Christmas Messages from both of us

 Christmas Messages from both of us

Who do you say that He is? Written by Mel

Who was this babe born over two thousand years ago in Bethlehem of Judea? Many claim that he was a prophet, a great teacher, or just a good man. However, who do you say that He is?

Christ said that before Abraham was, I AM. Christ declared himself to be the Great I AM (Yahweh), by making this statement.

Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”  John 8:57-58    

The prophet Isaiah wrote that the future Messiah would be called, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  Isaiah 9:6-7

 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

John chapter one, as well as Colossians one, reveal that Christ is indeed God, the creator of all things visible and invisible. He is the image of the invisible God. All things were created through him and for him.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-5 & 10-14

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:15-18 

Let us remember that Christmas is not about the mythical Santa Claus or reindeer. Jesus is the reason for the season. God left his throne in glory and became a man and humbled himself to the death on the cross, to provide redemption for fallen mankind. God Bless!

 

 

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year! (Written by Julie)

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year as we remember that Jesus left a world more perfect than we can ever imagine to live in a dusty, primitive, violent world.  While you sing the worshipful songs and hear the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth to a virgin (1), please remember the story does not stop there.

Jesus was born for the sole purpose of giving up His life thirty-three years later.  Jesus gave up His throne surrounded by angels (2) for a life where His authority was rarely recognized.  He came to this cruel and heartless world in the form of pure innocence and humility (3).  He knew He would never fully be accepted by His peers (4), and that even those who claimed to love Him would desert Him in the end (5).  He knew not just the emotional sorrows He would face, but the physical as well.  He would willingly endure excruciating torture (6).  (The word excruciating exists because of the severe pain suffered during crucifixion.)  Yes, He also knew He would be raised from the dead three days after His death (7), but He did not endure long hours of agony just to glorify  Himself.  He allowed Himself to be beaten raw and pierced through to die a slow death just for you and me! (8)  His blood on the cross is the only reason you and I have the option of spending eternity with Him in paradise.  (9) He paid for our sins by hanging in humiliation on a cross with wood splinters buried into an already raw and bloodied back, a crown of literal thorns causing blood to burn his eyes as it dripped down His face.  (10)

It is His glorious face we must seek today! (11) Do not throw away His precious gift bought with a terror we could never endure.  Repent of your sins and strive to live a life of holiness so that you can someday see the beautiful face of Jesus and His Father who allowed His son to be ripped from His side for more than three decades.  (12)

This Christmas, when you see the nativity sets of the shepherds and wise men kneeling at the manager of the baby Jesus, think of how much more magnificent it will be to bow at the throne of the living God! (13) When you sing, “O, come let us adore Him,” take a moment and thank Him with all your heart for choosing the path of pain and sorrow just so we can have an eternal life of peace and joy! (14)

Note: All numbers in parenthesis represent scripture references that are listed after poem.

Julie’s Christmas Carol

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Even when your heart is broken,

When grief has pierced your soul,

With pain so deep it cannot be spoken.

 Remember the little town of Bethlehem

And the stable that held pure Light,

The Christ child that came to heal our wounds,

Even on the darkest night.

Away in a manger

Is not just about a baby in the hay;

Jesus is alive forever,

And washes sorrow away.

Do you see what I see?

When all is lost and day is night,

It is yours to discover,

Miracles still happen when you seek His Light!

Scriptures for Julie’s Writing:

1)      "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

2)     I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. II Chronicles 18:18

3)     And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Luke 2:16

4)     But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Luke 17:25

5)     But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56

6)     He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. Scoured, beaten, bruised.  Isiah 53:3-4

7)     "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,
saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " Luke 24:5-7

8)     After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"
He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:28, 30

9)      For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28

10) So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.
And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.
Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands. John 19:1-3

11)  For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you."
 Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2

12)  But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,
whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:18-21

13) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3:14-21

14) And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:4-5

Visions of the Revolution, the new America, and the coming Russian Anti-christ.

Visions of the Revolution, the new America, and the coming Russian Anti-christ.

The Lord has shown me that the sun is going down upon this age of mankind. In biblical times, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. was known as the twelfth hour. I recently had a vision of a clock that read 6:01; this indicates the late hour in which we live. I have had many dreams and visions of disasters breaking out at sunset. The Lord has shown me a large black storm, which will immerse this world in tribulation. The labor pains of the world to come are here now. Christ said that immediately after the tribulation of those days, he would send out his angels to gather the elect from the ends of the earth. God’s Word teaches that the kingdom of God will replace the kingdoms of man, and Eden (paradise) will be restored. God will wipe away every tear, and sickness and death will be no more. This is the hope that we have, if we make Jesus Christ our Lord, as well as, endure until the end.

 In a recent vision, I saw hundreds of law enforcement vehicles with flashing strobe lights descend from a high mountain to the earth. I understood that the angels of God were coming to execute God’s judgment and to arrest the evildoers of the earth. In another experience, an angel of the Lord said to me, “The chambers of heaven will open and an announcement will be made.” I understood that the gospel of salvation must be proclaimed unto the last day. However, those who refuse to make Christ their Lord will suffer the judgments being poured out from the chambers of heaven.    

