Be a Child of God

Tuesday 021825

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Together, you and I, let’s open the Word and study what we’ve ALL been freely given. Use me to help you open up your Bible and search what God wants for us to hear. We’re only going to follow what we find written in the Word that pertains to us and hopefully from what we find, we will be able to use it in our lives, not only for ourselves but hopefully for those that we love also.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

John 3:16, 20:1-10; Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:32; Ephesians 2:8; Acts 9:15, 13:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 11:25, 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7, 15:51; Ephesians 3:3-7, 5:32, 6:19; Colossians 1:27; 1 Timothy 3:16.

I hope I do not lose any readers from doing this lesson this morning. Please let’s walk through together and if there are any questions, please send me your feedback.

John 3:16 ‘…For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

A powerful verse, but with that said, it was not written for us today in the 21st century. It was never written to a Gentile; it is a verse found in the Bible for a Jew.

John 20

vs1 ‘…Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already removed from the tomb…’

vs2 ‘…So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, they have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him…’

vs3 ‘…So Peter and the other disciple left, and they were going to the tomb…’

vs4 ‘…The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead, faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first…’

vs5 ‘…and he stooped to look in, and saw the linen wrappings lying there; however, he did not go in…’

vs6 ‘…So Simon Peter also came, following him, and he entered the tomb; and he looked at the linen wrappings lying there…’

vs7 ‘…and the facecloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings but folded up in a place by itself…’

vs8 ‘…So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb also entered then, and he saw and believed…’

vs9 ‘…For they did not yet understand the Scripture, that He must rise from the dead…’

vs10 ‘…So the disciples went away again to their own homes…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

In John’s writings, he never includes himself by name. In these verses (2, 3, 4 and 8), he refers to himself as ‘the other disciple.’

In verse 2, Mary Magdelene told Simon Peter and John that someone had taken the body of Jesus, and she didn’t know where His body was. John thought that the body of Jesus had been stolen by possibly grave robbers.

It wasn’t until verse 7 when John seen the folded facecloth before he realized Jesus’ body had not been stolen, because it was neatly folded.

It wasn’t until verse 8 when both disciples realized that Jesus had been resurrected from His tomb, just as Jesus told the disciples, as they were about to leave Caesarea Phillipi on their way into the city of Jerusalem where Jesus was to be turned over and crucified by the Romans.

Up until this time, the original apostles did not understand that Jesus was going to Die, be Buried and Rise again on the third day. Even though Jesus had tried telling the disciples of His upcoming Death, Burial and Resurrection, the apostles did not understand.

Matthew 16:21 ‘…From that time Jesus began to point out to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised up on the third day…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Mark 8:31 ‘…And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise from the dead…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Mark 9:31 ‘…For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Mark 10:32 ‘…Now they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again, He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

So, when John wrote the most famous verse found in the Bible, he had no idea about the Death, Burial and the Resurrection of Jesus. John knew nothing about the Gentiles being promised GRACE by God.

John 3:16, even though it is a beautiful verse, it was never meant for a Gentile believer. It is unfortunate that our churches today use it to teach our children.

A much nicer verse, meant for the Gentile believer in Jesus Christ can be found in Ephesians 2.

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

This verse was written by the apostle Paul who was chosen by Jesus Himself to teach the Gentiles about God and the gift of grace He was going to give us.

This had all been kept secret by God since the beginning of time. There are many that do not believe the writings of Paul, the apostle.

It is so sad because today in the 21st century, it is only going to be through those writings that us Gentiles are going to be saved from and Everlasting Torment.

In Acts 9 we learn that Jesus called on Saul/Paul to be His chosen vessel.

Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Acts 13:9

‘…But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, stared at him…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

There is so much UNBELIEF, especially from those that only believe what has been written in a particular version of the English Bible (which in itself, is a translation).

‘…Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

And then, next there is the MYSTERY.

Maybe we should first begin with the question, who says that God is unable to keep anything secret from us, ‘HIS CREATION,’ like a mystery? Who?

1 Corinthians 2:14 ‘…If someone does not believe in God, they cannot accept the message that comes from God’s Spirit. They think that God’s message is silly. They cannot even understand those things. Only God’s Spirit can explain them to people…’ EASY

So maybe, our first qualification must be that a person MUST believe in God.

Romans 11:25

‘…For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Allow me to also use the NASB version of the Bible in these next verses, it is said to be the most accurate translation from the Greek into the English Bible.

‘…For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery – so that you will not be wise in your own estimation – that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Romans 16:25

‘…Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘…Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

1 Corinthians 2:7

‘…but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘…but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

This next mystery is all about the Rapture and the changing into our heavenly bodies from our earthly bodies.

1 Corinthians 15:51

‘…Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘…Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed …’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Ephesians 3

vs3 ‘…how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words…’

vs4 ‘…whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) …’

vs5 ‘…which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit…’

vs6 ‘…that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel…’

vs7 ‘…whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power…’AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

vs3 ‘…that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before briefly…’

vs4 ‘…By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ…’

vs5 ‘…which in other generations was not made known to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit…’

vs6 ‘…to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel…’

vs7 ‘…of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Ephesians 5:32

‘…This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘…This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Ephesians 6:19

‘…and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘…and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Colossians 1:27

‘…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…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘…to whom God willed to make known what the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

1 Timothy 3:16

‘…And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

‘…Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Keep your Bibles open and study more than what you have been told to read. Search through different versions, type questions into your search engines, study the Word in detail. Don’t just rely on me, don’t rely on your pastors, churches and their denominations. Study the Word and find out ALL that God wants you to hear.

I love every one of you. Stand up and be proud of who you are, a child of God.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

Believe in Your Bibles – It Is God’s Written WORD

Monday 021725

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Together, you and I, let’s open the Word and study what we’ve ALL been freely given. Use me to help you open up your Bible and search what God wants for us to hear. We’re only going to follow what we find written in the Word that pertains to us and hopefully from what we find, we will be able to use it in our lives, not only for ourselves but hopefully for those that we love also.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1:26-31; Jeremiah 25:2, 25:9-11; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; Micah 4:2; Hosea 11:1; Isiah 53:4-5; Ephesians 2:8.

While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state a single reason why God created everything that we see, the basic theme throughout scripture is that God created for His own glory, to be praised and worshipped by His creation, with humans specifically created in His image to have a relationship with Him.

Think about it for a moment, who or what was going to tell God, NO you cannot create anything.

There is a verse found in the Bible regarding creation:

Colossians 1:16 ‘…for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

We have been created for God, by God, because God wanted us to be created.

Our lives are all because of what God wants, it has nothing to do with what another human being imagined that Darwin thought. It has nothing to do with what the television wants you to believe about aliens and visitors from outer space. It has nothing to do with anything other than it is what God wanted.

It is all because of God.

Genesis 1

vs26 ‘…Then God said, Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth…’

vs27 ‘…So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them…’

vs28 ‘…God blessed them; and God said to them, be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth…’

vs29 ‘…Then God said, behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you…’

vs30 ‘…and to every animal of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food; and it was so…’

vs31 ‘…And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

There are so many today that do not believe what I’ve already written in this lesson.

To them, it is impossible to imagine what I am trying to portray. 

Almost every one of these skeptics will voice their own, alternative belief. A belief that they want me to believe in because they think it’s the truth.

God gave us the Word, His written voice so that we will be able to survive this life we are living in.

Throughout the Word there are many prophesies that have been told of events that were going to happen and are yet still, remain to happen.

We don’t have enough time to list every event that mankind was foretold, before it happened, but I’ll list a few.

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah foretold the destruction of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 25

vs2 ‘…the word which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to all the people of Judah and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying…’

vs9 ‘…behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, declares the Lord, and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land and against its inhabitants and against all these surrounding nations; and I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and hissing, and an everlasting place of ruins…’

vs10 ‘…Moreover, I will eliminate from them the voice of jubilation and the voice of joy, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp…’

vs11 ‘…This entire land will be a place of ruins and an object of horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

The warning (prophecy) was written and given around 605 BC.

History records that the Babylonians (king Nebuchadnezzar), did indeed demolish Jerusalem in 587 BC.

