Faith and Works

I got mine, it's all good.

Besides,

Ephesians 2:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

So? I believe. I accepted Christ. The Bible says that there is nothing I can do except, to receive the Gift that God sent into the world, The Christ, and accept His suffering of Sin for mine. All I have to do is accept His shedding of His blood for mine. All I have to do is accept Him and His death, for my death. So that I may live forever. You say all the time.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

So? I ask you, why worry about anything else? I got mine. It's all good.

Everything that was just said is true. There is nothing you can do to receive Salvation. True Salvation is a gift from God. You can go to church every time the door is open. You can be a good little,,,,insert religion name here,,,,you can follow all the rules and regs of that religion. The truth is, if you do not have the key, it is all for nothing. Pointless. There is only one Truth, Way, Life. There is only one Mediator. One Spirit of adoption to make you equal to Jesus Himself. The Holy Spirit. You can only receive Him, if God sends Him to you, after you accept this simple truth. Yes, it IS just that simple. It is open and available for all.

However, now that you have become a Child of God, you have a responsibility. Your Father expects you to go about the Family Business. He expects you to be a Sower of the Seed. A Shower of The Way. Teller of Truth. You have received the greatest gift in the history of the world. Any other gifts He may impart to you. What good is it if you keep it, or them, to yourself?

James 2:

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

And in....

Hebrews 11:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Faith is Power. The power of God. We yield to ourselves, and let God do through us, that of which He will. However? What if Noah did not build the Ark? What if Peter kept on Fishing? What if Matthew kept on tax collecting? What if Saul, having saw the vision of, continued on about his own business?

We will talk more about Free Will next time. All these people, had Faith. Yet, they also did good Works that God led them to do. Not all that hear the Word, and even accept The Gift, do the work.

John 6:

63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

That is a very powerful statement by Jesus. "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" Free Will. Judas could have decided to do the Will of Jesus. He could have decided to be a Worker of good. Yet, he chose greed over God. Again, we will talk more about Free Will next time.

As a Child of God...

Philippians 2:

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

You. You are the light of the world. Have you ever thought about yourself as such? You are special. You are unique. You are a Child of God. Let your light shine. Do the Will of God. Be who you are. Do not be ashamed, embarrassed, or fearful....

Romans 1:16

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

If God is with you, who can be against you? God tells us that if we give, not only of our money, but time, and wisdom, that we shall receive so much more that there will not be room enough to contain it....

Luke 6:

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

The Law of giving and receiving is as real, and as constant, as the Law of Gravity. Want more money? Give more. Want more Wisdom, share that of what you know with others. Want more Grace? Give more. Want more Faith? Share more. Want more Blessings in all areas of life? BE a Blessing to others.

Remember, there are no works that can Save you. But once you ARE saved, "faith without works is dead." "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." Keep these things in mind my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. And until next time...

1 Corinthians 15:

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Jesus IS Lord of all!

Steadfastness

In every area of life, there is a difference.

What do athletes, business people, and Children of God, all have in common? Actually, what do all in every area of life have in common? Those that win. Those that get their desired outcome, and those that do not. What is the difference? Steadfastness. Endurance. Sticktoitness. Call it what you will. It is those that do not give up, that receive the prize.

A Runner overcomes fatigue, pain, and some cases, hurdles. A business person overcomes competitors, the economy, staffing problems, manufacturing problems, shipping problems, a whole host of things. A Child of God, must do the same. They must overcome the desires of the flesh, others that hate them, and the enemy that seeks to destroy them.

In all areas of life, those that overcome, succeed. Those that do not? Fail. Why does this business make it and that one doesn't? Why does one Runner win the race and the others fall short? They endure. They have the mindset of steadfastness. Whatever happens, even if they fail at first, they continue to try. They continue to learn. They continue to get better. They never give up. They endure.

A Child of God must do the same. We must have the mindset of steadfastness. We must endure. We must never give up. As we have discussed in the past, Trials and Tribulations will come. The cares of this world can become as great mountains in our lives. Yet, we have the power to overcome them all. In....

1 Timothy 4:

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

He who has ears to hear, hear this. Eyes to see, see this. The Spirit to understand, understand this....

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

11 These things command and teach.

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

God tells us that we are not in this alone, and the temptations that will come to us, are not new. They are not unique. They are not special to us alone. In....

1 Corinthians 10:

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

You are in the world, but no longer of it. You have God on your side. You have The Truth, The Way, and The Life, inside you. YOU are no longer under the bondage of Sin and death. You have faith....

