11/26/25 BEWARE THE UNHOLY GHOST WRITER
A few days ago, I dictated a document on a personal "voice to text" app, which included basic statements about a religious movement that is hostile to the Bible, Christianity, and the God of the Bible. However, when I viewed my recording (in order to post it), the name of the hostile religion was not in the document, either in text or in audio. On its own, my "voice to text" app removed words like Islam, Muslim, Islamic.
I do not get AI to write my documents. However, most writing (even personal writing) online has a basic level of AI activity (such as spell checking).
The AI editing was done before I started to post it online, therefore it had nothing to do with social media. This re-writing of my own words took place on my own document, changing my document and the message of my document.
You should be careful with what you think your computer is documenting. I make enough mistakes on my own, but they are accidental. However, the kinds of changes made by internet programs, social media and your own computer can make your writing to be totally contrary to what you are wanting to communicate. Also, consider what you are being told by AI. Sometimes you need to read between the lines in order to see what is written on the wall.
I am not ashamed of my beliefs, my faith. I don't hide my commitment to Jesus or my doctrinal position, but Christians in a Christ hating, Christian persecuting society need to be wise in their public presence. The enemy of your soul is waiting to ensnare you and present you as an evil person. It is already happening and will intensify in the days ahead.
Don't trust the sinking Ship of State or the failing lifeboats of human endeavor. Jesus is your best hope; Jesus is your ONLY HOPE. Do not trust in horses or chariots or in the sword of steel or the arm of flesh or the deceptive philosophies of this world, or corrupted cultures and counterfeit Christianity.
America has ignored and rejected God and His word until folks don't even know where to turn for help today. We are now in an emergency situation. We will not recover most of what we have lost in the last half century, but we can snatch some from the flames in the days ahead.
Saturday, November 29, 2025
11/22/25 WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR OURSELVES
11/22/25 WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR OURSELVES
Regardless of the good family, regardless of the good home, regardless of the training, regardless of the material or spiritual advantages, regardless of the educational attainments, regardless of the social standing, regardless of the moral standards, regardless of the talents or accomplishments, regardless of the Christian influences, regardless of the community that a child is born into or is raised in or is initiated into, the responsibility to do that which is right, to choose that which is right, to believe that which is right is always left up to the individual as the offspring, child, the youth, the young adult, or the mature and elderly person.
Parents have the responsibility to provide the best environment for their children, but the choosing of the path is the responsibility of the child.
Adam and Eve were brought into a perfect world by a perfect Parent, with perfect provision and perfect training, but they made their own decisions. Though none of Adam's children have had the same advantages, we have all had the same responsibility. God does not hold us accountable for another person's enlightenment, but He does hold us accountable for our own choices.
There is great advantage in a godly home, beginning at birth and continuing through all of the changes, opportunities, obligations, privileges and challenges of life. The advantages are immeasurable, including a home with love wisdom, kindness, patience, training in righteousness and godliness, discipline, self-control, self-sacrifice, compassion, justice, interdependence, trust, mutual support, encouragement, guidance, respect, faith, acceptance, forgiveness.
But the way (manner and direction) a person chooses to go (whether child or adult) is their own personal decision. Take advantage of your blessings, do not be overcome by your curses. You decide on good or evil, right or wrong, God or Satan, life or death, righteousness or wickedness, and the right choice will always lead you into ultimate success and fulfillment.
We were all born into a world of trouble and trial, but we were also born with the advantage of God's personal love and concern for us. No matter how difficult life is and no matter how many obstacles we face, Jesus is the Light that lights every man that comes into the world and God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. No one should squander their opportunities. But the people reading this post are not disadvantaged or abandoned. If you are reading this, you are part of a society that is highly blessed with Christian truth, love, guidance, support.
How much greater are the benefits of those who are born into Christian circumstances! Don't waste your opportunity to communicate God's truth and grace to others, and don't miss your opportunity to receive truth and grace from others. We will all be held accountable for what we do with God's gifts. And remember, God gave His Son, God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and God gives us everything that pertains to life and godliness.
Regardless of the good family, regardless of the good home, regardless of the training, regardless of the material or spiritual advantages, regardless of the educational attainments, regardless of the social standing, regardless of the moral standards, regardless of the talents or accomplishments, regardless of the Christian influences, regardless of the community that a child is born into or is raised in or is initiated into, the responsibility to do that which is right, to choose that which is right, to believe that which is right is always left up to the individual as the offspring, child, the youth, the young adult, or the mature and elderly person.
Parents have the responsibility to provide the best environment for their children, but the choosing of the path is the responsibility of the child.
Adam and Eve were brought into a perfect world by a perfect Parent, with perfect provision and perfect training, but they made their own decisions. Though none of Adam's children have had the same advantages, we have all had the same responsibility. God does not hold us accountable for another person's enlightenment, but He does hold us accountable for our own choices.
There is great advantage in a godly home, beginning at birth and continuing through all of the changes, opportunities, obligations, privileges and challenges of life. The advantages are immeasurable, including a home with love wisdom, kindness, patience, training in righteousness and godliness, discipline, self-control, self-sacrifice, compassion, justice, interdependence, trust, mutual support, encouragement, guidance, respect, faith, acceptance, forgiveness.
But the way (manner and direction) a person chooses to go (whether child or adult) is their own personal decision. Take advantage of your blessings, do not be overcome by your curses. You decide on good or evil, right or wrong, God or Satan, life or death, righteousness or wickedness, and the right choice will always lead you into ultimate success and fulfillment.
We were all born into a world of trouble and trial, but we were also born with the advantage of God's personal love and concern for us. No matter how difficult life is and no matter how many obstacles we face, Jesus is the Light that lights every man that comes into the world and God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. No one should squander their opportunities. But the people reading this post are not disadvantaged or abandoned. If you are reading this, you are part of a society that is highly blessed with Christian truth, love, guidance, support.
How much greater are the benefits of those who are born into Christian circumstances! Don't waste your opportunity to communicate God's truth and grace to others, and don't miss your opportunity to receive truth and grace from others. We will all be held accountable for what we do with God's gifts. And remember, God gave His Son, God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and God gives us everything that pertains to life and godliness.
11/22/25 TEMPLE UPKEEP
11/22/25 TEMPLE UPKEEP
Tons of vital and current issues we are facing are stacking up on my computers, with Biblical truths, Christian principles, spiritual values addressing them. I don't have the time to study, sort, digest, proclaim even half of what I have to say, and sadly, there are very few who care about the dangers spewing up and fewer who care about God's instructions.
However, along with my studies, prayer, writing, speaking about these looming threats, I spend time taking care of God's temple. It extends my well-being and my life and my ministry. For me to live is Christ.
In my taking care of my aging body I set goals, which might not impress other folks, but it is for my personal, physical, spiritual and Christian life of ministry.
It helps me recover, hold on, and advance against the Destroyer.
This is a praise note. God is good.
Though I have suffered major health setbacks in the past few years, today I reached a personal best for this year. I bench pressed 175#s, which I have not done for several years. I weigh about 189#s, therefore I benched 90% of my body weight at 78 years of age.
My personal best was 255#s when I was 39 years old and weighed 175#s, which was about 145%of my body weight. My next goal is 185#s by New Year and hopefully 200#s by my next birthday (3/31/26).
Thanks to Martha for "spotting" me during my workouts and for brother Wade "spotting" me for my "best" attempts.
1 Timothy 4:8
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Caring for our body is service to God. Do what you can while you can. Otherwise you won't be able to do what you are suppose to do later.
Tons of vital and current issues we are facing are stacking up on my computers, with Biblical truths, Christian principles, spiritual values addressing them. I don't have the time to study, sort, digest, proclaim even half of what I have to say, and sadly, there are very few who care about the dangers spewing up and fewer who care about God's instructions.
However, along with my studies, prayer, writing, speaking about these looming threats, I spend time taking care of God's temple. It extends my well-being and my life and my ministry. For me to live is Christ.
In my taking care of my aging body I set goals, which might not impress other folks, but it is for my personal, physical, spiritual and Christian life of ministry.
It helps me recover, hold on, and advance against the Destroyer.
This is a praise note. God is good.
Though I have suffered major health setbacks in the past few years, today I reached a personal best for this year. I bench pressed 175#s, which I have not done for several years. I weigh about 189#s, therefore I benched 90% of my body weight at 78 years of age.
My personal best was 255#s when I was 39 years old and weighed 175#s, which was about 145%of my body weight. My next goal is 185#s by New Year and hopefully 200#s by my next birthday (3/31/26).
Thanks to Martha for "spotting" me during my workouts and for brother Wade "spotting" me for my "best" attempts.
1 Timothy 4:8
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Caring for our body is service to God. Do what you can while you can. Otherwise you won't be able to do what you are suppose to do later.
11/21/25 FAITH FOLLOWS AND FIGHTS
11/21/25 FAITH FOLLOWS AND FIGHTS
God said, "Come and Follow me."
And they did.
God also said, "Move in this direction."
And again, they did.
God commanded, "Take that hill."
And they did.
God further commanded, "Hold this hill."
And they did.
But what happens when God commands them, "Move forward and take another hill"?
And they don't?
This happens with individual believers.
It happens with families.
It happens with local churches.
It happens with larger ministries.
Yesterday's victories prepare us for today's battles, but today's insubordination (failure to obey God's leading) results in tomorrow's defeats and losses.
We are called to fight the good fight of faith...
For His glory...
For our good...
For the benefit of our next generation.
Caleb was part of the Tribe of Judah, but he is referred to as a Kenezite (being from the Edomites). However, he was a faithful Israelite who was chosen to be one of the 12 spies, chosen by Moses to spy out the Promised Land. Of the twelve spies, only two came back with a "faith" report (Joshua and Caleb), at which time Caleb said, "Let us go up at once, and possess the land, for we are able to overcome it." God later referred to Caleb with these words, "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where he went..." Caleb continued to trust and follow God for the next forty years and was one of only two of those who came out of Egypt and entered the Promised Land, when he was eighty years old. When he was eighty-five years old Caleb was still eager to do the will of God and he said, "Give me that mountain."
Keep on keeping on.
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
God said, "Come and Follow me."
And they did.
God also said, "Move in this direction."
And again, they did.
God commanded, "Take that hill."
And they did.
God further commanded, "Hold this hill."
And they did.
But what happens when God commands them, "Move forward and take another hill"?
And they don't?
This happens with individual believers.
It happens with families.
It happens with local churches.
It happens with larger ministries.
Yesterday's victories prepare us for today's battles, but today's insubordination (failure to obey God's leading) results in tomorrow's defeats and losses.
We are called to fight the good fight of faith...
For His glory...
For our good...
For the benefit of our next generation.
Caleb was part of the Tribe of Judah, but he is referred to as a Kenezite (being from the Edomites). However, he was a faithful Israelite who was chosen to be one of the 12 spies, chosen by Moses to spy out the Promised Land. Of the twelve spies, only two came back with a "faith" report (Joshua and Caleb), at which time Caleb said, "Let us go up at once, and possess the land, for we are able to overcome it." God later referred to Caleb with these words, "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where he went..." Caleb continued to trust and follow God for the next forty years and was one of only two of those who came out of Egypt and entered the Promised Land, when he was eighty years old. When he was eighty-five years old Caleb was still eager to do the will of God and he said, "Give me that mountain."
Keep on keeping on.
