Final Hour Prophetic Ministries

Monday, December 5, 2016

Love Your Enemies: A Short Story Written by my Wife

Note: All the short stories I post will be fiction, the products of an active imagination. For example, I was never bullied or harassed in school. Any resemblance to real people or real places will always be coincidental unless otherwise specified.  However, I did have teachers named Mrs. Yamamoto, Mr. Kurtz, and Mr. Waters.

^{Love Your Enemies}

^{It is often difficult to feel compassion for a bully. Especially one that has harassed and tormented you since the fifth grade. Yet, that is what I have been taught to do: to "pray for those who despitefully use" me.* I know I should try to understand what pains Darcy is going through that cause her to lash out. Yet, because I am her main target, it makes it harder to care about what she's going through and so I focus only on what I have to deal with.}

^{Darcy moved to our town of Remington seven years ago. From the first day we met in Mrs. Yamamoto's class, she made up her mind she did not like me. I had been asked by our teacher to help the new girl feel welcome and help Darcy get acquainted. One look at Darcy and one look at me quickly made our classmates wonder why Mrs. Yamamoto had paired us together. Darcy only wears dark colors often decorated with skulls. She dyes her naturally blonde hair black and reeks of sour body odor. I may not outwardly wear my faith in God by sporting crosses on my clothes, but everyone knows my father is a preacher. I am childishly known as a goody-goody-two-shoes.}

^{As far as I know, I have never done anything to cause Darcy to dislike me. She has judged me solely based on my appearance. Well, that and probably also because of my father's occupation. We are usually products of our environment, after all. Yet after many long years of tripping me so I spilled my lunch tray, refusing to let me into the girls' bathroom, and following me down the hallways shouting, "Smelly Belly is a Jesus Freak," I ceased the to need know her reason. And, no, my name is not Belly, of course, but Belinda.}

^{You may wonder why the school never intervened. Simple, I never complained. Darcy never caused me any physical harm, just a lot of immature pranks at my expense. Humiliation I could somewhat tolerate, but being labeled as a snitch would make things unbearable.}

^{Oh, how I longed to be homeschooled, but my parents had five growing children to feed. My father was a full time minister and part time nursing home janitor, so my mother needed to work outside the home as well.}

^{It was the end of our senior year, but it was not graduation I looked forward to the most, it was leaving Darcy behind forever. Just one week to go, and I would be free. But not yet. God would make sure I learned a lesson that had never taught in any secular school room.}

^{I had Mr. Kurtz for sixth hour psychology. Our final assignment would be worth 30% of our grade. According to Mr. Kurtz, it would cause us to think outside our own selfish little worlds. We would be forced to look at another person we typically never talked to, and see him or her in a whole new light. I should have sensed danger from the word go, but I had foolishly assumed Mr. Kurtz was being his typical melodramatic self . It was not until he started naming off the students he had chosen as teams that I realized he paid attention. He knew which kid had which reputation, and had meticulously matched students based on polar opposites. The rich cheerleader who lived in a mansion was paired with the poor homeless girl who lived with her mother in their car. The football captain was placed with the captain of the chess club. The gothic girl was teamed with the preacher's kid. Wait! What?}

^{He then distributed a set of seven questions we were to ask our partner. After we had each answered all the questions, we had to write an essay on what our preconceptions had been, and how our opinions had changed. I noticed he did not say if our opinions had changed.}

^{Mr. Kurtz wisely understood that if we took this assignment out of the classroom, they would never be completed.   He knew his students would either make up the answers, or just refuse to do the assignment. No stuck-up privileged child would ever allow someone living in a trailer park into his or her home. Therefore, we were to spend the time interviewing each other in the classroom. We were to volley questions back and forth rather than individually go through the entire set. We would ask and answer every question to his satisfaction. If he looked over our papers and felt our answers were in anyway lacking, we would be sent back to our partner. We were not limited to the seven questions and could add any of our own at will.}

^{Our desks nosily scraped across the floor as we rearranged ourselves into groups of two. I felt my stomach twist into a roller coaster of knots as I approached Darcy at her desk at the back of the classroom.}

^{I had not expected any pleasant small talk, or any greeting of any sort, so when she began asking the first question before I had even finished sitting down, I was not surprised at her cold tone.}

^{"'What is your full name? Include any nicknames.'"}

^{"Belinda April Carston. My parents and sisters call me either Bel or Lindy," I replied, noticing the smirk on her face as she wrote down my answer. I knew she was thinking of her rude nickname for me as well. I then repeated the first question for her to answer.}

