01/31/25 A REAL WAKE-UP CALL

01/31/25 A REAL WAKE-UP CALL

For most of my adult life I have thought that the political landscape of the USA was a total wreck and now I am finally seeing many of the issues, which bothered me, being addressed and even corrected by common sense government, headed by President Donald J. Trump. The idiocracy and corruption that was irreversible is now being brought to light and is even being corrected (for the moment).

I don't worship Trump or believe he is the answer to our problems, but he is definitely bringing sanity, commons sense and justice to the Office and the Nation.

I don't know what he will do in the future, but he has been doing what I thought American government should have been doing all of my life.

Trump's leading is radically American today. I hope it continues for a while. But whatever happens, it is time for people to take advantage of our benefits and freedoms. Turn to Christ, follow Him fully and reach out to as many people as you can, while you can.

The former party and society of craziness is not going to turn from its agenda of sinsanity. Our families, faith, freedoms and finances have been attacked mercilessly by Marxism (Socialism, which becomes Communism), Humanism (which is anti human and anti humane), Wokeism (which is total nightmare). What we have seen in the past few years is only the beginning of sorrows, and the Bible tells us that it will get much worse before Jesus catches away His Bride, and returns to rule, as King of kings and Lord of lords.

It will not be ballots or bullets, but Bibles, which will provide ultimate deliverance from the horrors of a totally Christ-less world of violence, perversion, disease, famine, war, pestilence and total upheaval. Even then, it will only be deliverance for those who turn from sin and turn to Jesus. Now is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation. The cup of iniquity continues to fill, until one day it will overflow into Tribulation, Great Tribulation.

Those who are trusting Christ will be delivered from the coming world chaos under the Anti-Christ, but before Christ returns, the world will be falling into deeper and deeper darkness, faster and faster than we have ever seen.

I have heard and seen people say for years that the Christian pulpit should not get into politics. Those who believe such foolishness must not have ever really read the Bible. The only way to deal with social, governmental, financial, moral problems is with God's word and God's Son and God's Spirit. It is not the Bible that got us into this world mess, it is the absence of God's presence that got us here. 

Not everyone will hear and heed the call of God. Those who refuse it will be cut off, and that without remedy. But, if you sense a need in your life to get into a right relationship with God, then open your heart and mind to Jesus.

Isaiah 1:18
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

Romans 10:9-11
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

01/31/25 WHY FEMALE PASTORS?

01/31/25 WHY FEMALE PASTORS?

THREE REASONS FEMALES LEAD FAMILIES AND "CHURCHES."
God is not confused. He not only knows the difference between male and female, He designed the difference, and He established separation of powers and authority. Each has his or her own realm of responsibility and authority in the family and in the church. God placed the male in the role of leadership of family and local church ministry.

This does not mean the male should lead with unlimited authority or that a female should ever disobey God's word, in submission to her husband or pastor.

THREE REASONS
1. There is no male willing or able, whether physically or spiritually, to lead the local church. Shame on so-called men.

2 The Biblical authority of a husband or pastor is usurped by a female, or a female is given the authority over a husband or church, contrary to God's written word.

3. There are legitimate situations that could change the order in the home, such as a husband who has been incapacitated physically or mentally, or has abandoned his family, or has died. In those cases, the female (wife) becomes the breadwinner and acting head of the family. In this case, the female has not usurped the Divine order.

In a similar way, when males do not follow God, when a local church does not have a faithful male believer, then a female Christian must minister the word through witnessing to a lost community and leading children and other Christian women in that local fellowship until a qualified male believer (meeting Biblical qualifications as an elder) is able to assume pastoral leadership. Until that time, the fellowship does not meet the criteria as a New Testament church, with Elder (aka Bishop, Pastor/Teacher) leadership.

This does not justify females taking authority over males. But God used Deborah (as a judge) to lead His people against the Canaanites since there was no man willing to trust and obey God. Read the account. Deborah wanted a man to lead the troops, but Barak said he would only go if Deborah also went. We have few men who qualify as soldiers of the cross. In fact, God resorts to using their wives and daughters.

The plethora of so-called female preachers, teachers, pastors, and prophets is the rise of self-willed, self-called females.

There is no doubt that there are godly women who are deeply committed, but they are Biblically in error concerning God's requirements for leadership in a local church.

It has been said,
"Sometimes the best man for the job is a woman."

I would say,
"Sometimes the only man for the job is a woman."

I have watched for decades as men weaseled their way out of spiritual responsibilities (Bible study [at home and at church], prayerfullness, goodness, gentleness, kindness, personal denial for the needy [in other words, the Fruit of the Spirit], churchmanship.

It is time for men to quit thinking that church work is women's work. It is time for young men to hear and heed the call of God into the ministry. It is time for men to quit leaving the work of God to the women. Shame on men when their wives and daughters know God's word better and serve the church more passionately than they do.

Rise up o men of God. Throw off the facade of machismo and become a real man.

01/30/25 CHOOSE A BIBLICAL CHURCH

01/30/25 CHOOSE A BIBLICAL CHURCH

God designed and established, and equips the local church. It is His plan. We can't legitimately ignore it or change it. The local church is God’s plan for evangelism, teaching, fellowship, discipeling discipline, edification, and perfecting of the saints.

Christians should be a part of a loving, faithful, New Testament local church. Even if they must travel or move to where one is located.

If you cannot move, then you need to be part of a remote (distance) ministry, with the desire to become a media satellite ministry until you can resettle or until a Biblical in-person ministry is started near you. Keep in mind, even before electronic (radio, television, internet) ministry, this is has been the mode of operation around the world since the beginning of the Church.

Being part of a remote (distance, online) ministry should include more than just watching or listening to services (for those who are not physically incapacitated). 

I am still learning how to do distance ministry. In-person ministry is better, but sound doctrine is rare, therefore we must reach out until local body life is available for the distant believers (whether foreign or domestic).