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
11/21/25 GOD IS AT WORK
11/21/25 GOD IS AT WORK
God uses human instruments, but He is not limited to them. Our hope and our help are in the Lord, in the now and in the future.
Yesterday I watched a video of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, as it responded to Venezuelan military aircraft.
It was informative and encouraging. Not only do we have the most advanced military force in the world, the U.S. Navy also has highly trained and disciplined warriors on the sea and in the air (and on the ground). Our military superiority has, does and hopefully will continue to keep us safe from the lunatic elements who want to draw us into war. Such an action would end in immediate losses to our enemies and possibly worldwide losses to every country.
I am glad the USA has the upper hand militarily. The world should be glad that the USA has the military advantage. USA moral standards, stemming from the Bible and Christian influence of our forefathers, and guided by moral superiority, which is also based on our Christian principles, are presently being used to support freedom and wellbeing for the USA and for the rest of the world. Just imagine the chaos and mayhem our world would be in if Russia, China, Korea, Iran or other Islamist nations (or any of a number of rogue pee-wee league countries) would act, if there was not a USA controlling them. Make no mistake, God is presently using the USA to keep the world in check. Remember, God hates anarchy, regardless of the perpetrator. The present time of worldwide upheaval is displeasing to God and He will finally execute judgement.
Someday there may not be a USA to keep the peace worldwide (think of a USA that goes completely Communist or Woke). The USA is a military world presence that keeps the lunatic fringe from pushing the "destroy" button and embroiling the whole world in self-destruction.
God's ruling presence always holds back Darkness from what it would be in the absence of His presence.
Behind, beside and beyond the natural and military power of the USA, there is the real power of God holding back total chaos. God's word tells us that it is the power of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit holding this world together and suppressing international overthrow. God does this through clean (believers) and unclean (non-believers) instruments. The Holy Spirit is especially present in the world today because He is abiding in the lives of Christians. When the Christians (the Church, the Salt, the Light) is removed from the earth (at the time of the Rapture), then the Holy Spirit will no longer be active in the world in the same way or to the same extent He is now active. This period (dispensation) of the Church Age (between the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two and the day of the Catching Away of the Church, in the future), will be replaced by the time of God's wrath, and The Tribulation (such as no man has seen), when sin, sickness, pestilence, violence, terrorism, demonic activity will run, seemingly unabated for seven years.
God will remove the preserving presence of The Church at some time.
God will also remove the preserving presence of the USA from the world scene.
There will come a time of great oppression and suffering. But until then, we (Christians) have an opportunity and an obligation to tell the Good News of Salvation to the lost. We will not save this world, but we can lead some individuals into eternal life, if we are faithful to obey God fully.
Jesus has not ended the Church Age (this period of Grace) or returned yet because He does not want anyone to perish; He wants everyone to come to repentance, therefore He is giving every opportunity for individuals to hear the truth and be saved. But God's Spirit will not strive with man always, and the day of opportunity for a rebellious society will come to an end, and that without remedy. Someday the last person will respond to the Gospel Call, and then Jesus will raise every believer from the dead, unite their resurrected bodies of believers with their souls, and catch away every living Christian to "be with the Lord in the air." This will be the beginning of the Second Coming of Christ.
This Gospel Age will end when God Resurrects the righteous and Raptures (catches away) believers. Then will begin Seven Years of unleashed Demonic revolution and Divine judgment, known as The Tribulation.
At the end of the Seven Year Tribulation Period, Christ will Return physically to the earth to Reign for a Thousand Years from Jerusalem. During those thousand years, Satan will be bound, and Christ will rule with a rod of iron. After the thousand-year reign, Satan will be loosed for a final assault and rebellion.
Christ will ultimately destroy this present evil world in a fiery finish. Then the Great White Throne Judgment of God will take place, judging every rebellious person for all of their wicked thoughts, words and deeds, which are recorded in a set of books. The charges will be made, the evidence presented and the just punishment will be meted out. God will cast Satan and all of the unrepentant into the eternal Lake of Fire.
There will be a New Heaven and a New Earth, since the previous will cease to exist. There will also be a New Jerusalem and the beginning of eternity with God.
In the world we have tribulation, but fear not, He has overcome the world, therefore we can be more than conquerors through Christ, in this present evil world and in the world to come.
God uses human instruments, but He is not limited to them. Our hope and our help are in the Lord, in the now and in the future.
Yesterday I watched a video of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, as it responded to Venezuelan military aircraft.
It was informative and encouraging. Not only do we have the most advanced military force in the world, the U.S. Navy also has highly trained and disciplined warriors on the sea and in the air (and on the ground). Our military superiority has, does and hopefully will continue to keep us safe from the lunatic elements who want to draw us into war. Such an action would end in immediate losses to our enemies and possibly worldwide losses to every country.
I am glad the USA has the upper hand militarily. The world should be glad that the USA has the military advantage. USA moral standards, stemming from the Bible and Christian influence of our forefathers, and guided by moral superiority, which is also based on our Christian principles, are presently being used to support freedom and wellbeing for the USA and for the rest of the world. Just imagine the chaos and mayhem our world would be in if Russia, China, Korea, Iran or other Islamist nations (or any of a number of rogue pee-wee league countries) would act, if there was not a USA controlling them. Make no mistake, God is presently using the USA to keep the world in check. Remember, God hates anarchy, regardless of the perpetrator. The present time of worldwide upheaval is displeasing to God and He will finally execute judgement.
Someday there may not be a USA to keep the peace worldwide (think of a USA that goes completely Communist or Woke). The USA is a military world presence that keeps the lunatic fringe from pushing the "destroy" button and embroiling the whole world in self-destruction.
God's ruling presence always holds back Darkness from what it would be in the absence of His presence.
Behind, beside and beyond the natural and military power of the USA, there is the real power of God holding back total chaos. God's word tells us that it is the power of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit holding this world together and suppressing international overthrow. God does this through clean (believers) and unclean (non-believers) instruments. The Holy Spirit is especially present in the world today because He is abiding in the lives of Christians. When the Christians (the Church, the Salt, the Light) is removed from the earth (at the time of the Rapture), then the Holy Spirit will no longer be active in the world in the same way or to the same extent He is now active. This period (dispensation) of the Church Age (between the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two and the day of the Catching Away of the Church, in the future), will be replaced by the time of God's wrath, and The Tribulation (such as no man has seen), when sin, sickness, pestilence, violence, terrorism, demonic activity will run, seemingly unabated for seven years.
God will remove the preserving presence of The Church at some time.
God will also remove the preserving presence of the USA from the world scene.
There will come a time of great oppression and suffering. But until then, we (Christians) have an opportunity and an obligation to tell the Good News of Salvation to the lost. We will not save this world, but we can lead some individuals into eternal life, if we are faithful to obey God fully.
Jesus has not ended the Church Age (this period of Grace) or returned yet because He does not want anyone to perish; He wants everyone to come to repentance, therefore He is giving every opportunity for individuals to hear the truth and be saved. But God's Spirit will not strive with man always, and the day of opportunity for a rebellious society will come to an end, and that without remedy. Someday the last person will respond to the Gospel Call, and then Jesus will raise every believer from the dead, unite their resurrected bodies of believers with their souls, and catch away every living Christian to "be with the Lord in the air." This will be the beginning of the Second Coming of Christ.
This Gospel Age will end when God Resurrects the righteous and Raptures (catches away) believers. Then will begin Seven Years of unleashed Demonic revolution and Divine judgment, known as The Tribulation.
At the end of the Seven Year Tribulation Period, Christ will Return physically to the earth to Reign for a Thousand Years from Jerusalem. During those thousand years, Satan will be bound, and Christ will rule with a rod of iron. After the thousand-year reign, Satan will be loosed for a final assault and rebellion.
Christ will ultimately destroy this present evil world in a fiery finish. Then the Great White Throne Judgment of God will take place, judging every rebellious person for all of their wicked thoughts, words and deeds, which are recorded in a set of books. The charges will be made, the evidence presented and the just punishment will be meted out. God will cast Satan and all of the unrepentant into the eternal Lake of Fire.
There will be a New Heaven and a New Earth, since the previous will cease to exist. There will also be a New Jerusalem and the beginning of eternity with God.
In the world we have tribulation, but fear not, He has overcome the world, therefore we can be more than conquerors through Christ, in this present evil world and in the world to come.
11/20/25 ATTITUDE TOWARDS PEOPLE MATTERS
11/20/25 ATTITUDE TOWARDS PEOPLE MATTERS
PEOPLE MATTER
Don't allow Satan to make you a, people hater or a race hater or a foreigner hater. Don't attack people because of their culture or their politics or their religion. Keep in mind that people should not be the focus of our disturbance or upheaval. If a religious system or political system or a culture is corrupt and destructive, that is a worthy target of criticism and measured resistance, but people, races, nationalities and even the proponents of evil religions are the people for whom Jesus died and they are the people we are expected to love. This does not mean we should be gullibly tolerant of evil systems, or blind to the dangers of evil people, but it does mean that we will love even our enemies and we should not give the appearance of arrogance, snobbery, disdain for the people who are being held by the chains of darkness.
Don't mock them, demean them, insult them. Don't camouflage your carnal prejudice and bigotry under a cloak of "patriotism," cultural excellence, religious superiority (including Christianity). We (as Christians) wrestle not against flesh and blood (people) but against principalities... (spiritual entities). Scripture tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. Pride is the killer. We should not have pride of face, lace, place, race or grace. We are to think more highly of other's than we think of ourselves. Our disdain should not be for them but for the deception and chains that hold them captive. Don't say things that put barriers between you and other people. If we love them, maybe we will gain their respect, and they will listen to what we say about God's ability to save them from their oppressive and destructive alliances. If we are people of grace, we will manifest grace and graciousness. WWJD is not a bad question to ask ourselves in those situations.
It is not difficult to come across as judgmental or narcissistic. It takes humility, grace, kindness, love to present the compassion and likeness of Jesus to people. We can be strong without being brutish or callous or self-aggrandizing. I like the phrase, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me." But it should be much more than a catchy phrase. It should be a watchword, a battle-cry, a brand by which people identify us and our message.
We are not here to magnify a political party, a form of government, a nation, an economic system. Yes, there are good forms and evil forms in each of these systems, and we want everyone to share in the better forms, but that is separate from having or displaying an attitude of superiority. Salvation, Christianity is a reality that exists in the most welcoming and the most forbidding of social, political environments. We should live with the same spiritual and community standards, regardless of where we live. We are here to magnify God and to show other people what it is like to be part of the kingdom of God. We are here to reconcile the lost to Jesus, and we can't do that if we are going to exalt ourselves above them.
ATTITUDE MATTERS
Make certain you have a Christlike worldview and relationship with all men.
PEOPLE MATTER
Don't allow Satan to make you a, people hater or a race hater or a foreigner hater. Don't attack people because of their culture or their politics or their religion. Keep in mind that people should not be the focus of our disturbance or upheaval. If a religious system or political system or a culture is corrupt and destructive, that is a worthy target of criticism and measured resistance, but people, races, nationalities and even the proponents of evil religions are the people for whom Jesus died and they are the people we are expected to love. This does not mean we should be gullibly tolerant of evil systems, or blind to the dangers of evil people, but it does mean that we will love even our enemies and we should not give the appearance of arrogance, snobbery, disdain for the people who are being held by the chains of darkness.
