The Spirit of Your Mind

 

Jude 1:4:  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

Romans 8:5-9:  For they who are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they who are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be Spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against GOD: for it is not subject to the Law of GOD, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please GOD. But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of GOD dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of CHRIST, he is none of HIS.

 

 

 

Romans 8:1-2:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the Law of the Spirit of Life in CHRIST JESUS has made me free from the Law of Sin and Death.

 

 

 

1 Peter 1:18-20:  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you

 

 

 

Romans 8:3-4:  For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, GOD sending HIS own SON in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

 

 

Ephesians 4:21-24:  If so be that you have heard HIM, and have been taught by HIM, as the Truth is in JESUS: that you put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after GOD is created in Righteousness and true Holiness.

 

 

 

 

 

There are many people, including many Christians, who suffer emotional distress. Many describe it as a “black cloud” that looms sinisterly above them. They are often overcome with feelings of sadness and depression – and though they try with all their might – they cannot seem to shake it. No amount of self medication or psychological/psychiatric assistance can assuage these feelings. It’s a constant battle. Sadly, many fail to realize the real cause of their emotional unrest. Plain and simple, the cause is satan. Satan knows his time is short and thus, he wages war with those here on earth. Yes, I said war. Like it or not, we are constantly facing the enemy. The problem is – the enemy is unseen. However, the effects of the warfare are very, very real. The war is fought in the mind because satan knows that if he can gain control of our minds, then he gains control of our emotions, our thoughts, and ultimately, our actions. That’s why the HOLY SPIRIT is so, so important. The HOLY SPIRIT – the third member of the Godhead – is the one who guides us. The whispering of that still small voice? It’s the HOLY SPIRIT saying, “This is the way you must go.” If we want to be an effective Christian, an effective warrior in the army of Almighty GOD, we MUST, MUST be baptized in the HOLY SPIRIT and be sensitive to the moving and urging of the SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT is our eyes in this battle with our unseen adversary – satan. I did not say that the baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT is required for salvation, it’s not. You can go to Heaven without ever being baptized in the HOLY SPIRIT. BUT we need HIM – we need the HOLY SPIRIT. Without HIM, we are blinded to the wiles of the devil, and therefore, more susceptible to the ploys and battle plans of satan. Imagine, if you will, being in the midst of battle and you are under heavy enemy fire. That’s bad enough. Imagine, then, being in the midst of a field that’s filled with enemy traps and mines and it’s pitch black – you cannot see where you are going. You have no idea if your next step will set off a mine or if you will step into one of the many traps laid by the enemy. This is exactly what the life of a Christian is like without the HOLY SPIRIT. Will GOD still answer our prayers? Absolutely! Does GOD still love us? Of course! Yet HE offers the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT for our spiritual growth and help in our daily walk. GOD would not offer us something we didn’t need – and we desperately need the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives.

 

 

 

The keys to winning this battle of the mind are placing our faith solely in the finished work of CHRIST on the cross, knowing that CHRIST died for every need we would ever have; the name of JESUS; the blood of the LAMB; the word of our testimony; and being baptized in the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

 

 

Jude 1:4 defines the problem of all mankind – and sadly – many Christians. We have continually rejected CHRIST and trampled HIS precious blood underfoot. We have made, and continue to make, a mockery of the grace of GOD. We proclaim CHRIST, all the while dancing with satan. We cannot have it both ways – if we are going to effectively serve GOD, we MUST get rid of this double mindedness. The only way to do that is to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to renew our mind. If we refuse to relinquish control of our mind to the HOLY SPIRIT, then we will never truly walk in the SPIRIT. For we can no more walk both in the SPIRIT and in the flesh simultaneously than we can walk on water. We cannot redeem ourselves, make ourselves righteous or holy. Our “good works” cannot save us – if they could, JESUS would have died in vain. We must realize and admit our human frailties and compulsion to sin, and admit our need for JESUS CHRIST.

 

 

 

This war in the mind is described as the flesh versus the spirit or carnal versus the spirit {Romans 8:5-9} This aforementioned passage refers to the Law of GOD. What is the Law of GOD? It’s described for us in Romans 8:1-2. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT. For the Law of the SPIRIT of Life in CHRIST JESUS has made me free from the Law of sin and death {see also 1 Peter 1:18-20, John 16:13-14}.

 

 

 

Why did JESUS come? To be a sacrifice for every man that would ever be born in this world, to die in our place and offer us life everlasting? Absolutely! Romans 8:3-4 explains it really well. For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, GOD sending HIS own SON in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT.

 

 

 

The awful truth is that the church is lost and undone – but we are trying to tell others about a JESUS we haven’t even come under submission to ourselves. How can the spiritually blind lead another who is spiritually blind? They will both fall in the ditch. We talk about how sinful the world is and how terrible it is – but we {the church as a whole} have neglected to see our need for the washing of the Blood of the LAMB. We are quick to sit in judgment of others, while we overlook our own faults. How then, can a spiritually corrupt church teach others about JESUS? We say we want to see the altars filled with repentant sinners, but before we see that, the altars must first be filled with the repentant church.

 

 

 

We have left our first love, the Bride has not made herself ready to meet the Bridegroom. Somewhere, somehow, we have lost our way. GOD has now fallen from the top to the bottom of our priority list. We forget to seek HIS will before making a decision in our lives and then we wonder how it all went wrong. Are we so blind that we cannot read the signs of the times?? How long will we continue to play patty cake while outside the church walls, the world is dying and going to hell? How long will we put off the work of GOD to seek our own pleasures? Enough is enough! It’s time to wake up and grow up!

