Monday, December 28, 2009

The Safe Place

We face many uncertainties in the days ahead: financial pressures, terrorism, and global warming to name a few. However, God has provided us the safe place to reside. Hear how God severs land, provides a sign of His favor, and requires His children to separate from the world. As we face another New Year, this message will prepare you to flourish in 2010!



Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas From a Hebraic Perspective

In this message, Pastor Jenkins teaches on the Mission of Christmas, the Makeover of Christmas, and the Miracle of Christmas. The Mission of Christmas is to be understood in God's making covenants with man. The Makeover of Christmas reveals the true meaning of Matthew 1:21 ("saved from sin"). The Miracle of Christmas focuses on the thirst for the supernatural. Prepare to be challenged as you listen to this teaching.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

What Does Chanukah Mean To Me

Chanukah commemorates several miracles. There’s the miracle of the under-manned and under-armed Maccabees defeating the powerful Greek military machine. There’s the miracle of the small cruse of pure oil fueling the Temple menorah for eight days.

Then there’s the less discussed miracle: the fact that the Maccabees embarked on a campaign to expel darkness, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds. Their faith in G-d was nothing short of miraculous.

And it was this man-made miracle that made the other two possible.

What a beautiful Chanukah thought: If I want G-d to perform great miracles, I should perform some miracles myself.

Listen as Pastor Barry Jenkins discusses this holiday and why we should consider its importance as Christians.



Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Ultimate Thankfulness

As a people blessed with so much, we can, at times, rend to feel like
something is wrong when things don't go our way. It easier to be
thankful when we have a proper perspective of God as our supplier, and
of his timing with that supply. Rev. Daniel Burke relays a story of
four kings, and ultimate thankfulness toward God.



Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Living on Purpose - Passion for Living

Living on Purpose - Passion for Living. How to live the life of God's Purpose and not mimicking the crowd.
Psa 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psa 139:15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psa 139:17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Be the person God formed you to be!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Speaking to the Mountain Part 2

In the second part of this series, Pastor Jenkins reviews verses from the book of Proverbs that emphasize the power of speech to bring joy, deliverance, and preservation. Then, the Ethics of Speech from a Hebraic worldview is presented. There has been much abuse and error on speaking the word, but that is not a valid reason to avoid truth. This series approaches the topic from a Hebraic worldview.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Speaking to the Mountain Part 1

In the first part of this series, Pastor Jenkins reviews Mark 11:23 explaining the Greek grammar and tenses Then, he explains the support from the Hebrew Scriptures for speaking to objects, and examines how the disciples used the same approach to minister healing and deliverance. There has been much abuse and error on speaking the word, but that is no reason to avoid truth. This series approaches the topic from a Hebraic worldview.


Monday, November 9, 2009

What is Really Happening Part 7: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

In the seventh part of this series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard is studied. Hear this message and you will understand what the original disciples understood. If you think this parable is about the workers, you don't understand it. It is about grace not work.



Sunday, November 1, 2009

What is Really Happening Part 6: The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector

In the sixth part of this series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector is studied. Hear this message and you will understand what the original disciples really heard. If you think this parable is just about how to pray, then you don't understand it.



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Blessing Part 3: Let Light Shine out of Darkness

In this third part of this series, Susan Jenkins will continue to explain The Blessing of God as it relates to our past mistakes.
2Co 4:1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2Co 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2Co 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.
2Co 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2Co 4:5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
Come join us on this wonderful journey of knowledge and understanding to fully live the life God has designed for you.

Monday, October 26, 2009

What is Really Happening Part 5: The Parable of the Unjust Steward

In the fifth part of this series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the Parable of the Unjust Steward is studied. Hear this message and you will understand what the original disciples really heard. If you think this parable is about money, then you don't understand it.



Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Blessing Part 2: Be Blessed and Prosper

In this second part of this series, Susan Jenkins will continue to explain the first commandment and anointing given by God. We will explore the meaning of The Blessing and how we are to apply this knowledge in our everyday life. How are we to be "tuned in" to communicating with God and living by His authority. Come join us on this wonderful journey of knowledge and understanding to fully live the life God has designed for you.



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What is Really Happening Part 4: The Parable of the Rich Fool

In the fourth part of this series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the Parable of the Rich Fool is studied. Hear this message and you will understand what the original disciples really heard. The end is simple to understand but challenging to live.



Sunday, October 11, 2009

What is Really Happening Part 3: The Parable of the Good Samaritan

In this third part of this series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the Parable of the Good Samaritan is studied. If you think you already know what this parable means, listen to this teaching and be prepared for a paradigm shift. (Hint: it is not about who your neighbor is.)



Friday, October 9, 2009

What is Really Happening Part 2: The Woman at the Well

In this second part of this series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the woman at the well in John 4 is studied. Learn how Jesus deals with conflict, social taboos, political differences, and theological smokescreens. After this message, Jesus may seem a little different.



The Blessing Part 1: The Power and Anointing

In this first part of this series, Susan Jenkins will help explain the first commandment and anointing given by God. God blessed Adam and Eve and commanded them to be fruitful, multiply, replenish and take dominion. We will explore the meaning of The Blessing and how we are to apply this knowledge in our everyday life. Come join us on this wonderful journey of knowledge and understanding to fully live the life God has designed for you.





Sunday, September 27, 2009

What is Really Happening Part 1: The Call of Peter

In this first part of a new series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the call of Peter in Luke 5 is studied. Learn how Jesus operates when He calls you. Your image of the first century Jewish rabbi is going to change when you discover what is really happening!



Friday, September 25, 2009

Praying Psalm 9

Psalm 9 deals with an issue of the success of the evil in this world. I know I often consider why the "bad guys" always seem to win. Personally, I am dealing with this exact issue in my life. Why do those who do wrong get away with it by blaming others. This psalm gives me comfort that God's righteousness will ultimately prevail. David explains that despite all the dazzle of their temporary successes, the evil will fade into oblivion while only the Godly endure. Verses 5-6 state: "You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins, And You have uprooted the cities; The very memory of them has perished." God has promised to bring judgment to the wicked. For now, that should bring comfort. A further inquiry of these verses paints a frightening picture.