Don't be part of a local or online group that is unBiblical. Biblical standards should be soteriological, behavioral, relational, ecclesiastical. Faithfulness to Biblical truth is essential.

No one is so fully developed spiritually that he does not need to humbly submit and serve a local church.

Give up your Lone Ranger Christianity. It is not Biblical and it is dangerous.

01/28/25 GET THE FACTS FIRST

01/28/25 GET THE FACTS FIRST

(I am only scratching the surface of this subject. For instance, I am Pre-Trib, but i don't address the timing of the future events because that's not the point of this post.)

The White Horse and Rider in Revelation 6 represents the quick and widespread acceptance of a leader, who appears to be a person who will save the world from all of our troubles, such as poverty, violence, sickness, oppression. It appears that supposed "deliverer" will come as a world peacemaker.

Although I see some amazing parallels with the impact, which President Donald Trump is having on the world at this time, for various reasons I do not equate or conflate Trump with the Anti-Christ. I am not demonizing nor canonizing Trump. He is what he is and he will decide his own relationship with God.

However, he is a significant player in today's chaotic world, with such players as China, Russia, the Muslim world, South America, the Mideast, Israel and the Socialist (Communist), Humanists and Woke peddlers in the USA.

We appear to be living during a major paradigm shift, from the Laodicean period of Church history to the Epochal Tribulation period.

At the present time we are witnessing Trump impact American Government and world events so powerfully that people all over the world, including political and financial leaders, are lauding and applauding his sudden and unthinkable accomplishments, and at this point he is doing it through peaceful steps.

"Never Trumpers" are going to readily call him demonic, though many of his actions are basically good for freedom, family, finances and faith.

But be careful not to put your seal of approval on anyone. Taking steps that are good, and actually aligned with Divine will does not make a person godly (remember Cyrus?).

Trump is being touted by people in Israel (one of the most oppressed people groups in history), as being a man who can bring world peace. He confronts the most brutal political and religious leaders in the world, and calls on them to take major steps, which could end conflicts and suffering in the hottest military and political regions of the world. And, at this point he is doing it with economic and political deals rather than actual military aggression.

No, Trump is not the Messiah and he does not fit the profile of the coming Anti-Christ, but he is a preview of the coming Rider of the White Horse. He is showing us the international cry for peace and prosperity, which will be the condition of the world before the Tribulation.

I am glad to see several good things take place under his leadership at this time. I hope to see even more of a return to national sanity and spiritual awareness, which could lead sinners to Christ. But it is a mistake to look to him as anything more than a man. He is neither devil or deliverer.

Keep in mind, whoever a person chooses to serve without reservation, becomes an anti-Christ, a Christ replacement to that person, whether the actions of the supposed "champion" are humane or beastly.

The best way to respond to this time of opportunity is to turn completely to Christ, follow Him fully and be conformed to His image. Be not deceived.

01/27/25 BREAK THE CHAIN

01/27/25 BREAK THE CHAIN

A juicy lie is easier to swallow than a dry truth. Lives, families, churches are destroyed because "Christian" people are as discerning as a dumbbell.

"So what, it isn't my church, my family or my life."

And I hope it never will be yours, but in the mean time your "gossipy" ways are destroying innocent people and separating you and your friends and loved ones from God.

01/27/25 FOR THE CHILDREN

01/27/25 FOR THE CHILDREN

It wasn't popular, and it was dangerous, but it was more dangerous to obey man rather than God. Every family made its own choice. Too bad for families who sacrificed their children on the altar of Statist Humanism. Look where that took the children and the USA.

It was 38 years ago, and I am still praising the Lord. 

It cost something to preach and teach the truth, and it takes parents with courageous faith to charge the gates of hell.

01/25/25 GOD CONTINUES TO CALL

01/25/25 GOD CONTINUES TO CALL

Anyone can mess up, forget, fail. If it is sin, we need to confess to God and turn from sin. Sometimes it is not an issue of willful disobedience on our part, and maybe not the fault of "another person," but we should learn from our experience, recheck our own course, and move on.

Though we may suffer because of another person's actions, God does not hold us accountable for their choices.

Seek God, His grace, His leading, His power, then follow Him as fully as you can.

As long as faith and repentance are possible, there is Divine hope and help (deliverance). In the most extreme situations God is still redemptive. Even if our service must take a different direction, His salvation is still available.

God gives us instruction and direction, which can keep us from falling, and can restore those who have fallen.

The Bible tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God, to continue in the Lord, to continue in the faith, and to continue in the grace of God.

It also tells us, to not be weary in doing the right thing, for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not (don't turn back or give up).

And it says, watch, stand fast in the faith, behave as a man, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, and be strong in the grace that is in Jesus. 

God gives us everything we need for life and godliness.

01/24/25 IGNORANCE IS HURTFUL

01/24/25 IGNORANCE IS HURTFUL

I very seldom get involved in an argument about COVID or Vaccinations. It is useless. Sadly, most people are so thoroughly educated on the subject that they cannot hear anything, with which they disagree.

People who deny any actual sickness related to COVID, speak as if they have all of the answers and know the best choice for everyone else.

I am glad some folks did not get sick. I am glad they did not die. I guess they don't know anyone who did die from Covid.

I agree that there was a lot of politics involved with the whole issue. I also believe it was more than just a natural phenomena. I also believe it was used by political agendas and possibly was the result of a nefarious weaponized sickness, maybe even man made. I also believe that many people were harmed by the supposed medical treatment. But none of this proves that no one was helped by taking the shot, and it does not prove that anyone who died without the shot would have died if they took the shot.

One of my main problems is that a cavalier, know-it-all attitude mocks those who may have needed the medical treatment and it mocks those who actually died from from the sickness or from conditions related to the sickness.

I had more than one loved one die because of the sickness. Some of then did not take the shot and there is valid evidence that it was a real sickness, regardless of where it came. Some people have respiratory problems, and the sickness took a toll on those who were susceptible. There may have been people helped or even spared if they had taken the shot. We don't know.

