLUTION: WITHOUT RESTRAINT, PORNOGRAPHY, FREE SEX, HOMOSEXUALITY OT OF THE CLOSET, EXPOSING ONE’S BODY, AND EVERYTHING GOES.
NOW, INSTESD ABSTAINING FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL, IT IS TO BE TOLERANT OF EVIL; DO YOUR OWN THING; MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES! —-WE ARE FREE TO CHOOSE, BUT TAGGED-ON ARE THE CONSEQUENCES, OR COULD WE SAY, THE HARVEST OF OUR CHOICES.
TAKE THE CHOICE OF FORNICATION OF WHICH THE DEFINITION IS: SIN, ADULTRY, INFIDELITY, EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR (ACTUALLY IT MEANS ANY TYPE OF SEXUAL PERVERSION, EVEN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.
LOOK AT I THESSALONIANS 4:3-5– FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD, EVEN YOUR SANCTIFICATION, THAT YE SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION:
THAT EVERYONE OF YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW TO POSSESS HIS VESSEL IN SANCTIFICATION AND HONOR;
NOT IN THE LUST OF CONCUPISCIENCE (PERSONAL DESIRE), EVEN AS THE GENTILES (HEATHEN) WHICH KNOW NOT GOD.
WHEN THE CHOICE TO FORNICATE IS MADE, THERE ARE MANY CONSEQUENCES THAT EVOLVE. IT OPENS THE DOOR TO AIDS, VENEREAL DISEASES, HEARTACHE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, UNWED PREGNANCY, ABORTION, AND THE LIST GOES ON; NOT TO MENTION DOSOBEDIENCE TO, AND CHASTISEMENT OF GOD. MOST SAY GUILT IS THE HARDEST TO OVERCOME.
WHAT ABOUT OUR APPEARANCE, WHICH INCLUDES CHOICE OF CLOTHING, OUR ACTIONS; WHO WE TRY TO IMITATE; ANYTHING THAT WOULD GO UNDER THE APPEARANCES WE WANT TO REVEAL TO OTHERS WHO ARE WATCHING OUR LIVES?
ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL (I THESSALONIANS 5:22).
I WAS TOLD BY AN ACQUAINTANCE OF MINE, WHO CONFESSED TO BE A CHRISTIAN, “IT DOESN’T MATTER THAT I AM LIVING WITH A MAN TO WHICH I AM NOT MARRIED. WE DON’T SLEEP TOGETHER.”
I KNEW THE CONSEQUENCES SHE COULD FACE BECAUSE A MAN AND WOMAN LIVING IN AHAOUS TOGETHER, ALONE, WHO ARE ATTRACTED TO EACH OTHER, SPELLS FORNICATION.
I SAID TO HER, “WE ARE TOLD TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL.” SHE GOT VERY QUIET AND CONVICTION SET IN. PRAISE GOD, THROUGH A DANGER TO HERSELF, SHE GOT OUT OF THAT SITUATION. FROM THAT DAY SHE STAYED CLOSE TO THE LORD, AND SHE WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD TWO YEARS AGO.
WHAT ABOUT MODESTY? I PETER 2:11 – DEARLY BELOVED, I BESEECH YOU AS STRANGERS AND PILGRAMS, ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS (DESIRES) WHICH WAR AGAINST THE SOUL;
STUDIES SHOW THAT MALES TEND TO BE MORE VISUALLY ORIENTED THAN FEMALES WHEN IT COMES TO SEXUAL AROUSAL. CHRISTIAN WOMEN, THEREFORE, HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY NOT TO TEMPT MEN BY THE WAY THEY PRESENT THEMSELVES. WE MUST KEEP THAT IN MIND WHEN WE EXAMINE PAUL’S INSTRUCTION TO TIMOTHY THAT WOMEN’S CLOTHING SHOULD BE MODEST, DECENT, AND PROPER. I TIMOTHY 2:9a,10 – IN LIKE MANNER ALSO, THAT WOMEN ADORN THEMSELVES IN MODEST APPAREL, WITH SHAMEFACEDNESS (REVERENCE TOWARD GOD, AND DECENCY; RESPECT) AND SOBRIETY (OR SELF CONTROL, SOUNDNESS OF MIND) …WHICH BECOMETH WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS) WITH GOOD WORKS.
