Dec. 28, 2015

MY FRIENDS, “MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN.”

Matt. 22 begins with Jesus explaining the proper attire to be worn to enter His Father’s kingdom. He tells a parable about a certain King who arranges a marriage for His Son. Servants are sent out to invite everyone to the wedding.

But none were willing to come. So he sends other servants, tell them “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding” But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.

And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. So he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers and told His servants those who were invited were not worthy, so go to the highways and gather together all whom you find, both bad and good.

And the wedding hall was filled with guests. “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw one without a wedding garment. ‘Friend, He says how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’

The person was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness. Why, what he was wearing so important? My friends, the garment was part of the Kings provision for eternal life along with the cross that must become a part of us.

So if we are asked, why are we not wearing the right garment here at the threshold of the promise land, would we also have no explanation? “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev 7:14 (KJV)

And “if you desire to be my disciple you must deny yourself and take up your cross Matt. 16:24 (KJV) My friends just because you attend church every Saturday or Sunday does not give you the proper attire to enter what has been prepared for the redeemed, for “many are called, but few are chosen..” Matt. 22:14 (NKJV)

Christ tells us in Matt. 13:30 (KJV) let both wheat and tares “grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

We are all chosen vessels of God to serve “nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Tim. 2:19 (NKJV)

In other words is your garment pure because you have departed from everything that is an abomination to God? Remember the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for a fine pearl.

When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matt. 13:45-46 (NKJV) My friends we are at the threshold of the promise land and we understand the parable of the pearl, but are we willing to give our all as we allow self to die in Christ daily so we may claim our new found treasure.

John tells us in Revelation 21:7 (KJV)“The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and they will be my sons and daughters. So when we realize the value of what we have, we must tell everyone, I have found a treasure and it is priceless, no value can be placed on it. It is Called Salvation and life eternal.

Every excuse we may give as the reason we cannot serve Christ, was challenged and answered at Calvary.

Dec. 26, 2015

MY FRIENDS, WHAT CONSTITUTES A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO A CHRISTIAN?

“Behold, we were shaped in iniquity; and in sin did our mother conceive us.” Ps51:5 (KJV) But in spite of, our Savior “brought us out of the miry clay, He set our feet on the Rock to stay.” But only if we have faith and endure to the end.”

My friends, the worlds interpretation of how to live there life and the contrast in the way a child of God lives there’s is becoming very blurred. At this moment we are in a clear and present danger.

Which is a doctrine adopted by the “Supreme Court of the United States to determine under what circumstances limits can be placed on First Amendment freedoms of speech, in other words we cannot cry fire in a theater when there is no fire because such action would pose a “clear and present danger” to public safety.”

But have we as Christians compromised our spiritual standards to the point that what is an abomination to God in today’s society is considered as no threat to our Salvation. My friends there is a spiritual war being waged on what is acceptable in the sight of God.

So it must become personal as we ask, how far have we moved away from the purity of God? And how far, we have moved away from that narrow road that only a few are willing to travel and only a few are willing to struggle daily to stay on.

A road that will allow us to say very soon “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8 (ESV)

My friends, we cannot scream  fire in a room when there is no fire because that presents a clear and present danger to those around us. But we must tell the world that it is clear to God that we are presently in spiritual danger that will only get worst.

“And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself,” but my friends they did not understand it was not himself he had come to save but it was others.

It was those who crucified and scoffed at Him, and it was also you and I. And “one of the criminals who were hanged [beside Jesus] railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? Luke 23:39-40 (ESV)

My friends don’t you see we “are all under the same sentence of condemnation” but love and grace abounded, but we cannot continue to live “as if there is no God” and no retribution on what we have allowed Satan to tell us is acceptable.

Because Satan knows even if we scream, Jesus will be here soon so “let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1 (KJV) No one listens, because no one recognizes that Satan himself is the clear and present danger, so life is business as usual.

But God’s commission remains until He says “it is finished” so the world must be told of the good news So let’s pray they will listen until we all personally witness his appearing and say Behold, this is our God; We have waited for……and we will be glad and rejoice ” Is 25:9 (NKJV) .

Every excuse we may give as the reason we cannot serve Christ, was challenged and answered at Calvary.

Dec. 25, 2015

MY FRIENDS, WAS IT A JEDI WARRIOR THAT SAVED US FROM OUR SINS?

“There’s good and evil in this universe, and it’s defined by something beyond ourselves.” But Satan has made “beyond ourselves” and the plan of Salvation into a form of entertainment. The word, “canon,” means “standard” or “rule.”

