Calling the Unqualified

Special Guest, Max Lucado 

Peter, Andrew, James, Nathanael. Never traveled farther than a week's walk from home. Haven't studied the ways of Asia or the culture of Greece. Their passports aren't worn; their ways aren't sophisticated. Do they have any formal education?

In fact, what do they have? Humility? They jockeyed for cabinet positions. Sound theology? Peter told Jesus to forget the cross. Sensitivity? John wanted to torch the Gentiles. Loyalty? When Jesus needed prayers, they snoozed. When Jesus was arrested, they ran.

Thanks to their cowardice, Christ had more enemies than friends at his execution.

Yet look at them six weeks later, crammed into the second floor of a Jerusalem house, abuzz as if they'd just won tickets to the World Cup Finals. High fives and wide eyes. Wondering what in the world Jesus had in mind with his final commission: "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8 NIV).

You hillbillies will be my witnesses. You uneducated and simple folk will be my witnesses. You who once called me crazy, who shouted at me in the boat and doubted me in the Upper Room. You temperamental, parochial net casters and tax collectors. You will be my witnesses. You will spearhead a movement that will explode like a just-opened fire hydrant out of Jerusalem and spill into the ends of the earth: into the streets of Paris, the districts of Rome, and the ports of Athens, Istanbul, Shanghai, and Buenos Aires. You will be a part of something so mighty, controversial, and head spinning that two millennia from now a middle-aged, redheaded author riding in the exit row of a flight from Boston to Dallas will type this question on his laptop:

Does Jesus still do it? Does he still use simple folks like us to change the world?

God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called.

Don't let Satan convince you otherwise. He will try. He will tell you that God has an IQ requirement or an entry fee. That he employs only specialists and experts, governments and high-powered personalities. When Satan whispers such lies, dismiss him with this truth: God stampeded the first-century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds. Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slurpee drinks at the convenience store. Their collars were blue, and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nicer than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, "Follow me."

Are you more dinghy than cruise ship? More stand-in than movie star? More plumber than executive? More blue jeans than blue blood? Congratulations. God changes the world with folks like you.

Trials and Tribulations Will Come

Trials and Tribulations?

But I'm Saved. I'm a Child of God. I no longer have to worry about anything. I can have no fear. This is true. As a Child of God, you should not worry about anything. If you understand that God, the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, is now your Daddy, and you recognize the fact He is still very much in charge, you should NOT worry. You should have no fear. However?

However, is that even though this is true, and you are no longer part of the World, you are now simply in the World, you still fall under control of the World. In other words, Gravity still has a hold of you. Fire still burns you. The cares and affairs of others, still effect you. You are still, a physical being, in a physical world.

Now consider this. Do you care about what is in your possession, or are you more concerned with what is taken from you. Say you have two $100.00 bills. I take one from you. I put the one in my pocket, and now you know, it is gone from you. Which bill are you thinking of. The one in your pocket? Or the one in mine?

This is how the Devil sees you. Ever hear of a person that is about to have their Home repossessed? Or their vehicle repoed? They are furious. They are hateful. Some burn their homes to the ground, or drive their cars into walls or off cliffs. Why? If they can not longer have them, they do not want anyone else to. Ever hear of the story of love and murder? His Wife was about to leave him and take their children with her, so he murders her, and maybe even the kids, so they will not leave him? That is how the Devil thinks of you.

You are born into the World. The World belongs to the Devil. As long as you are in the World, the Devil has control over you. He can and sometimes will, "bless" you. He can and sometimes will make you rich. Famous. Powerful. Adored. He will even encourage you to become "Religious." You want to go to Church? Go ahead. There are many to chose from where you will NEVER hear the name Jesus, nor ever learn of the Resurrection. Nor ever receive the Spirit of Adoption. He will even let you become powerful and honored by those in that Religion. Just never mention the name Jesus the Christ. Unless you are rejecting it. Denouncing it. Forbidding it. Look at Saul.

But what happened to Saul when he became Paul? Paul was Saul before he was converted. Equal to Hitler in every way. His soul purpose in life was to hunt down, abuse, imprison, and even slaughter, God's chosen people. He received great power and position in his Religion, for doing such a good job. Then Jesus appeared before him and asked him to follow Him. He said yes, and became Paul. So great a Saint that HE wrote a lot of the New Testament that we read today.

