Category Archives: Christian

Christian, Inspirational

Defining Behavior

People define God’s law as they see fit. Instead of stretching definitions to suit our own benefit, what if we strictly defined the law in accordance with God’s original intent.

Exodus 20:13 KJV Thou shalt not kill. Seems clear enough, but man changes it to thou shalt not murder. We search out excuses. It’s okay in war, it’s okay in self defense, it’s okay if someone breaks into your home, it might be okay if adultery was involved, maybe there are extenuating circumstances, maybe it’s only manslaughter.

Exodus 20:9-10 KJV …thou shalt not do any work,… Yet, man says it’s not work if it was necessary. It’s not work if you wanted to do it. Even if it was work, surely God won’t hold it against me.

If you’ve never read Corinthians you may skip this paragraph. For those of you desirous of learning and keeping the law, keep reading. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 seems pretty clear. The only question is what is Church. Is it a building? Is it a time? Is it a combination of the two? Is it whenever and wherever two or more are gathered together in Christ’s name? This like all of God’s law depends on the heart of the listener.

When you read or hear the law seek understanding. When you have understanding seek strength. When you find yourself seeking excuses – you should know you are definitely walking in the wrong direction.

When you realize your walking in the wrong direction, there remains 1 John 1:9. Turn and define (live) the law favorably within God’s original intent. Why? Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 KJV

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Christian, Inspirational

Of Bondage and Baptism

I believe baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost is necessary for salvation. Mark 16:16.

So how do those imprisoned whether man or angel get baptized? They must ask. Ask their jailer. Ask the warden. Ask.

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Christian, Inspirational

Even Demons Dare to Dream

Have you ever wondered, can I make it to Heaven? Even fallen angels wonder the same thing.

The truth is only three beings have their final judgment now. They are going to be damned to Hell forever. One is the Devil. The other two may not know their final judgment yet, they may not even be alive. They are two individuals found in the book of Revelation, the Anti-Christ and the false prophet. Revelation 20:10

Because of God’s great mercy even demons might make it back to Heaven. 2 Peter 2:4 tells us that demons haven’t received their final judgment yet.

A continuing hope in Christ is key for both them and us. If they have opportunity then like us they should be baptized (Mark 16:16) and confess their sins (1 John 1:9). It might be easy to lose hope in chains and darkness, but to both demons and men I say remember. Remember only three in the Holy Bible have already been judged, therefore to the rest of us – hope remains.

Mercy triumphs over judgment.

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Christian, Inspirational

One for You and One for Me

There is only one law of God. It does need to be correctly discerned, but most do not rightly divide the word of God, they simply divide.

They say the Ten Commandments is under Mosaic law or under the Old Testament. They say the laws in Corinthians were only for the Corinthians. Do they not know the Holy Bible was written to you and to me?

There have been changes to the law which should be noted by every Christian. Animal sacrifice for sin came to an end at the death and resurrection of Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice for sin and now there can be none other. The dietary code of the Old Testament came to an end with Peter’s dream opening Christianity to the gentiles. God cleansed all animals to be eaten with thanksgiving.

Whatever law or precept you find in the Old or New Testament is good and most likely meant to be followed. There is one law. It applies equally to you and to me.

You might ask yourself a few questions when reading the law. Do I love the Lord enough to keep it? Why does God want me to keep it? Why was it written in the Bible, in any particular part or chapter? Knowing the law do I feel guilty if I break it? What blessings come with obedience?

It doesn’t hurt to ask questions. The truth will not be offended and there are eternal blessings in the answers.

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Christian, Inspirational

State of the Church

Recently, I have heard a few people comment on the great freedom we have to worship the Lord here in the United States and how blessed we are that it is so. What good is that freedom if the Church members will not hear and do not do God’s word.

Where is the persecution Christ promised? John 15:20. Satan is satisfied to give you religious freedom if what you practice is mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity.

What can combat mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity is the truth:

Baptism is required for salvation! Mark 16:16.

Following the Ten Commandments is expected. Exodus 20, John 14:15. I have heard it well expressed the first four show love for God and the last six show love for others. My advice is where you hear a law in the Holy Bible and it seems wise and good, keep it. Write them on your mind and heart. His precepts will guide you.

Read the Holy Bible and pray for understanding. Don’t be afraid to disagree with your pastor or others. Many who cling to denominational creed simply cannot hear the truth.

It is said speaking in tongues is evidence of the Holy Spirit. The Truth is evidence of the Holy Spirit. He is also known as the Spirit of Truth. He takes of Christ and gives to you.

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Christian, Inspirational

Superbowl LIV Hypocrisy

An attempted theme for the most recent Superbowl was the empowerment of women.

Yet the halftime show of Superbowl LIV appeared to be a competition between two beautiful women. Which one had the best physical assets and which one could shake those assets the fiercest and the sexiest. My elderly mother said of the halftime show she thought it was dirty.

So if the theme was empowerment of women, I think the producers of the Superbowl fell short. The message should have been you don’t have to be a female lesbian to coach or play football and you don’t have to strip to sing well.

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Christian

The 9/10 Church

Romans 3:10-12 KJV
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Where is the Church or denomination that promotes and keeps the 10 Commandments? The one I currently attend says we are not under mosaic law. They seem to forget who gave the law to Moses.

Don’t keep seven commandments, or eight commandments, or nine, try to keep them all.

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Christian, Inspirational

What Lack I?

If I accept Acts 22:16 KJV as the Gospel unto salvation, what lack I?

Only one thing: Remember to keep calling on the name of the Lord throughout your life and during your relationship with Jesus.

Call on Jesus to help you read and understand the Bible

Call on Jesus when you need help to do the right thing.

Call on Jesus when you confess your sins.

Call on Jesus just to give him thanks.

After belief and baptism, all that remains is relationship. If you remember to call upon the name of the Lord and heed is word you will be called, chosen, and faithful.

Romans 10:13 KJV says, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

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Christian, Inspirational

What Shall We Do?

What shall we do to be saved? The simple and clear answer is found in Acts 22:16 KJV,

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Now there are crusades that claim to have saved millions. They usually practice unscriptural methods of salvation such as asking for a decision card or a prayer of salvation. Why don’t they start others off with a firm foundation? It is because they don’t know the Truth themselves. This leaves another glaring question. How many of those souls never found the narrow gate because they were never washed of their sins, because they weren’t invited into the family of God at the point of conversion?

The start often determines the finish. All of the major crusades whether in California or Africa should not only preach baptism from the start they should practice it. I found that a large crusade in California hosts baptism on the beach a few weeks after the conference. How many souls are lost between the crusade and the baptisms?

I’m not saying decision cards aren’t a good way to connect you to a local Church and I’m not saying a prayer of salvation can’t be the beginning of a relationship with Christ. What I am saying is that the correct knowledge of the Gospel includes baptism for the remission of sins into the body and family of Christ. It is crucial.

Jesus said, in Matthew 28:19-20 KJV, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

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Christian, Inspirational

Prayer of Faith

This is my 3rd and final piece of my series “Healing School”.

James 5:15 says, And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

What is the prayer of faith and is it required for healing? I’ll answer the latter first. Yes, this scripture makes the prayer of faith a requirement for healing.

Faith is belief. It is belief in Jesus our Messiah. It is belief that God has both the power and willingness to do miracles. The prayer of faith then is a prayer by someone who believes.

There are entire denominations such as the Church of Christ which believe miracles are ended. I won’t get into the verse they misinterpret to achieve this unbelief. Their unbelief, however, would exclude the entire denomination from the healing power of God as described in James, which promises New Testament miracles.

Is it required that all the praying elders have faith (or enough faith) to believe for the person to be healed? The quick answer is I don’t know for sure.

I don’t think God intentionally placed an insurmountable burden on people to receive healing. I believe if the seeker has faith of being healed and those praying believe God can that they will find healing.

Seek and ye shall find.

Ask and you will receive.

To be clear: If you need healing, seek it according to James 5:14-15. Ask the elders to perform James 5:14-15 as written for you. You may have to go to multiple churches or denominations. Ask the elders if they believe in the power of God. Ask the elders if they believe God can perform a miracle and heal you of your sickness.

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