THIS IS NOT THE DO’S AND DON’T”S—-IT IS ABOUT POWERFULLY COMMUNICATING OUR INDIVIDUAL VALUE AS WOMEN AND RESPECTING THE VALUE OF MEN. JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE KINGDOM, MODESTY ISN’T ABOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS—-IT IS BORN IN THE REALM OF MOTIVES OR ISSUES OF THE HEART.
DON’T GET CAUGHT-UP IN OTHER PEOPLE’S STRIFE
WE ALL KNOW PEOPLE WHO SEEM TO STAY IN STRIFE. EVERY TIME YOU’RE AROUND THEM,YOU CAN FEEL IT. PERSONALLY, IF I CAN, I AVOID THAT KIND OF PERSONALITY. BUT IT’S VERY HARD IF THEIR STRIFE IS DIRECTED TOWARD YOU, OR THOSE YOU LOVE.
TODAY, WE WILL DISCOVER WHAT THE WORD HAS TO SAY ABOUT STRIFE: AND MY ADVICE TO YOU IS OUR TITLE FOR THIS MESSAGE: DON’T GET CAUGHT-UP IN OTHER PEOPLE’S STRIFE. AVOID IT WHEN YOU HAVE THE CHOICE.
ONE OF THE HARDEST CHALLENGES IN OUR WALK WITH THE LORD, IS TO STAY OUT OF STRIFE: JAMES 3:14-16 – BUT IF YE HAVE BITTER ENVYING AND STRIFE (OR QUARELING) IN YOUR HEARTS, GLORY NOT (DO NOT BE PROUD), AND LIE NOT AGAINST THE TRUTH.
THIS WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE, BUT IS EARTHLY, SENSUAL, DEVILISH.
FOR WHERE ENVYING AND STRIFE IS, THERE IS CONFUSION AND EVERY EVIL WORK.
STRIFE OPENS-UP THE DOOR FOR EVERY EVIL WORK! WHEN I SAY THIS, I MEAN, STRIFE OPENS-UP THE DOOR FOR THE ENEMY OF OUR SOULS, TO BE INVITED INTO OUR HOMES, CHURCHES, AND WORK PLACES. THESE ARE EVIL WORKS SUCH AS: HATRED; PERVERSION; SIN; SCOFFING; GOSSIP; PRIDE; ANGER; AND FLESH.
ALL OF THESE CAUSE DIVISION; AND MANY TIMES, SEPARATION AND DIVORCE. NOT TO MENTION ALL KINDS OF CRIMES AND WARS —-AND YES, CHURCH SPLITS.
PROVERBS 10:12 – HATRED STIRRETH UP STRIFES… HERE, WE SEE STRIFE ORIGINATES FROM HATRED.
PROVERBS 16:28 – A FROWARD MAN SOWETH STRIFE: AND A WISPERER SEPARATETH CHIEF FRIENDS. THE DISOBEDIENT MAN OR WOMAN SOWS DISSENSION AND DAMAGES FRIENDSHIPS.
OVER THE YEARS, IT HAS BEEN MY ADVICE: DO NOT HAVE CONVERSATION WITH A PERSON OF STRIFE. IT IS DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD, AND IS POISON TO THE SOUL OF THOSE WHO GET INVOLVED WITH SUCH, AND IT CAUSES DIVISION.
IT IS VERY EASY TO CHOOSE SIDES, AND MANY BE DEFILED. IT IS NOT INNOCENT; IT IS DEVILISH: OR WE COULD SAY DEMONIC!
IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE, THAT THOSE WHO GET INTO STRIFE, ALWAYS NEED A COHART, OR ACCOMPLICE. THEY HAVE A HARD TIME EXPRESSING IT WITHOUT AN AUDIENCE; AND MANY TIMES , IN THE CHURCH, THEY “DRAW-IN” A STRUGGLING NEW CONVERTWHO IS STILL ON THE “MILK BOTTLE”, SO-TO-SPEAK. THEY DON’T EVEN UNDERSTAND THEY ARE BEING USED BY THE HATE OF ANOTHER HALF-BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN.
PROVERBS 17:19 – HE LOVETH TRANSGRESSION (OR LOVES TO OFFEND) THAT LOVETH STRIFE; AND HE THAT EXALTETH HIS GATE SEEKETH DESTRUCTION.
THIS VERSE WARNS THAT OFFENSES ARE EASILY COMMITTED BUT DIFFICULT TO DISSOLVE OR GO AWAY. IT’S LIKE ‘WILD FIRE” ON DRY TIMBER: IT IS HARD TO EXTINGUISH.
PROVERBS 22:10 – CAST OUT THE SCORNER, AND CONTENTION WILL GO OUT; YEA, STRIFE AND REPROACH SHALL CEASE. IN THIS VERSE, WE ARE REMINDED THAT CONTENTION AND BICKERING WILL EXIST AS LONG AS THE SCORNER IS AROUND. A GOOD REFERENCE FOR THIS IS MATTHEW 18:17 – AND IF HE SHALL NEGLECT TO HEAR THEM, TELL IT UNTO THE CHURCH: BUT IF HE NEGLECT TO HEAR THE CHURCH, LET HIM BE UNTO THEE AS A HEATHEN MAN AND A PUBLICAN (AS A PAGAN AND TAX COLLECTOR).
THE FUEL IS WHAT KEEPS THEN FIRE BURNING. —-I KNOW SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO GET OVER THINGS, AND FORGIVE, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS AN ON-GOING OCCURANCE. BUT FORGIVENESS IS THE ONLY WAY OUT IN GOD’S WORD. WE ARE COMMANDED TO FORGIVE 70 TIMES 7 IN MATTHEW 18:22. IT IS SAID, THAT MEANS 490 TIMES IN ONE DAY.
IF ONE PARTY TO A QUARREL, REALLY WISHES FOR PEACE, HE CAN OFTEN OBTAIN IT BY SIMPLY ABSTAINING FROM MAINTAINING HIS CONTENTION. HIS OPPONENT WILL GET TIRED OF A ONE-SIDED WAR.
PATIENCE, MEEKNESS, AND QUIET ENDURANCE WILL MAKE PEACE IN THE END. THIS WAS CHRIST’S METHOD. HE BROUGHT PEACE BY HIS ACTIONS OF BROTHERLY LOVE, PEACEABLY SUBMITTING TO WRONG.
I BELIEVE MANY TIMES THE FIRE WOULD GO OUT IF A THIRD PARTY DIDN’T ADD THE FUEL. BUT A THIRD PARTY WHO IS ALWAYS IN STRIFE THEMSELVES, INTERFERES, NOT AS A PEACEMAKER; BUT TO TAKE ONE SIDE; OR TO MEDDLE IN PURE MISCHIEF MAKING, DELIGHTING TO STIR UP THE EMBERS OF STRIFE; OR TO SHOW THEIR OWN POWER AND IMPORTANCE.
GREAT HARM IS DONE, BY MERELY CARELESS GOSSIP OR TALE-BEARING. WHEN AN ELEMENT OF SPITE IS ADDED AND THERE IS A DELIBERATE TTEMPT TO AGGRAVATE A QUARREL, THE TALE-BEARER IS DEFINITELY CRUEL. MOST TALES ARE LIKE SNOWBALLS, THEY GROW AS THEY PROCEED.
THE WORD OF GOD SAYS IT SO WELL, EVEN A CHILD CAN UNDERSTAND: II TIMOTHY 2:23-25 – BUT FOOLISH AND UNLEARNED QUESTIONS AVOID, KNOWING THAT THEY DO GENDER STRIFES.