^{"Darcy Suzanne Jenkins. I don't have any nicknames, and you can't include what my dad calls me."}

^{"Why not?" I wondered.}

^{"Because your delicate ears aren't conditioned for swear words," she explained with an abrasive laugh. She moved on to the second question, "'Who do you share your home with?'"}

^{I did not know if we were supposed to be specific, so I vaguely answered, "My two parents and four younger siblings."}

^{"Technically I live with my dad, but he spends more time at the bar than at home," Darcy revealed with a mixture of bitterness and sadness in her tone. She shook it off and read,}^{"'What are your hobbies?'"}

^{"Reading, singing, hiking with my dog, and..."}

^{"Praying?" she completed my sentence with a sneer.}

^{"No, well, yes, but I was going to say baking and swimming," I replied, taking a slow deep breath. Three questions down. It was too early to get angry yet.}

^{"My hobbies are smoking and listening to heavy metal music."}

^{I started to write down her response, but she stopped me.}

^{"Wait," she insisted, "Don't write that. My real hobbies are playing the trumpet, learning foreign languages, drawing, and I also like to read and go for walks with my dog."}

^{Okay, so I had not expected those answers, and half-wondered if she was telling the truth.}

^{"What kind of dog do you have?" I ventured.}

^{"White trash hound. And you?"}

^{I ignored her sarcasm and said, "He's a mutt from the dog pound. I think he's German shepherd mixed with yellow lab."}

^{"Sounds like a dog with a lot of energy," Darcy remarked, her tone sounding civil for the first time in seven years, "My dog is a Rottweiler mixed with a pit bull."}

^{Again, I did not know if she was being truthful or facetious, but we moved on to the fourth question.}

^{"'What career do you want to have?'"}

^{"I want to go to culinary school and eventually own my own bakery that also sells dog and cat treats," I offered.}

^{She nodded her head as if she approved. "I want to illustrate children's books."}

^{"Who's your favorite author?" I shot, trying to call her bluff. I could not imagine her ever reading for pleasure and did not expect her to know the names of any authors.}

^{"Kate DiCamillo. I would love to illustrate one of her books."}

^{"I love her stories. My favorite is 'Because of Winn Dixie,'" I said a little too enthusiastically.}

^{"Of course it is; it's about a preacher's daughter."}

^{"Yes, but it's also about reaching out to people who are lonely or considered outcasts," I countered.}

^{Her blue eyes glared at me from behind the black eyeliner. "That's why it's called fiction. Real preacher's daughters don't make friends with anyone different from herself. They just roll their eyes and wrinkle their noses at the smell when the teacher asks her to be the new girl's guide."}

^{"Darcy, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."}

^{"I was a scared and lonely young girl who just needed a friend. And instead you became my judge," she accused.}

^{Her stark truth burned right into my heart. All this time I felt like she had been the instigator of our opposition, but in fact, I had been the one who first rejected her. True, it did not excuse her bad behavior, but she was acting out of hurt. I was ashamed of myself.}

^{"Who's your favorite author?" she suddenly blurted, choosing to change the subject back to the previous topic.}

^{"Charles Dickens," I answered, my voice still shaky with remorse.}

^{"He's pretty amazing too," she agreed, then looked back at the assignment to question five. "'Do you think you will get to follow your dreams?'"}

^{"Maybe someday, but not for a while," I said, forcing my mind to focus on the new issue, "The nearest culinary school to Remington is 300 miles away, and I promised my parents I would stay close to home until the younger kids are old enough to help do the cooking and cleaning. The next oldest is only thirteen. I help mama now because she doesn't get home from work until 7:00. I'll make sure I get a job so I'm home when the kids are off school."

"Why don't you just do what you want to do and let your family hire a nanny?" Darcy wondered.}

^{"My family is my top priority, and they can't afford a nanny. After all, they've paid for my upkeep for 18 years, it's the least I can do."}

^{"Noble," she muttered rather sarcastically.}

^{"Your turn to answer the question," I prompted.}

^{"I've already submitted some of my artwork to a literary agent, and she believes I have real talent. I have an appointment to meet with the children's editor at Elgin Publishing in New York City the week after graduation," she reported.}

^{"That's exciting! I bet your dad's proud of you," I said.}

^{She made a noise something like a grunt and went on with the assignment. "'What will you miss the most about high school and what will you miss the least?'"}

^{"I pretty much hate school, so I can't say I'll miss anything. As far as what I'll miss the least?" I paused and locked eyes with her. I wanted to say it was being bullied by her, but I think she got the idea. "I won't miss lunch."}

