05/04/21 KNOW YOUR ENEMY

05/04/21 KNOW YOUR ENEMY

Any person, movement, organization, government that forces mind control and behavior modification on you is your enemy.

05/04/21 GOD WANTS US AWAKE, NOT WOKE

05/04/21 GOD WANTS US AWAKE, NOT WOKE

God told sleeping Christians to wake up and sin not, but they slept; while those who were dead to God, WOKE to total evil and now seek to entrance America.

Romans 13:10-14
(10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
(11) And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
(12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
(13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
(14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

1 Corinthians 15:34
(34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Ephesians 5:1-14
(1) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
(2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
(3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
(4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
(5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
(7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
(10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
(11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
(12) For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
(13) But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
(14) Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
(4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
(5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
(6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
(7) For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
(8) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

05/04/21 A RUDE AWAKENING

05/04/21 A RUDE AWAKENING

While American Christians slept, Satan captured and weaponized our Government with anti-Bible, anti-Christian views and agenda.

05/04/21 IT DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN

05/04/21 IT DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN

Some of us wondered how the CIA and FBI were suddenly anti-Trump and anti-American.

Now we know. "They was WOKED."

05/04/21 BEWARE THE DISHONEST WORD OF A DECEIVED WORLD

05/04/21 BEWARE THE DISHONEST WORD OF A DECEIVED WORLD

Behold the perversion and hypocrisy of those who are offended by a make believe Prince kissing Sleeping Beauty to awaken her from a deadly sleep, yet they watch filth at the movies, on TV, read it, talk it in front of ladies and children and approve of sexual perversions, verbal obscenities and profanities, endorse adultery, Sodomy, Transgendering, Child trafficking, child abuse.

They wouldn't have a problem if it was a 12 year old girl aborting a baby or a black man killing other black men. God ain't happy and you ought not to be happy too. If my last sentence structure bothers you more than my post, you are pathetic.

I posted the photo of the Bible, because this is the moral, spiritual standard by which we ought to live our lives.

05/03/21 I AM STILL CRYING ALOUD

05/03/21 I AM STILL CRYING ALOUD

I have been warning folks on Face Book about the dangers of Humanistic, Statist attacks on our children since 2009. Here is one of my earliest posts. Though I had been warning people about this since the 1960s I did not get on Face Book until 45 years later. My message of One Lord, One Body, One Faith, One Spirit, One Baptism, One Hope and One Father has not changed, but the resistance to this message has intensified and the threat to Bible believing
Americans is greater today than ever before.

3/15-30/09 PROTECTORS OF OUR CHILDREN
March 15-30, 2009

Christian parents in the USA must protect their children from all enemies, domestic and foreign. This includes actions taken by the United Nations, even when they are supported by the United States of America. Especially beware of anti-family, anti-Christian actions being taken in the name of our government, in the realm of education, health and civil rights. This happens through all three branches, and is enforced by Federal and State authorities. The person who thinks Christianity should be silent concerning political issues is not very familiar with the Bible. This is not a call to arms, but a call to spiritual warfare. Our children need to be trained and prepared for the difficult days ahead.

The answer to America's problem is not financial, not political, not military, not moral, not educational, not judicial. The answer to America's problem is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Jesus saves souls and he saves societies that repent.

When Jesus is Lord, He adjusts our view and actions concerning finances, politics, military, morality, education and justice. I believe individuals can still get saved; not so much America.

There have been times in history when nations or regions have been saved from destruction because of the impact of the Gospel.
The Wesleyan Revival is credited with saving England from total collapse.
The Great Awakening and American Revivalism, under both Edwards and Finney saved America from collapse.
Also, "People Movements" (as used in Missiology) have happened in India, and Africa, among other kingdoms and communities.
Societies (large and small) get saved when the people in society turn to Christ in large numbers.
Israel will turn to God as a nation, in the last days.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould

05/03/21 NOT A COMFORTING VIEW

05/03/21 NOT A COMFORTING VIEW

We are looking down the barrel of State control, forcing us into a Bible hating, oppressive, autocratic dystopian Police State.

05/03/21 QUESTION AND ANSWER

05/03/21 QUESTION AND ANSWER

Don't look in the Bible or a reference book for this answer. Just respond with your present understanding.

According to the New Testament, are Christians called "sinners" or "saints" more often?

Thank y'all for responding. It may seem like a silly question, but the answer is an eye opener.
If God refers to believers as, "saints," even once, it is revelatory.
If He refers to believers as, "saints," multiple times, it is contrary to conventional "Christian" conversation.
If He refers to believers as, "saints," as often as He refers to them as, "sinners," it challenges social worldview of salvation.
If He refers to believers as, "saints," more often than as, "sinners," then most Christians need to reevaluate their soteriology.
If God refers to believers as, "saints," far more often as, "saints," than as, "sinners," then popular Christianity has been misled by false teaching.

05/03/21 A BIBLICAL VIEW OF THE CHURCH

05/03/21 A BIBLICAL VIEW OF THE CHURCH

There is only One Lord, One Head of the Church.
Any usurper is a liar, thief and murderer.
The Church is the Body of Christ.

The Church has only One Bride Groom.
Any other "lover" or master is a loathsome paramour.
The Church is the Bride of Christ.

The Church has only One Cornerstone.
Any other is a false foundation.
The Church is the Building of Christ.

I hope you take the time to read my article below (which I posted 2010 and re-posted on February 19 of this year).

02/19/21 THE CHURCH...

THE CHURCH...
an article I wrote and posted in 2010

In this article, from several years ago, I expressed my view of the CHURCH throughout my ministry. As we have passed through Philadelphia and as we are crossing into Laodicea, the reality of these truths becomes even more vital to personal salvation.

THE CHURCH IS GOD'S PLAN TO REACH THE WORLD.
THERE IS NO CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT THE CHURCH.

A. THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH is the most powerful, important wonderful body of people in the world.
The Church is only mentioned two times in the four Gospels of the New Testament. Jesus said He would build His Church on the fact that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and then said that when there is dissension between followers of Christ, they should eventually bring the problem to the Church. But notice, when He said that He would build His Church, He said, “...the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church is magnificent because it is His Church and it is built upon Christ and it is will prevail against the gates (the power, wisdom, resources) of hell.

B. THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH was God's idea from before the foundation of the world, though it was not known for four thousand years.
Basically, the Church is a BODY of people who have a saving faith in Jesus Christ and follow the teachings of the Holy Bible.
The body is universal, regional and local. In the Old Testament the people of God were distinguished by being part of the Jewish faith, practicing Jewish religious ritual, but God had always planned to include people of all racial backgrounds in a saving relationship with Himself.

This plan is called The Church. The Church is not obligated to observe Jewish laws of sacrifice, diet or ceremony. The Church is comprised of people who trust in the sacrificial death and physical resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ, as the only acceptable way to find God's approval. However, this plan did not become evident until after Jesus Christ came into the world.
(I emphasize portions in this comment by using all caps, since I could not bold face in earlier formats).

Ephesians 3:3-9
(3) HOW THAT BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,
(4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
(5) WHICH IN OTHER AGES WAS NOT MADE KNOWN UNTO THE SONS OF MEN, AS IT IS NOW REVEALED UNTO HIS HOLY APOSTLES AND PROPHETS BY THE SPIRIT;
(6) THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOW HEIRS, AND OF THE SAME BODY, AND PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST BY THE GOSPEL:
(7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
(8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
(9) AND TO MAKE ALL MEN SEE WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST:

THE CHURCH was a MYSTERY (a secret) in the Old Testament, revealed to Paul in the New Testament. A Biblical Mystery is a secret that can only be discovered, understood, when God explains it or reveals it. The Church has been God's plan from the beginning, but was kept hidden from the human history until the coming of Christ and the teaching of Paul the apostle.

C. THE MASTER OF THE CHURCH
Remember, when Peter identified Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus said,
Matthew 16:17-18
(17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
(18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1. THE CHURCH belongs to Jesus
The Bible says Jesus is the Head of the Church.
Ephesians 1:22-23
(22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
(23) Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
Colossians 1:18-19
(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;

2. Jesus Died for THE CHURCH
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.
Ephesians 5:25-27
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT;
(26) THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY AND CLEANSE IT with the washing of water by the word,
(27) THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, NOT HAVING SPOT, OR WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING; BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH.

Jesus is the only Head of THE CHURCH, on earth and in heaven. In fact, the Biblical models of the Church recognize the Authority of Jesus over the Church.

D. THE MODELS OF THE CHURCH
1. THE CHURCH is the BODY OF CHRIST
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.
1 Corinthians 12:27
(27) NOW YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.
Ephesians 4:12
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:
Colossians 1:24
(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST IN MY FLESH FOR HIS BODY'S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH:

2. THE CHURCH is the BRIDE OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 11:3
(3) But I would have you know, that THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST; AND THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN; and the head of Christ is God.
2 Corinthians 11:2
(2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: FOR I HAVE ESPOUSED YOU TO ONE HUSBAND, THAT I MAY PRESENT YOU AS A CHASTE VIRGIN TO CHRIST.
Ephesians 5:23
(23) FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: and he is the savior of the body.

3. THE CHURCH is the BUILDING OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 3:9
(9) For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, YE ARE GOD'S BUILDING.
Ephesians 2:20-22
(20) AND ARE BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNER STONE;
(21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:
(22) In whom YE ALSO ARE BUILDED TOGETHER FOR A HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT.

4. THE CHURCH is the ARMY, THE SOLDIERS OF CHRIST
Philippians 2:25
(25) Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, AND FELLOW SOLDIER, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
(3) Thou therefore endure hardness, AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST.
(4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER.
Philemon 1:2
(2) And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus OUR FELLOW SOLDIER, and to the church in thy house:

5. THE CHURCH is the HOUSEHOLD, FAMILY OF CHRIST
Galatians 6:10
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.
Ephesians 2:19
(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD;
Ephesians 3:15
(15) Of whom THE WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH IS NAMED,

6. THE CHURCH is the PILLAR AND GROUND (SUPPORT) OF THE TRUTH
1 Timothy 3:15
(15) But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the HOUSE OF GOD, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH.

E. THE MINISTRIES AND MINSTERS OF THE CHURCH
1. The GIFTS of the Spirit are given to and for THE CHURCH
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
(27) Now ye are THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.
(28) And GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH, first APOSTLES, secondarily PROPHETS, thirdly TEACHERS, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
(29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
(31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
All of 1 Corinthians 14.
Ephesians 4:11-12
(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:
Ephesians 4:15-16
(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.

2. THE CHURCH sent the APOSTLES TO PLANT CHURCHES
(The apostles not only made converts, they established fellowships, churches, and appointed elders for those churches).
Acts 13:1-3
(1) Now there were IN THE CHURCH THAT WAS AT ANTIOCH CERTAIN PROPHETS AND TEACHERS; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
(2) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, THE HOLY GHOST SAID, SEPARATE ME BARNABAS AND SAUL FOR THE WORK WHEREUNTO I HAVE CALLED THEM.
(3) AND WHEN THEY HAD FASTED AND PRAYED, AND LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, THEY SENT THEM AWAY.
Those converted to Christ became THE CHURCH
Acts 2:47
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED.

3. The Origin of THE CHURCH at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
(19) Now THEY WHICH WERE SCATTERED ABROAD upon the persecution that arose about Stephen TRAVELED as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, PREACHING THE WORD to none but unto the Jews only.
(20) AND SOME OF THEM were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, WHEN THEY WERE COME TO ANTIOCH, spake unto the Grecians, PREACHING THE LORD JESUS.
(21) And the hand of the Lord was with them: and A GREAT NUMBER BELIEVED, AND TURNED UNTO THE LORD.
(22) THEN TIDINGS OF THESE THINGS CAME UNTO THE EARS OF THE CHURCH WHICH WAS IN JERUSALEM: AND THEY SENT FORTH BARNABAS, THAT HE SHOULD GO AS FAR AS ANTIOCH.
(23) Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
(24) FOR HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST AND OF FAITH: AND MUCH PEOPLE WAS ADDED UNTO THE LORD.
(25) Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
(26) AND WHEN HE HAD FOUND HIM, HE BROUGHT HIM UNTO ANTIOCH. AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT A WHOLE YEAR THEY ASSEMBLED THEMSELVES WITH THE CHURCH, AND TAUGHT MUCH PEOPLE. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

4. Converts, CHURCHES and CHURCH Elders
Acts 13:48; 14:1, 4, 22-23, 27; 15:3, 22-23, 36, 41;16:5; 18:22; 20:17, 28; 21:18

5. God gave Officers and Offices to THE CHURCH
Elders, Deacons, Shepherds, Bishops, Presbyters,

F. The MESSAGE of THE CHURCH
1. CHURCH EPISTLES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to specific CHURCHES.
Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
2. CHURCH PASTORS...
God gave His instructions and revelation to Pastors of local CHURCHES.
Timothy and Titus.
3. SCATTERED CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to the CHURCH in various regions or scattered abroad.
Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter.
4. HOUSE CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to CHURCHES meeting in homes.
1 and 2 and 3 John.
5. SEVEN CHURCHES...
The Book of Revelation was sent to seven specific LOCAL CHURCHES.

II. NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHMANSHIP...
Acts 2:42-47
(42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
(44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
(45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
(46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

A church is not successful because it is big or because it is small. A church is successful because it is Faithful.
This passage gives us profile of a healthy church.

The church is made up of the saved people (going back to vs. 41).
The church is made up of the committed people; People of One Mind, Single Eye, Self Denial (vs. 42).
The church is made up of Biblically trained people; dedicated to know the teaching of the Apostles (vs. 42).
The church is made up of people in fellowship (2 men in a ship), communion, partnership (vs. 42).
The church is made up of people who eat together, whether rich or poor (vs. 42).
The church is made up of people who seek God in prayer (vs. 42, 46).
The church is made up of people who unselfishly bear each others burdens, producing enough for themselves and others (vs. 44, 45).
The church is made up of people who praise God privately and corporately (vs. 47).
The church grows because God gives the increase. It is not programs or gimmicks or formulas, but God Who causes real growth in the church (vs. 47).

A church without the characteristics in verses 42-46 may have numbers but they do not have God's growth.

A church that has these characteristics is growing in grace and knowledge, even if they are not having all of the numerical growth they would like to have.

05/03/21 MORE THAN CONQUERORS

05/03/21 MORE THAN CONQUERORS

Darkness mounts but LIGHT overcomes.
Opposition is great but GRACE is greater.
Oppression increases, but VISION enlarges. 

PRAISE THE LORD

05/02/21 GOD'S VISION FOR US INCLUDES US

05/02/21 GOD'S VISION FOR US INCLUDES US

A vision from God is more than just a view of an end result.
A vision from God is a call to set that end as your goal.

 

05/02/21 POINTS TO PONDER CONCERNING SHARING DURING SERVICES

05/02/21 POINTS TO PONDER CONCERNING SHARING DURING SERVICES

Preaching, teaching, exhortation, admonition, adoration, testimony, praise, thanksgiving, prayer, confession of faith are parts of a worship service. Let each one share, minister in his/her own gifting and calling. Keep this acrostic (ACTED) in mind, as an outline of a complete worship service:
Adoration (of God through Scripture Reading, Song).
Confession (of faith in & dependence on God, through Creeds and prepared testimony and prayer).
Thanksgiving (with song, testimony, giving).
Exhortation (through preaching and teaching).
Dedication (by invitation, altar, prayer, benediction).

Preaching and teaching are different from other gifts and ministries, which I mentioned because preaching and teaching ministries are intended by God to be instructional as well as encouraging.
Be eager to declare the glory of God, but be precise and concise. Don't rush, let me repeat, don't rush, but say it from the heart then sit back, giving the Holy Spirit the opportunity to use it.
Remember to give others the time they need to share as well.
Silence in a service can be a great Divine experience, because sometimes God speaks more loudly to us in our quiet time.
However, it should be the norm for folks to come to service all stirred up about God, His goodness, His faithfulness, His leading, His provision, His mercy.

As a pastor I want my people to share. More often I give them opportunity to speak before I do. I sometimes adjust my preaching time because the Holy Spirit sent a special anointing through the ministry of a large number of the congregation sharing. Sometimes, occasionally the message is the moving of the Holy Spirit through the ministries of others.

While others may not always notice it, I preach and then shut up, not because I can't say more, but because I have said what God wanted me to say. As pastor I want my people to share with others and I want others to receive what is being shared. I want God to be glorified in each part of the service, whether spoken, sung or silent.

Aside from being the preacher, through the years I have often gone to services with a heart filled with joy, love, praise, enlightenment, yet God did not lead me to speak at that time.
Usually He did lead me, but I was careful not to just pour out more than God wanted. I realized I was part of a larger body and I also realized that God would speak to folks through my precise and concise words.
An invitation to speak is not an invitation to impose ourselves on others or an invitation to infringe on someone else's time. Even in my preaching I usually preach a shorter message when invited to another church because I know that most folks are use to shorter services.

Romans 12:4-8
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

05/02/21 THE HUB OF HOPE, WHOLENESS AND HOLINESS

05/02/21 THE HUB OF HOPE, WHOLENESS AND HOLINESS

Whether it is the church gathered or a casual meeting, when Christ is in the midst, there will be love, joy, victory, excitement, purity.

 

05/01/21 REDISCOVERING HIDDEN BIBLE TRUTH DID NOT BEGIN AND END WITH LUTHER

05/01/21 REDISCOVERING HIDDEN BIBLE TRUTH DID NOT BEGIN AND END WITH LUTHER

This is not meant to be a mean or personal attack on those who adhere to Reformed Theology. This is my evaluation concerning the theology of the Reformed Movement. I will make my observations and then give my reason for my evaluation. I know that some folks could care less about my evaluations, but maybe my views are built on legitimate observation.

1- The Reformed Movement = The Stalled, Lack of Movement.
2- Reformed Theology is the Dogmatic Theology of Reformed Beliefs.
3- Reformed Thinking = Stunted Thinking.

Martin Luther was not the first, "Back to the Bible" preacher or leader, but his station and location gave him the platform to reveal some of the theological errors of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther objected to certain beliefs and practices of the RCC that needed to be denounced, and he was supported by a significant group of people, but his objections were very limited. It was a good place to start, but it should not have become the final theological destination.

Remember, the RCC was a long standing, quasi Christian religion, which held to certain Biblical doctrines, but also denied other Biblical truths. Those denials were often based on the false teachings of RCC Popes and theologians. While there may have been faithful Bible believers that came through the RCC between the 600s to 1500s, the RCC was largely committed to Dogmatic Theology, while missing the Spirit of the revelation of God. RCC leaders, priests, "missionaries" during those years propagated a Romanist religion, including violence, blind allegiance to Rome, Sacramentalism and Confessional Theology. Remember, Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans would claim the name of Christ and then brutally kill and mutilate their enemies in that same name of Jesus. This Confessional, rather than Relational and Practical Christianity did not disappear in the Reformed movement. Strangely, some of the earlier, but "failed" Back to the Bible Movements did focus on the salvific, practical and relational side of Biblical faith, but they were slaughtered by RCC, Anglican and Reformed groups.

Understandably, Luther did not denounce the whole body of RCC false doctrines. Following Luther back to some basic Biblical truth was good, but stopping with those first steps is where Luther's followers failed. Those who accepted the teachings of Luther, Bucer, Zwingli, Melanchthon, Beza, Calvin and others, became the foundation of beliefs and thinking for the Reformation, but the Reformation was built largely on Augustinian errors and therefore Reformed Theology represents the beliefs of the "Reformers" rather than the New Testament inspired writers.

This is the reason that I made these three statements.
1- The Reformed Movement = The Stalled, Lack of Movement.
2- Reformed Theology is the Dogmatic Theology of Reformed Beliefs.
3- Reformed Thinking = Stunted Thinking.

The Roman religion had hidden Biblical truths since the 300's and continuing into the 1500s. Luther rediscovered, then uncovered some of those truths. However there were other vital truths, doctrines of the Bible that still needed to be rediscovered. Luther's contribution to the Church related to certain Soteriological truths (doctrines of Salvation), but there is much more Biblical truth than salvation by faith. There were truths concerning faith, confession, obedience, faithfulness and issues such as regeneration, sanctification, growth in grace. There were other great Biblical doctrines that needed to be rediscovered, such as Hamartiology, Christology, Pneumatology, Missiology, Eschatology, Ecclesiology and others. Though the Reformed Movement addresses these truths, they did not move far from early, traditional RCC views.

The rediscovering of great Biblical truths concerning Practical Theology (and Pneumatology) continued with J. Arminius, G. Fox, R. Barclay, J. Wesley, J.Fletcher, W. Law, R. Watson, N. Bangs. Other great Bible doctrines have been rediscovered by other theologians, preachers, teachers of the Bible.

Though there is great value in these contributions to Christian Theology, we must understand the limitation of Reformed Theology, Dogmatic Theology and Confessional Theology. These disciplines of study only present part of God truth. God's Incarnation, Resurrection, and Revelation was not simply to inform the mind, but to enlighten the heart and transform the life. Practical Theology, Experiential Theology (founded in the word of God) is the outgrowth of true Biblical knowledge and understanding.

05/01/21 LEARN OR BURN

05/01/21 LEARN OR BURN

London cops "rough up" and arrest 71 year old Christian minister for preaching Biblical marriage. Stay tuned for UK cops arresting Muslims (but don't hold your breath). How tough can a cop be who arrests Christians?

PAY ATTENTION US LAW ENFORCEMENT. Don't do Satan's bidding by opposing or oppressing God's gospel or God's people.