Today it seems everyone wants to do what everyone else is doing. When I was young and wanted to go or do what my friends were doing, I remember my mother asking me--"If they all jumped in a lake, would you jump in also?" After hearing that several times I vowed to be my own person and not do what the crowd did or said. Now that I have grown and have a good knowledge of the Bible, I realize Momma was right. Today, a great majority have fallen away from God to follow the crowd. The crowd is telling them things that in years past were shocking and unthinkable. Today those same unthinkables are both applauded and considered normal.
The Bible tells of a time coming when men will be without sound judgment, having their conscience seared as with a hot iron, falling away from the truth, giving heed to seducing spirits, without natural affection, all the while the love of many will wax cold. Certainly we have delved deeper and deeper into sin without even giving consciousness to the fact.
In this hurry up and wait, instant gratification mentality society we live in today, many live their lives in the fast lane without realizing where their life has gone until it is too late. The good news is--it is not too late to wake ourselves up before we take that last breath.
God is a God of love and of second chances. He never gives up on us no matter what we go through. However, the first move is up to us. God gave us a free-will to choose. We have two choices-- to follow after the ways of the world (the crowd) - or to follow after God. If we follow after the ways of the world, the Bible declares that the ways of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are not of the Father. The ways of the Father are summed up in these two commandments - love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. The important thing about those two commandments is that you cannot keep them by yourself. The only true way anyone can keep them is by making Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of our lives. Then we become reconnected or reconciled back to God (the Father), our creator. You will no longer want to follow after the crowd again, but your desire will be to follow after God and His Word. Take the time to do it now while it is fresh on your mind. You will be glad you did.
George T.
Friday, April 21, 2017
Friday, March 17, 2017
Revelations in these Last Days
In the Old Testament, God revealed many things to us through the prophets. Today, in both the Old and New Testaments, God is revealing to us through His Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that whatsoever was hidden or covered, shall be made known and revealed. When Jesus asked His apostles who do men say that I am, Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said, "Flesh and blood had not revealed that to you (Peter), but My Father, which is in heaven."
Notice that it was the Father who revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ. It is significant to note that the Father revealed it to Peter and not the Holy Spirit. Why? Because this incident happened before Jesus ascended back into Heaven. Thus, the Holy Spirit had not been poured out at that time. Jesus promised to send His Holy Spirit to us, which occurred on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after Christ's ascension. Today it is through the Holy Spirit we receive revelation of the things of God and of the testimony of Jesus - (John 14:26 & 1 Corinthians 2:10-14).
The Book of Daniel also has an interesting prophecy about the end-times. In Chapter 12, an angel told Daniel to shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end when many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased. Most Bible scholars took the meaning of knowledge for the things of the world such as technology, medical, inventions etc. However, we are finding that God is also pouring out knowledge in abundance over His Word. Such is the case with the things hidden from us that were referred to as mysteries. A book by Jonathan Cahn called "The Mystery of the Shemitah" is a prime example of new revelations unfolding for us in these last days just as predicted in Daniel.
These things were always in the Bible, but they were covered or hidden from our knowledge, and therefore they must be made known and revealed to us just as promised. "The Mystery of the Trinity Revealed" is another prime example of a doctrinal truth once hidden from us, but is now revealed to us in these end-times. The best way to find those hidden gems from God's Word is to study and seek for them on your own. However, you can always take a shortcut and get copies of the books that have done all the reseach for you. In any case -- happy seeking and may God bless.
Notice that it was the Father who revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ. It is significant to note that the Father revealed it to Peter and not the Holy Spirit. Why? Because this incident happened before Jesus ascended back into Heaven. Thus, the Holy Spirit had not been poured out at that time. Jesus promised to send His Holy Spirit to us, which occurred on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after Christ's ascension. Today it is through the Holy Spirit we receive revelation of the things of God and of the testimony of Jesus - (John 14:26 & 1 Corinthians 2:10-14).
The Book of Daniel also has an interesting prophecy about the end-times. In Chapter 12, an angel told Daniel to shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end when many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased. Most Bible scholars took the meaning of knowledge for the things of the world such as technology, medical, inventions etc. However, we are finding that God is also pouring out knowledge in abundance over His Word. Such is the case with the things hidden from us that were referred to as mysteries. A book by Jonathan Cahn called "The Mystery of the Shemitah" is a prime example of new revelations unfolding for us in these last days just as predicted in Daniel.