Worldwide turbulence will continue to increase until the Lord returns. Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, famines, droughts, wars, disease, as well as apostate religion, will become worse. The Lord gave me a dream of a large black tornado that would do significant damage to the east of Kansas City, Missouri. Three months after receiving this dream, in March 2017, an EF3 tornado struck some small towns east of Kansas City and caused record-breaking damage. The Lord has also shown me, that in the near future Southern California will experience a major earthquake produced by the San Andreas Fault. This quake will cause wide spread damage and death. The Father alone knows the timing of this quake. These types of disasters are a wake-up call to repentance to a people who have gone astray. God does not desire that any perish, but that all come to everlasting life, but it sometimes takes disaster to wake us up out of our complacency.

Around two years ago, the Lord gave me a dream that Islamic terrorist groups will shortly begin to carry out attacks here in America, and some of the attacks will eclipse 911. The Lord specifically named the Islamic State terrorist group, but he also made it clear that they would not be working alone. God’s hand of protection is being removed from America, because America has removed God from their lives. God is also not pleased with the brutal war campaign that America, as well her allies, waged against Iraq and Afghanistan. This war was unjustified in the eyes of God and judgment will be the result.

 Another reason for the soon coming judgment is the legalization of gay marriage. The Lord told me over four years ago that the Supreme Court would make gay marriage the law of the land and that judgment would soon follow. This country has become worse than Sodom and Gomorrah, how can we expect God’s blessing or favor? I recently dreamed that I was standing with a large group of people and two homosexual couples were trading partners. The people of America applauded them for being brave. I began to prophesy at the top of my voice, “Woe to you United States of Sodom and Gomorrah, you will be utterly destroyed during the Great Tribulation.” I continued, “Woe to you Babylon, for your wickedness and sins has reached Heaven.” The people all around me urged me to keep silent, but I continued to prophesy loudly. The wickedness of our perverse culture will bring total destruction to this land, as well as most of the world.

The Lord also, gave me several dreams about the coming economic collapse. I saw cities that were all dried up. The streets were dry dust, and there was a large black dust storm on the horizon that was about to blow across this land. The coming economic collapse will cause a famine. I saw people coming to a church to beg for food, as well as seek shelter. The Lord provided for those who earnestly sought after Him. When the economy crashes, many people will commit suicide, and there will be panic in the streets. All of this was shown me by the Lord.

I also, dreamed that I was standing in line with hundreds of people to register for a new form of national census. I understood that anyone who did not register their family would be prosecuted. I waited in line for many hours before my turn came. Next, I witnessed a congressman standing in front of a stone monument of an eagle. He was urging the government to take ownership of all businesses and lands. The American people were very upset that a communist form of government was replacing capitalism. I also understood that the American eagle had great influence worldwide. I witnessed a revolution within America and saw the White House destroyed by a bomb. I believe that these events will unfold shortly and will set the stage for the Great Tribulation.  

 The Lord has given me many dreams, visions, as well as audible words about the coming war with Russia and China. America will soon be forced to turn the torch of world leadership over to the Russian anti-christ. There will be both Russian and Chinese troops on American soil. Ultimately, the Russian anti-christ will hand America over to China for occupation. The prophet Jeremiah warned Juda, that God was going to hand them over to Babylon, because of their idolatry and evil ways. Jeremiah was seventeen years old when he began prophesying to Juda, however his prophecies were not fulfilled until he was an old man. Babylon carried Juda away into captivity for seventy years. Like Juda of old, America has gone after strange gods, and perverted ways. However, God will protect many of his children in remote wilderness areas during the Great Tribulation (Rev 12). Those who heed God’s warnings will survive the coming apocalypse. Like Noah, they will prepare their arks of safety according to the direction of God’s Spirit.

 In a dream, I was speaking with an American soldier; he told me that Switzerland, would be totally blacked out. I asked him how this would occur. He said that bombs would take out Switzerland’s power grid. I also asked him if ISIS would be responsible; he said he didn’t know. Then I noticed that the soldier had black camo paint on his face, and he was totally dressed in black. I was then telling him about events that would lead up to world war three. I don’t know when this will occur, but this dream may indicate, that this event will trigger a major military response, that will be a precursor to WW3. Since the American soldier was dressed in black, this may also indicate a false flag, black ops event.

In another dream, I saw Russian troops on our soil searching for American soldiers. The Russian troops were burning fields that American soldiers were hiding in. I understood that there was no place to hide, and American troops were being arrested, and placed in POW camps. In another dream, I saw entire American families being put into gas chambers, and executed by the Russians. I have had similar dreams about the Chinese troops. Eventually this war will become nuclear, and the result will be that the ozone layer is destroyed, and the sun will scorch men. 