The Treasury of David portrays most graphically David's meaning: God rebukes before he destroys, but when he once comes to blows with the wicked he ceases not until he has dashed them in pieces so small that their very name is forgotten, and like a noisome snuff their remembrance is put out for ever and ever. How often the word "thou" occurs in this and the former verse, to show us that the grateful strain mounts up directly to the Lord as doth the smoke from the altar when the air is still. My soul send up all the music of all thy powers to him who has been and is thy sure deliverance. Verse 6 sets forth a striking image: Here the Psalmist exults over the fallen foe. He bends as it were, over his prostrate form, and insults his once vaunted strength. He plucks the boaster's song out of his mouth, and sings it for him in derision. After this fashion doth our Glorious Redeemer ask of death, "Where is thy sting?" and of the grave, "Where is thy victory?" The spoiler is spoiled, and he who made captive is led into captivity himself. Let the daughters of Jerusalem go forth to meet their King, and praise him with timbrel and harp.

We that belong to God have much to be thankful for. We never want to receive God's wrath, just His compassion and mercy. Pray the following today:
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. When my enemies turn back, They stumble and perish before You. For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the throne judging righteously. You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Praying Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a rapturous song that proclaims David's clarity of vision concerning God's handiwork. In the study of theology, there is a distinction between general and special revelation. Special revelation is the written Word of God. General revelation is the revelation of God through nature. This Psalm focuses on general revelation. David realizes that all of man's accomplishments are but gifts from God and should be dedicated to His service. Verse 3 says: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained...." (NASB) David could look at the sky and see God's hand. What do you see when you look at the sun, moon, stars, mountains, oceans, or nature in general?

The Treasury of David comments on "consider the heavens" as follows: "When I consider thy heavens, etc. Could we transport ourselves above the moon, could we reach the highest star above our heads, we should instantly discover new skies, new stars, new suns, new systems, and perhaps more magnificently adorned. But even there, the vast dominions of our great Creator would not terminate; we should then find, to our astonishment, that we had only arrived at the borders of the works of God. It is but little that we can know of his works, but that little should teach us to be humble, and to admire the divine power and goodness. How great must that Being be who produced these immense globes out of nothing, who regulates their courses, and whose mighty hand directs and supports them all!" Perhaps it is time for us to slow down in the midst of our busy lives in the 21st century and consider the heavens.

Today, slow down and look around you. What do you see? Pray the following:
I consider the handiwork of God O Lord, my Lord, I look around and I see your handiwork everywhere. How majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries. I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; O Lord, my Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sermon: The Feast of Tabernacles

In this message, Pastor Jenkins explains the practice, messianic, and prophetic significance of the Feast of Tabernacles. This was a time of rejoicing for the people of God. God's power to deliver and provide for His people were remembered as the festival was celebrated. Learn about Jesus' interruption of the proceedings as seen in John 7. You will see the connection between Jesus' teachings and the Jewish festival in a new light.



Sermon: The Feast of Trumpets

This feast begins the Jewish fall festivals. In this message, you will learn the how the feast was celebrated during Biblical times, its Messianic and prophetic significance. Included is a demonstration of the Dance of the Horah and the blowing of the shofar. The Feast of Trumpets was a call to repent and be ready for God's judgment.



Praying Psalm 7

Psalm 7 deals with the onslaught of vicious schemers. David recognizes that the generous of spirit seem powerless to deal with the wicked. His point is that the righteous must take heart in the knowledge that they will eventually prevail over the wicked, who will ultimately fall victim to their schemes. The bottom line: the wicked may look like they are getting away with their evil ways, but they are not. Psalm 7:1-5 says: I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me! If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me. O Lord my God, if I have done wrong or am guilty of injustice, if I have betrayed a friend or plundered my enemy without cause, then let my enemies capture me. Let them trample me into the ground and drag my honor in the dust. (NLT) David cries out to God for protection and boldly declares his innocence. Can we do the same?

The Treasury of David explains David's claim of innocence as: "The second part of this wandering hymn contains a protestation of innocence, and an invocation of wrath upon his own head, if he were not clear from the evil imputed to him. So far from hiding treasonable intentions in his hands, or ungratefully requiting the peaceful deeds of a friend, he had even suffered his enemy to escape when he had him completely in his power. Twice had he spared Saul's life; once in the cave of Adullam, and again when he found him sleeping in the midst of his slumbering camp: he could, therefore, with a clear conscience, make his appeal to heaven. He needs not fear the curse whose soul is clear of guilt." Some older hymns speak of having the slate wiped clean or having settled the question or having the account being settled long ago. Is this your testimony? Can you go before God and proclaim your innocence? It is good when one can stand before God with the account of sin settled.

Today, consider the following prayer adapted from verses 6-9:
Arise, O Lord, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice! Gather the nations before you. Rule over them from on high. The Lord judges the nations. Declare me righteous, O Lord, for I am innocent, O Most High! End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Praying Psalm 6

Psalm 6 was composed by David when he was sick and in pain. He intended his prayer for every person in sickness or distress, and particularly for Israel when it suffered oppression and deprivation. David pleaded with God that even if he must be punished for his deeds, that God do so gradually, but not in anger. Verse 2 says: "Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed." (KJV) David cried out in verse 4, " My soul also is sorely troubled. But thou, O LORD--how long?" (RSV) David understood both how to deal with pain as well as the source of healing. Ultimately, the decision was God's as to when he would receive deliverance.

David offers a key as to how to plead with God. Do you plead from strength or from weakness? The Treasury of David explains: Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak. Though I deserve destruction, yet let thy mercy pity my frailty. This is the right way to plead with God if we would prevail. Urge not your goodness or your greatness, but plead your sin and your littleness. Cry, "I am weak," therefore, O Lord, give me strength and crush me not. Send not forth the fury of thy tempest against so weak a vessel. Temper the wind to the shorn lamb. Be tender and pitiful to a poor withering flower, and break it not from its stem. Surely this is the plea that a sick man would urge to move the pity of his fellow if he were striving with him, "Deal gently with me, 'for I am weak.'"

