Commentary on James 5 (Part One)

Commentary on James 5 (Part One)

5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! ² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. ⁴ Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. ⁵ You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.

⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. ⁸ You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! ¹⁰ My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. ¹¹ Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

¹² But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

¹⁹ Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, ²⁰ let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Many people seek after riches all the days of their lives and give little thought of eternity. The popular saying that he who dies with the most toys wins, is far from the truth. When it is your time to depart this life, you cannot take your worldly possessions with you, or buy your way into heaven. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Christ said that you cannot serve two masters, you cannot serve God and mammon (money). Christ also said, that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter heaven. A needle was an arched entrance through the wall into Jerusalem. It was designed to limit camel traffic in Jerusalem. A camel would have to crawl on it's knees through the gate. Christ was not saying that it is impossible for a rich person to enter heaven, rather it is very difficult.

 The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil and it has corrupted many. Many television evangelists and mega-church leaders have lost their souls do to greed. James teaches that if you are an employer and withhold the wages of your laborers who mow your fields, or your reapers who cry out to the Lord, you have fattened yourself for the day of slaughter. Nothing escapes the eyes of the Lord, and you will reap destruction if you defraud your workers.

 I know a man who bought a manufactured home for a very low price, and then rented it out to a missionary with a large family, for a very high price. This man who was a faithful church member, will answer to God for this. We will be held accountable by the Lord for how we treat our fellow man. If you are an employer, or a landlord, be careful how you treat those who depend upon you. 

5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! ² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. ⁴ Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. ⁵ You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.

James tells us not to grumble against one another lest you be condemned. Gossip and backbiting may seen like small issues to most, but to God this is a major sin. The Lord dealt with me on this issue in the past. In a few dreams, as well as words, the Lord showed me to never speak an unkind word against another, but to reflect the love of Christ to all. If we bite and devour one another the love of Christ is not perfected in our hearts. We are to reflect the attributes of Christ so others may also desire a relationship with the Lord. The taming of the tongue is not easy, but necessary. We must all learn to bring our carnal nature under the control of God's Spirit through self discipline. All things are possible through Christ who gives us strength.

If we truly walk with Christ we will suffer persecution. If you are crucified with Christ you will no longer live as the world lives. To be born again is to be set apart from the sinful world. As we endure persecution we will become stronger spiritually, as well as an example of patience and self control to those who are watching us. The world sees too many hypocrites, they need to see genuine Christians who live a disciplined life, in their daily walk. (Luke 9:23) Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  

⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. ⁸ You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! ¹⁰ My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. ¹¹ Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Commentary on James (Chapter 4)

Commentary on James (Chapter 4)

 

I have witnessed many family battles over inheritance issues. It is very sad to see families torn apart over material possessions. I’m sure the deceased family member did not want their family to divide over their stuff. James chapter four warns us about the desires for pleasure and greed. Wars and fights among many come from the lust for possessions and coveting what another has. I have observed many wealthy people who are quite miserable because money cannot buy happiness. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world then lose his soul?

 

 God’s Word says that in the last days they will be lovers of pleasure and money more than God. Many people lust after power, or position, or acquiring their toys, and do not give God a second thought. I have seen bumper stickers that read, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” You cannot bring your toys to hell with you. Christ said to lay up your treasures in Heaven, not the earth. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and you cannot serve God and money.

 

(2 Timothy3:1) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

 

(James 4:4) Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

 

Friendship with the world and it’s carnal pleasures is enmity with God. Many people have been deceived, by the grace without repentance doctrine that is being preached in most churches today. James 4:4 warns us that if you are a friend of the sinful world, you are an enemy of God. You may say, “I have been saved and baptized, and I tithe my ten percent, and I even speak in tongues.” However, if you are not separated from the sinful nature you are lost. If you dress, talk, or joke, in a sinful way, you are compromising your faith. In addition, if you watch sinful movies, or listen to ungodly music, you are a friend of the world, and an enemy of God. I have ministered deliverance to people indwelt with demons, who were faithful church members, and spoke in tongues. However, they were prisoners of sin, and in need of deliverance. In fact, everyone I have ministered deliverance to, were Christians, and church members. Until Christians understand what it means to be born again, they will continue on their path to hell. You must walk on the highway of holiness to inherit eternal life. The churches are not teaching people to get the sin out of their lives, because they are afraid of offending their means of support. Christ said to deny yourself daily, take up your cross, and follow him.