^{"Why? We have good food here."}

^{"I know, but I always end up sitting alone reading a book. The time kinda drags. I'd rather skip lunch and go home and hour earlier."}

^{She studied me thoughtfully. "I never thought of you as being lonely."}

^{"No one wants to be friends with a square."}

^{"I don't think anyone uses that word anymore."}

^{I sighed. "I guess not. But at least I won't look back at my many years trapped in school with ay regrets."}

^{I hit an unintentional nerve again, and she made another grunting sound. "I will miss my art class. Mr. Waters is the one who encouraged my talent and helped me find an agent," she paused as she thought over her next response, "I also will not miss lunch. I have people to sit with, but the people who party with you are not the same ones who rejoice when you get a meeting in New York. I know I'll never see any of them again."}

^{"I guess I never thought of you as lonely either," I returned.}

^{She nodded, but did not want to dwell on it. "Question seven: 'Is there anything you would like to add?'"}

^{I was uncertain if I wanted to approach the subject again, but figured it would most likely be my last opportunity to do so. "I'm sorry for being so judgmental of you. I hadn't realized until now what I snob I have been. I always thought you didn't like me because I'm a Christian. But that doesn't matter; I still should have been kinder to you. We have a few things in common, we may have even become friends."}

^{"I wouldn't go that far!" she said with a mocking air, but sincerely added, "Maybe we could have."}

^{"'Is there anything you would like to add?'" I repeated.}

^{I naively expected her to apologize to me as well, but instead she simply said, "No."}

^{"Fair enough," I decided.}

^{The bell then rang and Mr. Kurtz dismissed the class. And just like that, the conversation with my enemy was over. We never spoke again.}

^{All the way home from school that day, all I could think of was that I had never once considered Darcy's home life or her hopes for the future. I had never seen her as anything but my own personal bully. It turned out she was an ambitious young woman about to achieve her dreams. Yet, she was still just a sad and lonely little girl wanting someone to be her friend.}

^{Of all the years I spent in classrooms, the lesson Mr. Kurtz taught stuck with me more than any other. I prayed for Darcy every day after that eye-opening assignment. I also prayed for forgiveness for being so self-centered.   I prayed I would never again waste the opportunity to be a friend to someone in need, no matter what she looked like. I never again wanted to squander the opportunity to share the love of Jesus.}

^{I was certain there would be more bullies to face in my life, but I vowed after that day that I would see them through less critical eyes and reach out to them, even if they rejected me. Perhaps next time God placed someone in my life to witness to, I would not drop the ball. I would pray to make up for my past mistakes, and to be transformed into a woman God could use; a woman who could learn to love her enemies.}

^{* "}But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matthew 5:44

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Matt 25:1-13 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ²Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. ³Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, ⁴but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ⁵But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. ⁶“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ⁷Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. ¹¹“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ ¹²But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

It is very important that God’s children be spiritually ready for the Lord’s return. Faith alone is not enough to inherit the Kingdom of God, a person must be born again. The Lord is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle. I believe that the Great Tribulation will be a time of purification for the body of Christ. When people no longer have electricity to power their televisions or internet, then they may get serious about cleaning their lives up. Some of the greatest revivals in history have occurred during times of persecution or distress. Many communist nations have seen these great revivals spring up from the persecuted home churches. I believe that the time of the great testing and shaking, will once again bring about true revival. A true revival, is marked by repentance of sins, and mass conversions.

The counterfeit revivals of today, where people act like drunks, and fall on the floor laughing, as well as make animal noises, are a mockery to a holy God. There is no true repentance, or genuine conversions, occurring in these flesh fests. In fact, most of their revival leaders, have been caught in sexual immorality. The modern church of today is dyeing spiritually, because of the grace for everything theology, which produces big tithers. When you tell people what they want to hear, they will fill the offering plates up. A healthy church where God’s Spirit is still present will preach holiness (to be set apart from the sinful world by God’s Spirit).

In the parable of the ten virgins, Christ makes the comment, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Christ gives us an analogy of five wise and five foolish virgins, in order to stress the importance of being prepared for his return. The five wise virgins were prepared to meet the bridegroom, because they took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The five foolish virgins took their lamps, but no oil to keep their lamps burning. As the bridegroom tarried, they all slept until they heard the midnight cry, “Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!” The five wise virgins were prepared for the Lord’s return, because they were the overcomers who kept their light burning until the end. The oil they took for their lamps, is symbolic of being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is essential for all Christians, to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, in order to be prepared for the Lord’s return. The foolish virgins were also born again Christians, because they are labeled as virgins. However, the foolish virgins let their lamps grow dark because they were empty vessels. Christians must remain filled with God’s Holy Spirit (God’s oil), by remaining faithful to the Lord until the end. To remain faithful to the Lord, is to be obedient to him, by keeping his commandments and ridding our lives of sin. Christ said, that those who endure unto the end, shall be saved.

