Introduction, The Forgotten Laws, 2018

Coming up here at T.A.G.

Hey folks,

Happy New year to ya. Hope you all have a good and safe Celebration of the end of 2017 and the beginning of the New Year, 2018. Ah, Yes, the New Year. New beginning. Clean Slate. A chance to begin anew. A time when we make New Year Resolutions. Promises to improve our lives and to make things better for ourselves and our families.

You are going to hear all kinds of things. You may even say some of them yourself. "I promise to lose weight." "Eat less, or healthier." "I promise to quit Smoking, Drinking, and Swearing." Yes, I know there is a joke there somewhere. "Work less?" "Spend more time with the Family?" "Go to Church more?" "Be a better person?" ETC.

Well, why not start off the year, learning what the Law of God really is. Seriously. Do you know the forgotten Laws of God? Does your Church teach them? I'm not talking about knowing where to find them. Can you? I'm not talking about how to say them in order. Can you? Do you REALLY know what they are? Do you, or our Nation, violate them daily? Is it really that big a deal to know them, and to follow them?

"My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart." {Proverbs:1-3}

Does that sound like just knowing how to say them in order? What about this?

"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:" {Proverbs 3:1-3}

Teaching our Children the list, The Ten Commandments, in Sunday school, is not a bad thing. Understanding that Commandment 6 says Thou shall not Kill, is a good thing. Knowing that Commandment 5 is the first with Promise, is a good thing. However,,,

"The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." {Deuteronomy 6:4-9}

Understanding the Ten Commandment is more than just counting. 1,2,3,4,5,,6,7,8,9,10. " For the length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." Did you know that? Seriously? God even gives us a promise. Follow My Law, and live. Days and Peace will be added onto those who do.

It's not just memorizing them. It's not just doing one Study on them. God tells us this.

"My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:" {Proverbs 6:20-23}

The Ten Commandments were not given to Man to make Man's life more difficult. To refrain Man from the things he loves.

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." {1 John 5:3}

When asked what we must do to be Saved, what did Jesus tell us?

"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." {Matthew 19:16-21}

He told us plainly.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." {Matthew 5:17-20}

If you love Jesus, you MUST follow the Ten Commandments.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" {John 14:15-16}

The Ten Commandments were given to Man to make Man's life easier. To keep him from the snares of the devil. Understanding, not only what they are, but what they mean, is crucial to every Child of God's growth and Well Being. If we keep them?

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." {John 15:10}

So you see how important it is to not only know what they are but to KNOW what they are. It is really hard to follow something if you have no idea what it is you are supposed to follow. So for the next five Meetings, we will go into an in-depth Study of these, the Forgotten Laws of God, The Ten Commandments.

I remember a long time ago when I was first Saved and one came to me asking me about the Ten Commandments. I remember thinking "Everyone knows them." Well, it was in that moment that I learned, not everyone does. To the Lost, the simple things of God, are not so simple. To the Religious, the simple things of God, are not always so simple. To the Child of God, sometimes it is in that very simplicity, that we get lost.

Won't you join us for the next five times, and get back to the basics. Just like with anything else, if you do not have a solid Foundation, you can, and will, be moved. The Law of God is alive and well. The Law of God is to not only be learned but followed. It has not changed. It will not be done away with. Whatever, and however, Man, attempts to discard it, does not mean it is not still there, and that God will not hold you blameless for ignoring it.

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Peter

Psalm 75

Psalm 75

1 Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

2 When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.

3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.

4 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:

5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.

6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.

9 But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

10 All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Merry Christmas 2017

Merry Christmas To You and Yours

"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.

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

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

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

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.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus." {Matthew 1:18-25}

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."{Luke 2:1-14}

May you all have a very Merry Christmas, and always remember, there is nothing wrong with lights on the Tree, nor Presents under it, as long as you never forget, the reason for the season is the Gift God gave to all mankind. Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord.