Don't mock them, demean them, insult them. Don't camouflage your carnal prejudice and bigotry under a cloak of "patriotism," cultural excellence, religious superiority (including Christianity). We (as Christians) wrestle not against flesh and blood (people) but against principalities... (spiritual entities). Scripture tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. Pride is the killer. We should not have pride of face, lace, place, race or grace. We are to think more highly of other's than we think of ourselves. Our disdain should not be for them but for the deception and chains that hold them captive. Don't say things that put barriers between you and other people. If we love them, maybe we will gain their respect, and they will listen to what we say about God's ability to save them from their oppressive and destructive alliances. If we are people of grace, we will manifest grace and graciousness. WWJD is not a bad question to ask ourselves in those situations.
It is not difficult to come across as judgmental or narcissistic. It takes humility, grace, kindness, love to present the compassion and likeness of Jesus to people. We can be strong without being brutish or callous or self-aggrandizing. I like the phrase, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me." But it should be much more than a catchy phrase. It should be a watchword, a battle-cry, a brand by which people identify us and our message.
We are not here to magnify a political party, a form of government, a nation, an economic system. Yes, there are good forms and evil forms in each of these systems, and we want everyone to share in the better forms, but that is separate from having or displaying an attitude of superiority. Salvation, Christianity is a reality that exists in the most welcoming and the most forbidding of social, political environments. We should live with the same spiritual and community standards, regardless of where we live. We are here to magnify God and to show other people what it is like to be part of the kingdom of God. We are here to reconcile the lost to Jesus, and we can't do that if we are going to exalt ourselves above them.
ATTITUDE MATTERS
Make certain you have a Christlike worldview and relationship with all men.
11/18/25 ALLOW THE CHILDREN AND FORBID THEM NOT
11/18/25 ALLOW THE CHILDREN AND FORBID THEM NOT
INTRODUCTION
(The photo shows me at the age of two. I came to know and accept Jesus at a very young age. In fact, within a year of this photo, I knew God had called me to preach the gospel. Also take note, my parents (though I always loved them dearly) were not Christians and they were not church attenders. I came to know Jesus by hearing Bible stories. I became aware at a very young age that I had "been ugly" (a term for bad, evil, sinful), and I was sorry that I had displeased God. I asked Jesus to forgive me and to come into my heart. AND HE DID. And He called me to tell others about Him.
Reach children while they are very young. They are more receptive then than they will be as they get older. Then teach them in the way they should go. Lead them into total commitment and save them from backsliding.)
I WISH I HAD BEEN PART OF A CHURCH AND FAMILY THAT PROCLAIMED FULL SALVATION. I did not hear about it until I went to John Wesley Bible College in Greensboro in 1965. (Among other superlative mentors and favorite people was, President J. Neal Anderson).
THE LESSON
Even when I have encountered verses and passages, which I could not explain, I still accepted them as being God's word. I realized the problem was not with the Scriptures, but with me. On the occasions when I finally understood them, it was like, "duh, of course that is what it means." Here is a verse with a phrase that took me a while to explain correctly.
1 Timothy 4:10
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
(dlg... the phrase, SAVIOR OF ALL MEN)
I did not have any question that God wants all men to be saved and that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, and that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. But I also knew that all men will not be saved, and that sinners must believe on and receive Christ, repent of and turn from their sins, confess their sins and confess faith in Christ. In other words, I believed in the universal availability and offer of salvation, but I knew that all men will not be saved, therefore salvation is not, "universal." I looked at several explanations of this verse, but none of them satisfied me. Still, I knew that the verse was true, even if only in the limited scope of the various explanations.
Though I did not believe in universal salvation (all men will be saved), I did believe (because of Scripture) that pre-born and newborn and infant children were not condemned to eternal judgment because of Adam's sin, regardless of the erroneous explanations attached to Romans 5:12.
I knew that the Bible taught that all children of Adam are conceived and born with a sinful nature (the Carnal Mind, the Old Man), and I knew that no sin can enter heaven.
I also knew the Bible taught that no man would be justified or condemned because of another person's sins or another person's right relationship with God, but I knew also the Bible taught that the pre-born and newborn and infants were accepted by God.
Then, at some point, it dawned on me (because God cleared up my understanding). It all fit together because of the atonement of Christ. Yes, we were all conceived and born with a fallen nature because of Adam. We were born corrupted, but we were not born guilty. (the Bible says we are born corrupted, it does not say we are born guilty). Our inborn sin disqualified us from heaven, but we were not guilty. Guilt requires willful disobedience, and babies have not willfully chosen to sin. However, the atonement of Christ covers every "man" at their conception. Every child is born corrupted, but every child is covered by the unilateral and unconditional grace of God, through Christ. This is how and why He is, "the Savior of all men."
As a child comes to an age of knowing and choosing right from wrong, he becomes accountable for his own sins. This is why the rest of the verse says, "...especially those who believe."
It is not unusual for Christians to believe that deceased pre-born, newborn and infant children go to heaven. We just don't usually refer to them as being saved because they were not "converted," or "born again," or "saved." However, they actually were saved by the grace of God. Those who live to the time that they become accountable for their sins, must receive Christ as their Savior in order to inherit eternal life. In this case, the provision of salvation is unilateral, but there are conditions for the willful sinner, which must be met by the sinner in order for him to be saved from his sins (believe on and receive Christ, repent of and turn from sin, confess sins and confess faith in Christ).
The Scripture is right in saying that Christ is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe. This also nullifies the idea that a person cannot, "lose his salvation." We all "lost" our covering (our salvation) when we deliberately disobeyed that which we knew to be right. BUT GOD, Who is rich in mercy, calls us to faith and repentance.
We need to lead children, very young children, into love of God and faith in Christ. By turning to Christ at a very young age can save them from a life of debauchery, and misery. God designed us for salvation, and He prepares us for salvation while we are very young. When it comes to salvation, the sooner the better.
INTRODUCTION
(The photo shows me at the age of two. I came to know and accept Jesus at a very young age. In fact, within a year of this photo, I knew God had called me to preach the gospel. Also take note, my parents (though I always loved them dearly) were not Christians and they were not church attenders. I came to know Jesus by hearing Bible stories. I became aware at a very young age that I had "been ugly" (a term for bad, evil, sinful), and I was sorry that I had displeased God. I asked Jesus to forgive me and to come into my heart. AND HE DID. And He called me to tell others about Him.
Reach children while they are very young. They are more receptive then than they will be as they get older. Then teach them in the way they should go. Lead them into total commitment and save them from backsliding.)
I WISH I HAD BEEN PART OF A CHURCH AND FAMILY THAT PROCLAIMED FULL SALVATION. I did not hear about it until I went to John Wesley Bible College in Greensboro in 1965. (Among other superlative mentors and favorite people was, President J. Neal Anderson).
THE LESSON
Even when I have encountered verses and passages, which I could not explain, I still accepted them as being God's word. I realized the problem was not with the Scriptures, but with me. On the occasions when I finally understood them, it was like, "duh, of course that is what it means." Here is a verse with a phrase that took me a while to explain correctly.
1 Timothy 4:10
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
(dlg... the phrase, SAVIOR OF ALL MEN)
I did not have any question that God wants all men to be saved and that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, and that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. But I also knew that all men will not be saved, and that sinners must believe on and receive Christ, repent of and turn from their sins, confess their sins and confess faith in Christ. In other words, I believed in the universal availability and offer of salvation, but I knew that all men will not be saved, therefore salvation is not, "universal." I looked at several explanations of this verse, but none of them satisfied me. Still, I knew that the verse was true, even if only in the limited scope of the various explanations.
Though I did not believe in universal salvation (all men will be saved), I did believe (because of Scripture) that pre-born and newborn and infant children were not condemned to eternal judgment because of Adam's sin, regardless of the erroneous explanations attached to Romans 5:12.
I knew that the Bible taught that all children of Adam are conceived and born with a sinful nature (the Carnal Mind, the Old Man), and I knew that no sin can enter heaven.
I also knew the Bible taught that no man would be justified or condemned because of another person's sins or another person's right relationship with God, but I knew also the Bible taught that the pre-born and newborn and infants were accepted by God.
Then, at some point, it dawned on me (because God cleared up my understanding). It all fit together because of the atonement of Christ. Yes, we were all conceived and born with a fallen nature because of Adam. We were born corrupted, but we were not born guilty. (the Bible says we are born corrupted, it does not say we are born guilty). Our inborn sin disqualified us from heaven, but we were not guilty. Guilt requires willful disobedience, and babies have not willfully chosen to sin. However, the atonement of Christ covers every "man" at their conception. Every child is born corrupted, but every child is covered by the unilateral and unconditional grace of God, through Christ. This is how and why He is, "the Savior of all men."
As a child comes to an age of knowing and choosing right from wrong, he becomes accountable for his own sins. This is why the rest of the verse says, "...especially those who believe."
It is not unusual for Christians to believe that deceased pre-born, newborn and infant children go to heaven. We just don't usually refer to them as being saved because they were not "converted," or "born again," or "saved." However, they actually were saved by the grace of God. Those who live to the time that they become accountable for their sins, must receive Christ as their Savior in order to inherit eternal life. In this case, the provision of salvation is unilateral, but there are conditions for the willful sinner, which must be met by the sinner in order for him to be saved from his sins (believe on and receive Christ, repent of and turn from sin, confess sins and confess faith in Christ).
The Scripture is right in saying that Christ is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe. This also nullifies the idea that a person cannot, "lose his salvation." We all "lost" our covering (our salvation) when we deliberately disobeyed that which we knew to be right. BUT GOD, Who is rich in mercy, calls us to faith and repentance.
We need to lead children, very young children, into love of God and faith in Christ. By turning to Christ at a very young age can save them from a life of debauchery, and misery. God designed us for salvation, and He prepares us for salvation while we are very young. When it comes to salvation, the sooner the better.
11/17/25 WINNING SOULS IS OUR JOB
11/17/25 WINNING SOULS IS OUR JOB
When I witness to people, I sometimes ask how many times has a stranger ever told them about Jesus? Now I ask you, "how many times has a stranger shared the gospel with you, with or without a gospel tract?"
Folks almost always tell me, "NEVER."
Very, very seldom do people even remember any stranger witnessing to them, and at best it is less than three times... in a lifetime.
That is a tragic reality. Shame on any believer who has not given his testimony or witnessed (verbally or in written form) to a lost person. In fact, the Holy Spirit said the same thing to the Church at Corinth, through Paul.
ANOTHER TRAGEDY is that so few people have ever heard the FULL GOSPEL message of Heart Purity, which comes through the work of Christ through the cross and the empty tomb, and is accomplished in the believer's life by the filling of the Holy Spirit and the washing of the word of God. This is why there are so many backsliders in the world today; this is why there are so many "dead and fruitless branches" in the church today. This is why there are so many disjointed, dysfunctional, disenchanted folks who have turned from Christ and His church.
Jesus died and rose again to make us holy, pure, righteous, but most people who have gotten saved have never heard of the power of God that saves us from all sin and which, always causes us to triumph in Christ. In fact, most people will ridicule the Biblical truth of full salvation, and they will scorn the believer who proclaims it.
There are plenty of people who have never heard a basic presentation of the gospel.
But whether they have heard before or not, your witness can be part of the process, which God uses to reach a lost person, either now or later.