While the foolish virgins went to buy oil for their lamps, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!” but he said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Un-repented of sin will lead to spiritual divorce with God; that is why the Apostle Paul taught that we must cross the finish line in order to receive the crown of eternal life. 1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

We need to keep our lamps burning with the oil of God’s Spirt until the end, to inherit the Kingdom of God. Even Paul said that if he didn’t discipline his body to bring it into subjection, that after preaching to others, he could become disqualified. Paul was saying that like a runner in a race keeps his body in good physical condition, we must also keep our spiritual body in good condition, so that we might be able to cross the finish line and win our crown.

Matt 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Matt 24: 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Rev 2: 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Rev 3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Halleluiah Jesus is Coming!

On Saturday, the Lord gave me a vision. I saw an opened magazine and both the pages were black, with a picture of Donald Trump in the upper right hand corner. I saw a profile of Trump’s face turned to the right, facing the edge of the magazine. Trump had a fierce countenance and appeared very stern. Above Trump’s head, was a full, very dark red, blood moon. I also heard a female voice singing, “Halleluiah, Jesus is coming!”

This vision indicates that President-Elect Trump, will play a major part, in end time events. The black pages of the magazine, indicate a time of both spiritual, as well as, physical darkness. The two black pages, may also represent, two terms in office, or possibly the start of the Great Tribulation. The dark red, blood moon, probably indicates the great war to come. Trump’s profile, was facing the edge of the right side of the magazine, this may indicate that, Trump will be America’s final president. I am going to pray more for the interpretation of this vision. The good news is that Jesus is coming back immediately after the Great Tribulation! Those who endure unto the end, will be given the crown of everlasting life!

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

NKJV Matt 24:29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ³⁰Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Monday, November 14, 2016

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?

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. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to refine us or set us apart from the world, so that we may be usable for the Kingdom of Heaven. 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 will be vessels of honor or dishonor, 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 home towns, 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.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Prophecy Fulfilled: Donald Trump Will be the New President

On March 15, I posted a prophecy that contained a vision, word, as well as a dream about President Trump. Here is a link to that posting. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=559755244196072&id=182428131928787&substory_index=0 When I posted this prophecy, it looked very doubtful that Trump would win the Republican nomination. Everyone said that Trump would self-destruct, and all of the polls reflected this until election day. The news media claimed that Hillary Clinton had an 89% chance of winning the presidency on Monday. In spite of all of the polls and predictions made by the media, the Word of the Lord has been fulfilled, and Trump will be our next president.

Trump is a vessel of dishonor, who has been raised up for this very hour, and he will take America down. Donald Trump is America’s Ahab, and he will walk in the same immoral ways as Obama. I have had the same vision twice, of Trump’s eyes shut very tightly. The Lord says that Trump’s eyes are closed tightly to all things spiritual and Godly. Trump played the religious right, like a smart business man, in order to secure the votes he needed to get into office. Trump’s advisors informed him that without the votes from the religious community, he would not be elected to office. Trump then followed their advice, and established an advisory panel of religious leaders. Trump even prayed to accept Christ, in order fulfill his agenda. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin according to Christ. Donald Trump is not a Christian; his only god is himself! The blind religious leaders of this land are making comments, that Trump will turn this nation around for God. This nation has gone the way of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Trump has vowed to support gay marriage, as well as transgender bathroom rights. This immoral man, has been accused of groping a number of women. He has also, flip flopped on abortion rights several times, proving that he will say anything to get votes. Mike Pence claims to also know Christ, but he buckled under pressure, and now he supports homosexual issues. A true Christian would be a person of integrity, and would stand firm in his beliefs, and would not be a flip flopper on issues.

In a recent dream, I saw a large crowd celebrating Hillary’s anticipated victory. Then I was standing in the Oval Office, as Trump and his family walked in. I noticed that one, or more of Trump’s sons, as well as his daughter Ivanka, was with him, and they were all dressed in red. This may indicate that Trump will appoint some of his children to cabinet positions, or possibly, jobs within the White House. Although red is the color of the Republican Party, it is also the color of communism. I am not saying that our country will embrace communism. But, if you have read my posting entitled, “Visions and Dreams of Soviet America,” then you know that America is well, on it’s, way to becoming a police state, similar to the old Soviet Union. The Lord has showed me, that we will continue to lose our freedoms, under the Trump administration, and a new America is being formed.

