May 17, 2017

MY FRIENDS, IS IT POSSIBLE TO COMPROMISE OUR WAY INTO HEAVEN?

Compromise by definition is “an agreement reached by adjusting, conflicting or opposing claims, and principles,” But in regards to our Salvation “no man or women can [compromise between] two masters…..Matt. 6:24 (KJV) Remember my friends, a divided heart is an unstable heart. James tells us “…….he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:6-8 (KJV)

So as a Child of God, we must ask, what is our mission statement or standard we live by? Did Christ live by those same standards and principles? “And are we willing to stand up for what’s right though the heavens fall, and the earth passes away.”

It is a grave mistake for God’s children “to seek to bridge the gulf that separates the children of light from the children of darkness by yielding principle, [while] compromising the truth. [Because,] It would be surrendering the peace of Christ in order to make peace or fraternize with the world.

The sacrifice is too costly to be made by the children of God to make peace with the world by giving up the principles of truth. . . . Then let the followers of Christ settle it in their minds that they will never compromise truth, never yield one iota of principle for the favor of the world. Let them hold to the peace of Christ.” (E.G. White, My Life Today P-82)

Land mines are devices that kill, placed just below the surface of the ground by the enemy. In regards to our salvation it is those sins that the forces of evil lay just at the surface of our hearts. Those grey areas of our life, the things we watch on TV, the things we say in conversation and the truth we are willing to compromise in God’s word.

Or may not be in God’s word so we compromise because it does not say, “thus says the Lord.” My friends if you listen to our modern day prophets, prophet meaning the Shepherd’s who we think are chosen to speak for God and to guide His flock in all truth and understanding.

As they give us their account of God’s Spirit Guiding them through His word, you would think God’s word was obsolete and void of any real consequences if the precepts were not adhered to. In many instances our all-knowing, all-powerful, Omnipresence God has been reduced to a trivial being. If you just live within the grey areas of life you will be all right, being good is the new, being perfect.

But Christ tells us in Matt 5:48 (KJV) “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” My friends we are all servants of God with a ministry and a message that we must begin to reveal to the world. We cannot become complacent and compromise with this world because the Master has delayed His coming.

For soon, “the Master will come on a day when we His servants [are compromising,] and at an hour they are not aware of,” and each who have “yielded principle, by compromising the truth will receive their just reward, Perdition. But “blessed is that servant whom his Master, when he comes, will find Them not compromising His truth, “but doing and working and feeding His flock.”

May 10, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WE ARE CLOSER THEN WE HAVE EVER BEEN BEFORE!!

Paul tells us, in 2 Tim 4:1-5 (KJV) “I charge or “testify earnestly” before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” So my friends, our responsibility is to stay focused on where God is leading, as we make full proof of our ministry to others in the final days of what we call the history of this world, which by definition is a “continuous, systematic narrative of past events written as a chronological account” beginning with, “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

And now, we are at the threshold of the promise land where every person who seeks God’s presence and kingdom should be searching “the scriptures” and seeking the Spirit of God while praying without ceasing with a passion as history and prophecy unfolds before our eyes in the form of “breaking news.”

But the masses are not concerned with hearing the truth. It’s all a fable or a “a story not founded on fact.” But friends, where do you and I stand in this time of total chaos and confusion we find ourselves living in today. Can we say with no reservation that we are not like the five foolish virgins who had lamps, but no oil?

For you and I, our lamp would be the word of God, but like the foolish who had no oil to sustain them as they waited on the bridegroom, we lack the oil of God’s Spirit found in His word that would sustain us with a continuous connection to God during that time Christ speaks of in Matt 24:21 (KJV) A time of great tribulation, which has never been since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be.”

My friends, look from within, are we like the wise, who search the scriptures daily as we develop a personal relationship with God and His Spirit. Yes, the bridegroom has delayed His coming. But His promise remains, because He is patient with all His children.

Not wanting any one of us to perish, but [His desire is that] everyone will come to repentance” and be a-part of the redeemed who will live throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity in His kingdom. Yes, from time to time we have all became drowsy and fallen asleep.

But today we must work the works of him that sends us out on the front lines of the battle field to serve, while it is day: for the night cometh soon, when no man can work.” John 9:4 (NIV) But, it is during that time, we will hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind but we must understand it’s closer now than it’s ever been.

We can almost hear the trumpet as Gabriel sounds the call for God’s faithful to come home. I don’t know about you, but I can almost hear also the father saying to His “Son go get my children.”

May 8, 2017

MY FRIENDS, ARE WE CAPABLE OF RUNNING THIS RACE UNTIL WE SEE HIS FACE?

Alvin Slaughter sings a song “I will run to you.” He goes on to tell of the challenges of making that happen. Starting with the hang man’s noose that was around his throat. And friends, because we are all born in sin, “and shaped in a gross injustice of wickedness” that same noose was placed around our throat as “death traps tried to keep every exit” to our salvation in strategic locations throughout our life.

So now in this hostile world, there seems to be no signs of escape as we fall daily, prey to the things of this world. But we must understand, we will flat-line with no way of survival, if we fail to believe and send out distress signals, SMS, save my soul. And from the throne Room Christ will hear our cry for help and bring us into His presence. But my friends are we committed to seek His presence?