After his conversion? Put in prison over and over. Faced death over and over. Received 39 lashes from the Jews 5 times. Beaten with rods 3 times. Stoned one time. Shipwrecked 3 times. Spent a day and night in the sea. And was in continual danger from robbers, and even his own people. Was always in danger in the city, in the country, at sea, from those he thought to be Brothers. Often hungry and thirsty, cold and naked. I guess you could say he had some trials and tribulations. I love this Passage. This was one of his letters to the Church at Corinth.

2 Corinthians 11:

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Even though the Devil tempted him over and over, tormented him, Paul remained faithful to Jesus. Paul did not have an easy walk. When you look in The Word, all through The Word, you will notice a trend. Who is it that the Devil wanted to tempt the most? Was it the guy on the street with the needle in his arm? The women on the street selling herself for her next high? Nope. They already belong to him. No. Whom the Devil chooses to tempt, are those that are no longer his.

Look at Job. "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil." He was Rich. He had a large family. But, he was a Child of God. The Devil himself walked into the Throne Room of God and asked God to tempt him.

Job 1:

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

First he takes away all Job has. However, you need to get this one point. Look at this passage. 1 Job: 16

"While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee."

The fire of God. All these things were going wrong in Jobs life, and those witnessing it, thought it was God Himself doing it. Yet Job remained faithful. Job said "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

So the Devil, even more furious that this did not work, returned to the Throne Room of God.

Job 2:

1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.

2 And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

3 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

4 And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

6 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

What did God say to Satan? "He is in thine hand." Why? Because he was. He is in the natural realm. In is in the physical. Satan has power and control. Yet, notice the one thing God told the Devil he could not take. Job's "Life."

Look at Peter.The one Jesus told was the rock on which He would build His church.

Luke 22:

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Picture this. Jesus just praising you, blesses you, then tells you, the Devil wants you. Peter, who seen Jesus do miracles, heal the Sick, raise the Dead, walk on water, and even walked on water with him, most likely thought to himself, cool. The Devil wants me? But here I am with the Lord. He is going to tell him to take a hike. But Jesus said "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." In other words, Jesus said, "Go ahead Satan.Try him. He is in your hands. However, his life belongs to me."

You know the story. Jesus told Peter that Peter would deny any knowledge or association with Jesus three times before the Rooster crowed three times. On the third, Jesus looked at Peter, and Peter ran away.

What all these examples, and there are many more, have in common is this. In the middle of their trials and tribulations, they never lost sight of the goal. They never lost faith. They understood, that if they chose to forsake God, and His Will, God would forsake them. But if they chose not to, then God would never leave them nor abandon them. They did not respond to the trials and tribulations by the flesh. But by their spirit.

I think one of the easiest explanations on how to deal with things that will pop up in your life, is by James.

James 1:

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Wait....Did he just say count it all joy? Yes. Yes he did. He said call it all joy when trials and tribulations come into your life. Why?

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Again, Paul, wrote a lot of the New Testament. Job received much more than he lost. Peter became the Rock on which Jesus said He would build His Church. However, none of these things are worthy to be compared to that of which awaits us in Heaven. Does God tempt His Children? James went on....

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.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

So again, we learn that it is important, for one to not only hear the Word, but to do it. To seek out God's purpose and plan for your life. What does it profit a man to receive a great gift, then not use it? True Faith is not being Religious. It not about going to Church once a week and hearing God's word, singing hymns, and going home to live as you will. True Faith is not simply following the Traditions of Men, but having a one on one relationship with God Himself. With Jesus. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you in all things. James even talks briefly about religion here.

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.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Doing the Will of God. Being a Sower of the Seed. A Shower of The Way. A Teller of Truth. Once you become a Child of God, it is up to you to follow Jesus or not. It is up to you to allow the Spirit to guide you or not. Do not think for a second that God doesn't know who you are. Do not think for a second, that you can not accomplish whatever it is that God instructs you to do. Do not think for a second that you can not overcome the trials and tribulations that may come into your life. Make no mistake about it, they WILL come.

When trials and tribulations come, understand that is evidence that you are doing something right. If you are not doing anything to further the Kingdom of God, or, lead others to Salvation, then why would the Devil be concerned about you? Oh, he will still hate you because you are now of God, but attempt to stop you from doing what?