Romans 5:

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Remember, Jesus called the Holy Ghost "The Comforter."

John 14:

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

So we have a Helper. A Teacher. A Guide. A Comforter. We have the strength of God Himself inside us. In...

1 John 2:

23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

John also puts it this way....

1 John 3:

1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

"Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." One of the hardest things for most Children of God, is that you may indeed lose loved ones, and friends. Family members that do not believe, will reject you, or the Truth you attempt to share with them. Jesus Himself faced this....

Matthew 13:

54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

You are born into a family. You are a Smith, Jones, or Carlock. You were born James, John, Peter. Your Mom is this, or that. Your Dad is this or that. You grow up meeting other kids and becoming friends with them. You do all kinds of things in your life growing up. Then you feel the touch of God. The Call. You accept God's Plan and Purpose for your life.

However, Little Johnny, knows who you were before this. He knows what you did before this. Your family knows who you were before. Now, you are no longer. You are now a Child of God. You are speaking things that, in some cases, are out of their grasp to understand. They then think, you think, you are better than them. They are hurt that you are no longer doing the things you use to do. You are telling them strange things. Some can not take this. They decide it is better to simply turn off their feelings toward you.

As Jesus said, "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.." It is hard for some to accept the new you. Some of you may lose friends you have had your whole life. Some may lose Fathers or Mothers, Brothers or Sisters. Other Family members may turn away from you. They may even find that their love for you is now being replaced by Hate.

Yes, some of you will even give up The Truth. Some will stop seeking The Way. Some will be "silent Christians." Receiving and not giving. Being fed but not feeding others. Is this the way to go? Of course not. It is our responsibility to teach The Truth. To show The Way.  As Jesus tells us....

Mark 10:

28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

The world may hate you. You may lose loved ones because of their ignorance of The Way. Of The Truth. But this does not change God's plan and purpose for you, and your life. God tells us that we should be strong. Confident. Steadfast. In....

Hebrews 10:

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Is your friendship with Little Johnny, worthy of others losing their Soul? Is the hurt you may feel, briefly, of your loved one rejecting you, and having no further contact with you, worth rejecting God, and His Plan for your life? Peter puts this all into pretty good perspective here....

2 Peter 3:

1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Can you say, and do you have this confidence, that you will be welcomed into the new Heavens and New Earth? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}Now as Peter said.."grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen."

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

Love and Judgement

One of the things most important to having the right mind, is not judging.

You have heard many tell you that once you become a Child of God, that you should no longer have anything to do with Sinners. That you should judge them for their sin and condemn them because of their sin. For because of their sin, they cannot become a Child of God, therefore, have nothing to do with them.

Is this Biblical? No. For who are we to judge anyone? What are the sins in your life? Are you so Holy that you need not seek forgiveness of your sins? Can you see into the heart of another? Are you more important than Jesus? Are you higher than God Himself?

Truth is, it is completely crystal clear, that God says, we should judge no one. The world teaches us to live and let live. Is this what God is telling us also? Not exactly. But He has a very clear plan on how to deal with others. Love. Not condemnation. Love.

1 John 3:

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

We should love our fellow man, as Christ loved us. Even to the point of laying down our very lives. It is not for us to judge. To condemn. To reject. There is but one with that ability. It is our job to love.

Hebrews 12:

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Hebrews 13:

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Let's talk about Love and Judgement. Judgment is not given unto you toward others. For you have your own sin to be forgiven for. In...

Romans 2:

1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

God condemns no one. We condemn ourselves through the deeds we do. It is not for us to justify others. God does that. In....

Romans 8:

33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Aso in....

Matthew 7:

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Some of you think, "But you do not know what they have done. It is clear that they are Sinners. It is clear they have committed things that are against God. We need to call them out on it. We need to make an example." You fool. What Sin have you committed? Have you been forgiven? Did God make an example out of you? Do you know what is in their heart? God does. Remember the Adulterous Woman?

John 8:

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

According to the "Law," the woman was worthy of death. According to the "Law," there is no forgiveness for what she did. Now as a side note, and the Bible does not say it's true, but some think that what Jesus was writing in the sand was a list of the sins that the accusers were guilty of. Interesting concept, but it matters not either way whatever He was writing. The point is, when He said...."He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." They all ran away. Why? Because they were all convicted of their own sins.

There is not one of us, that is without sin. There is not one of us that has not been forgiven of our sins. It is not for us to judge another, because God did not judge us. For....