Peter

The Gift Series, Part 3, 2017

Always Be Prepared

Never be ashamed.

Think about it. You were once a wretch. A Sinner. Walking in the flesh. Born to die. You were once like the worse Sinning, filthy, repulsive, poor excuse for a Human Being, that is walking the Earth today. Now? Now you have accepted The Gift. Now, you are a new creature. You have been adopted into the Family of God.

"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}

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}

How did you do this? You simply accepted The Gift. The Gift is Jesus. Rather His sacrifice for you. His blood for your blood. His suffering of the punishment of Sin, the end result of which is death, for your suffering. His death, yet rather Resurrection, as payment for you. He died so that you may have Eternal Life. Not just Eternal Life, but to improve your life today.

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." {John 10:10,11}

Remember what Jesus said to Peter? Peter was bragging that they left all to follow Him. Then asked Jesus what they receive for doing so. What did He tell Peter?

"Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." {Mark 10:29,30}

This is The Gift. This is the Truth. Not something to be rejoiced over, played with, and left in the corner to be forgotten. THIS is the ultimate Gift. You have become a Child of God. Jesus came and suffered torture, abuse, and death, for YOU. All you did, was accept the Gift. So now what? Well, Peter tells us, all Saved, all Children of God, that we must all be prepared to share this Gift.

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," {1 Peter 3:15}

Remember what Jesus told us?

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." {Matthew 10:32-33}

Let's look at this a bit closer.

"Honor Christ the Lord as Holy."

First, as a new Believer, you must learn who the Christ is. Get filled up with the Bread of Life, The Word. Get filled up with the Waters of the Eternal Spring. The Word. Spend time getting prepared in knowledge and wisdom. Grow in Christ. Gain knowledge of the Truth, so that your life can become Blessed and you may become a Blessing to others. Become Obedient to Him. His Will and His Way.

"Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

Someone comes to you and says something to the effect of "You know, I noticed you seem to worry about little to nothing. I noticed that you seem to always look for the silver lining in all things. What's up with that?" Or, they come to you and ask, "What makes you so sure your way is better than any other. Seriously. There are a lot of Religions out there. What makes you think you are right?"

Your answer? What do you say? How do you respond? Do you say, "It's just something I believe?" Do you say, "I have faith that Jesus is Lord, but if you believe something else, cool."? Or do you say nothing? What do you say? Why not tell the truth? Say,,,,

"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}

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. The Muslims think they are right. The Buddhists think they are enlightened. The Jews do not believe in Jesus. So what makes you right and them wrong?"

"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 14:6-7}

"So you are saying without Jesus, they are all wrong. And you are right?" The answer, simply put, is YES. You may even want to share with them this...

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 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." {John 10:1-10}

The simple answer is YES. Without the key, you by no other means enter the Kingdom of God. Will this offend people? Yup. However, just because one may become offended at the Truth, doesn't change the Truth. Jesus came, suffered, and died for you, and you, are worried about offending someone with The Truth?

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" {Hebrews 10:22-24}

Always be prepared to share the simple Truth. It's not that difficult. You do not have to have a Ph.D., or have spent your life in a Monastery. All you have to tell them is what Jesus did for them. For us all. They take it as close-mindedness, and exclusive to only a handful of people. They see it as some kind of exclusive club that keeps everyone that does not look like or think like them, out. The ignorant see Faith in God, through Jesus the Christ, as equal to man-made Traditions called Religion. It's not. It's not exclusive. It's inclusive. It's not Religion, it's Salvation.

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" {Hebrews 10:22-24}

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Not, as long as you follow this or that, man-made Doctrine. These or those Tenets. Dress this or that way. Be born into this or that Tradition. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." "Yet do it with gentleness and respect."

As a Child of God, you are also a Sower of the Seed. God calls on us to share The Gift and share it freely. Peter said to the Beggar "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:" {Acts 3:6}

Timothy tells us,,,

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." {2 Timothy 4:2}

In his letter to the new Children of God in Colossae, Paul said this.