Those who have heard and have gotten saved also need to hear it again and you can be the one God uses to encourage them to press on in the faith and stir them to share the good news with someone else.
If you are living in the victory of His total deliverance, then you will meet believers who need to be told about God's marvelous grace that saves us to the uttermost.
Also, you should have a church and pastor that is Spirit filled and tells the truth in love. Don't hesitate to invite them to your local church gathering.
Our first concern is telling them the good news.
Then to lead them into a born-again experience with Christ.
And then to incorporate them into a loving body of believers, where they can be nurtured and trained.
Believe it. Love it. Live it. Tell it.
So, go ye.
When I witness to people, I sometimes ask how many times has a stranger ever told them about Jesus? Now I ask you, "how many times has a stranger shared the gospel with you, with or without a gospel tract?"
Folks almost always tell me, "NEVER."
Very, very seldom do people even remember any stranger witnessing to them, and at best it is less than three times... in a lifetime.
That is a tragic reality. Shame on any believer who has not given his testimony or witnessed (verbally or in written form) to a lost person. In fact, the Holy Spirit said the same thing to the Church at Corinth, through Paul.
ANOTHER TRAGEDY is that so few people have ever heard the FULL GOSPEL message of Heart Purity, which comes through the work of Christ through the cross and the empty tomb, and is accomplished in the believer's life by the filling of the Holy Spirit and the washing of the word of God. This is why there are so many backsliders in the world today; this is why there are so many "dead and fruitless branches" in the church today. This is why there are so many disjointed, dysfunctional, disenchanted folks who have turned from Christ and His church.
Jesus died and rose again to make us holy, pure, righteous, but most people who have gotten saved have never heard of the power of God that saves us from all sin and which, always causes us to triumph in Christ. In fact, most people will ridicule the Biblical truth of full salvation, and they will scorn the believer who proclaims it.
There are plenty of people who have never heard a basic presentation of the gospel.
But whether they have heard before or not, your witness can be part of the process, which God uses to reach a lost person, either now or later.
Those who have heard and have gotten saved also need to hear it again and you can be the one God uses to encourage them to press on in the faith and stir them to share the good news with someone else.
If you are living in the victory of His total deliverance, then you will meet believers who need to be told about God's marvelous grace that saves us to the uttermost.
Also, you should have a church and pastor that is Spirit filled and tells the truth in love. Don't hesitate to invite them to your local church gathering.
Our first concern is telling them the good news.
Then to lead them into a born-again experience with Christ.
And then to incorporate them into a loving body of believers, where they can be nurtured and trained.
Believe it. Love it. Live it. Tell it.
So, go ye.
11/17/25 WE CAN WALK IN VICTORY
11/17/25 WE CAN WALK IN VICTORY
I love preaching victory in Jesus, victory over sin and a life free from compromise, free from defeat, free from backsliding, free from constant spiritual failure. And I love preaching that it isn't a life of, "have-to-do," but a life of, "want-to-do." I love preaching that it is not a life of inward battle, struggle, turmoil, but a life of love, abounding, joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding
I love preaching the truth that God not only CLEANSES THE HANDS OF THE SINNER, and forgives, regenerates, empowers and enables the new believer to live a godly and victorious Christian life, walking in the Holy Spirit, walking in truth and love and light, walking in holiness and righteousness after conversion.
I also love preaching the truth that God PURIFIES THE HEART OF THE BELIEVER, delivering from the inward battle (the Double Mind, the Carnal Mind, the Old Man, the Evil Heart of Unbelief, the Law of Sin and Death).
I love preaching that a Christian can be more than a conqueror, can follow Jesus fully, can walk in holiness all the days of his life, can put aside all filthiness and abounding naughtiness of the flesh, can be cleansed of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness.
It is tragic that Christians are being robbed of victory and holiness and righteousness and purity, and the abiding and fullness of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of joy, perfect love, the very peace of God, a conscience void of offence, being conformed to the image of Jesus, and spiritual strength that enables us to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus.
Those who have not been saved, born again, those without Christ and those believers who have not been told the truth of salvation will deny the benefits of justification, regeneration, newness of life, self-denial, walking in Jesus steps.
Those who have been saved but have not been taught the truth about Entire Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24), or the actual evidence of the Fullness of the Holy Spirt (Acts 15:8-9), or holiness of heart and life, or resurrection power in this present evil world, will say that it is not possible to be set free from all sin and to walk in the Spirit. Most of them are still held by spiritual bondage because they have been robbed of the full gospel of salvation, although there are some who have a commitment of heart that is greater than the understanding of their mind and actually live the life they have been taught to deny.
There is no excuse for sinning, for backsliding, for disobedience. It is a shame and a crime that Christians are being defrauded of the treasures of salvation.
For your own sake, for your family's sake and for the glory of God, find and fellowship with a church and pastor that preaches the Biblical truth of salvation from all sin and a salvation that enables you to walk in victory.
I love preaching victory in Jesus, victory over sin and a life free from compromise, free from defeat, free from backsliding, free from constant spiritual failure. And I love preaching that it isn't a life of, "have-to-do," but a life of, "want-to-do." I love preaching that it is not a life of inward battle, struggle, turmoil, but a life of love, abounding, joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding
I love preaching the truth that God not only CLEANSES THE HANDS OF THE SINNER, and forgives, regenerates, empowers and enables the new believer to live a godly and victorious Christian life, walking in the Holy Spirit, walking in truth and love and light, walking in holiness and righteousness after conversion.
I also love preaching the truth that God PURIFIES THE HEART OF THE BELIEVER, delivering from the inward battle (the Double Mind, the Carnal Mind, the Old Man, the Evil Heart of Unbelief, the Law of Sin and Death).
I love preaching that a Christian can be more than a conqueror, can follow Jesus fully, can walk in holiness all the days of his life, can put aside all filthiness and abounding naughtiness of the flesh, can be cleansed of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness.
It is tragic that Christians are being robbed of victory and holiness and righteousness and purity, and the abiding and fullness of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of joy, perfect love, the very peace of God, a conscience void of offence, being conformed to the image of Jesus, and spiritual strength that enables us to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus.
Those who have not been saved, born again, those without Christ and those believers who have not been told the truth of salvation will deny the benefits of justification, regeneration, newness of life, self-denial, walking in Jesus steps.
Those who have been saved but have not been taught the truth about Entire Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24), or the actual evidence of the Fullness of the Holy Spirt (Acts 15:8-9), or holiness of heart and life, or resurrection power in this present evil world, will say that it is not possible to be set free from all sin and to walk in the Spirit. Most of them are still held by spiritual bondage because they have been robbed of the full gospel of salvation, although there are some who have a commitment of heart that is greater than the understanding of their mind and actually live the life they have been taught to deny.
There is no excuse for sinning, for backsliding, for disobedience. It is a shame and a crime that Christians are being defrauded of the treasures of salvation.
We are glad that God made the provision of repentance and restoration for those who fail in their walk with God, but it is a crime that they have not been given the truth of walking in victory all the days of their lives. Though God calls the sinner, and though God receives the prodigal (the backslider), and though God actively desires their repentance, there is great danger for those who continue in sin and for those who drift, slip away, go back. The heart of rebellion gets harder and colder and more satisfied to be separated from God. There will come a time when those who harden their hearts will suddenly be cut off, and that without remedy.
For your own sake, for your family's sake and for the glory of God, find and fellowship with a church and pastor that preaches the Biblical truth of salvation from all sin and a salvation that enables you to walk in victory.
I have not given personal opinion on this subject; I have given you Biblical truth. Search it out. If you cannot find it and if you do not have a pastor who will show you these truths, contact me.
11/15/25 NOW OR LATER...
11/15/25 NOW OR LATER...
Fram Oil Filters had a commercial that said, "Pay me now or pay me later."
As a pastor (shepherd of souls), I say, "See me now or see me later." It is better to avoid the snares of life than being rescued from them or being held captive by them.
Don't wait until your blurry, limited, narrow vision (understanding), which is called blindness in the Bible, takes you into destruction. Listen to the preaching, teaching and counseling your loving, enlightened and gifted pastor provides openly for everyone; go to your pastor and ask for his Biblical and spiritual insights concerning the course of life you are following. Follow his Spirit anointed guidance. IT CAN SAVE YOU FROM MANY PITFALLS (morally, relationally, culturally, socially and spiritually). To reject or neglect the Holy Spirit's leading through chosen, called and enlightened vessels is to close your heart and life to the work of God.
If you do not have a pastor that fits the New Testament model, then find one. This is a directive I give to everyone, including the people I pastor. Don't follow a "Christian leader" simply because of their popularity or charisma. Find a faithful servant of God and walk in the light that God sends through him. This is the Biblical model.
Remember, God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness, and the purpose of our ministry is to lead believers into the fulness of the Holy Spirit by giving them the whole counsel of God.
Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he (Christ) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers (pastor/teacher);
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 1:25-29 (the ministry of Paul and all God called pastors)
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.
2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
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.
Proverbs 15:7-10
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Do not take lightly the message of godliness. It is the standard to which people are called and by which God's people are transformed and conformed to the image of Jesus. If the message or the messenger does not align with Biblical standards, find a new messenger.
Christian light not only leads out of sin, it leads away from cultural and behavioral weaknesses and traps, which will cripple and rob believers of the exceptionalism found in following the steps of Jesus. Live your life as a light that draws people to Jesus, not as a darkness that repels people from the message of Christ. Don't hold onto anything (habits, culture, idiosyncrasies, relationships, ANYTHING) that destroys or diminishes your walk with Christ or your witness for Christ. Grow in Christ and grow up in Christ as fully and as fast as you can. God is calling us to perfection, not stagnation.
As a pastor (shepherd of souls), I say, "See me now or see me later." It is better to avoid the snares of life than being rescued from them or being held captive by them.
Don't wait until your blurry, limited, narrow vision (understanding), which is called blindness in the Bible, takes you into destruction. Listen to the preaching, teaching and counseling your loving, enlightened and gifted pastor provides openly for everyone; go to your pastor and ask for his Biblical and spiritual insights concerning the course of life you are following. Follow his Spirit anointed guidance. IT CAN SAVE YOU FROM MANY PITFALLS (morally, relationally, culturally, socially and spiritually). To reject or neglect the Holy Spirit's leading through chosen, called and enlightened vessels is to close your heart and life to the work of God.
If you do not have a pastor that fits the New Testament model, then find one. This is a directive I give to everyone, including the people I pastor. Don't follow a "Christian leader" simply because of their popularity or charisma. Find a faithful servant of God and walk in the light that God sends through him. This is the Biblical model.
Remember, God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness, and the purpose of our ministry is to lead believers into the fulness of the Holy Spirit by giving them the whole counsel of God.
Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he (Christ) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers (pastor/teacher);
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 1:25-29 (the ministry of Paul and all God called pastors)
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.
2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
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.
Proverbs 15:7-10
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Do not take lightly the message of godliness. It is the standard to which people are called and by which God's people are transformed and conformed to the image of Jesus. If the message or the messenger does not align with Biblical standards, find a new messenger.
Christian light not only leads out of sin, it leads away from cultural and behavioral weaknesses and traps, which will cripple and rob believers of the exceptionalism found in following the steps of Jesus. Live your life as a light that draws people to Jesus, not as a darkness that repels people from the message of Christ. Don't hold onto anything (habits, culture, idiosyncrasies, relationships, ANYTHING) that destroys or diminishes your walk with Christ or your witness for Christ. Grow in Christ and grow up in Christ as fully and as fast as you can. God is calling us to perfection, not stagnation.