Pray the following:
O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage. Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me? Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. It is in You, and in You alone, that I trust.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Praying Psalm 5

Yesterday, we looked at Psalm 4 which was a night time psalm (remember that the day begins at sundown). Today, we look at Psalm 5 which is a morning psalm. David is beset by enemies and he prays for deliverance. He seeks not just to alleviate his physical suffering, but also he wants to be free to serve God without distraction. Do you ever feel like you really want to serve God but something always gets in the way? If so, this psalm will have special significance for you. David writes in verses 11-12: But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. (NLT)

The Treasury of David explains: "Joy is the privilege of the believer. When sinners are destroyed our rejoicing shall be full. They laugh first and weep ever after; we weep now, but shall rejoice eternally. When they howl we shall shout, and as they must groan for ever, so shall we ever shout for joy. This holy bliss of ours has a firm foundation, for, O Lord, we are joyful in thee. The eternal God is the well-spring of our bliss. We love God, and therefore we delight in him. Our heart is at ease in our God. We fare sumptuously every day because we feed on him. We have music in the house, music in the heart, and music in heaven, for the Lord Jehovah is our strength and our song; he also is become our salvation." Our joy shall last for all eternity. God will not fail us, He will see us through. Take comfort in this truth.

Pray the following today:
I take refuge in You God and I rejoice; I will sing joyful praises forever and I will start today. Spread Your protection over me, because I love your name and fill me with joy. For you bless the godly and I am godly because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; you surround me with your shield of love.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Praying Psalm 4

Yesterday in Psalm 3, we saw David deal with the betrayal of his son Absalom. In Psalm 4, David has a message for Absalom's followers and it speaks to sinners of all ages. He calls on them to abandon their hypocrisy, and the deceptiveness of temporary victories and fading glory. David wants them to stop their slander and recognize truth. Is there someone in your life that is blinded by deception and sin? If so, this Psalm gives you clear direction how to help them.

Psalm 4:3-8 says: You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.
Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. (NLT) God grants His child peace; this not mean an easy life. There will still be trials and afflictions, but He will always be with us and He shall see us through to the end. His faithfulness is never an issue. The Treasury of David explains the connection to Jesus Christ: "Reader! let us never lose sight of the Lord Jesus while reading this Psalm. He is the Lord our righteousness; and therefore, in all our approaches to the mercy seat, let us go there in a language corresponding to this which calls Jesus the Lord our righteousness. While men of the world, from the world are seeking their chief good, let us desire his favour which infinitely transcends corn and wine, and all the good things which perish in the using. Yes, Lord, thy favour is better than life itself. Thou causest them that love thee to inherit substance, and fillest all their treasure."

Back to the original thought; what do you say to the deceived? This is a night time Psalm, it promises sweet rest. God gives His faithful sleep. The message to the deceived and sinner is: "how is your sleep?" Eventually, the sinner will loose his temporary joy that comes from sin. The loneliness and despair will be present. The rest that comes from Jesus is a witness that even in the midst of trial, we can have restful sleep! Pray the following today:
Let your face smile on me, Lord. I confess that You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain,new wine, and the pleasures of this world. You have given me peace and in peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Thank You Lord for rest.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Praying Psalm 3

The background of Psalm 3 is that David's son, Absalom, led a nearly successful attempt to overthrow his father. The situation looks hopeless, but David's trust in God fills him with peace and security. Have you ever been in a situation that looks like no matter what you do, it will end in disaster? Who or what do you turn to in such times? Do you draw nearer to God or do you turn to someone or something else? David gives us a perfect example of what to do when he writes in Psalm 3:3-4: (NASB) "But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah." "Selah" is a notation at the close of a thought and directs one to reflect upon its enduring significance. Like David, it is good to stop and meditate on God's glory and His being a shield to you.

The Treasury of David explains the shield and glory as: "The word in the original signifies more than a shield; it means a buckler round about, a protection which shall surround a man entirely, a shield above, beneath, around, without and within. Oh! what a shield is God for his people! He wards off the fiery darts of Satan from beneath, and the storms of trials from above, while, at the same instant, he speaks peace to the tempest within the breast. Thou art "my glory." David knew that though he was driven from his capital in contempt and scorn, he should yet return in triumph, and by faith he looks upon God as honouring and glorifying him. O for grace to see our future glory amid present shame! Indeed, there is a present glory in our afflictions, if we could but discern it; for it is no mean thing to have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings." Oh, that you and I could see this truth. How can we appropriate this truth to our lives? It begins by praying the psalm back to God.

Today, meditate and pray the 3rd Psalm as follows: You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I cry to you Lord with my voice, and You answer me from Your holy mountain. Selah. You sustain me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon me! Selah.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Praying Psalm 2

Today we look at Psalm 2. Have you ever known someone that was fighting God's will? This psalm expresses the futility of attempting to thrawt God's will. David had been appointed king over Israel and the Philistines had massed their army to depose of him. What is God's response to those trying to stop Him; He laughs. Verses 1-4 say: Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!"
(NASB) Notice that since David was God's choice, God considered an attack against David as an attack against Him. He laughs at those that seek to challenge His decrees.

The Treasury of David explains the division of this Psalm: "This Psalm will be best understood if it be viewed as a four-fold picture. (In verses 1, 2, 3) the Nations are raging; (4 to 6) the Lord in heaven derides them; (7 to 9) the Son proclaims the decree; and (from 10 to end) advice is given to the kings to yield obedience to the Lord's anointed. This division is not only suggested by the sense, but is warranted by the poetic form of the Psalm, which naturally falls into four stanzas of three verses each." Verse 12 says: Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (NASB) The Treasury of David explains the argument for reconciliation and obedience: Mark the solemn argument for reconciliation and obedience. It is an awful thing to perish in the midst of sin, in the very way of rebellion; and yet how easily could his wrath destroy us suddenly. It needs not that his anger should be heated seven times hotter; let the fuel kindle but a little, and we are consumed. O sinner! Take heed of the terrors of the Lord; for "our God is a consuming fire." Note the benediction with which the Psalm closes:—"Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Have we a share in this blessedness? Do we trust in him? Our faith may be slender as a spider's thread; but if it be real, we are in our measure blessed. The more we trust, the more fully shall we know this blessedness. We may therefore close the Psalm with the prayer of the apostles:—"Lord, increase our faith."


Today, pray a portion of Psalm 2 as follows:
"I will surely tell of the Words of the Lord: Thank you Lord God for your Word that says, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 'Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. 'You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.' " God grant me discernment; I worship You with reverence and I rejoice with trembling. I do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and I perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed am I because I take refuge in Him!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Psalm 1 Continued

We continue to look at Psalm 1. Verses 4-6 say: The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish. (NASB) Chaff gives an outward appearance of fruit, but they are actually hollow and without substance. The wicked will not stand with the righteous when they receive their eternal reward at the final judgment. Why is this so? Because the Lord attends to the way of the righteous and will protect and reward them. The wicked stand alone without Jesus the Messiah and they will perish.

This Psalm sets forth the two choices for living. One follows the Torah, i.e. law of God and the other seeks to follow the wisdom of man. What are you following? Is it the law of your church or denomination? Or, is it the law of your own mind. You need to be careful because there is a way that seems right to man, but the end is destruction. The safest choice is to follow God's Word. There is safety and blessing in obedience.

Pray the following today:
The wicked are like chaff which the wind drives away. I am not like the wicked because I meditate on the law of God. The wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. I have nothing to fear because I am righteous through the shed blood of Jesus Christ who died for me. For the Lord knows my way because I am righteous because of Him.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Praying the Psalms

The Psalms provide an excellent model for prayer and worship. David wrote many of them during times of joy, sorrow, stress and brokenness. Every emotion is covered and they will serve us well to pray them. Psalm 1:1-3 says: How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. (NASB) This Psalm sets forth the two ways: those that follow the Torah, i.e. of God or those that follow the wicked or sinners. Jews make a distinction between the latter two. A wicked person promotes lawlessness and a disregard for Torah, while the sinful one errs unintentionally. Yet, they are lumped together.

What is the benefit to those that meditate day and night on Torah? He will be nourished like a tree planted by a stream of refreshing water. He will yield fruit in the correct season. His leaf will not wither. This speaks of both health and decay, of abundance and inadequacy. On a tree that we might not expect to find fruit, there will be leaves that speak of life and health and God's blessing. This depicts the vital relationship between God and man. Do you think that you are not able to bear fruit for the King? Do not despair; meditate on Psalm 1 and trust His Words and not your thoughts.

Mediate (speak softly to your self the following adaptation of these first three verses:
I am blessed because I do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor do I stand in the path of sinners, Nor will I sit in the seat of scoffers! But my delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law I meditate day and night. I am like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, I yield fruit in its season And my leaf does not wither; And in whatever I do, I prosper.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Living the "Good Life"

John 14:6 says: "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." (KJV) The word life is the Greek word zoe. It means a manner of life that is "the life of God" meaning that which God requires, a godly life. It is a blessed life; a life that satisfies, being indwelt by God but not necessarily favored by the circumstances. This means that having the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable you to live a holy life, i.e. a life that desires to obey God's commands to the best of your ability, while at the same time having to deal with problems. God promises not that we will not have problems, but that He will be with us to overcome those problems.

Today, there is a brand of Christianity that promises freedom from difficulties. I believe that such preaching is designed to fleece the flock of money. You hear: "send me $100 and God will send you a ten fold return." God becomes a cosmic slot machine that pays every time. Such thinking is an offense against a holy God. Do I believe in tithing and the giving of offerings? Of course! Do I believe that God honors His Word and will open the windows of heaven to pour out a blessing to those that give (see Malachi 3:10: " Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.") Of course! However, God pours out blessings in many ways. We in America have a tendency to think about blessings as limited to money. What about good health so that you don't have medical bills so high that you can't pay your rent or mortgage. Blessings come in many forms. Have you considered how blessed you really are?

Today, consider God's blessing in your life. Jesus came to give you the zoe type of life. This does not mean that you will never have problems; but it does mean that you will never be alone in your problems. The "God kind of life" is a powerful testimony to the lost. But don't forget that Jesus certainly had the "God kind of life" and it lead Him to the cross. Are you really ready for the zoe life?

Monday, September 7, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 9

In part 9 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins concludes the study on spiritual warfare by explaining the strategies of the enemy. There is a survey of Bible examples to see how the devil has attacked in times past. In addition, there is clear teaching to determine whether an attack is from natural causes or supernatural causes. A final call to study the Word concludes this 9 part series.



Thursday, September 3, 2009

Are You Supposed to Fear God?

The following answer comes from www.chabad.org.

Question:
What's all this business about being "G‑d fearing"? What are we supposed to be afraid of?
Answer:
When we say that a person is "G‑d fearing", we don't mean he or she lives in fear that G‑d might punch them out for doing the wrong thing. The term for that would be "fear of punishment" (if a great big monster in the sky would be threatening the same, the fear would be the same, right?).

Of course, it's better to do the right thing because one is afraid of punishment than to kill, steal and cheat because the policeman isn't looking and one doesn't believe in a Higher Authority to whom man is answerable for his actions. Still, righteousness that is motivated by fear of punishment does not represent a very high spiritual or moral state of existence.

The Chassidic masters explain the true meaning of "G‑d fearing" as a fear of separation from G‑d. Like a child who is afraid of being left alone by its mother. So, too, a healthy soul will recoil from certain actions out of the awareness that these actions will place a barrier between herself and her Beloved, between the "spark of G‑dliness" it embodies and its Source.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 8

In part 8 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins concludes the study of the "power tools" available to the believer to enforce the victory won by Jesus Christ. Just like a power tool can help you build without using your own strength, these "power tools" will cause you to rely on the power given to believers instead of your own strength. In this teaching, the power of agreement, binding and loosening, and the power in praise are reviewed with an emphasis on the original languages.