 

(James 4:7) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

 

If you want to be free from sinful bondages which will send you to hell, you must submit to God. (James 4:7-10) states, that if you cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts you double minded, lament, and mourn, and weep, with humility, God will lift you up. This passage is saying, that true, heartfelt repentance, is submission to God, and if you resist the devil he will flee. To be truly saved, you must allow the Holy Spirit to have his perfect work and live a sanctified life. To be set apart from the sinful world, is to be born again.

 

James also tells us that we should not speak evil of, or judge, a brother. In the last teaching, we discussed the dangers of gossip, and how it destroys relationships. There is righteous judgment; however, if you judge another with hypocrisy, you commit sin. If you will remove the beam in your own eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck in another’s eye. We must learn to love one another, as well as to bear one another’s burdens. If we will seek the good for another, we will fulfill scripture.

 

Verse 14 tells us that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. We should not boast in our long term plans, rather say, “If it is the Lord’s will we will do that.” Since we do not know when we will draw our final breath, we must be prepared daily to meet our maker. Today is the day of salvation! Don’t put your relationship with God off, you may not see tomorrow.

 

(James 4:17) Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

 

If you see your brother in need, and have the ability to help him, and do nothing, you sin. Do you know someone who needs groceries, or help paying their utilities, or house payment? If you are in a position to help, then you should. There are some able-bodied people who refuse to work; you are not doing them a favor by bailing them out. They need to learn how to eat their own bread. However, there are many struggling families who could use a helping hand, and you would be truly blessed if you could meet their needs.

 

 

 

(James 4:1) Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Commentary on James (Chapter 3)

Commentary on James (Chapter 3) 

In the commentary on James chapter one, I shared some dreams God gave me about the power of the tongue. We will now look at other ways that our tongue affects our lives, as well as others. James states that not many of us should become teachers, because teachers will receive a stricter judgment. I have seen much hypocrisy in the lives of those who hold ministry positions. A minister should live a life that is above reproach.  1  Timothy 3:1-13, gives us the standard by which all potential ministers should be tested. A minister should live by what he preaches, so that he will receive praise from God, and not judgment at the Bema Seat. There are many ministers nowadays given over to greed, they live in multi-million dollar mansions and drive luxury cars. They will incur a harsh judgment for their mishandling of God’s money. There are many poor people, as well as missionaries, who need support. Whether you are a Sunday school teacher, street minister, home group, or youth leader, you need to live a holy, clean life, which lines up with God’s Word.

 

(1Tim 3:1) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

I have seen many people hurt by malicious gossip. A person’s character may be scrutinized, or trust damaged, due to rumors. Our tongues can be a deadly poison, if we do not learn how to control them. James compares our tongues to a small fire that can burn down a whole forest. The little fire within our mouths can destroy the lives of others. I have seen families and churches divided, as well as co-workers at odds with each other over gossip. The tongue has the power to isolate us from the blessing of fellowship with family, friends, and fellow believers. The tongue is like the small rudder of a ship that can steer our lives in many directions.

 

If we will learn to sanctify our speech, we may become a blessing to many. There is power in the tongue. We may bless or curse others with it. I always pray that the Lord will use my tongue to edify and encourage others. If we quote scriptures, and speak words of faith, we will reap the benefits of a healthy relationship with the Lord. Words of fear, doubt, and anxiety, are the opposite of faith, and will empower the devil in your lives. Faith conquers fear, sickness, and the oppression of the enemy. Christ told some that he healed, “May it be done unto you according to your faith, or your faith has made you well.” Words of faith can move mountains and tear down strongholds of the enemy. May we learn to bless others with our speech, and give praise, honor, and glory, to our Father in heaven.

