10/30/21 FORGET WHAT IS PAST, TAKE HOLD OF WHAT WILL BE

10/30/21 FORGET WHAT IS PAST, TAKE HOLD OF WHAT WILL BE

The world is on the cusp of total collapse and America is now the world leader in chaos.

Obviously God can do anything He chooses to do and extend mercy whenever it pleases Him, but if you are expecting a Hollywood ending for this evil world system, you are in for a rude awakening, or, more likely your happy dream state will morph into an endless, living nightmare. After all, we got into today's idiocracy by delusional thinking and numbskull trust in enemies of the cross.

This world system is hurtling headstrong, headlong, irretrievably into devilish destruction. When the imagined "light" of people is actually darkness, how great is that darkness.

Instead of straightening pictures on the wall of a house, which is totally engulfed in a hellish inferno, spend these precious moments rescuing the victims.
Instead of mourning Caesar, "Lift up your head (be elated), for your redemption (Jesus) draws near."
Instead of eulogizing and aggrandizing the darkness that is passing, spend your time embracing and exalting the light that is dawning.

To mourn and cling to the rotting corpse of God's enemy is to distance one's self from God and His plan.

It is counter productive to mourn the loss of a doomed and decaying enemy of God, while simultaneously proclaiming hope, faith, love, joy, peace in the rising Sun of Righteousness.

Don't turn people's attention to the loss of temporal, illusive desires, but rather let your lips give God glory for the rising hope and reality of eternal deliverance.

Let it be known by others that we did not come to praise Caesar, but to bury him. Even better, we come to welcome the returning King of kings. We can't mourn the loss of evil and praise the coming of Righteousness at the same time.

Remember, Jesus said,
Matthew 6:33-34
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
dlg note... Speaking of basic needs, Jesus said that our first pursuit should be the, "the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
dlg note... Don't worry about tomorrow, God is our protector and provider. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. God gives us everything that pertains to life and godliness. God sometimes allows great trial, but He never leaves us or forsakes us and all things WORK TOGETHER for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (remember Job). Don't project yourself into future disaster and don't allow future trials to absorb you energy. Neither long for the past nor fear the future. TRUST THE LORD.

We cannot be focused on this world and on Jesus at the same time.
Don't worry about tomorrow's problems. It will darken your view and rob you of your vision.
Look to Jesus, the Author and finisher of faith. He will see you through your difficult days ahead, but not if you are focused on what was.

Sinners need to see and hear from people who see and follow the Light rather than those who cry about the loss of a dark and dying world.

Philippians 3:7-14
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
dlg note... Even the advantageous, good, admirable things of life can be a waste and a trap. Nothing is as important as a right relationship with Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
dlg note... It is our own responsibility to recognize the worthlessness of everything, when contrasted with Christ. Putting everything under the Lordship of Christ is essential if we want to gain the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Paul not only surrendered everything to Christ, he counted his earthly advantages to be refuse, waste, filth, in order that he might win, gain Christ.

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
dlg note... I discard the treasures of this world as filth in order to be found in Christ through faith in Christ, with the righteousness of faith.

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
dlg note... I gladly cast off the things of this world in order to KNOW Christ and the POWER of HIS RESURRECTION, and the FELLOWSHIP of HIS SUFFERINGS, which comes by being CONFORMABLE TO HIS DEATH.

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
dlg note... Denying the world and the things of the world, dying to my Old Man (my Carnal nature), presenting my life (body, soul and spirit) completely to God as a living sacrifice is essential to attaining the First Resurrection (the resurrection from among the dead).

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
dlg note... I have not yet been GLORIFIED; I have not yet received my resurrection body (the perfection that is unattainable in this present life), but I am active in pursuing the spiritual calling and provision that Jesus makes available to me here and now (the perfection that is attainable in this life, see vs.15).

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
dlg note... Though I have not yet received the glorified (resurrected) life that God offers, I am single-mindedly committed to pursue, seize the life of victory, in this present world as well as the resurrection from the dead, which is provided by Christ. I forget the passing pleasures and advantages of this world and reach for the victory in Christ.

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
dlg note... I press, race toward, stretch out, in pursuit of God's calling me to victory in this present evil world and in the world to come.

We do not lionize or cling to the past.
Ecclesiastes 7:10
10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

We do not build on a fickle future.
Proverbs 27:1
1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

But we can and we should press forward in the will of God.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Timothy 4:2-8
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

10/29/21 IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS (IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS)

10/29/21 IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS (IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS)

Ignoring the dangers of Socialism and Communism is like ignoring the danger of a rattlesnake, strychnine, rabies, jumping from the top of the Empire State Building, swimming in the midst of a shark feeding frenzy.