11/14/25 OUR RESPONSIBILITY
11/14/25 OUR RESPONSIBILITY
If believers don't tell their neighbors the Biblical truth of man's plight and God's deliverance, someone else will lead them into a lie, which can seal their eternal doom.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34
33 Be not deceived: evil communications (bad companions) corrupt good manners (morals, behavior).
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
If believers don't tell their neighbors the Biblical truth of man's plight and God's deliverance, someone else will lead them into a lie, which can seal their eternal doom.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34
33 Be not deceived: evil communications (bad companions) corrupt good manners (morals, behavior).
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
11/13/25 A LIST OF BACSICS
11/13/25 A LIST OF BACSICS
The God of the Bible is not just merciful.
The God of the Bible is, "JUST," and "Merciful."
The God of the Bible does not save us in our sins.
The God of the Bible saves us from our sins.
The God of the Bible does not simply see us as righteous OR say we are righteous. (God is not deceived or deceiving).
The God of the Bible makes us righteous.
We are not righteous, pure, holy by our own nature or works.
We are righteous, pure, holy by faith in Christ and His sacrifice.
We are not kept by our own power.
We are kept by the power of God through faith.
Christlikeness is not inherent to our natural man, our old man.
Christlikeness is inherent to our spiritual man, our new man.
We are Christlike, not by declaration.
We are Christlike by transformation.
With man, salvation from sin is impossible.
With God, salvation from sin is actual.
Adam's disobedience abounded to all through sin and death.
Christ's salvation abounds much more to all, through Christ's sacrificial death and physical resurrection.
Because of Adam's sin, all children are born with a corrupted nature, which separates from God.
Because of Christ's sacrifices, all children are covered by the atonement, which explains, "He is the Savior of all men."
Personal sin results in all men being dead in sins and trespasses.
Personal faith in Christ, and repentance results, in believers being born again.
The God of the Bible is not just merciful.
The God of the Bible is, "JUST," and "Merciful."
The God of the Bible does not save us in our sins.
The God of the Bible saves us from our sins.
The God of the Bible does not simply see us as righteous OR say we are righteous. (God is not deceived or deceiving).
The God of the Bible makes us righteous.
We are not righteous, pure, holy by our own nature or works.
We are righteous, pure, holy by faith in Christ and His sacrifice.
We are not kept by our own power.
We are kept by the power of God through faith.
Christlikeness is not inherent to our natural man, our old man.
Christlikeness is inherent to our spiritual man, our new man.
We are Christlike, not by declaration.
We are Christlike by transformation.
With man, salvation from sin is impossible.
With God, salvation from sin is actual.
Adam's disobedience abounded to all through sin and death.
Christ's salvation abounds much more to all, through Christ's sacrificial death and physical resurrection.
Because of Adam's sin, all children are born with a corrupted nature, which separates from God.
Because of Christ's sacrifices, all children are covered by the atonement, which explains, "He is the Savior of all men."
Personal sin results in all men being dead in sins and trespasses.
Personal faith in Christ, and repentance results, in believers being born again.
11/13/25 WE ALL START OUT AS LITTLE PEOPLE
11/13/25 WE ALL START OUT AS LITTLE PEOPLE
Two photos... Grandparent's home in Scotland and me at two years of age. (you may need to click on the neighborhood photo to see the house and store).
I won a radio contest at World Famous Clifton's Cafeteria in Los Angeles on this day. Around this same time mom won first prize on the Queen for A Day radio program, before it was a TV show. This was just before we went to Scotland. (I tell you this to give context for my article).
The photo is a view of my mother's home in Rutherglen, Scotland (the house on the left with the blue House icon), before she married my father (1945) during WW2. My mother moved to my dad's hometown (Morehead City, N.C.) where I was born (in 1947). I spent a lot of time with Morehead family as a very small boy. I would go with my grandmother or grandfather to our neighborhood store (Mr. Kib's), and I would get some treat. My Morehead grandparents would tell Mr. Kib, "Charge it." This was my understanding of the mercantile experience.
My mom's parents continued to live in the same house in Scotland a long time (it is still there). Daddy, mama and I had moved to L.A. California in the late 1940s (the first time). When I was two years old (early 1950), my mother took me from L.A. to visit her family in Scotland. We sailed on the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Marry across the Atlantic. I still remember a few of my experiences onboard those great ships, including the ships horn blasting, a theater that showed the movie on a screen, which was visible on both sides. (Of course, one side was reversed, which is where the children sat on the floor, watching the movie. By the way, I saw an old movie several years ago that actually had a scene which included a "picture house" with this same configuration). Another memory was a lady and her little girl on the same voyage. The little girl's name was Irene. I was familiar with a lot of songs during my childhood. A popular song by Frank Sinatra and also done by The Weavers (with Pete Seeger) in 1950 was, "Good Night Irene, I'll See You in My Dreams." Whenever mom and I would go to our cabin, I would sing the chorus "Good Night Irene." I eventually came to understand what a dark and tragic song it was for a three-year-old, but the chorus was all I knew.
While in Rutherglen, we stayed in the house in this picture. I have a few memories from our visit in Scotland, where I celebrated my 3rd birthday.
I remember a ferry ride to Wales.
a horse race.
I made a "cone" to hold sugar, then went to the next-door-neighbors garden and ate some of the rhubarb in their garden.
I was with little neighbor children, who threw rocks at passing traffic.
There is another fuzzy memory from my early visit to Scotland and Wales. I can't explain it, but it had something to do with a group of children catching bees, bare handed in a meadow or on a hillside. I know, it does not seem to make any sense, still, it is a memory of some sort.
Apparently, there were a few occasions I decided (at the age of two or three) to leave the house by myself and go to the corner store (on the right side of this photo). The route was very similar to the one in Morehead. I guess I felt at home. I walked into the store, got a packet of biscuits (cookies) and told the store owner, "charge it," then I would return to my grandparent's house. One day I went to the store with my grandfather. When we walked in, the store owner said to my grandfather, "oh, he belongs to you. We didn't know who the little Yank was." At that young age I did not understand actually paying for things at the corner store, because back in Morehead my folks just said, "Charge it." Mr. Kib knew who we were Morehead, so I figured they would know who my Scottish grandparents were.
When Lydia, Mark and I visited the family home in Rutherglen about a decade ago, I retraced my childhood "snack run", which was 350 feet from the homeplace to the same store on the corner. I was 66 or 67 years older. It must have been quite an adventure for a 2- or 3-year-old. In any case, it was a much safer world in those days.
Two photos... Grandparent's home in Scotland and me at two years of age. (you may need to click on the neighborhood photo to see the house and store).
I won a radio contest at World Famous Clifton's Cafeteria in Los Angeles on this day. Around this same time mom won first prize on the Queen for A Day radio program, before it was a TV show. This was just before we went to Scotland. (I tell you this to give context for my article).
The photo is a view of my mother's home in Rutherglen, Scotland (the house on the left with the blue House icon), before she married my father (1945) during WW2. My mother moved to my dad's hometown (Morehead City, N.C.) where I was born (in 1947). I spent a lot of time with Morehead family as a very small boy. I would go with my grandmother or grandfather to our neighborhood store (Mr. Kib's), and I would get some treat. My Morehead grandparents would tell Mr. Kib, "Charge it." This was my understanding of the mercantile experience.
My mom's parents continued to live in the same house in Scotland a long time (it is still there). Daddy, mama and I had moved to L.A. California in the late 1940s (the first time). When I was two years old (early 1950), my mother took me from L.A. to visit her family in Scotland. We sailed on the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Marry across the Atlantic. I still remember a few of my experiences onboard those great ships, including the ships horn blasting, a theater that showed the movie on a screen, which was visible on both sides. (Of course, one side was reversed, which is where the children sat on the floor, watching the movie. By the way, I saw an old movie several years ago that actually had a scene which included a "picture house" with this same configuration). Another memory was a lady and her little girl on the same voyage. The little girl's name was Irene. I was familiar with a lot of songs during my childhood. A popular song by Frank Sinatra and also done by The Weavers (with Pete Seeger) in 1950 was, "Good Night Irene, I'll See You in My Dreams." Whenever mom and I would go to our cabin, I would sing the chorus "Good Night Irene." I eventually came to understand what a dark and tragic song it was for a three-year-old, but the chorus was all I knew.
While in Rutherglen, we stayed in the house in this picture. I have a few memories from our visit in Scotland, where I celebrated my 3rd birthday.
I remember a ferry ride to Wales.
a horse race.
I made a "cone" to hold sugar, then went to the next-door-neighbors garden and ate some of the rhubarb in their garden.
I was with little neighbor children, who threw rocks at passing traffic.
There is another fuzzy memory from my early visit to Scotland and Wales. I can't explain it, but it had something to do with a group of children catching bees, bare handed in a meadow or on a hillside. I know, it does not seem to make any sense, still, it is a memory of some sort.
Apparently, there were a few occasions I decided (at the age of two or three) to leave the house by myself and go to the corner store (on the right side of this photo). The route was very similar to the one in Morehead. I guess I felt at home. I walked into the store, got a packet of biscuits (cookies) and told the store owner, "charge it," then I would return to my grandparent's house. One day I went to the store with my grandfather. When we walked in, the store owner said to my grandfather, "oh, he belongs to you. We didn't know who the little Yank was." At that young age I did not understand actually paying for things at the corner store, because back in Morehead my folks just said, "Charge it." Mr. Kib knew who we were Morehead, so I figured they would know who my Scottish grandparents were.
When Lydia, Mark and I visited the family home in Rutherglen about a decade ago, I retraced my childhood "snack run", which was 350 feet from the homeplace to the same store on the corner. I was 66 or 67 years older. It must have been quite an adventure for a 2- or 3-year-old. In any case, it was a much safer world in those days.
11/08/25 ALL BELIEVERS ARE WITNESSES
11/08/25 ALL BELIEVERS ARE WITNESSES
Because I preach the Bible, I preach and teach a lot about the present political, social, cultural, academic, economic, moral and religious landscape of our country (as well as conditions globally), because these are the venues in which we as Christians live and in which we as Christians must manifest our salvation. Most parents who teach their children how to swim are not trying to produce Olympic champions but rather they equip them for safety and basic skills.
I am not trying to turn anyone into a politician, economist or expert in any of the other disciplines of life. I am hoping to equip my folks to live victoriously in spite of the dangers presented by these various environments, and I am hoping to sound the alarm, warning the lost, about the danger, into which they are headed.
My focus is to glorify God, which includes defeating the enemy and pulling down strongholds of darkness. I also want to build up Christians (as individuals and as a local body of believers), so that they will be more than conquerors in their personal lives and so that they will be actively rescuing the perishing.
Not only (personally and corporately, but as local churches), are we on a rescue mission, we are the salt God uses to protect society from the runaway corruption of evil (until the Rapture), and we are the light God sends into a world of spiritual darkness and moral chaos.
I don't just talk about the problems of this present evil world, I offer answers to the confusion and the pollution, and I offer actions to replace defeat with victory in Christ.