THEN THERE ARE THOSE WHO believe everything the government or the medical community says. The Socialistic government used the pandemic to extend its oppressive authority and controlling influence into countless lives of hurting people

They put their full trust in masks and shots and other "emergency guidelines." They are still slaves of the State and their gullibility will continue to weaken our country.

There are negatives to both sides of this issue. People need to weigh the facts and prayerfully make decisions for themselves, without being shamed by those who disagree with them.

How do I know that people can be wrong about this subject? Because I see them in error about other issues, which are obviously clear, and I see them boldly promoting beliefs, which are contrary to the word of God.

A person must make decisions for himself. Don't be shamed into anything. Don't live in fear of the State, society, sickness, someone's narcissistic claim to know all of the answers about everything.

Let me repeat, it hurts when people ridicule folks for taking precautions. Some took the steps and they lived to tell about it. Some did not take the precaution and they died.

To attack people or their intelligence or their faith is not Christian. If you think you have insight, share it. But since we are only human and do not have perfect understanding of these things, do not be rude, judgmental, unkind. The Christian faith is not determined by one side or the other of the COVID issue.

01/24/25 IT IS ON SCHEDULE

01/24/25 IT IS ON SCHEDULE

Maybe the first time I saw a prophesied event become technologically possible was when I was camping on Radio Island and saw Telestar in 1963. It was the beginning of Live Broadcast capability, making it possible for live global viewing of the Two Witnesses event, which was prophesied in Revelation 11:3-13.

Now we are seeing the rapid development of AI technology, which may be related to the worship of the Anti-Christ, mentioned in Revelation 13:12-14-11.

We have seen technology used for good and evil. Don't be surprised when evil invades your life through new technology, since human leaders are becoming more bold in sin. Sinning man loves power, wealth, pleasure and oppression.

Only Jesus can be trusted with unrestrained authority.

Neither technology nor communications is evil, but they can be used for evil.

01/24/25 GOD'S MINISTRY FOR GOD'S WORK

01/24/25 GOD'S MINISTRY FOR GOD'S WORK

We do not need incompetent, untrained, unskilled doctors, judges, food preparers, designers or builders of cars, trucks, planes, trains, buses or builders of houses, bridges, ships, electronic apparatus. We want the best we can get in all of these areas.

We also want the professionals in our lives to be actively pursuing ongoing education and training.

Not only should this be true concerning our pastors (spiritual leaders), we should expect our spiritual leaders to be better at their job (Divine calling) than other experts in their given field.

I am not necessarily talking about formal or institutional schooling. I am referring to an expert working knowledge in the various areas connected to our Christian faith and experience.

Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

Colossians 1:21-23
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Colossians 1:28-29
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

01/23/25 CHURCH UNITY IS GOD'S PLAN

01/23/25 CHURCH UNITY IS GOD'S PLAN

One reason that a Biblically grounded, Christ following, Spirit empowered local church is important is because false witnesses and their blind followers will attack the church (pastor and parishioners). With a New Testament local church there is a unified witness to truth.

Christians and Biblical local churches are not afraid to face their accusers and to speak the truth in love. 

Make sure that you are part of, and in fellowship with, a faithful local church.
This is not simply my point of view, it is the revealed word of God.

God designed, organized, established, staffed, empowered, indwells, leads, correct, reproves, purifies, Biblical local churches.

God refers to the Church as His Bride, Body and Building. God directed His revealed word to be sent to local churches in, Rome, Corinth, the region of Galatia (Asia Minor), Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, Thessalonica, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, as well as other unnamed local churches, and also sent letters to pastors, Timothy and Titus. God gave spiritual gifts to local churches for the perfecting of the saints and the conversion of the lost. God gives the local church the responsibility of Christian order, authority, discipline and discipling, local church government and accountability, and outreach, as well as the protection and proclamation of His word.

To blaspheme Biblical preachers, Biblical churches is to blaspheme the word, the work and the will of God. 

Just so you know, I have been preaching, teaching, writing and counseling these truths concerning the local church for over 50 years. Nothing new here.

01/23/25 ASSETS FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT

01/23/25 ASSETS FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT

There are people, young and old, even professing Christians, including pastors, who have no vision, motivation. Their wheels are locked-up.

Then there are human dynamos, even professing Christians, with no foundation or substance. Their wheels spin, but they only kick up sand.

Consider these factors, as you take personal inventory. 

Your Spiritual Foundation and Development. 

Your Abilities... Skills... Talents.

Your Dreams... Hopes... Goals.

Your Calling... Vision... Motivation.

Your Desire... Passion... Ambition.

Your Commitment... Determination... Perseverance.

01/22/25 NEITHER MESSIAH OR BEAST

01/22/25 NEITHER MESSIAH OR BEAST

Donald J. Trump is not the Messiah, though some folks seem to think he is.
Donald J. Trump is not the anti-Christ, though some folks seem to think he is.
Therefore he is not the rider on a White Horse in the Book of Revelation.

Jesus is the Rider of the White Horse in Revelation 19.
The anti-Christ is the rider of the White Horse in Revelation 6.

Though Trump and the impressive team he can assemble seems to have the potential of leading our country and even our world into peace and prosperity, he seems to fit the profile of a "world deliverer," he is not. He cannot be the Savior, but he could become a prototype of the rider in Revelation 6.

Being able to lead us out of the Biden chaos, Wokeness, Socialism, racial and political upheaval, Government corruption, financial failure, attacks on family, faith and freedom, does not make Trump a saint or a sinner. God uses influential people to accomplish His will, whether it is redemptive or judgmental.

Any person can turn from a good direction to an evil direction and any person can turn from an evil direction to a good (godly) direction, through the miraculous work of God through faith in Christ, if they repent of sin, and submit to God. God uses saved and unsaved people and their actions to accomplish His will. Throughout history God has used blessings and burdens to draw and even drive people to accomplish His will.

