Dec. 6, 2016

MY FRIENDS, ON A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST, HOW GREAT IS THAT?

“Christ went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons” Luke 8:1-2 (NKJV) Most likely Mary Magdalene also witness  Christ mock trial before the high priest as he ask, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” as Jesus responds “I Am…..she then witnesses the high priest ripping his clothing as he cries out, why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy.

What is your verdict? Guilty! The rabble cry out in response. “He deserves to die!” The horror she must have felt to see the rabble spit at him, and beat him with their fists while crying out “Prophesy to us,” as the guards also begin to slap him while taking him away.” Mark 14:61-65 (NKJV) I can only imagine her only words as the tears flowed down her face were, “oh, that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, That I might weep day and night For the slain of the daughter of my people!”

Because at that point she probably understood the consequences of what was taken place in regards to the Jewish nation as her dreams and hopes faded away at Calvary. But little did she know that is where Her hopes begin, because on the third day after Christ death, she stands there weeping at the tomb then Jesus voice is heard “………Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

Then She turns and once again her dreams and hopes stands before her  as He tells her “go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” John 20:11-20 (ESV) Women, most of the time are not made significant characters in the bible but her faith and dedication made her the exception. She was even part of the entourage who after His resurrection in Acts 2 (KJV) Jesus taught pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Then commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem until they have receive power from the Holy Spirit; and then you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  And that my friends is the journey we must all take. And it begins with her when Christ cast out seven demons, which could have been at seven separate occasions.

But she stayed focus on her goal as she “forsaked all others” while taking on the character and image of Christ. My friends, as you see Mary Magdalene’s journey, we must ask ourselves what are the demons of this world that still “pleases us well” that keeps us from forsaken all others.” And if our desire is salvation why have we lost focus on our journey? My friends, like Mary Magdalene, before we even get to the cross we must have that personal relationship with Christ through His word.

And with the power of Gods word and Spirit we can then like Mary Magdalene enter the upper room and take up our cross as we present to others the power of the gospel of Christ second coming and the transformation that takes place if you have faith and endure. We then present a shared vision of that glorious place called heaven.

Dec. 4, 2016

MY FRIENDS, DOES THIS WORLD PLEASE US WELL?

Samson saw a woman in Timnah of thee daughters of the Philistines. So he told his father and mother, saying, “I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife…………for she pleases me well.” My friend how long will the world and the things of this world “please us well.” And because God is a personal God how long before He personally tells us “I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing [not realizing] we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked?”

And how long before “God sees that the wickedness of you and I…and that every imagination of our thoughts in our heart [is only on the things of this earth and not on things above]? And my friends, how long before “it repented the Lord that he has created us, and it grieves him at his heart”? And how long before the Lord cries out in righteous indignation as only an all knowing, all powerful Omnipresence God can do, telling us; I will now separate the wheat from the tares and destroy the tares whom I have created from the face of the earth……

For it repenteth Me that I have made them?” Gen. 6:5-7 (KJV paraphrased) My friends, at this point in history those are really personal questions that we personally have to answer. Gen 6:8 (KJV) tells us “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” The things of this world “did not please him well” so only he and his family were saved in the ark, “because all flesh was corrupt.”

And that is why in Matt. 7:13-14 (NKJV) Christ personally tells us in advance, two thousand years ago, because He loves us and gave His life for us; “enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it [or will even try to.]”

My friends, this world and the things of this world “pleases us well.” But if we truly desire salvation and if we truly desire to live in 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.” 1 Cor. 2:9 (NKJV) Then today, and not when it is convenient for us, we must totally “crucify our life with Christ; [to the point it “no longer pleases us well”] and it is no longer [us] who lives, but [it is] Christ who live in [us.]

And the life which [we] now live in the flesh [we] live by faith in the Son of God, who loved [us] and gave Himself for [us].” Gal 2:20 (NKJV) My friends, one day our soul will be required of us because “there is a line of demarcation” and that boundary is well defined between God and Satan. So “how long will [we] waver between two opinions?

