Saturday, October 19, 2024

The Message of the Full Gospel

 


The Message of the Full Gospel

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.


Many churches teach salvation through Jesus Christ but neglect to teach people the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit. John 3:5 states that we must be born of the water and of the Spirit to be truly born again. Salvation is a free gift of Grace that can never be earned through our works or by religious rituals. However, salvation is a three-step process. Salvation begins with true repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle. God gives grace to those who seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and his righteousness. Repentance occurs when you surrender all to Christ. You must first realize that you cannot save yourself through the strivings of the flesh. We are justified by faith in the atonement that Christ made upon the cross. Salvation is for those who walk in the light, not darkness.

. After we truly repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ and his atonement upon the cross, it is also essential that we are baptized in water. Water baptism is an act of obedience, it proclaims to the world that you have been born again. You are marked by God, and you identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through water baptism. You are also proclaiming that you have been crucified with Christ and are dead to sin and risen with Christ as a new creation! See Romans 6:1-13 below.

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.


Many Christians have never been taught that there is more to their spiritual walk. In order to live an overcoming Christian life in these dark times, it is essential that we be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Baptism in the Holy Spirit). You cannot be saved unless you have been filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. The atonement of Christ provided for the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Trinity is received by faith alone in the finished work of Christ.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second act of Grace, and it is when a believer is filled and becomes indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Baptism is an immersion of power that is accompanied by spiritual gifts according to God's will and must be sought after by faith. The Holy Spirit is God, he is the third person of the Holy Trinity, and he indwells us, as well as ministers to us. It is God’s will that we all experience the fullness of God and that is only possible by receiving the baptism in the Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles within Scripture. It was first given on the Day of Pentecost to those seeking God in the upper room. You may receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by earnestly seeking God in prayer, or through the laying on of hands.

Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There are nine gifts and nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is God's will that we seek him for the fullness of his Spirit. The strivings of the flesh are worthless. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may become a new creation (set apart people). Only through the Holy Spirit is the love of Jesus poured into our hearts. We cannot walk, live, or bear good fruit apart from the Holy Spirit. If you love Christ, you will keep his commandments. This is only possible by being transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. To live and walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin.

Dream of the four Harlots and the Holy Spirit

I recently had a dream of the four harlots and the Holy Spirit. Babylon is a biblical term that means wickedness. We read of Mystery Babylon in Rev 17 and 18. This is a reference to an adulterous or harlot church. Many people within modern day Christianity have not been taught to be filled with the Holy Spirit, or to crucify their old carnal nature.

I dreamed that there were four young adult girls wearing ankle length night gowns. They were running around in many directions and then each one stood still next to a gas pump. Four gas pumps with four girls. I woke from the dream as the Lord spoke the word Babylon to me four times. The interpretation is that the young girls were playing the harlot. They were running around in many directions, being tossed to and fro by many false doctrines of men. They were wearing night gowns meaning they were asleep to spiritual issues like holiness.

The church is the bride of Christ; however, many are not faithful to Christ. They have not allowed God's Holy Spirit to teach them to walk and bear good fruit. Mystery Babylon is the end time apostasy (Great Falling Away). When the church is indistinguishable from the sinful world they are not set apart. The gas pumps within the dream were symbolic of the need for Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit which empowers them to live an overcoming life. The young harlot brides stopped running around playing the harlot, and stood Still, next to the gas pumps in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit.


The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is essential for all believers. Come as you are to Christ, but don't stay that way. It is true that we are justified, saved, and sanctified by faith alone. Christ's finished work upon the cross paid our debts in full and his shed blood sanctified us and removed our shame and guilt! However, faith must be accompanied with repentance to be sincere. You must be born again to inherit eternal life with Christ.

(Heb 12:14). Follow peace with all men, and holinesswithout which no man shall see the Lord: A dead, or lukewarm church will be vomited out of God's mouth according to His Word (Rev 3). You cannot overcome your old nature, or bear good fruit, apart from God's Spirit. It is only possible to live an overcoming, or holy life, by surrendering your will to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out. God gives us Grace to grow in Him. We come to Him as babes on milk and learn to walk by his Spirit.