But it is also true that throughout history Satan has had a person ready to become the "man of sin," but only one man will actually become the anti-Christ.

We have seen, and we are seeing in Trump, how one individual can have an overwhelming influence on world affairs. We should be thankful for good leadership, but never think that our hope is in men, organizations, governments, military, education, economics, medicine.
Psalms 20:7
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Do not trust any man as your deliverer. Only God is our Savior. Only God's word is our rule.

Recognize and be thankful for the good things God will be doing through our new Administration. But always realize that our hope is in the Lord, not in men or human wisdom or power.

Don't allow yourself to lean too far in either direction concerning Trump or any other champion of the people.

Worship of Trump is idolatry, and Trump hatred is so extreme and twisted that it causes people to actually stand against the good and aggrandize the evil.

01/21/25 SALVATION TO GOODNESS

01/21/25 SALVATION TO GOODNESS

The works of the faithful believer are not works of the "flesh" (the inherited sinful, carnal nature); they are the works of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are saved from sin and saved to Christ likeness and to be conformed to the image of God's Own Son.
Matthew 1:21
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

Romans 8:29
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

It is blasphemous to attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan.

If your belief system denies the heart purifying work of the Blood of Christ, the heart purifying work of the Holy Spirit and/or the heart purifying work of the word of God you are opposing the salvation of God and espousing the doctrines of demons.

Salvation is not when men do the best they can, even as born again believers, but it is Christ in the faithful believer who is walking in the light of God and in the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

01/21/25 CULTURED BEHAVIOR

01/21/25 CULTURED BEHAVIOR

Cultural or cultured behavior or exercising social graces and manners is part of the Christian witness. It is part of personal redemption and lift.

Just as growth in grace and knowledge is part of the Christian experience, likewise developing relational skills and personality winsomeness is part of being an effective witness and worker for Christ.

In fact, being conformed to the image of Christ and nurturing and practicing humility, kindness, and compassion, along with the Fruit of the Spirit, equips and enables us to be effective ambassadors of God.

It takes commitment and practice and sacrifice to become the spiritually refined and productive workers that God wants us to be.

This is part of our discipling experience. God takes us as we are, but He doesn't leave us where He finds us. Christian transformation is a whole person reality.

Discipleship involves putting off the old man and putting on the new man. Some of our transformation is instantaneous and some is progressive and all of it is intentional. Christ-likeness is no accident, and it is not optional for the true follower of Christ.

01/19/25 A STERN REMINDER

01/19/25 A STERN REMINDER

Church splitters and family dividers are wicked enough, but notice what Jesus said about people who offend children. This is as strong as anything Jesus ever said.
Matthew 18:6-10 KJV
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Be careful who you let come in and minister to your young people. They come as wolves in sheep's clothing, devouring the flock and scattering the sheep.
Just so you know, there is no one from my family or ministry legitimately going around looking for a church to minister in, or asking to use other church facilities for their own "ministry." Any such contact is a misrepresentation of our beliefs and our ministry.

01/16/25 WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

01/16/25 WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Three factors involved in what we do.

What we need to do.
What we want to do.
What we can do.

Our relationship with God determines each of these three factors in our lives.

01/15/25 FIND AND FOLLOW GOD'S PLAN

01/15/25 FIND AND FOLLOW GOD'S PLAN

Martha was reading about a young man (William [Bill] W. Borden) who was heir to a fortune. As a young child his mother, converted to evangelical Christianity, took him to (Moody) Church in Chicago, where he eventually was converted through the ministry of R. A. Torrey. At the age of 16 his parents gave him a trip around the world for his high school graduation.
We have seen rich kids given this kind of opportunity portrayed in old movies. However, during this young man's travels he attended church in London and surrendered his life to Christ for missionary service, again under the preaching of R. A. Torrey. Upon his return he attended Yale and Princeton. He started and grew Bible study groups, reaching 1,000 out of 1,300 students in the school . 

When he set out for his missionary quest to Muslims in Gansu Province in China, studied and ministered to people in Egypt, while he studied Arabic. He contracted cerebral meningitis and died withing tree weeks.

There is much more tho this story, but let me tell you why I share it.

Not everyone can travel the world or go to Yale and Princeton (back when they had a more Christian orientation). But whosoever will receive (take hold of) and believe the gospel and whosoever will surrender his or her life fully to Christ can enter into a journey, an adventure that will take them to places and experiences beyond their wildest expectations.

We do not follow Jesus for the adventure. We turn to Him for forgiveness, cleansing, deliverance from sin. But God seeks the lost, in order to save them and He seeks those believers who worship in spirit and in truth, for His service.

We need God's salvation.
God calls us to His salvation.
We are accountable for responding to His call to salvation.
God calls believers to His service.
We are accountable for becoming the surrendered vessels, through whom He works.

We don't know how long we have in this world.
Don't waste a moment.
Serve the Lord with gladness, all the days of your life, BEGINNING NO LATER THAN NOW.

01/15/25 A STERN WARNING

01/15/25 A STERN WARNING

Through the years, one of the most demonic moves I have seen is when parents deliberately remove their children from the preaching and teaching of the truth.

It is bad enough when the carnality of "adults" leads them to reject Biblical doctrine, correction, reproof, training in righteousness, as well as the company of godly, loving people, but their sin is amplified as they rob their own children and other young people of the words of God and the work of godly leaders because they are more interested in promoting their self will than they are in following and proclaiming the transforming will of God.

Mark 9:42-50
42  And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
43  And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
44  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
45  And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
46  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
47  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
48  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
49  For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
50  Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

01/14/25 BE SELECTIVE

01/14/25  BE SELECTIVE

Offer your enemies the keys to the kingdom, but only let Jesus chart your course and steer your life.