Actually, Socialism and Communism are more dangerous because there could be variables that change the expected outcome of the dangers listed.
Also, the list of dangers I mentioned effect one person, whereas, Socialism and Communism (two forms of the same evil) destroy entire families, communities, nations.
Socialism hates Bible faith and Christ followers.
The other dangers are physically dangerous rather than philosophically dangerous or spiritually dangerous.

We control whether we will be threatened by most personal dangers in life, but when society or evil men enact Socialism and Communism, we are victimized by others and have no choice.

Sin, all sin kills.
Some sins have farther reaching consequences than other sins.
Some sins are personal.
Some sins are public.

10/28/21 MINISTRY, NOT INDUSTRY

10/28/21 MINISTRY, NOT INDUSTRY

Kingdom work must be paid for, but kingdom begging, cajoling, maneuvering, bullying, shaming, threatening is not the kingdom way.

Christian giving is sacrificial giving from a thankful and happy heart.

10/27/21 WOF(ake) IS EVERYWHERE

10/27/21 WOF(ake) IS EVERYWHERE

There are well intentioned but misled believers who are involved with the "Word of Faith" movement (falsely called Word of Faith). In fact, the false doctrines of WoF have spread like a spiritual cancer to many different church organizations and denominations.

There are several false doctrines taught by WOF, which is now being accepted as fundamental teachings of the Bible.

Even believers have fallen for the demonic doctrines of Word of Fake teachers. People who were brought up in Biblically sound churches have been deceived; gospel singers have swallowed lies of false prophets (sometimes aligning themselves with the movements, programs and personalities).

However, today we have a wide spread mixture of the false with the true, so that unwary converts are being taken captive, while thinking that they are following the Bible and pleasing God.

Don't be misled by peer pressure or gullibility or intimidation.
Learn the word, study the word, trust the word, follow the word.
Test the spirits, to see if they are of God.
Don't accept any other gospel than God's revealed truth in the Holy Bible.
Remember, there are false gospels, false Christs, false Holy Spirits, false teachers, false prophets, false movements, false revelations.

I am always telling folks, if my teaching, preaching does not agree with the word of God, the Holy Bible, then don't believe me or my teaching.

Don't allow movements or popular personalities to take you captive to darkness.

10/27/21 A WONDERFUL TIME TOGETHER

10/27/21 A WONDERFUL TIME TOGETHER

Here are some photos as we worshiped at The Net House on The Lord's Day. Our adult ensemble has 8 singers/musicians (when they are all here) on this day we had our two youngest sing for us. As you can see, my new out building still needs work, but at least we are able to gather in my home again.

10/26/21 WORD OF FAKE (so-called faith) PREACHERS CLAIM THAT THEY ARE GODS AND WE ARE ALSO GODS

10/26/21 WORD OF FAKE (so-called faith) PREACHERS CLAIM THAT THEY ARE GODS AND WE ARE ALSO GODS

I would like to have posted the actual clips from these false prophets, but YouTube includes inappropriate links, which I choose not to promote. However, these are quotes taken from several WOF(ake) leaders. I realize that quotes can be out of context or misinterpreted, but I have seen the clips on more than just a couple of sources.

I will name speakers and give the quotes. Remember, this is just a limited presentation of the blasphemies they speak unashamedly. I don't explain how they are wrong. If you can't see how they are wrong then you need to take steps to get from under the damnable influence of the Word of Fake crowd. I will help you, but in this post I am simply restating the blasphemy that actually came our of the poisoned hearts and lying lips of the false teachers.

REMEMBER, THESE ARE QUOTES FROM FALSE TEACHERS.
Todd White...
"our minds become the very word of God itself. God did not want us to just memorize the word, He wants us to become the word."
"God wants our flesh to become the very word we say we believe..." "He is making me actively become that very word that I believe."
Kenneth Copeland...
"When I read in the Bible where he says I Am, I just smile and say, "Yes, I am too.""
Paula White...
counsels a guest on show, "you are a little god."
Benny Hinn...
"we are little gods walking in little bodies."
"Say after me... within me is a god-man. Repeat..."
"Better than that, say I am a god-man."
"God came from heaven and became a man. Made man into lettle god's. Went back to heaven as a man. Faces the Father as a man."
"Do you know who you are? This going to blow your mind real good." (he then refers to a passage with the word elohim (god's) in it) and makes the claim that "we are gods."
"If you are God's offspring, you are not human."
Francis Chan...
(about himself) "you are looking at a person who is not just a person. Somehow God is in me and there's a sense in which I am like god and man all at once."
Creflo Dollar...
Referring to God creating man in His own image, Dollar claims that "God made little gods, since we are in God's image," (according to Dollar) "we must also be gods. God produced little gods. You are gods, little g."
"You are gods. You are not just human. The only human part about you is the physical body that you live in."
"The real me is just like God."

Don't be surprised that these false teachers boldly claim that we are little gods. False religions and Christ-less cults (such as LDS) that also teach that Christians are little gods, AND PEOPLE BELIEVE THOSE LIES TOO.

