Cussing is a Sin

 

Joshua 16:1-27: Tearing Down Strongholds

 

Joshua 16:1-27: Tearing Down Strongholds

When Joshua led the armies of Israel into the promised land, they were instructed by the Lord to drive out the inhabitants of the land. When the Israelites saw Jericho, it must have seemed intimidating, the walls surrounding the city were so wide that chariots rode on top. But Joshua trusted in the Lord, and he knew that his God was much bigger than those walls. God instructed the Israelites to have seven priests carry trumpets in front of the ark. The armies of Israel would follow the ark of the Lord, and they would circle the city once for six days, and on the seventh day they would circle the city seven times. When the priests would do a long blast on the trumpets, the armies of Israel would give a loud shout, and the walls would collapse, and the armies would go in. In the same way that Joshua trusted in the Lord for victory over his enemies, we should also have faith that our God is bigger than the walls of fear, doubt, or sin, in our lives. Let us also shout in faith and bring those strongholds down!  

Many Christians feel unworthy or incapable of ministering for Christ, therefore they limit their spiritual potential. Satan's desire is to establish walls or mountains of fear or doubt in our minds to render us useless for the kingdom of God. Quite often people that we know will discourage us from pursuing a ministry that God desires to use us in. The key to being effective for God is to conquer our fears with faith, as well as to bring every thought captive into the obedience of Christ. The entire world is a mission field, and a person does not need a degree in theology in order to share their faith. The other day, I was going for a walk with our dog, and I stopped to visit with a man on the trail. I used the opportunity to share my faith. My wife and I have also witnessed to people in Wal-Mart, grocery stores and elsewhere. I always pray that the Lord will bring divine appointments my way. If you are willing to be used by the Lord, he will use you according to your level of faith.

(2 Corinthians 10: 3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 

Not only are there spiritual strongholds within our minds, but there are also strongholds of sin that will jeopardize our relationship with God. Many people within the churches struggle with addictions to alcohol, pornography, cigarettes etc. and deliverance seems impossible to them. But with God all things are possible, and by relying on the power of God's Holy Spirit accompanied with faith, a person can be set free from all types of bondages. Fasting, accompanied with prayer, is a powerful weapon against sinful bondages. When a person goes on a fast, they are giving something up to show God how serious they are about their prayers. Fasting is normally the giving up of food for a period of time, but it may also include giving up anything that you enjoy, in order to seek God for a breakthrough. When Christ's disciples could not cast out demons they asked Christ, why.  He replied, "This kind only comes out with prayer and fasting."(see Matthew 17:14-21) Fasting is a time-honored principle that will bring results to seemingly impossible situations. 
 

(Joshua 6:1-27) Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

And the Lord said unto Joshua, "See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him...

And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the Lord, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them... 

And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, "Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout."

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, "Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city..."

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city... So the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.

Backsliding Unto Perdition

 

Backsliding Unto Perdition

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

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 and have been given eternal life. We are justified by faith and saved by grace (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. 

Grace is for those who walk by faith in the light and Not for those who love darkness and are apathetic toward righteousness. 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.

2Peter 2:20-22 states that those who have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to return to the old lifestyle and to be overcome by it, the end result is worse with them than the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness or the holy commandment. These backsliders are compared to a dog returning to its vomit or a sow who was washed clean returning to the mire (mud, filth). Revelation tells us that a believer's name can be blotted out of the Book of Life and a lukewarm church (Rev3) will be vomited out! Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

We must deny ourselves daily, take up our cross and follow after Christ. If we love him, we will obey him. Christ taught us how we should conduct ourselves in this world. The sermon on the mount, also known as the beatitudes, are instructions that we should all live by.

 Christ taught us the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The son was tired of his rebellious life for he squandered his inheritance with riotous living. He returned home and his father ran to him, held him, and kissed him, put a robe on him, and a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. They killed the fatted calf for his son and the father said, "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. " God Bless!

Heb 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

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. 