01/12/25 PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT

01/12/25 PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT

These are SOME of the subjects addressed in my library. This is also an overview of my continuing education for ministry through the years. Of course, my Bible was the foundation upon which I built my knowledge.

I would study certain subjects as they became more relevant to my pastoral leadership, then continue to broaden my understanding in other area, while deepening my knowledge and understanding of previous studies.

Each of the subjects in the list have subsets of various categories, creating a very substantial body of work. Being shepherd and working to protect, provide for, and perfect (in the Biblical sense) your people demands constant, active commitment.

Reaching the lost and building up the believer is full time job for the serious servant of God. No slacking or coasting for those who serve God fully.

We need men who want to do the work, and will not settle for anything less than being all that God wants them to be. Pray for workers to heed the call of God.

01/12/25 PASTORS, PAY ATTENTION

01/12/25 PASTORS, PAY ATTENTION

Acts 20:28-30 KJV
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

01/11/25 BEWARE THE SUBTLE STATE

01/11/25 BEWARE THE SUBTLE STATE

It must be difficult for the supposedly "smart" people (the people who voted for Biden), to find out that the supposedly "stupid" people (the people who voted for Trump), were actually smarter (at least wiser) than they were. Even so, some folks still don't realize the truth after four years of sinsanity.

You can't vote for an anti-freedom, anti-family, anti-faith platform and be wise at the same time. Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.

Don't confuse loyalty to the State (any State) with loyalty to God. 

Remember, the devil does not care which leader you serve and obey, so long as it is not Jesus and His word. 

Acts 5:29
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Even good neighbors will despise Christ's followers, and will view Bible believers as the enemy of society.

Don't sacrifice your children on the altar of convenience, prosperity, power, or any earthly State. Lead them out of darkness into pure light.

01/11/25 AVOID ROADBLOCKS TO UNDERSTANDING

01/11/25 AVOID ROADBLOCKS TO UNDERSTANDING

Sometimes the problem is with what is said.
Sometimes the problem is with what is not said.
Sometimes the problem is with what is heard.
Sometimes the problem is with what is not heard
Sometimes the problem is with how something is said.

We need ears that hear and a heart that understands. 

Psalm 19:14 KJV
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Spiritual awareness, spiritual alertness and spiritual discernment (wisdom) comes from God, to those who are close to God. 

James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

James 3:13-18 KJV
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation [conduct, behavior, manner of living] his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

01/11/25 THANKFUL FOR THE JOURNEY

01/11/25 THANKFUL FOR THE JOURNEY

I often post about my love for where I live. I admit that there are many ministry advantages and personal blessings here.

HOWEVER, I have always loved where I have lived, and I have enjoyed special situations in each location, and I have warm and exciting memories from all of them.

Most of all, I have appreciated God's presence, provision, and protection, as well as the privilege to know and pastor the incredibly wonderful people we have been able to serve. When I am enjoying various opportunities here in my home area, I often think about friends in the past and my friends who are still living, and how I miss them.

01/09/25 GOSSIP MONGERS

01/09/25 GOSSIP MONGERS

I saw the following poster on a friend's FB.
"Gossip dies when it hits a wise person's ears.
Rumors are started by haters,
Carried by fools,
Believed by idiots."

Then I thought,
Sometimes your haters are those you love the most.

Jesus said,
Matthew 10:36 KJV
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

dlg note...
The divider, the destroyer is Satan.

Even then we are to love our enemies and pray for their deliverance.

When we align with God's word,
Jesus is the Restorer, the Healer, the Reconciler.

01/08/25 THE MESSAGE DOESN'T CHANGE

01/08/25 THE MESSAGE DOESN'T CHANGE

If you want to know the truth, you must look past the messenger and the method of presenting the message.

The messenger is important. God gives qualifications required for the messenger.

The method is important. Though methods change, they should never be carnal, sinful, degrading to the message.

The MESSAGE is the most important issue. Though there is nothing inherently wrong with the following list, don't let physical appearance, stately architecture, demonstrative or heady or charismatic preaching, musical talent, large numbers, big programs, winsome personalities catch your attention. Focus on the actual message. Study the word of God. Allow God to open your eyes and transform your life.

Shallowness comes at various levels and in various forms. If what you are hearing is not saving you from sin, it is not the gospel. Sound doctrine will produce Christ-like living. Biblical truth leads to being conformed to the image of Jesus. Saving truth purifies the heart and the life. Remember, either God separates you from sin or sin separates you from God. This is the message of the Bible from beginning to end.

01/08/25 DON'T GET SIDETRACKED OR DERAILED

01/08/25 DON'T GET SIDETRACKED OR DERAILED

Biden failed America by pursuing his stated platform (doing what he said he would do). It was sort of like a planned burn. You know, like Sherman.

Trump can fail America by going against his stated platform.

These are exciting times for America. We look forward to rebounding from idiocrascy and governmental sinsanity.

But since we are still in a fallen and anti-Christ world, we know that the nations, including the U.S., will ultimately choose darkness and reject God's redemptive actions and offers.

Here is a possible problem for our future. Anyone who rides-in on a white horse and appears to be saving the day, can quickly bring in great disaster.

I hope Trump continues to under-gird American principles and values. I love my country. I love my world (not the Secularist, Humanistic, Statist, godless world system). I want it to do right and I want it to do well. Remember, God loved it enough to give His Son to save any who would turn to Christ.

But I know that Jesus is the only One we can trust with our souls and our future.

Trump (regardless of his personal life) did not choose an anti-freedom, anti-family, anti-faith agenda for America. The same was not true for other recent Administrations (Obama and Biden) or candidates Clinton and Harris).

God has sometimes used godless people to lead nations into victory. But national victory without godliness is short lived.

Love not the world (the godless world system), or the things in the world (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, the pride of life).
1 John 2:15-18 KJV
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

The only lasting alliance, the only true alliance for a Christian is one where Jesus is Lord.