It is the list of authoritative and inspired Scriptures. But “as depicted in the canon, the Jedi study, serve and utilize a mystical power called the Force, in order to help and protect those in need.

The Jedi members, known as Jedi Knights, respect all life by defending and protecting those who cannot do it for themselves, striving for peaceful and non-combative solutions to any altercations they encounter and fighting only in self-defense and for the defense of those they protect.

Like their counterparts, the Sith, their main weapon is the lightsaber [not the word of God]. By training the mind and the body the Jedi seek to improve themselves by gaining unfettered access to the Force [not the Holy Spirit] while also seeking to improve those individuals and groups they come in contact with. [not a world lost in sin]”

And so the plot continues as millions who would much rather believe in Luke Skywalker as their Savior then the one who truly gave it all for our Salvation. “And with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thess. 2:10-12 (ESV)

And once again cooperate America and Satan have taken our mind as far as possible away from the birth of our Savior and into the abyss. But Hollywood will bring in millions during the holidays.

And  this is during a time when our minds should be focused on the Birth of Christ, the road to the kingdom and the saving grace of our Savior, it is now reduced to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” and the Jedi knights

My friends, If you are a child of God, where is the outrage, that man has reduced a Balm in Gilead that heals our sin sick soul, the Creator of the Universe, to a Jedi warrior who has been placed on the auction block of our theaters for commercial gain.

As God’s chosen it is our responsibility to tell the world, Jesus Christ will return soon to take his faithful away from a world that has allowed their spiritual compass that should be pointing them to Calvary and life eternal, into the opposite direction that only leads to death and perdition.

In addition, we must never forget “It is Satan’s work to talk of that which concerns himself, and he is delighted to have human beings talk of his power, and of his workings through the children of men…..But let us decide that this shall not be. If we look constantly to Jesus and become daily learners of him, we shall become like him in character, (E. G. White RH May 7, 1908)

“My friends The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you and I, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

And so today Grace still abounds as God seeks His children to tell the world daily that “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (KJV) and that name is not Luke Skywalker but Jesus Christ.

Every excuse we may give as the reason we cannot serve Christ, was challenged and answered at Calvary.

Dec. 23, 2015

MY FRIENDS OUR GOD WILL LEAD US “IN SUCH A TIME AS THIS”

“Blessed assurance” in knowing “It is the Lord who goes before us. He will be with [His faithful]; he will not leave or forsake us. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deu. 31:8 (ESV) My friends, as we travel this Journey Christ has placed us on, there are mountains that seems impossible to conquer.

And in today’s fast paced world, it could just be organizing one’s life each day. But if we search for Christ in the midst of it all, God is right there testing his children’s endurance for the final stretch as we move closer to the promise land.

And in spite of what occurs in our life, let’s thank God for preparing us because He knows the way that we take. Our Shepherd is guiding us and we are His sheep and we must understand the hazard and rough terrain of our surroundings.

The “breaking news” each day tells us we are living in a war zone where the forces of evil have total control over those whose souls are cold and belligerent those who only “call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness…..Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)

And they are waging an all out war on all of mankind and the areas we live in are all marked as hazardous war zones. But our “Good Shepherd leads us besides still and quiet waters and green pastures.

He refreshes and restores our soul” but that can only happen if we understand that The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

In addition, the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10 (NKJV)

That makes it personal my friends because each individual has his or her part in making what time we have left on this earth a pleasant one and it is all about our faith in God’s word but it must be the entirety of His word not just the portions we feel are appropriate for our lifestyle.

Therefore we must allow God’s Spirit to guide us “precept upon precept; and line upon line” and then we will begin to understand that the  “testing of our faith [in God’s word] produces patience.

[And then we will let that] patience have its perfect work, that [we] may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” And “If any of [God’s chosen is lacking] wisdom and understanding, let him ask of God, who [will continually] gives to all liberally and without reproach….” James 1:3-5 (NKJV)

But it must be all about God and our need to serve Him completely with our time, talents and money. 2 Timothy 2:3-7 (ESV) tells us to “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”

And one day “the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with His angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matt 16:27 (KJV)

Every excuse we may give as the reason we cannot serve Christ, was challenged and answered at Calvary.

Dec. 22, 2015

MY FRIENDS, DOES SATAN HAVE THE EDGE ON ALL GAMES OF CHANCE?