These things were always in the Bible, but they were covered or hidden from our knowledge, and therefore they must be made known and revealed to us just as promised. "The Mystery of the Trinity Revealed" is another prime example of a doctrinal truth once hidden from us, but is now revealed to us in these end-times. The best way to find those hidden gems from God's Word is to study and seek for them on your own. However, you can always take a shortcut and get copies of the books that have done all the reseach for you. In any case -- happy seeking and may God bless.
Monday, February 6, 2017
"Born-again" Through Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and thereby from wisdom we also get understanding and knowledge. In a broader sense, Wisdom is the application of how the "Born-again" experience is realized.
1.) When we realize who God is and the power of His might, the fear of the Lord is ignited and initiated within our heart.
2.) By seeking out the attributes of God through His Word or the witness of His people, the beginning of Wisdom (the fear of the Lord) turns into a desire for more Wisdom. In the search for more of who God is provides us with the confrontation that God is not only just, but also a loving God who desires our love and fellowship in return.
3.) When we yield our love and fellowship over to God by making Jesus the Lord of our lives, it opens up a new and greater understanding of who God is. That understanding of God in return, stimulates us to continue to seek for an even greater understanding of who God is and His love for us. As Proverb 9:10 points out, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding." Thus, understanding is gained through wisdom.
4.) Understanding of God then provides knowledge. When we have understanding of how something operates, we store that information into our database called the heart, and when a situation comes up concerning a specific situation, we recall our knowledge from the database that applies to that particular circumstance. So it is with understanding of God's Word. The more you study it, the more the Holy Spirit reveals to you and the more He reveals to you, the more you understand and therein knowledge is attained and retained.
Here we see how Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding from the Book of Proverbs is activated in the "Born-again" experience as mentioned by Jesus in John 3:3, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Notice, you do not see the Kingdom of God by growing up into a church or by becoming a member of a church or merely stating that you are a Christian--you first must become "Born-again." We have other articles about becoming "Born-again" in this blog site.
In the above illustration, it must be mentioned that the secular mind cannot teach you the things of God, because they are foolishness to him as 1 Corinthians 2:14 clearly points out. When you seek out knowledge from a secular viewpoint, you are seeking knowledge from someone who has never received the wisdom, understanding and knowledge of who God is. In other words, the love of God has never permeated his heart because the world and the flesh remains embedded therein and not the Word and the Spirit. Without the fear of the Lord activating a desire to know who God is and knowledge of His Word, understanding cannot motivate the individual to become a "Born-again" believer in God's Kingdom. John 3:3, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." You cannot see the wind, but you can fell it. Likewise, you cannot see the Spirit, but you can feel Him -- and it all begins by making Jesus Lord and believing in your heart that God raise that same Jesus from the dead. Yes, God has made it that simple for us
1.) When we realize who God is and the power of His might, the fear of the Lord is ignited and initiated within our heart.
2.) By seeking out the attributes of God through His Word or the witness of His people, the beginning of Wisdom (the fear of the Lord) turns into a desire for more Wisdom. In the search for more of who God is provides us with the confrontation that God is not only just, but also a loving God who desires our love and fellowship in return.
3.) When we yield our love and fellowship over to God by making Jesus the Lord of our lives, it opens up a new and greater understanding of who God is. That understanding of God in return, stimulates us to continue to seek for an even greater understanding of who God is and His love for us. As Proverb 9:10 points out, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding." Thus, understanding is gained through wisdom.
4.) Understanding of God then provides knowledge. When we have understanding of how something operates, we store that information into our database called the heart, and when a situation comes up concerning a specific situation, we recall our knowledge from the database that applies to that particular circumstance. So it is with understanding of God's Word. The more you study it, the more the Holy Spirit reveals to you and the more He reveals to you, the more you understand and therein knowledge is attained and retained.
Here we see how Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding from the Book of Proverbs is activated in the "Born-again" experience as mentioned by Jesus in John 3:3, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Notice, you do not see the Kingdom of God by growing up into a church or by becoming a member of a church or merely stating that you are a Christian--you first must become "Born-again." We have other articles about becoming "Born-again" in this blog site.
In the above illustration, it must be mentioned that the secular mind cannot teach you the things of God, because they are foolishness to him as 1 Corinthians 2:14 clearly points out. When you seek out knowledge from a secular viewpoint, you are seeking knowledge from someone who has never received the wisdom, understanding and knowledge of who God is. In other words, the love of God has never permeated his heart because the world and the flesh remains embedded therein and not the Word and the Spirit. Without the fear of the Lord activating a desire to know who God is and knowledge of His Word, understanding cannot motivate the individual to become a "Born-again" believer in God's Kingdom. John 3:3, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." You cannot see the wind, but you can fell it. Likewise, you cannot see the Spirit, but you can feel Him -- and it all begins by making Jesus Lord and believing in your heart that God raise that same Jesus from the dead. Yes, God has made it that simple for us
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Are You Going To Heaven?
Heaven? Is there any way to know for sure that Heaven will be your new home when you die? Jesus gave us the answer to that question in John's Gospel in chapter #3. Simply stated, you must first be Born-again to enter into the Kingdom of God. But what does that term mean and how is becoming "Born-again" accomplished?
First of all you must be aware that the Bible tells us that sin cannot enter into heaven. Therefore, most people believe you can get into heaven by keeping the ten commandments or other laws. As you are probably aware -- no one can keep the commandments and laws. Simply stated, since no one can keep the commandments or laws, no one will ever get into heaven. Romans 3:20 states that by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for the law is the knowledge of sin. Can you then go to a priest and confess your sins to him? By no means. You are still attempting to be justified by the law.
Can a man under the law forgive another individual who is also under the law his or her sins? The Bible says that only God can forgive sin. In any case we cannot be saved by the works of the law even if we confess our sins to a thousand priests. If we could, then Jesus died in vain. We are saved by grace and not by the works of the law or by any deeds of the flesh. We are save by grace through faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross and in that fact alone takes away our sins by His shed blood and opens the door to heaven for us. It is not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy He has saved us.
Let's carry this a little further and consider a passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes 9:3:
Ecclesiastes goes on to say that: "The living know that they shall die, but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more reward; for the memory of them is perished. Also their love, their hatred and their envy is now perished; neither have they any portion of any thing that is done under the sun."
All of our hurrying and backbiting is over in the grave. So, did God just haphazardly put us on this earth without any reason or purpose? The Bible says "God made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation." Why did He do that? The next two verses tells us -- "So they should seek the Lord, if haply they seek after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us. For in Him we live, and move, and have our being...for we are also His offspring." - (Acts 17:26-28) We are His offspring, but sin has kept us apart. What is the answer? "Born-again"!
So back to the question, "Are You Going To Heaven?" The primary answer to that question is "Have you been Born-again?" Jesus said: "Unless a man is Born-again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." The next question is: "How do I know I have been Born-again?" Two things are necessary to be Born-again. First - repentance. The Bible states in Isaiah 55:7, "Let the wicked forsake their ways." Second - Romans 3:23 states: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." and Romans 6:23, "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus." Therefore, by repentance, (which is the forsaking of our sinful ways) and calling upon the name of Jesus Christ and invite Him to become Lord and Savior and believing in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead. This is how we become born-again. After that happens the following verse kicks into play.
First of all you must be aware that the Bible tells us that sin cannot enter into heaven. Therefore, most people believe you can get into heaven by keeping the ten commandments or other laws. As you are probably aware -- no one can keep the commandments and laws. Simply stated, since no one can keep the commandments or laws, no one will ever get into heaven. Romans 3:20 states that by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for the law is the knowledge of sin. Can you then go to a priest and confess your sins to him? By no means. You are still attempting to be justified by the law.
Can a man under the law forgive another individual who is also under the law his or her sins? The Bible says that only God can forgive sin. In any case we cannot be saved by the works of the law even if we confess our sins to a thousand priests. If we could, then Jesus died in vain. We are saved by grace and not by the works of the law or by any deeds of the flesh. We are save by grace through faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross and in that fact alone takes away our sins by His shed blood and opens the door to heaven for us. It is not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy He has saved us.
Let's carry this a little further and consider a passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes 9:3:
- "There is an evil among all things that are done under the sun...the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead."
Ecclesiastes goes on to say that: "The living know that they shall die, but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more reward; for the memory of them is perished. Also their love, their hatred and their envy is now perished; neither have they any portion of any thing that is done under the sun."
All of our hurrying and backbiting is over in the grave. So, did God just haphazardly put us on this earth without any reason or purpose? The Bible says "God made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation." Why did He do that? The next two verses tells us -- "So they should seek the Lord, if haply they seek after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us. For in Him we live, and move, and have our being...for we are also His offspring." - (Acts 17:26-28) We are His offspring, but sin has kept us apart. What is the answer? "Born-again"!
So back to the question, "Are You Going To Heaven?" The primary answer to that question is "Have you been Born-again?" Jesus said: "Unless a man is Born-again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." The next question is: "How do I know I have been Born-again?" Two things are necessary to be Born-again. First - repentance. The Bible states in Isaiah 55:7, "Let the wicked forsake their ways." Second - Romans 3:23 states: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." and Romans 6:23, "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus." Therefore, by repentance, (which is the forsaking of our sinful ways) and calling upon the name of Jesus Christ and invite Him to become Lord and Savior and believing in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead. This is how we become born-again. After that happens the following verse kicks into play.
- "But scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." - (Galatians 3:22)
Friday, December 9, 2016
The World's Standards or God's?
The Christian life is held to a higher standard than the standards of the world. Whereas the world changes its standards to meet the flow of the moment, the Christian standard is set firm in the directives that govern his or her walk through life. In other words, the two standards are diametrically opposed. That same standard holds true for the different characteristics of Jesus and Satan. Where at one point, Jesus referred to Satan as "the god of this world", another Scripture reveals that Satan was the actual one responsible for the death of Jesus. However, the world's response to those claims would be to rebuke any similarities that Satan is this world's god or that he was the one responsible for killing Jesus. Those who have set themselves apart from the world and have become separated from that lifestyle, understand this contrast, because they have lived by the world's standards before becoming a Christian. This is not so with those still in the world. They only know the ways of the world and have never committed themselves to a covenant relationship with Christ. The Bible tells us that they are actually blinded of the things of God due to the great influence inflicted upon them by the god of this world.
Individuals of this world, who conform to the ways of the world, do not understand that the things of God do not change. Jesus made the statement that "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away." When the Bible stated, "Thou shalt not" way back then -- it still means "Thou shalt not" even today." The Bible declares, "God is the same yesterday, today and forever -- He never changes." However, by creating laws in the world to fit a certain lifestyle, will not change God's laws. Simply put, we have a free-will to choose. We can believe God, or we can believe this world. The Bible was not written with a bunch of do's and don't's so God could beat us over the head if we do something wrong. God gave us those directives to govern our lives by. These standards are for our good, so we can live a full, rich and satisfying life. The world seeks after something to fill the emptiness of their soul. Many times religion is the way it chooses, but the Bible says:, "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Jesus came to give us life, and that more abundantly. Christianity is not just for a chosen few, but for the whole world (John 3:16). It is not automatic, but you must make the choice to invite Jesus into your life and make Him your Lord and Savior. The standards of the world will keep you under bondage to the god of this world. The standards of God will set you free from the bondage of this world. Jesus said, "Whom the Son sets free, he shall be free indeed." He will set you free, if you so choose to be free.
"The Unveiling of the Trinity" (2003)
Individuals of this world, who conform to the ways of the world, do not understand that the things of God do not change. Jesus made the statement that "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away." When the Bible stated, "Thou shalt not" way back then -- it still means "Thou shalt not" even today." The Bible declares, "God is the same yesterday, today and forever -- He never changes." However, by creating laws in the world to fit a certain lifestyle, will not change God's laws. Simply put, we have a free-will to choose. We can believe God, or we can believe this world. The Bible was not written with a bunch of do's and don't's so God could beat us over the head if we do something wrong. God gave us those directives to govern our lives by. These standards are for our good, so we can live a full, rich and satisfying life. The world seeks after something to fill the emptiness of their soul. Many times religion is the way it chooses, but the Bible says:, "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Jesus came to give us life, and that more abundantly. Christianity is not just for a chosen few, but for the whole world (John 3:16). It is not automatic, but you must make the choice to invite Jesus into your life and make Him your Lord and Savior. The standards of the world will keep you under bondage to the god of this world. The standards of God will set you free from the bondage of this world. Jesus said, "Whom the Son sets free, he shall be free indeed." He will set you free, if you so choose to be free.