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Luke 15:17 -24 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Pride or Perversion? Reach out to the Lost With the Love of Christ

 

Pride or Perversion? Reach out to the Lost With the Love of Christ

God's Word teaches us to Love the sinner but to Hate the sin. Our culture has turned the homosexual agenda into a civil rights issue. However, this is an issue about sexual perversion and is not the same as racial or religious injustice. It is shameful how the White House is lit up in the rainbow colors to honor what God calls an abomination.

Many people believe that those struggling with sexual perversions are beyond the reach of the Lord's hand but this is wrong. The Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save. Many people have been delivered from the gay lifestyle and now are married to the opposite gender. Nothing is impossible with God and he is willing to set you free from all types of sin if you are willing to repent and turn from your old nature.

Salvation is a free gift based on faith alone accompanied with repentance. The Lord will remove all of your former sins and give you a clean slate to begin a new life on. The shed blood of Jesus Christ upon the cross paid for all of your sins and provided peace between the Father and mankind. When we are bankrupt in our sins, God provided bankruptcy court and forgiveness of our debts through the gift of His son upon the cross.

If a person is struggling with same gender attraction, or transgender issues, they should remain celibate and pray for deliverance. God sees a repentant heart and his Holy Spirit will help you to remain clean. God's Word teaches that it is an abomination for a man to wear female attire. Crossdressing is Not acceptable to God and you must wear clothing for your gender. If you are born a man, you are a man in God's eyes, regardless of what our perverted culture tells you. If a person continues in homosexual sin and justifies it they will go to Hell according to God's Word. However, God made a way of escape through salvation and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.

The Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as the surrounding cities because of their wickedness, Genesis 19:1-29. The Bible tells us that the men of Sodom lusted after the angels of God who were sent to deliver Lot and his family out of Sodom; they demanded that the angels be brought to them so that they might have sexual relations with them. In response to their wickedness, the angels smote them with blindness, then led Lot and his family out of Sodom prior to God raining fire and brimstone upon the city. The New Testament book of Jude tells us that God destroyed these cities specifically because of the sin of homosexuality (strange flesh), to make them an example for all time.

(Jude 1:7) As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

(Romans 1:24-28) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

(Leviticus 20:13) If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination... Their blood shall be upon them. (**NOTE: Part of this verse that I omitted says the offenders should be out to death, however, the act of murdering offenders is an man-made old covenant law and we certainly do not condone such a thing today, but to help them seek forgiveness and redemption through the blood of Jesus.**)

(Deuteronomy 22:5) A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) 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, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 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 Timothy 1:8-10) Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,

Sexual Perversions are Endangering Your Soul (Written by my wife)

Sexual Perversions are Endangering Your Soul 

*This is a mature subject; I did my best to be tasteful, but reader discretion is advised.*

As you have noticed, from time to time, I will interrupt going through the Bible with writings on miscellaneous topics.  I felt very strongly this morning that God wanted me to write on the topic of sexual sin.  I had a very clear vision of a meme with a list of sexual sins in boxes with scripture verses under each one; I did my best to recreate what I saw.  

I am of the belief that sexual topics should be kept private (it is even often uncomfortable for me to write about it on my marriage blog), but when God says to speak out, He always gives me the boldness I need.  Therefore, this blog is not meant to be scandalous, but I am being obedient to the Holy Spirit's prompting. 

God created us to enjoy this life, but we need to stay within the boundaries He created.  Not to take away our fun, but to protect ourselves and especially to protect others.  Sexual sins can lead to diseases, even some forms of cancer.  When a baby is created due to sin, the innocent child often suffers by being murdered through an abortion.  When someone takes the choice of consent away from another person, that person struggles throughout their life with feelings of unwarranted guilt, fear, depression, and even sometimes turns into an offender themselves. 

Just as we must be careful when participating in any pleasurable activity to follow the rules or risk our life or someone else's such as skydiving, rafting, horseback riding, or even driving a vehicle, we need to follow God's rules for purity, or we will risk our spiritual life.