Christians should not lose their peace and perspective in times of perplexity, but neither should Christians pull their skirts up and slip into hiding from the call of God to stand against the Gates of Hell. Defeat starts with the individual, and it spreads to their family and encompasses the community, reaching into other communities. God directs us into and instructs us in personal holiness and requires that we teach the way of truth to our family and sends us into all the world to make disciples.
I am not saying that believers or churches will save America, but I am saying that God is not pleased with a gathering of self-satisfied, uninvolved spectators. We have the joy of Jesus in our lives in the midst of a world in turmoil. and we should not lose personal joy. But remember, we are at war with darkness and we are on a rescue mission, not pleasure cruise. We are called to be trained, equipped, deployed as soldiers of the cross. As Christ's followers (the army of God), we differ from the ranks of worldly kingdoms. We do not shed the blood of our enemies, instead we tell them about the shed blood of Jesus, and we go forth willing to have our own blood shed. We are witnesses for Christ. The word "Witness" in the New Testament is taken from the same root as the word "Martyr." To be a witness for Christ includes our willingness to be a martyr. This is New Testament Christianity, and our communities are waiting to see the warriors of Christ rise up, stand firm and set the prisoners of darkness free.
Because I preach the Bible, I preach and teach a lot about the present political, social, cultural, academic, economic, moral and religious landscape of our country (as well as conditions globally), because these are the venues in which we as Christians live and in which we as Christians must manifest our salvation. Most parents who teach their children how to swim are not trying to produce Olympic champions but rather they equip them for safety and basic skills.
I am not trying to turn anyone into a politician, economist or expert in any of the other disciplines of life. I am hoping to equip my folks to live victoriously in spite of the dangers presented by these various environments, and I am hoping to sound the alarm, warning the lost, about the danger, into which they are headed.
My focus is to glorify God, which includes defeating the enemy and pulling down strongholds of darkness. I also want to build up Christians (as individuals and as a local body of believers), so that they will be more than conquerors in their personal lives and so that they will be actively rescuing the perishing.
Not only (personally and corporately, but as local churches), are we on a rescue mission, we are the salt God uses to protect society from the runaway corruption of evil (until the Rapture), and we are the light God sends into a world of spiritual darkness and moral chaos.
I don't just talk about the problems of this present evil world, I offer answers to the confusion and the pollution, and I offer actions to replace defeat with victory in Christ.
Christians should not lose their peace and perspective in times of perplexity, but neither should Christians pull their skirts up and slip into hiding from the call of God to stand against the Gates of Hell. Defeat starts with the individual, and it spreads to their family and encompasses the community, reaching into other communities. God directs us into and instructs us in personal holiness and requires that we teach the way of truth to our family and sends us into all the world to make disciples.
I am not saying that believers or churches will save America, but I am saying that God is not pleased with a gathering of self-satisfied, uninvolved spectators. We have the joy of Jesus in our lives in the midst of a world in turmoil. and we should not lose personal joy. But remember, we are at war with darkness and we are on a rescue mission, not pleasure cruise. We are called to be trained, equipped, deployed as soldiers of the cross. As Christ's followers (the army of God), we differ from the ranks of worldly kingdoms. We do not shed the blood of our enemies, instead we tell them about the shed blood of Jesus, and we go forth willing to have our own blood shed. We are witnesses for Christ. The word "Witness" in the New Testament is taken from the same root as the word "Martyr." To be a witness for Christ includes our willingness to be a martyr. This is New Testament Christianity, and our communities are waiting to see the warriors of Christ rise up, stand firm and set the prisoners of darkness free.
11/07/25 AWESOME TRUTH IN ONE VERSE
11/07/25 AWESOME TRUTH IN ONE VERSE
One of the most awesome verses in the Bible:
2 Peter 1:3
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
This is not a promise of the things that pamper the flesh or exalt our earthly position. This is in reference to success in serving God faithfully, as the context makes clear.
There is no excuse for some specific failures in life, since God has enriched and endued and endowed and enable believers with every good and perfect gift, and God has made it possible to be more than a conqueror, and to always cause us to triumph in Christ, and to have victory over the world, and to walk in the light, and to keep His commandments and do that which is pleasing in His sight.
Though the "gospel of health and wealth" is a carnal interpretation of the provision of God's delivering grace and abiding presence, there is a sense in which God does bless us in being good stewards of His blessings, whether financial, material, positional, relational or physical. Some failures in these various categories, indicate failure in faith and in obedience to God.
Sometimes people have not because they ask not, or they have not because they asked for the purpose of heaping the benefits upon themselves. God is not a miracle monger or a well-fare agent.
God's provision comes with the responsibility to actively receive and care for our blessings. We may view God's provision as a gift to be used for self-gratification, but we are actually enriched in order to live in such a way that others may see our good works and glorify our Father Who is in heaven and to be a blessing to other people. God equips and gives the resources to us to serve and please Him. At salvation we are created in righteousness and true holiness in order to do His good will. We are not our own, we are bought with the precious blood of Jesus. His plan and will for us is to live in such a way that we will bring Him praise and glory.
Don't waste your time, energy, abilities, finances, privileges, opportunities by ignoring it, neglecting it or by using your blessings to please yourself rather than God. God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift and He demands accountability, even for our breath, our thoughts our words and our deeds. Avoid the appearance of evil. Redeem the time. Do all things unto the Lord.
This is not about working your way to heaven; this is about living a life that demonstrates the redemptive power of God to save people from sin and it identifies the chosen of God as those who have departed from iniquity. This is about making your calling and election certain, by manifesting the fruit of the Spirit and doing the good works you were created to do.
This is meant to be a call to enlightenment, awareness, repentance, faith, commitment, total surrender, faith and action.
It is not enough to "see our problems", we must also see God's answer and see how He wants to use us in accomplishing His will. You should either leave this post with a continuing holy determination to continue in the way of God, regardless of the enemy's attacks, or you should finally decide that you are not going another step, outside of the grace and calling of God. Be determined to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
One of the most awesome verses in the Bible:
2 Peter 1:3
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
This is not a promise of the things that pamper the flesh or exalt our earthly position. This is in reference to success in serving God faithfully, as the context makes clear.
There is no excuse for some specific failures in life, since God has enriched and endued and endowed and enable believers with every good and perfect gift, and God has made it possible to be more than a conqueror, and to always cause us to triumph in Christ, and to have victory over the world, and to walk in the light, and to keep His commandments and do that which is pleasing in His sight.
Though the "gospel of health and wealth" is a carnal interpretation of the provision of God's delivering grace and abiding presence, there is a sense in which God does bless us in being good stewards of His blessings, whether financial, material, positional, relational or physical. Some failures in these various categories, indicate failure in faith and in obedience to God.
Sometimes people have not because they ask not, or they have not because they asked for the purpose of heaping the benefits upon themselves. God is not a miracle monger or a well-fare agent.
God's provision comes with the responsibility to actively receive and care for our blessings. We may view God's provision as a gift to be used for self-gratification, but we are actually enriched in order to live in such a way that others may see our good works and glorify our Father Who is in heaven and to be a blessing to other people. God equips and gives the resources to us to serve and please Him. At salvation we are created in righteousness and true holiness in order to do His good will. We are not our own, we are bought with the precious blood of Jesus. His plan and will for us is to live in such a way that we will bring Him praise and glory.
Don't waste your time, energy, abilities, finances, privileges, opportunities by ignoring it, neglecting it or by using your blessings to please yourself rather than God. God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift and He demands accountability, even for our breath, our thoughts our words and our deeds. Avoid the appearance of evil. Redeem the time. Do all things unto the Lord.
This is not about working your way to heaven; this is about living a life that demonstrates the redemptive power of God to save people from sin and it identifies the chosen of God as those who have departed from iniquity. This is about making your calling and election certain, by manifesting the fruit of the Spirit and doing the good works you were created to do.
This is meant to be a call to enlightenment, awareness, repentance, faith, commitment, total surrender, faith and action.
It is not enough to "see our problems", we must also see God's answer and see how He wants to use us in accomplishing His will. You should either leave this post with a continuing holy determination to continue in the way of God, regardless of the enemy's attacks, or you should finally decide that you are not going another step, outside of the grace and calling of God. Be determined to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
11/05/25 WE NEED A KING
11/05/25 WE NEED A KING
Actually, we need The King, Jesus Christ. But we will not see The King of kings until Jesus comes back.
In the meantime, we are directed by God to self-govern. God gave humans the responsibility to self-govern under the Supreme Rule of God, or we have the choice of freedom to self-govern, while rejecting God's Supreme Authority.
(By the way, keep this thought as your read this post...)
As Christians we have a God given strong sense of right-and-wrong and justice. This is good. We should not lose our sense of right and justice, but neither should we lose the fact that God is love, and love is redemptive. This does not mean that the guilty are not guilty, but it does mean that Jesus died and rose again to forgive and transform sinners and give them eternal salvation. Salvation does not remove accountability and judgment for the crimes a person commits in this world, but it is instrumental in reconciling lost people to God, if they trust in Christ. This post is not addressing the fact of God's judgment or the right and responsibility of the State to protect and provide justice. This post is about the Christian view and work of reconciling the lost to Christ.
Don't sit on a "high horse," of carnal disapproval, attacking the enemy. This is where the idea of, "hate the sin, but love the sinner," is appropriate. Wicked people, movements, nations all need to be condemned for their godlessness, but at the same time we should see the fact that we, as believers, could be in the same situation, except for the grace of God. Love will cause and enable us to treat others in the way we would want others to treat us. Remember, the guilty one needs redemption and remember, they have loved ones that need Christ. Do not put a barrier of "self-righteousness" between God and other people.
God gave us freedom (actually RESPONSIBILITY [obligation and opportunity]) to rule self and rule society, while submitting to the Divine Authority, or the "freedom" (actually REBELLION [obstruction and opposition]) to rule self or rule society, while submitting to Demonic Anarchy.
All authority is morally and legally answerable to God in heavens court. Rebellion is the attitude that goes with overthrow, but overthrow is not always the end result. In the case of God's sovereignty, there are rebels, but there is no ultimate overthrow of God's kingdom. On the other hand, God will reign and rule forever, casting down His enemies eternally.
Make your calling and election to salvation sure (certain and settled) by choosing to submit and follow the rule of God in your life. This means casting down and casting out everything that stands against the rule of God, whether political or private, religious, secular, cultural or legal.
The Christian does not resist evil with the sword of steel, but with the sword of the Spirit. It is the Government's responsibility to wield the sword of steel. While evil kingdoms rise and fall, Christians stand firm in their commitment to the Lordship (Kingship, Rulership) of Jesus Christ. The Christian, the Church must live by God's directives for believers, and we must recognize the State's right to carry out its God given task to punish the criminal and protect the law abiding.
Christians are salt in a corrupted and corrupting world; we are light in a dark and demonic world. Those who trust and follow Jesus do not bow before the Prince of Darkness, the god of this world. We will stand, we will serve and we will suffer rather than surrender to the Wicked One. We will stand for righteousness, we will denounce and renounce wickedness, we will cry aloud and spare not, regardless of personal cost, we will live the life of Christ in this present evil world, we will proclaim the way of truth, light, life, deliverance through Jesus.