James 4:

12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

As Jesus also told us...

Luke 6:

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

But what if someone, even that I may love, Sins over and over again? What then. How much must I forgive them? Well, Jesus tells us this....

Matthew 18:

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

There is no limit. No magical number. God does not draw a line in the sand and say, I will forgive you until you cross this line, then, I will condemn you. If God says for us, being evil, to forgive our Brothers, who sins and begs forgiveness seventy times seven, then how much more do you think, God, being Holy, shall forgive us, being His Children?

How do we overcome sins, and how do we forgive others for their sins against us? Faith. Faith in God, and Love. Remember, Love is the most powerful force in the universe.

1 Corinthians 13:

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

God tells us, that as His Children, we are to Love first. First we are to Love God. Second, we are to Love our Families. Third, we are to Love our enemies. In Matthew, Jesus tells us that Faith without love, is dead. That we should love all. In...

Matthew 25:

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Do you know all these that you will help in life? Of course not. Are they all God's Children? Nope. Are they all people you "Love?" Nope. Some you help in this life, you may never see again, and you may never fully understand the impact you make in their life. Should this stop you from loving them? Of course not.

God even tells us, that as His Children, not only should we not condemn those that hate us, or those that are our enemies, but we should Love them as well. In....

Luke 6:

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Remember what Paul said?

Romans 12:

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Are you, as a Child of God, a Sower of the Seed? A Shower of The Way? A Teller of Truth? Of course. Does this mean you should withhold this from those that hate you? Of course not. For those in the World, will learn and do the things of the World. Being part of the World that hates God and anything to do with God, will they hate you as well? Of course. Jesus Himself told us these things. But what were you like before you heard The Truth? What Sins controlled your life before someone showed YOU The Way?

You see, we are all born into Sin. Some who hear The Truth, accept it. It becomes as seed planted in fertile ground that brings forth an abundant harvest. The person that Hates you? Could they be fertile soil? Could they be a vessel that God is ready to use to bring forth many more? Truth is, you have no idea what God's plan is for their life. The Catalyst for them to become a Child of God? Could be you.

Every time I meet someone new, I always extend my hand in friendship. It is up to those I meet to take it and shake it, or slap it away. If they take it, we get to know each other. Sometimes we become associates, acquaintances, sometimes friends, sometimes even Family. I do not care where they are from, what they have or what the lack, what "religion" they follow. Male, Female, Gay, Straight, Black, White, none of this matters to me in the least.

I do not judge anyone. We all are the Captains, sailing our own ships, through this wondrous voyage called life. We all reap what we sow. We all receive the consequences for our actions. We all are the choices we make. Will I share my faith with others? Of course. We they all accept it? Of course not. If they choose not to, does this mean I can not be friends with them? Of course not. I will live as I do, and allow them to make the decisions they make.

It is not for me to judge them. It is not I that condemn not justify. It is God. It is all about their one on one relationship with God. In some cases, do I know they are living in sin? Of course. Do I accept that? I accept the Sinner, not the sin. If the sin is too much for me to deal with, I simply wish them well, and offer them up in Prayer. My hands are clean. My conscience is clear. I simply move on with my life and allow them theirs.

Who knows? Perhaps the way I treated them will lead them to seek answers to the reasons why. Why was I so nice to them? What is this "Faith" thing all about? Perhaps I planted a seed that no one knew about at the time. Perhaps I will never know nor see them again. That's OK.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Do you know how to live your life as a living example of Love? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10} Besides all this? Remember this always.....

Hebrews 13:

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Be the living example of God, and His Love. Love, do not judge. Forgive, do not hate. Do not let the Sun set on your anger. Give all to God and allow Him to sort it out. He knows much more than you. Just live. Just love. Receive the Peace God has for you. Others will receive their own recompense. Allow God to be the author of yours.

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

The Right Mind

The cares of the world can be of no effect. 

One of the hardest things for a new Child of God to do, is overcome the cares of the world. So much so, that it can take away the very Blessings that God wants to bestow on them. You see, even though you are a new creature, you are still living in the flesh.

The flesh is always subject to the things of the flesh. The flesh is always subject to the physical world. We are still in the world. However, now as a Child of God, we are no longer OF the world. This can be a hard concept for some to understand. This is one of the reasons that Jesus Himself told us about this.

When He was telling us about the Sower of the Seed, He said this.

Mark 4:

16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

First He tells us about those that hear The Word, and receive it with gladness. They hear The Truth. They hear The Way. They understand that it at least sounds better than what they have been going through and they want the better way.