You must abide in the vine (Jesus Christ). Scripture teaches us that to abide in Christ is to continue in the faith and allow His Spirit to pour love into our hearts for others. To truly know Christ is to love one another and forgive others their trespasses, as Christ has forgiven us. We must give others grace to live in His grace. To walk in the Spirit is to live in God's freedom and no longer to be a slave to sin. Are you a new creation in Christ? Are you born again?

Hebrews 12:12-16 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

Hebrews 13:20-21Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Galatians 5:15-26 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Where is the discernment? Part 1, Written by my Wife



Where is the discernment? 

Part 1, Written by my Wife

If you call yourself a Christian, you should be outraged by the false messages being taught not only behind the pulpit on Sundays, but also at "religious" conferences and concerts. Yet it seems the farther the messages being taught stray away from the True gospel of Jesus Christ, the larger the audience.  The more entertaining and outrageous the event, the larger the crowd.  The more the message of holiness is preached, the smaller the congregation.  People do not want to be changed from "glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:8) and transformed to imitate the character of Jesus Christ.  No, they want to be gods in their own might, and not acknowledge that they answer to the one and only God in Heaven!

One of the reasons discernment has left the church is because of a rebellious spirit.  People are literally plugging their ears to the wages of sin (Romans 6:23).  What is stated in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 sums up man's rebellion exactly, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Therefore, even when one knows the Truths of the Bible, they refuse to listen to it and walk away because they want to feel good in their sin. They ignore the discernment telling them what the preachers are teaching is wrong. Here is the real Truth, you will find more joy walking upright with the Lord than you ever will wallowing in sin with the devil.

(Hebrews 5: 11-14) Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing... and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

I realize that some people may be new to Christianity and mere babes in the ways of the Lord.  They are still on spiritual milk and have not yet progressed to the meat of understanding the deeper things beyond the basic gospel message.  2 Timothy 2:5 means that we are to do our own studying so we can learn to understand right from wrong, not let someone else tell us their version of right and wrong: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The more we study the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit will make it clear what the false teachers are saying does not align with the holy Word of God.

(Matthew 7:15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

(Jude, Verse 4) There are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is so very true that there are more false teachers than honest ones.  They are intentionally deceiving the masses.  It is an active choice to be wolves and preach a false grace message. The reasons clearly have to do with fame and fortune.  If they tell you the Truth, that you need to repent of your sins, then their offering plates and their church pews would be nearly empty.  However, you and I are not responsible for what other people teach, we are responsible for how we respond. Apart from reading your Bible, every time, and we mean each and every time you attend a church service, a Bible study, a concert, or a conference, you need to pray that the Holy Spirit will give you His discernment to recognize what is false and what is from the Lord. Ask for a supernatural check in your spirit.  If you experience physical symptoms you know are not natural: a tightness in your chest, a headache, nausea, tingling in your hands, earache, etc. these may be signs God is speaking to you to leave the meeting. Sometimes it is a strong feeling to go now! Don't stick around because your family or friends may make fun of you for saying God is speaking to your heart and you need to leave.  They are not the ones you will stand before on judgement day, God is, and He will honor you when you take a stand.   

(Ezekiel 4:23) And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 

It is good that there seems to be a desire to worship God and there are many "worship" groups to choose from.  It all looks good to see the leaders on stage raising their hands before God and singing pretty words.  Yet, it you allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment you will see this is often false fire offered before God. These concerts are more about emotionalism to make you feel good so you will spend money. The lyrics of the songs are often shallow and even more often theologically incorrect.  John 4:24 says, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."  How many are in a spirit of truly examining their hearts and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to them? Or are they just trying to look holy by raising their hands? True worship means being vulnerable to God and allowing Him to convict your heart, not just singing a pretty song (Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24) If you do your research, you will easily discover that the majority of popular "Christian" singing groups are not living Godly lives.  They are sexually immoral, even rapists, drink, smoke, dress provocative, etc.  They are not trying to bring glory to God, but to self.  And if you listen to the Holy Spirit's voice, you can feel their "praise" to God is hitting the ceiling versus listening to true gospel music where you can feel the power of God stir you to yearning to change for Him and grow in His love.   

