Mega Churches, My Feelings?

Someone asked me what I think is better, A local Church, even if small, or one of these ever increasing Mega Churches? I have been, and still am, involved in both. So I wanted to take some time today, not to convince you of how YOU feel, but to answer the question on how I feel about the Topic. First impression?

Local Church

Small, or even Larger, made up of people in the neighborhood. Some of the larger ones, or some of the more "Anointed" or Popular ones, might find people diving from more distances. These tend to be more focused of local Communities and more local Causes. The more "Blessed" ones, the ones with a healthy income of Tithes and Offerings, may even join in Partnerships with other Ministries. May even try to Pay some of the Volunteers.

When you Attend, or Volunteer in Local Churches, the people there become as extended Family. They know when you fail to show up. They look forward to seeing you. You lean on them in time of need, they lean on you. You can feel the love and genuine concern. You feel as if you, and you DO, actually MEAN something. You can SEE where your Tithe and Offerings go.

Mega Church

Tens of Thousands of People. People from all over the World. Multiple Campuses. Video Messaging from the Founding Pastor. Local Pastors who are nothing more than Glorified Announcers. Seems to be most concerned with continuing to grow even larger. Partner with other Ministries that benefit the Mega Church or Founding Pastor. {Credit, Money, Fame, ETC.}

When people Volunteer, some expect to be paid, or they themselves are looking for Fame and Power as well. If you are an Attender, they do not even know if you are there or not. They do not really care either way. It's a Show. Oh they want your money. But it's a SHOW. The Worship portion is like a Rock Show with lasers and smoke. You hear how great they are and all the things the have done. You hear the Message, give your offering, and then you go home. They do NOT know you. They do not know what you are going through. They are just there.

In-depth thought?

I prefer the Local Church. Look, there are 5 of us. Me, my Wife, and my three Minions, uh, I mean Kids. We do not visit anywhere. We INVADE. We take over. Anytime we go somewhere, you can find Joshua, the oldest, offering free hugs, and genuinely concerned with the feelings of others there. You will find every Female there surrounding Eli. Eli hamming it up and hearts melting. And of course, Princess Maya Shying away from the attention. Oh yeah, you may not see me and my Clan coming, but I guarantee you know we were there.

So we were in a small, and I do mean small, local Church. If for some reason we could not make it, there was genuine concern. Where is Peter? Where is his Family? I hope all is well with them. They then had to come up with a substitute, or fill in, to Usher.

Well, for various reasons, we decided to move on. I truly feel God called us to check out this other Church at the time. It turned out to be a Mega Church. It was as I describe above. A Show. Oh, they do a lot. Please do not misunderstand. They own an entire Street in a down and out area, where they have safe places for Women and Children. They have all these GREAT things they do. They took up an offering. ONE, offering. Made 2.5 MILLION Dollars. That kinda blew me away. The Local Church I was attending couldn't even pay the Pastor what he should be getting. 2.5 Million??

So what was my conclusion of the choice between the local and the Mega Church? Well, I returned to the local Church. I started to see a rebirth and growth of the Church with new Leadership. I am still looking to take a more active role. We have seen people come back, and new people come. Our Kid Ministry is up and GROWING. The more people that come and Join the Church, the better off it will be and the more we will be able to do.

The Mega Church, didn't even know we where there. Even me and my whole Crew. I ended up going to the Hospital for like a week. No one from the Church came to visit. No phone calls. Nothing. Had this happened before, or now, I have no doubt at all, that there would be phone calls and visits.

Then you do have the whole Money thing. I understand that the dream for most Pastors is to Pastor a Mega Church. In their Hearts, MOST, even dream of all the good they could do with a Tithe and Offering total of $100,000.00 plus a week.. Let's face it, it would be nice to not have to worry about paying the Electric Bill.

But let's also face reality.

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." {1 Timothy 6:10}

I have been in a Larger Church where the Pastor took a $5000.00 a week Salary. Not just the Pastor, but his Wife as well as his Brother.. There is no Board there. There is no accountability there. It was HIS Church and HIS Will, and HIS Way. The Sermons turned into Money and ME, ME, ME.

Just this past Month in the News was the fact that The Journey Church removed Pastor Darrin Patrick from his Post due to "Pastoral Misconduct," according to several reports. There are many more reports just like this in history. There will be many more.