Balance

By Tzvi Freeman

In a rush, in confusion, no one can serve his purpose upon this earth. Human purpose is an exquisite balance of heaven and earth, requiring feet firmly upon the ground and a clear head up in the air.

In a rush, the world is in control of you. Slow down and take control of your world.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Some Great Quotes

"Some years ago a fearful railroad wreck took a dreadful toll of life
and limb in an eastern state. A train, loaded with young people
returning from school, was stalled on a suburban track because of what
is known as a “hot-box.” The limited was soon due, but a flagman was
sent back to warn the engineer in order to avert a rear-end collision.
Thinking all was well, the crowd laughed and chatted while the
train-hands worked on in fancied security. Suddenly the whistle of the
limited was heard and on came the heavy train and crashed into the
local, with horrible effect.
The engineer of the limited saved his own life by jumping, and some
days afterwards was hailed into court to account for his part in the
calamity. And now a curious discrepancy in testimony occurred. He was
asked, “Did you not see the flagman warning you to stop? ”He replied,
“I saw him, but he waved a yellow flag, and I took it for granted all
was well, and so went on, through slowing down.”. The flagman was
called, “What flag did you wave? “A red flag, but he went by me like a
shot.” “Are you sure it was red?” “Absolutely.” Both insisted on the
correctness of their testimony, and it was demonstrated that neither
was color-blind. Finally the man was asked to produce the flag itself
as evidence. After some delay he was able to do so, and then the
mystery was explained. It had been red, but it had been exposed to the
weather so long that all the red was bleached out, and it was but a
dirty yellow! Oh, the lives eternally wrecked by the yellow gospels of
the day—the bloodless theories of unregenerate men that send their
hearers to their doom instead of stopping them on their downward
road!" - H. A. Ironside

"And what is wrong with the old method of scaring the ungodly with
a sermon on hell?" - Vance Havner

"There is a lot of soft, sentimental talk about Him today that brings
no conviction. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he did not feel comfortable!
Neither did Habakkuk nor Daniel nor Paul nor John. We want a
picture of Him today that does not disturb us, that smiles at sin,
and winks at iniquity. I remember a man who told me he wanted to
hear no hell-fire sermons but rather about the meek and lowly Jesus.
Yet the poor man did not seem to realize that the meek and lowly
Jesus said more about hell than is reported from the lips of anyone
else in the Bible! We need a true and complete vision of God in
His holiness and Christ in His glory that will bring us to repentance."
-Vance Havner.

"Spiritual maturity is reached when obedience [to God and His
word] becomes a joy." - Jesse Yoder

"In Acts the apostles prayed for 10 days then preached for 10 min-
utes and 3000 people were saved. Today pastors pray for 10 minutes
then preach for 10 days and wonder why no-one is saved."
-B.H. Clendennen.

“It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the
hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher.”
-George Whitefield.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Is Kosher is Better?

The following was reported by Newsmax Health:

Ham, Hot Dogs Raise Children’s Cancer Risk

Parents who pack ham or salami sandwiches in their kids’ lunch boxes may be raising their risk of cancer, according to the World Cancer Research Fund.

Convincing evidence shows that processed meats, which include not only ham and salami but also hot dogs and bacon, raise the risk of bowel cancer, the organization says.

Instead of processed meats, parents should choose low-fat cheese, poultry, fish, hummus, or small amounts of lean meat as sandwich fillings, according to experts at the organization.

In fact, they recommend that children not eat any processed meats because they help form unhealthy habits. Ham and salami sandwiches could give children habits that increase their risk of developing cancer late in life, they say.

“If children have processed meat in their lunch every day, then over the course of a school year, they will be eating quite a lot of it,” said Marni Craze, children's education manager for the organization. "It is better if children learn to view processed meat as an occasional treat if it is eaten at all.”

Ham and high-calorie snacks might seem like a convenient option, "particularly for parents who do not have a lot of time to prepare their child’s lunchbox,” Craze said. “But packed lunches are a part of a child’s diet that is relatively easy to control and it does not have to take too much time or effort to prepare a healthy lunch.

“For example, putting some salad into a sandwich will count towards the five portions of fruits and vegetables children should be eating every day,” she said. “And a small fruit juice instead of a fizzy drink will also give a portion. Also, chicken that has not been processed, fish, hummus or low-fat cheese are easy and quick alternatives.”

The organization recommends limiting total meat intake to about 70 grams or the equivalent of three slices of bacon a week.

Gynecologists in Spain Choose Jail Over Performing Abortions

Teresa Neumann (August 27, 2009)
"We doctors are not soldiers, nor policemen, nor executioners. There is no civil disobedience in the refusal to kill a human being, but rather the fulfilling of our professional obligation."

(Madrid, Spain)—Spain's Minister of Justice, Francisco Caamano, has threatened to penalize conscientious objectors—including those who are against abortion—as disobedient.

In response, Dr. Esteban Rodriguez, spokesman for the organization Right to Life (Derecho a Vivir) in Spain, said, "We are willing to go to jail rather than following a criminal law...We will not kill our patients, nor will we commit a crime against the public health deliberately harming the heath of women, no matter how much the Minister of Justice threatens us and abuses his power."

"We doctors are not soldiers, nor policemen, nor executioners," he added. "There is no civil disobedience in the refusal to kill a human being, but rather the fulfilling of our professional obligation."

According to a Catholic News Agency report, Rodriquez was also quoted as warning, "We find the totalitarian intentions of the Ministry of Justice, in conjunction with those of Equality, to be highly troubling. If the former Minister of Justice stirred things up with officials in the judiciary, this one is going to accomplish the same thing with medical professionals."

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

A Little Arrogance

By Tzvi Freeman

The sages said about arrogance, "Damned is the one who has it, and damned is the one who does not."

Arrogance makes a man into an idol. But without it, how can he change the world?

Our conscious mind must know it is nothing, and the power G-d has placed in our heart may then burst forth.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 7

In part 7 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins continues a study of the "power tools" available to the believer to enforce the victory won by Jesus Christ. Just like a power tool can help you build without using your own strength, these "power tools" will cause you to rely on the power given to believers instead of your own strength. In this teaching, the blood of Jesus and the name of Jesus are reviewed with an emphasis on protection from attacks from the enemy.


Friday, August 21, 2009

WHY IT's NOT TOO LATE for AMERICA

-by Paul Holdren.

For most of the 35 years of my Christian experience considerable
time has been spent thinking about a national revival. I can still
remember the feeling I had when I heard the word, "Revival", for
the first time. It impacted me as an exhilarating word, with a power
and energy of its own. Upon hearing the word I was left with the
impression that "Revival" was something that I definitely wanted as
a part of my Christian experience.

As the years have passed I have consistently prayed for a "Revival"
on the level of the great awakenings. I have longed for a "Revival"
that would change the direction of our nation, our communities and
our homes. As a part of my personal testimony I have discovered
the importance of experiencing "Revival". If God, by His infinite
mercies, was able to call me back into covenant relationship, then
He is able to call our nation back into covenant relationship with
Him.

At this very moment I desire a "Revival" that will change us, turning
us from our present state of confusion, darkness and death toward
God's glorious truth, light and life. As our nation's direction and
moral climate have spiraled downward my heart's cry has been for
a "Revival" of historic proportion.... A survey of revivals can be
summarized with the observation that genuine heaven sent "Revival"
resurrects dead Christians and churches, while at the same time it
changes the direction of a nation.

II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by My name will
humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and heal their
land."

With the exception of John 3:16, this is probably one of the most
quoted scriptures of my generation. Of late, I've noted an alarming
trend among Christians when this verse is cited. Let's see if you
can pick out the difference, "If my people, who are called by my
name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, then I
will hear from heaven and heal their land." Did you hear the
difference? Yes, you are right…the "and turn from their wicked
ways" has been left out.

For over a year now, almost every time this "Revival" verse has
been quoted or prayed, the "and turn from their wicked ways,"
has been left out. How is it that the media evangelists, local
pastors, bible teachers and scripture quoters hope to achieve a
"Revival" if we don't turn from our individual and national rebellion
to God's will?

Have we become so seeker friendly that we dare not admit our
need for moral change in America? Have we become so
enamored with church growth that we have forgotten that the
cross is an offense in and of itself? Have we become such a
cross-less Christianity that we have also become a biblically
"Christ-less" Christianity? Another gospel is being preached and
America, as a nation, is paying the price for the church's
insubordination to the Word of God.

This generation is probably the most wicked and arrogant
generation in our nation's history. We have become, as my father
used to say to me, "too big for our britches." It is with a grieving
in my spirit that I make this point, of our need, "and turn from
our wicked ways." Honestly, I rather not say the following, but
I must for a heavenly hand is upon my back.

We now routinely shed the blood of 4,000 innocent babies on
a daily basis. We've become a sex-driven society that has
perverted God's beautiful gift to a husband and wife. We've
murdered thousands in drive-by killings, while on our way to
becoming a gang infested nation of drug peddlers, thieves and
addicts. Executive boards, from our corporations to our churches,
flex their decision making muscle in order to achieve their
personal goals in whatever way deemed necessary. Our business
leaders have become robber barons, siphoning off the company's
coffers in multi-million dollar bonuses while leaving their
companies bankrupt in the process. Our institutions of higher
learning promote a pseudo-intellectualism that smacks in the
face of ethics, morality and the commandments of God.

At this very moment our government is negotiating legislative
and bureaucratic oversight that is making our nation a debtor
nation with an ever tightening noose around the neck of freedom.
At this very moment the church's prophetic voice and national
influence has been silenced not so much by the godlessness
of our culture, but by the ungodliness within the church itself.
The church's spiritually destitute offering of profane fire is
burning upon the altars of convenience, contrivance, and
corruption. Much to our discredit, it is the church that has
robbed society of a much needed revolution through an
outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 80:3 "Turn us…turn us…turn us, O God, let your face
shine upon us and we shall be saved."

I love this psalm as it sparks hope in me for the people of God.
If my observation for II Chronicles 7:14 is accurate, then Psalm
80:3 conveys a much needed message as well. And that
message is that we are incapable of turning ourselves. We are
so far gone as a people, as a church, as a nation that only divine
intervention is capable of turning us. Only by the grace of God
will we be "turned" toward Him.

There are some who have abandoned any hope of a "Revival" for
America - saying that we have gone too far - saying that we have
crossed the line of no return. By contrast, I think that the
Psalmist would disagree with this promotion of despair. Actually,
we are in a perfect position for God to move upon the land for we
no longer see ourselves capable of bringing a "Revival" upon
ourselves.

-Paul Holdren.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 6

In part 6 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins begins a study of the "power tools" available to the believer to enforce the victory won by Jesus Christ. Just like a power tool can help you build without using your own strength, these "power tools" will cause you to rely on the power given to believers instead of your own strength. In this teaching, the power of the Word of God is reviewed with an emphasis on your respect for the Word. Specific examples of the power of the Word to heal are presented.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Was Jesus a Christian? Part 5

The fifth and final difference reviewed would be that Jesus kept the Torah and the modern Christian church does not. Jesus said: "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (RSV) As explained by David Bivin and Roy Blizzard, Jr. in the work, Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus:

“Destroy” and “fulfil” are technical terms used in rabbinic argumentation. When a sage felt that a colleague had misinterpreted a passage of Scripture, he would say, ‘You are destroying the Law!’ Needless to say, in most cases his colleagues strongly disagreed. What was ‘destroying the Law’ for one sage, was ‘fulfilling the Law’ (correctly interpreting Scripture) for another.”