There was a woman in a documentary we watched that claimed she had an experience where Jesus climbed into bed with her and played with her hair and told her she did not ever need to worry about her sins because He understood her! This is not only utterly depraved to say Jesus would ever act like your boyfriend, but also theologically incorrect. What did Jesus Christ say in Luke 5:32? "I came to call the... sinners to repentance." And in 1 John 1:9 says, "IF WE CONFESS our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus will never say, "You are only human, so it is okay to sin."  There should have been an outcry of discernment from those who say they follow Christ instead of promoting this woman's false story.

(Romans 6:1-2 & 6) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

In the same documentary, another woman, also a prominent leader, was shown in several clips repeating the same story so it can be assumed she toured many places with this false testimony.  She said she saw The Holy Spirit as "the genie from [the Disney movie] Aladdin." That He is "blue, silly, and funny."  First, a Christian with discernment and an obedient heart to God should never support Disney.  Almost everything associated with Disney is linked to witchcraft, including the genie who is based off of Arabic folklore that says he is a "magical spirit."  God hates witchcraft, so how dare she link the Holy Spirit with satanism.  Second, the Holy Spirit is not "silly or funny." 1 Corinthians 14:33 says that "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace."  Where is the discernment? Why didn't people walk out of her conferences in huge numbers. Did they never read their Bibles where it says in Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." And also in Luke 12:10, "Unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."?  

Again, please pray for supernatural discernment from God, and obey when He tells you to run away from anyone not preaching the Word of God! As 1 Corinthians 2 tells us, we are to rely only on Holy Spirit of God and never on men!  

(1 Corinthians 2:5 & 12-15) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Where is the discernment? Part 2, Written by Me




Where is the Discernment? 

Part 2, Written by Me

There are also many counterfeit revivals going on, where God’s Holy Spirit has been replaced by demonic manifestations. People are laughing uncontrollably, as well as making different animal sounds. They are hissing like snakes, mooing like cows, roaring like lions, howling like wolves, as well as barking like dogs. These same manifestations occur within Kundalini Hinduism, as well as other forms of occultism. In a congregation in Boston, the pastor crawled on his hands and knees like a dog, barking, and his wife led him around on a leash fastened to a dog collar around his neck. The wife then said, “Where he leads, I will follow!”


People also claim to be drunk in the spirit; they display symptoms of physical drunkenness. After leaving one of these revivals in Florida, numerous people were pulled over by law enforcement officers for drunk driving. They all passed their breathalyzer tests, because they were made drunk by an unholy spirit. God’s Word is clear that God hates drunkenness, and no drunkard will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Satan is the lawless one, and he is making a mockery of God, within these revivals. After leaving this flesh fest, people were also seen displaying drunk behavior in local restaurants. They were falling on the floor in the restaurants, laughing hysterically. God is a God of order, and not foolishness. God will not make a person drive drunk or embarrass them in public. Where is the discernment? Why can’t Christians see that an unholy demonic spirit, is at work in their churches?

There are many counterfeit revivals producing demonic manifestations occurring worldwide. The Toronto blessing, Pensacola outpouring, Lakeland revival, Kansas City IHOP, Bethel Church in Redding Ca, Hillsong church etc. are but a few examples. False Ministeries to avoid, Rodney Howard Brown, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Creflo Dollar, Jesse Duplantis, Joyce Meyers, Paula White, as well as all other prosperity gospel preachers, and those that teach the unconditional eternal security doctrine.

In some, so-called Christian rock concerts, many of the young people are going into trances, where they display tribal dancing. These are but a few of the demonic manifestations going on worldwide. The late pastor David Wilkerson warned the church about this invasion of demonic activity, as well as the need to return to holiness preaching, but most will not listen. It is time for the church to start using discernment and realize that something has gone wrong. God is withdrawing his Spirit from many churches, because they will not endure sound doctrine. If the churches will return to teaching and living in holiness once again, then maybe God’s Spirit will return!

Many of the leaders of these false revivals have been caught in adultery, as well as homosexual relations. I believe that in many cases physical perversion is a manifestation of spiritual perversion. A false prophet from Florida who led a well-known revival, has a tattoo of a Japanese goddess on his arm. He claims that this goddess is really an angel by the name of Emma who accompanies him during his kicking sessions at his so-called revival. He claims that Emma has instructed him to hit or kick people in need of healing, as an act of obedience. The revival was shut down when it was revealed that he was having an affair during the entire time of this revival. This wolf in sheep’s clothing, divorced his wife and married his mistress. Now he is back at it again. A false prophet from Kansas City, claims that this same angel Emma came floating into his church to usher in their false revival. His church later removed him from his ministry position due to sexual misconduct with church members. Another false prophet from his church admitted to being a practicing homosexual. I could go on and on with examples of how perverted these revivalists are, but this should suffice.