I would like to clarify, that I also, did not vote for, or support Hillary Clinton, or the Democratic Party. My allegiance is not with any political party, it is with the Kingdom of Heaven.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

God's Timing on End Time Preparation

God's Timing on End Time Preparation
I have been praying, in regard to how long we have to make preparations for the coming tribulation. I feel that the Lord has shown me that we have 5 to 10 years to prepare. However, it is wise to begin preparing as soon as possible, and not to wait to the last minute. If a person procrastinates too long, they may find themselves stranded in the wrong location, when everything goes down. It is ideal to be relocated within five years, but this may not be possible for many, but after ten years, it will be impossible.

Here is a link to my posting on end time preparation. http://twelfthhourendtimeministries.blogspot.com/…/war-fami…

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

The Power of Forgiveness

Relationships with family, friends, co-workers, or schoolmates can quite often be difficult. Daily, we interact with many different personality types and that will sometimes lead to conflicts. In this life, you don’t have to look for trouble, for trouble to find you, but God’s Word teaches us how to respond to others. Forgiving others their trespasses, is sometimes a very hard thing to do. The Lord is still working on me in this area, so this lesson is as much for me, as others. The golden law is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” God’s Word teaches us, that if we forgive others their trespasses against us, the Lord will also forgive us our trespasses (Matt 6:14). Also, if we show mercy to others, then the Lord will show mercy to us. God’s Word is clear, that the Lord will judge each of us, based on how we treat our fellow man.

Matt 5:22-24, says that if we are angry with our brother without a cause we shall be in danger of the judgment, if we call him Raca (dumb head, or idiot), we shall be in danger of the council, and if we call him a fool, we shall be in danger of hell fire. God expects his children to pursue peace with all men, and name calling, which results from anger, is forbidden with God. God’s Word also says, that it is possible to be angry and not sin, but we are not to let the sun go down upon our wrath. In other words, we are to make peace, as soon as possible with the trespasser. If they refuse to make peace, we are to still forgive them in our heart before the day is ended. Bitterness dries up the bones according to God’s Word. It is also a medical fact, that people who are angry and bitter a lot, are candidates for cancer, heart attacks, strokes, as well as other diseases. The root of bitterness will lead to hate, which is the same, as the sin of murder according to Christ. In verses 23 and 24, Christ said, that when you bring your gift to the alter, and then remember that your brother has something against you, go and be reconciled with your brother then come and offer your gift. This passage shows that grudges against others, will hurt your relationship with the Lord, as well as cut you off from his blessings. Quiet often, not forgiving others will also block a person from healings, as well as, hinder their prayers from being answered.

Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. In this passage, Christ was telling Peter that we are to forgive our brothers sins against us, countless times. We are to have the mind of Christ, and follow in his footsteps. When Christ died upon the cross, to make atonement for our sins, he wiped out all of our sins that we have repented of. As he was dying upon the cross, Christ said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Christ was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, despised and rejected by men, according to scripture. Even though he was taunted, spit upon, as well as rejected by his generation, he still was willing to forgive the sins of all who would come to him, to be born again. If we belong to Christ, we should have the same compassion as he did, for our fellow mankind. Since Christ gives us grace, we should also extend grace to our fellow man, who is also created in God’s image.

Matt 18:23-35, Is the parable of the unforgiving servant. Christ said, that the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who had a servant who owed him ten thousand talents. The servant pleaded with the king to have mercy on him, and not to sell him and his family. The king chose to have mercy upon this servant, and to release him, as well as forgive his debt. This servant then went to one of his fellow servants who owed him money, and grabbed him by the throat, and demanded to be paid in full. This servant fell at his feet and begged him to have patience, but he refused to have mercy upon this servant. Instead, he had his fellow servant thrown in jail, until he could be paid in full. Then the king had this wicked servant delivered to the tortures because he refused to have compassion upon his fellow servant. Verse 35 states, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” The greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God, as well as love our neighbor as our self. If we have this Christ like love for one another, then we fulfill the law and the prophets.

I ask the Lord continually, to help me to look beyond the faults of others and see the need. There are many cruel and malicious people in the world, and there is a reason why they are that way. Many people are suffering in their bodies from cancer, pain, sickness, mental illness etc. Others, have experienced the deaths of loved ones, divorce, or unemployment . Quite often people take out their pain upon others. If we keep this in mind when encountering malicious people, then we can have compassion for them, instead of contempt. Christ tells us to pray for those who persecute or mistreat us. If you will pray for those who are offensive to you, then the Lord will open your eyes to their need. If a person is struggling with feelings of anger towards another, it is best to not talk about the situation. The more we talk about the person who made us angry, the more likely we are to add fuel to the flame. Silence is golden if you need to be released from anger. To sum this up, we need to to forgive others, in the same way that Christ has forgiven us.

Matt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

Matt 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matt 5:22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

The Power of the Tongue

James 3:1-12 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

The tongue of man is capable of great evil, as well as of great kindness. Verse two, says that we all stumble in many things, and if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. At times, I can be outspoken, and I often remind myself of this teaching of James. The control of the tongue is a very difficult thing to be mastered. James compares the small tongue who boasts of great things, with bits put into horses mouths, as well as a rudder on ships, in order to show how the tongue steers the direction of the body. It is very true, that relationships are both formed, as well as, destroyed by our words. As ambassadors for Christ in this fallen world, it is important for us to reflect his light to others. You may be the only lifeline to Heaven that someone has in their life, and your words may lead them to Christ.

James also compares the tongue to a little fire capable of starting a forest fire, as well as an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. I have met many people that consider Christians to be offensive, because of words they spoke, that reflected vanity, arrogance, or cynicism. I have also known people who claimed to know Christ, but used all forms of swearing, as well as profanity, and that will most certainly push people away from Christ. God’s Word speaks against filthy talk, course jesting, and swearing. James states that bitter water cannot come from the same spring that produces fresh water. God’s Word also states that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Even in jesting, many people reveal how they really feel about someone, and have damaged relationships.

The Lord gave me a dream recently, about those who claim to know Christ, but swear like a sailor. I dreamed that I was standing in an office building lobby, and there were around a dozen elevators that led to Heaven, but only two were in use. There was a man standing there that was using God’s name in vain, as well as, cussing like a sailor. He walked away and then was replaced by a lady, who represented the modern church. I told the lady, that if this guy does not repent of his swearing he will go to hell. She said, that this man was saved, and his salvation was secure, but his swearing would cut him off from the Holy Spirit. I told the lady that the grace message that is being taught by most churches, is way out of bounds, and does not line up with the Word of God. I also told her, that holiness preaching has been replaced, by a lukewarm message. As I walked away from her, she exclaimed in a loud voice, “ Thank you Lord for your grace!” and she repeated herself several times. I then was walking through the lobby in a large crowd of people, who were following a famous evangelist, who has been preaching the eternal security doctrine for many decades. The large crowd of people refused to take the two elevators that led to Heaven, and were content to follow this evangelist to Hell. Although there were twelve elevators, the two that were functional, were symbolic of the few churches left that preach holiness. There is grace for those who repent of their sins, as well as turn from them, but grace is not automatic. The Lord has given me many dreams, as well as visions, concerning how serious sin is in the life of the Christian. The Lord shows me people wearing clothes covered with spots and wrinkles, as well as their skin covered in layers of dirt. The Lord then tells me to instruct people to take a spiritual shower and get their lives in order. Without holiness, no man will see the Father.

The words that we speak, will also reflect the level of faith that is in our lives. The old saying that misery loves company is very true. I have known people that are continually pessimistic, and their words reflect the fear that consumes them. God’s Word says that perfect love will cast out all fear. Even when we feel faithless, we need to speak words of faith, as well as stand upon the promises that are in God’s Word. Regardless of how we feel, or what we are going through, God’s promises for us will remain true. When we are under spiritual attack, we need to quote scripture with faith, because God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit. I have entered homes after family members have quarreled, and you can feel a tense atmosphere within the home. An evil tongue that attacks others, is an open door to demonic spirits. I have also entered homes with anointed praise and worship music playing, and you can feel the presence of the Lord, for the Lord inhabits the praises of his people. If a person needs a breakthrough from the Lord, or is in need of healing, speak words of faith, combined with scripture. Don’t claim your illness or distress, because words produced from fear are the opposite of faith. Fear will empower the enemy in your life, but faith will move the hand of God.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:10-12