I believe that we have only a short time to prepare for this dark storm to come. Those who know God’s voice need to seek the Lord, concerning where to relocate to ride out the storm. After President Trump’s time in office is over, the ant-christ will assume the throne of the world. The four horsemen of the apocalypse are about to be released. Contrary to what many are teaching, God WILL NOT protect you where you are. You need to go remote and team up with other likeminded Christians.

 Joel 2:30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

 Rev 16:8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

Isaiah chapter 24 is in reference to the Great Tribulation. The Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah that he will make the earth empty and a waste. The Lord said that the earth is defiled by its inhabitants because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, as well as broken the everlasting covenant. The Lord continues, that a curse has devoured the earth and the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left. The destruction of the earth by fire is a reference to the coming nuclear holocaust. (Joel 2:30) mentions pillars of smoke, I believe that this also is a reference to nuclear warfare. The wicked will be gathered together for destruction and the saints will inherit the earth. The plagues of Egypt (world) will not harm those who have the blood of Christ covering them. As long as we obey Christ, and flee to his sanctuary, we will survive. However, some are appointed to be martyred. Whether we live or die, if we are obedient to Christ, we will receive a crown of everlasting life.

 God’s judgments are righteous, because a man reaps what he sows. If you live your life in sin, you will reap destruction. God is faithful to those who remain faithful to him. Revelation chapter two and three are clear, that our works must be perfect before God. Those who are set apart (sanctified) from the sinful world, will be saved. Isaiah also states, that the foundations of the earth are shaken, and the earth is violently broken and split open. Isaiah continues that the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, And shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, And it will fall, and not rise again. The coming tribulation will be a fearful time, but we must remember that God is able to preserve us through it. This earth will be thoroughly purged of evil at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who overcome shall rule and reign with Christ for a thousand years.

 (Isaiah 24:21) It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones, And on the earth the kings of the earth. 22 They will be gathered together, As prisoners are gathered in the pit, And will be shut up in the prison; After many days they will be punished. Some Christians believe that hell is the grave, they are very mistaken. There are many references to the pit, abyss, or hell as being a prison for souls. Verses 21 and 22 make it clear that both the wicked host of heaven, as well as the wicked on earth, will be cast into prison, to await their future punishment. Hell is much worse than the judgments of the tribulation. That is why we need to accept Christ’s atonement made for us upon the cross, by making him Lord of our lives. If we repent of our sins and are truly born again, we have redemption through the blood of Christ.

Most people today have little regard for God, or his statutes. They have transgressed the law and changed the ordinance (Isaiah24:5). People don’t want moral restraints, so they choose to believe whatever makes them feel good. The world prefers to believe that all things are gray, rather than black and white. Even the churches are offering up greasy grace to their flocks, in place of the truth of God’s Word. If the churches would return to preaching holiness once again, they would see true revival. It is Satan’s desire to pervert the truth, as well as destroy the family. Our culture has desensitized many people to morality.

 The roles of men and women have changed drastically in the last fifty years. Today women serve in combat roles within the military, and sleep in the same quarters as men, when on the battlefield. In a time of war, both men and women may be drafted into military service. God gave women the role of nurturers and homemakers, not warriors. Only in modern times has the roles of men and women been blurred. Today men are urged to let their feminine side show. Many men are now in occupations that used to be exclusively women. There are now gender-neutral restrooms being installed in high schools in California. These restrooms are multi stalled, for both girls, and boys, to use together. It is now lawful for any man who claims to be transgender to use a women’s restroom, or locker room. Many straight men have been caught doing lewd acts in women’s restrooms and locker rooms, across the country. Young girls have also been attacked in restrooms. Gay marriage is now the law of the land, and government officials may be prosecuted, for refusing to hand out marriage licenses to same gender couples.

 Our perverted society is an abomination to a holy God. This nation was once a Christian nation, as well as a light to the entire world, but it is now worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. If God did not judge this nation, then he would need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. This nation is without excuse, there are churches on every street corner, as well as Bibles in most homes. God does not expect his children to obey immoral laws, God’s laws, trump man’s laws. It is time for God’s children to take a stand against this wicked society and say, “enough is enough.”

 God is still the Ancient of Days, and he does not conform to our so-called progressive society or theology. God expects us to conform to his standards, by being obedient to His Word. The Lord has commanded me, to tell His children that they must put off the sinful old nature and return to him through holiness. The Lord has also instructed me to inform his children that the glory is departing from the churches. The modern day Scribes and Pharisees are doing the work of Satan by twisting scriptures to please men.  

(Hebrews 3:7-15), We are admonished not to harden our hearts, as the Israelites did during the rebellion in the wilderness. In verse 12, we are told to beware, lest any of us have an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. We are also told, to exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest anyone be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Verse 14 states, For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. Salvation requires much more than just faith in Christ. It requires, allowing God’s Holy Spirit to purify us, so that we can bear good fruit unto the Lord. We are truly saved, if we hold our confidence in Christ, steadfast to the end. He who has an ear, let him hear, what the Spirit says to the churches.       