If the LORD is God, [then we must] follow him; but if we prefer the god of this world and all He has to offer then], we can follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21 (NIV) And, what’s amazing about that  statement, the Lord loves us so much He has allowed us to choose.

MY FRIENDS, TAKING THE GOSPEL WITH US EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!!

JESUS, OUR EXAMPLE “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, [as we must also take up our cross and follow Christ]…………….” Heb. 1-2 (KJV)

A FATHER’S DISCIPLINE “The Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son [and daughter] whom He receives.” [In addition,] it is for discipline that we have to endure. [Because] God is treating [us] as sons [and daughters]…… [Consistent with this,] if [we] are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then [we] are illegitimate children and not God’s sons [and daughters]……[So we must understand,] For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it………” Heb. 1:3-1 (NKJV)

THE UNSHAKEN KINGDOM …………….Therefore, since we receive a kingdom [and gospel] which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God a pleasing and acceptable service and worship with reverence and awe; for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire. Heb. 1 2:28-29 (NKJV)

Today I need you to focus on Hebrews 12. a road-map to allowing the gospel of Christ to penetrate from within while understanding what is being done for us through Christ as we focus on “the steadfast love of the Lord [that] never ceases; [and] His mercies never come to an end; [great and beyond measure is God’s faithfulness, because] they are new every morning;” Lam. 3:22-23 (ESV)

Heb. 12 begins by setting out an example for us to live by, that example being Jesus Christ the Author and Finisher of our Faith but before we can benefit from the promises and blessings of God and the full power of His Spirit we must strip away every sin that entangles us while running with endurance and persistence the course God has set before us. Also, while on this journey there will be some extremely annoying and difficult experiences, the terrain will get tough as we venture into unchartered and unfamiliar territory that will stretch out faith to the limit.

But, this only prepares us so we can “come out of great tribulation having washed our robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev 7:14 (NIV) In addition, we must also remember “no temptation has overtaken [you or I] except such is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow [us] to be tempted beyond what [we] are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that [we] may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13 (NKJV)

So our discipline is necessary because without discipline we are illegitimate children without the DNA or the “fundamental and distinctive characteristics” of Christ who guides us in “setting our minds on things above which are [everlasting], [and] not on earthly things, [“which will blow away like chaff in the wind”]” Col. 3:2 (NIV)

In addition, because all what God has done and continues to do for us so that we can have life and have it more abundantly in His Kingdom we owe Him all the praise and Honor that we can give as we take the good news of the gospel to all the world and then the end will come.

Dec. 3, 2016

MY FRIENDS, THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF THE CROSS!!!!

In the beginning, there was only darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light” and there was light.” Gen 1:1-3 (KJV) Our narrative begins in Luke 23:20-47 (NKJV) at Calvary where you have the Jewish leaders who made the deliberate decision to crucify the Son of God, “though the full light of truth Christ had come to reveal had been available to them.” You have the rabble or the lower class who Cried crucify Him, Crucify Him having no Idea what was going on.

“Their taunts and jeers were made in ignorance as they looked to their leaders for guidance” as many do today whether leaders in government or our churches, they become our interpreters of God’s word because we neglect to read for ourselves so now we become the rabble or the spiritually lower class even though “we say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.”

We are actually wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” [not understanding truth from error because we do not study]. Rev. 3:17 (NIV) The word of God was written for all to understand. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Ps. 119:130 (NIV) That is why John saw in Rev 7:9 (NIV) that no economic status kept anyone from understanding God’s word and receiving His kingdom.

For John saw a “great multitude [of all economic classes, and cultures] that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” But “as the deer [longs for with breathless and intense eagerness,] for the water brooks, So should our soul long for…..[the presence and mind of] God” Ps. 42:1 (NKJV) which can only be found in His word.