Truth is, if you are doing God's Will, God is on your side. If you are lead by the Spirit, the Spirit is with you. If you are following Jesus, Jesus is with you. If God be with you, who can be against you? Who can succeed in stopping you from doing what God has ordained you to do? Truth is, no one can. Nothing can. There is nothing greater than God. While you are living for Him, and doing His Will, there is no longer anything or anyone, greater than YOU.

Trials and tribulations will come. Jesus himself told us this. Rejoice and be glad when they do, for in these times, is when God is closest to you. Trust in Him. Rely on Him. Never lose Faith. Never respond to these things in the flesh. But remain in the Spirit. Allow God to show you the way through.

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 go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} 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}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

This is not new

Temptations, Trials, and Tribulations

Greeting to all. First, I pray that the Grace of our Lord Jesus is with you. They who have ears to hear, let them hear. I want to share with you a revelation I received directly from the Spirit of God just recently. It may come as much of a shock to you, as it did, to me. I am NOT here to win converts to Christ. I will say that again. I am NOT here to win converts to Christ. My little role in God's overall plan, is to talk directly to Children of God, and help them grow in their relationship with God. My role is to help Disciples grow in Faith.

Now of course, if you are reading this message on the Blog, or receiving it in anyway, you know that at the end of every message, I offer the Pray of Salvation and ask you if you know Jesus. However, this is not my sole, nor even main, goal. I never thought of it this way, yet as I look back, I see that I have been talking to Children of God, more so, than not.

You see, "getting Saved" is the easy part. Seriously. To be Adopted into the Family of God, all you have to do is say this Prayer, in your own words, and mean it from your heart...

"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. Confess to others what you did.. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} 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}

It no longer matters what you did before saying that Prayer. You are no longer accountable for the Sins you have committed, up to that point. But now what? See, that's the easy part. New Creature. New Slate. Now what? Now, God cares what you think, do, and say. Before, He could not help you, nor could you please Him. There was no connection. No bond. No Blood. But now, as a Child of God, there is.

Let's talk about now you are a Child of God. Those Temptations you are facing? They are not new. Ever hear someone say something like this? "But you do not understand. I just can't beat this." Do you think you are the first to be tempted with Addiction? Do you think you are the first to be tempted with Sex? With Riches? With Doubt? With Fear? Anything?

1 Corinthians 10:

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Remember what Jesus warned us about? He told us this.. "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." However?? "God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

The lure of Riches? It has been around for a long time. This is not new.

8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Now some like to point this out as a contradiction. For Numbers claims 24,000 died. However, if you notice, this says "IN ONE DAY" Numbers tells us that 1000 leaders were killed the day before. 24,000 total.

So what was this fornication? Everything you can imagine. And some you can't. But basically, one of it's main premises is the women are in charge of men, and men become their slave. In sexual and other ways. The women committed lesbian acts on each other. Modern places of the worship of Baal of Peor are Strip Clubs. Everything including that famous Pole. You see signs of the worship of Baal of Peor in Music, Movies, and TV. This is not new.

9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

What does it mean to "Tempt Christ?" Simply put, to tempt God's Grace. Some believers fall into this way of thinking. "I'm saved. I'm a Child of God. I've been washed in the Blood of Christ. I can do whatever I want. As long as I pray forgiveness, God will have to forgive me." That is tempting Christ. When Satan was tempting Jesus, this was one of the temptations..

Matthew 4:

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Are you forgiven for your Sins. Of course you are. Did Jesus pay the price for you. Of course He did. Are you STILL going to Sin everyday? Yup. Will God forgive you? Yes. However, this is not a ticket to Sin. If you continue to Sin willfully, then you are tempting God, and His Grace. "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." {Hebrews 6: 4-6} "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," {Hebrews 10:26}

Will we Sin daily? Of course. We are Human and we could never live up to a God Standard without falling down now and then. That is why Jesus came. We could not do it on our own. There is a vast difference in falling down and willfully Sinning. Being Saved is not a ticket to Sin. Tempting God is not a wise move. But, this is not new.

10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Why is Murmuring bad? What is Murmuring? Murmuring is usually caused when people are angry at the situation which is occurring in their lives at the moment. They can be angry at the situation, or angry at something or somebody's handling of the situation. Especially when Believers have Prayed for something for a while, and it doesn't seem to happen.