 

(James3:1) 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.  13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

 

 

 

 

 

Commentary on James Chapter Two

Commentary on James Chapter Two

 

When I was a young man, I was involved with street ministry. A very arrogant man led one of the ministry teams that I ministered with. This man was not in the ministry for the love of people, but for perceived power. He made comments about the poor neighborhoods and people that we ministered to. This man showed partiality to those whom he ministered to. There is no reward for those who minister to receive glory from man, and despise those, they feel are beneath them. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote about having unconditional love, as well as mercy, for those who come into the assembly. If a poor man comes into your assembly in filthy clothes, and you seat him in the back of the room, and give the fine seats, up front, to the rich, you commit the sin of partiality.

 

If the love of God is perfected in your heart, you will not make a distinction between people, based on their attire, appearance, race, or economic status. Many Christians are guilty of judging people because a man may have long hair, or dress poorly, or a lady may not be able to afford a nice dress, or a family may drive an old car. Looking down upon people, for any reason, is not proper Christian behavior. I have attended churches where the elders, deacons, as well as those in other ministry positions, were placed in office because they were the biggest tithers. A church assembly should pray, fast, and seek God, to determine who should be placed in ministry positions. I have also visited churches, where the women all dressed similar, and wore their hair the same, and they looked down upon women who appeared differently. Many people have been driven away from the churches, because of holier than thou behavior. The churches are a hospital for the spiritually sick to recover. How will they recover, unless they see the love of Christ in action.

 

(James 2:1) My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,

3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?

7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well;

9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.

13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

 

If we have the love of Christ in our hearts, we will meet the needs of those who are destitute, or struggling. There have been times, when my family and I have gone through major economic hardships, and family and friends would offer their prayers, but do nothing to help us during our hour of need. I have also known of others, who have been neglected, by those who could help. James states that faith without works is dead. If you see your brother without food, or basic needs, and you neglect to help him, your faith is dead. James makes a good point by emphasizing that the demons believe in God and tremble. So claiming faith in God is meaningless, if you do not have good works present in your life. In verse 26, James states for as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. In Revelation, chapters two and three, Christ tells the seven churches that they need to repent and have good works before God. On judgement day, as well as the bema seat judgement, every man will be judged according to their works. In (Matt 25:35-46), Christ taught that when you feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, cloth the naked, visit those sick, or in prison, you have done it unto him, and you shall enter eternal life. If you neglect the hungry, thirsty, sick, destitute, or those in prison, you shall enter everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. It is very important that we show the love of Christ to those who are perishing, because you may be their only spiritual lifeline. We must walk in the fear of the Lord, and rescue the prisoner of war. God Bless!

 

(James 2:14) What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!

20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

(Matt 25:35) for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?

38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?

39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'

40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;

43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'

44 Then they also will answer Him,saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?'

45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'

46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Commentary on the Book of James (Chapter One)

Commentary on the Book of James (Chapter One) 

The book of James was written by Jesus half-brother to Jewish Christians living outside of Judea. This book is very crucial for the believer in understanding that faith must be accompanied by good works, and a godly lifestyle.  

(James1:1) James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;  8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

 

Our faith is tested in many ways, and we don’t always understand why hardships occur. The death of family members, unemployment, sickness, or relationship problems, are examples of hardships that will try our faith. When the hard knocks of life occur, we may choose to allow bitterness to take root, or learn to develop character by trusting in God. We don’t see the big picture, but God does, and we need to trust Him with our lives. The Lord showed me once, that a chain of events in my life was making me clay fit for the potter’s hand. If we will allow the potter to shape us into vessels of honor, we will be beneficial to the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

(James 1:2-4) says, to count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, and to let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Patience is a hard thing to endure for most people; however, if we trust in God to see us through the storm, we will become strong spiritually. It is a good thing to pray for wisdom in how to handle life’s situations. If you ask for wisdom in faith, without doubting, God will impart knowledge in how to respond to the trial.