This world is not His kingdom. Neither this world nor this world system is eternal. Political parties are the not kingdom of God nor are they the Body of Christ. We will do what is Christlike to save people from the snare of the demonic deception, but we will not take up carnal weapons or physical violence to bring the kingdom of God. Jesus said,
In John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
The institution related to the present Lordship of Christ is His Church. (not an earthly kingdom). Christ is the One Lord over the Church. His kingdom is an invisible kingdom, which is not physical or national or political or geographic or economic or racial. His kingdom in this world is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy. We, as Christians, are strangers, sojourners, aliens in this world. We are not trying to save the world (as a political, human system), but we are God's Ambassadors, offering reconciliation to individual rebels. Our weapons are not carnal, but spiritual; we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual beings.
This Romans passage is not a carte blanch for any human government (private or political). It is a reminder that all legitimate government submits to Divine rule.
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Read all of Proverbs 29 with the idea that it applies to individuals and to nations.
Proverbs 29:1-27
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Privately we must not resist legitimate human rule, though we must not yield to any man-made rule which opposes God's written and revealed Authority, found in the Bible. We must obey human authority when it is not in contradiction or conflict with Divine Rule.
Obey God rather than man.
Acts 5:22-32
22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Remember, God is love; Love is the fulfilling of the law; love is found in what we think, say and do; love never fail.
Our responsibility is to love our enemies, our neighbors. Our responsibility is to speak the truth in love. Our responsibility is to let others see and hear God's call to salvation, through us.
We choose to be instruments of His love, forgiveness, reconciliation or we choose to be stumbling stones.
Actually, we need The King, Jesus Christ. But we will not see The King of kings until Jesus comes back.
In the meantime, we are directed by God to self-govern. God gave humans the responsibility to self-govern under the Supreme Rule of God, or we have the choice of freedom to self-govern, while rejecting God's Supreme Authority.
(By the way, keep this thought as your read this post...)
As Christians we have a God given strong sense of right-and-wrong and justice. This is good. We should not lose our sense of right and justice, but neither should we lose the fact that God is love, and love is redemptive. This does not mean that the guilty are not guilty, but it does mean that Jesus died and rose again to forgive and transform sinners and give them eternal salvation. Salvation does not remove accountability and judgment for the crimes a person commits in this world, but it is instrumental in reconciling lost people to God, if they trust in Christ. This post is not addressing the fact of God's judgment or the right and responsibility of the State to protect and provide justice. This post is about the Christian view and work of reconciling the lost to Christ.
Don't sit on a "high horse," of carnal disapproval, attacking the enemy. This is where the idea of, "hate the sin, but love the sinner," is appropriate. Wicked people, movements, nations all need to be condemned for their godlessness, but at the same time we should see the fact that we, as believers, could be in the same situation, except for the grace of God. Love will cause and enable us to treat others in the way we would want others to treat us. Remember, the guilty one needs redemption and remember, they have loved ones that need Christ. Do not put a barrier of "self-righteousness" between God and other people.
God gave us freedom (actually RESPONSIBILITY [obligation and opportunity]) to rule self and rule society, while submitting to the Divine Authority, or the "freedom" (actually REBELLION [obstruction and opposition]) to rule self or rule society, while submitting to Demonic Anarchy.
All authority is morally and legally answerable to God in heavens court. Rebellion is the attitude that goes with overthrow, but overthrow is not always the end result. In the case of God's sovereignty, there are rebels, but there is no ultimate overthrow of God's kingdom. On the other hand, God will reign and rule forever, casting down His enemies eternally.
Make your calling and election to salvation sure (certain and settled) by choosing to submit and follow the rule of God in your life. This means casting down and casting out everything that stands against the rule of God, whether political or private, religious, secular, cultural or legal.
The Christian does not resist evil with the sword of steel, but with the sword of the Spirit. It is the Government's responsibility to wield the sword of steel. While evil kingdoms rise and fall, Christians stand firm in their commitment to the Lordship (Kingship, Rulership) of Jesus Christ. The Christian, the Church must live by God's directives for believers, and we must recognize the State's right to carry out its God given task to punish the criminal and protect the law abiding.
Christians are salt in a corrupted and corrupting world; we are light in a dark and demonic world. Those who trust and follow Jesus do not bow before the Prince of Darkness, the god of this world. We will stand, we will serve and we will suffer rather than surrender to the Wicked One. We will stand for righteousness, we will denounce and renounce wickedness, we will cry aloud and spare not, regardless of personal cost, we will live the life of Christ in this present evil world, we will proclaim the way of truth, light, life, deliverance through Jesus.
This world is not His kingdom. Neither this world nor this world system is eternal. Political parties are the not kingdom of God nor are they the Body of Christ. We will do what is Christlike to save people from the snare of the demonic deception, but we will not take up carnal weapons or physical violence to bring the kingdom of God. Jesus said,
In John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
The institution related to the present Lordship of Christ is His Church. (not an earthly kingdom). Christ is the One Lord over the Church. His kingdom is an invisible kingdom, which is not physical or national or political or geographic or economic or racial. His kingdom in this world is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy. We, as Christians, are strangers, sojourners, aliens in this world. We are not trying to save the world (as a political, human system), but we are God's Ambassadors, offering reconciliation to individual rebels. Our weapons are not carnal, but spiritual; we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual beings.
I hope you will read the next three passages and see the connection they have with each other and the application they have in our Christian experience.
This Romans passage is not a carte blanch for any human government (private or political). It is a reminder that all legitimate government submits to Divine rule.
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Read all of Proverbs 29 with the idea that it applies to individuals and to nations.
Proverbs 29:1-27
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Privately we must not resist legitimate human rule, though we must not yield to any man-made rule which opposes God's written and revealed Authority, found in the Bible. We must obey human authority when it is not in contradiction or conflict with Divine Rule.
Obey God rather than man.
Acts 5:22-32
22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Remember, God is love; Love is the fulfilling of the law; love is found in what we think, say and do; love never fail.
Our responsibility is to love our enemies, our neighbors. Our responsibility is to speak the truth in love. Our responsibility is to let others see and hear God's call to salvation, through us.
We choose to be instruments of His love, forgiveness, reconciliation or we choose to be stumbling stones.
Monday, November 3, 2025
11/03/25 WHOLE SALVATION FOR THE WHOLE MAN
11/03/25 WHOLE SALVATION FOR THE WHOLE MAN
On my Fitness group I post my work out three times a week. For each week I take a photo. This is the picture for the weekly report. It includes my rowing and pressing machine. (YOU can also see my weight bench, lat machine, assorted weights and another portable bench, which I use in a variety of exercises.
I also use the rowing machine to create a stand-up desk. I put a laptop or study books on it so that I can watch informational videos or research while I do my "stepping." This allows me to do more study, while getting physical exercise at the same time. (This really helps, since I step or walk a minimum of 4.5 miles a day).
My workout area and my office (study and library) are in the same room. It is important to take care of your body, primarily because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. And remember, Jesus died for the whole man; body, soul and spirit. The human body is part of our real self, and it is our responsibility to take care of it, regardless of its condition. We were born with a body, soul and spirit; Christ redeems us body, soul and spirit; and when we are raised from the dead and glorified, we will be body, soul and spirit. Adam was body soul and spirit, and Jesus was (and is) body, soul and spirit. Our body is the vessel through which the Holy Spirit works. Our body is the physical manifestation of the presence of God in our lives.
2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
The greatness is not our bodies or our soul or our spirit, but the greatness we have is His indwelling Spirit, as it says in Colossians, He is our, "hope of glory."
We should recognize the specialness of our physical being, and we should yield our bodies in obedient service to God, we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God.
On my Fitness group I posted this passage to go with the photo.
1 Timothy 4:8 KJV
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Godliness is the plan of God for our lives. Godliness is the proof, the evidence that we believe on Christ. Godliness is the intention of God in salvation and standard of the Christian life. If our doctrines or spiritual experiences do not lead us to godliness, then we are misled.
Godliness is profitable for all things, in this life and in the life to come.
What a great verse!
On my Fitness group I post my work out three times a week. For each week I take a photo. This is the picture for the weekly report. It includes my rowing and pressing machine. (YOU can also see my weight bench, lat machine, assorted weights and another portable bench, which I use in a variety of exercises.
I also use the rowing machine to create a stand-up desk. I put a laptop or study books on it so that I can watch informational videos or research while I do my "stepping." This allows me to do more study, while getting physical exercise at the same time. (This really helps, since I step or walk a minimum of 4.5 miles a day).
My workout area and my office (study and library) are in the same room. It is important to take care of your body, primarily because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. And remember, Jesus died for the whole man; body, soul and spirit. The human body is part of our real self, and it is our responsibility to take care of it, regardless of its condition. We were born with a body, soul and spirit; Christ redeems us body, soul and spirit; and when we are raised from the dead and glorified, we will be body, soul and spirit. Adam was body soul and spirit, and Jesus was (and is) body, soul and spirit. Our body is the vessel through which the Holy Spirit works. Our body is the physical manifestation of the presence of God in our lives.
2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
The greatness is not our bodies or our soul or our spirit, but the greatness we have is His indwelling Spirit, as it says in Colossians, He is our, "hope of glory."
We should recognize the specialness of our physical being, and we should yield our bodies in obedient service to God, we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God.
On my Fitness group I posted this passage to go with the photo.
1 Timothy 4:8 KJV
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Godliness is the plan of God for our lives. Godliness is the proof, the evidence that we believe on Christ. Godliness is the intention of God in salvation and standard of the Christian life. If our doctrines or spiritual experiences do not lead us to godliness, then we are misled.
Godliness is profitable for all things, in this life and in the life to come.
Godliness has value.
Godliness is eternal.
Godliness is God likeness.
We do not become God but as we trust and follow Jesus, we will become like God, we will be conformed to the image of God's Son. We are to experience and live a life of godliness, not simply a form of godliness. True godliness enjoys the power of God.
What a great verse!
Saturday, November 1, 2025
11/01/25 COME OUT FROM THE DECEPTION
11/01/25 COME OUT FROM THE DECEPTION
Just to show you how deception has run rampant in the Church, consider how many people who call themselves Bible believing Christians deny that God wants to and can and will cleanse and has cleansed believers from all sin, and they deny that Christians can obey God, keep His commandments, and do that which is pleasing in His sight.
The Bible clearly teaches that God desires all Christians to be cleansed from all sin, and the Bible clearly teaches that God can and He will cleanse His people from all sin, and God has purified believers from all sin in the past.
The Bible clearly teaches that God enables, empowers believers to obey Him and keep His commandments and do that which is pleasing in His sight.
This is not to say that we become absolutely perfect or that we will be forced to move into heart purity or that we are not able to go back into sin or that we might not sin after we have been saved.
It is to say that God's will, grace, salvation through the Blood of Christ, the Power of the Holy Spirit, and the Truth of the Word of God is able to save to the uttermost, cleanse us from all sin, always lead us in triumph in Christ, deliver us from all temptation, purify us even as Christ is pure, make us more than conquerors, as long as we walk in the light, continue in the faith, continue in grace, continue in Christ and continue in His love.
Sinning religion is the norm for the average professed "Christian" because people have been deceived into easy believism rather than actually trusting Christ for salvation from sin (that is, salvation from the penalty, the power, the pollution of sin). Sinning religion is Satan's religion, and it is man's form of godliness, which denies the power of God.
According to the Bible:
God desires His people to be holy, pure, and righteous.
God commands His people be holy, pure, and righteous.
God provides for His people to be holy, pure, and righteous.