Before I get into the list, I want to be clear this is not about being judgmental.  In fact, I am writing this from a heart of compassion as I fully believe that the majority of sexual perversions exist because the offender is also a victim of sexual violence, and/or severe parental neglect.  Without allowing the healing power of The Holy Spirit to mend their broken circumstances, most continue the cycle of abuse, and the victim becomes the predator.  There are also sexual sins that are lifestyle choices, and not the result of abusive trauma. Perhaps they were not physically abused but were spiritually neglected and learned to live without boundaries.  They still need Jesus to set them free of their sins.  Don't we all? 

These sins are not listed in any kind of order, just as they came to my mind.  As you read through this list and can relate to any of these, please repent, give up your sins, and seek Christian counseling. God forgives and can restore, so ask for His cleansing power to wash you clean inside and out. If you are a violent offender, do the right thing and turn yourself in to the police. True repentance means allowing yourself to be punished for your crimes. 

(1 John 1:9, AMP) If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

I also want to say that some of you may just think about such things but feel your soul is not in danger if you never act on your fantasies.  However, that is not what the Bible teaches.  We will all be very much judged on our thoughts. If you are struggling with even thinking about sexual sins, repent and get victory over it now before you cross a line that can never be uncrossed. Because this will already be a long writing, rather than expand more on that, here is a link to my writing, "Is the abundance of your heart dark and crooked?" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/is-abundance-of-your-heart-dark-and.html  I will also be including several more links as I write.

When the woman in the New Testament was caught in adultery, He did not tell her it was okay to keep sinning.  He told her to in John 8:11 to "Go and sin no more."  And when David in the Old Testament was confronted by God about his affair, he did not make excuses but deeply repented and even wrote at least one Psalm about his contrition. May we pray this same prayer as needed. (Please read all of Psalm 51.)

(Psalm 51:1-4 & 7-12) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow... Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

I will admit, I am torn whether or not I should break down each sin one by one and expand upon them, but I would pretty much be repeating myself by telling you that each and every sin requires admitting you have a problem, repenting of your sins, and DAILY seeking the Holy Spirit to help you overcome your addictions. What I have decided to do is list at least one scripture for each and, if I have a link that either my husband or I have written on that topic, I will include it.  Please prayerfully consider this list and if you see yourself in one or more category, please seek help from The Holy Trinity before it is too late.  

(1 Corinthians 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Lust: God created a lot of beautiful people, and simply admiring someone else is not a sin.  But when you dwell on that person and have sexual fantasies about them, you cross a moral line. The ONLY person it is not a sin to sexually fantasize about is your spouse. Otherwise, even Jesus said lusting is as serious a sin as having sex outside of marriage.

(Matthew 5:27-28) [Jesus said,] "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

The sin of lust is what drives all the other sins listed below. So first, you need to admit you are allowing yourself to be controlled by lust, repent, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome.  The Power of God id the ONLY way you will ever find complete victory over sin and/or heal from someone else having harmed you. 

(1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is NOT of the Father, but is of the world.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators... nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites... will inherit the kingdom of God. 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.

Pedophilia: This is the only subject I am going to expand upon because it so breaks my heart and it is a huge reason why God has been and will continue to judge this world.  There is so much to say on this issue, but I am going to do my best to keep it brief.  This writing is not meant to be a distracting commentary about what we have all read in the news, but I will quickly mention it because while Jeffrey Epsetin and Ghislaine Maxwell may be the extreme cases we have all read about, they are not that unique.  The reason why they were so wealthy is because they had a huge client list that was worldwide. The rich and powerful paid them to rape females and males under the age of 18 (and even some over) and easily got away with it for several decades.  As well as the majority of their powerful clients that are still walking free. This type of crime has been swept under the rug for centuries; the blameless victims are made to feel guilty and often threatened with violence against their families if they tell.  They are paid off large sums of money and threatened with jail time if they speak out.   