Even with the best of intentions, when one is faced with large amounts of Money, temptations can become overwhelming. Couple this is the shear POWER and Control that a Pastor of a Mega Church has? People throwing themselves at them. Willing to do whatever they ask them to? Then you have the Temptation  of Abuse and of Affairs. Where Pastors of small Churches are more concerned with the Lives and well being of those that attend and continuing to grow the Church by reaching out to the lost. My Opinion.

Why do so many like the Mega Churches? Simple. They do not want to get involved.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." {Romans 10:17}

So they come and watch the Show. They Sing. Praise God. Hear the Message. Feel Good. Go Home. A lot of them do not even care if you acknowledge their presence. They go home and feel good. They went to Church. They fulfilled their obligation. They even gave their Tithes and Offerings. I really do not think that there is anything necessarily wrong with that. But that is all they really get.

In a local Church, you need to be involved. Oh, you still have those that would rather just come and watch the show and go, but you also have those that look forward to Serving. I know the Regulars that come every week. I know their Hopes and Dreams. I know their Health. I am part of their Lives. They are my Family. As Jesus total us..

"While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."{Matthew 12:46-50}

So in Conclusion.

It really depends on your Preference. You can easily get lost and just show up when you chose to, in a Mega Church. You can get Spiritually Fed, and enjoy the Show. Or? If you are seeking a more personal relationship with God, and you are seeking more than just a show, then I would recommend a Local Church. Volunteer and help the Pastor / Pastors, grow the Church. Be the Sower of the Seed. Be a Child of God.

Whatever you chose. Just remember this one thing. Make sure that at the Core of the Teaching of that Church is Jesus. And one last thought to the Pastors out there. I understand the Dream. TRUST me. But be careful. There really is such a thing as too big. Just saying..

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Fruit of The Spirit, Temperance,

Temperance

Welcome today. We are wrapping up the Series "The Fruit of The Spirit." We have already discussed Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, and Meekness. Today we wrap things up with Temperance. Have you noticed a pattern?

What is Temperance? "Teetotalism, Abstinence, Abstention, Sobriety, Self-Restraint; Prohibition" As a matter of fact, other translations, nearly all of them, substitute "Self-Control." As a Child of God, we MUST have "Self-Control." And with the Holy Spirit, you can..

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." {Galatians 5:16-17}

Remember....

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." {Ephesians 5:8-11}

WE as Children of God have Grace,

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" {Titus 2:11-13}

So we should be showing it as well. We are no longer part of this world. Oh we are in it. But we are no longer part of it. Nor should we be..

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." {Romans 12:1-2}

See, we are no longer controlled by the Flesh. We are no longer controlled by the things of this World. We are New Creatures and we are NOW SONS and DAUGHTERS, of GOD!!!! WE are joint heirs with Christ Himself. All that is, was, or ever will be, is OURS!!! We will inherit all. We are Princes and Princesses of Heaven. That is our Home now. We have unlimited access to God. We have the ability to boldly walk into the very Throne Room of God. We have unlimited Power.

Yet? We are to BE Love, Joyful, Longsuffering, Gentle, showing Goodness, Meekness, and Self-Control. We are not to be puffed up. We are not to "Lord over" anyone. We are not to be Arrogant or Cruel. We are suppose to be Christ like.

Remember, John warned us about this in 1 John 4

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

Pretty simple to understand. Is it not? With Jesus, God? Minus Jesus, NOT GOD. Your Religion without Jesus is pointless and wrong. Sorry. I understand that some see this as narrow minded, or exclusive. It really is not. Rather, it is the opposite. It is all INCLUSIVE. It does not matter who or what you are. It does not matter what you have ever done, where you are from, nor, anything else. If you accept Jesus, YOU ARE SAVED. If not, you are NOT Saved.. It is simple. Anything else is a lie.

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

Remember Jesus even told us we will know the Tree by it's Fruit {Matt 12:33, Luke 6:44 }

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Again, God's plan is simple. Believe in Jesus Live? Reject Jesus and Live not. {John 3:16-18}

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."