God enables His people to be holy, pure, and righteous.
Christ is coming back for a bride that is holy, pure and righteous.
God requires His people to be holy, pure, righteous.
Being saved, being Christian, being acceptable to God, being pleasing to God is not a human achievement, but rather it is a Divine work (accomplishment) manifested in those who trust the Lord for deliverance from sin.
The saints of God (holy ones because of God's active redemptive work) enjoy the life of walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh because salvation is a Divine and miraculous work of God, received by faith in the ongoing and active grace of God.
Holiness is not a set of rules or a list of external observations; it is loving the Lord with your whole being, it is being conformed to the image of Christ, it is dying to the world, the flesh and the devil, it is Christ in me, the hope of glory, it is love from a pure heart, it is walking in the light as He is in the light. It is a definite work of saving grace, just as justification and regeneration are instantaneous, Divine works of God, received by faith in the atoning work of Christ.
If your doctrines (beliefs) do not lead you out of sin and into holiness of heart AND life, then your doctrine is not from God or found in His Bible. If your holiness fills you with pride and arrogance, you do not have the holiness of God. If your holiness ends your growth in grace and knowledge, then your holiness is a deception.
Just to show you how deception has run rampant in the Church, consider how many people who call themselves Bible believing Christians deny that God wants to and can and will cleanse and has cleansed believers from all sin, and they deny that Christians can obey God, keep His commandments, and do that which is pleasing in His sight.
The Bible clearly teaches that God desires all Christians to be cleansed from all sin, and the Bible clearly teaches that God can and He will cleanse His people from all sin, and God has purified believers from all sin in the past.
The Bible clearly teaches that God enables, empowers believers to obey Him and keep His commandments and do that which is pleasing in His sight.
This is not to say that we become absolutely perfect or that we will be forced to move into heart purity or that we are not able to go back into sin or that we might not sin after we have been saved.
It is to say that God's will, grace, salvation through the Blood of Christ, the Power of the Holy Spirit, and the Truth of the Word of God is able to save to the uttermost, cleanse us from all sin, always lead us in triumph in Christ, deliver us from all temptation, purify us even as Christ is pure, make us more than conquerors, as long as we walk in the light, continue in the faith, continue in grace, continue in Christ and continue in His love.
Sinning religion is the norm for the average professed "Christian" because people have been deceived into easy believism rather than actually trusting Christ for salvation from sin (that is, salvation from the penalty, the power, the pollution of sin). Sinning religion is Satan's religion, and it is man's form of godliness, which denies the power of God.
According to the Bible:
God desires His people to be holy, pure, and righteous.
God commands His people be holy, pure, and righteous.
God provides for His people to be holy, pure, and righteous.
God enables His people to be holy, pure, and righteous.
Christ is coming back for a bride that is holy, pure and righteous.
God requires His people to be holy, pure, righteous.
Being saved, being Christian, being acceptable to God, being pleasing to God is not a human achievement, but rather it is a Divine work (accomplishment) manifested in those who trust the Lord for deliverance from sin.
The saints of God (holy ones because of God's active redemptive work) enjoy the life of walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh because salvation is a Divine and miraculous work of God, received by faith in the ongoing and active grace of God.
Holiness is not a set of rules or a list of external observations; it is loving the Lord with your whole being, it is being conformed to the image of Christ, it is dying to the world, the flesh and the devil, it is Christ in me, the hope of glory, it is love from a pure heart, it is walking in the light as He is in the light. It is a definite work of saving grace, just as justification and regeneration are instantaneous, Divine works of God, received by faith in the atoning work of Christ.
If your doctrines (beliefs) do not lead you out of sin and into holiness of heart AND life, then your doctrine is not from God or found in His Bible. If your holiness fills you with pride and arrogance, you do not have the holiness of God. If your holiness ends your growth in grace and knowledge, then your holiness is a deception.
11/01/25 WIDE OPEN DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY
11/01/25 WIDE OPEN DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY
Martha and I went to "The Island" to get propane for The Net House. While there I asked a man where he was from originally, and he told me, "here" (Harkers Island). When he told me he is a Guthrie, I told him we are probably related, since I had a grandmother with the same name. I pointed out that her family moved from Diamond City to "The Path" (Salter Path) and "Promiseland" (in Morehead). Diamond City was a village on The Banks (Shackleford Banks), located near "The Lighthouse" on The Cape (Cape Lookout). The devastating hurricanes in the 1890s eventually wiped out that fishing village of "Bankers" (many of whom were of Scottish decent), and some were whalers. When I asked this man where his "crowd" (family) came from, he told me Diamond City also.
We talked some more and then I asked him where he goes to church. He pointed and said he goes to the church on Ferry Dock (Road), indicating Free Grace Wesleyan. I love that church and Pastor Clint. (I know Pastor Clint preaches a solid message and they have really good music). I told him that I have had the privilege to preach there a few times. I asked him if he was following Jesus and encouraged him to follow as closely as he could.
Yesterday I also talked with another man (younger) from The Island. He actually lives there, but he comes from "off" (outside of the area). However, when he told me his last name I reacted with surprise, since his last name was a prominent name in the community. He laughed and told me that someone had done a genealogy search and found out that he had Scottish ancestors who moved to Portsmouth Island (not far from Okracoke), while some of that family moved to Diamond City and The Island, his ancestors moved further inland, so it was like coming home.
I told him about my family ties to The Banks and also told him that I had been a pastor on Cape Hatteras. While at Kinnakeet (Avon) I took a youth group camping on Portsmouth Island, which had been longtime abandoned by early villagers. I asked my new acquaintance where he attends church services. He told me he goes to H. I. Methodist Ch. (This is a Global Methodist Church, no longer affiliated with the U.M.C., which is a good thing). I asked him about his relationship with the Lord, encouraged him in his walk and gave him a card, inviting him to contact me if he ever wanted to talk or had Bible questions. He was very responsive.
Just before we left the bridge we talked to a CHIP (California Highway Patrolman) who was visiting the area. He moved to California years ago, but plans on moving back to the area in the near future. I asked him where he goes to church. He told me it was an Independent Church, where he lives in California. His answers and behavior seemed to indicate that he might be a believer, and as usual I asked if he is a believer. He said yes, very emphatically. I asked him if he was following Jesus, and again he gave a very definite yes. We talked a little more and I encouraged him to follow
Martha and I went to "The Island" to get propane for The Net House. While there I asked a man where he was from originally, and he told me, "here" (Harkers Island). When he told me he is a Guthrie, I told him we are probably related, since I had a grandmother with the same name. I pointed out that her family moved from Diamond City to "The Path" (Salter Path) and "Promiseland" (in Morehead). Diamond City was a village on The Banks (Shackleford Banks), located near "The Lighthouse" on The Cape (Cape Lookout). The devastating hurricanes in the 1890s eventually wiped out that fishing village of "Bankers" (many of whom were of Scottish decent), and some were whalers. When I asked this man where his "crowd" (family) came from, he told me Diamond City also.
We talked some more and then I asked him where he goes to church. He pointed and said he goes to the church on Ferry Dock (Road), indicating Free Grace Wesleyan. I love that church and Pastor Clint. (I know Pastor Clint preaches a solid message and they have really good music). I told him that I have had the privilege to preach there a few times. I asked him if he was following Jesus and encouraged him to follow as closely as he could.
Yesterday I also talked with another man (younger) from The Island. He actually lives there, but he comes from "off" (outside of the area). However, when he told me his last name I reacted with surprise, since his last name was a prominent name in the community. He laughed and told me that someone had done a genealogy search and found out that he had Scottish ancestors who moved to Portsmouth Island (not far from Okracoke), while some of that family moved to Diamond City and The Island, his ancestors moved further inland, so it was like coming home.
I told him about my family ties to The Banks and also told him that I had been a pastor on Cape Hatteras. While at Kinnakeet (Avon) I took a youth group camping on Portsmouth Island, which had been longtime abandoned by early villagers. I asked my new acquaintance where he attends church services. He told me he goes to H. I. Methodist Ch. (This is a Global Methodist Church, no longer affiliated with the U.M.C., which is a good thing). I asked him about his relationship with the Lord, encouraged him in his walk and gave him a card, inviting him to contact me if he ever wanted to talk or had Bible questions. He was very responsive.
Just before we left the bridge we talked to a CHIP (California Highway Patrolman) who was visiting the area. He moved to California years ago, but plans on moving back to the area in the near future. I asked him where he goes to church. He told me it was an Independent Church, where he lives in California. His answers and behavior seemed to indicate that he might be a believer, and as usual I asked if he is a believer. He said yes, very emphatically. I asked him if he was following Jesus, and again he gave a very definite yes. We talked a little more and I encouraged him to follow
11/01/25 SOW THE SEED
11/01/25 SOW THE SEED
Martha and I went to west Morehead last week. I engaged a young man in a conversation (since I am 78, most people are young to me), which resulted in a witnessing opportunity. It was another one of those situations where the Lord led us to someone who was open and responsive to our outreach. He has a Christian background but was actually moved when I talked about following Jesus closely. He stated (with visible emotion) that he appreciated what I said to him and it was an encouragement.
Most of the people I meet while out-and-about witnessing live at a distance from my home and my in-person ministry location. This is partially true because I see a lot of people who are vacationing in our area, or they live even further west than Newport. This means that I may invite them to contact me for a follow-up meeting (to answer questions) or an invite to our online ministry (in-person, ZOOM, Facebook, or my Blog.
I encourage them to find a local church in their community that preaches the Bible (salvation through Christ) and where the pastor and parishioners live a Christlike life and love one another).
I want folks to come to The Net House Ministry, but if they can't come and see what we have to offer, I want them to seek the Lord with their whole heart and follow Him fully. Maybe our brief meeting will encourage someone in their walk with Christ or prepare the way for them to open their heart to the Lord.
Sometimes we harvest, but a lot of the time we are sowing seed, hoping someone else will follow up with their witness. I hope you are following fully, and I hope you are witnessing. You too may tell someone about Christ (even someone who has never heard the good news before), or you may help someone who is searching.
Martha and I went to west Morehead last week. I engaged a young man in a conversation (since I am 78, most people are young to me), which resulted in a witnessing opportunity. It was another one of those situations where the Lord led us to someone who was open and responsive to our outreach. He has a Christian background but was actually moved when I talked about following Jesus closely. He stated (with visible emotion) that he appreciated what I said to him and it was an encouragement.
Most of the people I meet while out-and-about witnessing live at a distance from my home and my in-person ministry location. This is partially true because I see a lot of people who are vacationing in our area, or they live even further west than Newport. This means that I may invite them to contact me for a follow-up meeting (to answer questions) or an invite to our online ministry (in-person, ZOOM, Facebook, or my Blog.
I encourage them to find a local church in their community that preaches the Bible (salvation through Christ) and where the pastor and parishioners live a Christlike life and love one another).
I want folks to come to The Net House Ministry, but if they can't come and see what we have to offer, I want them to seek the Lord with their whole heart and follow Him fully. Maybe our brief meeting will encourage someone in their walk with Christ or prepare the way for them to open their heart to the Lord.
Sometimes we harvest, but a lot of the time we are sowing seed, hoping someone else will follow up with their witness. I hope you are following fully, and I hope you are witnessing. You too may tell someone about Christ (even someone who has never heard the good news before), or you may help someone who is searching.
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