There was the prophesy of Jesus’ birth. Ancient prophets foretold many events related to His role and mission. These prophecies were given so people would recognize Jesus when He came and have faith in Him as their Savior. Isaiah in the Old Testament wrote about Jesus 700 years before His birth.

Isaiah 7:14 ‘…Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

He further declared two (2) chapters later:

Isaiah 9:6 ‘…For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

There were the prophesies of Jesus’ life. There were Old Testament prophets that foretold of Jesus’ life in remarkable detail. Micah knew the Savior would be born in Bethlehem.

Micah 4:2 ‘…But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Hosea spoke of the time Jesus would spend in Egypt as a child.

Hosea 11:1 ‘…When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

The book of Psalms talks about how Jesus would speak in parables and would be rejected by His own people (see Psalm 69:8; 78:2).

Another of Isaiah’s beautiful prophecies spoke of Jesus’s role and sacrifice:

Isaiah 53

vs4 ‘…However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore, and our pains that He carried; yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted, struck down by God, and humiliated…’

vs5 ‘…But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

There is the prophesy that was written of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus also.

God gave us the Scripture so that we would know what He wanted for us to know. There are those that don’t believe, but these people are in a large group of unbelievers.

From the time at Kadesh Barnea all the way up through today’s date, this world’s worst and most frequently used and unforgiveable sin has been mankind’s UNBELIEF in what God has done for us. And even more unbelievable is what God has tried giving to us, for free and most people are going to suffer Everlasting Torment because of it.

It has been mankind’s inability to believe what God has done for us. Of course, so much of this unbelief has been caused by Satan himself.

My most favorite verse in the Bible is found in Ephesians 2.

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

It had nothing to do with man’s churches, when they told us we needed to ‘tithe’ 10 percent of our income.

It had nothing to do with those that told us we needed to keep the Ten Commandments.

It had nothing to do with anything other than having the FAITH to accept the Gift that God tried giving to us that promised us Everlasting, Eternal Life.

All we had to do was BELIEVE.

Keep your Bibles open and continue studying the words of wisdom that God Himself has given us in His Word.

Lift your voices and let others know just how easy it is if they would only try.

I love every one of y’all. One day, we are ALL going to learn just everything that is involved in the little four-letter word L-O-V-E.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

BEWARE of False Teachers

Sunday 021625

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Together, you and I, let’s open the Word and study what we’ve ALL been freely given. Use me to help you open up your Bible and search what God wants for us to hear. We’re only going to follow what we find written in the Word that pertains to us and hopefully from what we find, we will be able to use it in our lives, not only for ourselves but hopefully for those that we love also.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Deuteronomy 18:20; Ezekiel 13:9; Jerimiah 14:14, 23:16; Luke 6:26; Matthew 24:24, 16:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Acts 20:28-30; 2 Peter 3:14-18; 1 John 4:1-6; Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Titus 1:6-16; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 4:1.

SATAN KNOWS HIS TIME IS SHORT.

Do you realize the end is near?

Do you want to know?

Are you going to try and be READY?

The end is near, but only God knows for certain when this end will occur.

So, as we’re waiting for Jesus to return to get His church, ‘STAND FIRM’ and beware of those that are trying to teach you the wrong things.

Read the Word for yourselves and prepare for the lies spoken directly to your face.

Deuteronomy 18:20 ‘…But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name, a word which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Ezekiel 13:9 ‘…So My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will have no place in the council of My people, nor will they be written down in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel, so that you may know that I am the Lord God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Jerimiah 14:14 ‘…Then the Lord said to me, the prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them, nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility, and the deception of their own minds…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Jerimiah 23:16 ‘…This is what the Lord of armies says: Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are leading you into futility; They tell a vision of their own imagination,
Not from the mouth of the Lord…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

The entire Bible warns us of ‘FALSE TEACHERS.’

Luke 6:26 ‘…Woe to you when all the people speak well of you; for their fathers used to treat the false prophets the same way…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Matthew 24:24 ‘…For false Christ’s and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Matthew 16

vs11 ‘…How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees…’

vs12 ‘…Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Do you understand, that if you are unaware what is written in the Word …

PEOPLE WAKE UP!!!

Do you NOT know that you can be lied to … directly to your face … over the loudspeakers on Sunday morning.

This is the reason God gave us His armor so we could protect ourselves from this false word.

If we know what has been written in God’s Word, Satan cannot get his foot inside the door, he will be unable to creep into our rooms.

 2 Timothy 4

vs3 ‘…For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires…’

vs4 ‘…and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

How many churches today are more interested in ‘tickling ears’ instead of preaching the Word of God as it is written?

Is your church that way … do YOU know for sure?

Acts 20

vs28 ‘…Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood…’

vs29 ‘…I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock…’

vs30 ‘…and from among your own selves’ men will arise, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

We are ALL supposed to be looking out for one another. We are ALL supposed to keep our neighbors safe.

You MUST know what is and what is NOT written in the Word for you to guard against the lies.

READ YOUR BIBLES.

Tell your friends that you know in church.

2 Peter 3

vs14 ‘…Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace…’

vs15 ‘…and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you…’

vs16 ‘…as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which there are some things that are hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction…’

vs17 ‘…You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unscrupulous people and lose your own firm commitment…’

vs18 ‘…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

1 John 4

vs1 ‘…Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world…’

vs2 ‘…By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…’

vs3 ‘…and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now it is already in the world…’

vs4 ‘…You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world…’

vs5 ‘…They are from the world; therefore, they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them…’

vs6 ‘…We are from God. The one who knows God listens to us; the one who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Speak to others in your church and compare what was taught. Speak up to one another and voice what the Word tells us. Is it the same thing that was preached inside your church today?

Matthew 7

vs15 ‘…Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves…’

vs16 ‘…You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they…’

vs17 ‘…So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit…’

vs18 ‘…A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit…’

vs19 ‘…Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire…’

vs20 ‘…So then, you will know them by their fruits…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

2 Peter 1

vs12 ‘…Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and have been established in the truth which is present with you…’

vs13 ‘…I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder…’

vs14 ‘…knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me…’

vs15 ‘…And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.

Eyewitnesses

vs16 ‘…For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty…’

vs17 ‘…For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased…’

vs18 ‘…and we ourselves heard this declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain…

vs19 ‘…And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts…’

vs20 ‘…But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation…’

vs21 ‘…for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Titus 1

vs6 ‘…namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion…’

vs7 ‘…For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money…’

vs8 ‘…but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined…’

vs9 ‘…holding firmly the faithful word, which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it…’

vs10 ‘…For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision…’

vs11 ‘…who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain…’

vs12 ‘…One of them, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons…’

vs13 ‘…This testimony is true. For this reason, reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith…’

vs14 ‘…not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth…’

vs15 ‘…To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled…’

vs16 ‘…They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Romans 16

vs17 ‘…Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them…’

vs18 ‘…For such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

1 Timothy 4:1 ‘…But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Keep on your guard. Be alert. Keep your Bibles always open and read His Word ALL the time.

I love ALL of y’all.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

LISTEN to His Word

Saturday 021525

Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

Romans 10:9 ‘…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by GRACE you have been SAVED through FAITH; and this is not of yourselves, it is a GIFT of God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

1 Timothy 3:16 ‘…Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus, I pray to You this morning, that I could be used as Your vessel of Grace to portray to those that read this study and whose FAITH remains weak, that they could be encouraged through Your Word and find reassurance in the promises that you have given to us.

Allow Your Word to open up for us this morning Jesus, and allow our eyes and ears to welcome Your presence to fill our minds with Your love and kindness.

We truly love You Jesus. Amen.

The verses we will use this morning in our study is:

1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 15:24; Deuteronomy 7:6; Acts 9:15; Romans 11:11; John 3:16, 19:17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:9.

I’ve tried penning this lesson several times now, and so far every time, I’ve ended up walking away without writing down what is filled up in my mind. After a few minutes or even a couple of hours away from what I’m trying to voice, I’m sitting back down trying once again.

This MUST mean something or else why am I constantly steered back to this?

So, I’m going to try it again. I hope you can sense this struggle that I am trying so hard to defeat.

Help me Jesus to write this lesson that You feel really needs to be shared with someone out there that needs to see these words. I love You Jesus. Amen.

Just for a moment think of all the churches that are having service tomorrow, in case you didn’t notice, it is Saturday morning as I’m writing this.

Hundreds if not thousands of different churches, thousands of different denominations … now look worldwide … now look at the individuals all going to church.

Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people, worldwide but guess what, THERE IS ONLY ONE TRIUNE GOD.

How many of these different church services are going to say different messages or read from different writings?

For a moment, just think of that Bible, the Word of God … there is ONLY ONE.

There are going to be churches out there that will read from their own congregations writings … some of these churches are only going to hear the words that come out of their pastors mouth … there are some of these churches that will even open up their Bibles, but they try and define a ‘context’ of what God is trying to say.

I’m pretty sure but the God I worship and pray to every morning and night and throughout my every day, He didn’t need one of us human beings to figure out what He is trying to tell us. I’m pretty sure in His Omniscience, He had this under control. I’m also pretty sure that if He thought He needed to emphasize it a little differently, He would have had that done ahead of time. I don’t think God had to rely on these few human beings around this world to tell the rest of us what He is trying to say.

And just think for a moment, if God needed all these different human beings out there to interpret the Word, why does just about every county in the entire world all read and interpret something differently?

I think God gave us HIS Word to tell each one of us what He wanted for us to know.

The Bible tells us that Jesus died on a cross for us to forgive us of our sins.

1 Corinthians 15:3 ‘…For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…’ AKJV

1 Peter 2:24 ‘…who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed…’ AKJV

Jesus died on that cross for you and me.

Jesus didn’t come to this earth for you and me. Jesus wasn’t born in Bethlehem for you and me. Jesus tells us Himself why He came to this earth in Matthew.

Matthew 15:24 ‘…But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel…’ AKJV

The house of Israel is better known as the Jew.

Back in the days of Jesus there was the Jew and the non-Jew, also known as the Gentile.

That’s all that made up the world, in fact, that’s all there is today, also.

The Jew was God’s Chosen people.

Deuteronomy 7:6 ‘…For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth…’ AKJV

What I have already said, I have shown what God has allowed us to see and read for ourselves in His Word.

Now God, year after year and generation after generation faced nothing but continuous unbelief towards Him by the human Jewish people.

When Jesus came to this earth to fulfill, Old Testament promises, made by God to the early forefathers of the Jewish religion, Abraham, Issac and Jacob, He found that many Jews did not believe that He was the Son of God, their promised King.

Jesus, during three years of His earthly ministry, there were some believing Jews that did believe that Jesus was their promised Messiah, but there were many that remained infatuated in the Greek Orthodox Jewish religion.

These Orthodox Jews ended up turning Jesus over to the Romans to have Jesus crucified and put to death.

Now I have to step in here for just a moment, everything up to the point where Jesus died on the cross, mankind’s sins have not been forgiven.

We are not told our sins were forgiven because Jesus thought about dying.

We’re not told our sins were forgiven because Jesus was alive either.

It’s written in the Word; our sins were forgiven when Jesus died on the cross for us.

Even after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, there were still those Orthodox Jews that didn’t believe in Jesus that He was the Son of God or their Messiah that was promised to them in the OT.

It wasn’t until the Sanhedrin stoned and killed Stephen that God decided to change biblical history.

Acts 7 is the entire story of Stephen in front of the Sanhedrin, pleading for his life and trying to teach them about Jesus.

It wasn’t until Acts 9:15, when Jesus, the already Ascended Jesus Christ, had returned back to this earth, once again.

This is Jesus talking to Ananias, a religious leader, a believing Jew in the city of Damascus.

Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him (Ananias), go thy way: for he (Saul) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel …’ AKJV

Jesus CHOSE Saul to teach this entire earth about Him.

Jesus left the remaining apostles where they stayed in Jerusalem and He CHOSE Saul of Tarsus.

Now there are churches and religions today that believe we have been told we were to replace the Jews … we were to take their place.

This is known as Replacement Theology.

The Word of God does NOT justify this belief.

Romans 11:11 ‘…Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves…’ NLT

So many churches today, try and involve the younger kids to memorize verses found in the Bible … Yes, it is the Word of God, but it hasn’t been written for us Gentiles today in the 21st century.

John 3:16, the most known verse found in the Word, the only thing, it was written to the Jewish believer.

John 3:16 ‘…For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…’ AKJV

Jesus was still living, walking the earth in John 3. Jesus didn’t die on the cross until John 19.

John 19:17 ‘…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha…’ AKJV

Paul wrote us the Gospel that could save us Gentiles, if we BELIEVE.

1 Corinthians 15

vs1 ‘…Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand…’

vs2 ‘…by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain…’

vs3 ‘…For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…’

vs4 ‘…and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…’ AKJV

Here is my favorite verse in the entire Bible, God’s Word.

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV

Here is another verse I hope this world could catch on to.

Romans 10:9 ‘…that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…’ AKJV

Rather than listening to your priest, your pastor, your church or its denomination or even from me, open up your Bible and allow God to tell you, Himself what He wants you to HEAR.

I pray that you would allow your ears to be opened and let Him speak to you the words He wants for you to hear.

I love ALL of y’all.

Keep your Bibles open and continue to study the Word He has for you to hear.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

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Whosoever Inhim

Whosoever inhim Bible Study

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accept ALL Christians

Saturday 021525

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Together, you and I, let’s open the Word and study what we’ve ALL been freely given. Use me to help you open up your Bible and search what God wants for us to hear. We’re only going to follow what we find written in the Word that pertains to us and hopefully from what we find, we will be able to use it in our lives, not only for ourselves but hopefully for those that we love also.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Romans 14:1-22; Matthew 7:1-5, 7:6.

There will be times when you open your Bible to read ‘A’ verse, when you will find an entire chapter where it will seem like God wrote those words just for you or for the situation you might be in.

Accept all Christians

Romans 14

vs1 ‘…It is difficult for some Christians to trust God completely about everything. You should accept people like that as your friends. Do not argue with them about what they think is right or wrong…’

vs2 ‘…Some people believe that they may eat all kinds of food. But other people are not so sure, so they eat only vegetables…’

vs3 ‘…People who eat anything must not think that they are better than people who eat only vegetables. Also, people who eat only vegetables must not judge other people who eat anything. They are not doing anything wrong, because God himself has accepted them…’

vs4 ‘…God is the master of all believers, and they are his servants. You do not have authority to judge someone else’s servant. The servant’s own master will decide if he has done well, or he has done something wrong. And he will serve his master well, because the Lord is able to help him to do that…’

vs5 ‘…Some people think that certain days are special and more important than other days. Other people think that all days are the same. Each person should decide what seems right to him…’

vs6 ‘…A person who makes a certain day special does that so that he can respect the Lord. A person who eats all kinds of food does that so that he can respect the Lord. He thanks God for the food that he eats. A person who refuses to eat certain foods also does that so that he can respect the Lord. And he also thanks God…’

vs7 ‘…None of us lives only to please ourselves. And we do not die to please ourselves…’

vs8 ‘…While we live, we want to please the Lord. And when we die, we want that to please the Lord too. So, while we live, or if we die, we continue to belong to the Lord…’

vs9 ‘…Christ died and then he became alive again. That happened so that he could be the Lord of all people, those who have died and those who are still alive…’

vs10 ‘…So then, if you eat only vegetables, you must not judge other believers. Also, if you eat anything, you must not think that you are better than other believers. Remember that all of us will have to stand in front of God. He will decide whether we have done what is right or wrong…’

vs11 ‘…This is written in the Bible: The Lord God says, as surely as I live, this will certainly happen: Everyone will go down on their knees in front of me. Everyone will praise me that I am God…’

vs12 ‘…So each of us will have to explain to God about the things that we have done…’

Do not cause trouble

vs13 ‘…So we must no longer judge other believers. Instead, you must decide never to bring trouble to another believer. Do not cause them to do something wrong…’

vs14 ‘…As for me, I am sure that we may eat any kind of food. God does not think that any food is unclean. The Lord Jesus has shown me that that is true. But someone else may believe that it is wrong to eat certain food. For that person, it would be wrong to eat that kind of food…’

vs15 ‘…You should not cause another believer to be sad because of what you eat. If you do make him sad, then you are not really loving him. Remember that Christ died on behalf of that person. So do not let your food make him turn away from God…’

vs16 ‘…You may think that something is good. But still, you should not do it, if other people will say that it is bad…’

vs17 ‘…We belong to God’s people, and he is our King. The things that we eat, and drink are not really important to him. This is important: We should do what is right. We should have peace in our minds. And we should be truly happy. God’s Holy Spirit helps us to live like that…’

vs18 ‘…If anyone serves Christ in that way, they will make God happy. And other people will respect them…’

vs19 ‘…So then, we should try to live in a way that brings peace. We should try to help each other so that we become stronger as God’s people…’

vs20 ‘…Do not bring trouble to someone because of the food that you eat. Do not destroy what God has done in the life of another believer. God lets us eat all kinds of food. But do not eat anything that will cause another believer to do something wrong…’

vs21 ‘…It is good not to do anything that might cause another believer to do something wrong. That includes if you eat meat or if you drink wine…’

vs22 ‘…What you believe about these things should be a secret between yourself and God. You should do what you have decided is right for you. Do not feel guilty about what you eat. Then God will bless you…’

vs23 ‘…But someone else may not be sure whether it is right to eat certain kinds of food. If that person does eat that kind of food, then he shows that he is guilty. He has not trusted God that it is right for him to do that. Whatever things we do, we must trust God about them. If we do not trust God that something is right, then it is a sin…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

This is a great chapter; in other words, keep your eyes on yourself. Don’t worry about what the person next to you is doing.

The AKJV basically says the same thing, just different and sometimes, maybe more confusing words are used.

Can you just imagine what this world would be like if we all lived this way? If everyone worried about what they were doing instead of worrying what someone else is doing.

If we only worried about what we were doing ourselves and we took our eyes off someone else and kept them only on ourselves, what an example it would be for us.

This chapter in Romans brings this chapter in Matthew to mind.

JUDGING OTHERS

Matthew 7

vs1 ‘…Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you…’

vs2 ‘…for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others…’

vs3 ‘…Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye…’

vs4 ‘…How dare you say to your brother, Please, let me take that speck out of your eye, when you have a log in your own eye…’

vs5 ‘…You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

In verse 6, Jesus voices one of those verses found in the Bible that should be dissected word by word for hopefully, a clearer explanation.

Matthew 7:6 ‘…Do not give what is holy to dogs—they will only turn and attack you. Do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, they will only trample them underfoot…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Holy – Dogs – Pearls – Pigs

The Bible considers ‘HOLY’ to be a state of being separate from sin and evil and living in a way that reflects God’s glory.

As with everything in our life, there is God’s that is Holy and then there is a Human that is Holy.

The Bible describes God as being perfect, unstained by sin, and does and says everything right. 

The Hebrew word for ‘Holy’ literally means ‘separate’ or ‘set apart.’ 

The Bible teaches us that human beings can be Holy by living in accordance with God’s standards and rules, rather than the ways of the world. 

This means being set apart from sin and living a life of moral purity. 

The Bible also teaches us that holiness is a natural result of being saved by God’s Grace and filled with His Spirit. 

It’s important that we step back from time to time and take a look at ourselves. We need to see if how we appear is what we want to portray to God and to others that we meet throughout our daily lives. Does God and others see us in the same way as we might see ourselves?

We need to confess our sins when we fail and actually, God has already seen our failures. We don’t need to confess our wrongs to God because He already knows. But what we really need to do is to confess our wrongs to ourselves. It is that recognition that lets us know that we’ve done something wrong.

That little criticism that we acknowledge that we made a mistake could go a long way in the future.

And with what I just said about our failures, I think it is also just as important that we give ourselves a little pat on the back when we’ve done something right. A little hi-five, every now and then, could help us all to become better.

Fellowship with other Christians can also be a source of strength in living a Holy life.

We are never going to be perfect as Jesus was when He was walking on this earth. We should stop beating ourselves up because we feel we cannot compete with the way we are told how He lived.

We shouldn’t be comparing ourselves with the person next to us either, we should remain unique and compare ourselves to ourselves and make certain what we’re doing is the right thing.

Verse 6 uses the word ‘dogs.’ The Romans called the Jews dogs back in Matthew’s time, but it has been written in several commentaries that a dog back in the time of Matthew was nothing like how we have a dog in our house today. Dogs ran in packs back in the days of Matthew. They were not peoples house pets like they are today in many homes throughout the country.

In the ancient world, dogs were largely half-wild, dirty, greedy, snarling, vicious, flea-bitten, diseased, mongrel scavengers. They were often on the point of starvation and were known to devour corpses, and attack humans, in the night. Clearly literal ‘dogs’ in the ancient world were dangerous and despised.

In other words, in vs6, what Jesus is explaining is if someone isn’t open to listening to you, there is no reason to continue speaking to them.

To clarify the comment a little, most people will initially resist hearing about the Gospel, but here Jesus is not speaking of resistance in general but of a vicious attack against the Lord and His Gospel.

Maybe the major point in this verse was, while followers in Jesus must not be guilty of condemning anyone, we must learn to discriminate when we witness or speak of the Word.

Keep your Bibles open and continue reading of the Love that is shown to us. When you see those around you, share in that same love. Be ready to share the Word with those that you meet. Do not be afraid of repeating the Word to others. Let others know how much you love God.

I love all of y’all.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

Jesus’ CHOICE

Friday 021425

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Together, you and I, let’s open the Word and study what we’ve ALL been freely given. Use me to help you open up your Bible and search what God wants for us to hear. We’re only going to follow what we find written in the Word that pertains to us and hopefully from what we find, we will be able to use it in our lives, not only for ourselves but hopefully for those that we love also.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Acts 9:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 9:29, 15:28, 17:20; Mark 9:23, 10:52; Luke 8:48; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 15:24-28.

In my attempt to spread the Word, to the people in the 21st century, I am posting a new lesson every morning.

I am posting my lessons on eleven (11) different sites.

On Facebook, I am:

Whosoever Inhim

Whosoever inhim Bible Study

Or, in a search engine, simply type:

lrabbe.wordpress.com

whosoeverinhim.weebly.com

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free-4140862.webador.com

I feel the first hurdle that so many must get over today is found in Acts 9.

Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said to him, go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

The AKJV uses the words ‘chosen vessel.’

How can so many priests, pastors, denominations and teachers defend themselves from this one simple verse?

How can there be Christians today that just simply overlook this ONE (1) verse.

Are all these people claiming they are better than Jesus? Are they saying they are all wiser than Jesus was?

I think there are a lot of people that need to re-evaluate where they placed their loyalty and who they trust the most.

Jesus is the one commenting that He is choosing Paul. It’s written by Luke, the author of Acts and then there are the writings from 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 3

vs16 ‘…All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness…’

vs17 ‘…so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Paul wrote the book of 2 Timothy, but he is talking about the entire works found in the Bible. Paul is telling us ALL Scripture has been Inspired by God.

Maybe the second (2nd) thing found in Acts 9, vs15 is the fact that Jesus chose Paul to teach the sons of Israel … does this mean Jesus has given up on the original apostles?

Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said to him, go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

The original disciples never received the promises that are found in GRACE. The original apostles never received the description of the ‘MYSTERY.’

I’m unsure after Acts 9:15, there is really any need to go on, but we’re going to continue anyways.

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

This has got to be our number one defense that we can tell anyone.

For by God’s GRACE, we have been SAVED from death because of our FAITH, all because this is a GIFT that has been given to us by God, Himself.

Why is this verse not known be every man, woman, and child today.

Churches today teach our kids to recite from memory John 3:16 … it is unfortunate that they don’t show the same energy to have our children learn a verse that will truly save them from the agonies of torment, the endless years of an Everlasting promise of Destruction.

In the NASB version, there are 26 words used in John 3:16 and there are only 21 words used in Ephesians 2:8.

Five (5) words extra and still, the real Gospel is still missing from John … Jesus’ Death, Burial and Resurrection.

I’ve had people recite the things the Bible tells us we are supposed to do to be saved …

… and my answer has always been, ‘I guess, my Bible doesn’t say the same thing.’

To go back to Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible), I don’t see where I’m told I need to do anything extra other than to have FAITH.