The verses they twist to support their twisted belief system are explainable.
First, those verses cannot mean that there are other real gods than the One True God.
Yes, there are gods by appointment (whatever a person puts in the place of the True God is a false God by human appointment) and there are self appointed gods, BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD WHO IS GOD BY NATURE."

10/25/21 PRIORITIZE

10/25/21 PRIORITIZE

I am glad for ministries of other churches (large or small), which are fulfilling God's calling and following God's leading. It takes visionary leadership and dedicated followship.

Productive parishioners are people who are ignited by God's vision and leading. Just as no pastor should be satisfied with basic or better than average ministry to his people, neither should parishioners be satisfied with sitting on the sidelines or giving halfhearted service or serving for personal gratification. God's work deserves our best effort, for His glory.

God directs His people to fulfill their tasks readily, gladly, wholeheartedly because after this earthly life is over, there is no more opportunity to do that which we should have done.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Service to God, whether personal or as part of the local church team, should be given our best effort. The church worker, regardless of social standing, academic accomplishments, financial fitness, should be committed to excellence in whatever service they render. The effort sown will reap accordingly.

Fully dedicated Christians should find what God wants them to do and then do it with their might, do it as unto the Lord.
Whatever God wants you to do now requires total commitment now.
There comes a time when a person can no longer serve God and His church.
Don't waste your time.
Redeem the time.
Buy it up and use it for the glory of God.
Now is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation.

10/25/21 Here is a thought I shared 10 years ago. Just reading The Book and the signs of the time.

10/25/21 Here is a thought I shared 10 years ago. Just reading The Book and the signs of the time.

REMEMBERING...
Here is a disturbing thought. If America does not turn to Christ and Biblical faith, there will come a time when we may consider the days of Barak Hussein Obama as, "the good old days." BTW, I don't think we are going to turn as a nation, therefore it is left up to us individually to turn from sin and follow Christ.

No more "Christianity Lite." It is time for HARD CORE BIBLICAL FAITH.

10/25/21 IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK TOGETHER

10/25/21 IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK TOGETHER

We had a great time of worship and fellowship yesterday. I had trouble with my laptop, therefore I was not able to reach out to our ZOOM friends (which was a great disappointment). Mark was not able to be home, so we missed him greatly.
But the gathering together was awesome.

The first thing I did was tell my congregation that they are the toughest congregation I know about. Since our facilities have been too small to allow us to gather as we normally would have gathered (all of us together for worship and study and fellowship, and in separate SS classrooms) during the past several months I have held smaller in person and online meetings by combing teaching and preaching sessions (though all of my preaching includes teaching) and worked hard to prepare The Net House folks for the awesome days of ministry and Christian challenge ahead.

This made the preaching teaching sessions (usually three times a week) long, but our local body was very patient, attentive and kind, children and adults. They have always been tough.
Long services have not deterred them. This is true from the youngest to the oldest in our local church.
Some churches have long services but very little preaching/teaching. They mostly have long "praise services" (so-called) led by "worship teams" (so-called) and then some of them spend a good portion of time begging and finagling and bullying and squeezing money out of their people.
Christian giving is an act of worship but I have not actually "passed a plate" for decades. In fact, when we have a special need, I tell folks and then leave it between them and the Lord.
Our congregation is also used to testimony time, but yesterday it was mostly a musical message. I would share short, but poignant thoughts and then introduce special music about: full salvation, Biblical worship and service, evangelism, my vision for ministry, opportunities for serving God in the local body, renewal and restoration.

Most folks won't recognize these songs because our people have written a lot of music. The songs vary in style, but they are all very Scriptural and often address the Christian life in our present world.

Though you may not know most of these songs, I will give you titles, in order to see the direction of the service.

THE CHURCH (the nature and ministry of the church)
Sweet, Sweet Song Of Salvation
Give Me Jesus
BUILDING AN ARK (relating to family and church)
ANCHORED IN THE ROCK (Christ is our rock, hope is our anchor, faith is our cable)
COMPANY OF THE COMMITTED (as soldiers, Christians are committed to our Master, one another and those who need rescuing)
GOD OF NEW BEGINNINGS (not only the life of Christ through salvation, but renewal and restoration for those who drift or fall away)
(FAMILY MEDLEY)
God's Wonderful People
Plenty Of Room In The Family
Feeling At Home

We had a simple but great meal together and a wonderful afternoon of fellowship and fun for all, young and old.

Now that we have enlarged our home situation, we will enjoy even more wonderful times in the Lord together.

Through the years we have met with Christians from Iraq, Romania, Russia and the South Pacific. Our home services are simple, but those believers said it was more like Christian meetings in their homeland. And remember, since the New Testament times, home meetings have been normal for Christians all over the world.

If someone is interested in our home meetings (worship, Bible study, ministry training, fellowship, music ministry, youth ministry) or if you are interested in talking to us about Christ or our Bible beliefs, be sure to contact me.

10/23/21 DON'T POISON THE WELL

10/23/21 DON'T POISON THE WELL

The problem with blaspheming the Holy Spirit is that it cuts off the only One Who can deliver the blasphemer out of sin.

Also, those who blaspheme Christ's followers are poisoning the well of truth for people who believe the blasphemer's lies.

10/22/21 TRUTHS TO DRINK IN SLOWLY, MEDITATIVELY

10/22/21 TRUTHS TO DRINK IN SLOWLY, MEDITATIVELY

I sing a lot during the day. Yesterday this chorus came to mind.

Chorus
I'm going to live the way He wants me to live
I'm going to give until there's just no more to give
I'm going to love, love till there's just no more love
For I could never, never out love the Lord.

This is not boasting in self but boasting in the Lord's love for me and boasting in His grace, which makes me aware of His love, and boasting in a salvation that imparts Divine values and intentions to me.

As David said:
Psalms 34:1-3
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalms 145:1-5
1 David's Psalm of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

We come to a life of faith and faithfulness and praise by trusting, surrendering, seeking and following God.

Remember, Paul said,
Philippians 3:8-21
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Charles Wesley put some of this sentiment in his song, I Want A Principle Within.
I want a principle within
Of jealous, godly fear,
A sensibility of sin,
A pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel
Of pride or fond desire,
To catch the wand'ring of my will,
And quench the kindling fire.

From Thee that I no more may part,
No more Thy goodness grieve,
The filial awe, the fleshly heart,
The tender conscience, give.
Quick as the apple of an eye,
O God, my conscience make;
Awake my soul when sin is nigh,
And keep it still awake.

Almighty God of truth and love,
To me Thy pow'r impart;
The mountain from my soul remove,
The hardness from my heart.
Oh, may the least omission pain
My reawakened soul,
And drive me to that blood again,
Which makes the wounded whole.

10/21/21 GOD'S WILL FOR ALL HIS CHILDREN

10/21/21 GOD'S WILL FOR ALL HIS CHILDREN

My constant prayer, all day, every day:
Lord, what would You have me be,
What would You have me think,
What would You have me say,
What would You have me do?

Not from a sense of ought but from an honest desire.

I not only want to obey God but I want to do that which is pleasing in His sight, since He gives me everything I need, which pertains to life and godliness.
I want others to see my good works and glorify my Father in Heaven.
I want to follow in His steps and do no sin.
I want to walk worthy of my calling and worthy of the Lord and fully please Him, being fruitful in all good work, and fulfill the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power. (WOW)
I want to walk in the light as He is in the light.
I want be pure, even as Jesus is pure.
I want to be perfect in love, even as my Father in heaven is perfect in love.

Be careful not to fault my wants, since they are all the will of God and they are all possible through the grace that is in Christ Jesus and they are the standards set by God Himself.

DON'T LET MAN MADE, SINNING RELIGION ROB YOU OF DIVINE VICTORY, OVERCOMING FAITH, CONTINUOUS TRIUMPH, SALVATION TO THE UTTERMOST.

I am not spouting Word of Fake lies, I am declaring the revealed word of God to His children in His churches.

And why wouldn't we want to live by these standards, since these are God's standards and they are the way of peace, joy, love, godliness and fulfillment?

10/20/21 SERIOUS EVALUATION

10/20/21 SERIOUS EVALUATION

Jesus said, if your eye or hand or foot offends you (impairs your relationship with God), then pluck it out or cut it off and cast it away (which needs to be understood in light of New Testament principles).

These are hard sayings, but the principle is also applicable to human activities. If you have an interest, relationship, behavior, habit, entertainment, hobby, amusement that impairs your relationship with God, or causes you to stumble, drift, lose focus, fall away, then you need to remove that stumbling block from your life.

I remember taking inventory as a Bible college student and asking myself if my interest in sports needed to be curbed or cast away. I have often told young people that they needed to remove any distraction (sweetheart, pass time, goal, dream, commitment, culture, vocation, worldview) that took away from total commitment and following Jesus fully. Sometimes it is as simple as changing a preference and sometimes it requires a major sacrifice.

Certainly, if our eternal destiny is more important than the basic human need to see or handle or walk it is more important than our own views, preferences, conveniences, human philosophies, pleasures.

Today there are new distractions in America. Christians are focusing on earthly affairs, politics, financial and legal and health issues, comforts, vain philosophies. Though a problem can be an actual and significant threat, the distraction caused by the problem poses a greater threat for the one who focuses on the threat, or worries about the threat, or gets angry about the threat.

We must not allow distractions.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, we must look to the One Who is coming to save us.
We must not focus on the one who wants to devour us.

Likewise we should not ignore the real problems of life. Satan does not care which side of an issue you espouse, so long as it distracts you from God's will.

Faith strikes the right balance. Focus on Christ and His word.

10/20/21 DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE ON A DISTRACTION

10/20/21 DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE ON A DISTRACTION

David Jeremiah says people fall away because they are Deceived, Disillusioned or Distracted.

I like the three "D"s. In fact, I have been thinking about the Distractions that are consuming the time, energy, attention, relationships and activities of many believers. Today people are distracted from the real issues of life, by anything and everything, by Liberals and Conservatives.

Quit being a pawn for darkness. Spend your mind, talents, time, energy, influence for Christ, not for confusion, division, distractions. Spend yourself, your energy, time, abilities to build with Divine materials, for eternal purposes, rather than wasting yourself on passing fancies and worldly, futile concerns. Your distractions will destroy you, your family and your neighbors.

How sad to wake up in the future and find out you lost your life through "target fixation," but never hit the target, especially sad since you fixated on a Deception, which was a Delusion.

10/19/21 DISTRACTIONS CAN BE DEADLY

10/19/21 DISTRACTIONS CAN BE DEADLY

How long do you need to be distracted when dealing with a snake? an alligator? when driving a vehicle at high speed or in heavy traffic? when using a chain saw?

If the situation is less intense, then the immediacy of danger is not as apparently great. However, the less dangerous a distraction seems, the longer we will be distracted. But remember, a distraction causes a person to lose his focus, for a moment, then for a little while, then for an extended period of time, until finally the distracted one realizes that his failure to focus on the important issues of life has placed him in the path of disaster. Distraction is dangerous in the immediate and in the distant.

Not all distractions are obviously dangerous.

Sometimes the distractions seem like harmless interruptions. But it is often the simple, the reasonable distractions that rob us of the real treasures.

Distractions lead to distractions that lead to other distractions that lead to a life of being distracted from God. You don't have the luxury of being distracted by anything for any period of time.

10/19/21 CHILD EVANGELISM IS YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY AND MAY BE YOUR ONLY OPPORTUNITY

10/19/21 CHILD EVANGELISM IS YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY AND MAY BE YOUR ONLY OPPORTUNITY

God wants children to be saved at an such early age that even if they might not remember the details of the event,
They will know the reality of Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and Friend,
The Holy Spirit will bear witness to their relationship with God and
They will live in newness of life, even as a child.
The child will grow up with a sensitivity and openness for God, for God's word and righteousness and an eagerness to know, follow and please God.

This can happen in a Christian or sinner family. The more Biblical the child's surroundings are, the more likely he will be to follow, grow and serve God. But even if that child drifts from God, he will likely be restored, if he comes into contact with vibrant and loving ministry.

Churches and individual believers should allow (encourage) the little children to come to Jesus, and they should not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God.

10/16/21 JUST BECAUSE IT'S CALLED MUSIC MINISTRY, DOESN'T MEAN IT IS

10/16/21 JUST BECAUSE IT'S CALLED MUSIC MINISTRY, DOESN'T MEAN IT IS

"Christian Music" (spiritual songs) are a very important part of Christian ministry. This is seen in the Old Testament and encouraged in the New Testament. It should glorify God and build up believers.

Most people will listen to spiritual truths in song more readily than through preaching and teaching. This does not mean that music is more important than preaching and teaching because IT IS NOT. For the established and mature Christian there is no confusion. However, for many people, sinners and shallow, carnal believers there is a greater affinity for music than preaching and teaching. God recognizes the rejection of preaching by pointing out that people consider preaching to be foolishness. But it is through the "foolishness" of preaching that God reaches, converts, builds up and sustains His people. Music is a subsidiary tool.

But music is also a tool of the devil. This is where the church in general and individual believers need to be wise and need to bring their thoughts about music into submission to spiritual reality and counsel.

I am not talking about music that promotes evil. I am talking about "Christian" or "Church" music and Christian musicians. We are seeing "Christian" music and musicians upstage the message of the Bible preacher. Sometimes it is because of the shoddy work of the preacher, but it is also because people prefer the entertaining, gratifying, glitzy sounds and performers to the searching, confrontational, demanding, deeper enlightenment of Bible preaching and teaching. Studying is harder work than listening to music, even Christian music.
Yes, there is very good Christian music and effective Christian music ministry. But the highest caliber Christian music ministry must navigate through many dangers and pitfalls. Let me mention a few.

Lyrics must be Biblical, spiritual and worthy of the gospel.

The music must be appropriate to the message.
The presentation must be focused on Jesus and the message rather than on the musicians, singers, instrumentation, volume, entertainment and showmanship of the band.

I enjoy various kinds of music styles and I appreciate talented musicians and singers. But music ministry can be more MUSIC than MINISTRY. When this happens God is being robbed of His glory and the listeners are being robbed of God's truth.

Musicians and singers need to love God, people and ministry more than they love their favorite music genre, more than they love their favorite instruments, more than they love the thrill of performing.
Christian music is not really Christian when it robs God or listeners.
Christian music ministry is a tool, is subservient to the message of God, whether the message is in a musical concert or supporting the preacher in the proclamation of God's word.

If a musician or singer is not willing to bring his gift or talents into submission to the message, the proclamation of the word of God, then that person is committed to his music more than he is committed to God and His word.

This love of self and style is not a Christian characteristic. Often times pastors have problems with musicians. In fact, musicians often have problems with other musicians, even when practicing or presenting their music. Church people have ousted preaching and teaching of the word of God in favor of musicians and singers, sometimes the pastor has abdicated the pulpit. However this arrogance and conflict causes pastors to sometimes say, "The devil owed me a debt and paid it off with musicians and singers." This sounds harsh, but the devil has undermined many churches through pride, stubbornness, self asserting aggrandizement.

Christian musicians and singers must always remember that they are to serve the pastor in reaching the people, and this means following the pastor as he is following the Holy Spirit.

Here are good words for all believers, including music ministry people.

Ephesians 5:19-21
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

10/16/21 FAMILY AND CHURCH WHEN UNDER ATTACK

10/16/21 FAMILY AND CHURCH WHEN UNDER ATTACK

Family in the past was the basic community. Family members were the first line of defense and the primary source of supply.

This principle carried into tribes. In the Christian community it was seen in local church relationships, without the aspect of violence.

This great idea built wealth, interdependence, provision, protection in time of trouble. However with the rise of modern society the family unit and local church cohesiveness has disappeared.

In the difficult days ahead these two basic community models will need to be revitalized and strengthened. The troubles of our fallen world are coming to USA because we have followed the world by ousting God from our government, education and social lives. Just as believers in other parts of the world have suffered, we are about to enter third world conditions and oppression and persecution.

It is probably too late for "Christianizing" our society. This post modern, post Christian world is likely in its final stages and we need to return to God's two basic institutions: a strong family unit (built on Christ) and a strong fellowship of believers in the local church.

Sadly, pride and worldly thinking will not submit to family and church discipline and unity. We all need ears to hear.

10/15/21 WHAT I AM REALLY DOING THESE DAYS

10/15/21 WHAT I AM REALLY DOING THESE DAYS

Folks have been arguing about the proper model for church leadership for a long time. In fact, some folks are deluded into thinking that the local church does not need any human leadership. Without giving my reasons for my view at this time I will simply state my view.

The Bible gives us a foundation, with pastor/teacher overseers (bishops, elders, deacons). There is a shepherd and others who also provide leadership. As far as the complaint that a single leader can become a tyrant, that is true. However, in a team leadership there can also be a single tyrant or a team of tyrants. I believe a pastor/teacher leader is the more desirable model. After all, a real man of God knows how to submit to the body and how to love his congregation as well as any team. Actually, the more moving parts, the more likely it will break.

Sometimes, because of various reasons, a church does not have a pastor/teacher and may not have a qualified leadership team. Churches sometimes need to find a preacher to provide spiritual leading and training. In such a case, the church should be praying and watching for God's man. Churches should not be hasty in calling a man to be their pastor. In many ways, the pastor is the most important team leader that folks will ever have.

Sadly we are living in a day that has produced very few entirely sanctified (Spirit purified, filled and led), loving shepherds, with spiritual gifts, including pastor/teacher, word of knowledge (Spirit empowerment to communicate the Bible), word of wisdom (Spirit enlightenment to counsel practical Christian living). There are other gifts that may apply, but the point is that very few men are spiritually qualified to do the work of a shepherd. The church at large is in trouble because Biblical and spiritual training is lacking and because there are very few men answering God's call to sacrificial service.

It is possible for a local church to have a team of men, with various spiritual gifts, who can work together in love and unity, as a ministry team, until God provides the pastor/teacher to join their work and lead the team and their church.

This brings me to my main point. I have always tried to provide the spiritual atmosphere for growth. As our society is moving further from God and the principles of our forefathers, we are going to see the local church come under attack more and more. This is one reason that the local church needs Biblical leadership. The parishioners are going to need a godly, courageous, qualified pastor/teacher and the children and youth of society are going to need to see local bodies of believers equipped and unified in their stand for Christ.

I am working with the men and women in our church to step up to the challenge. Though the leadership should be occupied by godly men, there is also a need for well trained, established women following God fully. However, I want to equip various men spiritually and Biblically to step up to the task if and when the pastoral position is empty.

It is obvious that great numbers of churches are failing and falling in these trying times and it is reasonable to think that this is only the beginning. Yes, there will be plenty of fake churches, built on fake messages and fake salvation and a fake Jesus and a fake Holy Spirit. This should not shock anyone, since Jesus pointed out that there would be fake Christs in the last days.

We are not living at a time when you can expect to get a Bible warrior, pastor/teacher from the seminaries or from denominational headquarters or even from the schools that have had a rich Bible tradition. The times they are a changing.

I personally hope that our local church will not only survive the days ahead, but will thrive in the days ahead. I hope we will have a team of men who take up the banner, and charge forward with the torch of truth.
I also hope that we will have young men in our church who hear and heed the call of God to follow Him into battle, charging the gates of hell, lifting the name of Jesus, teaching the eternal word of God.

So, if you get to wondering what I am doing in the days ahead, just remember this little post. Better yet, check in to see if my plan has come to fruition.

10/13/21 LIKE A CANCER

10/13/21 LIKE A CANCER

I have family members who have been led astray by false apostles, deceitful workers, "angels of light" into the Word of Fake movement.

Now they are entangled and enslaved to darkness, not willing to hear the Bible truths I offer.

10/13/21 DON'T BE LED ASTRAY

10/13/21 DON'T BE LED ASTRAY

Many who are led astray by the WoF(ake) movement were sincere Christians, deceived by "angel(s) of light."

2 Corinthians 11:13-14 (notice the )
13 For such are *false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for *Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

10/13/21 MATURITY COMES THROUGH: CHALLENGE, COMMITMENT, CHANGE, GROWTH

10/13/21 MATURITY COMES THROUGH:
CHALLENGE, COMMITMENT, CHANGE, GROWTH

When a loving, Christian parent or a loving, Bible pastor bears down heavily on the evils that threaten the children or the church, it is not an attack on the family or the fellow believers. IT IS WAR. It is not war with the loved ones, but a is spiritual warfare being waged against the enemy of our souls, our morals, our knowledge and understanding and wisdom, against the enemy of our walk with God and against our eternal relationship with God.

When a General or a coach or leader of any group gives a stirring speech before a major encounter, contest or performance, it is not intended to discourage or demean the troops, the team, the group, but rather to stir them up for their big challenge or big opportunity.

The Bible tells us to speak the truth in love. Love cannot overlook the dangers that loved ones face, therefore we must warn them. Unhappily this is something that people misunderstand and then take personal exception to the truth.

Here is a passage directed toward the pastor/teacher

(11) for the perfecting of the saints (12), the work of the ministry (12), for the building up of the body (12), for the maturing of individual believers and for the entire local body (13), In order to deliver believers from childishness that is easily maneuvered by deceptive people stalkers (14).

God directs pastors to speak the truth in love (15). This is a big order. Truth can be offensive, despised and rejected; truth can lead to division and hatred. Nevertheless, truth must be communicated because of love, in love. The objective is to lead believers into maturity. As most folks know, moving from childhood to maturity requires submission, trust, change (15).

The wisdom, plan, power of God are all present in the work of confrontation, reproving, correcting, training in righteousness, perfecting of the saints. But it an act of love (16).

Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

10/12/21 COMING SOON TO A NET HOUSE NEAR YOU

10/12/21 COMING SOON TO A NET HOUSE NEAR YOU

One of the main ministries I am looking forward to launching in the very near future is Ministry Training Studies. We had a ministry training program years ago, at the Anchor Church in Morehead. This included Bible Classes, Biblical Hermeneutics, Doctrine (Theology, Christology, Pneumatology, Eschatology, Ecclesiology, Practical Theology, Pastoral Theology), Biblical Counseling, Church History, Missiology, Cults.

Our Bible and Ministry Institute prepared men for pastoral work, men and women for laity church ministries as well as training for personal Christian growth. At this time we will not have a project as thorough as we had several years ago, but it will be advantageous for individuals, their churches and those whom God is calling to leadership ministries.

Though our classes will be live and in person, I am hoping to provide online outreach as well. Instruction will also be live, personal and in person, but we will use audio/video sources in special areas of study.

I am hoping we will see this project (though it will be in a limited package) activated before the end of the year. And as in all of our ministries, there will be no charge for the instruction (though there may be recommended books for some classes).

The purpose of these classes is to equip individuals for personal victory, lay ministry in their local church and preparation for leadership in the days ahead. It is going to be harder to find qualified Christians for church work in the future.

Be praying for us.

10/11/21 MONDAY PROVERB (this was from yesterday)

10/11/21 MONDAY PROVERB (this was from yesterday)

Proverbs 14:16
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

A great way to start the week.
This proverb starts by acknowledging the wise man. The wise man fears, honors, reverential awe, has a proper respect for truth, Divine judgments, wisdom, instruction, counsel, justice, righteousness. And because of this fear the wise man, the man who is wise turns from, rejects, avoids that which is evil.
It is not as much a fear of evil as it is a fear of doing evil. Remember, Christians are instructed to work out our own salvation with "fear and trembling." God instructs us to avoid evil (the evil one) and He warns us about evil.