As the Spirit hovers over the Cross as He did over the waters at creation. But this day, He is trying to penetrate hearts, like a tag team Christ is praying “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” while the Spirit hovers the soldiers cast lots for Christ divided garments as the rabble taunts Jesus “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

The Spirit continues His mission with little time left trying desperately to penetrate someone’s heart with the light of God’s Glory, slowly moving not willing that any should perish but that all should repent,” before they squander their only opportunity for salvation. Then it happens, one of the thieves allows God’s Spirit to penetrate within His heart as he says, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

The other refuses the light only to blaspheme God’s only begotten Son. My friends, Christ saves no matter how long we have stayed in sin if we will only recognize the light of His glory. With only a little light and time left, one of the Centurion soldiers glorifies God as he says “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matt. 27:54 (KJV)

Between the sixth and ninth hour the sun refused to shine and into His Fathers hand Christ commits His spirit and dies and at that precise moment He died for only two, the Centurion and the thief. My friends, with a little light left before God’s spirit is removed completely from this earth His Spirit is still hovering over our hearts seeking our commitment to give it all to the Master. Will you respond before God says it is finished.

Dec 1, 2016

MY FRIENDS, WHAT HAS THE GOSPEL DONE FOR US OR TO US?

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain……that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried,..raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Cor. 1-4 (NIV) And that is what Paul received and preached.

And now, we must remind ourselves and others that we have received this same message. And by this gospel we are also saved if we hold firmly to the word of God, over-wise we believe in vain like the “fool who says there is no God.” And that belief is based on Christ Died for our sins on a Friday and three days later on a Sunday He rose according to scriptures.

Now my friends, that is the good news if we believe and it is not about something we do but about “what the gospel has done for us” through that narrow gate [on our journey to the promise land.] For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to [the gospel], and only a few find it.” Matt 7:13-14 (NIV)

Because if we do not recognized the power of the cross and allowed that power to transformed our life into that same thirty three and one half year journey that took Christ to the Garden of Gethsemane, a traders kiss, spat upon, slapped, mocked, beaten and scourged. And then like a common thief crucified between two thieves, then the gospel has no real meaning to us.

Just another day in the history of this world. My friends, Satan has devised many weapons that communicates to the masses of what his world has to offer and what his gospel according to Satan is all about. But as a Child of God in God’s army our vision of the gospel must be a contrasting message to the masses of what we have to offer through the cross.

But we have no message if the extent of the gospel to us is, we have a nice home, a fancy car, a good job and plenty of money or we are a good deaconess or deacon in the church and we visit the sick and feed the homeless and pay our tithe. My friends is that all the gospel has done for us after all Christ did for us on Calvary. By man’s definition, the gospel is the “story of Christ’s life and teachings.” And that is why the love of many continue to wax colder and colder because all most of us have to offer is the “story of Christ’s life and teachings.”

What a sad scenario to all who look forward to Christ second coming. But “not everyone who says to Christ, ‘Lord, Lord,’ [I knew the “story of Your life and teachings”] will enter the kingdom of heaven,” Matt 7:21 (NIV) Time is of the essence my friends, part one of the gospel will soon end so Christ can gather His children from every nation, tribe, people and language, but it will continue throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. But, if part one has not done anything for or to us, we will never be allowed to experience part two.

Oct. 8, 2016

MY FRIENDS, IT’S TIME WE PUT OUR HOUSE IN ORDER BECAUSE WE WANT RECOVER!!

The narrative in 2 King’s 20 begins; Hezekiah who became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover. Then Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 2 Kings 20:1-3 (NIV)

God added fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life. Sometimes God gives us our request, even though He knows the terrible outcome. Remember God is all knowing, all powerful and Omnipresence, He knew the consequences of the king’s decisions and where it would lead. My friends, America has made its decision on its next president. But as God’s Children we must understand, the dominant theme in all that God does for us is love.