As I said, this the purpose of this writing is not to be a commentary, but to point out the sins that are sending people to hell. Therefore, this topic is about the offender.  And as I mentioned above, most offenders started off as victims.  It is why this crime increases all the time.  Think of it this way: if 1 offender harms 2 children, and those 2 children grow up to harm 2 more, you now have 3 offenders instead of 1, and now 7 when those 4 victims harm 2 more each.  Yet most harm a lot more than 2 each as it becomes an addiction and one person can harm dozens or more, and more and more offenders are created.

Of course, many people do break the cycle of abuse, and I praise God for their courage to heal and not harm.  If you have been a victim, please break the cycle. There is never any shame in seeking counseling, and us usually necessary to help heal the past. The Holy Spirit will always give you strength to overcome your pain as well as to overcome the desire to transfer your crimes onto another person.   

You can read my writing on this subject titled "Will you take a stand against pedophilia? here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/01/matthew-186-7-will-you-stand-against.html

Homosexuality (LGBTQ+) & Transgender/Transvestite (This Includes males by birth being allowed in female sports, in their locker rooms, and in their bathrooms, where rapes have occurred).  You can read my husband's writing here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/06/pride-or-perversion-reach-out-to-lost_5.html

(1 Timothy 1:8-10) Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for... the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers... and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.

(Deuteronomy 22:5) A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God. (**NOTE: This does not mean it is a sin for women to wear pants as neither men nor women wore pants when this was written, but for men to dress like women and vice versa for the sake of wanting to look like the opposite gender rather than who God created them to be.**)

Masturbation: (1 Corinthians 9:27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

(1 Corithians 7:9, AMP) But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Affairs or any Other Sex Outside of Marriage: (Proverbs 6:32) Whoever commits adultery... lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. 

(Hebrews 13:4) Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. 

These links are from my marriage blog, "The ABCs of a Joyful Marriage" https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/. "Faithful and First" https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/2026/03/week-11-faithful-first.html & "Undefiled & United" https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/2025/10/week-41-undefiled-undivided.html

Wearing Provocative Clothing: This may not be a sin that sends you to hell, but it is still a sin and very displeasing to the Lord for a woman or man to wear revealing clothing that whether for vanity, sexual titillation, or both. And yes, absolutely relates to the topic of lust because if you are dressing to get the opposite sex to admire your body, that is encouraging lust. 

(1 Timothy 2:9-10) In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety... But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

From my blog "Do you stand out? Part1: Julie's Bible Journey: Do you stand out? Part 1

This link is also from my marriage blog, "Expectations & Eye Candy" https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/2026/03/week-10-expectations-eye-candy.html

Pornography: I read this staggering statistic just today in March 2026: "The global pornography industry generates about $100 billion in annual revenue, with the U.S. market alone contributing roughly $13 billion. This figure represents the combined income from all forms of adult entertainment, including online platforms, subscription services, and related products... The industry’s revenue has grown steadily since the early 2000s, rising from about $45 billion in 2000 to $100 billion in 2022... Projections suggest the global market could reach $117 billion by 2030...The pornography industry is a multi‑hundred‑billion‑dollar global business, with the U.S. as its largest market, and it continues to grow steadily in both revenue and profitability." (source bedbible.com) 

(Matthew 5:27-28) [Jesus said,] "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

The dangers of Pornography," written by my Husband and Me https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-dangers-of-pornography-written-by.html

These verses at the end all cover a wide range of sexual immorality listed in this blog as well as other Perversions such as bestiality, S & M, swinging in marriages, incest, and others I am sure I am not aware of.  I have edited the verses to just include the sexual sins listed in the verses, but you can read the entire reference on your own:

(Matthew 19:16-21) And, behold, one came and said unto [Jesus], "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?:

And He said unto him, "...if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

He saith unto Him, "Which?"

Jesus said, "...Thou shalt not commit adultery..."

(Revelation 20:11-12 & 21:7-8) And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  But ...the abominable... and whoremongers... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

(Galatians 5:16-26) 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 [feeling or revealing an overt sexual interest or desire]... 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... 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.