We are taught to pray for deliverance from evil (the evil one).
The evil one (devil) goes about as a lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Evil is not something to play with or take lightly.
Evil leadership, thoughts, words actions will destroy the person who does not depart from evil.

On the other hand, the fool does not humbly recognize the dangers of sin or his own vulnerabilities. When faced with a threat or the need to change his ways, he rages against both God and God's messenger, then proceeds boldly into the evil, the sin, God's judgement, fully confident in his own way.

10/11/21 DON'T JUST SING IT, OWN IT

10/11/21 DON'T JUST SING IT, OWN IT

I came across a phrase, which expresses my own view. The writer said that when a certain singer sings a song, "she owns that song." That is what I am talking about.

The singer also needs to be owned by that song. It is like, "The fire in the iron and the iron in the fire." One becomes one with the other one. But it is more than a oneness or unity with lyrics and music, it a oneness with the truth of the song.

10/10/21 MY SUNDAY PROVERB

10/10/21 MY SUNDAY PROVERB

Proverbs 12:15
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

There is a lot going on in these few words.
"The Way," refers to the road, the path, the direction. The way of the fool is not exactly the same as a foolish act, a foolish step. While it is possible for a person who is walking in THE WAY OF WISDOM to make a foolish STEP, it is also possible for that person to turn, return to the path of righteousness immediately.

However, the person that takes a wrong step, a foolish step, has taken the first step in the wrong way. The wrong step is a deadly step. The wrong step can be either limited or far reaching in its immediate impact. A wrong thought, word or deed has its own immediate result. But a wrong step, regardless of its immediate influence can be abandoned.

The fool has not simply taken a wrong step. The fool has made his way of life wrong
"The way of the fool is right in his own eyes." I am amazed when I see a person reject the way of wisdom, the way of truth, the way of life, the way of love, the way of holiness.

But then I realize that person is deluded by his own lies. He believes himself to be going in the right direction. This is because he is proud, and blind and protective of his perceived self worth, self orientation, self dependence. He doesn't want counsel, instruction, authority in his life.

The Bible tells us,
Proverbs 14:12
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

This is the way of the fool. It is the fool who thinks that his own way is right and therefore he does not seek counsel, he does not heed counsel, he does not want counsel and in his own eyes, he does not need counsel.

There are times when the fool seems to accept counsel, instruction, but that is usually because he thinks the counsel will help him reach his own goals, rather than aligning himself with God's plan.

There are times when the way of the fool is systemic and not simply personal. I believe we are in one of those periods of time. Actually, the last days will be days of systemic, generational, regional foolishness, deception and confusion.
Proverbs 30:11-14
11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

God specifically tells us not to be wise in our own eyes.
Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
The wise man profits from good counsel.
Proverbs 14:16
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

The person who listens to, who heeds sound counsel is wise. It is not enough that a person "accidentally" hears good counsel or deliberately listens to and receives good counsel. The wise person, the truly godly person actually hungers and thirsts for good counsel. The godly person searches for wisdom, instruction, counsel, as for a treasure.

It is a sad reality when people search for earthly treasure, worldly wisdom, passing fulfillment, fading glory rather than investing in eternal truth and spiritual treasure. Set your eyes on that which God values, such as wisdom, knowledge, understanding, godliness.
Proverbs 2:1-9
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

Proverbs 3:13-18
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Proverbs 16:16-20
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

10/09/21 WITHOUT EXCUSE

10/09/21 WITHOUT EXCUSE

If a lost person goes through life without ever encountering a saved person, that would not justify the conclusion that there are no saved people.
If a lost person met every human being alive but never encountered a saved person, that would not justify the conclusion that God does not save people.
If a believer never meets another believer who is pure, obedient, faithful, that would not justify the conclusion that God does not enable believers to be pure, obedient and faithful.
If there is not even one believer in the entire world that is pure, obedient and faithful, that would not justify the conclusion that it is impossible for a believer to be pure, obedient and faithful.

THEREFORE, since God calls us to purity, obedience and faithfulness and since God enables us to be pure, obedient and faithful, then why wouldn't you, why shouldn't you, why couldn't you be pure, obedient and faithful, regardless of what others may think, say or do?

After all, God will not judge you by another person's walk or another person's light. He will judge you according to your walk and your light.

Don't count on the blood of Christ if you are treading the Son of God under foot or counting the blood of Christ as unholy (even though you were previously sanctified by that blood), or if you insult the Spirit of grace.

Hebrews 10:26-31
26 For if we keep on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that is about to consume the adversaries.
28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 How much worse punishment do you think the person will be considered worthy of who treats with disdain the Son of God and who considers ordinary the blood of the covenant by which he was made holy and who insults the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."
31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.