Scripture reference for this chapter, (Isaiah 24:1) Behold, the Lord makes the earth empty and makes it waste, Distorts its surface And scatters abroad its inhabitants. 2 And it shall be: As with the people, so with the priest; As with the servant, so with his master; As with the maid, so with her mistress; As with the buyer, so with the seller; As with the lender, so with the borrower; As with the creditor, so with the debtor. 3 The land shall be entirely emptied and utterly plundered, For the Lord has spoken this word. 4 The earth mourns and fades away, The world languishes and fades away; The haughty people of the earth languish. 5 The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, And those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, And few men are left. 7 The new wine fails, the vine languishes, All the merry-hearted sigh. 8 The mirth of the tambourine ceases, The noise of the jubilant ends, The joy of the harp ceases. 9 They shall not drink wine with a song; Strong drink is bitter to those who drink it. 10 The city of confusion is broken down; Every house is shut up, so that none may go in. 11 There is a cry for wine in the streets, All joy is darkened, The mirth of the land is gone. 12 In the city desolation is left, And the gate is stricken with destruction.

13 When it shall be thus in the midst of the land among the people, It shall be like the shaking of an olive tree, Like the gleaning of grapes when the vintage is done. 14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; For the majesty of the Lord They shall cry aloud from the sea. 15 Therefore glorify the Lord in the dawning light, The name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea. 16 From the ends of the earth we have heard songs: "Glory to the righteous!" But I said, "I am ruined, ruined! Woe to me! The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously, Indeed, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously." /17 Fear and the pit and the snare Are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth. 18 And it shall be That he who flees from the noise of the fear Shall fall into the pit, And he who comes up from the midst of the pit Shall be caught in the snare; For the windows from on high are open, And the foundations of the earth are shaken. 19 The earth is violently broken, The earth is split open, The earth is shaken exceedingly. 20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, And shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, And it will fall, and not rise again.

21 It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones, And on the earth the kings of the earth. 22 They will be gathered together, As prisoners are gathered in the pit, And will be shut up in the prison; After many days they will be punished. 23 Then the moon will be disgraced And the sun ashamed; For the Lord of hosts will reign On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem And before His elders, gloriously.

 

Dream of the Pilgrim

 

Dream of the Pilgrim

 

The Lord gave me a dream similar to John Bunyan’s, “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Although the dream was not as long, or as detailed, as Bunyan’s dream, it was at least two hours in length. I will give a condensed version of the dream. As the dream began, I was looking down upon a ship that appeared to be from the Colonial era. Next, I found myself standing within the ship talking to my wife, I explained to her that we were in Plymouth, Massachusetts and the ship was a reproduction of the Mayflower. We then discussed how America was founded as a Christian nation, as well as how most Americans have removed God from sight and sound in order to pursue their own pleasures. I also understood, that Christians are pilgrims passing through this world, with the responsibility of sharing the Gospel with the unsaved.

Then I noticed a large staircase ascending into the air with many rooms attached at different levels. I began to ascend the staircase and I entered a room that resembled a ballroom, filled with people dressed in formal attire. The Lord told me that these people were lovers of pleasure more than of God, and most of them never read a single verse from the Bible in their life. I then noticed that many of the people were carrying glasses of wine in their hands, and most were drunk. 

Next, I entered a room filled with men, drunk from the wine of sin, and there was broken glass everywhere. Many of the men had passed out and some were dead. Then the Lord said to me, “The wages of sin is death.”

Then I entered another room filled with men that had lost all hope and they were very depressed. I felt their despair and it was quite overwhelming, it gave me a strong sense of compassion for these men. The Lord said, “This is the place of despair, and true peace is found only in a relationship with me.”

 Then I noticed a room at the very top of the staircase, and it was very high in the air. I entered the room, and I noticed a pulpit with three crosses engraved on it, as well as altars for kneeling all around the room.  Above the room there was no ceiling, only a beautiful sky filled with the golden light of God’s glory. The Lord said to me, “This is the place of repentance and new birth.” I understood that if a person would repent of their sins, as well as put their faith in Christ, that they would experience true peace, as well as joy, and would discover the true meaning of life. Then I departed the room and began to descend the staircase.

I then noticed a man climbing the staircase toward the upper room. He was covered with leprosy, as well as stank with a pungent body odor from sin. I felt unconditional love for this man and I would do anything I could to help him. I did not care what he looked like, or the smell that came from his body.  I reached out my arm to him and asked if I could give him a hand.  I helped pull him up, and I gave him a hug, and told him that I loved him. I told him that I knew what was in the upper room and he replied, “Don’t tell me, I must find out for myself.” Before the man ascended the staircase to this upper room, I told him that things were going to get a whole lot better! The Lord told me that after this man repented of his sins and experienced the new birth, he would be healed from sin, as well as given a white garment. 

 I awoke from this dream in tears, because I could feel the love that God has for his creation. I understood that God loved mankind so much, that he was willing to leave his throne in Glory and become a man and die on the cross for us. If we will surrender all to the Lord, he will give us eternal life. To know Christ, is to know true fulfillment. If you will allow God’s Spirit to transform you, you will be a vessel that He may work through.