"The Unveiling of the Trinity" (2003)
Monday, November 14, 2016
A Religious Fanatic
Identity labels help us determine some one's particular interest. Individuals involved in various interests and causes are generally branded with labels such as: devotees, supporters, fans, followers, visionaries, etc. For those dedicated to promoting God and His Word, the term religious fanatic is generally used. Of course, there are many variations of religious fanatics today, but Jesus said we could recognize them by their fruits. A good tree will not produce evil fruit, nor shall a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
A Christian religious fanatic is someone who has come out of the world by recognizing his or her inability to live a righteous life through self determination. Therefore this passionate devotee attempts to warn those still under bondage to the evil forces of the world, about the freedom available for them. Many times these warnings are met with hostility. Those under bondage cannot understand the freedom of the fanatic, and thinks he or she is sending him into a trap. Contrarily, the fanatic is merely attempting to set that individual free from the trap he is already entangled in.
Saint Peter refers to these fanatics in his epistle as peculiar people. That is, they have been set free and no longer look or act like the rest of society. Certainly, not everyone will become a fanatic, but that is not to say they cannot if they so choose. Many times it takes the deathbed to open the blinded eyes, then again sometimes even then is too late. The Bible tells us, "Now is the acceptable day; today is the day of salvation. Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart."
It all boils down to this: Everyone can become a religious fanatic, but not everyone will. Many look for some type of life from within themselves. However, because of sin, the only life available to them within their own body, comes from the flesh. Because they do not realize there is another life available to them, they rely upon their flesh as the source of happiness, enjoyment and supply. In essence, the flesh becomes their god, which makes themselves their god, instead of the Creator God.
When a religious fanatic is able to infiltrate their flesh and reveal to them another life source available to them, the news is sometimes met with hostility and sometimes joy. The one requirement to attain this new life is that they must give up being the lord over their life and allow Jesus to become their Lord and Savior. The contrasting consequences is this -- unless they undergo a pledge to strike a covenant relationship with God, they shall forever remain under bondage to the evil forces of this world. But, when they make the pledge with a covenant relationship, they will find another life -- a new life brought about by the Spirit of God touching their spirit and radiating life into their soul. Whereas before, the soul sought after temporary life from the flesh, now it seeks after everlasting life from the spirit.
Remember the Proverb, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Also remember the words of Jesus, "Whom the Son sets free, he is free indeed." The fields are ripe for harvest, but we need more laborers in the field --consider becoming a Christian religious fanatic today.
A Christian religious fanatic is someone who has come out of the world by recognizing his or her inability to live a righteous life through self determination. Therefore this passionate devotee attempts to warn those still under bondage to the evil forces of the world, about the freedom available for them. Many times these warnings are met with hostility. Those under bondage cannot understand the freedom of the fanatic, and thinks he or she is sending him into a trap. Contrarily, the fanatic is merely attempting to set that individual free from the trap he is already entangled in.
Saint Peter refers to these fanatics in his epistle as peculiar people. That is, they have been set free and no longer look or act like the rest of society. Certainly, not everyone will become a fanatic, but that is not to say they cannot if they so choose. Many times it takes the deathbed to open the blinded eyes, then again sometimes even then is too late. The Bible tells us, "Now is the acceptable day; today is the day of salvation. Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart."
It all boils down to this: Everyone can become a religious fanatic, but not everyone will. Many look for some type of life from within themselves. However, because of sin, the only life available to them within their own body, comes from the flesh. Because they do not realize there is another life available to them, they rely upon their flesh as the source of happiness, enjoyment and supply. In essence, the flesh becomes their god, which makes themselves their god, instead of the Creator God.
When a religious fanatic is able to infiltrate their flesh and reveal to them another life source available to them, the news is sometimes met with hostility and sometimes joy. The one requirement to attain this new life is that they must give up being the lord over their life and allow Jesus to become their Lord and Savior. The contrasting consequences is this -- unless they undergo a pledge to strike a covenant relationship with God, they shall forever remain under bondage to the evil forces of this world. But, when they make the pledge with a covenant relationship, they will find another life -- a new life brought about by the Spirit of God touching their spirit and radiating life into their soul. Whereas before, the soul sought after temporary life from the flesh, now it seeks after everlasting life from the spirit.
Remember the Proverb, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Also remember the words of Jesus, "Whom the Son sets free, he is free indeed." The fields are ripe for harvest, but we need more laborers in the field --consider becoming a Christian religious fanatic today.
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