 

 

 

So how can we renew our mind? How can we walk in the SPIRIT, be led by the SPIRIT? The answer is found in Ephesians 4:21-24. If so be that you have heard HIM, and have been taught by HIM, as the Truth is in JESUS: that you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after GOD is created in Righteousness and true Holiness. Friends, there is absolutely no way we can do this in our own strength or in our own will power. We desperately need the HOLY SPIRIT to lead, guide and direct our every step. We need the transforming power of the HOLY SPIRIT in order to put off the old man and put on the new. That’s why the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT is so, so important. If the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT is a new concept to you – I assure you there is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, other than salvation, the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT is the greatest gift GOD could ever bestow upon HIS children. When we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to take control, HE can and will work wonders that we, in our mere flesh, could never do. Strongholds and chains will be broken and spiritual battles won. But we cannot win spiritual battles when we fight with fleshly weapons.

 

 

 

Look around you – the signs are pointing to the return of CHRIST – and HE is coming very soon. There are prophecies fulfilling before our eyes. How long will we ignore them? Time here is short and we need to be ready.

 

 

 

I assure you that we don’t want to be like the foolish virgins who had the door to Heaven slammed in their faces. They were not ready. They dilly-dallied around thinking “surely the LORD won’t come today” and they messed up. We don’t want to be like that. When CHRIST returns, what will HE find? A faithful bride – adorned and ready to meet HIM or a foolish, silly, childish little girl who has wasted time playing games and wasted the talents and gifts GOD has given her?

 

 

 

 

Improper Faith

James 2:14-26: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

In verse 14, we are asked if faith can save a person. So often, this is misinterpreted. Yes, our faith {and profession of belief} that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD, who died on the cross for our sins, that HE was buried and rose again the third day CAN and DOES save us. May interpret this to mean that our faith in this very thing cannot save…and thus venture on to works – based salvation. Friends, this is 100% incorrect. If our “good works” could save us, we would not have needed a SAVIOR…thus JESUS would not have had to die on the cross. Yet, we undoubtedly need a SAVIOR, because GOD became flesh and dwelt among us and then died a cruel death on the cross of Calvary. What this verse actually means is faith in our goodness, our strength, our works – improper faith cannot save. On down a few verses, we read that faith without works is dead. Here’s where people mess up and begin teaching/focusing on works, works, works again…as if by our works, we can gain entry into Heaven. What this actually means is that PROPER faith and PROPER works go hand in hand.

If we have faith in ourselves…in the “good” that we do, then we have improper or misplaced faith, which will produce the works of the flesh {adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings – Galatians 5:19-20}, thus resulting in improper works. Granted the works themselves may be commendable….giving to the poor, feeding the homeless, helping someone in need….but the reasoning or purpose behind these works, stemming from improper faith, corrupts the “good” works we have done. Yet, if we place our faith solely in the finished work of CHRIST and what HE did for us on the cross, we now have PROPER faith and from this faith, stems the fruit of the SPIRIT {love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance – Galatians 5:22-23}. Then, from the fruit of the SPIRIT stems PROPER works. These works can be things such as giving to the poor, feeding the homeless, helping someone in need, etc. Proper faith always produces proper works and improper faith always produces improper works. Yes, the works are the same…the difference lies in where the FAITH is placed. As long as our faith remains in the finished work of JESUS CHRIST on the cross and all that provided for us…then we will produce proper works. Proper faith + fruit of the SPIRIT = proper works. Improper faith + works of the flesh = improper works. It’s all about where your faith is placed.

So, I ask you…where have you placed YOUR faith? Is it in the works of your hands? The things you do? Or is it in the finished work of CHRIST on the cross of Calvary? Why do you do “good works”? To be seen of men and gain glory? Or to be seen of GOD and give GOD all the glory? Are we guilty of doing good because it makes us feel better about ourselves? Or are we doing good because we love our LORD and want to share HIS goodness {not ours – for there is nothing good in any of us, save JESUS CHRIST} with all we meet?

I encourage you to examine the deepest recesses of your hearts.  Are they clean?  Are they pure?  Or is there something there that is holding you back from reaching your full potential in CHRIST?  If you find some questionable spots, dig deeper….you may find the root of the problem lies in improper faith.

 

The Threshingfloor

Ruth 3:2: And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

2 Samuel 24:18: And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

2 Samuel 24:21-24: And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people. And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood. All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee. And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

1 Chronicles 21:15: And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Matthew 3:11-12: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Chaff: the husks of grains and grasses that are separated during threshing; worthless matter;refuse

In the Bible, the threshingfloor represented two things. In the natural, the threshingfloor is a representation of the gleaning of a great harvest. Once harvested, the grain is sent to the threshingfloor, where the husk or outer “shell” of the grain is separated from the “flesh” – or useful part of the grain. Spiritually speaking, the threshingfloor represents a time of testing and trial, where the HOLY SPIRIT separates the “clay” of man from the flesh of man. The flesh is, of course, the frail strength of man.

The threshingfloor of our lives is where we experience devastation, trials, and tests. It is here that we learn we cannot depend on our own strength, that we have no power to “fix” our problems or our faults. Most importantly, the threshingfloor is where we are “pressed” – and we must make a decision. Will we go GOD’s way or will we be the “husk” that is tossed into the fire? It’s often while being pressed that we realize our need for GOD to carry us every single moment. We cannot stand in our own strength – we must call on HIS strength to sustain us. The threshingfloor is where we can choose to build an altar and worship GOD in the midst of our pain or harden our hearts toward GOD and give up on the promises HE has given us.

What will we offer upon the altar of our threshingfloor? The only offering acceptable to GOD is CHRIST. Obviously, there’s no need to repeatedly sacrifice CHRIST. So how do we submit an acceptable offering to GOD? Kneeling at the altar in the midst of the threshingfloor of our lives and submitting our will to the will of GOD and the power of the finished work of the Cross.

Why a threshingfloor? It’s the only place the wheat is separated from the chaff {works of the SPIRIT are separated from the works of the flesh}. The threshingfloor purges us, that we may bring forth more fruit. The fruit of this purging is nurtured and developed by the HOLY SPIRIT. Although the threshingfloor is a place of judgment, if we will seek GOD during our tests and trials, GOD will turn our threshingfloor into a place of grace and blessing.

The “wheat” in our lives symbolizes the HOLY SPIRIT working in us and through us to compel others to seek GOD. The “chaff” in our lives represents works of the flesh – things that are temporary and bring pleasure for a season. However, if we will allow GOD to work in us and through us, we will gain HIS pleasures – which are everlasting – and we will be granted a place in Heaven. It is of utmost importance that we do not allow the flesh to reign in our decisions. For the flesh or the “chaff” will be separated and tossed into the fiery flames of hell forever. Everything in the lives of a Christian must be developed by the HOLY SPIRIT – not mans own desires or strength. If this is not allowed, nothing we do to try to further the cause of CHRIST will be accepted because it will have been done in the flesh.

Job’s threshingfloor experience is difficult to overlook. One day, he was the richest man in the world – the next, he had lost everything he had. I want you to stop and think about this for a moment – put yourself in Job’s place. You woke up this morning with a roof over your head, food to eat, clothes to wear. Many of you have spouses, children, grandchildren. Some have great grandchildren. GOD has provided a way for your bills to be paid and even though money may be tight, GOD is making it stretch. Can you imagine in just a short span of time, losing everything? I mean there’s nothing left – all the animals are dead, Job’s children are dead, his wife told him to curse GOD and die. But what did Job do? Even in the midst of his threshingfloor, when he was in so much emotional and physical pain, HE still found the strength to say, “The LORD giveth and the LORD taketh away. Blessed be the name of the LORD”! Job’s threshingfloor experience was one for the record books. You name it, he suffered through it. Yet, even in all this, Job did not completely lose his faith in GOD. When all was said and done, GOD gave Job double everything that had been taken from him.

The children of Israel were slaves to the Egyptians – made to do back breaking work and given very little with which to work. Their threshingfloor lasted quite a long time. Yet, when GOD was ready to deliver them from those tests and trials, HE chose Moses to send a message to Pharaoh. It wasn’t a long dialog; it wasn’t flowery prose – it was four simple words: “Let MY people go”! When Pharaoh finally relented and set the children of Israel free, he planned a sneak attack – but GOD completely messed up Pharaoh’s plan. In the end, GOD destroyed the Egyptians that were trailing the Children of Israel. But their story doesn’t end there. The children of Israel were taken to the wilderness – and there they endured very hard times. Yet, even on the backside of the wilderness, GOD was working.

I love how GOD works! HE will take one person – allow them to be put through the refiner’s fire. Then, HE will turn their tests into a testimony of how GOD provided for them in the midst of famine and delivered them from the hand of their enemies.

JESUS CHRIST was driven to the threshingfloor many times. In fact, HIS entire life was spent at the threshingfloor – and then – the ultimate test: the cross. JESUS was mocked and ridiculed; hated by the religious leaders of HIS day. Before the cross, CHRIST was driven to the wilderness, where HE was tempted by satan. There were times that even HIS closest friends abandoned HIM. HE was beaten – HIS back ripped to shreds, HIS beard plucked from HIS face. A crown of thorns was mockingly placed on HIS head. We say “placed” – but when we look at the other treatment of JESUS during this time, that’s actually not correct. To “place” something means to “lay” or to “position” – inferring great care in the placement of the object. The crown of thorns was actually shoved onto the head of our LORD and then HE was smote with a rod. HE was spit upon, laughed at, and mocked. By the time HE made it to the cross, HE was not recognizable. On the cross, HIS side was ripped open by a soldier’s sword. These are just some of the things our LORD suffered for us. This was the threshingfloor of CHRIST our LORD. Yet, the threshingfloor of the cross was the means GOD used to bring us salvation through HIS SON.

Listen to me – you may be on the backside of the wilderness – but the wilderness is only for a season. GOD didn’t lead you into the wilderness to forsake you. HE brought you to the wilderness to purge and refine you in preparation for a work HE has chosen for you. Your threshingfloor experience may be long or short – the wilderness journey rough and rocky. But one thing’s for sure – when GOD calls you out of the wilderness – you will be ready. There will be such power and anointing flowing from the HOLY SPIRIT through you, that even the scoffers will have to admit you have been in the presence of JEHOVAH. The world may not know you even exist – but once GOD calls you from your threshingfloor…from the backside of the wilderness – you will be like Elijah of old. People may not know that much about you, but they will be sure that you are a man or woman about the FATHER’s business.

Don’t let the threshingfloor discourage you. While the purging process is painful, there is much to gain. GOD is working a far greater miracle than you know. So, right in the middle of your threshingfloor, build an altar. Offer up sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving daily – and then stand back and watch GOD move in ways you won’t be able to comprehend. Your threshingfloor is your place of testing – but from it comes some of your greatest blessings.

Awake, Thou That Sleepest

Ephesians 5:14-16: Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

 

Isaiah 1:4-6: Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel with anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

 

Isaiah 5:20-21: Woe unto them who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

 

Isaiah 59:1-4: Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoke lies, your tongue has muttered perversion. None calls for justice, nor any pleads for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

 

Isaiah 64:6-7: But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind have taken us away. And there is none who calls upon Your name, who stirs up himself to take hold of You: for You have hid Your face from us, and have consumed us, because of our iniquities.

 

Psalm 14:1-6: The fool has said in his heart, there is no GOD. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good. The LORD looked down from Heaven up on the children of men, to see if there were any who did understand, and seek GOD. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none who does good, no, not one. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? Who eat up My people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. There were they in great fear: for GOD is in the generation of the righteous. You have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.

 

Proverbs 1:20-33: Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets: she cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying, How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at My reproof: behold, I will pour out My spirit unto you, I will make known My words unto you. Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out My hand and no man regarded; But you have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes; when your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but shall not find Me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: they would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkens unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

 

Luke 6:43-49: For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. And why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he who hears, and does not, is like a man that without a foundation built a house upon the earth: against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

 

Galatians 5:13: For, Brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

 

1 Peter 1:15-16: But as He which has called you is Holy, so be ye Holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye Holy; for I am Holy.

 

1 Peter 2:9-10: But you are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, an Holy Nation, a Peculiar People; that you should show forth the praises of Him Who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the People of God; which had not obtained Mercy, but now have obtained Mercy.

 

2 Chronicles 7:14: If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

 

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12: Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of Faith with power: that the Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the Grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 

1 Corinthians 1:17-18: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD.

 

1 Corinthians 1:23-24: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

 

1 Corinthians 1:27-31: But GOD hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and GOD hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath GOD chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of HIM are ye in CHRIST JESUS, who of GOD is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the LORD.

 

Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

 

 

 

“The church is filled with spiritual sickness. Where are the men and women I have called to minister? They have all backslidden and gone astray. The church is filled with liars and all manner of hypocrisy. You no longer seek MY face. The field is white with harvest, but my laborers are worshiping idols. The church is full of wickedness! What have I done to cause you to stray? Am I not the GOD who forgives and forgets your sins? Yet I say unto you this day, if you refuse to turn back to ME and continue in your wickedness, I will cut you off and will remember you no more. Turn, everyone of you, back to ME while you have time and I will abundantly pardon.”

 

Several months ago, GOD spoke this to me concerning the modern day church. For so long, the church has turned its back on GOD and completely forgotten how to fellowship with HIM. We have repeatedly chosen the “broad way” ~ the path of least resistance, because it was easier and didn’t require a lot of us. For way too long, the church has been dormant and silent. We stopped preaching on sin and Hell because it might offend someone. Heaven help us when the church is more concerned with political correctness instead of preaching the Word of GOD! It’s time for the church to arise and remove the muzzle. It’s time we became the church the gates of Hell will not prevail against.

 

If anything describes the modern day church {as a whole}, it is Isaiah 1:4-6. The reason the wounds, bruises and putrifying sores of the church have not been healed is because we have not sought the BALM OF GILEAD. We are broken and battered, but we still refuse to seek the ONE who can make us whole again. We have forsaken the LORD and the more we are stricken because of our disobedience, the more we rebel against GOD. The church is sick, but we refuse to seek the HEALER – JESUS CHRIST. We are the church that has forsaken the LORD. Do you want to be known for that? Wouldn’t you rather be known as the church the gates of Hell could not prevail against?

 

The modern day church has failed to build their “house” on the rock that is CHRIST JESUS. GOD plainly tells us in Luke 6:43-49 what happens to houses without CHRIST as the foundation. When the storms of the enemy come {and they will come}, the house will be destroyed and its ruin will be great. We have taken the path of great ruin, but there is still time to get back on track. Listen to me, there’s a great big world out there and many, many people who don’t know JESUS. They have broken hearts and lives, but have no idea how to fix any of it, and they don’t know they can’t possibly fix any of it. They don’t know that GOD loves them. They don’t know that JESUS died for them. They don’t know that JESUS CHRIST can place HIS nail scarred hand in the broken places and make them whole. It’s up to us to tell them. Whether they admit it or not, the world is looking to the church for answers. But how are we going to give them the answer when the church has lost its way? We mistakenly believe that to “win” the world for JESUS, we must draw them with the things of the world. We have exchanged prayer meetings for theatrics and dance offs, and the altar for smoke and flashing lights. This world does not need another Las Vegas or Reno, it needs churches that are not ashamed of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. This world needs preachers with a spiritual backbone of steel who still preach the cross and the blood. That is the answer the world needs! The world is already filled to overflowing with junk – when they look at the church for answers and we hand them more junk instead of the pure Gospel, why would they want to be a Christian? The church is sick and we need to repent. We must get back to the cross and the blood, we must get back to the altar. It’s easy to sit in judgment of others, in our self righteousness, yet all the while, the church has a black heart.

 

The church has resorted to all sorts of “doctrine”. There’s the “prosperity” doctrine: “You send me five hundred dollars and GOD will double it tomorrow”. There’s the “just love ‘em to JESUS” doctrine: “Don’t preach on sin or Hell – it’s too offensive. Just love ‘em all to JESUS”. It goes on and on. The church must proclaim JESUS CHRIST and HIM crucified and the cross of CHRIST – what JESUS did on the cross for us {1 Cor. 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 1:23-24}. The church should not glorify or edify ourselves or any man and should not stray from the truths of the word of GOD {1 Cor. 1:27-31; Jer. 9:23-24}, yet these are the very things we are doing! We are failing to proclaim the only message that has ever saved, healed, and delivered – the message of the cross. What JESUS CHRIST accomplished on the cross of Calvary is for more than just our salvation. By the shedding of HIS precious blood, HE made provision for every need every man would ever have need of. Need healing? Look to the cross! Need a miracle? Look to the cross! Need freedom? Look to the cross! Have unsaved loved ones? Look to the cross! There is not nor will there ever be a problem for which the solution has not already been given. The solution is in what JESUS CHRIST accomplished on the cross for us. The blood of millions of little lambs could never do even what one single drop of the blood of the LAMB of GOD has done and continues to do. HIS blood still sets men free.