God with His unlimited power could have easily erased humanity from existence when Adam first sinned and just called it “Part I” of a two Part experiment and started “Part II” with the hope of a better outcome. But instead, He chose grace mercy and love. All who voted for Trump probably feel America will be great again and Trump will “change times and laws:” and give it all back to the people and we will all live happily ever after.

But, like king Hezekiah, God is telling us, “get our house in order…we will not recover.” And my friends the most un-wisest decision we could ever make is to ask God for more time. Because to do so is to tell God our affections are not set on things above, [but] on things on the earth.” Col 3:2 (KJV) The common element humans have with sheep is the propensity to stray away from the path and get lost.

Which then causes even God’s children to wonder aimlessly believing we are moving in the right direction. Do the religious right really think it is about abortion, Gay rights, the wall, Trump’s groping women, Hillary’s e-mails or Supreme court nominations. Maybe you think in some way your vote has given God a reason to make America great again and your decision to make Trump president will get America and you closer to His kingdom?

Maybe to the fool who says there is no God, all that has happen in the past twenty years or so has no meaning, but to all who seek God with a passion, God has been telling us since Calvary to “put our house in order,” because we will not recover. In some way, Trump as president should give all who seek God’s kingdom a shared vision because it accentuates the accumulation of greed and hypocrisy in our society we have ignored up to this point.

And hypocrisy in the context that many religious American’s have developed within their minds some “pretense of having a virtuous character and some semblance of a moral or religious beliefs or principles” in how they think everyone should think. Therefore they feel God has made them overseers of all who don’t believe as they do. But for all who seek a better country, a heavenly one we must understand, God will make our heart and Character “exceptionally outstanding” for His kingdom and it will be in the Image of the one who gave it all for our Salvation if we believe.

Nov. 7, 2016

MY FRIENDS, DO YOU WANT TO BE MADE WHOLE?

“Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time. The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it. Life is too short to be trifled away. We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity. We have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin.

It is now that we are to form characters for the future, immortal life. It is now that we are to prepare for the searching judgment. The human family has scarcely begun to live when they begin to die, and the world’s incessant labor ends in nothingness unless a true knowledge in regard to eternal life is gained.” (E.G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons p) My friends let’s look back over this journey Christ has placed us on.

Not far, just the last seven days. Is there anything we did during that time frame, that prepared our character for the “future, immortal life,” that God has prepared for the redeemed? And did we do anything to prepare ourselves or prepare others for “the searching judgment” of God? And did we “gain any knowledge in regard to eternal life” through a daily study of God’s word while allowing His Spirit to “guide us into all truth and understanding?”

Or did we “trifle our time away” while devoting the majority of it on “selfish pleasures?” John 5 gives a narrative of “a certain man who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, He knew that he had already been in that condition for a long time, but He asked him anyway, wilt thou be made whole? “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred.

While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”  The man at the pool of Bethesda had wasted thirty-eight years of his life with only a few excuses as to why he had allowed years of his life to slip away in front of a pool. My friends we “can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails [through Christ]to always reach our destination. [which is Gods kingdom] (Jimmy dean)

“Do you want to be made whole.” Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”Eph 5:14-17 (KJV)

My friends, do we seek an “understanding of God’s will for our life?” Remember, “every idle word [and time], we must give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by our words [and time] we shalt be justified, and by [our] words [and time we] shall be condemned. Matt 12:36-37 (KJV) Christ is knocking daily, soon He will say it is finished, so “do we really want to be made whole” or “have we set our affection on the things of this earth that will soon pass away, and not on the things above that are life eternal.

Nov. 6, 2016

MY FRIENDS, NOT GUILTY!!!!!

“I can’t begin to comprehend what kind of grace would take the place of all my sins? My fate was in the nail scarred hands He stretched out for me and said I know you [as a friend] I love you [as my only child] and now I give My life to save you [because] Love [has] paid the price for mercy. My verdict, not guilty.” (Mandisa, Not Guity) Those are the words we seek with a passion; But is it possible my friends? My Savior says they are, and He is the judge, jury, defense Attorney and our Advocate.