To “become a private audience of one as God begins to put the pieces of our life back together” with a new beginning? Remember friends, He is God and because He is God only He has that power. Now look around, prophecy is closing so “we must be alert to Gods ways” and where He is trying to lead us.

Which means daily we “review His ways,” and seek His face and understand how He operates and what He expects of us, because the plan for our life is now set. God’s grace has re-wrote our destination which goes back to His original plan that “gives us hope and a future.” If we believe.

Remember, the road to God’s kingdom is narrow, and straight, but every direction and every turn we make to the right or left has been “road tested” by the one who gave it all for our salvation and now we must run towards our Savior and never look back as we prepare each day to live throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity in the presence of our Savior.

My friends, heaven “is cheap enough.” So, no matter what we encounter in this world, the trials, tribulation and pain, it’s worth it, because “no eye have seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered man’s heart what God has prepared for those” who are willing to run this race and stay on course in anticipation of seeing the face of our Savior.

But it must become a shared vision that God’s chosen takes to the world. And as we run towards Christ in anticipation of entering the promise land, we must “make disciples of all nations,………Matt. 28:19 (NIV) But that is an impossible task if we are not Christ disciples ourselves.

And making disciples means to evangelize and to evangelize means to “preach the gospel” and the gospel I speak of is the “good news” and the good news is what Paul explains in 1 Cor. 15 (ASV) which is the message of Christ death and resurrection then one day “cometh the end, when He shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.

For He must reign, till He hath put all his enemies under His feet. And the last enemy that shall be abolished is death.” 1 Cor 15: 24 (ASV) So, until we see His face we must be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” 1 Cor. 15:58 (ASV)

April 2, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WHO ARE WE GOING TO BELIEVE?

Like a thief, Christ will come and we know not the hour.” Also, “Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lust, saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) “He delayeth His coming” is how Satan plants the seed within us, because he knows His time will run out soon, he just seeks us to join forces with him.

“He does not say that Christ will not come. He does not scoff at the idea of His second coming, But in his heart and by his actions and words he declares that the Lord’s coming is delayed. He banishes from the minds of others the conviction that the Lord is coming quickly. His influence leads men to presumptuous, careless delay.

They are confirmed in their worldliness and stupor……. He mingles with the world. Like grows with like in transgression. It is a fearful assimilation. With the world he is taken in the snare. “The lord of that servant shall come . . . in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.” (E.G. White, Desire of Ages p 635)

Because, it’s those hypocrites who deny God by saying, “Peace and safety!” [But the promise in God’s word tells us] destruction will come….suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and [the scoffers] will not escape.” 1 Thess. 3:5 (NASB)

My friends, God has not left His children in darkness, simple because prophecy after prophecy in His word points to His Son’s second coming. And if we diligently pray and study and allow God’s Spirit to transform us into Christ image daily, we will not be overtaken “like a thief in the night.”

Yes, It’s been two thousand years since Christ said “I will go and prepare a place for you. And if I go……I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

And one of His disciples who doubted, asked. “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus reply to Thomas and also to you and I was, “I am the way, the truth, and the life……” John 14:3-4 (NKJV)

My friends, what that text tell us is; we can only enter that place, “eye have not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” [through Christ, because] “there is salvation….in no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 1 Cor 2:9 (NKJV) Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

In addition, because of God’s love towards His children, His grace and mercy continues to abound. But, we must understand “the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)

But, one day soon, Christ shall appear and “He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” Matt. 25:32 (NIV) [and the sheep shall] be like him; for they shall see him as he is.“ 1 John 3:2 (NKJV) Today my friends, the only question we must ask is, what side will we be on?

March 31, 2017

MY FRIENDS, HAS HE SAID AND WILL HE NOT DO?

“God is not a man, that He should lie……Has He said, and will He not do? Has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Num. 23:19 (NKJV) In addition, Not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matt 5:18 (NIV) Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and go to the other side…..Than, He went up into a mountain to pray.

The evening came…..the ship was in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” Matt 14:22-24 (NKJV)) My friends, the disciples tried in vain to get to the other side.  Mark 6:48 (NKJV) says “Christ saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.”

My friends, how often is the wind against us and we “tug at the oars, as though our own strength and wisdom were sufficient, until we find our efforts useless. Then, with trembling hands and failing strength, we give up the work to Jesus and confess we are unable to perform it…..

And when, in answer to the cry of faith, He takes up the work we ask Him to do, how easily He accomplishes that which seemed to us so difficult” (E.G. White Testimonies for the church, vol. 4, p 530) My friends, we need to recognize that our strength is insufficient to finish the course because “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and the rulers of the darkness of this world.”

And only through God’s word and Spirit will we remain focused until Christ says “well done thy good and faithful servant.” And this should give us hope when life is at its darkest, the anchor will hold to the end. Because if God said it, “He will make it good.” In Matt. 24 (KJV), Christ disciples asked What God’s children all-ready know today.