Matthew 9:29 ‘…Then He touched their eyes, saying, it shall be done for you according to your FAITH…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Matthew 15:28 ‘…Then Jesus said to her, O woman, your FAITH is great; it shall be done for you as you desire. And her daughter was healed at once…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Matthew 17:20 ‘…And He said to them, Because of your meager FAITH; for truly I say to you, if you have FAITH the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Mark 9:23 ‘…But Jesus said to him, If You can? All things are possible for the one who believes (FAITH)…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Mark 10:52 ‘…And Jesus said to him, go; your FAITH has made you well. And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Luke 8:48 ‘…And He said to her, Daughter, your FAITH has made you well; go in peace…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Where is it that Jesus tells us we MUST do something extra besides believing?

Matthew, Mark and Luke were gospels written before Jesus’ crucifixion but even then, Jesus never told us we needed to do something extra.

Our priests, pastors, denominations and most non-believers tell us there is extra stuff we need to do but the thing is that none of those people can truly promise and give us LIFE.

Jesus on the other hand … He is our promise for Everlasting Life.

I really thought today was going to be a difficult lesson to convey what I am trying to say and to be honest, basically it was that ONE (1) verse in Ephesians 2 that paved the way.

Now, Satan is going to flip because we are elated that Jesus has made it so easy for us, that Satan is going to do his best to destroy our good mood and this is where the Armor that God gave us comes in play.

God knew Satan was going to try and defeat us. Us, being nothing but a mere human being, Satan could easily defeat us. But with the Armor God has given us, we are undefeatable.

Ephesians 6

The Armor of God

vs10 ‘…Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might…’

vs11 ‘…Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil…’

vs12 ‘…For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places…’

vs13 ‘…Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm…’

vs14 ‘…Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…’

vs15 ‘…and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace…’

vs16 ‘…in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one…’

vs17 ‘…And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…’

vs18 ‘…With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Of all the pieces of ARMOR that God has given to equip us from Satan, there is just one (1) Piece that can be used offensively.

And that is the Word of God, our Bibles. Not only will we be able to recite verses, keeping Satan (our attacker) at bay, we will KNOW the real verses which really matter to God so we will know if we’re being lied to in the future.

The Word of God has been given to us for our protection. We are the only generation that has the Word so available to us.

Bible software can easily be downloaded onto our smartphones, onto our tablets and our laptop computers.

This is a very big advantage for us today,

vs18 ‘…With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints…’

Prayer in our lives is very important for us. A simple recognition to God allows the Holy Spirit to fill our minds with all of God’s security and love.

Prayer is like a telephone line directly linked to God for our own personal use whenever we need to speak with Him.

The thing is we don’t need wi-fi or any man-made service to reach God, all we have to do is call on His name and He is there in front of us waiting to help.

Jesus came to this earth for many reasons.

First and foremost, Jesus came to this earth to fulfill the promises made to the forefathers back in the OT, near the beginning of the Bible.

Second, Jesus came to teach us about the importance in FAITH.

Third, Jesus was given as a sacrifice for every human being on the planet earth. It was the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ that is our promise of life.

One of my favorite passages found in the Bible is found in Matthew 15.

Matthew 15

vs24 ‘…But He answered and said, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel…’

vs25 ‘…But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, Lord, help me…’

vs26 ‘…Yet He answered and said, it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs…’

vs27 ‘…And she said, Yes, Lord; but please help, for even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table…’

vs28 ‘…Then Jesus said to her, O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire. And her daughter was healed at once…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

In vs24, Jesus tells us He was sent ONLY for the House of Israel, that was the Jew’s. But in vs28, Jesus acknowledges that because of the Gentile woman’s FAITH in Him, her wish has been granted.

This is our hope and desire, as well, in the future.

I love every one of you.

Keep your Bibles open and continue reading of His powerful message to and for us.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

opinions – BEWARE – put on the ARMOR of God

Thursday 021325

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

You and I together, let’s open and study the Word that we have ALL been given. Use me to help you study the Bible and allow me to be used to help you search what God wants for us to hear.

Let’s only follow what we find that pertains to us and realize that it’s only from our own effort in studying His Word that is going to let us take anything away that we can use in our lives by ourselves and with those that we love.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 2:14-16; Ephesians 6:17, :13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Again this morning, we’re going to tackle another difficult subject.

Everyone has an opinion today.

This is right and that’s wrong. It’s all you hear all day.

Whatever is said today, may very well be changed tomorrow BUT, you’re going to hear what has to be said today.

There is one thing we can guarantee will not change, ever, and that is the Word of God.

Man’s churches change their bylaws every day. New devotionals are passed out. Weekly church bulletins are given out as you walk inside. There are people that believe one thing one day and the next day, it’s totally something different.

Maybe they’re afraid someone might catch on to what has been changed. Maybe they think there are those that will read ahead and find a flaw. Who knows why there are so many changes?

With God, it’s been the same book for generations. Centuries after centuries have all had the same words.

Matthew 24:35

‘…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

A more elegant version:

‘…Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away…’ NIV (New International Version)

Just in our previous study, there had to have been a thousand different opinions on whether or not FAITH and BELIEVE meant the same thing.

Church sermons are available online that a pastor can find the words he wants to say. Whatever it is that he’s trying to emphasize at any given moment.

But what’s funny, God’s Word will remain the same. It never changes.

This has to be the reason why a person should open up their own Bibles and read them for themselves. What does the Word tell you. It is all up to what YOU believe in the future, why trust what someone else tells you what the Word is saying. READ IT FOR YOURSELF!!!

2 Timothy 2

vs14 ‘…Keep reminding God’s people of these things. While God is watching, warn them not to argue about words. That doesn’t have any value. It only destroys those who listen…’

vs15 ‘…Do your best to please God. Be a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed. Teach the message of truth correctly…’

vs16 ‘…Stay away from godless chatter. Those who take part in it will become more and more ungodly…’ NIRV (New International Reader’s Version)

What better way to teach than to have people READ it for themselves. Be there to help and to assist with any question but allow a person to have the first move themselves.

The plain truth is that there is no evidence, found in Scripture, that says we have been ‘commanded’ by God to read His Word every day.

If we were to impose such commands on people, as if that command was self-evident, we would risk making the Christian faith seem like a personal choice by us for you to obey.

We want you to choose for yourself to read the Word so you will prepare yourself for this world that we live in when you’re alone.

Let’s say, there are ten (10) of us in a group and we’re reading the Word together one evening. There is the (1) person, verbally reading the words, there are four other Bibles being shared by couples (8) and there is one (1) person in the group, sitting back and listening to what is being read aloud.

The next day, the group splits up to all run different errands. Nine (9) of the ten (10) followed the Word, letter by letter, the previous night, but there was one (1) that only listened to the words with their ears. That person didn’t see the words in front of them that had been written.

Which one might fail?

God gave us the Word to protect us. In fact, it is part of the Armor that God supplied us with.

Ephesians 6:17 ‘…And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

The SWORD.

Do you know, out of ALL the items in the Armor, the SWORD is the ONLY OFFENSIVE and DEFENSIVE piece of equipment that we have been given.

1-belt of truth

2-breastplate of righteousness

3-sandals of the gospel of peace

4-shield of faith

5-helmet of salvation

6-sword of the Spirit (the Holy Bible, the WORD)

7-prayer

You may ask, what is the value in us having any armor?

Ephesians 6:13 ‘…Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm…’ NLT (New Living Translation)

God knows the problems that we’re going to face in this life we are living.

He knows the struggles we’re going to face.

God gave us this armor to protect ourselves from this evil.

We’ve been given the Word, so we’ll be able to know when we’re being lied to.

When we’re at man’s church and they begin spewing about how we’re to be tithing every week, we’ll know those words aren’t written in the word.

When we’re told stories in man’s church about how we need to ‘DO’ something extra to be saved, we’ll know we’re being lied to by the pastor or whoever is speaking.

The more we know about what’s inside our Bibles, the more we’ll be prepared for the evil that we can guarantee is going to be circling around us. Hunting us down like hawks.

The more we know what has been written in the Word, the easier it is going to be for us to walk freely among the evil that is lying all around just waiting for the unprotected.

Over the years I have suggested several times how such a resource our search engines found online can be to us, but with that being said, also remember that evil is out there lurking right around the corner.