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

It is very important for the Christian to understand spiritual warfare, since we have an adversary seeking our destruction. God’s Word tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan is also referred to as, the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of Satan’s tactics is to stir people up in anger towards God. Many people blame God for the problems that they experience in this life, and they are oblivious to the fact, that there are two opposing kingdoms at work in the earth. Ephesians 6:12 states that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. The truth is that we live in a war zone, and the battle is over the souls of men. If you belong to Christ, then you are in the Lord’s army, and Satan’s kingdom has declared all out war against you. But, the good news is, greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world, and if you remain in Christ until the end, you will inherit eternal life. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to live an overcoming life, as well as the authority to put the devil to flight. In these last days, it is crucial that all Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to stand firm in Christ, against the many snares of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13-18

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

In order to survive spiritual warfare, we must be clothed with the full armor of God. Verses 14-18 states that we are to stand, having girded our waist with truth. According to God’s Word, no liar shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. In regard, to the swearing of oaths, Christ said that our yes should mean yes, and our no should mean no, and anything else comes from the evil one. God holds the truth in high regard and so should we. Next, we are told, to put on the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness does not mean perfection, but it does mean that we are to live right, and this is a reference to sanctification (being purified by God’s Spirit, as well as set apart from the sinful world). The breastplate is the most important part of the warrior’s armor because it guards the heart, lungs, as well as other vital organs. God’s Word teaches us, that without holiness no man shall see the Father. Satan’s desire is to morally corrupt a person, in order to give a spiritual death blow to the Christian, that is why the breastplate of righteousness is the most vital piece of armor for our survival. We are also, told to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. God’s Word says, blessed are the feet of those who bring the good news. If you belong to Christ, then you are commissioned to share your faith with others. It is very important to have our theology straight, before sharing our faith, because we are held responsible by God for what we teach. That is why we need to not only read God’s Word, but to study it, to show ourselves approved. Christ made peace, between us and the Father through his death upon the cross, and we are to share this gospel of peace with others.

We are also, told to take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Fear is the opposite of faith and fear can quite often empower Satan’s attacks against us. That is why faith is vital for our protection against the many on slots and snares of the evil one. In battle, the shield repelled the blows of the enemies weapons, and the same is also true in spiritual warfare, it is the shield of faith that stops the attacks. If we have faith that our Lord is bigger, as well as stronger than any of our enemies, then our prayers will be answered, and victory will be the result. Faith is the key for many breakthroughs in the Christian walk. Healings, deliverance from demonic activity, as well as everyday life situations, require faith to get results. We are also, told to wear the helmet of salvation. Paul was saying that we must remain in Christ, and continue to keep the helmet of salvation on, because it is possible to fall away from Christ, because we have a free will. We are also, told that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy of our souls. When the enemy attacks, we are to lift our shield of faith, and stand on God’s Word to stop the attacks. When the enemy attacks me, I quote scriptures with faith in response. If you rebuke the enemy in Christ’s name, as well as quote Bible verses with faith, you will put the enemy to flight.

The enemy looks for open spiritual doors in our lives, so that he may gain access to us. An open door to the enemy may result in harassment, nightmares, sickness, poverty, or even spiritual backsliding. Television is the biggest open door to the enemy in most people’s lives. I refer to television as Satan’s throne in the home, and I recommend getting rid of the beast. Books, movies, video games, or even images that contain content of the occult, are a definite open door to the enemy. Witches, fairies, ghosts, leprechauns, tree or water spirits, elves, as well as Santa Claus, are all based off of the occult. Most people are unaware that the legends of fairies, leprechauns, elves, water and tree spirits etc. are based off of spiritual apparitions that have appeared to people. Like ghosts, these apparitions are really demons that are deceiving people, in an effort to turn people away from God. Law enforcement officers will tell you that ignorance of the law is no excuse when you commit a crime. The same is true with God, ignorance of God’s Word, as well as of spiritual laws, is no excuse with God. I am in the deliverance ministry (casting out demons), and I know for a fact, that spiritual doors must be closed for deliverance to be successful. To successfully survive spiritual warfare, we must remain clothed with the full armor of Christ, as well as close all spiritual doors to the enemy in our lives.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Reflections on 1 Peter Chapter One

The Apostle Simon Peter wrote this book to encourage believers to persevere through tribulation and suffering, without losing hope or becoming bitter. Within this posting we will examine chapter one.

1Peter 1:1,2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

During this time of persecution against the church of Christ, many Jewish believers fled Judea, and were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. Peter addresses them as the elect of God, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Sanctification of the Spirit for obedience, is a reference to the purifying power of God’s Spirit to set the believers apart from the sinful world. In order to be sanctified, it requires obedience to God’s Word, and this is only possible through surrendering one’s will to God. Sanctification does not come through faith alone, but requires denying ourselves daily of sin, and taking up our cross and following Christ. The sprinkling of blood is a reference to being marked by God, through his indwelling spirit.