 

If we want the world to change, if we truly want to make a difference for GOD in this world, then we must preach and teach the undiluted Gospel of CHRIST and HIM crucified. The way of the cross is still the only way to make amends with GOD and have our sins blotted out by the blood of the LAMB. Before we can truly win the world for JESUS, we must first fall on our knees at an old fashioned altar and repent for our many iniquities. Before the altar can be filled with the unsaved accepting JESUS, it must first be filled with the repentant church.

The Prodigal Church

Luke 15:11-32:  And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

The prodigal son left the comfort and safety of his father’s house and chased after his heart’s desires.  The problem?  His heart’s desires were ungodly and foolish – they eventually landed him in a pigsty.  This is not a metaphorical pigsty – he literally had wasted all his money and had nowhere else to go.  It’s bad enough that he left his father’s house, worse that he wasted all his money on riotous living, but the worst things were yet to come.  His riotous lifestyle led him down a path of destruction – he literally wound up sleeping next to pigs and sharing their slop.  We look at this story and try to imagine why anyone would do something so stupid.  We think if we were in his shoes, we would do it differently.  Would we?  In case you’re wondering, the answer is a resounding no.  There is something so vile and wicked on the inside of us and if we leave the shelter of our FATHER’S embrace, we are driven to fulfill the desires of our flesh, which eventually lead to a pigsty.  “Oh, but the prodigal son was not a Christian.  It’s different for Christians.“  Is it?  It can be – but the fact is we have left our FATHER to follow our own paths.  GOD tells us how things are to be accomplished and we think we know a shortcut or a better way – and we follow it instead of GOD.  We have sown our “wild oats” to the wind and we are reaping a whirlwind of destruction.  The modern church is concerned about numbers (members, money, etc), church “doctrine”, popularity, and political correctness.  We want everybody to love us and we think that by being “tolerant” to sin instead of preaching against it is the way to win souls.  We have our prosperity doctrines, our “homosexuals are Christians too” doctrine, our claims to “fame” (my church is bigger than your church, my inspirational message is better than yours).  We spend millions of dollars building a “church”, but it may as well be a huge mausoleum.  The modern church has left GOD and now we have found ourselves in a spiritual pigsty of our own making and we wonder how we got here.  I don’t know – you tell me.  Maybe because we turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to sin?  Maybe because we have stopped preaching and became motivational speakers?  Maybe because we don’t want to offend anybody by preaching the truth?  Or maybe, just maybe it’s because we have become so blind to sin that we cannot recognize it any longer.

The truth is the church has forgotten about the crucified JESUS – they don’t want to hear anything about the cross and the blood.  Yet, the modern church claims to cling to a resurrected CHRIST.  There is no resurrection without a crucifixion.  If JESUS hadn’t died, HE could not have risen from the dead.

Everything the church could ever hope for was provided at the cross – through what JESUS did.  Yet the church is spiritually starving and in a spiritual pigsty.  Why is it we have no trouble believing in fairytales and the Easter bunny, but we have trouble believing GOD?  Why, when we seek everlasting love, do we first turn to a man or a woman instead of GOD – who is the Source of all pure love?  Why do we continually commit spiritual harlotry and think GOD will put up with it forever?  Dare we think GOD won’t send judgement down for our sin and self righteousness?  Is there a way to get back to our FATHER and mend the relationship?  If so, how?  Is it already too late?

Even during these final hours, we can mend our relationship with GOD.  But we have to be willing to do what the prodigal son did.

1.  He came to himself.

2.  He admitted he had sinned.

3.  He realized even being a servant in his father’s house was better than wallowing in the filth of his own choices.

4.  He ran back home and sought his father’s forgiveness.

If we will do that, GOD will do what the prodigal’s father did.

1.  HE will run to meet us.

2.  HE will kill the fatted calf.

3.  HE will clothe us in the finest robe.

4.  HE will appoint us back to our rightful standing through CHRIST JESUS – as an heir – not a servant.

No matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been, if we will only return to GOD, we will be received.  Just like the prodigal son, if we pour out our repentance and regret for the sins we have committed, our FATHER will run to meet us with open arms.

Do You Want the Cross?

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.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 ~ For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

1 Peter 1:1-9 ~ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Job 19:25-29~ For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.  But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.

Matthew 26:26-32~ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.  And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Acts 10:34-43 ~ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Mark 1:1-5 ~ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.  John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 3:1-10 ~ In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 24:45-49~ Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Romans 6:1-16~ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

2 Corinthians 5:17-21~ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Revelation 1:4-7~ John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

1 John 1:5-10 ~ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

John 1:29 ~ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Isaiah 1:18 ~ Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Proverbs 8:32-36 ~ Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Acts 2:22-24 ~ Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

2 Timothy 1:7-10 ~ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 ~ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Galatians 6:14 ~ But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Deuteronomy 15:15 ~ And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ~ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

salvation:  deliverance from destruction

redeemer:  one who frees from bondage

remission:  pardon of trangression

redeem:  buy back; free from sin

repentance:  regretting or sorrow for sin

blood:  life – giving fluid

sin:  an offense in the sight of GOD

 

Details of the Cross
After being betrayed by one of HIS disciples and a mockery of a trial, JESUS bore the cross (John 18:1-19).  HIS beard was plucked from HIS face, HE was beaten, HIS side was sliced open, HE was spat upon, nails driven into HIS hands and feet.  HIS blood streamed down the cross and onto the ground.  This was the worst death anyone could have suffered.  Had JESUS been only a man, HE could not have accomplished our salvation through HIS death.  HE would have gone down in history as a “good man”, perhaps a “prophet”, but the truth of the matter is JESUS CHRIST was and is the SON of the living GOD.