AND THE SERVANT OF THE LORD MUST NOT STRIVE: BUT BE GENTLE UNTO ALL MEN, APT TO TEACH; PATIENT,
IN MEEKNESS INSTRUCTING THOSE WHO OPPOSE THEMSELVES; IF GOD WILL PREADVENTURE (OR MAYBE) WILL GIVE THE REPENTANCE TO THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF THE TRUTH.
I ASK YOU TODAY, IF YOU HAVE AN AGENDA, JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BE RIGHT—-TURN THAT OVER TO GOD AND LET HIM WORK ALL OF THIS OUT FOR YOU.
THOSE WHO ARE CAUGHT-UP IS SOMEONE ELSE’S STRIFE, TO REPENT, AND STAY AWAY (IF POSSIBLE), FROM THAY ANGRY AND UNFORGIVING PERSON, AND PRAY THEY WILL REPENT OF THEIR UNFORGIVENESS, BEFORE YOU FA;; INTO THAT SNARE WITH THEM.
SPEND TIME YOU HAVE BEEN WASTING: LISTENING, AND JOINING-IN ON THEIR STRIFE,—-IN PRAYING FOR THOSE THEY ARE AGAINST; THAT THEIR LIVES WILL CHANGE.
FOR HE THAT WILL LOVE LIFE, AND SEE GOOD DAYS, LET HIM REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL, AND HIS LIPS THAT THEY SPEAK NO GUILE.
I DESIRE INTIMATE TIME WITH YOU
“I DESIRE INTIMATE TIME WITH YOU.”
THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SPOKE TO ME THIS MORNING WHILE WE SPENT TIME TOGETHER IN OUR SECRET PLACE.
I KNOW SOME OF YOU THINK GOD DOESN’T SPEAK; AND OTHERS OF YOU THINK GOD IS LOOKING DOWN ON US, WAITING FOR US TO STEP OUT OF LINE, SO HE CAN BRING HIS WRATH ON US. BUT THIS IS NOT THE GOD OF THE BIBLE, NOR THE GOD WHO SPENDS TIME WITH ME EVERY DAY.
HE LOVES ALL CREATION AND HE DOES, OF COURSE, JUDGE SIN.
FIRST, LET’S EXAMINE HIS CHARACTER: HE IS LIFE; HE IS OUR PEACE; HIS BANNER OVER US IS LOVE; HE IS EVERYTHING WE NEED IN ANY GIVEN SITUATION; HE IS THE DIRECT OPPOSITE OF THE ENEMY OF OUR SOULS, SATAN.
NOW, LET’S LOOK AT SATAN’S CHARACTER: HE IS SELFISH;HE BRINGS PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL DEATH; HE IS LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE SOMEONE ON WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO BASE YOUR CHARACTER?
I FORGOT TO SAY, HIS END IS DESTRUCTION. HE DOES DESTROY, BUT IN THE END, HE WILL BE DESTORYED; ALONG WITH ALL WHO SERVE HIM.
TO FOLLOW GOD, IS TO BE WHAT HE WANTS US TO BE: BY ACCEPTING JESUS AS OUR SAVIOR, AND MAKING HIM LORD OF OUR LIVES.
IF WE WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BE INTIMATE WITH, WE LOOK FOR JUST THE RIGHT PERSON: THE ONE WHO IS FOR US AND NOT AGAINST US. LET’S DEFINE THE WORD INTIMATE: IT IS CLOSE IN FRIENDSHIP; WELL ACQUAINTED; FAMILIAR; AND CONFIDENTIAL.
WHY SHOULD WE EVEN SPEND THE TIME OF DAY WITH SOMEONE WHO DESPISES US AND WANTS TO TAKE US TO HELL? THINK ABOUT IT!
WE HAVE MANUALS TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH EVERY APPLIANCE OR GADGET WE BUY. THEY CALL IT INSTRUCTIONS. IT TELLS US WHAT THAT THING WILL DO, AND EVEN WHAT IT WON’T DO. HOW DO THEY KNOW? IT HAS BEEN TRIED AND TESTED.