Yes, those words are possible. And what is so amazing, when we are in that royal domain of God’s pure and holy kingdom and when we try and look back to see why our Savior said “not guilty,” we will not remember what offenses out of the millions He said not guilty to. But what we will remember I can only imagine are the few happy moments on this wicked earth we cherished.

Maybe, those summer days when life seemed so simple when it was just you and your dog who you thought would help you conquer the world or maybe walking in the park with the love of your life, who is now walking down those streets of gold with you. But in the pure atmosphere of God’s kingdom “affliction shall not rise up a second time. [nor the thought of it] Nahum 1:9 (KJV)

So I can only imagine after a few moments in paradise even the good memories of this wicked earth will no longer exist in our minds. My friends, we must fall on our knees daily and cry out Lord, “You have searched me, and you know me…. Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?…… For you created my inner most being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb….

[Now] Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there are any offenses deep down within me, and [if so] lead me in [Your] way everlasting.” Ps. 139 (NIV) My friends, we must long with a passion to hear, “not guilty” and it only happens by living in the presence of God daily and seeking from within the void in our hearts that can only be filled by His presence as we forsake all others.

Victory is then ours through Christ, as we hear the sweet sound of “not guilty” vibrating through our ears. And then the next sweet sound will be “the Lord Himself descending from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God as the dead in Christ rise first. [And we] who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:16-17 (NKJV)

And as we travel in awe through the galaxies of God’s wonderful creation that no “eye has seen nor even imagined,” passing Jupiter, Venus, and Mars and the many moons and suns on our way to our eternal destination. Upon arrival, as we enter one of the twelve “gates made of a single pearl” and we hear well done as every tear is wiped away for the last time and the “great tribulations” we went through, in exchange for life eternal, our only words I can only imagine will be “heaven is cheap enough.”

Nov. 4, 2016

MY FRIENDS, DO WE HAVE A STATUTE OF LIMITATION?

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”  “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. Phil. 2:5 (KJV) 1 Peter 2:21-23  (ESV) My friend, all of humanity has been shaped in iniquity; and in sin did our mother’s conceive [us]. Ps 51:5 (KJV)

A mother also conceived our Savior and our finite minds cannot adequately comprehend how our Savior was shaped, but what we do know, Satan knew the creator of the universe was capable of falling victim to sin because Christ was clothed in humanity. So “the god of this world [tried], but [failed because he]had nothing in [Him] John 14:30 (KJV) Yes my friends,“the King of glory stooped low” [to take on humanity and conquered.]

And because of Christ humanity, He was not spared from the pain of a cruel cross and death and we will never know all Christ gave up until we enter His royal domain above. Consistent with this, Satan knew prophecy and He knew over two thousand years ago that all foresight, predictions and warnings by the prophets before Christ, terminated on the cross when Christ died. Everything from that point terminated as far as any charges Satan was attempting to make against the heavenly body.

I can only imagine demons were asking Satan what’s happening as they see Jesus dying on the cross? But Satan knew there was no statute of limitation for his crime of attempting to make himself “like the Most High.” So this is where God concludes, to everyone who believes in the name of Jesus and the power of the cross, that the war is over. But Christ still knocks at our heart to let Him in.

He understands wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it, [or will even try]” Matt. 7:13-14 (NIV) But His grace continues to abound. But we must remember, a merciful God still could not spare Satan and a third of the angels that sinned, and He spared not the old world, but saved only Noah and His family.

He did not spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha, into ashes condemned them and made them an example to all that should live ungodly lives. Yes, the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” 2 Peter 2:4-9 (KJV) But our Savior is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)

My friends, we also have no statute of limitation on our abominations against God. That is why He seeks our repentance and a personal relationship with Him. But, if we are unwilling to confess our sins and transform our life into His image and character, we will be charge with every sin we have ever committed when God judges those who chose this world over life eternal.