The cross represents so many things.  To the unrepentant sinner, it represents a crossroads.  There is judgement at the cross.  The cross is a mirror that reflects our sinful state.  Nobody likes to have their flaws exposed by the cross.  However, if we will allow it, GOD will use the cross and through the working of the HOLY GHOST, mold us and make us into what HE created us to be.  Salvation is found only at the cross and only through the blood of JESUS CHRIST.  There is no other door, no other sacrifice that was deemed acceptable other than JESUS CHRIST.  Through HIS death on the cross, JESUS was the provision to meet every need every man on earth would ever have.

To reject the cross is to reject all the cross represents.  When we reject the cross, we reject the supreme sacrifice of GOD – HIS SON JESUS CHRIST  To reject the cross is to reject the grace and mercy of GOD.  Rejecting the cross means rejecting salvation, healing, deliverance, blessing, every provision to meet every need we would ever have.  When we reject the cross and try to “earn” salvation by our “good works”, we spit in the face of GOD and trample the blood of JESUS underfoot.  That’s dangerous ground – GOD has extended the “olive branch” of the cross to fallen, despicable humanity – and when we reject or turn our back on the cross of JESUS CHRIST, we are telling GOD we don’t want HIS grace and mercy.  Let me tell you something – GOD is longsuffering – but HE will only take so much of you shoving HIM away.  HE will only tolerate so much of us saying we don’t want or need the love and acceptance HE is extending.  For it is written, “MY SPIRIT shall not always strive with man…” (Genesis 6:3).  The day is fast approaching when HE will call you the final time, when HE will send HIS SPIRIT to knock at your heart’s door once more.  You don’t know when that day will be.  So much is unsettled in this world and nothing is steadfast or sure.  The only thing certain is that you are going to spend eternity somewhere – but where will that be?  You only have two choices – so which will it be?  Heaven or Hell?  Do you want the cross and all that comes through what JESUS did there?  Do you want the cross?

Sadly, many professing faith in GOD have rejected the cross for smoke and mirrors, rock music,  dance offs, and all sorts of junk that flies under the banner of “Christianity”.  CHRIST has been denounced as the holy sacrifice and the works of man have taken HIS place.  The altar now is nothing more than a place to offer up works of the flesh and the pulpit merely a means to promote man’s warped sense of superiority and self promotion.  In effect, we have stopped applying the blood and have wallowed in the manure of this world – thinking that will somehow ensure us a place in Heaven.  We have wandered so very far from the things of GOD.  We have forsaken HIM for our own desires and worldly pleasures.

GOD is calling the church to repentance – will this be the final time?  How many more times will the HOLY SPIRIT continue to strive with a backslidden harlot who ignores HIS pleas?  In case you’re wondering, that backslidden harlot is the modern church.  The altar has been replaced with circus sideshows and belly dancers; the “preachers” have become modern day money changers.  Have we forgotten the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah?  Have we forgotten that the same loving JESUS who died for us is the same one who whipped the posteriors of the money changers who sat in the temple?  It’s time to rebuild the altar and be the Christian and the church GOD has created us to be – but we cannot rebuild the altar unless we first kneel at the foot of the cross.

Have You Felt Discouraged Lately?

 Psalm 22:24: For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Nahum 1:7: The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Lamentations 3:31-33: For the LORD will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

Psalm 37:39: But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

Psalm 32:7: Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psalm 71:20: Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

Psalm 42:11: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalm 126:5-6: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 68:13: Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

Job 8:20-21: Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers: Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.

Psalm 138:7: Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Psalm 18:28: For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Psalm 34:19: Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 18:2: The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Micah 7:8-9: Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

Proverbs 23:17-18:  Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Psalm 46:1-2:  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm 84:11-12:  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 37:3-5:  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Luke 12:32: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Matthew 6:31-32: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Psalm 125:1: They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

Even in the life of the Christian, things can sometimes be difficult. When things go wrong, we tend to focus on the problem, and at times, our trials seem impossible to overcome – we lose sight of the prize. At the very instant we need to be seeking GOD – we are seeking a way out by our own power. When we veer off course and try to “fix it” within our own strength, the problem only gets worse, the mountain harder to climb, the sea rough and rocky. And it’s during all of this that we finally begin to talk to GOD. “GOD, I just don’t understand…”, “GOD everything’s a mess…”, “GOD, all this stuff is piled on me…”. Yet, if we would only stand still and listen for the voice of GOD, we would hear, “Yes, My child, I know all about it. But that doesn’t change who I am”. When we take our eyes off GOD and start looking at our circumstances, then we will live a life of discouragement and defeat. We cannot “fix” our problems – the answers to the cares of life are not found within our strength. We are faced with all these problems, and we are so focused on them that we can’t even see the solution to them all, when HE is right in front of us. The one and only solution is JESUS CHRIST! When JESUS died on the cross, HE didn’t just die for our salvation, but also for our healing, deliverance, provision, freedom. HE was and is the provision for every need every human on the face of this earth will ever have. JESUS, the Bread of Life, was sacrificed on a crude table {the cross} and in that Bread is more than enough to fix any problem we have or ever will have! So the next time you are facing problems, remember that the problem doesn’t change who GOD is and it doesn’t change what JESUS did for you on Calvary’s cross. GOD is able and HE will see you through!