WELL, WE HAVE A MANUAL, THE BEST SELLER OF ALL TIMES, YEAR AFTER YEAR, CALLED THE HOLY BIBLE. IF WE WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT GOD, OR SATAN, WE CAN FIND IT IN THIS MANUAL.
MY HUSBAND HAS STATED, REFERRING TO THIS, WHEN HE FELL IN LOVE WITH ME, HE WANTED TO KNOW ALL ABOUT ME. IF THERE HAD BEEN A BOOK WRITTEN ABOUT ME, HE WOULD HAVE READ IT TO SEE WHAT WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY.
I TELL YOU, WE CAN PLEASE GOD, BUT SATAN IS NEVER SATISFIED. HIS ONLY PLEASURE IS TO HAVE OUR SOUL AND DAMN IT TO HELL.
EVERYDAY PEOPLE MAKE CHOICES: SOME TURN OUT GOOD, AND SOME BAD; BUT I TELL YOU, THIS CHOICE TO SERVE GOD BRINGS EVERLASTING LIFE AND PEACE WITH IT. NOTHING ELSE WE CHOOSE WILL EVER STAND THAT TEST.
IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT IS GOOD AND TRUE, SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES. THEY BRING EVERLASTING LIFE.
EVERY OTHER gOD, LITTLE “g”, THAT MAN HAS SOUGHT OUT TO BE INTIMATE WITH, HAS BROUGHT DEATH OR BONDAGE. WHY SHOULD ANYONE AS INTELLIGENT AS WE THINK WE ARE, WANT TO SERVE AND ENTITY LIKE THAT?
TELL ME, HOW COULD WHOLE NATIONS WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN TO A gOD WHO REQUIRES THEIR DEATH, FOR FALSE BENEFITS, AND TEACHES THEM TO TAKE LIVES? HOW COULD THEY?
WHEN WE FOLLOW JESUS, WE ARE FOLLOWING HIM TO WIN THE LOST FOR CHRIST. AND HE BRINGS US INTO HIS PRESENCE.
THE ANOINTING OR PRESENCE WE FEEL WHEN WE WORSHIP GOD, JEHOVAH, IS PLEASURABLE. WE GIVE OUR LIVES TO HIM, AND I KNOW SOME HAVE DIED FOR HIM BY BEING MARTYRED, BUT NO ONE HAS EVER COMMITTED MURDER FOR HIM, KILLED UNBORN BABIES FOR HIM, NOR COMMITTED SUICIDE FOR HIM.
WHY DO YOUM SUPPOSE THE MUSLIM god TELLS HIS FOLLOWERS NOT TO BE PROMISCUOUS, AND THEN TELLS THEM THEY CAN BE, IF THEY KILL AND COMMIT SUICIDE IN THE PROCESS? STOP AND THINK! IT IS IN THE KORAN, WHICH WE COULD SAY, IS THEIR MANUAL.
THERE ARE PRECIOUS SOULS IN THE BALANCE, AND WE SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT WHO WE SERVE AND COMMUNE WITH. EVERYBODY AFFECTS SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE.
MY HEAVENLY FATHER WANTS COMMUNION WITH HIS CHILDREN, AND ALL OF US HAVE A PLACE WITHIN OUR BEING, THAT WANTS TO WORSHIP SOMEONE OR SOMETHING.
THE MESSAGE I DESIRE TO GET ACROSS TO YOU, IS: WORSHIP THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD!
HE DESIRES TIME WITH YOU, BUT TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM, YOU HAVE TO KNOW HIM PERSONALLY.
MY FRIEND, ALL OTHER gods BELONG TO SATAN AND HIS KINGDOM. HE HAS JUST THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU, TO DECEIVE YOU INTO WORSHIPPING THAT FALSE god; BUT IN REALITY YOU ARE WORSHIPPING SATAN, AND HE LOVES IT.
GOD THE FATHER IS THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD; GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY GHOST: THREE IN ONE.