Political, national, institutional, religious groups, and even familial relationships are subordinate to our commitment to Christ.

We are disappointed when a person fails us or betrays us, but it is always a possibility. Jesus never fails. We may trust and commit ourselves to principles, movements, culture, and people, but we should only trust and commit ourselves fully to Christ.

This is why full trust, surrender obedience to Christ is so important in these days and in our own country (the USA). It is easy to become a follower of a hero leader or powerful benefactor or evil tyrant.

God Himself must be our only King, Lawmaker, Judge, and Savior. If your leadership does not submit to God's rule, God's word, then you must beware the direction the leadership is going.

This has always been true, and brazenly true in some places, but America has been spared from most of it. However, our society has been abandoning Biblical awareness and Christian faith, turning the young people into active enemies of the cross.

America is under siege and the only real deliverance (from moral collapse, political sinsanity, cultural corruption, social disorder, family failure, and spiritual destruction is salvation from sin through Jesus Christ.

God designed us to be free moral agents, with the authority to choose or refuse to trust and obey Him. With our choice comes God's promised consequences.
John 5:24-30 KJV
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 

God does not want any to perish and He takes steps to reach whosoever will believe on Him. He knows when the last convert will believe, and delays His wrath because of His mercy.
2 Peter 3:8-18 KJV
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Call on Him while He is calling you.
Seek the Lord, while He may be found.

01/07/25 QUICK REMINDER

01/07/25 QUICK REMINDER

I know, this is super simple, but it is a quick way to introduce the importance of Jesus to a person with these basic beliefs.

If...
A person believes there is a God,
and that person believes that he/she has sinned (violated Divine law),
and that person believes that God will hold them responsible, accountable for those sins,
Then that person should be looking for a way to be reconciled to God.
Wow, you will have exactly what they need, and the fact is, you may be the only person who actually offers them salvation.

These are not hard questions to ask someone.
You are not intending to get into a deep theological discussion.
You are not trying to start an argument.
You are simply asking about something they need to consider, and something they might actually be thinking about.
You are looking for someone who realizes he/she needs a way to be in a right relationship with God.
That is not a bad thing, that is a good thing to do.

If the person does not believe, either in God, or the fact that they have sinned or the fact that they need reconciliation, then you have a place to continue the conversation, if they are interested, or it is a good place to start a new conversation at a later date.

If the conversation is over, at least you have sown some seed and maybe you will have an opportunity to follow up at a later time. Or, maybe God will send another believer into the person's life.

We need to go, prepared to witness and sow seed.
We need to be ready to go deeper in our witness, as the Lord opens the door.

To keep the message of salvation from the needy is a sin. In this case, you will suffer because of your sin and the people you choose not to share the gospel with, will also suffer. 

1 Corinthians 15:34
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

01/07/25 TOOLS AND TREASURES

01/07/25 TOOLS AND TREASURES

I thought some folks might appreciate this partial view of the literary building blocks (Scripture) and tools (study helps) of my ministry...
I have Bibles and word studies, as well as commentaries, historical and geographical studies, Bible book studies, Bible subject studies, Biblical authority, doctrinal studies, biographical and autobiographical books, cult studies, occult studies, books on missiology and eschatology and ecclesiology and Theology, counseling, evangelism, pastoral life and ministry, youth work and family living, prayer, small group ministry, church growth, church finances, hymnology, the deeper life, holiness doctrine and practice, angels and demons, Christian camping ministry, Statism and Secularism and Humanism and Humanistic education and State attack on family and faith and freedom, and other important subjects...
I also use many Biblical and Christian resources, along with general information on the internet.

I am just a down to earth guy, doing the best I can to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, in a way, and in terms, that even children can understand.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 KJV
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Colossians 1:25-29 KJV
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

01/05/25 STEPS TO SUCCESS

01/05/25 STEPS TO SUCCESS

Sometimes the debris, the clutter, the leav'ns, the rubble, the remains remain, after a transformation, a restoration, a renovation, a reclamation or even after a reconciliation. This is true in the natural realm and the spiritual realm.

Don't be overwhelmed by the change, by the supposed "losses," by the challenge, by the new responsibilities.

Sometimes the changeover takes place at such a late stage that it looks like a new beginning is hopeless, or too demanding.

But God deals with life from an eternal point of view, and so too, should we.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The forgiveness and regeneration and cleansing and empowering and leading is the beginning of God's work in those who trust in, call on, and turn to God through faith in Christ. God's salvation begins in those who believe, and continue through submission, faith, love, and obedience.

God's plan is to conform us to the image of His Son. This requires a new life, a changed life, a faithful and surrendered life, a Spirit filled life, a continually changing life.

When God removes the corrupt and the useless things of our lives, we sometimes need time to clear out the issues or influences left behind. There are works of God which are instantaneous, but some areas need to be developed and reshaped over a period of time, such as habits, world views, culture, understanding and relationships. Some issues take longer to get properly aligned and most of it takes effort and planning.

Some of the things that remain can be organized and prioritized, some things need to be removed completely. This is where mentoring and counseling are extremely helpful. 

Sin needs to be removed. Brokenness needs to be mended, priorities need to be evaluated and growth needs to take place. Don't hold on to the useless and debilitating things. Rid yourself of anything that will wreck your life and limit your value.

The more messed up a life is, the more changes will be needed and the more time it will take to correct.

But whatever you do, don't settle for only the cleansing, the removal of the negative. Be sure to replace the negative with that which is spiritually positive. The Christian life is dynamic, not stagnant, and it is a life lived in agreement with God.

01/04/25 GO YE (yes, you)

01/04/25 GO YE (yes, you)

HOW CAN THEY BELIEVE IF THEY DO NOT HEAR, AND HOW WILL THEY HEAR IF WE ARE NOT SENT.

At the beginning of the week I heard someone at my front door. When I opened the door, the visitor looked like he could have been an LDS door knocker, but he was by himself.

