Chat With Peter, The Forgotten Laws? 2020

Coming up here at T.A.G.

Hey folks,

Happy New year to ya. I hope you all have a good and safe celebration of the end of this and the beginning of the New Year. 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?

Proverbs:1-3

"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."

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

Proverbs 3:1-3

"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:"

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,,,

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

"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."

Understanding the Ten Commandments 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? God even gives us a promise. Follow My Law, and live.

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

Proverbs 6:20-23

"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: "

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

1 John 5:3

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

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

Matthew 19:16-21

"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."

Jesus put the Law of God, ahead of even Himself. He told us plainly.

Matthew 5:17-20

"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."

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

John 14:15-16

"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;"

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?

John 15:10

"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."

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 times we get together, 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 simplicity, that we get lost.

Won't you join us, 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

Merry Christmas to You and Yours, 2019

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, goodwill 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 Christmas Series, The Gift, Part Three

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 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 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 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.

The Christmas Series, The Gift, Part Two

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. There is an age of accountability. There is a time when all must decide for themselves and must choose their own path. But all are covered in the beginning by the Faith of the Head of the House.

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.

The Christmas Series, The Gift, Part One

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 like 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 allowed 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 a step on them. Instead, you willfully 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. It is about Salvation and Eternal Life. Not about the 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 believe He rose from the dead. 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. 

Many gods, Sin

Slave to Sin

Hello friends. We could continue on in this series for weeks if we were to choose to, but we are just talking about the big three. We will be starting out Christmas Series "The Gift" next time.

Anything you place in the forefront of your life. Anything that you serve, IS your god, lord, and master. We talked about the god, lord, and master named Money. We talked about the god, lord, and master, who is growing in popularity, named Self. We will be talking about a god, lord, and master that we all have served and if you are not careful, you can still serve, even though you claim you are serving God. It is called Sin.

"Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin." John 8:34

Here is the thing. You do not have to go out and look for this god. You are born into its religion. You are born into the flesh and therefore you are born into Sin.

"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." Psalms 51:5

This is just the reality. Since Adam gave all domination over to the Devil,

"Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins." Ecclesiastes 7:20

And we know because The Word tells us so.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Jesus came to give us a choice.

"Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?" Romans 6:16

Even though you were born into Sin and are a Slave to Sin, and without Jesus, make no mistake about it..

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23

Who? ALL Who? All. Jesus came to free you from Sin.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

You cannot free yourself. You cannot change who you are. Sorry, I know some try to teach that you can. That in some way you can control you, yourself, and your Sin. However, this is not true. If you are not serving God, you ARE serving Sin. If you are walking in the Flesh, you CANNOT serve God.

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:5-8

It really is so simple. You CHOOSE to accept God's Grace and the Sacrifice of Jesus. You CHOOSE to stop thinking fleshly, or worldly and start learning who God is. Learning what He says about this or that. What the truth really is. Thinking Spiritually.

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact, the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:9-11

You must choose. Who do you serve? First, you have to accept Him. Then, and only then, you must then choose. Oh, you can continue to Sin. You can think, and sadly some do, that being Saved is a License to Sin. This is NOT the Truth at all. James warns us this.

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17

Peter gives us this very stern warning.

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them." 2 Peter 2:20-21

Is there Salvation for the Saved? Is it once Saved always Saved, no matter what you do? No. Sorry. I do not believe the Bible tells us this.

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," Hebrews 10:26

It does make sense if you think about it. If you come to me, and say, please adopt me into your family. I agree. However, I tell you to be a part of my family, I will require from you the same as I would require from all my children. If you are a faithful and good child, you, as with all my children, will inherit part of my vast estate and fortune.

You decide to stop coming to my house. You decide to go off and do your own thing. You decide to forsake me and my family. That is totally your choice. By doing this though, you are disqualifying yourself from all my blessings and promises. I can not bless you, help you, or even love you if you are no longer with me. As in all things, the choice is yours. You CHOOSE who you serve. Choose to serve God. Have God as your only God, Lord, and Master. There is only one true one. He is the great "I Am." There is nothing better, bigger, or more important. Choose wisely.

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 heal 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 believe He raised from the dead. 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.

Many Gods, Self

Are you your own God? 

In today's World, we have Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat, Instagram, just to name a few. Why are these so popular? Because they tap into one of our most enticing Human Nature Attributes. The desire to be Famous.

Seriously. We post EVERYTHING Online, from our most personal experiences, to what we are eating at any given time. I rarely post pictures of me, but many do. Why? I have no idea. It is to show others, "Look at me. Or look at what I got. Or maybe even, look where I am?" I have no idea. But it is all "Look at me."

It has become so bad, that people have to be told to be careful what you post. Do not tell people when you are not going to be home. They may Rob you. Do not post your finical information. Someone may Rob you. Do not post naked pictures of yourself, people will SEE THEM. Do not post things about your kids. Someone may use that to harm them. ETC.

Why do we do this? Because we want to be Famous. We want to be known. We want to be honored and respected. Oh, I know. I know. Some people just REALLY love to share. They only accept "friend requests," or "sign up," ACTUAL Friends and Family members to share stuff with them. Please do not misunderstand. I use Facebook all the time. I am NOT attacking Facebook, Twitter, or Snap Chat, or any other Social Media outlets. All I am saying is why they are so popular.

It is all about putting yourself on a pedal stool. Putting yourself out there. People make Youtube Videos and now they are as Famous as Movie Stars. Hey, if they can do it. Why can't I? Right?

King Solomon wrote this.

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips." Proverbs 27:2

We all know people that love to toot their own horns. People that try to top any and everything you say. Whatever you have done, they have done better. Whatever you have been through, they have been through worse. ETC. It should not be this way with us. We are to BE who we are, and let others talk about how good or bad we are.

"Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:24-25

This is opposite to what the World tells us. Opposite as to what the Flesh says. Remember, the Orginal Sin, the one the devil himself fell to, is the desire and want to be God. Being number one. The most popular. The one in total control. He fell. Then he tempted Adam with the same.

"But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”" Genesis 3:4-5

You will be like God. In essence, you will be God. But Jesus tells us that we, as Children of God, should not be this way.

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-5

Why? Well, Children believe anything that their Mother and Father tell them. They simply accept it as Reality. Daddy said so. This is the Relationship that God wants to have with us. Whatsoever He may tell us, He wants us to simply accept without question. Why? Our Daddy tells us so.

However, even if you do not have Children, have you ever watched them in a Play Area? They do not care what the other kids look like. They do not care what the other kids may have or not have. What society may or may not say about them. Nope. They love their new friend. Boy, Girl, Black, White, Pink with Purple Polka Dots, Rich, Poor, None of that matters whatsoever. They simply do not care. They are them, they accept the other Kids for whatever they are. If they look REALLY different, they may even ask why. But then, you know what, they go on playing without a second thought.

Then Jesus teaches us that if we want to be great? We should do what? Serve.

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

If Jesus, the Lord of lords, and the God of gods, The Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, came to serve us, wash our feet, and even die for us, who are we to try to be Famous. To put ourselves on a pedal stool. We are not to strive to be great, or praised by men. We are to serve our fellow Men and Women.

This applies to Children of God too. More so even. The temptation is still there. Remember what Jesus told us about the Pharisees and Leaders of Religion of His time.

"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others." Matthew 23:2-12

Even though they claim to be serving God, they seek to BE God. Jesus tells us that this is not how we should be. He goes on to say this.

"But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Wait. We are not to be called Teachers, Rabbis, Masters, or whatever. So we are not supposed to teach the Word? God Forbid. Of course, we are Sowers of the Seed. But it is NOT about us.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” Galatians 2:20

John put it this way.

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:16

You see, as with most things, the Lord’s Philosophy is completely opposite from the World. To be Great in the World is to put importance on Self. In the eyes of the World, you are great based on the Position or Title you have. You may be a Youtube Star, Sports Star, Musician, Actor, Lawyer, Engineer, a Doctor, to name a few, and that makes you great according to the World’s Standard.

Because of this World’s Value System, which is controlled by? Yeah. Pride is a must and worldly Pride demands that you enter into this system before you can be accepted, applauded and respected. This is Satan’s Spirit that controls this World the lust of the flesh. Lust of the eyes and pride of life.

The answer is simple. If you chose to be Great. Or you are striving to be Great, first, decide by who's Standards are you striving for Greatness. Then simply act on it. The world sense, well, you know the Path. However, if you want to be TRULY great, meaning great in the Kingdom of God, then you must first become a Servant. As Jesus came and washed our Feet, we must do the same.

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 heal 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 believe He raised from the dead. 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.

Many gods, Who Do You Serve?

But only ONE God,

Who do you serve? That is the question. People say all the time that there are many Gods. Truth is, there ARE many gods. But there is only one God. There are many lords, but only one Lord. There are many masters, but only one Savior. Who do you serve?

Oh, make sure you understand this simple fact. You HAVE a god, lord, and master. You DO serve a god, lord, and master. The Word tells us this.

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

What does this mean? It means we all, as Humans, have Free Will. We choose what we hear. We chose what we see. We choose what we do. We choose what we do not do. We are free beings with Free Will. In this series, we will be looking at some of these gods, lords, and masters, that are common for people to serve. Sometimes, they do so without even knowing it.

Today, we will start with a common one. Money. Yup. Money can be a god, lord, and master.

Actually, this is one of those things that Jesus spoke out about open and plainly.

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

The sad truth is, as those who seek to remove God from Society, are unwillingly, well, some unwillingly, are replacing God with the god of Money. Our Banks have become Churches for some. Our Stockmarket is like the Vatican. People are doing any and everything they can to get, and get more, and keep Money.

They will lie. They will steal. They will even Murder. All in the name of Money. However, it does not have to be extreme to be a servant to Money. Once you fully get this concept, the rest is pretty simple to understand. Is your J.O.B your G.O.D.? I'm seriously asking you. Is your Job your god? Ridiculous you say? Are you sure? Think about it.

We spend most of our awake time at our Jobs. We do things that we would never do for our Jobs. Our Jobs pay us money that???

Pays our bills, gives us a roof over our heads. Food on the Table. Cloths on our bodies. Electricity. Vehicle to come and go. Entertainment. We rely on our Job to meet our needs. Used to be, people would work 9-5 Monday through Friday. They would go out and do whatever it was that would supply them with the money to live. The Wife and Mother would stay home to raise the children. Then after Dad got home, they would all sit around the table and have dinner. Talking, sharing their day's events. Then came the Weekends, where they would spend time as a family.

Now, most of the time, both the Man and Woman are both out working 24-7. Working 9-5 is nearly all but gone. Weekends off? Rare. Got to make that Money.

We've talked about this before. God did not create Money. God has no use for it. We did. Money and Wealth is a Man-made concept. We chose to say that this piece of paper is worth one dollar or a hundred dollars. We chose to say that this shiny rock, is worth all this money. Imagine God, looking down from Heaven, when He sees someone open an Oyster's Shell and see a spitball, and say, "This is valuable." It's is foolishness.

However, it is the system we created. It is a system we must live in. It is the system that can and does, lead some to an early Grave. They work themselves to death. Some are very successful, out there doing what they do, and then they come home and wonder, "Where did the Kids go?" Well, they Graduated and are out on their own. Sorry, you missed them grow up. Got to make that money.

"Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!" Proverbs 23:4

When you drive your body, 24-7, you deprive it of sleep, food, and even simple rest. Eventually, it will give out. He who dies with the most toys wins? Got to make that money.

God does not want you to worry. Jesus taught us this fact, that as a Child of God, you should not only have no fear of these things but take no thought of them at all. If we, as a Child of God, put our trust in Him, He is faithful and just, to meet our every need.

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”" Luke 12:15

Then He tells us this.

"For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Luke 12:23-31

Where is your Faith? Is your Faith in God? To be faithful and true to His Word that HE will meet your needs? Or is your Faith in yourself, and your job, to meet your needs? Where is your Faith Child of God?

You may say something like, "But you don't understand. I do not want to drive that. I do not want to live there. I want MORE. So much more. I got to do whatever I got to do to make more Money."

"Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." 1 Timothy 6:9

The Word even tells us this plainly.

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

We are not to fear anything. The God who created all things and then Created us, and gave us all the things He Created, is able to make sure your bills get paid. He is willing and able to Bless you Richly. Both now and the time to come.

Do you really think all life is about is getting up, going to a job, and paying bills until you die? This is a Life that needs to be Lived. Jesus said this.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

This brings us to a bit of a test. I know some of you will not like this test. However, it is a true test. What am I talking about? Tithe.

"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:8-11

I know, I know. Some of you do not Tithe. Most for one of three reasons.

1 - Greed.
2-  Fear.
3-  Doubt.