I HAVE READ THE REAL MANUAL, THE HOLY BIBLE, WRITTEN UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; AND I HAVE BEEN IN HIS PRESENCE, AND HAS SEEN HIS SUPERNATURAL OPERATION IN MY LIFE. HE HAS CHANGED ME, AND IS CONTINUALLY LOVINGLY CHANGING ME.
WHY DO I SERVE HIM? BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME, AND REACHED DOWN FOR ME. HE DREW ME TO HIMSELF. I ACCEPTED HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, AS MY SAVIOR AND HE CHANGED THIS GIRL INTO A WOMAN OF GOD WHO LOVES AND TRIES TO REACH ALL THE PEOPLE SHE CAN TO BRING THEM TO THE TRUTH.
I SPEAK BLESSINGS OVER YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS: SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL, AND FINANCIAL BLESSINGS.
CONTENTMENT
JAMES 1:6-8 – BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING. FOR HE THAT WAVERETH IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN WITH THE WIND AND TOSSED.
FOR LET NOT THAT MAN THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANYTHING OF THE LORD.
A DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS.
PRAYER IS NOT REAL UNLESS IT IS THE EXPRESSION OF FAITH. IT MUST ISSUE FROM A “LIVING SOURCE WITHIN THE WILL,” AND BE INSPIRED BY PERFECT CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S READINESS TO HELP.
THERE IS SO MUCH UNBELIEF IN THIS DAY AND TIME ON THE SUBJECT OF PRAYER! THE SCIENTIFIC TONE-DOWN OF THIS AGE MERELY ALLOWS A MAN TO PRAY TO GOD , “IF THERE IS A GOD—–TO SAVE HIS SOUL,—– IF HE HAS A SOUL.”
AND THE FORCIBLE WORDS OF JAMES, IN THESE THREE VERSES, SUGGEST—-THAT STILL, IN THE CASE OF VERY MANY CHRISTIANS, AN IMPERFECT FAITH IN GOD’S READINESS TO RESPOND TO THEIR PRAYERS, IS ONE OF THE GREATEST DEFECTS OF THEIR SPIRITUAL LIVE.
WE OFTEN SPEAK OF EVIDENT ANSWERS TO PRAYERS AS UNUSUAL, AND —-WHEN THEY DO OCCUR—-AS REMARKABLE!!
THE GIFT OF WISDOM IS PROMISED ONLY TO HIM WHO ASKS IT WITH A STEADY FAITH, AND WHO MANIFESTS THE REALITY OF HIS FAITH BY A LIFE OF CONSISTENT PURPOSE.
GOD, OUR FATHER, DEMANDS THE CONFIDENCE OF HIS CHILDREN. “NOTHING DOUBTING” SHOULD BE THE CHRISTIAN’S MOTTO IN PRAYER. THE PETITIONS SHOULD NOT SHIFT BACKWARDS AND FORWARD BETWEEN FAITH AND DOUBT, LIKE A TUMBLING BILLOW OF THE SEA. HE MUST NOT SWING LIKE A PENDULUM BETWEEN CHEERFUL CONFIDENCE AND DARK SUSPICION.
IT MUST BE FIXED PERSUASION THAT GOD IS, AND THAT HE IS A HEARER OF PRAYER. WE MUST EXPECT ANSWER TO OUR REQUEST.
IT IS THE MEN AND WOMEN WITHIN WHOM FAITH IS THE DOMINATE POWER WHO TAKE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BY FORCE. GOD IS SIMPLICITY HIMSELF, AND HE GIVES WITH SIMPLICITY: SO HE HAS NO SYMPATHY WITH AN UNSTABLE DOUBLE MINDED SOUL.
A MIND THAT IS “WISHY-WASHY” IN IT’S CHOICE, WILL BE PRONE IN THE END TO FAIL IN BOTH OF THE PURPOSES BETWEEN WHICH IT HAS HESITATED.
IT IS LIKE A “SPLIT PERSONALITY,” PART OF HIM WANTS TO BELIEVE, WHILE PART OF HIM DOES NOT. HE IS UNRELIABLE ABOUT EVERYTHING HE THINKS, FEELS, AND DECIDES (V. 8).
