Dream of the Pilgrim

 

Dream of the Pilgrim

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

    

Deliverance From Those Things Which Keep you Bound

 

Deliverance From Those Things Which Keep you Bound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            

 

 

 

The Beatitudes Part Three

 

The Beatitudes Part Three

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            

The Beatitudes Part Two

 

The Beatitudes Part Two

Matt 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Christ taught that we are to be the salt of the earth. Salt is still the most used seasoning in the world, and without salt, food would be very tasteless. Christians are to be the seasoning of the world by reflecting the attributes of Christ. If there is spiritual compromise in your life, you have lost your flavor and are good for nothing. If you are a hypocrite, the world will know it, and you will be trampled underfoot by men. I have heard many people scoff at those who profess to know Christ but act, talk, or joke like the world. We must all be careful to maintain a good testimony before everyone because the world is watching. You may be a person’s only lifeline for salvation, and you may push people toward or away from Christ.

Christ said that we are the light of the world; a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Some people try to hide their faith in order to fit in with the crowd, but if you are truly born again, this is impossible. Christ said that if you deny him before men, he would deny you before his Father in heaven. That is why we must confess Christ before men not only verbally, but also by our lifestyle. Christ also said that they don’t put a lamp under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that it can give light to the whole house. He said to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do you bring reproach or glory to Christ? If you will allow the Holy Spirit to shine through you, you may draw people to Christ. If you show love instead of hate, or patience instead of anger, or diligence instead of laziness, you will be an example to a world that has lost its way.

Matt 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

 Jesus Christ fulfilled every letter and stroke of the Law and wiped out the requirements of it, as well as took it out of the way through his death upon the cross (Col 2:14-17).  The Lord’s atonement provided for a new covenant that is based upon faith, as well as grace (unmerited favor). The Law, or attempting to live by the Law is not wrong, but the Law is no longer a requirement for salvation.  The Law given to Moses by angels was necessary to teach us about sin, it was our school master, and as children the Israelites were kept by it, but as children they were also slaves to it (Gal 3:19-25).  But through Christ’s atonement upon the cross we have now been justified by faith and are no longer slaves to the Law, but free men who are sons, heirs of God (Gal 4:1-7). To put the heavy yoke of the Mosaic Law upon the necks of free men is to bring them under bondage, as well as a curse (Gal 3:10-14). The apostle Paul said that to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage by trying to be justified by the Law will make you estranged from Christ, as well as fallen from grace.

The early new testament Christians, as well as Christians  today were and are being influenced by those who teach that we are required to keep the Mosaic law.  The apostles and elders of the church at Jerusalem, under the leadership of James, the brother of Christ, made a decree concerning this matter. They were all in agreement that the keeping of the Law should not be required of the Gentile Christians. They only asked that they would abstain from sexual immorality, eating food sacrificed to idols, eating of things strangled, as well as the consumption of blood.  No further requirements were put upon these new converts.  But the new testament is clear that we need to be born again in order to be truly saved.  To be born again, we must repent and turn away from our sins, as well as, live a separated lifestyle from that of the sinful world.  We must truly make Jesus Christ the Lord of every area of our lives. The Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in one statement, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul, as well as love your neighbor as yourself.” 

 The Jerusalem Decree

Acts15:19  Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,  20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.  21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. 23 They wrote this letter by them:  The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment—  25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,  26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.  28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:  29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

Galatians 3:1  O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?  2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Galatians 3: 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”  11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”  12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”)

 

Matt 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 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. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. 27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

The Lord looks upon the heart of each one of us, and he has made it clear that the sin of the mind, or the eyes, is as serious as the action. If you are angry, or hate your brother without cause, you are guilty of murder. If you call your brother Raca (dumb head, or idiot), you shall be in danger of the council, or if you call him a fool, you 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. In verses 23 and 24, Christ said, that when you bring your gift to the altar, 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.   