Many of the television evangelists, as well as mega-church leaders, have also had their share of scandals. A well-known television evangelist, who wears a white suite, and has a healing ministry, has much darkness surrounding him. Channel six news from Orlando featured an expose on this minister. They showed on film a group of men sitting at a table together, and the evangelist handed a bong to his lead singer, as well as another man at the table. Both of these men smoked the bong. One of the men who smoked the bong, died later from a heroin overdose. While this married evangelist was in Rome, he was filmed walking and holding hands with a female television evangelist, who was wearing very short shorts. They both admitted to a friendship when the pictures were released but denied their obvious affair. In spite of this wickedness, their supporters chose to forgive them. If Christians would wake up and stop supporting these apostate ministers, they would shut them down overnight. God’s anointing is not on these reprobates, who use God for dishonest gain. Hell will be full of those who fleece the flock.

Many Christians are afraid of supernatural experiences because of the demonic manifestations. However, we need to allow God’s true gifts to be in operation within the church. It is not good to quench God’s Spirit, or to be afraid of it. For God does give visions, dreams, work miracles, heal the sick etc. (1 Corinthians 12). It is crucial that we pray over experiences, as well as use sound judgment. The reason for this unholy spirit which has invaded the church is a false grace message that promotes loose living, as well as other false doctrines. God gives Grace to those who repent and walk in the light, but NOT to those who love darkness. 

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

The Gift of Faith

 


The Gift of Faith


 
Mark 11:23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive [them,] and you will have [them.]

What are the mountains in your life? Jesus paid the price on the cross to set you free from the evil one. By faith, speak to those mountains and tell them to be gone in Jesus' name! You have the authority by God's Holy Spirit. Faith moves the hand of God on your behalf!
 

So often people live their lives in fear of what could happen, or they worry about finances, or health problems, however, fear is the opposite of faith. The Lord understands that we are human, and anxiety is common to man, but he desires that we trust him with every aspect of our lives. Fear will empower the enemy in your life. If you live your life in fear, you will never have a breakthrough with God. Fear may even lead to demonic oppression. You must have faith in God that He is able to deliver and heal you to see results.
 

 Fear also hinders many people from pursuing ministry work, because they feel they can’t accomplish the task. If the prophets and apostles had given into fear, we would not have the scriptures to guide us, and Christianity would never have spread beyond Judea. We must believe that God is bigger and more powerful than our problems, or limitations, to be useful for the kingdom of heaven. Moses had a speech problem and argued with God that he was not able to speak to Pharaoh. God commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh and allowed his brother Aaron to speak for him. Moses was chosen from birth to be the deliverer for the captive Hebrews, but he felt inadequate for the task. Fortunately, God did not allow Moses to give in to fear, but used him to show forth his power to the entire world. Elijah feared for his life and hid in a cave, but the God of Elijah protected him, and Elijah never saw death because he was taken to heaven in a flaming chariot.
 

The apostle Paul wrote powerful letters, but he did not impress some in person. However, this did not deter Paul from taking the gospel to many lands. Paul understood that he was a vessel for God’s Spirit to work through. With God, all things are possible; he is looking for humble vessels that he may work through. God is not impressed with your fancy attire, eloquent speech, or theological degrees. God is looking for common people, full of faith, which he may work through. Peter, James, and John were uneducated fishermen, however Christ chose them to be his Apostles, and to turn the world upside down. If you will put your faith and trust in God, he will use you to minister into the lives of others.
 

Why do we so often worry about life’s problems? Does not God promise to meet our needs if we seek after him? Does not the Lord feed the birds, and clothe the lilies of the field? If we will replace fear and anxiety, with faith and thankfulness, we will know the peace and provision of the Father. If you live with a defeated attitude, you will not be useful to the kingdom of God. Faith will open the door to many blessings from God, including healings, deliverance, ministry, peace of mind, as well as many answered prayers. 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.   2 For by it the elders obtained a [good] testimony.   3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.   4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.   5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.   6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him,] for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.   7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.   8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.   9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as [in] a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;   10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.
 