Salvation

 

The good news is that Christ made peace between the Father and mankind through his death upon the cross. The Father is a holy God who cannot look upon sin. No person on earth could save himself by his own works because we are a fallen race. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was the spotless, perfect, lamb of God, who took our sins upon himself to wash us clean.

We are justified in the eyes of God and saved by faith alone in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. However, we must repent of our sins and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. Come as you are to Christ and allow his Spirit to make you into a new creation. Also, pray that God will fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Salvation is a free gift that can never be earned by our own works or by religious observations. Ask Jesus into your heart today and make him Lord of your life! When you accept Christ, you need to give up the old sinful life and stop walking in darkness.

You need to grow in Christ through obedience to his Word. The Bible states that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. In obedience to Christ, you also need to be water baptized. Water baptism proclaims that you are dead to sin and alive to Christ. The baptism of repentance also proclaims that you are born again and have become a new creation.

The Holy Spirit

 

Whether you consider yourself to be Baptist, Pentecostal, or Non-Denominational, if you are TRULY saved and water baptized, then you have received the free gift of the Holy Spirit. However, there is a difference between being indwelt with the Holy Spirit, and being filled, or baptized in the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 2:28) Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Notice what Peter's first command is: repent.

(Acts 3:19) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."

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!

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.

When you are truly saved by Grace (unmerited favor) alone, you are indwelt by the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. You are saved by Christ's merit, righteousness, and holiness alone, and not by your own works.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second act of Grace, and it is when a believer is filled with Holy Spirit. It is a release of God's Spirit in your life. It is like taking a spiritual shower where God's anointing is poured out upon you. 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.

Visions of the Great Falling Away: Ichabod!

 

Visions of the Great Falling Away: Ichabod!

A number of years ago, the Lord spoke to me in an audible voice, he said, “Ichabod!  It bears worth repeating, Ichabod!” I asked the Lord what he meant, and he replied, “The churches are dead.” I said, “Surely you have a few that are not dead?” and he replied, “I have a few.” The word Ichabod means, the glory has departed (1 Samuel 4:21,22). God’s Word teaches that before the coming of the Lord there will be a great falling away (apostasy). 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for [that Day will not come] unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.

If there were a pre-tribulation rapture, I doubt if 1% of Americans would be

raptured. It is a blessing that the rapture/second coming of Christ occurs after the Tribulation period (Matt 24), as Jesus told us. The Tribulation will be a time of purging(purification) for the true church. When Christians do not have electricity, then they will have the sin of television and internet pornography taken away from them.

There is much compromise in the lives of those who claim to be believers. One of the biggest sins, is that of television shows and movies. Television is full of violence, sex, murder, the occult, as well as swearing, profanity and using God's name in vain. God does NOT give GRACE for consuming this vile mess. He will give grace to those who repent and stop watching this garbage. You may say that your pastor, as well as everyone you know watches television. That doesn't make it right because everyone else consumes it. Noah and his family were the only ones that God did not destroy in the flood. It is a good thing that Noah did not go along with the crowd, or we would not be here today. 

God's grace is sufficient for those who are truly saved and walking in the light. Salvation begins with true repentance. Repentance means that you hunger and thirst after righteousness and desire to grow in Christ. It also means you are sorry for the old sinful ways of your past and now are putting your faith in Christ. It is God's desire for you to grow in him and allow his Holy Spirit to transform you into a new creation.

When a person is truly saved, they are born again. Your sins are 100% forgiven and your slate is wiped clean. Your spiritual garments are washed clean and made white by the blood of Christ. You are saved by grace alone according to the finished work of Christ who made atonement for your sins. You walk perfectly before him because of the blood of Christ, as long as you walk in the light, and not darkness.

 In regard to salvation, the righteousness of Christ is imparted to you. However, God's Word teaches us that we must keep our garments clean, and they can become defiled through unfaithfulness to Christ. God's Word also states that our names can be blotted out of the Book of Life. A lukewarm church will be vomited out of God's mouth (Rev 3). Without holiness no man shall see the Father according to Hebrews.