 If you look upon a woman to lust after her, you have already committed adultery with her in your heart. The Lord emphasized how serious the sins of the mind are, by saying that it would be better to pluck your eye out, or cut off your hand off, if they cause you to sin, rather than to be cast into hell. Sexual lust, pornography, as well as hate, will send you to hell, unless you repent and turn from them. There is no grace for un-repented sin.  

 

The Beatitudes Part One

 

The Beatitudes Part One

Matt 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

When God became a man and dwelled among us, he revealed to us the way of righteousness. Christ taught mankind the truths of the Kingdom of Heaven, and dispelled the traditions of men. Manmade religion had replaced the truth in his day, but Christ came to set things in order. Christ said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Even though a person may be poor monetarily in this world, if they are in Christ (in spirit) they are rich. A person may gain the whole world then lose their soul. The rich cannot buy their way into Heaven, but the poor in Christ will inherit the wealth of God’s kingdom. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 Christ said, “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” I am well acquainted with grief; I have suffered the loss of most of my immediate family. My faith in the Lord gave me the strength to overcome this grief, as well as to have sympathy for those who experience loss. Instead of being consumed with my sorrow, I chose to let God bring healing to me. Christ is close to the brokenhearted and he desires to be their comfort. Since my loss, God has blessed me with a wonderful new wife who is my perfect match. If you have suffered the loss of loved ones, call out to the Lord in prayer and he will answer you. Draw close to the Lord and lean on his everlasting arms.

Christ also said, “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.” The meek are those who are slow to anger. They understand how to use self-control. The tongue is an unruly member of our body, which has the potential to cause great harm to us, as well as others. The old saying that loose lips sink ships is very true. If a person is slow to speak, and quick to listen, they are very wise. Christians who choose their words very carefully, will display good fruit that others may imitate. Outbursts of wrath will harm your testimony, as well as push people away from you.

Verses 6-8 states, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Most people today don’t give God, or his ways, a second thought. Many are into physical fitness but they ignore their spiritual fitness. God is looking for humble people who will have a hunger for righteous ways, instead of sin. The Lord will fill those who seek after Him, and desire to reflect His attributes. If the Holy Spirit indwells us, we should allow His divine nature to shine forth through us.

The Lord will judge each of us based on how we treat others. Christ said, “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). In addition, if we show mercy to others, then the Lord will show mercy to us. In verse 7 Christ said, “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”  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.

Christ also said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” The pure in heart are those who have died to their old nature of sin, and have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. Water baptism is symbolic of dying to our old nature and being raised to life as a new creation in Christ. To the pure, all things are pure, to the defiled, all things are unclean. Are you into religion or have you been born again?

Verse 9, Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

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. God expects His children to pursue peace with all men. This may seem impossible to some, but with God’s help all things are possible.

  The root of bitterness will lead to hate, which is the same as the sin of murder according to Christ. In Matt 5:23,24, Christ said, that when you bring your gift to the altar, and then remember that your brother has something against you, go and be reconciled with your brother then come and offer your gift. 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 brother’s sins against us, countless times.  If we have a conflict with someone, we should be quick to make reconciliation with them. True love will keep no records of wrongs. The peacemakers are those who reflect spiritual maturity.

Matt 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

If you truly live for Christ, you will go against the grain of society, and this will result in persecution. It is easy to follow the crowd, but it takes a strong person to take a stand for Godliness. The lost expect you to talk, dress, as well as act like them. People don’t like to be around someone who makes them uncomfortable by convicting them of their sin. However, true love will warn those who are on the path to Hell. Regardless of how others treat you, a true Christian will reflect the attributes of Christ. When people observe your genuine faith and character, they may desire to have that same faith that can set them free. Christians should always remember that people are watching us to see if we are genuine or phony. God expects His children to be salt and light to this dying world.                                    