Don’t ask a question on your search engine and then take the first response as if its gospel. We have been blessed with a little bit of common sense, use yours a little. Read a few responses. Evaluate what you’ve just read and then compare your reading to what’s in the Word and then you will be able to feel confident that you have made the proper choice.

Always remember that Satan is out there wanting us to fail. If he could get us to spread false words or improper logic, he, in a way, could set back and declare that he won that battle. But don’t let him think he’s one over on you. If you’re going to speak, study what you are about to let others know how you’re thinking. Search different materials and make a wise conclusion that you won’t fear after you’ve voiced it to others that it might be wrong.

Check everything out before you open your mouth.

That last piece of armor is prayer. Say a short prayer to God and ask that His guidance would protect those about to hear your message.

People, God is not stupid. God didn’t make any mistakes when He created us. He created us all male and female. He created us with the purpose that He wanted, not what we want to tell others to believe.

We don’t know how much longer we will be here on this planet before that ‘trump’ is sounded and this earth, as we know it, it is going to be gone.

At the sound of the ‘trump,’ those believers that have died will rise first and then those that are alive and remain, they will all rise up into the clouds and meet Jesus where we will all follow Jesus and remain with Him, FOREVER. This is the promise found in the Rapture.

1 Thessalonians 4

vs13 ‘…Our Christian friends, we want you to understand properly about your friends who have died. Then you will not continue to be sad about them. People who do not hope for any life after death are sad when their friends die. But you should not be upset like those other people…’

vs14 ‘…We believe that Jesus died, and he rose again after death. So, we also believe that people who have died as Christians will rise again. When God brings Jesus back, he will take the Christians to go with Jesus…’

vs15 ‘…We are telling you the message that the Lord has given to us. This is what will happen when the Lord returns. Those of us who are still alive will not go to meet the Lord first. We will not go before those people who have already died…’

vs16 ‘…On that day, the Lord himself will come down from heaven. He will shout with authority. People will hear the voice of the leader of God’s angels. They will hear the sound of God’s trumpet. Then those people who have died as Christians will become alive again. They will be the first people to rise up…’

vs17 ‘…After that, those of us who are still alive will join together with them. God will suddenly take us up into the clouds. In that way, we will all meet the Lord in the sky. So, we will all be with the Lord forever…’

vs18 ‘…Because this message is true, tell it to each other. Help one another to be strong, not sad…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

How many times have scoffers read the previous words and dismissed them.

The Pharisees and the Sadducees, both leaders of the Jewish nation, they knew the writing forward and backward. They read the Word throughout every day of their lives. They forgot to pray and ask God to open their ears so they could hear the words that had been written.

We can see the same problem today, there are those that claim the only version of the
Bible that can be used in the English language is the AV1611 … where is it that these words of wisdom are written anywhere?

These people that make these ridiculous claims, they too have forgot to ask for their ears to be opened so they could ‘HEAR’ the words God has spoken through His Word.

Keep your Bibles open and continue to study His Word. Say your prayers and ask that your ears be opened so you can hear the words He has given to us.

I love ALL of y’all.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

What do we do when – 2

Wednesday 021225

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

Jesus, guide us tonight, as we search Your Word for answers that might help us with the questions that confront us each and every day.

Our lives are filled with so many unanswered questions that this world is unable to help us solve and answer them correctly.

It is only going to be with Your help and assistance, that will lead us in the direction You want us to go.

Give us the knowledge so we’ll recognize what You have put before our eyes, so we’ll be able to see what You are showing us.

We love You Jesus.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Romans 12:9; 1 Corinthians 13:4; John 13:34; Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

We are going to continue down this maze that is in front of us. Just as we were concluding our last lesson, we began to touch on the following subject:

Is it wrong for us to say nothing if we are confronted by an act that we know is unaccepted by God.

This leaves the pages wide open for us.

Just think how many things you see in your average normal day that would fall into the category of being UNACCEPTED BY GOD.

We are told that we are to LOVE one another.

Romans 12:9 ‘…Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

1 Corinthians 13:4 ‘…Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

John 13:34 ‘…A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

We’re told we are not to judge one another for what they are doing.

Matthew 7

vs1 ‘…Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you…’

vs2 ‘…If you judge others, you will be judged the same way you judge them. God will treat you the same way you treat others…’

vs3 ‘…Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own…’

vs4 ‘…Why do you say to your friend, let me take that piece of dust out of your eye? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye…’

vs5 ‘…You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye…’ ERV (Easy-to-Read Version)

This has to be fitting, just for this situation. We have a loved one, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a cousin, niece or nephew, it shouldn’t matter, a loved one, and we know they are doing something that God has not approved of, NOT something we disagree with, our church disagrees with or anything human.

God disagrees with.

Should we just sit back and keep quiet?

Should we change the word in the Bible so it will fit with what’s going on in front of us?

Should we turn our heads so we blindly cannot, see?

Should we confront the situation head on without worrying whether or not we damage our relationship?

NO to all of the above.

We should go to God in prayer and allow Him the Glory to solve the problem.

We’ve noticed the problem, but we also know we are unable to solve the problem … but our belief in God is enough to KNOW that He can handle the problem.

He is powerful enough to handle any problem that we ask Him to handle for us.

Is homosexuality wrong?

From last week we know that God has allowed this practice to continue because those individuals don’t show any respect to Him.

From this week we know we are to love one another.

We have been warned that we are not to judge someone if we think they are doing wrong.

We should go to God in prayer and ask that He would try and assist our loved one.

We should walk as close to the Word as we can. We shouldn’t flaunt the way we are or what we have attained because it can easily be taken away.

We should walk with the intention that someone might see us and consider our life, and our ways may be the correct choice for them.

We should allow God the ability to change someone’s heart.

Back in the early 70’s and 80’s there were protests at every abortion clinic throughout America.

Where in the Bible are we taught we should present ourselves like that?

Prayer is our only answer to solve such problems.

Do you know how many prayers are mentioned in the Bible (and how many were answered)?

1. There are 650 prayers listed in the Bible.

2. There are approximately 450 recorded answers to prayer in the Bible.

3. The first-time prayer is mentioned in the Bible is Genesis 4:26.

4. The Bible records Jesus praying 25 different times during his earthly ministry.

5. In the Bible, Paul mentions prayer 41 times.

6. Although prayer can be done from any bodily position, the Bible lists five specific postures: Sitting, standing, kneeling, with one’s face to the ground, and with hands lifted up.

7. In Jesus model for how his disciples should pray, he provides five areas of focus: That God’s name be honored – the focus on his everlasting glory; that God’s kingdom come – the focus on his eternal will; that God’s provision is given – the focus on our present; that God’s forgiveness is granted – the focus on our past; that God’s deliverance will be provided – the focus on our future.

8. The Bible lists at least nine main types of prayer: prayer of faith, prayer of agreement, prayer of request, prayer of thanksgiving, prayer of worship, prayer of consecration, prayer of intercession,  prayer of imprecation, and praying in the Spirit.

9. The word ‘Amen’ (which means ‘let it be,’ ‘so be it,’ ‘verily,’ ‘truly’) makes its first appearance in the Bible in Numbers 5:22. In that passage God commands it to be said by a person who is yielding to his examination.

When we pray for a loved one that is involved in homosexuality, we are seeking ‘intercessory prayer’ or ‘prayer of intersession.’

1 Timothy 2

vs1 ‘…So then, this is what I want to ask you first. Please pray for all people. Ask God to supply what they need. Ask God to help them. Thank God for what he does for everyone…’

vs2 ‘…Pray in that way for kings and for all rulers and people who have authority. Pray for God to help them, so that we may live our lives without trouble or danger. Then we can live in a good way that respects God and other people…’

vs3 ‘…It is good that we should pray like that. It makes God, our Saviour, happy…’

vs4 ‘…He wants to save all people. He wants everyone to know his message about what is true…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

Prayer is the easiest way for us to possibly conquer a problem that is too difficult for us alone to handle.

It’s not going to solve anything if we confront the problem head on. We will end up making enemies and if they’re family, family is family, we cannot just turn our backs on them.

A few weeks back I wrote a lesson on Christian music we can hear today on the radio.

My favorite song of all songs has to be ‘Talking to Jesus’ by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music.

Brandon Lake was blessed with the ability to sing a song about ‘Talking to Jesus.’ (PRAYING)

I remember I’d be at work, had my earbuds in and had the song on a constant play and over and over again all day, I listened to ‘Talking to Jesus.’