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." {Colossians 4:5}

Be prepared "instant." In other words, KNOW the Truth. If someone came to me and asked me to show them how to build a Rocket, I would have to get back with them on this. I'm not a Rocket Scientist. I have no idea. I would have to read and study up on it. If someone came to me and ask my name? Peter. No thought. No hesitation. No worries. "What is your name?" Peter. "How can I be Saved?" Jesus.

This is why it is so important that you learn the Truth. Spend time with God. Allow the Spirit to work in you. So in an instant, once someone comes to you, and they will, and asks you something like, "So Jesus is the only way?" Yup. "Jesus saith, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

"Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." "Yet do it with gentleness and respect." "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Does this sound like a get in your face, threaten Hell and Fire and Brimstone, message? Nope. Simply tell the Truth, and if they accept it, they shall be Saved. If not, move on. As a Child of God, you are His Disciple. Just like the eleven that Jesus appeared to after His Resurrection. Remember, they went back to their lives as they were, before Jesus. Jesus was upset with them over this.

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." {Mark 16:14-16}

The truth is simple. The Gift is Jesus. The Gift is Salvation. There is nothing you can do to enter Heaven of yourself, or by Traditions of Men. By you accepting that Gift, you become a Child of God. There is no other way. God wants you to always be prepared to share the Truth with anyone that asks.

Have you received the Gift? Are you prepared to share it? 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.

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.

Psalm 74

Psalm 74

1 O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?

2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.

4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.

5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.

6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.

7 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.

8 They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.

9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.

12 For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

13 Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.

14 Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.

15 Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.

16 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.

18 Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O Lord, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

19 O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.

20 Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.

21 O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.

23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.

The Gift Series, Part 2, 2017

To all the Men out there.

Yes. I'm speaking directly to you. You are the Head of your Household. You are the responsible party. You and you alone are the final Decision Maker, Authority, and Law. I know, I know, some of my more Liberal friends will take issue with this. Some Men I know do not want this role. They would rather the Woman handle all things. Or? They have been conditioned to believe that a Marriage is where the two become one, and all things must be agreed upon by a family meeting and even the Children must have a say.

I understand that some see this as Old Fashioned, Outdated, or even Oppressive and Chauvinistic. However, this does not change the fact it is true.

"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." {1 Corinthians 11:3}

Am I saying that the Woman must submit to abuse and or suffer at the whims of her Husband? Of course not. What I AM saying is that it IS the MAN'S responsibility to be the Hunter, Gather, Protector, Provider, Comforter, Decision Maker, and Leader. Men, your Wife is a gift from God.

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:"  {Proverbs 31}

I am Blessed enough to say, that I found a Wife that matches this description.

From Eve, the Woman has always been, is, and always will be a Gift from God. She was created FOR Man. To be "a help meet for him." That is to say "one who helps." The Bible teaches that it is the Wife's duty to help her Husband. God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone." Therefore He gave Adam the gift of Woman. Men, you are to see her as such.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" {Ephesians 5:25-29}

Christ laid down His life for the Church. We should have that love for our Wives. Be willing to do anything. Honor her. Love her. Protect her. Cherish her. Never be abusive. Jesus was never abusive to His Church. That is the point.

However, YOU, men, are responsible. You are the Captain of the Ship that will take you both through the years on this Voyage called life. Adding Children along the way. Where are you taking them?

Whatever your decision is, it will affect all with you. Under your God-given authority. You accept the Gift of Salvation, your entire Household is covered. Don't believe me?

"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy." {1 Corinthians 7:14}

In 2 Timothy, we see that once Faith is received into a Family, it remains. It is passed down. Remember, God tells Fathers to raise their Children in The Word. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." {Ephesians 6:4} Faith can become hereditary.