 

The Seven Churches Part Two

 

The Seven Churches Part Two

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. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

Like many churches today, the church at Sardis had a name that it was alive, but it was dead. The Lord told them that He found their works not to be perfect before God. The Lord instructed them to repent, and to strengthen the things, which remain that are ready to die. The Lord told me once that most churches in America are dead, dying, or buried. The revelation that the Lord has given me concerning the apostasy within Christianity shook me to the core. A number of years ago I had an experience that felt like my spirit left my body. I found myself caught up to a place of white milky light. The Lord spoke to me concerning the apostasy, as well as the counterfeit ministers who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Lord instructed me to teach sound doctrine, as well as to expose the heretics. Through many visions, dreams, and audible words, the Lord has shown me that pastors are failing to teach their flocks to get sin out of their lives. This grace for everything doctrine is the apostasy (great falling away). Grace is not automatic; it requires repentance.

However, our good works are not enough to get us to Heaven. We must be redeemed (purchased) by the blood of the Lamb. Our Lord Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins upon the cross. Since our works can never be good enough for salvation, Christ supplies our lack. If we truly make Christ our Lord, His blood will atone for past and present sins, but this requires true repentance. If Jesus Christ is truly your Lord, you will have a spiritual transformation known as being born again. You will be buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Christ as a new creation. You will die to your old sinful nature and reflect God’s divine attributes. We are not perfect by any means, but if we continue in sinful bondages and do not repent, we will be cast away. If you are truly saved, then you must produce good works, as well as fruit. Christ told the church at Sardis that their works were not perfect before God; this emphasizes how crucial our works are.

Christ said to the church at Sardis, “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.” The messages to the seven churches emphasizes the point that the overcomers will inherit the kingdom, and those who refuse to repent will be thrust into the great tribulation. We must remain awake and watch, as well as prepare for Christ’s return. Christ will return immediately after the great tribulation. Many of the overcomers will be hidden and protected by the Lord in the wilderness during the tribulation (Rev 12).

Christ said that there were a few names in Sardis who had not defiled their garments. The faithful ones would be clothed in white. Verse 5 states, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” This verse shows that our names can be blotted out of the Book of Life if we do not remain faithful to the Lord. The overcomers are those who remain firm in their faith, as well as live a sanctified life unto the end.

Rev 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

The Lord praised the church at Philadelphia, because they kept His word and did not deny his name. Therefore, the Lord opened a door for them that no one could shut. They persevered in their faith in spite of persecution from the Jews. Therefore, the Lord said that He would make the Jews worship at their feet, as well as would keep them out of the tribulation. It is obvious that the tribulation did not occur during their time. The message to the seven churches is a dual prophecy. The exhortation to each church is also for us today. If a person is surrendered to the Lord, a door will be opened to them for eternal life, as well as an intimate relationship with Christ. The Lord will protect those during the tribulation who persevere in their faith in spite of adversity. God did not rapture Noah out of the earth or build the ark for him. Rather, God instructed Noah to build the ark, and because of Noah’s obedience, we are here today. Although it took Noah 120 years to build the ark, he persevered and believed God. There is a reward for simple childlike faith. Abraham believed God and his faith was considered righteousness. God told Abraham to leave his home country of Ur and go to a new land. Abraham believed God and set out for this new land because God told him to. In Genesis 15, because of Abraham’s faithfulness God made a covenant with Abraham to give this land to his descendants. If we are faithful to God’s word, as Noah and Abraham were, we will pray and seek the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the coming storm. If you are in the wrong location, God will not protect you where you are. I believe that God is raising up people who will be guides into the wilderness for His children. Like the early Christians in the book of Acts, Christians will need to band together and share their resources, as well as skills to survive.

In verse 11, Christ said to hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown. It is very important that Christians remain in the faith, as well as avoid false doctrines. There are many heretics, false prophets, as well as unsound teachers, which will lead you astray if you are not grounded in God’s Word. That is why it is vital that we study God’s Word for ourselves, and not take a minister’s interpretation as fact. We must remain faithful to the Lord unto the end to receive the crown of eternal life. If it were not possible to be led astray, or lose your salvation, Christ would not have said, “let no one take your crown.”