It is this communication that we have with God that keeps us in a relationship with Him constantly.

He is within us, and we too are also in Him. We are one.

I used to teach I’d keep Jesus on my shoulder so that if anything evil confronted me, He was right there ready to step in and defend me and then I heard that song ‘Talking to Jesus’ and it was so easy to keep Him always in front and in center as I listened to that song.

That’s what God is there for. We are one day going to praise and worship Him continuously and today, He is there to protect us from the evil that Satan thinks he can overtake us with but with Jesus there in front of everything, Satan knows better than to mess with my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I love all of you. Understand, there are going to be things that are going to happen in this world that we will be unable to answer.

But it is when we have Jesus with us, we are armed and ready for anything.

Keep your Bibles open and near enough so you can reach them at any time without much struggle. Download Bible apps onto your smartphones, on your tablets and computers. Keep Jesus with you at all times.

There are going to be questions that are going to arise, ALL the time but always remember, Jesus is there for you.

Depend on His strength to keep you safe all the time.

Keep your nose and your focus in the Word and allow God to take care of what is going on around you.

There is never an answer that cannot be answered when using your Bibles.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

What do we do when – 1

Tuesday 021125

Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘…For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s GIFT, so that no one can boast about it…’ GNT (Good News Translation)

You and I together, let’s open and study the Word that we have ALL been given. Use me to help you study the Bible and allow me to be used to help you search what God wants for us to hear.

Let’s only follow what we find that pertains to us and realize that it’s only from our own effort in studying His Word that is going to let us take anything away that we can use in our lives by ourselves and with those that we love.

The verses we are going to study tonight:

Leviticus 18:22-24, 20:13; Romans 1:18-32.

So, beginning tonight, our lessons are probably going to get more and more difficult than they’ve ever been for us. As we study God’s Word, we need to keep our prayers always in Him, asking that He’d be with us as we move forward.

I believe it would be foolish for me to keep it all ‘sugar and spice and everything nice’ kind of an atmosphere when honestly, we’ve not been told it’s going to remain that way in our Bibles.

Life and times have been hard in the past and we can just about be assured, it’s going to stay that way in the near future.

The other night, my wife and I were heading out for an evening ride over to see our grandkids and our neighbor came by to see us as we were leaving.

For ninety (90) minutes, the three of us stood out in our driveway and we were having a Bible study, a neighborhood church service. The three of us were head deep in the Word.

My neighbor has a daughter who is a lesbian and my wife has two nieces who also claim to be lesbians. Our neighbor asked, ‘what should we do if we don’t agree with what they’re doing?’

Honest question. Today we are bombarded in the front, on the side and behind us with this and other relevant situations that happen every day in the 21st century.

Let’s dig into what the Bible teaches us, and we’ll leave it at that.

The 1st use found in the Bible on the subject of homosexuality is found in Leviticus.

Leviticus 18

vs22 ‘…Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination…’

vs23 ‘…Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion…’

vs24 ‘…Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

A second time it is used is also in Leviticus.

Leviticus 20:13 ‘…If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)

1st things first. Leviticus is the 3rd book found in the Bible. The 1st five books found in the Bible, are known as being the ‘LAW.’ Being a ‘Gentile,’ the law has nothing to do with my future promise, given to me by God Himself.

2nd thing, personally as a person, I am unable to justify a man having sex with a man, or a woman having sex with another woman.

I cannot defend any human being, male, female or other, having sex with an animal. To me, all three are not even options that should ever happen.

But with all of the above being said, what are we told in the Word that we can take from this and learn and then move forward.

From our last study, I’m talking about what does the Bible say concerning us in the Age of Grace.

From that previous study, Acts 9:3 through Philemon, and Revelation 3:14-22 have been written for us in this Age of Grace.

Romans 1

vs18 ‘…God in heaven shows that he is angry with people. He is angry because they do not respect him, and they do bad things. Because they continue to do those bad things, they choose not to accept God’s true message…’

vs19 ‘…They should understand what God is like, because God himself has shown it to them clearly…’

vs20 ‘…Ever since God made the world; he has been showing people clearly about himself. We cannot see God. But the things that he has made show us clearly what he is like. We can understand his great power that continues for ever. We can know that he is the true God. So, there is no reason for anyone to say, ‘We could not know about God…’

vs21 ‘…Those people really knew about God. But they did not respect him as a great God, and they did not thank him. They did not even think clearly anymore. Their minds became confused, and they did not understand God’s message…’

vs22 ‘…They said that they were wise, but really they became fools…’

vs23 ‘…They refused to worship the great God who can never die. Instead, they made false gods for themselves. They worshipped idols that were like people who must die. They also made idols that looked like birds, animals and snakes, and they worshipped them…’

vs24 ‘…So God let those people do all the bad things that they wanted to do. God let those disgusting things rule their lives. As a result, they did bad things with each other’s bodies. They did things that people should be ashamed to do…’

vs25 ‘…They refused to believe the true things about God. Instead, they chose to believe lies. They worshipped things that God has made, and they became servants of those things. But they refused to worship God himself who made those things! Everyone should praise him forever! Amen. This is true…’

vs26 ‘…Because those people turned against God, he let those bad things rule their lives. They strongly wanted to do things that they should be ashamed about. Even the women stopped having sex in a way which is proper. Instead, they began to have sex with other women, which is not proper…’

vs27 ‘…Also, the men stopped having sex with women. Instead, they strongly wanted to have sex with other men. Men did bad things with other men that they should be ashamed about. Because they did such wrong things, they received in their own bodies the punishment that was right…’

vs28 ‘…Those people decided that they did not need to know anything about God. So, God let their minds become spoiled. As a result, they do bad things that people ought not to do…’

vs29 ‘…They only think about wrong and bad things that they want to do. They want many things for themselves. They want to hurt other people. They are always jealous of other people. They kill people. They quarrel and fight with people. They are not honest or kind. They say silly things about other people…’

vs30 ‘…They tell lies about people. They hate God. They insult other people. They are proud and they say how important they are. They think of many ways to do bad things. They do not obey their parents…’

vs31 ‘…They do not understand what is right. They do not do what they have promised to do. They do not love anyone, and they are not kind to anyone…’

vs32 ‘…These people understand God’s message about what is right. They know that people who do bad things like this ought to die. But they still continue to do those bad things. They are even happy when other people do those bad things too…’ EASY (Easy English Bible)

We are being told by the apostle Paul that God has allowed this to happen because those same people themselves, they do not show any respect towards God.

Vs21, they have no ‘respect’ towards God.

Vs23, they refuse to worship Him.

Vs24, so God let’s them continue in their devious ways.

Vs25, MOSTLY, they refuse to BELIEVE.

We might need to use a little common sense here, because God is allowing them to continue committing these deeds against themselves, we So in essence, MUST believe that these deeds are wrong in the eyes of God.

Here is where it gets difficult on our part, if it’s wrong in Gods eyes, how can we as believers in God, say that it’s alright for our kids and our kin to get involved in these deeds?

Unfortunately for these people practicing and continuing in these evil ways, the final outcome doesn’t have a very promising outcome for them.

What are they hurting by continuing to have homosexual and lesbian relationships some may ask, how are they hurting themselves or anyone else, and the simple and only answer that can be given is there is and has never been any promise of Everlasting Life by going down this path to destruction that they are on.

Man-made churches today, are accepting these homosexuals and lesbians in their doors and accepting their bad habits, because they think they’ll get money from them. They think they’ll be able to make up the difference from those they’ve lost because of their past lies.

But ALL the parties are looking at futures that will be coming to an end. These man-made churches, homosexuals and lesbians have no future to look forward to anything other than torment.

And even worse, family members that accept these evil practices are also looking to torment.

These homosexuals and lesbians have no future. Everlasting torment cannot be a promise that someone looks forward to.

Do I sit back at night and glow with anticipation on that day when all this torment will happen, actually I don’t because there are so many that deserve more than what they are going to receive.

Unfortunately, their future depends on themselves making a change and a change in their hearts. But I don’t see anything even close to that happening.

This subject will need to continue because of the number of those souls facing this crisis.

We will dig in deeper beginning in the next lesson.