Most of the time, they do not complain directly to the Leader. They start complaining and questioning among themselves. This causes strife. This opens the door. The devil can even amplify the discontentment with God in the mind of those Praying. He can then cause trouble and even rebellion. After all, that is what got HIM in trouble to begin with. Like when there is Murmuring on a Ship, towards the Captain, it can cause Mutiny.

In the Word, we see that Abiram and his company were unhappy with what happened between Moses and some Leaders of the tribes. Before their Murmuring could cause any real harm to the rest of God's people, God destroyed them with Fire. Murmuring, gossip, stirring up rebellion, is not new.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

This is an interesting statement. A warning even. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." What does this mean? It mean that you need to be careful. Even if you think you are Holier than thou, you better keep yourself in check. Look at the things and the people of the past. Read God's Word. Look in the Mirror. Make sure that you are not heading down the same path as some have, thinking they were Children of God, and either were not, or they sure were not acting like it.

There is nothing in your life, in life itself, Temptations, Trials, Tribulations, nothing, that is new. What you are dealing with is the same as what many others long before you have dealt with.

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.

There is a common phrase out there based on this passage. "God will not tempt you with more than you can bear." This is NOT what you just read. God does not tempt you. God creates a way for you to get out of the Temptation. He will not allow, Temptation to enter your life by the Tempter himself, nor just the ways of the flesh, human nature, to be so powerful that they destroy you. Oh you can destroy yourself by giving in to the Temptation. Free Will. You do not have to. God gives you a way to deal with it. The strength, even if it may not seem like it at the time, to overcome it. One of the ways to do this, is to understand what IS Sin and what IS Good, and do Good.

Temptations will come. The devil will whisper in your ear. You will see something that plants a thought in your head. You will feel good about this or that, even though you are pretty sure it is not a Godly thing to do. Sin can be fun. But the end result of all Sin is death. Be careful. Do not be deceived.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say the Prayer above. 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.

Next time we will talk about another misconception. That you, now as a Child of God, will have a free ride. A cushy, sweet, carefree, life. Nothing will come to harm you. Nothing will go bad. Just, glide through Life itself with a smile on your face. Sorry. This is simply not true. Trials and Tribulations WILL come.

If you want to contact me for any reason, Confession, Comment, Question, give Testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

How Did Jesus Do It?

An Honest question to an angry man.

We are going to do things a little different today. I'm going to share with you a very personal story. We are going to talk about me. A couple of weeks ago, I got angry. I asked you "Are you tired of anti-Christian Bigotry?" We talked about how I'm called out and attacked if I make a statement such as Sin is Sin. If I make a Statement "Not all Muslims are Terrorists, however, Most Terrorists ARE Muslims." Which is a FACT, I'm the one attacked. I'm told that I am using hateful language. Yet, the President of the United States, can call me stupid. Call me a Bitter Clinger. Call me a Racist. Just for simply believing in God and His Word. If I state I believe, and I do, in Faith, Family, and Freedom, I'm called a "Tea Bagger." I got angry.

We are told we can no longer call Sin, Sin. We can no longer accept what God says about this or that. We cannot speak "wrong" about anyone or anything. Yet, "Christians" are attack daily, for the simple reason they are "Christians." I got more angry.

A Music Band can get up and accept an award, and say "Thank you Satan." They sell a million CDs. They get naked in a Video, and receive a million plus views. Actors and Actresses can follow made up "Religions" and you dare not talk about that. Yet, an Actor quotes Scripture and is Suspended. He was reinstated, because it is all about money, but they DID suspend him. The anger grows.

Christians are being Raped, abused, and slaughter all around the world. Churches are being burned to the ground. No one seems to care. The angry in me continues to grow. I made a conscience decision to no longer worry about these people. To no longer be "Politically Correct." To no longer allow others to dictate to me, ANYTHING. I will call Sin, Sin. I will tell the Truth. I will live my life the way I CHOSE to. Right is right, wrong is wrong. Truth is truth, lies are lies.

I am beyond angry at those that are truly ignorant, meaning full out STUPID. Truly stupid. That think they are the smartest people on the planet and that they know what is best for me. It is like if I was to walk into a Chemical Engineering Lab and say, "you have to do things this way. I know better than you. If you do not do things the way I say, then I will ban you from doing anything at all." That is what those that do not know God, nor His Word, nor the meaning behind the Sacrifice of Jesus, do daily.