TEMPORARY EMOTIONS ARE NOT RELIGION OR GODLINESS.
STEADFAST FAITH, AND THAT ALONE, WILL GIVE A MAN OR WOMAN, SINGLENESS OF EYE, MAKE HIM OR HER STRONG TO KEEP HOLD OF THE COVENANT, AND DRAW DOWN UPON HIM, THE RICHEST BLESSINGS OF GOSPEL GRACE.
THERE IS A SECRET TO CONTENTMENT. IT IS A RARE AND PRECIOUS CHRISTIAN GRACE.
IT IS A QUIET RESTFULNESS IN THE MIDST OF ALL KINDS OF CHANGING EVENTS.
IT IS A GRAND ACCOMPLISHMENT TO BE ABLE TO ADAPT TO, AND BEHAVE ONE’S SELF IN EVERY STATE OF FULLNESS OR NEED.
CHRIST IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN BRING US TO THIS PLACE OF CONTENTMENT.
HE ENABLES US TO LIVE IN FAITH, BELIEVING, THAT EVEN NOW, ALL THINGS ARE ORDERED WISELY AND KINDLY BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, THAT THEY ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD NOT YET SEEN.
THEY ARE WORKING FOR US A MORE EXCEEDING AND ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY, SO WE LEARN TO BEAR THE PRESENT MYSTERY OF TRIAL, IN HOPE OF THE FUTURE REVELATION OF BLESSEDNESS.
CHRIST LEADS US TO LIVE IN THE SPIRITUAL.
THIS IS THE REAL SECRET.
EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING.
AT THEIR BEST, THEY WILL NOT SATISFY THE SOUL’S DEEP HUNGER.
WHILE WE LIVE IN THOSE CHANGES , WE ARE OFTEN DISAPPOINTED AND DISCONTENTED.
BUT BY RESTING IN GOD, WE WILL BE CONTENT IN EVERY VARIETY OF EARTHLY AFFAIRS.
PHILIPPIANS 4:19, 23 – BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.
THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL. AMEN.
RIGHT REVELATION WRONG UNDERSTANDING
MATT 16:13-26 WHEN JESUS CAME INTO THE COASTS OF CAESAREA PHILLIPPI, HE ASKED HIS DISCIPLES, SAYING, WHOM DO MEN SAY THAT I THE SON OF MAN AM?
AND THEY SAID, SOME SAY THAT THOU ART JOHN THE BAPTIST: SOME, ELIAS; AND OTHERS, JEREMIAS, OR ONE OF THE PROPHETS.
HE SAITH UNTO THEM, BUT WHOM SAY YE THAT I AM?
AND SIMON PETER ANSWERED AND SAID, THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, BLESSED ART THOU SIMON BARJONA: FOR FLESH AND BLOOD HATH NOT REVEALED IT UNTO THEE, BUT MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.
AND I SAY ALSO UNTO THEE, THAT THOU ART PETER, AND UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.
AND I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: AND WHATSOEVER THOU SHALL BIND ON EARTH SHALL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN: AND WHATSOEVER THOU SHALT LOOSE ON EARTH SHALL BE LOOSED IN HEAVEN.
THEN CHARGED HE HIS DISCIPLES THAT THEY SOULD TELL NO MAN THAT HE WAS JESUS CHRIST.
FROM THAT TIME FORTH BEGAN JESUS TO SHEW UNTO HIS DISCIPLES, HOW THAT HE MUST GO UNTO JERUSALEM, AND SUFFER MANY THINGS OF THE ELDERS AND CHEIF PRIEST AND SCRIBES, AND BE KILLED, AND RAISED AGAIN THE THIRD DAY.
THEN PETER TOOK HIM, AND BEGAN TO REBUKE HIM, SAYING, BE IT FAR FROM THEE, LORD: THIS SHALL NOT BE UNTO ME
BUT HE TURNED, AND SAID UNTO PETER, GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN: THOU ART AN OFFENCE UNTO ME: FOR THOU SAVOUREST NOT THE THINGS THAT BE OF GOD, BUT THOSE THAT BE OF MEN.