(Matthew 6:25) " Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, [will He] not much more [clothe] you, O you of little faith? 31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day [is] its own trouble.

 


 

Sunday, September 29, 2024

True Grace, False Grace, and Legalism

 


True Grace, False Grace, and Legalism

Grace is defined as unmerited favor. You cannot earn your salvation through trying to be a good or honest person, nor can you transform yourself into the model Christian through the strivings of the flesh. Salvation is a free gift provided by God. God is a holy God who cannot look upon sin. Mankind was separated from God because of sin, so the Father paid the ransom for mankind by giving his only son upon the cross. Christ paid our debts (sins) in full and made peace between the Father and mankind by bridging the great divide through his cross. Redemption and salvation come only through the blood of Christ. The works of the Law, as well as our own works were not enough to bring salvation, so the Father bestowed his love upon us through the gift of his son.  

 

 Salvation begins with repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle, as well as a desire to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. To be truly saved, you must hunger and thirst for righteousness and turn away from the old rebellious life you once knew.  When you repent and put your faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross you are saved from perdition (damnation) and have been given eternal life. We are justified by faith alone and saved by grace alone (unmerited favor). Christ will wash you clean and remove all of your sins and grant you a clean slate. Because of Christ's atonement made upon the cross you walk perfectly before him as long as you remain in the light. God gives us grace to grow in him. We come to him as babes on milk and learn to walk by taking baby steps.


 Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are transformed from the inside out. If you are truly saved, then you are clean as long as you remain in Christ. You do not need to repent over and over because bankruptcy court has already occurred, and you have been declared debt free! Yield to the Holy Spirit and give him the reins of your life. Make him the governor of your life and he will produce good fruit. You cannot produce good fruit apart from the vine of Jesus Christ (John 15). The love of Jesus will be poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to walk by faith and walk away from sin.


True Grace is for those who walk in the light and Not for those who love darkness and are apathetic toward righteousness. Many profess to know Christ but refuse to give up the darkness in their lives. There is no grace for the majority of television shows and movies that people watch, God himself spoke this to me more than once. Television shows, pornography, adultery, fornication, substance abuse, homosexuality, lying etc. are examples of darkness that will lead to damnation. However, God will forgive these sins if you repent and turn away from them. Cheap grace or greasy grace is a term to describe the junk food gospel being taught in many churches today. The unconditional eternal security doctrine teaches that a saved believer cannot lose their salvation. This doctrine is contrary to scripture and leads many people to Hell. Heb 10:38-39 states that a believer can drawback unto perdition (Hell) if they do not remain in the faith. There are Christians who have lost their faith and died as atheists, Buddhists, agnostics etc. these will not enter the Kingdom of God. 


Legalism is trying to obtain salvation through works or religious observances. Legalism sows doubt in regard to salvation and annuls faith in the power of the blood of Christ to atone for sins. Legalism proclaims that the blood of Christ is not enough to save you, and religious works must be added. Legalism is contrary to faith and is a stronghold of Satan that often leads to damnation. Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Jehovah Witness, as well as many Christian churches are bound by legalism. 


(Romans 10:9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

( 1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


(1 Timothy 6: 11) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

(2 Cor 7:10) For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

(Luke 15:7) I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

(1 Cor 6:9) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Peter 4:7 Buthe end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 

Matt 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”


(John 15:1) “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

Heb10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 

Gal 5:4 (NKJV) You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

 Rom 7:4 (NKJV) Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.


Friday, September 20, 2024

Clay for the Potter's Hand


 

Clay for the Potter’s Hand


Romans 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
 
We cannot save ourselves through the strivings of the flesh, nor be transformed by our own merit. We must get out of the way and yield our lives to Christ, and his transforming Holy Spirit. We are saved by faith in the atonement that Christ provided upon the cross following true repentance. Then the Holy Spirit molds the clay into vessels of honor. We are sanctified by the blood of Christ unto salvation, and transformed (sanctified, set apart) by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin. You must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