 I love the parables of the lost sheep and the prodigal son, because they show the love that the Father has for us. The self-righteous Scribes and Pharisees were berating Christ, because he received tax collectors and sinners, as well as ate with them. Therefore, Christ told them several parables, which reflect how much he cares for every single soul.  (Luke 15:4) "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'

 We all know John 3:16, that the Father so loved the world that he sent Christ so that we might not perish, but have everlasting life. Christ is willing to leave the ninety- nine sheep in the wilderness to search for the lost one. The same is true today; Christ will do everything it takes to restore a backslidden Christian through repentance. God’s Holy Spirit will convict a person of their sins, and the Lord will even use tragedy, as well as blessings, to teach us his ways. This brief life on earth is a school of hard knocks. We are exposed to both the kingdoms of God and Satan; therefore, it is up to us to choose good over evil.

 The parable of the prodigal son relates to most of us. The prodigal demanded his inheritance from his father and wasted it on rebellious living. Then a severe famine came upon the land and he considered eating the pods, that were fed to swine. Then he remembered that his father’s hired servants had plenty of bread, therefore, he decided to return home to work for his father. There is no lasting peace in rebellious living, for the wages of sin is death. God will supply all of our needs, if we will live in obedience to him. True peace and fulfillment, comes by making Christ our Lord, through keeping his commandments. Believing in Christ, or saying an acceptance prayer, as well as being baptized, will not save your soul, unless you are truly born again. We are all called to bear much fruit for the kingdom of God.

 When the prodigal son returned home and was still a great distance from home, his father saw him and ran to him and kissed him. The repentant son said, (Luke 15:21) “'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.” 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

  This parable reflects how each of us would respond to our wayward children returning home. I love how the father ran to kiss his repentant son, and immediately put a robe and sandals on him, as well as, a ring upon his hand. The ring was a token of family membership; and reflects how our heavenly Father is willing to forgive and restore, his repentant children. There is grace, for sins that are repented of. When a person is truly sorry for their sinful lifestyle, God will blot out all of their sins and give them a fresh start. Willful, habitual sins are known as bondages and they will lead to spiritual death, if there is no repentance. Those who keep the faith and endure unto the end shall inherit eternal life.

We should display the love of Christ toward those who are currently living the prodigal lifestyle. I have witnessed self-righteous Christians, who like the Scribes and Pharisees, looked down upon those who are in a rebellious lifestyle. These modern day Pharisees also despise those who attempt to befriend, or reach out, to those who are lost or backslidden.  We should all have the same attitude as Christ and be willing to reach out in love, to restore those who have fallen away. If you will humble yourself before the Lord, he may send you out to recover that lost sheep. I have said many times, that we should look beyond the fault and see the need. God does not look at the outward appearance, but on the heart and we should do the same.

 It should not matter if a person is poor, rich, or dressed in rags, we should display the love of Christ for all of mankind. We should not judge a person based upon their race, the length of their hair, or what kind of job or home they may have. I greatly admire the late pastor David Wilkerson, who founded the Times Square Church in New York City. Pastor Wilkerson, reached out to people of every race and economic status and created a truly diverse congregation, that reflects his multi-cultural city. It is very beautiful, to see people of different races and cultures come together in unity, to worship their Lord.

The world is a mission field waiting to be harvested for the Kingdom of God. The Lord is looking for people with hearts filled with love that are willing to answer the call. I dreamed that there were two young men of different races who repented of their sins. The Lord was both their judge, as well as their probation officer. One man had been, delivered from drug addiction, the other from pornography. The Lord had them each; write a letter of repentance to him. I placed my arms around both of them and prayed for them. I felt tremendous love and compassion for these young men. The atoning blood of Christ, is able to wash away all of our sins, if we will turn from them. The Lord desires for his children to take the message of redemption to the entire world.

You may be the only Christian in the life of someone, and you have the ability to throw a life preserver to a person drowning in his, or her, sin. I woke up from this dream to a song from Sandi Patti entitled: “Upon This Rock.” The lyrics from this song have a powerful message to them. The song is concerning being a reflection of Christ, a rock that God can build his kingdom upon. Christ told Peter that he was a rock to be built upon. Like Peter, we are to be a rock to a lost and dying world.

 The Lord called me to the street ministry at the age of sixteen. I spent many years sharing my faith on the streets of Little Rock, Kansas City, as well as New Orleans. Later years, I served the body of Christ as a pastor, as well as an evangelist. I heard the life stories of many people, from many different backgrounds. I heard of tragedy, sickness, sorrow, depression, as well as joy, from ordinary people. The Lord gave me a heart of compassion for people because I asked for it. The Lord will also give you a heart for people if you ask him to.