Actually he was selling internet connections to a new service in our areas. Since I let Martha take care of our monthly obligations, I was not going to make a decision without her input. But I also knew that we probably could not afford to make a change in services anyway. If he had been selling trips around the world for $25, I could not have afforded to get out of town.

When he was about to leave I told him one more thing.

I pointed out that I had no reason to doubt the value of his product or doubt his sincerity. Then I told him that what he had to offer sounded lie an opportunity, but I also had something that I offer people, and what I offer people is essential.

He asked what it was.

I told him that I offer a right relationship with God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus. I told him that believing in Christ is essential because Jesus said that He is The Way, The Truth and The Life, and no man comes to the Father, but by Himself (Jesus),

He had a stunned look on his face, so I asked him if he believed he has ever sinned.

He said, "yes."

I asked him if he believed in God.

He said, "yes."

He still had a distant, but polite look on his face. I pointed out that there is only one Savior and we need to give our lives to Jesus.

Eventually he told me that he knew what I was talking about because he did two years of missionary work.

Aha... I was right. He was a Mormon.

I asked him if he was a Mormon and he said, "yes."

I then asked him if he believes there is only one God. I did not ask him if he believes in one God. There is a great difference in these two questions.

He said that he believes there is only one God.

I knew that was not the right answer, so I gave him another chance to answer correctly.

Again, he said, "yes."

I pointed out that I know what he really believes, therefor take time and answer carefully, with the right answer.

He said he believes there is only one God.

I said, "No, you believe in many gods." Then I said, you believe that God the Father was once a man, as we are men, and you believe that God became a god.

I went on to say, "you also believe that men today, if they believe and follow the faith of LDS, then those men will become gods, just as God the Father became a God.

I asked him if that was what he actually believes.

He said, "yes." He went on to say that he was saying he only believed in one God.

I pointed out that I asked specifically if he believes there IS ONLY ON GOD, to which he constantly said, "yes."

We talked a little longer and he said he needed to get back to making house calls, but he said he enjoyed our talk, and would like to continue it later (he actually said, "Sunday."

I told him I had enjoyed talking with him also, and I would love for him to come back to talk, but he needed to contact me ahead of time, to make sure I would be available. I gave him my phone number. But I also told him I doubted that he would come back to talk. I told him that Mormons have told me before that they would come back, but they never did. I also told him that I have talked to Mormons years ago, and when they realized who I was, they told me that they had been told by their leadership not to talk with me or visit people from my congregation.

I pointed out that since belief in the Jesus of the Bible is essential to eternal life, then it is essential for them to find out about the Jesus of the Bible.

He was a nice young man. Pray for him. Also pray for other Christians he will meet. Pray that they will tell him the good news, when they meet him.

By the way, when he left my house, he went next door to brother Wades house, and brother Wade also witnessed to him.

On another occasion he also visited sister Robins house and they got into the same conversation. Here is sister Robins own account.
"I met this young man yesterday afternoon as he was in my neighborhood selling his internet service. When we got to the place where he asked my email address, I told him what it was and he said, "What does that mean?" So I told him that it meant that I belonged to Jesus. He asked me what church I go to, so I told him. His eyes lit up and he told me that He had met you and Brother Wade. We talked about that for a bit, how long I had known you and that God led us to this area. He said that we were the only Christians that had shared our faith with him. He was quite moved. I did not know that he was a Mormon, until you shared this post. I know that our lives have made an impression on him. I hope he comes back to talk with you more!" 

Romans 10:14-15
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

01/03/25 NOT SELF SERVING

01/03/25 NOT SELF SERVING

Through the years I have wanted to see my congregations grow in numbers, as well as in spirit, godliness, knowledge, grace, love, faith, vision, ministries. But my desire was not for my own advantage, or even the numerical or monetary well being of my congregation

I want people to come to my ministry because I want them to have at least what I have found and experience what I have. I want people to become all that God wants them to become. I want them to be immersed in the power, purity and purpose of God, through the work of the Holy Spirit.

I preach holiness of heart and life.
I preach victory over sin and temptation.
I preach that agape love is the fulfilling of the law.
I preach that God makes it possible for believers to experience perfect love.
I preach that it is possible to have the mind of Christ and to walk in Christ's footsteps.
I preach that we can be pure in heart.
I preach that God calls and equips His children to do that which is pleasing in His sight.
I preach that we can be conformed to the image of Jesus.
I preach that God gives us everything we need for life and godliness.
I preach that "greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world."
I preach that Christ saves believers "to the uttermost."
I preach that we are personally responsible to God for our actions, but God has provided forgiveness, newness of life, cleansing, spiritual knowledge, power, reconciliation, guidance to whosoever will trust and follow Him.
I preach that there is Divine intervention, transformation, deliverance, in this present life and in the world to come.
I preach that God heals broken lives, relationships and hearts.
I preach that God's calling comes with God's enabling.
I preach that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.

And this is just the surface of the great truths found in the salvation that God makes available.

You can find these great truths in God's word.
Find them, hide them in you heart, live them out in your daily life.

I realize these may seem like commonplace concepts. However, there are very few people who live according to these principles and the number of preachers who proclaim these truths are very small.

Acts 20:28-32
28 'Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the assembly of God that He acquired through His own blood,
29 for I have known this, that there shall enter in, after my departing, grievous wolves unto you, not sparing the flock,
30 and of your own selves there shall arise men, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
31 'Therefore, watch, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease with tears warning each one;
32 and now, I commend you, brethren, to God, and to the word of His grace, that is able to build up, and to give you an inheritance among all those sanctified.

Hearing, believing and following these Biblical truths will change individuals, families, churches, communities, societies, nations. But very few hear, therefore very few will give their utmost for His highest and therefore very few will live life on the highest plane, few.

Make this the year that you walk in His light, His love, His life, His truth, His way, His power, His Spirit every day.