Christ told the woman caught in adultery that her sins were forgiven her, then he told her to go and sin no more. We are living in the last days and the great falling away from the truth is here. Most Christians will not endure sound doctrine but prefer to have their ears tickled with man pleasing doctrines. The biggest deception is the greasy grace doctrine. Churches are serving up spiritual junk food to their congregations and people demand it. I have met many people who claim to be saved; however, they told me they were living with their partner unmarried. They would also use the worst profanity, and some would even use God's name in vain and tell dirty jokes while claiming to know the Lord. Sadly, this is not a few, but many.

The churches have replaced the teaching of true grace with greasy grace. Preaching against sin, and teaching holiness, has been replaced with the grace for everything without repentance doctrine. We are not to be joined to the harlot (Mystery Babylon), but to be faithful to Christ.

If you love and know Christ, you will keep his commandments and no longer walk in darkness. 

(1 John 2: 3-6) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

John 8:11-12 KJV - She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Luke 13:27 KJV - But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

John 8:34-35 KJV - Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

Romans 6:16 NKJV - Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

2 Timothy 2:19 NKJV - Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

1 John 3:6 NKJV - Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

1 John 3:9 NKJV - Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

 Many within the modern church will not endure sound doctrine because they desire to be men pleasers, rather than God pleasers. Therefore, God has given them over to believe the lie, because they desire darkness rather than light. The apostasy is the sinful bondages within the lives of believers, as well as the compromising grace message that empowers their sin. I have had many dreams, visions, as well as, words concerning sin in the life of believers, and this is God’s number one concern. I understand that many people don’t like my teachings on holiness, but this issue is more important to God than end time preparation or anything else.

 In Romans chapter six, Paul taught that once we come to Christ, we are not to continue in sin. Paul was speaking of habitual sins, which lead to bondage. We either are slaves to sin, or free in Christ, if we pursue righteousness. Christ said that any tree, which does not bear good fruit, will be cut down, and thrown into the fire. Paul also said, to come out from among them and to be separate saith God, touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17,18) and Peter said to be holy, as He (God), is holy (1Peter 1:15,16). Most Christians are products of our culture and are indistinguishable from the world.  Pastors are more concerned with not offending their flock for the sake of tithes, than preaching the truth of God’s Word.

 Many churches are failing to teach people the need to be filled up with his Holy Spirit in order to live in holiness. The Holy Spirit will sanctify you, (set you apart from the world). However, you must make the conscience effort to yield your will to God's Spirit through obedience to scripture. Unless you are born again you will Not inherit the kingdom of God. The Spirit will give you the power to walk in the Spirit and not after the old flesh nature. He will bear good fruit in your life as well. You cannot do this by your own merit. It is only through the Spirit that you can master the flesh.

 

The Lord gave me a dream concerning the spirit that is now at work in many churches, that is leading his flock astray. I dreamed that I was visiting a mega-church and I understood that the Pastor was a Christian celebrity, as well as on television. He had many soothing words that people found most appealing.  Then his wife ran to the front of the church screaming, “My husband doesn’t love me! My husband doesn’t love me!”  The Pastor’s wife was very dark in appearance due to being covered in sin. She fell to the floor and began to go into convulsions. I then ran forward to try to save her since I am trained in first aid, as well as CPR. However, she let out another scream of anguish, and then died. Then I turned to her husband and I noticed that he was smiling. Her husband then said, “I’m glad that she is dead!” I felt the Spirit of the Lord come over me and I commanded the Spirit of the False Prophet to come out of him! The Pastor then fell to the floor growling, and said, “No!” Then the Pastor began to say repeatedly, “I hate her! I hate her!” I continued to command the spirit of the False Prophet to come out of him and he took on the appearance of a human- beast hybrid. I then called for the entire church to witness the spirit of the False Prophet that had been deceiving them through unsound doctrine.