 The Kingdom of Heaven consists of ordinary people. God is not impressed with the successful, popular, or best-looking people; he is looking for ordinary people who are willing to make him Lord of their lives. I have talked to many people who felt that they were beyond hope, because of the wicked things that they have done. The truth is that God is willing to forgive us of all of our sins, give us a fresh start, if we will confess our sins to him and turn away from them. If a person backslides away from Christ and repents, there is restoration, because of the atonement that Christ provided for upon the cross. If we fall, we should get back up, repent, dust ourselves off, and press forward in our relationship with Christ. Never give up, learn from your mistakes, and continue to grow in Christ and produce good fruit. When the Devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. Your past is under the blood, and is forgotten by God.

Consider the parable of the wedding feast (Matt 22:1-14). Christ taught that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a king, who arranged a wedding feast in honor of his son. He sent out servants to invite people to come. Those invited, made light of it and mistreated, and killed his servants. The king sent out his armies and destroyed the murderers, and burned their city. Then he sent his servants to go out into the highways, and invite as many as they find, both good, and bad, to the wedding. The wedding hall was filled, but the man who did not have on a wedding garment was cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 Christ said, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” If you belong to Christ, then you are commissioned to go out into the world, and compel all to come to Christ. The churches consist of both wheat and tares. It is the Lord, who will do the separation in his timing. The tares will be removed and cast into the fire of destruction. This teaching of Christ, should remind all of us to keep our spiritual garments clean for the wedding feast of the Lamb. Christ is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle. God’s Word teaches us that if we continue in willful sins, then we deny both the Father and the Son. We must allow God’s spirit to purify us.

If we truly believe that the Bible is the Word of God, then we should do everything within our power to persuade others to believe also. Like Simon and Andrew, we are called to be fishers of men (Mark 1:14-18). God’s Word teaches us that we are sinners in need of a savior, and Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. Apart from Christ, there is no hope of eternal life, only damnation.

 (Luke 16: 19-31) Christ taught us a parable about Hell. Hell, also known as Hades, or Sheol, is the abode of the spirits of the dead awaiting the resurrection. Christ taught us that Sheol is divided into sections, separated by a great chasm. The righteous go into Paradise, also known as Abraham’s bosom, and the wicked into prison, or torment. After the second resurrection of the dead, there will be the great white throne judgment. The righteous will inherit the Kingdom of God, and the sinners will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. Death and Hell, will also be cast into the lake of fire. I believe that the original Greek language of the New Testament indicates that this is the destruction or extinction of the unsaved. The prison of Hell will also be destroyed at this time. A proper translation of the Greek indicates a final and irrevocable decree, not eternal torment.

(Rev 20: 11) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.         

 The illustration of the rich man being in torment and Lazarus being comforted, should shake us to the core (Luke 16: 19-31). The rich man was dressed in nice garments, but refused to have compassion on Lazarus who was covered in sores, as well as begging for bread. When they both died, Lazarus was carried by the angels to paradise, to be comforted, and the rich man was tormented by a flame in Hell. If we believe that Hell is a real place, we should do everything possible to persuade everyone we know to accept Christ in order to escape this place of torment.  If we saw a child about to walk out in front of a semi- truck, would we not try to save them? Or if we noticed a burning car with people inside on the side of the road, would we not also try to save them? Every day we are among those in danger of Hell fire. Do you share your faith with them, or do you try to fit in with the crowd in order to please men rather than God?

This life is like a vapor in comparison to eternity. Our lives are in God’s hands, and we don’t know when we will depart this earth. If you were killed in a car wreck today, are you prepared to meet your maker? God’s Word says that today is the day of salvation. This means that we have no guarantee of tomorrow, and we need to make Christ our Lord today. We must enter by the narrow gate that leads to eternal life, because wide and broad is the way that leads to destruction. God’s Word says that the soul that sinneth will surely die. This destruction is the second death.

We should live a life worthy of an ambassador for Christ, because the world is watching. We need to be the salt of the earth, letting our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. Let us all pray that the Lord of the harvest will send us out.

After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, "The harvest truly [is] great, but the laborers [are] few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.  Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves (Luke 10:1-3).

 

 

 

 

    

Deliverance From Those Things Which Keep you Bound

 

Deliverance From Those Things Which Keep you Bound

Acts 19:19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Dt 18:10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. 14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.

Our culture has been flooded with the occult and most people have become desensitized to it. Let me take you out into the deep water, and share with you revelations that the Lord has given me concerning deliverance from things, which keep people bound. Many people will not accept all that I am going to say, but this information is from heaven. I am in the deliverance ministry, and in many cases items within your homes must be removed for deliverance to be permanent. I have witnessed many cases of people who have lost their healings or have become repossessed by evil spirits in less than twenty- four hours after receiving their breakthrough. People need to be taught how to keep their deliverance. When a person is delivered from evil spirits, the Lord cleans their spiritual house. A person must keep their house clean, as well as remain filled with God’s Holy Spirit, in order to keep the evil ones from returning. If a person is repossessed by evil spirits, their last state is seven times worse according to Christ.

Luke 11: 24 "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first."