“What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” My friends the daily “breaking news” tells us prophecy is being fulfilled daily. But these are only the beginning of “birth pangs” as we adapt to any and all situations in the final days of the history of this world. But are we mentally prepared for a time of great tribulation, such has not occurred since the beginning of this world until now, nor ever shall be.”

“Training day” has started and the grueling routine should have begun with you and I dying daily while carrying our Cross. And except those days are shortened, no flesh will be saved, but for the elect’s sake, God will bring it to an end……But this generation will not pass away until the good news is revealed to all and then the end will come.”

Friends, the wind is contrary, and has taken its toll, but we must never loose sight of His soon appearing and Christ final promise of “Him descending from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.

And the dead in Christ rising first: Then we which are alive and remain [who came out of the great tribulation and washed our robes making them white in the blood of the Lamb will] be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and all the redeemed will forever be with the Lord.” [If we believe] 1 Thess. 4:16-18 (KJV), Rev 7:14 (ESV)

March 30, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO PERSUADE US TO LOVE CHRIST AND OTHERS?

The chilling words of Agrippa, after he listened to God’s chosen vessel Paul speak about the saving grace of Christ. “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Acts 26:28 (KJV) What a sad scenario for Agrippa and many Christians who say Lord, Lord with no conviction. My friends we sit in our various churches each week, the appeal is given for a show of hands, or a move to the alter down front if one is partially convicted, to give it all to the Master.

We often respond in one way or the other motivated usually by the surroundings we find ourselves in when the Spirit is appealing to everyone for a decision. To most this is an adequate response. You figure, I am a faithful trustee, deacon, or deaconess. I am liberal in my given, I’m perfectly satisfied with the direction I am headed in life, for “I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing.”

I understand what is required of God. My position, or status in the community and church should satisfy any real genuine need for any type of relationship with Christ. But friends, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 4:12 (KJV)

If we go to the parable of the wheat and tares in Matt 13:24-30 (KJV). Both look the same the difference is, wheat is a marketable crop, tares are just weeds with no redeeming value. So, how far must grace abound before we are persuaded to give it all to Christ? Paul’s response to Agrippa was, “I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day.” Acts 26:29 (KJV)

That is the position we must take as we witness for Christ in the final days of this life’s history. A message of conviction that guides one to surrender their lives to Christ. But, first we must be convicted ourselves through the persuasion of the Spirit of God who tells us, your ears shall hear a [whisper] behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Is. 30:21 (NKJV)

which tells us whatever situation or circumstances we find ourselves in there is a voice that continually tries to persuade you and I to walk in the right direction because the direction of that whisper if we can distinguish the difference in God’s Spirit over the forces of evil is the direction that leads to life eternal, “so walk in it” as we go forward with cross in hand and a faithful disciple of Christ.

One day Agrippa’s only response to the One who died so that He may be persuaded to give His all to the Master will be; Christ, the conditions I felt were unattainable, those conditions to “love You with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my mind. [Which you did say,] that was the first and greatest commandment.

And the second was like it; To love my neighbor as I [should have] loved you. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matt 22:37-40 (NKJV) My friends I can’t answer for Agrippa, but what about You and I, will we also tell Christ the conditions were unattainable. If so we must also be able to explain why.

March 29, 2017

MY FRIENDS, HAVE WE PITCHED OUR TENT TOWARDS SODOM?

”The Lord [whispered to] Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee”……. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan.……. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle……..

Abram told Lot: Is not the whole land before thee?….If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere,….even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan….

And, they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.” Gen. 12:1-5 (KJV), Gen. 13:1-12 (KJV) My friends, as a Child of God are we capable of recognizing that our tent faces Sodom? And our salvation and entry into God’s kingdom is in a state of “clear and present danger.”

When morning dawned The angel Cried to Lot “Get up! Take your wife, two daughters and go, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But Lot hesitated and lingered. So the Angels took hold of his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, because the Lord was merciful to him [for Abraham’s sake]; and they brought him out,” Gen. 19:15-16 (AMP)

Oh the mercies of God who still hears the prayers of our parents and those who are praying for us not to linger but too “Escape for our life! And not to look back at Sodom,” But follow Christ lead and move forward, for by beholding, we become changed. My friends, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise [to save all who have a passion to be saved]….But, is patient, not wanting anyone to perish [in Sodom]….2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

God told Abraham to leave His country, and the influence of family and community. Lot followed, But Lot could not leave those hereditary tendencies behind, so he pitched his tent toward Sodom. Therefore, the wickedness of Sodom defined his life and destination.

My friends, if God woke us up today, no matter where we live, our tent faces Sodom. Whether in the “prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Or [towards] the mighty mountains of New York.” Or towards The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Or towards The Great Pyramids of Giza.

“Or [toward] the curvaceous slopes of California,” Sodom defines who we are, in-less we have allowed self to die and our life is totally committed to following Christ, His word and Spirit where-ever He may lead as we cry out Lord, not my will, but thy will be done. So today we must choose, whom we will serve?

Either those hereditary tendencies we have accumulated throughout our life inside Sodom that Satan controls? Or from the one who died for our sins so that we may live our life one day soon without sin or Satan, and live it more abundantly throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity?