Who IS God?

 Who Is God?

Hello, welcome today. As we get ready to head into the Holiday season and get into a tradition here at TAG that is the "The Gift" Series, I thought perhaps it would be important to start out by going back to basics.

See, for many, Christmas, and Easter are the only times that they go to church. The only times during the year that they may even think about God or anything to do with Him. We all know, at least most in some way, that Christmas is all about "The Gift," Jesus, being born unto us for our salvation. But where does He come from? Who is God after all? Is He even real? Well?

"In the beginning, God"

To believe in anything greater than self, greater than what can be seen, heard, or touched, one must believe in God. To accept reality, one must believe in God. To believe in science and math, one must believe in God. To understand life itself, one must believe in God.

The truth is simple. There are two predominant theories of why we are here. One, evolution. The second, creationism. One is scientifically, and mathematically, impossible. The other, many say, it takes too much faith to believe in. I submit to you, that to believe in evolution, you would have to possess much more faith than to believe in God.

Evolution would have you believe that there was nothing. From nothing, came one single-cell organism, and that one single-cell organism formed into every life on the planet. Hot-blooded, cold-blooded, trees plants mosquitoes, man, etc. EVERYTHING.

Now science and mathematics both prove this false. Nothing from nothing is nothing. Nothing to nothing is nothing. You must first have something to be added. Second, DNA and other scientific breakthroughs prove that we are not all related. Hot, cold-blooded, trees, people, fish, ETC. We are all unique and can not have evolved from one cell. So to believe in evolution, you have to have faith that what science and mathematics prove false, actually happened.

So we have God. God said, BANG! There was life. God said, there is man. God created all that is, was, and ever will be. God IS. If God is, then we are nothing more than part of his creation and to truly be happy, must get to know who He is and what he wants for us. That age-old question. Why are we here? Who is God? What can we do, to get to know Him?

So let's look at God. God is not, some old man, sitting on a throne, demanding your respect, or he is ready to condemn you to everlasting damnation. Sorry. He's not. Let me introduce you to God. Not some form of God created by the traditions of man called religion, nor by the mind of some fiction writer weaving a story. No, I want to introduce you to the real God. The God who loves the world so, he gave his only begotten Son to die for all mankind.

God created us. We sinned and turned out backs on him. He wanted to wipe out all his creation for the second time, yet found ONE man faithful. Noah. Because of Noah, mankind was given a second chance.

"And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth." Genesis 6:13

Noah followed what God said, and we were all spared. Every time you look up in the sky and see a rainbow, know that this is God's Promise to Noah.

"and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh." Genesis 9:10-15

So having established a new covenant with the one man on earth, that God found faithful and just, God could by no way destroy us all. Even though, again, being all of one accord, one language, one mindset, we turned our backs on God again. We fell into the same temptation as Lucifer and attempted to enter into Heaven itself. It was called the Tower of Babel.

"Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth." Genesis 11:1-9

Ever since this time, Racism and division have existed. But this was still not enough. Man's heart was continually evil and the imaginations of it were as well. God gave us the Ten Commandments not to make our lives more difficult, but to keep us safe and in good graces, with Him and the ways He established for us. We forgot these Laws. So he sent profits to warn us. Entire Races of people ignored His will and reaped the fruits of their disobedience. Then, he decided there was only one way. Jesus.

God laid down His Godhood and became flesh.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.." John 1:14

John 3:16?

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

Keep reading...

"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."

See we see signs in sporting events. On TV. All over the place. John 3:16. But most of the time. That's where it stops. You see this is true. God loved the world so. Did many things to attempt to save us from ourselves. The only thing left for him to do is to pay the price for us. So he sent Jesus, God in the flesh, to suffer all sin and death, that we may live. However, in this very simplicity, mankind still finds a way to get lost. They seem, many, to think, it can't be this simple. But it is. Again?

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

Notice it does not say, God said, believe in Jesus or be sent to hell. No. It says, believe in Jesus, and be saved. There is a big difference. You see, God does not say, believe, or else. He says believe or else there is nothing more for you to do. You are ALREADY condemned. You Condemn yourselves, by not accepting the gift.

"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."

Let's say you are in debt. You are about to lose your home. I come in and say, I understand you are in debt. You are about to lose your home. You owe a price you can not pay. Here I am. I will pay it for you. Take this briefcase full of money. There is more than enough to pay your price and even make the rest of your life one of ease.

You have a choice to make now. Say yes. Take the gift. Save your home and live at ease. Or? Say no. Do not take the gift. You lose your home and suffer many things. Did I condemn you to this? No. You CHOSE it. By not accepting the gift I have for you. What was about to happen, happens. I do not hate you. I am not vengeful toward you. I'm not punishing you. You CHOSE to reject my gift.

Look at the hot stove. You are cooking. Your child comes up and goes to touch the stove. You tell your child, "No. Do not touch it. If you touch it, you will be burned." He touches it. He gets burned. Did you burn him? No. You simply told him what would happen because you wanted to spare him the pain.

God is the same. Look at Romans 8

"What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

So it is God who justifies who you are. It is God who sees your heart and knows your mind. He is the one that makes you whole, and pure. Able to accept the gift of salvation. Does it then mean it is God that also condemns? If you do not do what he says, he will throw you in the lake of fire? No. What does it say?

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

You see, God condemns no human. He created Hell for Lucifer and the third of the Angles that followed him.

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41

In Isaiah 14:11-13

"Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, the sound of your harps; maggots are laid as a bed beneath you, and worms are your covers. “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north;"

Revelations 12:8-10

"but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God."

And in Revelations 20:9-10

"And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever"

Hell was never intended for man. It was created for and exists for the devil. However, we all have free will. We can choose to accept the gift of life, which is simply accepting Jesus, or we can choose not to. If we chose not to, then we go down the same road. We chose the same path. We reject God. He does not reject us. It is by our own actions that we are condemned, or it is by the grace of God, through the blood of Jesus, we are saved.

Continuing in Revelations 20:11-15

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence, earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Again, who is it that is written in the Lamb's Book of Life? Those that accept the Lamb. Those that accept his sacrifice for their lives. His death that they may live. God is a God of Love. He created you out of love. He will not condemn you, of which he loved so, he gave Jesus to suffer all that is. Did He do this just to justify sending you to everlasting condemnation? Everlasting torment? He has given you the simplest way out. He has even paid the price for you. All you have to do is accept it.

So the next time you hear that God is a God of hate, and vengeance, just waiting to condemn anyone that does not obey him to everlasting torment, know this. It is a lie. Understand who God really is. The only way to fully understand God is to get to know him. The only way to get to know him is to accept the gift that is the Christ Jesus and his sacrifice for you. Whereby you can then receive the Spirit of Adoption, and cry Abba Father.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons 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." Romans 8:14-15

If you are hearing of these things for the first time, please, take a second. Say this prayer in your own words.

"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 believe that He came to earth to die for my sins. I believe that He raised from the dead. 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. You have just become a new creature. You have just been adopted into the family of God. Get to know him. If you do not have a church, ask Him to lead you to the one HE wants you to be a part of. Get Baptized as an outward profession of your faith. Get to know His Word, and keep it. For it will keep you.

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, God Bless, and Jesus IS Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving 2020

 I know, 

I know it seems like an oxymoron. Happy anything 2020. But it is still the day that most people have set aside to give thanks to God. You may not think about it much right now, but you do have many things to give thanks about. Here are some of the things I am thankful for.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." John3:16-18

Yes, the world shut down. Toilet paper was hard to come by. But?

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

Yes, schools closed down and parents had to try to juggle work if they still had a job, and helping the kiddie learn from home. However?

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Romans 8:15-18

Yes. we just had a turbulent and some say rigged election. However?

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:18-21

He has indeed blessed me.

I'm alive.

I have a loving wife who takes good care of me and holds my hand through this life. 

I have three, basically, four counting my niece, beautiful children that have enriched my life.

I have an opportunity and honor to serve in a local church and to share messages here. 

I have the honor and privilege to know without question, I AM a child of God.

No matter what happens here on earth in this time, I know that there comes a day when I, and all those who have accepted God's plan of salvation, will leave this place and go to a far better one. There is nothing to fear.

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

Do you want that? It really is as simple as saying this prayer. Right now, wherever you are. All you have to do is mean it in your heart. Let's 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!"

We have EVERYTHING to be thankful for. If you have never said that prayer before, or you have made a decision to come back into the family. Maybe you wondered off for a bit. Maybe you have never been taught to take this seriously. Maybe you just feel the tug of God. Whatever the case is, you can always start by thanking Him that you are alive. Thank Him that you woke up this morning. Thank Him for your very next breath. Thank Him for Jesus. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice. Never forget, without God, it is impossible. But not with God. For with God, all things are possible.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

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!

Book of John, Chapter 15

 Chapter 15, 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.  No longer do I call you servants, for the servant, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you so that you will love one another.

 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 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. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Talking to God, He Already Knows

 He already knows. 

We have been talking about walking with God. We talked about the fact you need to walk. Do something. 

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22

We talked about having the right mind.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:2

We talked about the need to read God's Word and the need to pray. Spend actual time with God. Last time we talked about the formula if you will. The famous "Our Father Prayer." Here is the formula. The model in which Jesus says to pray.

Have no other God before God. Jesus tells us when we Pray, we should start off, recognizing God, first as our Father, our Daddy, and we need to recognize His Godhood. We should praise Him. Thank Him. Honor Him. Let Him know we understand that it is not about us, but His Will. Put Him first in our lives.

Then Jesus is telling us that we must rely on God, and not ourselves, to meet our daily needs. He just tells us right before this Prayer example that, "for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him." This is what we will focus on today.

Forgive those that have sinned against you. Those that have abused you. Mistreated you. Used you. Forgive any that you have a cause to forgive. Why? In explaining the Prayer example, Jesus starts out with this.

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you::" Matthew 6:14

Be careful Child of God. Jesus tells us plainly.

"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:15 

Then Jesus tells us to ask our Father, to protect us from ourselves. What He is saying is that you need to strengthen yourself in truth and righteousness. Strengthen your spirit, to overcome the temptations of the flesh.

Prayer does not have to be this long complicated process. One of the reasons for this is that God already knows. He already knows you. He already knows your circumstance. He already knows your need. The word declares that He already knows what you are even going to say.

"Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether." Psalm 139:4

God already knows. He actually knows better than we do. Remember this conversation Jesus has with Peter?

"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same." Matthew 26:30-35

We all know what happened. They came and arrested Jesus and people spotted Peter and say, "he is one with Jesus" and Peter said?

“I do not know what you mean.”

Another,

“I do not know the man.”

And a third?

"Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed." Matthew 26:74

We think we know us pretty well. But God knows us better. Even if we think we would NEVER do or say something, act in a sinful way, or even a righteous way, God already knows. Peter had no clue that Jesus was about to be arrested, and all the things that were about to take place. Even if Jesus told him. He would have never even imagined that he would be a coward and deny even knowing Jesus. This is the same guy that cut off Malchus's ear with a sword. Yet? God already knew how he would act. What he would say.

Imagine how Peter felt after he denied Jesus. Wait. We do not have to imagine.

"And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:75

Luke tells it like this.

"And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly." Luke 22:61-62

I cannot imagine what Peter felt like. I would be hurt if I thought I disappointed my Pastor or someone in the Church. Here is the Lord of lords and the King of kings, who Peter saw raise people from the dead, who Peter declared to be Son of God. He just denied Him and watched Him be beaten. God already knew.

God also already knew what Peter was going to do after. Peter may have been so heartbroken and sad because of his denial and Jesus being put to death, he was ready to give up. Don't believe me? John 21:3

"Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing."

Then you know what happens. Jesus appears before Peter and the rest and gives the "Great Commission." Peter becomes a pillar and one of the greatest Saints to ever live and ended up being killed for his faith. God already knows.

God already knows you. Better than you do. He already knows your circumstance, better than you do. He already knows what you have true need of. Not what we want. Desire. Or even truly believe we need. God already knows. Just trust in Him and talk to Him. Share life with Him. Let Him be your Father. Never think you cannot go to God in prayer because you do not know how or what to say. God already knows. Just follow the formula. Just talk to Him.

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 you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of John, Chapter 14

 Chapter 14

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going.”Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than these will he do because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.  And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

Talking to God

 Our Father Prayer

Welcome today, come in. Good to see ya.

Congregation arrives...

Please stand...

Congregation stands...

"Goodwill to you, goodwill to me, goodwill to all, peace on earth. Amen." "God be with you."

Congregation "Also with you."

Please be seated.

Today I want to talk about the Church's teachings on women wearing pants. In 1860, our great leader, Father Notta Real Person, said women need to honor their husbands and God. They shall wear dresses and cover their heads. Men should wear trousers, and honor their wives. So saith the Lord. Please stand...

Congregation stands...

"Goodwill to you, goodwill to me, goodwill to all, peace on earth. Amen." "God be with you."

Congregation "Also with you."

Congregation sits.

I understand that we have gotten away from these traditional teachings of Father "Person", and society may see things differently. But we know that God doesn't care about society. If you follow what the Church says on this manor, you will be just fine. You are all absolved of your sins. May you have a great week.

Congregation stands...

"Goodwill to you, goodwill to me, goodwill to all, peace on earth. Amen." "God be with you."

Congregation "Also with you."

Congregation leaves, shaking hands on the way out...

Back to Football, BBQs, shopping, life in general...Until next week.

What just happened? "What? What do you mean? I went to church." Really? "Of course. I went to church and learned about God, and I feel good. I was forgiven for my sins. I prayed. What do you mean what just happened?" What did you actually learn? What Bible passage did you actually read? You prayed? "Yes of course I prayed. Grace to you, grace to me, grace to all, peace on earth. Amen. What are you not getting here? I'm a good person. I go to church every week."

Do you know people like this? Have you been people like this? You have people that go to church every week. They do what Jesus said to do. They Pray the "Our Father Prayer" three times. They go home. Again, it seems nothing works out. Why? They are saying the prayer that Jesus Himself taught us to pray? Right?

Well, no. Not exactly. Did Jesus give us the "Our Father Prayer?" in Matthew 6? Of course. But what was He actually telling us? You see, He was teaching us how to Pray, by teaching us the formula. He was giving us an example of HOW to Pray. He never meant for us to simply repeat it, in the hopes that we would be heard by God, and God will do whatever we asked Him. As a matter of fact, right before He gave us this example, He said THIS.

"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

He goes on to say, not, pray this prayer, but

"After this manner therefore pray ye."

He tells us that this is the formula. This is an example. "After this manner" or, to resemble in appearance, character, behavior, etc. or, to follow as an example. Keep in mind, He just said, "when ye pray, use not vain repetitions." So was Jesus telling us, Say the "Our Father Prayer" and all will be good? No. He was saying, this is how you should pray.

"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:"

But what does it mean? Let's break it down, shall we? First,,,

"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

Stop. Have no other God before God. Jesus tells us when we pray, we should start off, recognizing God, first as our Father, our Daddy, and we need to recognize His Godhood. We should praise Him. Thank Him. Honor Him. Let Him know we understand that it is not about us, but His Will. Put Him first in our lives.

See the very first Commandment is "Have no other God before God." Jesus tells us we should "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." So of course it makes sense that Jesus tells us the very first thing we should do when we pray, is worship Him and give Him the honor He deserves.

"Give us this day our daily bread."

Stop. Jesus is telling us that we must rely on God, and not ourselves, to meet our daily needs. He just tells us right before this prayer example that, "for your, Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him." Jesus then goes into great detail explaining this truth.

"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

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

Again, He tells us "for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Fear not. Your Daddy will meet your needs. Know that He is with you always. Thank Him for meeting those needs. Have faith He will.

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Stop. What is He saying here? Forgive those that have sinned against you. Those that have abused you. Mistreated you. Used you. Forgive any that you have a cause to forgive. Why? In explaining the prayer example, Jesus starts out with this.

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you::"

Be careful child of God. Jesus tells us plainly.

"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Remember, when Peter asked our Lord, in Matthew 18:21-22

"Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

And in Mark 11:25 

"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

As we have discussed before, there is absolutely nothing you could possibly even dream up, that is worthy to be compared to what God can do to these people. The most powerful words you could ever use against them are "I forgive you." Why? because then they are in God's hands. You are forgiven of all those Sins you are worthy of Hell for, and they are out of your hands, and control, and are now God's. Never forget...

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Romans 12:19

If you give in to your anger, it can lead to hate. You could lust after the desired end of another person. "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." Do not let it take you. Forgive. Besides all that, what have you, or what do you, still do, daily, that is worthy of damnation? Trust me. There is a list. Mine is REALLY long. Do not fool yourself.

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:"

Did you know that God will never test you with Sin? We read this in James 1:12-15

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

What Jesus is in essence saying here, is ask your Father, to protect you from yourself. What He is saying is that you need to strengthen yourself in truth and righteousness. Strengthen your spirit, to overcome the temptations of the flesh.

The devil never screams. He whispers. He reminds. He allows you to feel. Were or are you addicted to Porn? Have you overcome it? Now, you are walking through the Mall with your Family, and right there in front of you, is a teenage girl in one of the skimpiest little outfits you ever saw. Now you can't get the image out of your head. Or recovering from Drugs? All of a sudden, out of nowhere, you smell it. You taste it. Perhaps you have a dream about doing it. What happens? Now you can't get that image out of your head. If you give in, you may go right back into the bondage of the sin you have overcome. Did the devil make you? Nope. You did it. All by yourself.

So Jesus tells us to be ever vigilant. Spend time with your Father. Ask Him to give you the strength to overcome. To be steadfast. He wants a relationship with you. Walk with Him. Talk with Him. One of the best things you can do next to reading the word is prayer. 

Sometimes, people think about prayer as this holier than anything, grand procedure, that one must be skilled with the knowledge of how to do it. Well, no. Not exactly. All we need to do is follow Jesus's own formula. God already knows what you are going to say before you say it. More on that next time. 

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

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I 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 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 your heart that God has 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!!

Book of John, Chapter 13

 Chapter 13

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,  Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.  For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’  I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”  Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times."

The Right Mind

To walk with God, 

We just got finished talking about how God calls us to "Walk." To "Go." To "Do." So what does that mean? To walk in faith? In order to walk in faith, go forth teaching the Word, and making disciples, doing the work of the Father, you must have the right mind. Earl Nightingale, an American Motivational Speaker and Author, known as the "Dean of Personal Development," declared, "We become what we think about." Not only is this true, but it is also Biblical.

What happens when bad stuff happens in our lives? Loss of a loved one. Loss of a job. Breakups. Discovery of sickness. Covid? Whatever it may be. We, as humans, have a tendency to go to that most famous of all Movie Theaters in the world. We go to the lobby. We get our popcorn and big soda, we sit in the not so comfortable seats, and we watch the movie. We watch the events unfold over and over again. Oh, we may throw in there some "what ifs?" and "if onlys." But we play the events over and over again.

What about every day? Our daily lives? What is on your mind? What is the movie playing in your head? Is it the blockbuster "What Bills are Due?" Or, "Do I Get Promotion or Raise?" "How to Eliminate an Annoying Coworker?" Or the ever-popular "What's For Dinner?" Seriously. Check your ticket stub. What is playing right now?

Try this one.

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips, I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies, I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word."

That is Psalm 119:9-16 or "Beth"

Did you know that,

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

This, {Holding up the Bible} is the infallible, incorruptible, absolute, and complete, Word of God. It is NOT a history book. It is not a religious book. It is not a book of do's and don't's. It is the only way that you can receive the right mind. It is the only way you can take your mind off of world things and put them on Spiritual things.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:2

We are so overwhelmed with the things of this world, that sometimes they can come and choke out the very word of God from our lives. The lies start to be whispered in our ears. "The Bible is nothing important. It is filled with contradictions and is only meant to control your life." "It was written thousands of years ago. It does not apply to today." "You will never understand it." "You just don't have time to read it."

It IS the Word of God. There are NO contradictions in the Bible. Zero. There are misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and some differing perspectives, but there are NO contradictions. It was written by the hand of man, however, "All Scripture is breathed out by God." As for it being written thousands of years ago?

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." Malachi 3:6

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Himself said this.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Matthew 24:35

Yeah, it was written thousands of years ago, but it is still being played out just as it was written, we have not even gotten to Revelations yet. We are not finished and the Word is not finished. It is the living breathing Word of God that is as applicable now as it ever was. If not more so today.

Will you understand it? Yes. God will send the Holy Spirit into your life to teach you and to show you what He wants to show you. You could read the Bible a hundred times, you will see things every time that you may not have seen before. That is God talking to you through His Word.

You DO have time. Now please do not get offended, but did you miss your favorite show? Take in your favorite sporting event? Did you work out for over an hour? Did you go have coffee with friends? You have more time than you think. You just have to choose to prioritize the time to read the Bible. I get up early and spend the first few moments of time each day in prayer and reading our Father's Word. I find it prepares me better for the day than just getting up and watching the news.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

You cannot think about Godly things and worldly things at the same time. When we are in the flesh, we mind the things of the flesh. The end result of the works of the flesh? Galatians 5:19-21

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

However, the fruit of the Spirit are these,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." 22-26

You have the Spirit of God in you. You have the ability to put these thoughts away, and the faith to understand that it is all about God. That you, as a child of God, no longer have to worry. In Philippians 4:7-9

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Turn off that Movie Theater of the Mind. Or at least change the Movie. As our friends and family try to help. They say things like "it is what it is." Or "life goes on." Or "time heals all wounds." ETC. But there we sit, watching it over, and over, and over, again.

Sometimes, we find ourselves angry that we are where we are in life. We look around and we see others doing so well, and we are struggling to pay our bills. We can't go on a cruise whenever we want. We can't buy that new toy for our kid. We can't live in a million-dollar mansion. It's not fair. So we play the "Woe is Me" Movie, over and over, again.

It does not even have to be a catastrophic, or life-changing event. Sometimes, everything seems to be going right. Good job. Great relationship. Money in the Bank. Yet, you are depressed. Sometimes when all is well, you are worried that it will not last. "What if?" "What if it all ended tomorrow?" So the movie you are watching is what you feel will happen if it all goes away.

Time to change the Movie. Why? "We become what we think about." Like I said, this is not only true, but it is also Biblical.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

C.S. Lewis told us "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."

 
STOP WATCHING THE MOVIE. Stop thinking of what happened. Stop worrying about what might happen. Stop worrying at all. God is your Daddy, and He has your back. Simply trust in Him. If we become what we think about, and we do, then be mindful of what you are thinking.

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 you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of John, Chapter 12

 Chapter 12

Six days before the Passover, Jesus, therefore, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. Mary, therefore, took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,  “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor, you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

“Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt!”

His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtakes you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

“He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”

Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.  Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.  And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

The Walk

 God says "Walk"

There are 366 times in the Bible, where we are told to Walk. Just a few examples.

"Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you." Genesis 13:17

"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect." Genesis 17:1

"Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no." Exodus 16:4

"You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 18:4

He told Joshua this.

"Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." Joshua 22:5

In the new testament, Jesus said this.

"And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." Mark 10:21

The amplified version says it this way, "follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” As a matter of fact, what did Jesus say to all He came across to be His disciples? Peter and Andrew? James and John?

"And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:19-22

Matthew?

"As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him." Matthew 9:9

Again, walk appears over 366 times in the Bible. What is "walk"? What does it mean? "To move along on foot: advance by steps" It is an action. In every case where you read the word "walk" in the Bible, it is describing the action. Did Jesus tell His disciples to believe in Him and stay put, living their lives? No. He said "follow me." or, in other words, "walk" Get up. Get moving. in the great commission, we read these words by Jesus.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”"

Again, "Go." "Follow" "Walk" in the statues and commandments, or do them, follow them. Action. Not just yeah, I believe and then nothing. We must DO something. James warns us of this.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." James 1:22-25

When you read Acts and the early years of the church, you see that being a Christian and following Jesus is said to be "The Way." It is a way of life. They were together 24-7. They went to this house and that house, from this town to that town. They ate together and simply did life together.

The church was never intended to be a once a week thing if you feel like going. God is not happy with an hour a week out of your time. If you feel you have time. He wants to be your Daddy. He wants you to be His child. He wants an intimate relationship with you. You should be looking at God, as you look or looked, at your earthly family. 24-7. Just like them, God is there when you go to bed. He keeps you safe. He is there when you get up. He is there in the good times and the bad. He is there when you go out and when you come in. He is there always and always ready to talk with you and to take care of your needs.

Salvation was never intended to be a one prayer thing and then just go on with life. It was always meant to be a total life-changing event. You, by saying this Prayer,

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus 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!"

"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}

You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. Now you need to learn what Romans 8 truly means. Now you need to read the Book of John and get a better understanding of who He is. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be.

God has a purpose and a plan for you and your life. Just standing there is like standing there when someone drives by and shouts out the window. They say something like, "Hey, God loves you and He wants to adopt you into the family of God. He wants you to accept His sacrifice and become a new creature. Give yourself to Him and see how He will change your life forever." You see the car coming,. You hear "Hey, God looooovvvveeess yo" and the car is gone. Why? You did not move. What if Jesus walked by and you heard Him talking and He said, "Follow me," then continues walking and talking? If you do not move, if you do not walk, you will miss everything.

You MUST walk the way. Walk in faith.

"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 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."

But here is the good news.

"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."

I strongly encourage you to read all of Romans 8. Also, read the Book of John. Or, pick up your Bible and pray where God wants you to start. Do something. Do not do nothing. Do not think "I got mine and all is good." Do not think going to church an hour a week is good enough. Jesus said, "Follow me." Are you following? Or are you still standing there? Watching Him walk away?

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!