I love y’all. Jesus is there for us even if we think we’re being left alone with no one watching out for us.

Keep your Bibles open and keep yourself in the Word. Prayer is important to us, especially in these difficult areas that surround our lives.

Jesus, we pray for ALL those tonight that are not standing the way You want for them to stand before You. Help us God and give us the knowledge so we can assist this world with what needs to be voiced for us all to see what is happening in front of us.

Allow us ALL to be used Father so we might be able to save, even if it’s ONLY one.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>

There are ONLY two choices

Monday 021025

Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by GRACE you have been SAVED through FAITH; and this is not of yourselves, it is a GIFT of God…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus, allow me to be a voice and hopefully I can reach out and help spread Your Word this morning.

Allow Your Word to open up for us this morning Jesus, and allow our eyes and ears to welcome Your presence and fill our minds with Your love and Your kindness.

We truly love You Jesus. Amen.

The verses we will use this morning in our study is:

Acts 4:12; Leviticus 25:1-5; Daniel 9:24-27; Luke 4:16-21; Isaiah 61:1-2; Acts 9:15.

Maybe we all need to take a moment a stop where we are right now and take our eyes off what we have acquired in this human life we are living and realize that God, in His Sovereignty, can at any time bring this world as we know it, to an END.

This, directly, straightforward and head on, will make every person take a stand for what they believe in right now.

There are two (2) choices and maybe a third response, but that third response is nothing more than an answer to one of the two original choices.

You either BELIEVE in God …

… or You do not believe in God.

Now there are going to be some that will have an excuse for not answering, like, your too busy to answer, which in essence is stating that you do not believe in God.

This is about all there is, it’s an either you DO BELIEVE in God, or you do not.

Today in the 21st century, the simple response that you do believe in God, will then find an entire conglomeration of people coming up with excuses when they file their claim.

First off, many people will each have a special category to include with their exclamation in BELIEVING in God.

These categories can range from particular denominations, or particular churches, or particular priests or pastors, or  certain denominational set of bi-laws, and there are many others I’m not even going to try and mention until finally the last category even offered is going to be the Holy Bible (the Word of God).

If a person’s ‘category’ is anything other than the Holy Bible (the Word of God), in essence this person is stating they do not believe entirely on God, they instead value their category as being higher or more valuable than a one-on-one relationship with God Himself.

In this lesson, I am only going to focus on this last category, our Holy Bible (the Word of God).

To me, all of these ‘categories’ are useless. None of the other categories are going to save you when the End comes.

The ONLY One that is going to save anyone of us, and it is God Himself, there’s nothing even slightly hinted to about there being a special category, like a Get-Out-Of-Jail card or anything like that.

Acts 4:12

‘…Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved…’ AKJV

‘…And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved…’ NASB

‘…Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…’ NIV

I am only going to show these three (3) versions for this one (1) verse, if you need to look at other versions, please feel free to do so, allow yourself to search any other version you might feel more comfortable with, they will ALL basically state the same thing,

IT IS ONLY GOD THAT OFFERS US SALVATION.

So, continuing to build onto this category of the Word of God for that individual that BELIEVES in Him, along with my previous statement of SALVATION, much of the Bible can be set aside since Salvation isn’t mentioned or even thought of on many of these pages.

What do I mean you might be asking:

Well nowhere in the entire OT is the word or even the thought of Salvation even mentioned and besides the only one being talked to in the OT from Genesis 12 onward are the Jewish people.

The four (4) synoptic gospels, nowhere mentions that Salvation is an available possibility to anyone walking on the earth, back in the days when their books were written.

Skipping ahead to the book of Revelation, this book is telling about a promised punishment that God declared onto His Chosen people, way back in the book of Daniel for their disobeying of God’s command to allow the land to rest, every seventh (7th) year.

Leviticus 25

vs1 ‘…The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai and commanded him…’

vs2 ‘…to give the following regulations to the people of Israel. When you enter the land that the Lord is giving you, you shall honor the Lord by not cultivating the land every seventh year…’

vs3 ‘…You shall plant your fields, prune your vineyards, and gather your crops for six years…’

vs4 ‘…But the seventh year is to be a year of complete rest for the land, a year dedicated to the Lord. Do not plant your fields or prune your vineyards…’

vs5 ‘…Do not even harvest the grain that grows by itself without being planted, and do not gather the grapes from your unpruned vines; it is a year of complete rest for the land…’ GNT

Read Leviticus chapter 26 to see how upset God was because the land was not given this rest He had commanded.

In the book of Daniel we find where the punishment is given in detail to the prophet Daniel that is to be cast onto the Jewish people.

Daniel 9

vs24 ‘…Seventy weeks [of years, or 490 years] have been decreed for your people and for your holy city (Jerusalem), to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make atonement (reconciliation) for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness (right-standing with God), to seal up vision and prophecy and prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy Place…’

vs25 ‘…So you are to know and understand that from the issuance of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until [the coming of] the Messiah (the Anointed One), the Prince, there will be seven weeks [of years] and sixty-two weeks [of years]; it will be built again, with [a city] plaza and moat, even in times of trouble…’

vs26 ‘…Then after the sixty-two weeks [of years] the Anointed One will be cut off [and denied His Messianic kingdom] and have nothing [and no one to defend Him], and the people of the [other] prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined…’

vs27 ‘…And he will enter into a binding and irrevocable covenant with the many for one week (seven years), but in the middle of the week he will stop the sacrifice and grain offering [for the remaining three and one-half years]; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until the complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who causes the horror…’ AMP (the Amplified Bible)

Many men will ask, how can God do such a thing?

And the problem with ALL mankind, we seem to have memory problems, God is SOVERIGN.

God can do whatever He wants to do, whenever He wants to do it and as many times as He wants to have it done.

GOD IS SOVERIGN

We are nothing but creations created by Him and for His own pleasure.

God gave us the GIFT of Salvation if we obey HIS rules.

His wants and His desires.

GOD IS GOD. HE IS A SOVERIGN GOD.

To go one (1) step more, after the Jews had their promised Messiah killed, God, nowhere in any Scripture foretold of the 2000 years of Jesus’ church.

The Bible doesn’t know it, the Jews didn’t know about it, Jesus’ remaining apostles, that hunkered down in Jerusalem didn’t know about it, no one knew anything about it EXCEPT GOD, HIMSELF.

This is the reason given why Jesus stopped short, in the middle of a verse when He was speaking in the synagogue.

Luke 4

vs16 ‘…And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read…’

vs17 ‘…And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…’

vs18 ‘…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…’

vs19 ‘…to preach the acceptable year of the Lord…’

vs20 ‘…And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him…’

vs21 ‘…And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears…’ AKJV

What did Jesus skip and not read, you might ask.

Isaiah 61

vs1 ‘…The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…’

vs2 ‘…to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn…’ AKJV

Jesus didn’t finish reading the verse in Isaiah 61 because He knew.

Jesus knew the Day of Vengeance was about to be interrupted.

And it is here where I lose my patience and understanding with what our churches have been preaching for almost these two thousand (2000) years.

How can they actually stand up there in front of their congregation of people and blatantly lie directly to them, right to their face.

Why am I not taught how I should read my Bible?

Why am I not shown how Salvation was never mentioned in the OT?

Why am I not taught that the book of Revelation is punishment God made ONLY to the Jew?

This causes me to question now whatever I’ve been taught, and now I read a verse, and I have to ask, WHY didn’t you show me this?

Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV

If Jesus CHOSE Saul, why have you pointed elsewhere?

If Jesus CHOSE Saul, why did you think you were wiser than Him to choose someone different for us?

This lesson this morning, is to teach you that maybe you need to step away from what we’ve been taught throughout our lives.

Maybe Jesus wants us to see WHAT HE WANTS US TO SEE.

I love ALL of y’all.

KEEP your Bibles open and continue to study the Word that God has given to us.

The Bible is one of the easier books to read if you let Jesus speak to you in His Word.

Allow yourself to see what God has been trying to get this world to recognize for centuries.

Hurry before it’s too late.

I am InHIM.

Jesus, I pray that those ears and eyes, either listening or seeing this message today would be opened to the very fullest and allow Your love to come inside their lives and comfort them. Teach us Jesus. Protect us. We love You. Amen

InHIM. ><)))o>