However, they do not take time to learn anymore. They do not take the time to understand what it all means. They did not have Parents that raised them in The Word. They accept The Truth, yet have no foundation. So? They revert back to what they know. These are often those that do not surround themselves with other people of faith. They fail to continue to learn. To be fed. To grow. They simply revert back to what they are. The flesh. Working those things of the flesh.

If someone came to me and told me about how to build a Boat. I would receive what they tell me. I get it. A Boat floats on water and can take me places I can not go without it. However, if I allow myself to walk away and go back to hanging with my friends who have no knowledge of Boat building, what I was told will simply fade away. I will have no Boat. I will have no knowledge of how to build one.

Then Jesus tell us of those who hear The Word and receives it with gladness, yet, do not get their minds right. The allow fear and doubt to creep in. This allows the cares of this world to come in and choke The Truth. They can not believe, nor do they accept, when Jesus talks about our needs being met directly by God. They HEAR Jesus say....

Matthew 6:

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

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.

They HEAR Jesus say this, but they lack the right mindset to receive the faith to accept it as what it is. The Truth. They continue to think as they always have. They allow their minds to dwell on the things of the world and of the flesh. The problem with this is that thoughts lead to actions. Jesus tells us this when it comes to lust. In....

Matthew 5:

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Why? Because thoughts lead to actions. When you start to think on something, you allow the temptation to take hold. Let's say you were an Alcoholic. Or a Smoker. Or someone that used to look at Porn. You give it up. You really want to remain free of this bondage in your life. God sets you free from it. Yet, you see a Commercial, or a Movie, or an advertisement in a magazine, it puts an imagine in your head. Does that make you revert back to it? No. How you chose to deal with it is what matters.

You could immediately reject that thought, cast it out of your head. Or, you can dwell on it. Remember how much fun you think you had when you were doing these things. You remember the taste, the feelings, the "good times" with friends or whatever, that you can associate with them. Then your mind will start telling you how good you have been, and that there is nothing wrong with one cigarette. There is nothing wrong with one beer. People smoke and drink everyday. There is nothing wrong with checking out just one picture. No one will know. Then you do it. One leads to two, leads to you being right back where you started.

You see, the end result of Sin is death. According to....

Galatians 5:

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The works of the flesh manifest, which means, the thoughts you are having, become actions. Those actions become Sin. That Sin, keeps you from the promises of God. But if you allow your thoughts to be on good things, these are manifest into good things. Continuing in this same passage....

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Remember what James said?

James 1:

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Again, you have a choice as a Child of God. A choice that the world does not have. For the world is against God. They are not of God. Therefore, they obey the things of the flesh and make manifest the works of the flesh, for they know no better.

But you are not like these. You ARE a Child of God. You have the Spirit of God in you. You have the ability to put these thoughts away, and the faith to understand that it is all about God. That you, as a Child of God, not longer have concern to worry. In...

Philippians 4:

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Timothy tells us this...

2 Timothy:

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

You, unlike the world, have the ability to overcome anything. You have God as your ally. You have God as your Daddy. David sang....

Psalm 37:

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

You need not worry. Trials and Tribulations will come. The cares of this world can seem overwhelming. But you need no longer worry about them. The cares of the world can be of no effect. Of no concern. Lose your job? Jesus tells us our needs will be met. Someone wrongs you, or abuses you in some way? Forgive them. Take no more thought of them.

Romans 12:

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written,Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Are you in threat of losing your home? The fowls of the air have nests. The other animals have dens. How much more important to God are you. He will find a new home for you. Death of a family member? Understand that if they are a Child of God, they are in a far better place now that they have been transformed, than we are.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Do you have this comfort? Do you know that God is your Daddy and wants nothing but the very best for you? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

Jeremiah 29:

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

The Earthly Family According to God

We are God's Children. We belong to the Family of God. We also have an Earthly Family. As with all things, God tells us the best way we should be, as an Earthly Family.

We talked about this briefly in the study of the Forgotten Laws of God, The Ten Commandments. It is the fifth Commandment, and the first with Promise..

Exodus 20:

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

We talked about God's plan for the Family. We are born, learn and grow, leave our Father and Mother, come together and Marry, becoming one. God's plan for us is that as Parents, you take care of your children, raising them in the ways they should go, and then later in life, if needed, your children should be able, and willing, to care for you.

However, this is one of those teachings that have been twisted, manipulated, and even forsaken, by some Churches. It is also not necessarily Politically Correct. That doesn't change the fact that God has a very clear plan for our Earthly Family. In...

Ephesians 5:

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.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Now here is the first bone of contention by some. They say that this means that women should be subservient. That if her Husband was to become abusive. Tough. If her Husband cheats on her. Too bad. That she must be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, hanging on every command from her Husband.

That is simply not the case. They fail to continue on reading.

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.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

First, let's leave aside the fact that God says we become one flesh. Which means we are equal. God tells us that Man ought to love their Wives as Jesus loved the Church and died for it. Jesus would do anything He was able to do for the Church. As we, {Speaking to the men} should towards our own Wives.

What God also says about men is that WE are responsible for the Family. We are responsible for going before God, and seeking His Will and His Way for us. Then going back and teaching the Family what God teaches us. We are responsible for meeting the needs of our Family. We are responsible for all things. Being a Husband and Father is not something that should be taken lightly. It is an Honor and great responsibility.

Continuing in...

Ephesians 6:

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Does this mean that children must allow themselves to be abused? God forbid. Does it mean that Parents can abuse their children? Of course not. However, Parents should be raising their children in the Ways of the Lord.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

In reference to the Ten Commandments...

Deuteronomy 6:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Deuteronomy 11:

19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

In reference to the ways of God...

Psalm 34:

11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Psalm 132:

12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

God calls for Parents to correct them when needed. Yes, that includes Corporal punishment.

Proverbs 22:

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 23:13

Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Proverbs 29:15

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

You see, true education should always be from the home. Parents, you are raising your children. They will go out into the world and learn things of the world. They must have a strong foundation, so that they are not lead astray. So that they will not be lead into sins.

Proverbs 22:

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Again, this is not saying that it is OK to beat your child. It is not saying that it is OK for Husbands to abuse their Wives. God IS Love. God wants us to Love our families the way God loves us. Remember....

1 Corinthians 13:

4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; Love envieth not; Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Love never faileth:

Jesus told us we can sum up all the Commandments of God in two. "Have no other God before God, and love they neighbor as thyself."

In an ideal world, the Man, Husband, should be the one going out into the world and providing for the Family. The Wife, should be staying home, caring for the house and raising the Children. The Children should be allowed to be Children. Growing, playing, learning.

I understand we do not live in a perfect, nor ideal world. Today, most of the time, both Parents need to go out and work. This puts a strain on the Family unit. We have turned over the education of our Children to others. Then, on top of that, we have even removed God out of the entire system. We have created dumping grounds for our old, and forsaken God's plan for our Family. Then we wonder why our Divorce Rate is rising. We wonder why our single Family homes are increasing in numbers as well. We wonder why Youth Crime is raising, and why our teen suicide rate is skyrocketing. 

As with all things, if we would only follow God's plan, we would be so much happier. Our lives would be so much easier. We would have so much more peace.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Do you want God to be with you and your Earthly Family? Say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}I'll leave you with this thought. Found in...

Titus 2:

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Live for God. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Both in your Earthly Family, and in the world. Be a living example of the Love of God which is shown through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Keep in mind, our Children learn far more from us, by watching us what we do, than hearing us, what we say. Be the Family God wants us to be. Both Earthly and in Spirit. We ARE the Family of God.

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord!

One God

Religion?

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Rodnoveri, Celtic pagan, Heathenism, Semitic pagan, Wicca, Kemetism, Hellenic pagan, Roman pagan. Just to name a few. Then in Judaism you have Orthodox, Reformed, Conservative. Just to name a few.

Christianity? Some say there are about 1,200 Christian organizations in North America, and over 30,000 in the world. Yup. Some of the most recognizable...

Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodox and Assyrian Churches, Protestantism, Restorationists, Anglican Communion, Pentecostals, Southern Baptist, Northern Baptist, The Way, ETC. Some even blend in "The Force," with God.

So how does one decide which to follow? Simple. NONE! Do you know where the term Christian came from? Christ. Do you know what Christ means? The Anointed One. Christ is not Jesus's last name. It wasn't Joseph and Mary Christ who gave birth to Him. He isn't Jesus Christ like Jesus Smith, or Jesus Brown. He is THE Christ.

What does The Christ mean? Christ means THE Anointed One. Filled with the power of God. The ability to heal the sick, grant sight to the blind, save the lost. He IS the power to overcome even death itself. So early followers of Jesus started calling themselves Christians. Anointed ones, through and by, the anointing of THE Anointed One Jesus. So what does Christian mean? One that is filled with the power of God. The ability to heal the sick, grant sight to the blind, lead the lost to The Way of Salvation. One who possesses the same Spirit that was in Jesus. The same power. The same authority.

As we do so many times, man changed the meaning of the word. It became a club. Oh? You're a Christian? So am I. Lets get together. But if you want to be part of my group, uh, you can't eat meat on Friday. You can't wear that color. You have to observe these traditions. Oh? But I do eat meat. So I will start my own group. You can join me. We eat meat on Fridays, but you can not drink alcohol. But wait, the Word doesn't say that. So join my group, and you can drink, but you must not say Jesus was God. He was nothing more than a Teacher. So on and so forth it went. We lost the true meaning of what Christian actually means.

We talked about the difference between Religion and true Faith. The fact that there is a major difference in the two. Religion is not Salvation. True Faith is having a one on one relationship with God. Following His Will. Doing His work. Living your life for Him. Not the blindly following of man-made traditions called Religion.

Remember what James said? 

James 1:

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

I say to you, if any among you leave out the key to Salvation, Jesus, your religion is in vain. Remember, Jesus made it perfectly clear.....

John 3:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

"But he that believeth not is condemned already." That is pretty clear. But just incase some didn't get it, Jesus said this when answering Thomas's question.

John 14:

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

"No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." There is no other way. He IS the Way. No amount of man-made traditions can save you. For....

Ephesians 2:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Faith in what? Jesus. 

Romans 9:

32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Galatians 2:

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and notby the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Hebrews 6:

1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

So ANY man-made tradition, that leaves out this one key, Jesus, is nothing more than the traditions of man. But what about all those different religious that DO teach about Jesus. Or that DO teach about God. There are so many gods taught about. Yes. however, there IS only one God. Lets look at.....

Ephesians 4:

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

I understand, this may not be a politically correct message. But there IS only one God. There is only one Way. There is only one true Faith. Paul continues....

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

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:

The Body of Christ. That is the Church. The Body of Christ. All of us, with our unique gifts, working together, to heal the sick, mend the broken hearted, grant sight to the blind, and lead people to Salvation. Though we are many, together we are one, working together toward the common goal. The Will of God.

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.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

I want to share a story with you. It's one that you may have never heard before. Many say, Peter, was the first Pope. After all, Jesus did say that he was Peter, the Rock, on which He would build His Church. However, Peter wanted nothing to do with the Gentiles. Did you know that? Peter was all about the Jews. Saving them. Teaching them the Truth.

No. I submit to you, that the first Pope, if you will, would be Paul. Did you know these two met? Did you know Paul rebuked Peter? You can find this, along with the fact that Judaism and Christianity merged together for the first time here, in....

Galatians 2:

1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Stop right there for a second. For He, the Spirit of God, that wrought in Peter, gave him power and authority to teach the Gospel to the circumcised, Jews, the same Spirit, was mighty in Paul, to teach the Gospel to the uncircumcised, Gentiles. Non-Jews.

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

OK. So when Paul, met with James, Cephas, and John, who Paul said were "Pillars," or leaders, They, James, Cephas, and John, saw that Paul had the same gifts as they did. They say that Paul was anointed to teach the same message. However, it was Paul that was teaching these things to the Gentiles. By divide direction of Jesus Himself after his Resurrection. Remember Jesus told him: 

Acts 26:

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Now remember this also. God already shown Peter, that the Gospel IS open to all. In..

Acts 10:

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

So Peter knew this truth. Those that were with Peter, saw that Paul was under the same anointing as Peter. However, Peter to the Jews, and Paul to the Gentiles, so they told Paul, that Paul was now in equal fellowship with them. Back to Galatians 2. Then Paul meets Peter himself.

11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Then in....

Galatians 3:

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male norfemale: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Also in...

Colossians 3:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

So there is only One God. True and faithful to us in all things according to Him, that created all things. He is the only God that exists. All others are a simple creation of the mind and heart of Man. The Way is Jesus. The Truth is God. Life is the Spirit.

It is not now, nor has it ever been, about the man-made traditions of men called religion. It is not about following man-made rules and regulations. It's not about obeying whatever a religion says. It is about a one on one relationship with the one and true God. Not only hearing His Word, but doing it. Not only receiving blessings for yourself, but so that you may be a blessing to others.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? The True God. Have you accepted "the way, the truth, and the life?" If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10} There is One God. One Truth. One Way. One Love. You are now His Child. BE His Child.

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord. He IS Lord of ALL!