A Traitor in the Camp

Psalm 41:9 ~ Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Matthew 26:1-23 ~ And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.  Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.  But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.   Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,  There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.  But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.  When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.  For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.  For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

Matthew 26:24-25 ~ The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.  Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

1 Samuel 30:6 ~ And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

 

If you’ve ever experienced the betrayal of a close friend – you know the anguish it can bring.  We may never fully understand why things happen as they do.  We may never know why someone we trusted could betray us so easily.  Yet, there is ONE who understands our heartbreak; there is ONE who understands our pain.  JESUS CHRIST was betrayed by Judas – His disciple.  Some would argue that Judas was never saved, but that is not the case.  JESUS sent Judas out with the other disciples to minister to the people.  If Judas had never known the LORD for who HE truly was, JESUS would never have sent him out to minister.  Yet, Judas chose to betray JESUS for 30 pieces of silver.  He chose to sell JESUS out for so little – because that’s all JESUS ever meant to him.  Although Judas willingly accepted the JESUS who worked miracles and raised the dead – he wanted no part of the JESUS who would give HIS life for fallen man.  Everything was wonderful until Judas began hearing that even the disciples of CHRIST could be killed because of their association with JESUS.  Life was wonderful as long as the miracles were being performed, the lame were walking – but the very minute Judas thinks he may be persecuted – he seeks to destroy the cause of that persecution – the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

I have to wonder if the words from this particular passage in the book of Psalms were  not uttered by the LORD Himself in prayer on countless occasions.  “Mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of My bread, hath lifted up his heel against me”.  Many times, Judas  broke bread with JESUS, all the while plotting against Him.  Even though JESUS knew it was going to happen, it had to hurt because He loved Judas and was not only rejected but betrayed by him.

I don’t know the pain or heartache you’re facing.  But I do know the sting of betrayal and the heartache it brings.  I’ve been there myself – one time in particular stands out in my mind.  A friend, who I thought of as a sister, sought to destroy me and everything I held close to my heart.  In fact, it was her intention to get me to turn my back on GOD as she had done years before.  She tried everything and every way she could imagine to get me to just forget about GOD.  She attacked my faith and the very promises of GOD for my life.  It came out of nowhere – and I was blindsided.  As I said, I considered her not just a friend, but my sister.  I’m not trying to relive the past, I’ve forgiven her for her cruel treatment – but I know what I’m talking about.  I’m not telling you about something I haven’t experienced myself.  The story I’ve shared with you is not unique – I dare say all of you, in times past have had similar experiences.  It hurts; it makes you angry; it makes you feel stupid….the list goes on and on.

The life of a Christian is made more wonderful because we have a FRIEND we can always trust.  JESUS will never betray you; HE will never give up on you – even when you give up on yourself.  That’s not to say our lives will be free from struggle – we have never been promised that.  But we have GOD on our side!  You’ve never seen angry until GOD gets angry with those abusing His children.  Matthew 26:24-25 speaks of this very thing.  Of course, it’s referring to JESUS {the Son of Man} and Judas {the man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed}.  What I find interesting is a promise in this passage – “…but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born“.  Yes, it refers to JESUS CHRIST being betrayed by Judas – but we are joint heirs with CHRIST – JESUS is our elder Brother.  When someone betrays us {a born again child of the living GOD}, they are actually betraying CHRIST.  Their animosity is not focused on “us” but on the Son of Man who lives within us – that is the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  The Bible says it’s better that they had not even been born.  Listen to me – there are a lot of so called “friends” in this world who want nothing more than to see the child of GOD fail at everything they touch.  There are those who so despise JESUS CHRIST and the freedom HE brings, they would rather die and go to a devil’s hell than to do good to a child of GOD.  The moment we accept JESUS CHRIST as our LORD and SAVIOR, we are no longer our own – we belong to JEHOVAH.  When folks start messing with us, they are messing with GOD ALMIGHTY .  We may not see it – but GOD will deal with these people according to their works.  It will be so bad for them they will wish they had never been born.  You’ll have to forgive me – but I just can’t get around that!  HALLELUJAH! Every one of you should be praising GOD for taking care of your enemies.

Hear me devil – in the name of JESUS – take your hands off the children of GOD.  Stop messing with their friendships, stop torturing their minds.  I bind every evil spirit that would hinder and oppress in the name of JESUS!

A final thought – I know it hurts right now – but GOD is going to take care of it.  Sometimes we have to be like David and encourage ourselves in the LORD.  Sometimes we may have to pray all night and all day – but the victory has already been won!  The only battle we face is the battle between the voice of faith {JESUS CHRIST and HIM crucified} and the voice of unbelief.  The victory is there, but you’ve just got to hang on to GOD and don’t stop believing – in order to see it!

There Is A Remedy

Psalm 51:6-8:  Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Jeremiah 8:19-22:  Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities?  The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.  For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.  Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Many of you are broken – you have broken spirits, broken hearts, broken dreams.  You wonder how your life has fallen apart.  You wonder why you feel powerless to stop the implosion of what was once your life.  Some of you love GOD with your entire being, but you’re struggling.  You have tried everything you know to do, but you still feel as if you are fighting a losing battle.  Some of you have gotten so encumbered by the trials you have had to face that you have even considered giving up.  You have contemplated turning away from GOD – going back to your old life.  For some of you, things have gotten so bad you have considered suicide.  You have the gun to your head, poured enough liquor into your body to kill a horse, emptied a bottle of pills into your hand and swallowed them all.  Yet you’re still here and you’re still struggling.  You don’t understand why your best efforts to end it all haven’t been successful.