There are different forms of demonization. A person may be oppressed by an evil spirit that is attached to them but does not indwell them. Many Christians are oppressed by spirits of sickness, mental illness, fears, anxiety, anger, or despair. Sin is not always the reason for some types of oppression. There are generational spirits that oppress people. These spirits are passed down through many generations within family lines. They may be sickness, lust, perversion, anger, suicide, etc. If a person allows generational sins to overcome them, this may lead to possession.  The good news is that God will break generational curses if a person allows Him to. In some cases, a spirit may indwell a person’s body, but not their spirit. This may be a type of infirmity, or may result from anger or hate. This is not considered to be a possession and usually occurs within the soulish realm (mind).  If sin that is not repented of turns into a spiritual bondage, this may result in a possession of one’s spirit. When Satan indwells your innermost spirit, you are possessed, and in need of deliverance. The Son came to set the captive free. It is God’s desire that all people be set free from the bondages of Satan.

 Repentance is the key for deliverance. However, repentance must be accompanied by faith, in order for deliverance to be successful. If you don’t believe, as well as trust that the Lord will set you free, then your faithlessness may block your healing or deliverance. Many people are set free from demonic bondages through heartfelt repentance, along with fasting. Fasting, along with praise and worship is a powerful weapon against the enemy’s devices. When you fast, you are showing God how serious you are about your desired breakthrough. Fasting accompanied by prayer will move the hand of God.  

 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” - Matt 17:18-21

God’s Word teaches that God inhabits the praises of His people. When David played anointed music for Saul, the evil spirit would depart from him. When the Israelites marched around Jericho seven times, on the seventh day, the seven priests gave a blast on their trumpets, also the army gave a shout, and the walls fell down flat. The enemy’s devices cannot function when we put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. If you want the strongholds of Satan to fall before you, then offer up continuous praise and worship to the Father for your desired breakthrough.   

 Jos 6:2 And the Lord said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him."

Isaiah 61: 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."

In most cases, items within your home may be a point of contact for evil spirits to remain grounded. Items associated with the occult should be destroyed. Jewelry, movies, music, pictures, clothing, images, etc. that reflect the occult are an attachment that will prevent deliverance. Items such as images of wolves, dream catchers, Native American symbols or images, stone animals, items associated with Buddhist or Hindu religions, are all open doors for evil spirits to abide in your home or life. Sadly, most Wiccans and Satanists are aware of this, but most Christians are blind to this spiritual fact. The occult is also very pronounced within fairy tales, as well as children’s movies and books. Fairies, fairy godmothers, magic, spells, curses, wizards, witches, leprechauns, trolls, water and tree spirits, elves, and Santa Claus are all demonic. These stories have firm roots deep into the occult. Movies and television shows such as The Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek, Bewitched, Charmed, Cinderella, Snow White, Tangled, Frozen, Avatar, as well as The Beauty and the Beast, are loaded with witches, wizards, spells, psychic powers, as well as the force of Star Wars (Zen inspired). God does not give you grace to indulge in demonic activity, no matter how desensitized you are to it. True repentance requires action. A person should destroy all items connected to the occult if you desire to be sanctified (set apart or purified) by God.

After the Lord instructed us to get rid of our television, as well as movies, we felt it was harmless to keep objects associated with super heroes, Star Trek, Star Wars, as well as all science fiction. However, the Lord instructed us to clean house of all objects associated with Hollywood. Television and movies are an abomination to God.  Television was an idol to me, as well as a compromise of my Christian faith. Television is filled with extreme violence, fornication, adultery, occultism, profanity, swearing etc. I was filling my eye gates and ear gates with the trash that Hollywood produces. For the eyes and the ears are gates to the soul. Christians should not be filling their souls up with darkness.

 The Lord gave me dreams, as well as words concerning television, which reflect how serious this issue is to the Lord. The Lord said, “You are cut off from me.” I asked, “How?” The Lord replied, “You are cut off due to compromise by watching television.” The Lord showed me that watching television would prevent him from healing and blessing his children, as well as hinder a person's relationship with him. This is a very serious issue to the Lord.

Around seven years ago, I dreamed that I was going to a movie theater to watch a western. I pulled up into a reserved parking space marked rodeo. When I got out of the car, five or six seven-foot tall men surrounded me. They said that they were looking for runaway slaves. I told them that I was not a slave. They said that they were going to hold me captive until they could verify that I was not a runaway slave. They put a chain around my neck to lead me away, and then I noticed that one of the tall men looked like Frankenstein, another looked like Dracula. I believe that the tall men were fallen Angels and I was held captive by the sin of television and movies. The Lord showed me that even supposedly innocent shows were still wicked to him because they are produced by Hollywood. Everything from Hollywood is accursed to God.

In another dream, I was seated on the couch in front of our entertainment center. In the area where our television once was, there was a coffin; on each side of the entertainment center were full size coffins. My arms were outstretched and between my arms was a mini coffin. The Lord said, "Babylon has been in front of your face this entire time." I understood that my arms had been wrapped around television for a long time; I loved it, and it was idolatry to me. The Lord also said, "Television is a magnet for demons to enter your home." According to the Lord, television is spiritual death. In another dream, I saw a slimy pig enter a home through a television set. Television and movies are spiritual compromise. Satan’s throne in most homes is the television set. If you want to know true freedom from bondages, get rid of the pig.