When one understands the Hebrew idioms, Jesus’ words are seen in a light contrary to the doctrinal position of many in the Christian church. Today, law and grace are seen as two separate and distinct dispensations. It is argued that the Jews have law and the Christians have grace. While a debate on the merits of this perspective is outside the scope of this work, it is sufficient to acknowledge that the religion of Jesus upheld the Law of God. The religion of Jesus was based on the Torah. He came not to misinterpret the commands of God, but to correctly tell His people how they should live. The question must be asked, if the church rejects the Torah, are they “His people”?

This paper has demonstrated that the religion of Jesus Christ is far removed from the practices of modern day Christianity. If a person presented themselves for membership in your church and he worshipped on the Sabbath, celebrated the Biblical feasts, was wearing a tallit with tzitzit on it with tefillin on his arm and forehead, ate a kosher diet, and believed that the Torah was still a requirement, what would be the result? I submit that the church committee would probably decline the application for membership. Does that concern you? I believe it should. Perhaps it is time for us to follow the words of the Apostle Paul: Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you are disqualified. Whose faith are you in if you are a member of a modern “Christian” church??
On further reflection, maybe the answer to the question is obvious.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 5

In part 5 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins reviews the final two pieces of armor from Ephesians 6: the sword of the Spirit and the lance of prayer. In this teaching, you will learn the practical application of these two pieces of armor. The sword of the Spirit is the rhema word and the lance of prayer enables you to fight long range. Specific instruction to obtain rhema words is provided. This message will help you use these pieces of armor to engage in spiritual warfare.


Friday, August 7, 2009

Was Jesus a Christian? Part 4

A fourth difference can be observed in the Jewish dress as worn by Jesus. Jesus was a Torah observant Jewish rabbi and dressed as one. One of the most important aspects of His dress was His tallit with its tzitzit. How do we know that Jesus dressed as a Jew? He was recognized by the woman at the well of Samaria by His outward appearance. The outer garment was called himation in Greek, pallium in Latin, and in Hebrew it was first termed adderet or me’il. At some later time, it came to be called tallit. While the tallit was not unique to Israel, the fringes on the borders, known as tzitzit, were. These were worn in obedience to Numbers 15:38: "Speak to the people of Israel, and bid them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put upon the tassel of each corner a cord of blue….” (RSV) In addition, in order to fulfill the law, Jesus would have worn tefillin. Tefillin were two leather pouches which contained the Word of God and were bound to the arm and forehead in obedience to Exodus 13:9, 16 and Deuteronomy 6:6-8 and 11:18. Another indication of Jesus’ Hebraic dress is that it was a requirement of the Torah. Jews were commanded to wear tzitzit and tefillin. Torah observance required a certain dress to set Israel apart from the nations so that God might use them to reach the world.

It is of interest to note that some Bible translations arguably seek to conceal the Jewish dress of Jesus. In Matthew 9, the story is told of the woman with the issue of blood that sought to touch the hem of his garment. The Greek word for “hem” is kraspedon and the Greek word for “garment” is himation. When referring to Jesus, the translators of the NIV used the phrase, “touch his cloak.” However, in Matthew 23:5 when Jesus is pronouncing seven woes on the Pharisees, the same Greek words are translated: “the tassels on their garments.” Is there a valid reason for the translators to interpret the phrases differently? It would seem that the translators did not have any difficulty identifying the Jewish dress when it applied to the Pharisees but sought to conceal the true dress of Jesus.
The point to be remembered is that the modern Christian church does not adhere to the dress commandments contained in the Torah as referenced above. What would be the reaction in the church today, if it was suggested that members honor the Exodus and Deuteronomy passages? The response would most likely be that we are not required to do so because those commands were for the Jews and we are not Jewish. Essentially that would be my point; Jesus was Jewish and the church has departed from its Jewish roots and represents an institution that does not follow its purported leader.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Was Jesus a Christian? Part 3

A third difference is found in the diet of Jesus when He walked the earth. The law prescribed a kosher diet that forbade the eating of certain types of animals, fish, and fowl. The argument referenced above concerning the obedience to the feasts is applicable to Jesus’ obeying the food laws. Certainly, Jesus would not have disobeyed a command from His Father. It is of interest that in approximately A.D.41, Peter told the Lord in the vision concerning clean and unclean animals: But Peter said, "No, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." (RSV) Christ had been crucified approximately ten years earlier and Peter was still following the dietary laws from Leviticus. Since Peter had never eaten unclean food, this would be a compelling argument that while he was with Jesus, no unclean foods were consumed.

In the modern church, to mention the dietary laws would invoke allegations of legalism. Many churches have specific gatherings around food that Jesus would never touch. How many “pig roasts” or “clam bakes” take place in the church today? Jesus might attend, but would He eat the pork or the shell fish? From the Bible, we can ascertain some portions of Jesus diet: He had broiled fish and honeycomb after the resurrection, bread and wine at the Last Supper, wine at the wedding at Cana, and bread and fish at the feeding of the multitudes. The point is not to debate the continuance of the dietary laws, but to acknowledge that the practices of Jesus and the modern church are dissimilar.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Scriptural Jealousy

Scriptural Jealousy is not a topic you would expect to derive from The Word of God. But today we are going to take a fresh look at Romans 11. What was Paul trying to say about the relationship between Gentiles and Jews? Keep an open mind and let’s take a look.







Spiritual Warfare 4

In part 4 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins reviews two more pieces of armor from Ephesians 6: the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. In this teaching, you will learn the practical application of these two pieces of armor. The shield of faith is connected to the rhema word and the helmet of salvation will make you noticeable to those around you. An explanation is provided for the difference between logos and rhema This message will help you use these pieces of armor to engage in spiritual warfare.


Was Jesus a Christian? Part 2

We are looking at the differences between the religious practices of Jesus and those of the modern church. We have already observed that the day of worship was different for Jesus. See post July 31, 2009. Today, we look at another difference.