So I sat down and started to formulate this message. I stopped. Nothing was there. Just the growing anger. Just the fury building in me. I truly understand where Peter was coming from when he drew his Sword and cut off the ear of Malchus. I remember what Jesus told him. "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."

I got up and walked away. But the angry continued to grow. Then one day, I received a question in my Spirit. "How did Jesus do it?" How did Jesus do it? What a stupid question. He is God. He could do anything. What kind of question is that? I got "How did Jesus do it?" I'm not Jesus. I am more like Peter. Then the passage came to me again...

Matthew 26:

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

OK God, I get it. Peter was a hot head. I put my sword away. I got up. I walked away. What's the point? "How did Jesus do it?" Stop asking me the same question. I get it. Jesus was compassionate and came and died for us. I understand that. I understand the basics God. "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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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." Maybe I do not have the same capacity of love.

"How did Jesus do it?" {Sigh} I do not know. OK. I have no idea. I get so angry with the stupidity. I get frustrated. I get, well, VERY angry whenever someone who has no clue as to what reality is, tries to tell me they are smarter, and they know better. Then attempt to dictate to me what I can and cannot believe and when and where I can and cannot believe, and practice my Faith. I get beyond angry when people start calling Sin, Good, and Good, Sin. How did Jesus do it? Tell me.

"But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" Remember what Jesus told you?

John 15:

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

Jesus talking to the Religious folks of the day, told them they do the things they do, and they hated him, because they are NOT God's Children. He said this.

John 8:

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Jesus is telling you, that there is no question. Just like when He was telling us about the end times, He said this...

Matthew 24:

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

"See that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass,." First, Jesus was able to overcome the World, because He knew the World. He created it. He understands it better than it understands itself. He knew what to expect and what was coming. He is telling you the same. This is the World. Understand it. This is what is coming. Understand that to get from point A to point C, you WILL have to go through B.

Second, He knew who HE is. Whenever someone came to Him and challenged Him on His knowledge, He looked at it differently than we do. You see, we get offended. How can this idiot, that knows nothing, tell me I do not know what I'm talking about? Him? He looked at it more like when your child comes to you and says, "Dad, Mom, you guys don't know what you are talking about. I know what's best for me. I'm smarter than you." You do not have to prove yourself to your children. They are going to say and do stupid stuff. But you know better, and you love them. You do not get offended, It may make you sad. Maybe a bit angry from time to time, but you will continue to love them and try to show them the best way for them to go.

Third, He understood and KNEW what the end result is. He KNEW the final destination. He KNEW what was awaiting him. In other words, He knew he could not lose. One of mine favorite lines ever, in a movie, was when Obi-One told Darth Vader "You can't win, Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." Jesus could have said this to Satan himself. You, now as a Child of God, have the right to say this to anyone. Why? Because it is true. Jesus said... "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

No one took Jesus's life. He lay it down "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." {John 10:17-18}

Jesus did what He did, because,,,,
He knew and understood the world,
He knew and understood what was coming.
He knew and understood who HE was.
He knew and understood the end and final result.

How can you do it?
Know and understand the world,
know and understand what is coming.
Know and understand who you are.
Know and understand the end and final result. Your final destination.

The next time someone comes to you and says "There is no God." Understand the Word declares "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." {Psalm 14:1} The next time someone comes to you and asks "Who do you think you are?" You can say "I am a Child of God. I have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby I cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with my spirit, that I am a child of God I am an heir; heir of God, and joint-heir with Christ; if so be that I suffer with him, that I may be also glorified together."

For those that do not like you. Those that may call you names. Those that cannot hear what you say? Just understand "They are of their father the devil, and the lusts of their father they will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because you tell them the truth, they believe you not." Why? "He that is of God heareth God's words: they therefore hear them not, because they are not of God."

When you look around and see the state of the country, and the world, understand that these things must come to pass. Remember, Jesus did NOT Pray for the world. "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine." {John15:18} Understand that these things must come to pass, and "see that ye be not troubled"

Know who you are. Understand that no matter what happens, it can not possibly compare to where you are going. Understand and KNOW "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

One of the most powerful aspects of Jesus's sacrifice is not just He came to Earth to die for us, but rather that He ALLOWED it to happen. He could have stopped it at anytime. He lay down His own life for us. He is all knowing, all powerful, and Lord of all. Yet, He allowed us, little ants, to abuse and kill Him, so that He could Save us.

How did Jesus do it? He is Jesus.
How can you do it?
You are YOU.

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 go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} 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}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Do Not Worry About The Wicked Ways of Others

Be the Child of God You Are

God wants you to worry about YOU. Let others worry about them. There is coming a time, when life as we know it will cease to exist. When we will all be changed. When all things will be changed. Those not doing the right things, will have a very bad day. As for you and those that are Child of God, it will be a day of celebration.

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, wrote this, to the church of the Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 2:

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Just be you. Do not be shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word. Do not be deceived. Just be you. For,,,,

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Now many take this passage, and many others, and try to use this to Save people. They twist these passages around and attempt to tell you that God will condemn you to Hell, if you do not follow what "THEY" say, and believe how their Religion tells you how to believe. They Preach Hell, fire, and brimstone, will rain down on your head, unless you accept the Tenants of their Traditions.

But this is a lie. Perhaps not a purposeful one, but a lie none-the-less. Read that again. "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

In Romans 1 Paul writes this. "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

The in Romans 8, a question is asked. "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."

Accepting Jesus is not exclusive. Jesus is not something to exclude Jews, Muslims, Rich, Poor, Male, Female, Black, White. Jesus is all INCLUSIVE. That is the point. God made it easy. Accept Him and His Sacrifice and live. Do not, and die. No malice. No hatred. No Punishment. You are not judged and cast into Hell by not following this or that Religion, nor for anything you do in Life, but rather, the one thing you do not do. Accept the Gift. Accept the Way, Truth, and Life. You reject the key, you cannot come in through the door. That's it. It really is, just that simple..

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Again, Just be you. Be the Child of God you are, because HE chose you. Do not worry about those that are not Children of God. Their day will come. It will not be a good day for them. You only need to worry about you. Continued in....

2 Thessalonians 3:

3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Simply put, YOU are the Child of God. Others may not be. If they are not, then you should not be spending time with them, doing as they do, nor should you be worrying about them. This is why Paul tells us to stay away from them. A bad friend can lead you down bad roads. But if you trust God, and stay faithful to Him "the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."

Again notice this. IF someone is Sinning, if they are falling away, or if they are not accepting of the Truth, what does Paul say? "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."

So we are told not to treat Sinners as Enemies, but we should treat them as Brothers, and admonish them. Teach them what they are doing wrong. Do not hate them. Do not condemn them. Love them. Tell them the truth. Encourage them to do the right thing. Be compassionate. Try to help them. However, if they go their way, then you have no longer any responsibility toward them. Simply, leave them alone.

Again, you are responsible for you. You are not responsible for anyone else. Not for their happiness. Not for their choices. Not for their Salvation. God is concerned about a one on one relationship between you and Him. Jesus put it this way. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 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?" {Matthew 7:2-4} Worry about yourself, and correct the things you need to with you. Allow God to be your Father, and just simply be, His Child.

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 go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} 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}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Be the Child of God You Are

You are responsible for you.

So many times we hear that we must be this way or that way. That if we want to fit in, we must conform to this way of thinking or that way of acting. More and more, we are told what we can, and what we can't, say. It may offend someone. Political Correctness and all that.

The Truth is, God just wants you to be you. His Child. You are only responsible for you. I'm a Husband and a Father. I feel responsible to my Family. And I am. To a certain point. I can share this wonderful and magical voyage called Life with my Wife. I can raise up my Boys and instruct them in the ways they should go. However, ultimately, they are responsible for them.

I come to you and tell you to climb aboard. I can take you to the other side. If you do, then I feel responsible for you and your safety, while you are on my Ship. You have the ability to say no. You do not have to come aboard. Once on, you still have the choice to jump off at any time. Ultimately, you are responsible for you.

Your Wife, Husband, Children, or anyone in your life have these same choices. I can teach my Boys, they can grow, and decide to go their own way. I need not worry about them. I must simply do what God tells me to do, and need to worry about being His Child. In,,,

Romans 8:

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

You are a Child of God. Not everyone is. We are all God's Creation. But we are not all His Children. If you " have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father," then you are no longer of this World. You no longer need worry about others and what they can do to you. You no longer need to worry about circumstances, or the evil one. God is your DADDY. God, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, if your FATHER. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

33 Who shall lay any thing 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.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If death itself, no longer has any power over you whatsoever, why fear it? If death itself, Angels, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, why worry about anything. Just BE you. Just Be a Child of God.

Jesus told us there are Two Commandments that we need worry about. All the Ten can be summed up in these Two. Love God with all your heart, mind, and body, and love your Neighbor as yourself. He even told us, do this, and you will do well.

Did you know that the "Golden Rule" is not just a Christian Concept? Seriously...

"Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." Christianity. Bible, Matthew 7:12

"Not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." Islam. Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi 13

"A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated." Jainism. Sutrakritanga 1.11.33

"Try your best to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself, and you will find that this is the shortest way to benevolence." Confucianism. Mencius VII.A.4

"One should not behave towards others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself. This is the essence of morality. All other activities are due to selfish desire." Hinduism. Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva 113.8

There are many more examples, but you get the point. The Golden Rule is pretty much a universal concept that all would do well to adhere to. However, as a Child of God, Jesus tells us something that is NOT a universal concept. Although, the world would be a far better place if it was, and that all would do well to adhere to. He told us to love our Enemies... .

Matthew 5:

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Paul puts it this way...

Romans 12:

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

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.

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.

You see, as a Child of God, you are in possession of the two most powerful and destructive words in the Universe. "I Forgive" Once you say those two words, and once you get it out of you, then the ones you have just forgiven, leave your hands, and go straight into Gods. We will talk about other's actions and behaviors next time. God wants you to forgive for four reasons.

1- That He may forgive you.
2- So that you can find peace.
3- As a living example of the compassion of God.
4- "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

God wiped out the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God wiped out the Roman Armies. God wiped out the Entire World, save Noah and Family. Uh, let me ask you a question. What could you do to your enemy that is even worthy to compare to the power of God? Just saying.

As His Child, He wants you to conduct yourself in a way that He may work through you. In everyday life. I'm not talking about going down the Road yelling "PRAISE JESUS" every other word. I'm saying LIVE for God. Even at work..

Ephesians 6:

5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

"I flip burgers." "I drive a Garbage Truck." "I am a Cop." "I am a Janitor at the local School." So? Be the best {Insert here} that you can possibly be. Make that burger as if you were about to hand it to Jesus. Drive that truck up to the Next House as if you were hauling God's own trash away. Walk that beat as if you were protecting Jesus at one of His massive Rallies. Sweep that floor as if you were sweeping the floor in the Throne Room itself.

It's not about the task. It's about you. Ever hear someone say something to the effect, "You know Joe? He is always so happy. No matter what. He is sweeping that floor, and singing. He always has a smile on his face. He always has a kind word to say. All the kids love him. I wish I could be more like Joe." Why? Because they sense something. They feel something. Oh, they may not know what it is, but what they are sensing is the Anointing. What they are feeling is the love of God in Joe's Life. They can feel he is a Child of God. God can use that. Through Joe, simply sweeping the floor, simply being the Child of God he is, someone may even find Salvation.

I've said it many times back when I was in Politics, but it is true. YOU are what makes the World go around. It's NOT the Millionaires and Billionaires. It's not the Politicians. Oh they make rules and regulations. They create laws for others to follow. So on. But Imagine if you will, a Billionaire's house. What if the Garbage Person failed to show. What if the Maid, Cook, Driver, Housekeepers, Butlers, Pilot, simply went away. What if those working to drive the stuff to the Stores went away. What if those working in the stores went away. Before long, that house would look like an abandoned junk heap. The Rich Man would be totally lost. He would not be able to survive. YOU are what makes the world go around. He is not.

"But it's not fair. I'm struggling to pay my bills, and this one over here, has Billions of dollars in the Bank. It's not fair." Your right. It's not fair. It's not fair that YOU have the love of God in your life. It's not fair that you are a Prince or Princess of Heaven itself. It's not fair that there are a legion of Angels standing by, waiting, to come and destroy all that we have built out of greed, and evil desires. It's not fair that when they come, you will be caught up in the Clouds with The Christ, and the Rich Man tearing down his Barns to build bigger ones, will be called a fool by God Himself. All his Barns will be destroyed. He will be killed. Who's stuff is all that? What will he be able to buy with all that money?