01/03/25 CHURCHES SHOULD NOT FALL VICTIM

01/03/25 CHURCHES SHOULD NOT FALL VICTIM 

If you buy into the destructive gossip of a disgruntled person who is badmouthing another person (which may actually be a very kind and deeply committed Christian), then don't be shocked when that disgruntled person turns their guns on you, your family and your church.

The Bible tells us not to put our approval on other people too quickly. When you align with malcontents you are encouraging their meanness, promoting their divisiveness, attacking the innocent, following darkness, subjecting your loved ones to blasphemous attacks, jeopardizing family unity.

This kind of wisdom and discernment is expected to be found in mature Christians and especially in pastors. It is the obligation of adults, parents, mature believers and pastors to protect the young and the immature believer from divisive, destructive people and influences. Whole families and churches are being destroyed by wolves in sheep's clothing.

The Holy Spirit, speaking through Paul, told the elders of the Ephesian Church (and told believers in future generations...
Acts 20:28-32
28 'Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the assembly of God that He acquired through His own blood,
29 for I have known this, that there shall enter in, after my departing, grievous wolves unto you, not sparing the flock,
30 and of your own selves there shall arise men, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
31 'Therefore, watch, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease with tears warning each one;
32 and now, I commend you, brethren, to God, and to the word of His grace, that is able to build up, and to give you an inheritance among all those sanctified.

We cannot stop individuals from falling prey to demonic attacks, but we can guard the flock.

01/03/25 A WALK AND TALK

01/03/25 A WALK AND TALK

The Negative and Positive Side of Getting Rid of the Deadwood.
The spiritual application is in the last half of the video.

Salvation is a positive thing, but there is a negative and a positive side to salvation. NEGATIVE, in this case, does not mean a bad thing. The negative and positive should be seen as "take away" and "add to."

I had dead and dying trees in my yard, so I wanted to get rid of them. I helped brother Wade cut down five trees, separated logs, branches and limbs, the piled them. We just planned to use the logs and burn the debris in campfires.

It was important to get rid of them because they were dead, cluttering the yard, unsightly, dangerous, and useless. After we dropped the first five trees a couple of local guys stopped by and were interested in our trees for firewood in the wood burner for their workshop. I told them they could have them if they would also move the leftover limbs and debris. They agreed.

When they came back on Thursday I helped them load most of the wood onto their trailer. Wow, was that a lot of wood. Then they dropped the other three trees (three clusters of trees). They will come back to cut them into firewood also.

I miss my trees out front, but they needed to be removed. Already I felt better. The danger they presented in high winds always concerned me. So, the negative part is past. The dead trees are gone.

Now I look forward to the positive part, which could include other trees planted out front, or a Gazebo for sitting, or places for flowers or swings, or fountains or seasonal decorations, such as Christmas. I could even have fruit trees.
Our lives also need to have a removal "dead trees" (dead wood). In salvation we have the dead wood of sin removed through regeneration. After our conversion we still need God to remove the Carnal Mind, aka Double Mind, Old Man, Evil Heart of Unbelief, The Flesh, The Root of Bitterness and The Law of Sin and Death (the Sinful Nature). Throughout our Christian experience God will be removing other forms of dead wood from our lives, such as habits, attitudes, relationships, goals.
But the Christian life is not just about removing the dead wood, it is about adding the blessings of God to our lives.

The positive side begins with newness of life in Christ Jesus, including forgiveness, purposefulness, deliverance from old ways, Old Man, growth in grace and knowledge, going from faith to faith, from light to light, from grace to grace.

Sadly, many who actually experience the saving grace of God do not move on in faith. They don't understand the continuous cleansing and development that is part of salvation.

01/02/25 DON'T LET IT BE YOU

01/02/25 DON'T LET IT BE YOU 

Early in my pastoral ministry I came to understand that there will always be some folks in the church who choose to live on the edge of victory, or just outside of victory, or at a comfortable distance from victory. Often this eventuates in a complete disconnect from any spiritual life and becomes a cultural religion rather than a redemptive relationship. There will be people who hear the message of complete deliverance from all sin, but they will continue to be more interested in the temporal rather than the eternal.

There are some people who will persist in having a form of godliness, but they will live outside of the beauty of holiness and spiritual exceptionalism available though faith in Jesus Christ. They will always be more focused on the worldly than the godly.

Don't allow the darkness to blind you to the brightness of Jesus. Don't put off the need to surrender every area of your life to Christ.

01/02/25 GETTING RID OF THE DEAD WOOD

01/02/25 GETTING RID OF THE DEAD WOOD

We had eight trees in our our front yard that have been dead or dying for a few years. I was always concerned about branches or trees falling on our vehicles during times of high wind.

Yesterday I helped brother Wade drop five trees and then sort the limbs, branches and logs for someone who was going to clear my yard.

Today I helped the men load the logs and larger branches (which was cut into firewood) and watched as they dropped the three remaining trees, which they will cut up into fire wood and haul away tomorrow.

The trees no longer provided shade. They became unsightly, looking like the front yard to 1313 Mockingbird Lane. They presented a real danger. Removal was the solution to the problem.

We need to examine our lives to see what needs to be cut off and removed and carried away. This is true for sin, but also for other baggage (spiritual, physical, relational, cultural, political, desires, habits, amusements, fears, attachments, commitments, hopes).

We come to Jesus with a great deal of excesses, which He can, and from which He will deliver us. But as time goes by, God shows us other things that are unnecessary weights which hinder our spiritual life and our service to God. Sometimes it is removal of things that interfere with our walk with God, and sometimes it is healing from attitudes, which are robbing us of spiritual victory.

Don't cling to the dead, the corrupt, the burdensome, the dark, the obstacles, which will ruin your life. God provides salvation through faith to deliver you and make you more than a conqueror. God will cut it down, pull it out, wash it away, burn it and purify you heart and life. The longer it remains in your life, the more it will suck out of your life.