Again, we are to be "Christ Like." We have received such Love, we should be showing such Love.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." {1 John 4}

You see, it is NEVER about us. What John is telling us here is that God so Loved us that He paid the ultimate price for us. He came to earth in the Flesh, and ALLOWED us to shed His Blood for US. He did so while we were yet Wretched Sinners. While we were wading around in the Muck and Sinful Murk that we created and celebrated in, He came and died FOR us. He Loved us this much. We ought to show this type of Love to others.

You see, in this Series from Galatians 5, we learned that the Flesh has it's Works, or Fruit. But the Fruits of the Flesh are poisonous. They are "Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like." Those in the Flesh WILL Produce these without thought nor effort. It just is. As a Daphne Plant will produce VERY Poisonous Berries and Twigs, the Flesh WILL Produce these Poisonous Fruits.

So we, as Children of God, with the Spirit in us, will now Produce the Fruit of the Spirit, which are "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Which fruit would you rather be enjoying? What fruit, are you, as a Child of God, offering to others?

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Fruit of The Spirit, Meekness,

Meekness,

Interesting note, if you look at other translations, you see this. "Gentleness." Or in the Aramaic Bible in Plain English "Humility," or in the Douay-Rheims Bible "Mildness." Jesus even told us during the Sermon on the Mount...

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." {Matthew 5:5}

However, nowhere in any translation, do you see the Word "Doormat."

Oh, Jesus goes on to tell us in Matthew 5:39 ....

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Then in Luke 6:29, Jesus said this..

"And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also."

So see, we should just lay down and take whatever others do to us. Right? No. If you read the total Sermon on the Mount, you will see that Jesus is telling you, you should be a living example of the Grace and unconditional Love of God. In many places, the Word tells us we should imitated Jesus himself. God also told us this...

"If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee. The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue." {Proverbs 25:21-23}

And in his letter, to those in Rome, Paul writes this:

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 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. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." {Romans 12:19-21}

You see, Jesus, the same Jesus Cast out Devils, Healed the Sick, and Raised the Dead, flipped over Tables in the Temple, is not telling you to lay down and take it. If this was to be so, He would have never, Cast out Devils, Healed the Sick, and Raised the Dead, flipped over Tables in the Temple. He would have told us, something to the effect of, "It is what it is. Do not worry, you will have your reward in Heaven, just deal with it for now."

No. What He is telling you is that He IS the ultimate example. He could have, with a word, cast those that sought to kill Him into an abyss. He could have at any time, shaken the very foundation of the Earth. Remember, Jesus IS Lord. He IS the flesh of God. However, He allowed what happened to Him to happen for the greater good.

Remember, the first time Jesus sent the Twelve out to Preach the Kingdom and heal the sick? First, it was He that gave them the ability to do these things. He send them on a mission, if you will, and equipped them to do it.

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." {Luke 9:1-2}

Second, it is NEVER about us. It is always about others. HE gives you the abilities to complete whatever it is HE called you to do. Then it is HE that Glorifies you. You need simply follow what God tells you to do. Rely on Him, not on other creatures or even on yourself. He is with you.

As long as you stay within God's presences and Will, He is with you always in all things. He is in control. He is the Power and Authority in every situation. He is there. You need not worry about anything. Just BE the Child of God you are. Be Meek. Be Forgiving. Be Humble. There is nothing you could even do out of anger that is worthy to be compared to what will happen to those who Hate you or Spitefully Use you. Do not worry about them. God is your Father. You have already overcome the World, because HE has already overcome the World..

Faith in God, understanding of His plan and purpose of your life, is key. Trust in Him is your strength. "With men it is impossible. But not with God, for with God, all things are possible." You are a blood bought Child of God. You are chosen by God for His purpose. So He is with you. If God is for you, who can be against you? As a Child of God, you should have no fear of anything.

However, God does not want you to be Prideful or Boastful. He wants you Humble. He wants you Meek. The Meek shall inherit the Earth. Blessed are the humble. For they are truly the blessed of God. Although you have all this power, true Wisdom is knowing how to use it. In God's time. For God's purpose.

The Saints did not know what laid ahead in their journey. No one knows when they may be required to speak the Word of God to someone until it happens. No one knows what comes, until it is there. If you are too busy attempting to show how great a person you are, you will miss what God wants you to do. If you are too busy Worrying about and Fearing everything, you will totally miss what God has for you. God has a plan and a purpose for your life.

Moses was Meek. According to the Word, "above all the men which were upon the face of the earth." Yet, God called him and he lead God's people out of bondage. He parted the Sea, and boldly stood before Pharaoh, preforming signs and wonders. David was meek and small in stature. He was a Shepard. He killed a Giant, and became one of the greatest Kings to ever live. Peter was a Fisherman. He became "this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Did Moses say, I am humble according to the Word, so I will not do these things? Or David say, according to God, we are to be humble, I will not fight the Giant? Did Peter say, I must allow others to walk all over me?

Think about these men. None of them were prideful and boasting. They were simple men, living their lives. They became a Savior, a King, a Church. Peter walked on water with Jesus, briefly, and people actually believed that Peter's Shadow healed people when it touched them.

True humility is knowing who you are. Knowing the power you possess, and being willing to yield yourself and the desires of you, to follow God and His plans. Jesus Washed His disciples Feet. The Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings, stripped off His cloths, knelt down, and Washed their Feet. Remember what He told the disciples when they were arguing who would be the greatest in Heaven?

"The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth." {Luke 22:25-27}

They wanted to be Kings themselves. They wanted people to serve them. Jesus told them that they needed to serve others That this was the path to being great in the Kingdom. As He, Jesus was, so should they be. No thought of themselves, even to the point of death. But their thoughts should be on God and His plans and His Will.

You must yield yourself. Yield your desires and your ideas. Give yourself to the Lord and allow Him to show you His Will. Then and only then, will you truly advance in the kingdom of God. Then and only then, can God use you to be what He wants you to be. Do not be Prideful. But become Meek. Accept this Fruit of the Spirit, for then, you shall even inherit the Earth.

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Fruit of The Spirit, Faith

Faith,

There is no God. There is no Heaven or Hell. We are all here by some kind of happy happenstance. An accident. There is nothing following this time on Earth. When we die, that's it. Game over. There is nothing more.

Now think about this. The Earth has been here for a VERY Long time. Take just a chuck of that time, say a Thousand years. Now take your life. The average life span is say 75 years. That is approximately 13 generations of people being born, living to 75, over and over again. That is just a Thousand years. One life and generations that follow that life. Now image all the other lives, the Hundred of Billions of people that have ever come and gone. What is your life?

Not convinced of this concept yet? OK. Picture this. There are people right now, that are still living that have gone from Horse and Carriage, Candlelight, and Out Houses, to Space Travel and Laser Beams. From Phonographs to Smart Phones. This is just in the last Hundred Years. What is your life?

Even the Word Declares that...

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." {James 4:14}

Where is the Hope? What is it that we are here to do? Are we born into a life of slow decay? Simply born to work a job and make money, pay bills, and die? Where is the Peace in that? Where is the Joy in that? Where is the Love in that? After all, what would be the point?

There was nothing. Out of this nothing came something. {Forget this is Scientifically and Mathematically impossible} Then from this first something floating around in a puddle of ooze, {Where did the Ooze come from? UH, forget that.} EVERYTHING formed. All life from the Hot Blooded, to the Cold Blooded, to the Tree, from Mosquitoes to Fish, to People. {Don't even think about DNA} So we are all here because, well,  just because.

Now yes, I DO truly feel that you need to have MORE Faith to believe in the above theory of Evolution than you do to believe in God, after all...

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." {Hebrews 11:1}

None of us were here at the beginning. But what makes more sense? In the beginning was nothing? Or,

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." {Genesis 1:1}

Then to believe that we came from Monkeys {Where are the ever changing Monk-mans today? As we continue to see Caterpillars to Butterflies, Tadpoles to Frogs, many other evolving Species, Elephants are Evolving to Lose Their Tusks, Hudson River Fish are Becoming Immune to Toxic Waste, Lizards are Rewiring Their Own Guts right now to accommodate whatever their Local diet. Where are the Monkeymen?} or,

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." {Genesis 1:26}

In the original language, the word our and us, signifies three or more. We are make in the Imagine of God. Our Mind, after the Father, our Bodies, our Flesh after the Flesh of God, Jesus, and our Soul, or Spirit, the thing that will live on, after the Holy Spirit. Three yet One.

As a Child of God, we have Faith that there is MUCH more than just living to work and pay bills. That there is MUCH more than being born to die. Much more available to us both now and in the time to come.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." {1 John 5:4-7}

When you understand, just by accepting the Truth, you now have Faith that not only is there someone in charge of this whole thing, but the one that created it, is now your Daddy...

"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:" {John 1:12}

Now you can have TRUE Faith. Faith that there is so much more. That no matter what happens here and now, you have the authority and the power to overcome. This is why God gave us His Word.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." {Romans 10:17}

We can claim it for ourselves. We can own it. It is a love letter from our Daddy. See, when you open yourself up to what the greatness that God and Life, truly is. That it is not just mundane, day in and out of what to eat, what to drink, and what to wear, and that there is an Eternity waiting for us ahead. Then, and only then, can you have true Peace and Joy. Faith that all these things will come to pass, give you a freedom that many will never find..

"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." {Romans 8:18}

There is no hope without Jesus.

"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" {1 John 5:12-14}

Now that is Love. That is Peace. That is Joy. That is Freedom. You can believe in nothing if you choose to. You can believe that there was nothing, then we are here, and then there is nothing again. But I choose to believe in a Creator. One who is Love. One who is there always. One who wants to be my Daddy. One whom the Word declares has counted the very hairs on my head. One who is also there waiting. Waiting for me.

You know, I get asked this various ways, semi often. What if you are wrong. What if there is not God? My answer is simple. "I would rather believe in God and come to nothing, then believe in nothing and come to God."

See, by believing in God, I serve The God of the Bible. I try my best to follow "His" Moral code. I try to serve others. So if there is nothing when I die. I will come to nothing. I will not even know there is nothing because I have become nothing. So what did I loose?

Now lets say I believe in nothing and just allow the Flesh to drive me. The Flesh, Trends, Peers, whatever. I just live for me, not believing in anything. After all, no God? No God, no Devil. No Devil? No evil. No "bad?" No Bad no Good. Just do as you will. No Heaven, No Hell. Get the point? So now I die and stand before God. What do I loose? EVERYTHING.. And EVERYTHING is for an Eternity. Forever.

You see, it's to late after you leave this Earth. After you "Die." But that's not fair? No, it is perfectly Fair. Listen carefully to me. There is a God. He is Love. He became flesh and came to earth and died for you. He raise Himself from the dead. He PAID the PRICE of Sin and Death for YOU. He made the way simple.

"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." {John 3:16-18}

Accept it or not. It really is just that simple. 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}

Now build your Faith. Read your Father's Love Letter to you.

"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." {Galatians 3:22}

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Fruit of The Spirit, Goodness

Goodness

I love being able to claim this...

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." {Psalm 23:6}

You can too. Why? You are a Child of God. You have received the Spirit of Adoption. You have become a new Creature. You are now a Son or Daughter of the Most High God. The Creator of all that is, was, or, ever will be.. You can claim this one as well..

"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." {Romans 8:28}

Just be careful not to interpret these the wrong way. Do not think for one second that just because you are now a Child of God, that you can coast through life without a single care, worry, or tribulation. Everything will not be Sunshine and Daisies.

No, there will be trials and tribulations. There will be hardships and sorrows. However, if you stay in the Will of God, THEN God is there with you. Makes sense does it not? See He will never leave you nor forsake you. But YOU have Free Will. So many times, we, willingly, walk away from God. Just like me and my Kids, I am where I am. If two of my kids stay with me and are doing things the way they know I planed out for them, I am with them. But my third, the one that left, that walked away, I am not there. I can do nothing for him. But that was HIS choice, not mine. It's not that I hate that wayward Child, it is just  that I am not where he is. The other two? I am. I am able to get them anything they need. I am able to feed them. I am able to comfort them. I am able to teach them. You get the point.

So as long as you are in the Will of God, "goodness and mercy shall follow you" "all things work together for good to you" if you are indeed "called according to HIS purpose" You "will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever" Now that is Goodness we can rely on. Always remember,,,

"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." {James 1:17}

See, are we to preform Goodness? Of course, but it is a Gift FOR us as well. We are to do good, but God wants Goodness FOR us as well. He is Faithful and Just. He is Able and Willing. Remember what Jesus said..

"If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" {Luke 11:11-13}

So because our Father gives us this Gift of Goodness, we should now also freely give it out. Remember, as a Child of God, you have Power and Authority. There is Power in Words. You have even more Power. James attempted to explain this to us..

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." {James 3:8-18}

Which is wiser? To do good, or to do evil. You know the Golden Rule. "Do onto others, as you would have them do onto you.." Although that exact phrase is not in the Word, the concept most definitely is..

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."{Matthew 7:12}

Pretty easy to understand is it not? Would you like others to Hate you? Do you want others to Lie about you? Do you want others to Steal from you? To Kill you? To do Evil to or against you? Or would you rather have others Bless you and do Good towards you? Of course you would much rather have others treat you with Goodness. This is why I always say "Be Blessed. But do not forget to BE a Blessing to others." You most definitely reap what you Sow.

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Fruit of The Spirit, Gentleness

Gentleness

It is said, that as Children of God, we are to strive to be more like The Christ Himself, Jesus. That the Spirit of God will come and will change us into a new Creature. We are to grow.

"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; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

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." {Ephesians 4:14–16}

So we are to be like Jesus. Who was Jesus? Jesus IS God. He has all the Authority and Power of God. He healed the Sick. Cast out Devils. Even raised the Dead. When they came to take Him, He told Peter,

"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" {Matthew 26:53}

Yet with all this Power, He came here willingly. He lived His life Willingly. He went with them to be tortured and Murdered WILLINGLY. As a Lamb to the Slaughter. Another point that is sometimes overlooked, is what He did ON the Cross. He forgave those that hung Him on it. Then He WILLINGLY died. Then HE WILLINGLY Raised Himself up. Oh make no mistake about it. Jesus did all this Himself.

"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}

Yes, even with all this Power, He was Gentle towards us. He treated us as we are, like little Babies that know nothing of what we are doing. Little Babies that cannot control ourselves. That know no better. That need Milk and comfort. That need EVERYTHING. He showed us Gentleness.

We, now that He has gone to be with the Father, received another. His name is the Holy Spirit.

"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.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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." {Romans 8:15-17}

WE now have this same Authority and Power. We are Children of God. The Word tells us that..

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." {Proverbs 18:21}

And that we AS Children of God should...

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."{Ephesians 4:29}

You have the Power and Authority to bind and or loose. To Bless or Curse. Every Child of God is powerful. We can speak words that influence others. We can act in ways that help or hurt. Gentleness constrains and channels that power. To be gentle is to recognize that God's ways and thoughts are high above our own. It is to have the Mind of Christ. To understand that the World is the way it is, because it must be. It is to understand that there are people that are simple lost and ignorant. They know no better. We are not to get angry with them. But we are to have compassion on them.

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" {2 Timothy 2:24-25}

For those that hate us? For those that may abuse us? For those that spitefully use us? We are to Forgive them.

"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." {Matthew 18:23-35}

Gentleness also means giving up the Right to Judge what is best for ourselves and others. God is not as concerned with our comfort as He is concerned with our spiritual growth. He knows how to grow us far better than we do. Gentleness means that we accept that the rain falls on the evil and the just and that God may use methods we don't like to reach our Hearts and the Hearts of others.

As Jesus was Gentle towards us, we are to be Gentle towards others, and with the Spirit, we can be. He offers us His Gentleness as a Gift. If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will be filled with Fruit of Gentleness.

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Fruit of the Spirit, Longsuffering,

Longsuffering,

Having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people.

Now many feel that Longsuffering means “suffering long.” That is a good answer, but that is not a totally true or the correct definition. The word Longsuffering in the Bible is made up of two Greek words makros, meaning “long,” and thumos meaning “temper,” literally, “long-tempered.” To be Longsuffering, then, is to have self restraint when one is stirred to anger. A Longsuffering Person does not immediately retaliate or punish; rather, he has a “long fuse” and patiently forbears. Longsuffering is associated with Mercy and Hope.

If you want the true definition of Longsuffering, that is easy to understand, how many of you are a Parent? Yup. Ask a Mother or Father, who love their Children more than life itself, with unruly Children. There is a joke that God makes Babies and Young Kids SO VERY CUTE, just so you will not kill them. Again, that is a joke. I have THREE. They do not always want to listen. They sometimes just chose to do whatever they want. And, sometimes, it can be difficult to remember just how cute they are...

God is the same way. We made Him so angry that He DID wipe out the entire planet. If Noah did not find favor in the Lord, we may have looked vastly different today..But Noah did. God spared Noah and his Family. Then God made a Promise to Noah, that He would never again destroy all His Creation. Hence, the whole reason we have a Rainbow.

In the beginning, it was simple. Eat and do whatever you want, just do not eat of this ONE Tree. We did. Then Cain slew Abel. Then Angels and Human Women were mating, Homosexuality, and all other diverse Sins filled the Land. God wiped us out. Then spared us through Noah. Then, found we were STILL continually Evil. So He sent us His Law. Prophets. Then, when all else failed, He came Himself.

He came to allow us to abuse Him, and to Murder Him. He came to pay the final Price for ALL to be Saved.

"But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." {1 Peter 3:14-22}

Oh, by the way, did you know that Jesus appeared to Moses? Seriously...

"And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, Longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation"{Exodus 34:5-7}

This is how it works. Why do you think that Jesus told us that this is the way it will end as well..

"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." {Mark 13:26}

But God is Patient He is so very Patient that some have fallen to believe that He is NOT coming back. Some have forgotten that He wants ALL to be Saved. But this means He has to tolerate the Evil until such a time. Peter puts it this way..

"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." {2 Peter 3:9}

Now notice this. Highlight it. Underline it. Memorize it. The next time that someone comes to you and says that Christianity is Close Minded, and too exclusive, or say something to the effect that "They have been saying Jesus is coming back for hundreds of years," quote them this."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."

But be well advised, He will not wait forever. The time IS coming. But this is how Patient God is. He is hoping that His Creation turns back to Him. As many as possible. You know, someone asked me once, what is the point? They were serious. If God is all and sees all, and God knows what is coming, then why would he wait? Does He not already know who will accept and who will perish? My honest opinion? Yup. But He may be waiting for someone who is yet to come. Anyway, things are ALWAYS in His Time for His reasons. Just be thankful that YOU were giving the time and opportunity to accept Jesus yourself..

But this is the Love God has for us. That HE is Longsuffering towards us. That His Mercy is great towards us. That He is Patient towards us.

"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; 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." {2 Peter 3:15-16}

Think about you. What is it that you have done in your life? Be honest. I'm not asking you to stand and tell everyone. Just be Honest with yourself. You know you do not deserve forgiveness. You know you do not deserve Salvation. Have you lived your Life in such a way, that it would Justify Jesus being stripped, beating, and murdered? Has your life been so perfect that Jesus SHOULD have died for you?

Truth is, you are a horrible person. Born into Sin. The thoughts and actions of your Heart is Evil continually. The things you have does are despicable. You are disgusting. A Wretch. YOU are Evil. Jesus came to Earth and Died FOR you, while you were yet a Sinner and Wretch.

Why is God so Patient? Well, Jesus gave us this Parable

"Another parable He put forth to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.

So the servants of the owner came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares? He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Do you want us then to go and gather them up? But he said, No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." {Matthew 13:24-30}

As the Word also declares, the Sun Rises on the Just and Unjust, and the Rain falls on the Just and the Unjust. We live together. This is why we are also told that now, as Children of God, we are to be IN the World, but not OF it. This is why God made the way so simple for all to understand..

"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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." {Romans 10:9-13}

The Lord our God is Longsuffering towards us, because He is NOT, some old man, with a long beard, sitting on a throne, waiting for us to slip up so He can send us to Hell and everlasting Torment. He is Longsuffering towards us because He is, "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Fruit of The Spirit, Peace

Peace,

With Salvation, comes three distinct gifts. Love, Hope, and Peace. You cannot truly know God without Love. You cannot truly have Love, without knowing God. With that Love, comes Hope. Hope both in the afterlife, and in the current time. Today we will be talking about the fact that through this Love, and this Hope, you can have indescribable, undeniable, even in some cases, complete irrational, Peace.

You see, once you fully understand that the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, God, Jehovah, the Great I Am, is now your Daddy? You are now His Child? Once you full understand that you are now a new Creature, filled with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead? That same Spirit is now in you? Seriously? Once you fully understand...

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

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.

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." {Romans 8:31-39}

If Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor anything present or to come, cannot separate you from the Love of God, why are you worried about anything? If death itself can't touch you. Why are you worried about anything? Jesus even tells us...