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." {2 Timothy 1:5}

I'm getting to it. What about those Households without a Father, Husband? Then the Mother becomes the Household Leader and the Responsible Party.

Now let's spend some time in Acts talking about Timothy. Timothy's Mother was a Jew, who believed in Jesus. However, his Father was a Greek, who did not believe. Yet, God was able to Bless their House and rise up a Saint, because of Timothy's Mother.

"Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." 

Now again, we see one person accepting The Gift, and the entire Household being covered. Being Baptized even. Continue on...

"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,  And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,  And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." {Acts 16:1-34}

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Then it tells us the Guard "was baptized, he and all his, straightway." This is why it is so important Men, you accept The Gift. If you do not, perhaps your Wife will. But do not blame the Woman Men. It's didn't work out well for Adam. It will not for your either. Women, if there is no Man in your Household, then the responsibility lays at your feet. Raise your Child on the Ways they should go..

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," {2 Timothy 3:16}

Men, YOU are responsible for your Family. But if you fail to assume the role, God will use your Wife. Women, if you are absent a Male in your Household, you become IT. But either way, we see that not only is The Gift the greatest Gift you can ever receive, but that your entire Household can be covered as well, through YOUR Faith.

Once you receive The Gift, it is then vitally important to lay a solid foundation of Faith and Truth of God, in your Children. Which brings us to Part Three. We have discovered that The Gift, is Salvation. Eternal Life. Jesus's Sacrifice on the Cross, His death, yet rather, His resurrection from the dead, so that you may live everlasting.

We have also learned that The Gift, not only covers you but your entire Household and can become hereditary, if you will, as well. Growing and spreading for Generations. Remember, God has a Plan and a Purpose for your Life and the Life of us all. He may be dealing with you today so that He can call your Son or even Grandson, tomorrow.

So a gift this important? What do you do with it? Do you receive it with great joy, then put it in the corner to be forgotten? I think not. God says He wants you to always be prepared.

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," {1 Peter 3:15}

What does this mean? We'll talk about it next time. Have you received The Gift? Are you and your Household covered? 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.

Psalm 73

Psalm 73

1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

The Gift Series, Part 1, 2017

That IS what it is.

Picture this. "Daddy? Daddy? Dad? Daddy? Mommy? Mom? Mommy? Can I have this {This year must have} for Christmas? I really want it. I need it. All my friends have it. Please? Please? Pretty please? I love you. Can I? Can I? Mommy? Daddy? PLEASE?!?!?"

So what do you do? You save up some money. You go out on Black Friday and stand in line at 3 am. You fight the crowds. You go through all this and turn the corner. Then there is this Ahhh Moment. There it is. Glowing brighter than anything. The gift. The thing your child wants more than anything in the world. The gift that will change their lives. The gift that will make you the Hero. It is done.

You buy it and bring it home. What do you say to your child? OK. You want the gift? Cut the Grass with Scissors, shovel the Snow with a Spoon, scrub the Floor with a Tooth Brush, and comb the Carpet. Then maybe you might receive it? Or? Christmas Morning comes, they wake up, and find it under the Tree?

They open it and celebrate. They laugh, cry, hug you. It is the greatest day of their little lives. They play/use it all day. Nothing else matters. The next day, the same. Then the Holidays end. They go back to school and tell everyone they know that they got the gift.

Then one day, you come home and notice that the gift hasn't moved from where it was from before you went out. Then, before you know it, there it sits. In a corner. Gathering dust. All but forgotten. After all, you went through, there it sits. Forgotten.

Well, Christmas Morning is not about presents under a tree. It's not about signing Jingle Bells while roasting Chestnuts on an open fire. It's not about Sugar Plum Fairies and Gingerbread Men. It's about THE Gift. God did not tell us that if we cut the Grass with Scissors, or shovel the Snow with a Spoon, scrub the Floor with a Tooth Brush and Comb the Carpet, then maybe we might receive it. No. Christmas Morning came, and we found THE Gift in a Manger.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." {Ephesians 2:8-9}

Jesus put's it this way.