If you belong to Christ, you are an ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven, and your life should be a living testimony to those around you. We are not all called to be pastors or evangelists, but there are many members to the body of Christ, and we are called to be faithful to the ministry that God has placed us in. God is the potter, and we are the clay, if we will allow His Spirit to have His perfect work in us, then we will be vessels of honor that He may work through. A potter is an artist that molds, and shapes vessels into many forms, for many different uses.  If we live a sinful lifestyle, then we will be vessels of dishonor to be destroyed by the potter. For the wages of sin is death, but there is forgiveness through Christ if we repent and turn from sin. The Bible also gives us examples of people who were vessels of dishonor, like Pharaoh king of Egypt, whose heart was hardened by the Lord so that God could show the world His miraculous power. Through His foreknowledge, God knows who vessels of honor or dishonor will be, however, we still have a freewill. We must choose this day, whom we will serve.
 

If you do not know where you fit into the body of Christ, I suggest that you pray, as well as fast, for an answer. When a person goes on a fast, they are showing God that they desire heavenly food more than earthly food. When you seek after God, as well as, put his Kingdom first, He will reveal his plan for your life. God’s timing is perfect, but we sometimes get impatient waiting upon the Lord to open doors to ministry. A Christian preparing for a ministry does not need a theological degree, or any training from man- made institutions. However, we are to study God’s Word to show ourselves approved, a workman who is not ashamed. We need to get alone with God and allow his Holy Spirit to teach us the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven. I refer to this time of Spirit led training, as the wilderness experience.

 

 There are many examples in God’s Word of holy men who left their hometowns and spent time in wilderness locations, or foreign lands, being taught by God’s Spirit. After being water baptized, the Spirit led Christ into the wilderness to be tested and tried by the devil for forty days and nights. Christ fasted during this time of testing and fought off the devil by quoting scripture. After this time of preparation, Christ began his ministry. We are not above our master, if Christ was tested and tried by Satan, we will also most surely be tested. When Moses was forty years old, he fled pharaoh and dwelled in the land of Midian for another forty years, before beginning his ministry at the age of eighty. During his forty years in the wilderness God was purging Moses of his former life in Egypt and preparing him to be a vessel of honor that he might work through. The wilderness experience is a time, when the potter molds and shapes his vessel into the object that he desires. Joseph is another example of a man who was hand crafted by God for a great purpose. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was sold into slavery by his brothers. After the incident with Potiphar’s wife, he was thrown into prison for thirteen years until the day he was brought before Pharaoh. This time of preparation for leadership was necessary for Joseph to be the humble man useable for God’s purpose. When Joseph’s wilderness experience was concluded, Pharaoh made him governor over all of Egypt and he prepared for the time of famine.

      

 After his road to Damascus encounter with the risen Christ, the Apostle Paul also had his time of preparation for ministry. Paul did not confer with any man, nor did he go immediately to Jerusalem to see the apostles. Instead, Paul went into Arabia for three years, to be taught by God’s Spirit before going back to Jerusalem.  When he returned to Jerusalem, he stayed with Peter for fifteen days and also met with James the brother of Christ. Then Paul went into Syria and Cilicia for another fourteen years, before he presented himself to the churches in Judea.  It was by revelation from God’s Spirit, that Paul knew when it was time to present himself to the Judean church. A true vessel that God can work through, is taught and led by God, not man, nor man- made institutions. Man- made theology stifles the Spirit, as well as shuts people out of the Kingdom of Heaven.
 

 

Galatians 1:15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace, 16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 20 Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Then I came unto the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc; 24 and they glorified God in me. Galatians 2:1 Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2 And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.

 

 

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

My Wife's Vision of the Judgments Coming upon America

 


Yesterday, my wife had a vision of the judgment coming upon America. She received the word, "A storm is coming". She was awake and saw a map of the USA with swirl shapes that covered every area of America. This indicates various judgments that will affect every state. As the map zoomed out, she saw varying colors of orange indicating levels of severity. The darkest orange was a circle that extended possibly from Texas through most of the South Central and Midwest regions. Possibly as far as Tennessee to the east and Nebraska to the north. The darkest orange indicates the fires of judgement will be most severe there.


I have shared my dream about the nuclear attacks that will take out the entire west coast of California. I have also shared about the judgments coming to NYC. Every state will be affected but some areas more severe. America's enemies will severely attack the heartland. There are many forms of judgments, tornados, earthquakes. fires, extreme heat or cold, diseases, famines, war, bombs, nuclear bombs.