My wife formerly collected animal statues and our house was full of them. The Lord spoke to me through visions, dreams, as well as audible words, to remove these items from our home.  The Lord said that these animal figures were the same as idols. I always considered these figures innocent since we didn’t worship them, but the Lord felt otherwise. I have shared deep spiritual truths with you in this posting and this may be hard to accept by some. However, this teaching is not based upon speculation, or my opinion, but fact.        

            

 

 

 

The Beatitudes Part Three

 

The Beatitudes Part Three

Matt 5:31 "Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. 33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Christ said, “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery” (verse 32). I have heard many people say that marriage is just a piece of paper. The truth is that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man, a woman, and God. The Lord takes marriage vows seriously and so should we. When you vow to stand by your mate in sickness and in health, until death will you part, you are entering into a spiritual, as well as a physical contract. When you are married, the two become one flesh. Marriage is a spiritual union that no one should interfere with. Adultery is a serious sin that will lead to damnation if one does not repent. Adultery is the only biblical grounds for divorce. If you put your spouse away because you are tired of them and feel that the grass is greener on the other side, you are committing sin. If you are divorced without biblical grounds and marry another, you, as well as your new spouse, are guilty of adultery. Divorce is especially hard on children, and it is very selfish to put them through a family breakup. If you are considering cheating on your spouse, please consider all of the people you will hurt, including God.

Christ said, you shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. Christ also said, to “let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No', for whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” As Christians, we should hold the truth in high regard, as well as live honest lives. We should not make oaths to God, or to others that we cannot keep. If we make a promise to someone and then break our word, he or she may blaspheme our faith. We may bring a reproach upon Christ through falsehood. The world is watching us and we must maintain a good testimony.

Christ came that he might bring light to the world by revealing the truths of the Father. Under the old covenant, people would recompense evil for evil. It was eye for eye, or tooth for tooth, but Christ showed us a better way. Christ said, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But, whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” This may sound unfair to some, but Christ was teaching us to overcome evil with good, so that we might lead people to salvation. We are not to only have a good reputation with fellow believers, but with the world also. If a person takes you to court over an issue, sometimes it is better to let them win, rather than engage them in a dispute.

 Christ also taught us not to render insult for insult, but to pursue peace with all men. In the time of the Roman Empire, a soldier might require a person to carry their armor for them. Christ said that if you are compelled to go a distance with them, go twice the distance. This act of kindness is being a reflection of the attributes of Christ, who came to be a servant. We are not above our master.  Christ came to serve rather than to be served, and we should have the same heart. By washing the feet of his disciples, Christ taught us humility, as well as to put the needs of others before our own. The humble shall be exalted and the proud brought low. We should also give to him who asks, and turn not away someone who wants to borrow. Sharing with others, especially those in need is bearing good fruit. James taught that faith without works is dead. James states, that if you see your brother or sister naked, or hungry, and say to them, “be warm and filled,” but do not give him what he needs, then your faith is dead.

 James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Matt 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The law and the prophets are fulfilled, if we love the Lord our God, as well as love our neighbor as our self. It is not easy to love those who mistreat you, but through the power of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit, it is possible. On the cross Christ said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Christ gave us an example of loving His enemies, as he was being severely mistreated. Christ taught us to do good to those who hate us, use us, or persecute us, as well as to bless those who curse us. We are to pray for those who mistreat us, rather than to seek vindication. If you learn to love the unlovely, then you are truly spiritually mature.

 I admire the good work of ministries like the Salvation Army, homeless shelters, and food banks. They show the love of Christ to the hungry and homeless by living what they preach. My wife and I used to do volunteer work for a Salvation Army homeless shelter and it was very fruitful. A person is more likely to listen to your testimony if you are showing loving kindness toward them rather than begging for their money. If the church would learn to be givers rather than takers, then we would see a large harvest of souls overnight. The wheat and the tares grow together in Christianity, but the day is coming when the tares will be removed, and cast into the fire. Consider Christ’s teaching on the separation of the sheep and the goats on judgment day. The sheep, who enter God’s kingdom, are those who have fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, gave shelter to the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick and prisoner. The goats that go into punishment are those who have NOT done these things for their fellow man. If we claim to know Christ, we should have love, accompanied by action, for our fellow man.

 Matt 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.  33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'  37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire  prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."   

In response to the question, “who is my neighbor?” Christ taught the parable of the Good Samaritan. Christ said that there was a man who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and left him half-dead.  A priest and a Levite, passed by him on the other side of the road and would not help him. But, a certain Samaritan saw him and had compassion for him. The Samaritan bandaged his wounds, poured oil, and wine on them, and brought him to an inn. He paid the innkeeper to care for the man until he returned. Christ said that the true neighbor was the Samaritan, because he showed mercy to the man who fell among thieves. Christ also said, to go and do likewise (Luke 10, 29-37).