When we take a chance with our Salvation the outcome is always influenced by the choices we make that seems right in the beginning, “but its end is the way of death.” Prov. 14:12 (NKJV)

My friends Satan’s tactics of deception makes us believe that the odds are stacked in our favor if we will only follow him. Remember he must always give us the impression that we are on the winning side of this controversy between good and evil, otherwise no one would follow him.

If everyone saw the penalty of sin was death from the beginning, no one would keep coming back.  But if the “principalities, and the rulers of the darkness of this age” can convince at least 40% of us to change our allegiance to him because we now have all we ever wanted out of life, we will definitely continue to serve him.

And for the 60% that the storms of life never cease, “they were probably ahead at some point in their life, so they know that winning is possible. So now Satan  encourage them to return over and over again seeking fame and fortune in his game of chance.

And now Satan has the edge and soon full control. Remember my friends, Satan’s goal is to make sure we never become a part of what he walk away from. But friends, we still have options, grace still abounds and Christ still knocks.

Christ stills warns, don’t take a chance with our salvation the Battle was fought and won on Calvary we just need to accept Christ as our Savior as we allow self to die. But a Child of God’s downfall will be the mistaken belief that we can discern the outcome of our future because we keep all of God’s commandments.

But Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV) “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

As Christian our accountability will be an answerable account to God for all of our actions during this probationary period while hear on earth. So we must make it personal and ask ourselves is there a burning desire within our heart, to seek the presence of God each day?

And is there a burning desire within our heart to let self-die as Christ occupies every aspect of our life? We must remember the road on this journey Christ has placed us on is very narrow and very few will be willing to travel it with us even friends and family we may lose along the way.

My friends, serving Christ means we are no longer a part of this world and nothing about it any longer seem attractive, and all of our time talents and money now belong to God. And no longer are we “[spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea].

And we can no longer be carried about by every wind of a [particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated], by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men and woman who follow Satan’s lead, or by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit].

But where our feet go and what our eyes see and what our ears hear and what our mouth speaks will all be living examples of who Christ is and how He lived His life while on this earth as we tell the world the good news of thus says the Lord that is found only in His word” Eph. 4:14-15 (Amp, Paraphrased)

Every excuse we may give as the reason we cannot serve Christ, was challenged and answered at Calvary.

Dec 20, 2015

MY FRIENDS, CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING FOREVER IN GOD’S PRESENCE?

Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; 2 Sam. 6:14 (NKJV) With all his might is, physical power or whatever is humanely possible. Oh the power and energy we receive by just being in the presence of God.

It’s personal today so imagine ourselves surrounded by the glory of God and how much mental and physical might that requires? And standing there, would we dance and sing hallelujah praising the one who gave it all for our salvation or would we just be still, in awe of the one who created us in His own image? Or would we fall to our knees while crying out like “the sound of many waters,” thank you.

Can our finite minds imagine such a moment in the very presence of the one who made a way possible for His faithful who endured and journeyed that narrow road to live throughout eternity in His kingdom.

My friends let’s focus our attention standing before God, maybe as we prepare to sit at the banquet table for the redeemed, or maybe  we are “in the middle of the great street of the city, near the river, where the tree of life stands……” Rev.22:2 (NIV)

Like David who was a “Man after God’s own Heart,” we must constantly be in the presence of the Almighty in His word and on our knees or out on the front lines of the battle field witnessing and telling others “there are blessings you cannot receive till you know Him in His fullness and believe; You’re the one to profit when you say “I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”

My friends, “blessed is the man [or woman] that walketh not the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night….” Ps. 1:1-2 (KJV)

And in his law doth he meditate day and night, meaning our hearts must never leave His Presence. His law is based on selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. The type of love a selfless Father has, who would sacrifice His only begotten Son and a Son who was willing to die for wretched sinners like you and I.

There was no limit on what was done for our Salvation and that is what grace is all about unearned and undeserved favor, which is “mercy instead of judgment, loving kindness instead of wrath,” with no limits if we believe.

In addition how do we respond? And what are we willing to do to be in the presence of such love? And once we are there are we willing to stay until we here Him speak saying “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

My friends, if you have not figured out how to live, and dance in the Presence of God while on this earth, how will you be able to do it in His kingdom? Or if you are not willing to bear youe cross on this earth how can you bear a crown in his kingdom. “no cross no crown?”

Because in His presence, the warfare against self and the struggles we face each day will become His battle. but we must first surrender our will to the will of God and then we will remain forever in His presence throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

Every excuse we may give as the reason we cannot serve Christ, was challenged and answered at Calvary.