Some of you have tried every drug you can get your hands on.  If there’s a drug you haven’t tried, it’s because you don’t know it exists.  Your friends and family have tried to intervene, begging you to stop, but you can’t.  You’ve tried so hard to stop, but you lack the power within yourself to stop the vicious cycle.  You’re at your wits’ end – you don’t know how to stop your pattern of self-destruction.

Some of you have had a terrible life.  Many of the atrocities life has hurled your way are unimaginable.  The pain and self-loathing have nearly consumed you.  You’re the single teen mother who has no friends because all you ever do is work to support your baby.  While you love your child more than life – you miss your friends.  Your strength is running on empty and you have no idea how to get your life back.  You’re the young lady in an abusive relationship, your face bruised and swollen.  You’ve suffered countless beatings; resulting in broken bones and hospital stays – all at the hands of the one person you thought loved you.  Yet the worst bruises and scars are not seen.  The emotional wreckage of your life has left you feeling that you somehow deserve these beatings.  You lie awake at night, tears soaking your pillow, as you cry for help from the depths of your tortured heart.  You’re the lonely young man who longs for a wife.  You have looked everywhere,  but you can’t seem to find the perfect woman for you.  You feel there is a void in your heart that can only be filled by your true love.

Perhaps you don’t know GOD at all.  Maybe you’ve never had the opportunity to hear about HIM.  Maybe you think you don’t need HIM.  Maybe you think HE could never love you because you have sinned too much.  You think there’s no way GOD could forgive all you’ve done.  Yet, your heart is hungry and your soul is thirsty and nothing in this world has satisfied that longing deep within you.

There is a remedy for every broken spirit, every broken dream.  There is an answer for all your questions, a balm for your bruises, a respite from your meaningless wanderings.  There is a Rose that will grow among the thorns of your life.  HIS name is JESUS CHRIST and HE loved you so much that HE died for you.  There is a remedy!  There is a river that will never run dry.  That river is a crimson stream of blood that flowed from JESUS CHRIST, down the cross, and still flows for you today.  That Balm is available to soothe your every hurt and wound.  That remedy is available only one way – through JESUS CHRIST, the SON of the LIVING GOD.  All you have to do is come to GOD in the name of JESUS and ask HIM to apply the Balm of Gilead to your spirit, soul, body, and mind.  HE will do it.  Your life will be forever changed – all it takes is faith in JESUS CHRIST and what HE accomplished for you on Calvary’s cross and a heartfelt cry for help to GOD.

My Heart

I come to you today a woman changed by the grace of GOD and the power of the HOLY GHOST.  Once bound by sin, I am now free because of what JESUS did for me on Calvary’s cross.  I have been bought with a price far greater than silver and gold – I have been bought with the precious blood of JESUS CHRIST.

I come to you today a recipient of grace that is greater than every sin.  In fact, it is because of that grace that I have been accepted and grafted into the family tree of GOD.  As the song says, “I who was wretched and poor now can sing..praise GOD, praise GOD, I’m a child of the KING”.

I come to you today as a woman called of GOD to carry HIS Gospel.  GOD knew me, called me, and anointed me before I was ever born to awaken the sleeping church in these final hours.  It is both a humbling and awe inspiring thing to me – this call of GOD.  Never in a million years would anybody have thought GOD would one day call me to preach – especially me.  It is so humbling to think GOD trusts me with the souls of HIS creation; that HE trusts me to preach to HIS children and lift them up.  I don’t take this call lightly – but very seriously.  As a preacher of this great Gospel, it is within my hands to bring a right word and true doctrine to all who would hear the message.  What message?  The message that JESUS saves, heals, delivers, breaks every bondage of darkness.  The message that JESUS CHRIST is LORD and is coming back soon – no matter who likes it or chooses to believe it.  It’s going to tie every devil in hell in knots because there is not one thing satan can do to stop the return of our LORD.  The message that our every provision was made at the cross – through what JESUS CHRIST did.  That means there is salvation in the blood, healing in the blood, deliverance in the blood, baptism in the HOLY GHOST in the blood!  Financial needs are met through the blood of JESUS CHRIST; families long – divided are brought together again through the blood of JESUS CHRIST; marriages are restored; friendships healed; every bondage and chain broken – all because of what JESUS CHRIST did for us on the cross.  For every bruise, cut, stripe, thorn that HE bore was for us – that we may truly know freedom in every sense of the word; that we’d no longer be servants to sin, but sons and daughters of GOD.  HALLELUJAH!

As I said, I do not take this call lightly.  In fact, I promised GOD that what I preach will be what HE puts on my heart – nothing else will work.  I know when it comes from HIM, it will be the true Gospel and it will be a timely word.  Now, I promise you, my dear friends, to preach nothing but the truth – period.  I promise to preach the WORD of GOD entirely.  I will not sugar-coat the parts that may be uncomfortable.  I will not water down the Gospel, nor will I tip toe around issues that may offend people.  If it’s in the Word, you better believe this girl is going to preach it.  I will not preach another way, another path, another door, another avenue to Heaven other than CHRIST and HIM crucified – because there is no other way.  I refuse to be tolerant of sin – no matter who is offended.  Yes, I love the sinner, but I hate sin.  If you are offended because of the Word – I will not back pedal and pat you on the back.  If you are offended by the Word it’s because you have some junk in your life you need to get rid of!

I do ask that you remember me in prayer as I seek the will of GOD fervently for direction, discernment, and GODLY wisdom to preach to HIS people.  For I know that in and of myself, I could do nothing, but with GOD I can do all things.