If you are struggling with your finances, then may I recommend looking in the Mirror? May I recommend Praying about it? May I recommend trusting God to be faithful to His Word that all your needs will be met? Like I said, we will talk about the actions of others, and what is coming , next time. Until then, just be YOU. Be the Child of God you are. In all things. Always. Just be you, and you, will be fantastic.

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 go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} 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}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

The Law of God, Special Guest R.C. Sproul

The Law of God

God rules His universe by law. Nature itself operates under His providential government. The so-called laws of nature merely describe God's normal way of ordering His universe. These "laws" are expressions of His sovereign will.

God is not accountable to any laws outside of Himself. There are no independent, cosmic rules that God is obligated to obey. Rather, God is a law unto Himself. This simply means that God acts according to His own moral character. His own character is not only morally perfect, it is the ultimate standard of perfection. His actions are perfect because His nature is perfect, and He always acts according to His nature. God is therefore never arbitrary, whimsical, or capricious. He always does what is right.

As God's creatures, we are also required to do what is right. God demands that we live according to His moral law, which He has revealed to us in the Bible. God's law is the ultimate standard of righteousness and the supreme norm for judging right and wrong. As our sovereign, God has the authority to impose obligations on us, to command our obedience, and to bind our conscience. He also has the power and right to punish disobedience when we violate His law. (Sin may be defined as disobedience to God's law.)

Some laws in the Bible are directly based on the character of God. These laws reflect the permanent, transcultural elements of relationships, both divine and human. Other laws were intended for temporary conditions of society. This means that some laws are absolute and eternal, while others may be annulled by God for historical reasons, such as the dietary and ceremonial laws of Israel. Only God Himself may set aside such laws. Human beings never have the authority to set aside God's law.

We are not autonomous. That is, we may not live according to our own law. The moral condition of humankind is that of heteronomy: we live under the law of another. The specific form of heteronomy under which we live is theonomy, or the law of God.

R.C. Sproul

Jesus

Can you go to Heaven without Jesus?

The simple Truth is no. Who is Jesus? Is there any other that fit the Biblical Prophecy? Let's look at it.

First, The Messiah will come from the line of Abraham.

Genesis 12:

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

We see this fulfilled in the Matthew 1 "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ."

Isaiah 7:14

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Fulfilled in Matthew 1:

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The Messiah will be born in the town Bethlehem.

Micah 5:

2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Fulfilled in Luke 2:

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

The Birth of the Messiah will be accompanied with great suffering and sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:

15 Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.

Fulfilled in Matthew 2:

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Then just read,,,

Isaiah 53

1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and theLord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

There are many more Prophecies about the Messiah, and clear fulfillment of those Prophecies, by Jesus. Jesus is The Christ. He was here in the Beginning.

John 1:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Then out of His love for us,,,

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

There is no other. None. Jesus Himself told us,,,,

John 10:

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

There is no other. Jesus IS the only way. He IS God in the Flesh. There cannot be any other. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." {John 10:6-7} They asked to see the Father. To See God. Jesus said "If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." He was telling them, you want to see God, here I am. You see Me, you see Him. I am He. There can simply be no other.

Simply put, here is the Check List.

1 Of the lineage of Abraham. Check
2 Born in Bethlehem. Check
3 Born of a Virgin. Check
4 Great sorrow and death at His Birth. Check
5 Rejected by those He comes to Save. Check
6 Live a sinless life. Check
7 Crucified. Check
8 Raised from the dead. Check
9 Was always, is always. Check
10 Oh yeah, IS God. Check

Anything, and anyone else, are thieves and robbers. Lies. Deceit and confusion.

2 John 1:

7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

In Paul's letter to Timothy, he warns Timothy of this. He even tells him NOT to debate with those that would seek to argue Jesus being the Christ. First he says "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do." {I Timothy 1:3-4}

Then a bit later he tells Timothy this "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."{1 Timothy 6:3-5}

If you want to believe that He hasn't come yet. Go for it. You want to believe in Buddha? Good for you. You want to believe in Mohammed? Good for you. You want to believe in Haile Selassie I? Good for you. Horus? Krishna, Heracles, or Mithra? That Big Purple Bunny in your back yard? Good for you. Go. Have at it. Just understand that there will come a day. "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." {Philippians 2:10-11} Jesus IS Lord!

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 go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} 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}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}