The apostate Pastor’s wife was the church that her husband was leading astray. The false prophets and pastors are leading God’s flock astray, because they refuse to address the sinful bondages that are leading many religious people to hell. Most people trust their church leadership to instruct them with sound doctrine, but this trust is misplaced. It is very important to study God’s Word for yourself, as well as to pray that God will grant you understanding. The time has come for believers to separate themselves from the dead churches and to seek God for a personal relationship. God is not into religion, but desires holiness from his children. The wages of sin is death, but Christ offers grace for sins that are truly repented of. If you know Christ, you will be set apart (saint or purified one) from the world. 

 A number of years ago, the Lord showed me the church as an unfaithful bride, and he said, “Divorce.” The Lord made it very clear that sinful bondages that are not repented of, will lead to spiritual death (divorce). The Lord spoke to me in an audible voice and said, “I am warning my children to get out!”

This word was followed by a dream. I dreamed that I was in a convenience store and that nothing worked right, the gas pumps, food machines, as well as everything else within the store was malfunctioning. I then noticed that the lid was off the drink machine, and it was almost empty; there were also three, half-eaten bags of Fritos in the drink. I said, “This is nasty,” I then removed the drink machine and put it in the trash outdoors. Then an older man walked into the store, and he said that nothing worked right. The angel of the Lord then answered him and said, “The authorities are on their way.”

 As I stated previously, the Lord refers to the harlot churches of the end times as Mystery Babylon. Babylon is a term synonymous with wickedness (Rev 18:4-5).  The convenience store in my dream was symbolic of the churches who are serving up spiritual junk food. The almost empty drink machine, with three half-eaten bags of Fritos in it, is the greasy grace doctrine taught by most churches. The gas pumps that do not work are symbolic of an unholy spirit, which has replaced God’s Holy Spirit. It is time to come out of Babylon!

In another dream, I was standing next to an angel outside of a church building. I noticed the stone church building looked Gothic in appearance and we proceeded to walk inside. The angel showed me various different rooms or sanctuaries within this building. Each room was a different Christian denomination or fellowship. I understood that the church building that we were in was a Roman Catholic Church, and the Protestant denominations and fellowships were her offspring. The RCC is the mother of all harlots and the other churches (her offspring) are harlots, as well. In other words, the sinful bondages within the lives of those who profess to know Christ is spiritual adultery (Rev 17:1-15).

Next, the Angel led me into one of the rooms and he pointed to a glass display case that had wax figures in them that represented the persecution of true Christians by the church throughout the ages. It displayed true Christians being burned at the stake, as well as killed in other ways, by the Protestant reformers. It also displayed the drowning of the Ana-Baptists in barrels. The angel said, “This is the history of the apostate church.”

I was then standing within an Assembly of God church, very similar to ones that I have attended in the past. The angel walked me down the aisles and pointed to the people sitting in the pews. I noticed that everyone was dressed in wedding garments, the men in tuxedos, and the women in white wedding dresses with veils. However, many were dead rotting corpses still wearing wedding garments, seated next to living people throughout the congregation. I noticed that around sixty percent of the congregation were dead corpses, and around forty percent were alive. Since the dead corpses were still wearing wedding garments, this is an indication that they were once born again, but now they were dead in their sins. Christ said that those who endure unto the end, shall be saved.

In another dream, I was looking into a prison and I witnessed Christians all dressed in orange prison jumpsuits. I knew many of these people from Bible study groups that I formerly attended, but they were all prisoners of sin. One man that I recognized was a leader in a very large mega- church. The Lord told me to reach into the prison and pull them out. I understood that the only way to free them was by teaching them the truth about repentance and sanctification through the Holy Spirit. No one is perfect, but we must press forward and pursue righteousness without shrinking back. There is grace for sins that have been repented of. God’s Word states, that we must be born again, in order to be saved. It is true, that God blots out all of our sins, when we truly repent and turn from them. However, we must become a new creation in Christ, by allowing God’s Holy Spirit to do his perfect work of sanctification in us. Without holiness, no man shall see the Father.