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." {John 3:1-21}

God so loved us, that He wanted ALL to be Saved. So He made it simple. He made it all-inclusive. It does not matter if you are Rich, Poor, Black, White, Male, Female, ETC. It does not matter if you grew up in the Muslim Religion, Catholicism, Hinduism. It does not matter if you are a Jew, Buddhist, or practice Shinto. It does not matter what you have done in the past. The good, bad, and yes, even the ugly. What must you do to be Saved? Simply believe in Jesus. Allow HIM to be your Salvation. Allow HIS blood to be your blood. Allow HIS death to be final payment for your death. Accept the fact that He died, yet rather rose from the dead, so that you may live.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." {John 14:6}

There is no other way. Sorry. He is the key to the Gates of Heaven. HE is the only way to get there. Nothing else actually matters. Without THE KEY, you will by no means enter. "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Try to do it another way?

"But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God." {Luke 12:7-9}

You see, HE is The Gift. HE is the greatest gift you will ever receive. It is that simple. God gave us that Gift on the first Christmas Morning. We found Him in a Manger. Then 33 years later, we went to the Tree and did not find Him under it, but rather ON it. He came, lived as us, and allowed us, His creation, to abuse, torture, and kill Him. For OUR own sake. We did not kill Him, He laid down His life for us.

"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. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" {Matthew 26:52-54}

He could have stopped it at any time. He rebuked Peter who cut off Malchus's ear when they came to take Jesus. Jesus then turned and healed Malchus, and then willingly walked to His abuse and death. He allows himself to be put to death. It would be like a bunch of Ants telling you they will kill you. All you would have to do at any time is step on them. Instead, you willing walk to where they want to kill you, you lay down, and allow them to kill you. Knowing the whole time, you could destroy all of them with little to no effort. That is the Love Jesus has for us. That God has for us.

It really is this simple.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." {Romans 6:23}

THE Gift is there. Waiting for each and every one of us. God put it on the Tree. All we have to do is go to the Tree and get it. When the Head of the Household receives THE Gift, the entire household does as well. It is about Salvation and Eternal Life. Not about Traditions of Men. But Life Everlasting. An Adoption into the very Family of God.

Just like you, being upset, sad, angry, ETC., when you see that gift you got your child, sitting in the corner all but forgotten, imagine how God feels when you do it? He does not want you to receive it, knowing that you got yours so it's all good. He does not want you to put it in a corner and forget about it. He wants to show you what it means. Teach you how to use it. He wants you to get to know the value of it. He wants you to tell everyone you got THE Gift. He wants you to always be prepared to share it with others.

We'll talk more about the fact your entire Household receives it when you do if you are the Head of Household, and that He always wants you to be prepared to share the Truth with others, coming up in the next few messages. Have you received THE Gift? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Have you been to THE Tree? 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. 

Psalm 72

Psalm 72

1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.

2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.

16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Persecution Worldwide

Tis the Season

As we head into celebrating the Holiday Season, well, since like October in the Big Box Stores, it is easy to forget the real reason for the Season. It really is not about the gift under the Tree, but rather, the Gift ON the Tree. It is all about Jesus. All about the Fact,

"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." {John 1:14}

It is all about this.

"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}

This is the time of year when most People, who call themselves Christian, actually plan on, and actually go, to Church. For the most part, Christmas and Easter. Funny People really want to go then. It is Human Nature if you think about it. When does the whole Family get together? Births, Weddings, and Deaths. So most want to come celebrate the Birth, and the Death, rather the Resurrection of Jesus.

However, it is easy to lose track of what it is all about in this Country. We live in a free Country. Oh, we do have some persecution in this Country. You may be made fun of. The Media may try to tell you that you are in the Minority. It may seem as if it is open season on People who believe the Bible.