 

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,  10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.  11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

 

God’s Word has many warnings against those who seek riches. James tells us that the rich may appear as a beautiful flower, but they will fade away in all of their pursuits. In (Luke 16:19-30), we read of the rich man who refused to help the beggar Lazarus who was laid at his gate.  The rich man died, and was tormented by flames in hell, while Lazarus who also died, was comforted in Abraham’s bosom in paradise. Christ said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven (Matt 19:24). Christ also said that you cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and mammon (money). (Matt 6:24) “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. As Christians, we must have love in our hearts for our fellow man. True love will help those in need, rather than seek after materialism. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It is impossible to serve God, if you live the lavish lifestyle that many of the television evangelists and mega-church leaders live. They live in multi-million dollar mansions and drive luxury cars, while robbing the poor, sick and needy. Their fate will be the same, or worse, than the rich man in Luke 16.  

 

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

 

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

 

Christ said that those who endure unto the end shall be saved. James also states in verse 12: Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James continues that God tempts no one, but each one is tempted when he is drawn astray by his own desires and enticed. Our minds are a battleground. We must be careful what we allow our eye gates and ear gates to receive. Television, music, books, etc. may fill your mind with lustful, or rebellious thoughts. We must also be careful with the company that we keep, because peer pressure may lead to sin.

 

 The world is full of many forms of temptations, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin,  when it is full-grown, brings forth death. The good news is that Christ will forgive your sins, and give you a clean, fresh, start if you repent, and turn from your sins. Repentance is a lifelong process, and you must remain on the highway of holiness unto the end, to inherit the crown of eternal life. Please read Revelation chapters two and three if you disagree with this. If your works are not perfect before God, he will remove your candlestick from before his presence, or vomit you out if you are lukewarm.

 

(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.

 

(Rev 3:14) "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

 

(James 1:19-26) Teaches us about the power of the tongue, as well as being doers of the Word and not hearers only. James exhorts us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. Outbursts of anger will hurt your Christian witness. We must be examples of the good fruit of the Spirit. If the world will see the love and kindness of God in our lives, they may desire to know the Savior. (James 3:1-12) addresses the power of the tongue in more detail. We must not only hear God’s Word preached to us, we must live our lives according to God’s Word. If we love Christ, we will keep his commandments. If we live a sanctified life by the power of God’s indwelling Spirit, we will overcome the evil one, and be an example others may follow.

 

19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;  20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

 

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.  25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.  27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

 

I have heard many Christians swear, tell dirty jokes, as well as talk about the sinful movies that they watch. They would tell me that they were saved, and believed in grace. According to (Eph. 5:3-5), no unclean person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Filthiness, foolish talking, and coarse jesting, will send you to hell, unless you repent and turn from it. To be born again is to become a new creation in Christ, for without holiness no man shall see the Father.

 

The Lord also gave me this dream 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 said to the lady, “If this guy does not repent of his swearing he will go to hell.” She said, “This man is saved, and his salvation is secure, but his swearing may 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, the people were following evangelist Billy Graham, who has passed away. Billy Graham has preached 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.  

Will You Allow God to Hide You? The Prince of Magog (Russia) Will be Here Shortly!

Will You Allow God to Hide You? The Prince of Magog (Russia) Will be Here Shortly! 

(Zephaniah 1:2) "I will utterly consume everything From the face of the land," Says the Lord; 3 "I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, The fish of the sea, And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land,"says the Lord. 

(Zeph 2:3) Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden /In the day of the Lord's anger.

 

Many people are waiting for a rapture to take them out of the world before the coming tribulation. However, God’s Word teaches us that God will HIDE many of his elect during this time of indignation. (Zeph 2:3) states that the meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice, should seek after righteousness and humility. He continues to say, It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger. The prophet Isaiah also confirms that God’s elect should enter their chambers and shut the doors behind them, and HIDE, for a short time, until the indignation is past. These passages agree with Rev 12.

(Isaiah 26:20) Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. 21 For behold, the Lord comes out of His place To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; The earth will also disclose her blood, And will no more cover her slain.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ told us exactly when he will return, as well as when he will send forth his angels to gather the elect. (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.  30 Then 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.  31 And 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.

 

 Christ was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib rapture doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints. However, Christ said, immediately after the tribulation he would send forth his angels to harvest the elect. This passage alone is enough to establish that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are the same event.