The Gospel has been preached considerably in the Bible belt of America (south and mid-west regions). However, the apostasy, as well as many false ministries are located there. A false grace message that excludes true repentance and holy living is being taught and accepted by most. Those who have received the truth and rejected it for man-pleasing doctrines will have a stricter judgment.

My wife received several confirmations to this vision. The Lord always confirms his messages to both me and my wife. The Lord has spoken.

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Dreams of the Coming Judgments



Dreams of the Coming Judgments

Hebrews 12:26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven."  27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

 

The Lord has given me many dreams and visions about the coming judgments upon this world. Quite often, the Lord will show me tornadoes and earthquakes as symbolic of coming judgments. The tornadoes and earthquakes are literal, but they are also symbolic of the much greater judgments to come. I see the coming great tribulation as a very dark, immense storm on the horizon. In a dream, I saw many large black tornadoes drop from the sky. The tornadoes seemed to be targeting upscale neighborhoods. The upper halves of the tornadoes were angels of the Lord. The Lord spoke to me that the angels were directing the paths of the tornadoes. My wife drew the picture of the angel/tornadoes that I used as cover art for this teaching. These judgments are not random events; they come by the hand of the Lord. The Lord’s righteous judgments are meant to bring a wake-up call to repentance, to those who will respond. I had another dream, where I heard civil defense sirens wailing and I saw flashes of lightening, accompanied by rolling thunder. I heard a voice shout, “Tornadoes! Take cover!” I understood that God is warning His children to prepare a place of safety to ride out the storm of the coming tribulation. Those who wait until the last moment to prepare may find themselves stranded in the wrong location. The Lord did not rapture Noah out of the earth, rather He instructed him to build an ark of safety. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. We should follow Noah’s example and seek the Lord with prayer and fasting as to where the safe havens are located. The major cities of America will burn from nuclear fire. Go remote!

 

In another dream, I was standing in front of a federal courthouse in a large city. There was a large, round, seal of the USA, on front of the building. The seal was the eagle with the olive branch and arrows in its talons, which was also the seal of the Roman Caesars. A strong wind began to blow trash from the street into the air. I could hear a loud, cyclonic sound approaching the courthouse. The sound was the hum and roar of an immense tornado. I began to call on Jesus for protection. This dream was very clear high definition quality, and I could hear the sound of the cyclone for a few seconds after waking. The tornado was approaching a federal courthouse. I believe that this indicates God’s judgment is upon this land, and that God’s laws trump man’s form of justice. Gay marriage and transgender bathroom laws are an example of man-made laws that will bring judgment upon this land. The wind was blowing trash into the air; I believe that this is symbolic of the sins of this nation. This nation has much blood on its hands. Illegal war campaigns, abortion of the innocents, sexual perversion pushed in the classrooms, the removal of God’s laws from sight and sound, are but a few. Many people are lovers of pleasure more than of God. The Lord hates materialism and he will destroy Babylon (USA) in a single hour. The merchants of the earth will weep over her, as her smoke ascends upward.

 

 In another dream, the Lord showed me tornado judgments coming upon the United Kingdom. The Lord showed me that their materialism would also result in judgments. I saw buildings of commerce, as well as places of entertainment. The Lord said that they are almost Americans. In other words, they have forgotten God as well. The tornadoes are symbolic of many forms of judgments. In another dream, I saw people hiding in a bomb shelter in Paris, France. They were hoping to survive the Great War to come. I saw a large nuclear explosion go off near the Eifel Tower. I was told that Paris is ground zero, and that no one would survive. The Day of Judgment is coming upon the entire world and our only hope for survival is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many of God’s children will be martyred during the Tribulation, but others will survive to see the Lord’s return. Those who will survive are those who know God’s voice and are willing to relocate to wilderness or remote areas of God’s choosing. I believe that God is rising up prophets to be guides for his children into the wilderness (Rev 12).

 

I believe that Babylon, described in Rev 18 is a dual prophecy. It is a reference to Rome of old, as well as the modern Rome of the end time (USA). It is also a reference to spiritual Babylon, (Roman Catholic Church and her offspring, apostate Christianity).

 

Rev 18: 1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'  Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine.

 8 And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. 9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' 11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'

19 They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.' 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!" 21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. 22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. 23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."