1Peter 1:3-12 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

These verses are in reference to our heavenly inheritance, which comes through salvation from our Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 6, Peter tells us to greatly rejoice in our salvation, even though we may be grieved by various trials. He refers to these trials as testing the genuineness of our faith. In the same way that gold is purified in the fire, so our faith is also refined in the fiery trials of this life. The goal of these trials is that our lives may bring praise, honor, and glory to our Lord when he returns. In this life, we all experience suffering in various forms. Sickness, death, unemployment, persecution etc. are examples of trials that may bring about bitterness or backslidings in our lives. We all have the choice to become hard or bitter, or to allow these trials to build character, as well as strengthen our faith. I am well acquainted with suffering, I have experienced the deaths of both of my parents, my brother (my only sibling), my nephew, as well as my wife of fourteen years. I was bitter with God for a period of time, and I had to learn to forgive him. When I forgave God, he granted me visions of the afterlife, as well as explained things to me that brought me great comfort. The Lord has also blessed me with a wonderful new wife that is my perfect match. I have made the choice to reach out to others who are suffering the loss of loved ones, and use my pain to help others get through this dark time. When you help others get through life’s hard times, the Lord will strengthen, as well as bring healing to you.

Verses 10-12 state that the prophets who foretold of this great salvation, have searched carefully into how and when this would take place, and even the angels desire to look into it. There are many messianic prophecies within the Old Testament concerning God’s anointed one who would redeem mankind from the evil one. One of my favorite messianic passages is Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, Unto us a son is given, And the government will be upon His shoulder, And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. This powerful passage clearly identifies the Messiah as the Mighty God, as well as, the Everlasting Father! The suffering servant as depicted in Isaiah 53, is God Almighty. The mystery of salvation is that God himself would leave his throne in glory and become a man, and humble himself even unto the death upon the cross, to redeem a fallen mankind. Both the old, as well as the new testaments are clear that there is only one God, who is both spirit, as well as omni-present. Since God is not bound to locality, he could exist as the eternal Father in the heavens, and at the same time walk the earth in human form.

Verses 13-21 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Verses 14-16, teach us that as obedient children we are no longer to conform ourselves to the former lusts as we did in ignorance, But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all of your conduct; Because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Most churches today, teach a distorted form of grace message that gives people a license to sin. This doctrine of demons is producing a great apostasy within the modern church. Church leaders are not teaching their flocks to repent of their sins and to become truly born again, as well as there is no emphasis put on sanctification. Many churches teach that we are all ragamuffins, and that our lifestyle is no different than that of the world, and the only difference is that we are forgiven. God’s Word is clear that without holiness, no man shall see the Father, and any tree that does not produce good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 2 Peter 2:19-22 is in reference to teachers who promise liberty to people, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. Peter states that those who have escaped the pollutions of the world to again be entangled in them and overcome, to them their latter end is worse than their beginning, and it would have been better if they had never known the way of righteousness. These false teachers, as well as those who heed to their doctrine, are compared to a dog who returns to his own vomit, or to a sow wallowing in the mire (filth). The same is true today of the many grace for everything teachers, that are helping to shut people out of the kingdom of God.

2 Peter 2:18-22 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Verse 17 states that if you call upon the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear. Many churches teach that our salvation is not dependent upon good works, but God’s Word is clear that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-20). At the great white throne judgment, each man will be judged, according to his works, this includes both sinners, as well as saints. Also, the letters addressed to the seven churches in the book of Revelation state, that the Lord both knows their works, as well as judges each one by his works.

Verses 22-25 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Verse 22 states, Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart. Our souls are purified, by obeying the truth through God’s Spirit. Christ said that if you love me you will keep my commandments, and his greatest commandment is that we love the Lord our God, with all our heart, mind, body, and soul, as well as love our neighbor as our self. God’s Word states that the law and the prophets are fulfilled, when we have this kind of unconditional love. The hardest thing for most people is to love their enemies, but with God’s indwelling spirit, this is possible. Society tells us to love those who love you, and to hate those who hate you, but God’s Word teaches us to love everyone, as well as to bless those who curse you. As Christians, we are not to render insult for insult, or reviling for reviling, but we are to pursue peace with all men. By displaying the love and peace of Christ, we will hopefully lead people to Christ.