 

God’s Word teaches us that he will protect many of his children in the wilderness during this time of tribulation. The overcomers, will be the remnant that will never see death.

(Rev 12:13)  Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.  15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.  16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.  17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

 God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him, rather he instructed him how to build the ark.  Noah was obedient to God and although it took him 120 years to build the ark, he did not give up. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. Like Noah, we need to be making preparations for the soon coming tribulation. I believe that the Lord is instructing people to prepare communities in remote wilderness areas for the time of trouble ahead. We all need to be seeking the Lord with much fasting and prayer concerning where to relocate to ride out the storm. The cities, as well as populated areas, are destined for judgment.

 

This is not a time for fear, but action. If we trust God, as Noah did, then we will be obedient to him and follow his voice.  The Lord protected the Hebrews in the land of Goshen from the plagues that struck Egypt. I believe that he will do likewise for his children who obey His voice and relocate. I believe that the coming nuclear war will not harm those who are in God’s hiding places throughout the earth. Those who are waiting for a rapture to take them out will perish as did the Egyptians.

 

The great war to come, will cause a famine greater than this world has ever known. The Lord told me that it is crucial that Christians relocate to very remote areas in order to protect their families, as well as their food supply. During this time of war and famine, people will be desperate to feed their families and they will kill you for your food, as well as supplies. Out of necessity, people will eventually consume all of the natural resources, including all the wildlife. In Revelation chapter, six we read about the four horseman of the apocalypse. The white horse is symbolic of Christ, who executes his righteous judgments, then we read of the red horse, which is war, followed by the black horse of famine with scales in his hand, then the pale horse of death, and Hades follows. As you can see from God’s Word, war is followed by worldwide famine. In addition, the time will come when money will be worthless and no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark, number, or name of the beast. It is crucial that Christians prepare ASAP, for sudden destruction will come and most people will be unprepared.

 

The Lord told me that after Trump, the world would have a new leader. Gog (prince) from the land of Magog (Russia) will ascend to the world’s throne (Ezekiel 38,39). The Russian anti-christ will destroy America with the help of China (Rev 18).

 

As I stated previously, we need to be in prayer, as well as fasting for direction from the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the storm. The Lord has instructed me to relocate to a place of true wilderness, away from all towns and human population. The time will soon come when Christians will need to band together and share their resources in order to survive. In the book of Acts, we read where the early church did exactly this. Those who had an abundance shared with those who lacked, so that everyone’s needs were met, and the Apostles distributed the food accordingly. I believe that this type of community will be necessary once again.

 

 Mountains can serve as a barrier between populated areas and wilderness, as well as slow down human traffic. I believe that remote mountainous areas are ideal for survival. I would recommend very tall mountains, like the Rockies, or the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia Canada. It is also necessary to live near a good water source, such as a lake, river, or year round creek. It is also a good idea to live near plenty of trees, for firewood, as well as building materials. I would also recommend stockpiling as much food as possible. The dehydrated foods with a shelf life of thirty or forty years are ideal. I believe that it is a good idea to hide your food underground if possible. It is also a good idea to learn as much as possible about farming, gardening, hunting, and fishing. The time will come when there will be no more electricity, gasoline, or grocery stores, to depend on. When the war comes, society will be set back to primitive conditions.

 

 According to government sources, if one nuclear bomb were to be set off in the stratosphere above the central United States, it would create an electromagnetic pulse that would knock out the national power grid, as well as all electronic devices and most cars. It would take over a century to get it up and running again. Also according to government sources, if this occurs, ninety percent of the American population will die within one year. Most people are dependent upon Wal-Mart for food and supplies. We all drive cars to work, and trucks, trains, and planes are necessary for transport of food etc. All of our modern conveniences that we take for granted, will come to an end. That is why it is important to learn how to survive. In fact, the Lord spoke to my wife that at an unknown time, a nuclear device will be set off in the stratosphere, above the United States. Russia, China, North Korea, as well as Iran, have war plans in place, which mention using a stratosphere bomb against America.