Yeah, you may lose friends. You may not get, or you may lose your Job. People may think you are weird. Persecution? I guess. Let me ask you this. What do these all have in common?

Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Chiapas, Mexico, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia.

Take a breath. Ready? Maldives, Mindanao, Philippines, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan,Syria, Tajikistan, Tibet {China), Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam,Yemen.

Yup. These are all areas of the world where Christians face Persecution. In more than 40 nations around the world, today's Christians are being Persecuted for their Faith. In some of these Nations, it is illegal to own a Bible, to share your Faith in Christ, change your Faith or teach your Children about Jesus. Those who boldly follow Christ in these areas can face Harassment, Arrest, Torture and even Death. Entire Christian families are imprisoned in Hard Labor Camps, where unknown numbers die each year from Torture, Beatings, Overexertion, and Starvation. It may not be here in this Country to this degree yet. I submit to you, it is coming.

Jesus Told us this in John 15:20

"Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."

He also warned us that they WILL come after those that follow Him.

"And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." {Luke 12: 11-12}

So when someone looks at you a little weird, do you continue to be the Child of God you are called to be? Or do you take a cue from Peter and deny Jesus altogether? Do you say Merry Christmas, or have you been shamed into Happy Holidays? What about those areas that will Torture and Kill you for being a Child of God? Christians continue to meet for Worship and to Witness for Christ, and the Church in these restricted Nations is growing.

I bring this up for a couple of reasons. First, these are our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We need to keep them in Prayer. We live in such comfort in this Country, we have no real clue what they are going through.

Don't believe me? Look at our Poor? We have Roofs over our heads, a Car to get around. Foods on the Table, Cell Phones, and TVs. If you can't pay for it, no worries, you can get a check from the Government. Most have a few dollars in their pockets in case they want that $6.00 cup of Coffee, or $10.00 pack of Smokes. Let's not forget about the Beer.

Now, look at the Poor in other Countries. No work? Starve and die. No Roofs, Car, Cell Phones, TV, ETC. Most do not have running Water or Electric. There is no Check coming from the Government to help you fund your habits or even to put food on the table.

Forget about being locked up. Here we get Lawyers and Courts. They must have an abundance of Evidence. They must PROVE their Case. A friend of mine who is a Lawyer, once told me, it is not about Right or Wrong, it is about who can tell the best story. "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull." If all fails and you go to Jail? Here we get TV, AC, Three Meals a day. We have in most cases an ability to make money while being locked up. We can even get an Education while sitting in a Cell.

There? Arrested. Stripped Naked for extended periods of time. Beaten. Raped. Burned, Electrocuted, Dismembered and Scared for Life. Starved. Refused Water. Worked to Death, literally. Lawyer? No. Court? Not really. Reason for Arrest? Having a Bible Study.

Second, REALLY think about your Relationship with God. Oh, we are into the Holiday Season. Jingle Bells and Silent Night are playing on the Muzac Systems in the Stores. People are decorating with pretty lights and decorations. But what is your Relationship with God? Is He your God? Do "you love the LORD your God with all your Heart, all your Soul, and all your Mind?" Do you call Him " Abba, Father?" If this is the only time you plan on going to Church, then I submit to you that you may want to seriously ask these questions of yourself.

If someone was to knock on your door, and you knew that you would be Arrested, Tortured, or just simply Killed, What would your answer be to "Are you a Christian?" What would your answer be to "Do you believe in Jesus?" Or, "Do you believe the Bible?" What would your answer be?

Oh, go roast your Chestnuts. Hang your Stockings. Sing Jingle Bells. Go to that Ugly Sweater Party. Just remember, the time is coming where just claiming to be a Christian is no longer enough. It is the time we stand, Time we become the Children of God we are called to be. Time to seriously take a look in the mirror. Is it Happy Holidays or is it Merry Christmas? Is it REAL for you, or just a nice time of year? What say 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}

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