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. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

The church of Laodicea was very similar to the churches today, because they compromised their faith. The Lord said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”  True Christianity does not merely believe in Jesus, it is a lifestyle. If we live, dress, talk, as well as act like the sinful world, we deny our faith, and bring shame upon the name of Christ. I watched a video on YouTube that showed girls in short shorts trying to evangelize the Amish. They did not believe that the Amish were saved because they did not understand their culture. The truth is that the Amish could teach these girls about modesty, as well as holiness. If a person from one hundred years ago, walked the streets of America, as well as attended modern churches today, they would be shocked at what they witnessed. The lewdness of our culture is well displayed within the lives of those who profess to know Christ.

 Many Christians watch television shows and movies filled with profanity, sex, violence, and the occult. If Christians would get rid of their televisions, as well as certain books, they would rid their homes of demons. Many movies and books are a portal for demonic activity to enter your homes and lives. God, as well as His house, are disrespected when women wear mini-skirts to church. Christians represent Christ, and we are to be role models for the world. If there is compromise in our lifestyle, then God will vomit us out like the lukewarm church of Laodicea. Christ told the Laodiceans, that he wished that they were either cold or hot, but because they were lukewarm, he would vomit them out. When some people first come to Christ, they may be cold at first, but they are expected to grow up spiritually. God gives us grace to grow from milk to strong meat. In time, a Christian is expected to become spiritually hot (mature) in the Lord. If you are only lukewarm, then you are compromising your faith, by reflecting the culture and not Christ. Some churches teach that God is progressive. They believe that as our culture becomes more wicked, God gives more grace for sins committed by His children. This is opposite to what the Bible teaches. God, as well as His standards, does not change with time. God is still the Ancient of Days and he will not be mocked.

The Laodiceans were corrupted by their wealth, and were probably lovers of pleasure more than God. The Lord told them that they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Verse 18, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” The Lord instructed the Laodiceans to be zealous and repent. He said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Many people today are blinded by the god of materialism. They seek after nice houses, expensive vehicles, fun vacations, or power positions in their community or on their jobs. Most people are comfortable and do not give God or His ways a second thought. God’s Word tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Christ said, that you cannot serve God and money because only one will be your master. However, it is not a sin to be rich, if you are generous with your money by helping the poor, as well as supporting God’s ministry work. There are people in the Bible that God blessed with wealth, Job, Hezekiah, David, Solomon, Abraham are but a few. These men put God and His kingdom first, and God blessed them for it. However, most people love their money and possessions more than anyone, including God. Greed mingled with selfishness will lead a person down the path of destruction. That is why we all need to do an introspection of our heart, to see where our treasure is. Do we lay up our treasure in Heaven, or on the earth? Do we love and serve God, or money?                       

    

       

               

 

 

The Seven Churches Part One

 

The Seven Churches Part One

 

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. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." '

Christ’s message to the seven churches in Asia Minor emphasizes the necessity of Godly works. Most churches today avoid sound doctrine in order to please their tithers, the result is that they are shutting people out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The books of 1 and 2 Peter, James, Epistles of John, as well as Revelation 2 and 3, are ignored by most because they conflict with the false grace message that tickles the ears of many. The Apostle Paul was making his case that we are saved by Faith, and not by keeping the Law of Moses, because we are under a new covenant. Many churches twist some of his teachings in order to bring about a comfortable doctrine that gives grace for un-repented sins. However, Paul made it very clear that if we continue in sinful bondages and do not cross the finish line, we will be lost. To have a complete understanding of God’s Word, you must study the entire Bible and not scripture pick.