Greed is self-explanatory. Mine, mine, mine. Me, me, me. I earned it. I can do whatever I want with it. Yup. This is true. You can. But if you do not give anything to the local Church, how then will there be a local Church. They need funds for Bills, and the Pastor, and more importantly, for those that the Church serves.

James puts it this way.

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:15-17

How do you think the Church, you, in essence, can Cloth and feed those who have need without Money? Again, God did not create our financial system. We did. However, since the Church is operating in this realm, they need Money.

A Tithe is Ten Percent. Not Five. Not Two. Not Eight. Ten percent.

Fear? Some do not give because they have little faith and fear that 90 percent will not cover all their needs. This is simply not true. The 90 percent may seem less, but it will go far farther than the 100 percent ever will. Why? God said so. Really as simple as that. God even says "test me."

"And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts."

Some people love God and have heard about Sowing and Reaping, Giving and Getting, and planting Seeds for the Kingdom. They want to believe. They do not really have fear? Yet they do not have enough Faith to truly believe that they can let go and trust God wholly. Fully.

This is a good test for you to give to yourself. Try it for the next 30 days. Not just your Paycheck, but anything that brings you in Money. Most nowadays only get paid twice a month. This means you will only Tithe twice. But let us say you get a gift of Money and a little side money from a hobby or something. You get paid $1500.00 and receive another say $300.00 So your Tithe would be $150.00, and $30.00. Try it and see what happens.

Do not put your job before God. Do not put your Money before God. Trust in Him and seek first Him and His Kingdom and see what happens. God even dares you to do it. Next time we will talk about another god, lord, and master that we have created for ourselves. You may be surprised.

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just 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!

House of God, Building the Temple, Roof

The Roof, 

Or the Coverings. The Top. Remember we are talking about this statement.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" 1 Corinthians 6:19

We talked about the need to "rebuild" the Temple of God. Or to build up the House of God. What is that? YOU. You are the Temple, the House of God.

We talked about laying a Solid Foundation with The Word of God. With the Wisdom of God and not of the things of this World.

We then talked about building the Walls of Faith, so when the storms and the trials and tribulations come, and the beat on the Walls, that is where they will stay. On the outside. You will be just fine.

What is left? We have the Foundation, as Jesus Himself told us.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27

We built up the Walls of Faith. So no matter what comes, it will be deflected. Knowing this, {Romans 8} NOTHING can nor will ever come between you and the Love of God through Jesus the Christ. NOTHING. So we can truly have no fear.

However, we still have one component left. A House, a Temple, any kind of dwelling, is no dwelling without a Roof. If it rains, you are going to get wet. If it snows, you will get cold and wet. If it was to rain down Hail and Brimstone, you are going to get burnt and most likely die.

How do we build the Roof? We don't. I will say that again. We built the Foundation in The Word. We Built the Walls with Faith. Now the Roof? Well, that is all God.

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" 2Thessalonians 3:3

God covers us with His Love, Grace, and His Protection. We read this in second Samuel

"My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." 2 Samuel 22:3-4

It is not us. Not because we were so good at laying the Foundation. It is not because we have such great Faith that we no longer need anything. No. It is because God loves His Children. He loves us even though we are far from perfect. Far from Sinless. He covers us with His Grace.

"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16

There is nothing we could do to EARN our Salvation and God's Love.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

You see, we are now the Children of God. My kids, whenever they want something, they know where I am. They come in and say "Daddy?" Then state their case, present their petition, or beg for forgiveness if they messed up. But they would not even think about it. They come and go as they chose. My baby girl will not only come in, but she will climb up in my chair with me. One of her favorite places to simply fall asleep.

I shared this story before. My baby Girl once looked me in the eyes when I was angry with her and said: "But I can talk to you because you are my Daddy." God IS our Daddy. We can come and go as we chose.

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

It is going to rain. It is going to Snow. We may even see Hail and Brimstone at some point. Hey, it has happened in the past. Right? But it does not matter what happens as long as you are covered in God's Grace and Love. Even all those things that we did ourselves. Our own Sins.

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Psalm 32:1

You see Child of God, God actually covers you BEFORE you even start laying the Foundation. Before you build the Walls. God is there. He called you out. He covered your Sins and weaknesses with His Love and Grace. All we have to do is accept it.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." James 4:7-10

If you are a Child of God, then you ARE the House of the Lord. You are a Home to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Stand firm. Have no fear. Know always, God is with you. Always.

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just 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!