THEN SAID JESUS UNTO HIS DISCIPLES, IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME , LET HIM DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOW ME
FOR WHOSOEVER WILL SAVE HIS LIFE SHALL LOSE IT: AND WHOSOEVER WILL LOSE HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE SHALL FIND IT.
FOR WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?
PETER WAS GIVEN A REVELATION OF WHO JESUS WAS BUT HE DID NOT UNDERSTADING OF THE CROSS.
PETER WANTED SALVATION WITHOUT A CROSS.
TODAY A SELF GOSPEL IS BEING PREACHED, ITS ALL ABOUT MAN, AND WHAT GOD CAN DO FOR US.
ITS A GOSPEL WITHOUT SACRIFICE, ITS A GOSPEL WITHOUT A CROSS.
THE CROSS IS AN OFFENSE, IT REPRESENTS DEATH TO OUR WILL, IT REPRESENTS DEATH TO OUR FLESH.
DOES GOD CARE ABOUT OUR NEEDS, OUR DESIRES? YES HE DOES, HE HAS A WAY TO TAKE CARE OF US.
MATT 6:33 SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ALL THESE THINGS : SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.
IF WE SURRENDER OUR LIFE TO CHRIST AND TAKE UP OUR CROSS DAILY AND FOLLOW HIM, HE ACCEPTS THE RESPONSABILITY OF TAKING CARE OF US.
GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES, WHAT JESUS DID THROUGH THE CROSS IS ALL ABOUT US, BUT THE MOMENT WE ACCEPT THE WORK OF THE CROSS, ITS ALL ABOUT HIM.
OUR LIVES BELONG TO HIM, PRESIDENT KENNEDY SAID SOMETHING I SHALL NEVER FORGET, ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU? BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY?
WHEN WE BECOME A CHRISTAIN, OUR QUESTION SHOULD BE, JESUS, WHAT CAN WE DO FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
WHEN WE COME TO THE CROSS, THERE IS SOME SUFFERING. WE IN THE USA REALLY FACE LITTLE PERSECUTION. FOR SOME ONE TO COME TO JESUS IN MANY NATIONS THERE IS MUCH SUFFERING. I ADMIRE THESE PEOPLE VERY MUCH.
WE NEED REVIVAL IN AMERICA, A REVIVAL OF PUTTING THE LORD FIRST IN OUR LIVES.
A REVIVAL THAT ONCE AGAIN FILLS THE CHURCHES WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PEOPLE.
PEOPLE WHO ARE REPENTING OF THEIR SELF LOVE AND TURNING THAT LOVE TO THE LORD.
REVIVAL BEGINS WITH SELF BEING CRUCIFIED.
WHAT A JOY IT IS TO BE CLOSE TO GOD, WHAT A BLESSING TO BE IN HIS PRESENCE EVER DAY.
FELLOWSHIPING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I AM PENTECOSTAL, AND I PRAY IN TONGUES A LOT, I LISTEN TO ALL KINDS OF WORSHIP MUSIC AND SINGING.
WE CAN CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT DRAWS GOD’S PRESENCE, IN THAT ATMOSPHERE I GAIN THE STRENGTH TO DIE DAILY.
MY FLESH OR MY OWN SELFISH DESIRES DISAPPEAR IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF HIS PRESENCE, THE OLD MAN DIES AGAIN AND THE NEW MAN STEPS FORWARD.
IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO SAY, JESUS THY KINGDOM COME THY WILL BE DONE IN MY LIFE. I ACCEPT YOUR WILL IN MY LIFE.
PLEASE DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE ON SELF, GOD HAS A PURPOSE IN HIS KINGDOM FOR YOU, SEEK HIM AND YOU WILL FIND IT.
DON’T GO TO HEAVEN AS A TREE STUMP, CARRY SO FRUIT WITH YOU.