 To the church at Ephesus Christ said, 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. Like many Christians today, the Ephesians were beginning to compromise with the world and were considered unfaithful to Christ. Christ said, that if you love him you will keep his commandments. When Christians take on the attributes of the sinful culture, they are committing spiritual adultery; unless they repent, they will be lost. Christ said that unless the Ephesians repented, he would remove their lampstand from its place before the throne of God. This passage alone makes it clear that Christians can fall from grace, because of un-repented of sinful compromise. That is why it is important that we examine ourselves daily and repent of willful sins. There is grace for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are repented of, but grace is not automatic. Christ told the Ephesians, not only to repent, but also to do the first works. The first works is a reference to being born again. When we first come to Christ, we die to our old nature and become a new creation through heartfelt repentance. Unless a believer has a transformed life, they are not truly born again. This passage indicates that when we backslide, we are in need of another born again experience. In verse 7, Christ said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." This verse is clear that the overcomers will inherit the Kingdom of God. An overcomer is one who endures unto the end and crosses the finish line. You must keep the faith, as well as live a sanctified life until the day you die, to enter God’s paradise.

Rev 2: 8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 I know your  , tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." '

The message to the church of Smyrna was one of hope. The Lord was pleased with them because they remained true to Him in spite of persecution. Although they were poor monetarily, they were rich in Spirit. The Lord told them to remain faithful to Him unto death and He would give them the crown of life. The message to the church of Smyrna is also for the many persecuted Christians around the world. There are many home churches in communist China that meet in secret. If they are caught, many will be imprisoned in hard labor camps, where many will die from sickness or malnutrition. The same was true of the former Soviet Union, as well as eastern Europe. In India, as well as the Islamic nations, Christians risk their lives daily for their faith. Many believers have their homes and churches burned to the ground. In spite of the persecution, Christianity is growing and true revival is occurring among the oppressed. When a person must risk their life or imprisonment for their faith, then God’s Spirit makes them strong. The persecuted church is an example of selfless, true Christianity.

 Rev 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ' these things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." '

The saints in Pergamos lived in a very evil place. The Lord said that Satan’s throne was in that place. Although wickedness was all around them, many within Pergamos kept their faith and God commended them for this. However, the Lord said that some of them held to the doctrine of Balaam. They ate things sacrificed to idols and some were given over to sexual immorality. The Lord told them to repent, or else he would come to them quickly and fight against them with the sword of His mouth. We live in a perverted culture that is bound by sexual lust of all kinds. Many within the churches, including pastors, are addicted to pornography.

 A home Bible study group leader, made a comment that shocked me. He quoted the statistics of how many pastors admitted to being addicted to pornography within a prominent denomination. He asked the group, “Do you know why so many pastors are addicted to pornography?” He then said,” Because they are only human that is why.” I was shocked that this leader, within a thousand member church, would sanction the use of pornography. This was the same attitude of some of the members of the church at Pergamos. The Lord obviously did not wink at their sin, and say it is okay because you are only human. The Lord told them that unless they repent, He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth. This statement means that they would suffer the judgments of His wrath during the Great Tribulation. There are many other scriptures concerning sexual immorality within God’s Word. Each passage makes it clear, that the sexually immoral will not enter the Kingdom of God. Greasy grace Christianity will give you a fatal heart attack.

Rev 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'--as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

Like Pergamos, the Church at Thyatira was given over to sexual immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols. A woman referred to as a Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess, was teaching and seducing God’s servants to commit these grave sins. The Lord who searches the hearts and minds of everyone, had harsh words for those who refused to repent. The Lord said that He would cast this Jezebel into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into the great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. The Lord also said that He will kill her children with death, and He will give to each one of you according to your works. As you can read, works do entirely matter. James states that, as the body is dead without the spirit, so faith without works is dead. In addition, at the great white throne judgment, each person will be judged according to their works. On that day, the sheep will be separated from the goats. In verses 25, 26, Christ said, And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. These verses, emphasize the point, that the overcomers are those who keep His works until the end. That is why it is vital, that Christians understand that they must keep the faith, as well as good works unto the end.