"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." {Luke 12:4-5}

Think about this. Jesus told us ...

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." {Matthew 10:30}

We also know that God knows who we are, sets up a plan and purpose for our lives, all before He calls us.

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." {Romans 8:29-30}

Think about this. God knows who you are. He sets up a plan and purpose for your life. He has counted the hairs on your head. We know, and have discussed, that everything has it's own time "A time to be born, and a time to die;" {Ecclesiastes 3:2} Couple that with the fact that we are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, then you must understand, your time to leave this Earth is already set. Makes sense does it not?

Ever see an accident, which the vehicle is completely unrecognizable, yet the driver lives? It wasn't their time. Remember a Plane crash that took the lives of the Mother and Father? Yet a 7-year-old girl who walked nearly a mile through the woods to search for help, survived? It wasn't her time.

When it is your time, there is nothing on the Planet that can prevent that. No Doctor, Medicine, Machine. Nothing. There is nothing that can prevent you leaving this Earth. Yet, the opposite is also true. If it is not your appointed time, there is nothing on this Earth that can end your Life here.

Jesus went into great depth in telling us that we need not worry about daily things. He told us plainly..

"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

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." {Matthew 6:31-34}

We should not even fear the Devil. He can do nothing to you, as a Child of God, without Permission from God. Look at Job. Look at what Jesus told Peter

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." {Luke 22:31-32}

So if we should have no fear of Death, our needs being met, or even the Devil himself, then what is left to fear? Open spaces? There is nothing in them that can harm you. Strangers? They are fields you should be attempting to Sow in. Or, they are people who have made their choices and there is nothing they can do to you. If the Devil himself cannot touch you without permission from God, what can Joe Schmo do to you?

Fear is completely irrational, and has no place in your life, when you come to the full realization of who you are as a Child of God. Who your Daddy now is. Do not allow the fear of anything to place you into Bondage. To rob you of your very life itself. "Greater is He in you, than in all the World." {1 John 4:4}

Your Destiny is set. God formed you in the way you are. He planed out your life. He called you to be His Child. Now, this is where you come in. Think about this. The Simplicity of life. Two men equal in almost every way. Saul of Tarsus, Hitler of Germany. Both took great pleasure in hunting down and slaughtering God's Chosen People. Both were very good at that. Both received great powers and position in their Government. Christ appeared to Saul and said Follow me. Saul said Yes. He became Paul. One of the Greatest Saints to ever live. He wrote a lot of the New Testament we read today. Hitler? He is dead and gone. The Simplicity of Life? One word answer, to one question, posed by one Man, Jesus. "Follow me?" Yes, or no.

If you say "No," nothing may happen instantly. Oh you may not get struck down by Lightening, the Earth may not open and suck you straight to Hell, God will not strike you down where you stand. You may even continue to live your life to a ripe old age.. However, that is it. You will not be with God in the Afterlife. You will not have God in your life in the Present. You will learn when it is too late, when you cannot say "Yes" that God, Heaven, Hell, and Bible, Jesus, all this is real.

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." {Philippians 2:10-11}

It is a simple thing to understand. If you simply say "Yes" you become a totally new creature. You become a totally new person. Your Sins have been wiped away. All that stuff in your past, the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly, is totally gone. God forgets everything you ever did. It is only when you say "Yes" that you can receive the Spirit of Adoption. Only when you say "Yes" can God become your Daddy. Can He help you. Can He Bless you. Can He Justify you. Can He Glorify you.

By saying "Yes," you can receive True, unconditional Love. By saying "Yes," you can receive that Hope. Hope both in the afterlife, and in the current time. By saying "Yes," you can receive true Peace. That same Jesus, that looked into Peter's Eyes on the Fishing Boat, Matthew's Eyes at the Table of Customs, Saul's Eyes on the Road to Damascus, is looking into your's. He is saying to you, "Follow me?" Yes or No?

If you say "No." Live on. I hope you have a Peaceful and Long Life. But if you want to say "Yes." Then say this Prayer. Right now, like them, wherever you are. You see, you did not read this by accident. You did not find that Bible, by happenstance. You did not stop on that TV Preacher by coincidence. Your friend did not invite you to Church for their benefit. Jesus is calling you out. If you want to say "Yes," then say this Prayer..

"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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..