The second difference is that Jesus honored and celebrated the Biblical feasts, while the Christian church celebrates Christmas and Easter. Leviticus 23 sets forth the following as the Lord’s Sabbath and appointed feasts which are to be proclaimed :
1. The Sabbath;
2. The Passover and Unleavened Bread;
3. First fruits;
4. Feast of Weeks;
5. Feast of Trumpets;
6. Day of Atonement;
7. Feast of Tabernacles;

Since Jesus did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, it would seem difficult to contend that Jesus disobeyed a direct commandment from His Father. Indeed, it would seem odd that Jesus who proclaimed that He did what He saw the Father doing, would suddenly cease being obedient regarding the feasts. John instructs us that to transgress the law is sin. Therefore, if Jesus remained sinless, He must have obeyed the law of God regarding the feasts.

Generally, the names of the feasts listed above are rarely mentioned in the Christian church much less proclaimed. In their place, the modern church has embraced Christmas and Easter, both with acknowledged pagan connections. Jesus had ample opportunity to instruct His disciples to celebrate His birth, but He did not. Further, in the forty days before His ascension, He had the opportunity to teach that His resurrection was to be celebrated in place of Passover but there is no record of such instruction. The point is that Jesus and the church do not celebrate the same holidays or feasts.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Was Jesus a Christian? Part 1

The answer to the question presented may at first seem obvious. However, upon closer scrutiny, a problem becomes apparent. There is a difference between how Jesus worshipped God and how the modern Christian church worships God. These differences in practice should cause the contemporary church to examine its methods and beliefs. If Christianity centers it faith and practice upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, should it not resemble its leader? Moreover, a consideration of the religion of the Jewish carpenter from Nazareth confronts us with a most unsettling question: Is Jesus Christ the founder of Christianity? If He isn’t, then who is? In an effort to direct the inquirer, this paper addresses five differences between the religious practices of Jesus of Nazareth and the modern church. The reader should be prepared to examine his “Christianity” in light of the principles and practices of the Jewish rabbi called Jesus.

The first difference is that while the contemporary church worships God on Sunday, Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath. Luke 4:16 says: And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the Sabbath day. And he stood up to read…. (Emphasis supplied) (RSV) In fact, many if not most of the miracles performed by Jesus were done on the Sabbath. In comparison, the modern day church believes that the day of worship was changed from the Sabbath to Sunday. One online Christian resource explains:
Still others Christians would say that we no longer observe the Jewish sabbath, but worship instead on Sunday, a distinctively Christian holy day. They argue that the early church very soon began meeting on Sunday in honor of the resurrection of Jesus, which took place on the first day of the week.
It is not the purpose of this work to explore the reason for the change or the timing of the change as there are many resources available for those who seek to know the historical truth. It is sufficient to state that according to Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, the day of worship began to change around A.D. 115. The point is that Jesus did not worship on the first day of the week; He worshipped God on the Sabbath.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 3

In part 3 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins reviews three pieces of armor from Ephesians 6: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace. Learn the connection between the three pieces and how to use them in spiritual battle. A foundation is laid for the difference between logos and rhema. This message is the foundation for understanding the armor of God.


Friday, July 24, 2009

GETTING BACK to 'CLASSIC' CHRISTIANITY

-by J. Lee Grady.

We need voices from the past—like Andrew Murray, Corrie Ten
Boom and Charles Spurgeon—to help us find our way to the
future.

During a visit with my parents in Georgia, two of my daughters
asked if they could listen to a tape recording my father made in
1962 when I was only 4 years old. So my dad rummaged through
some drawers and found the old reel-to-reel tape, which was
amazingly still intact. Then he went to the garage and found the
old Realistic tape player that no one in the family had used since
the Nixon administration.

To our surprise the scratchy tape actually played without breaking,
and my girls laughed when they heard me—in a babyish Southern
drawl—describing a Florida vacation and a fishing trip with my
grandfather. After my "interview," it switched to an older recording
made in 1956. It included a conversation with my dad's mother,
who died before I was born.

It was eerie to hear her voice. I'd never heard it before yet it
sounded hauntingly familiar. After that brief segment of the tape
ended we listened to comments from my other three grandparents
—all of whom died in the 1960s or 1970s. Their voices unearthed
long-buried but fond memories.

These sounds from the past reminded me of some other distant
voices I have been listening to recently. They are the voices of
dead Christians—writers of classic books and songs that we are
close to forgetting today.

Their names are probably somewhat familiar to you. Jonathan
Edwards. John Wesley. Charles Finney. Catherine Booth.
Andrew Murray. Evans Roberts. Charles Spurgeon. Fanny
Crosby. E.M. Bounds. Watchman Nee. A.W. Tozer. William
Seymour. A.B. Simpson. Corrie Ten Boom. Leonard Ravenhill.
Fuchsia Pickett.

All of them could be labeled revivalists. All challenged the
Christians of their generation to embrace repentance and humility.
They understood a realm of spiritual maturity and a depth of
character that few of us today even aspire to obtain.

When I read their words I feel much the same way I did after
hearing my grandparents' voices on that old tape. I feel as if I am
tapping into a realm of spirituality that is on the verge of extinction.

What was the secret of these great Christians who left their
legacies buried in their books? They considered humility,
selflessness and sacrifice the crowning virtues of the Christian
journey. They called the church to die to selfishness, greed and
ambition. They knew what it means to carry a "burden" for lost
souls. They saw the glories of the kingdom and demanded total
surrender. They challenged God's people to pursue obedience—
even if obedience hurts.

Even their hymns reflected a level of consecration that is foreign in
worship today. They sang often of the cross and its wonder. Their
worship focused on the blood and its power. They sang words of
heart-piercing conviction: "My richest gain I count but loss / And
pour contempt on all my pride / Forbid it Lord that I should boast /
Save in the death of Christ, My God."

In so many churches today the cross is not mentioned. The blood
is avoided because we don't want to offend visitors. And worship
is often a canned performance that involves plenty of rhythm and
orchestration but little or no substance. We can produce noise,
but often there is no heart ... and certainly no tears.

In the books Christians buy today you will find little mention of
brokenness. We are not interested in a life that might require
suffering, patience, purging or the discipline of the Lord. We
want our blessings ... and we want them now! So we look for
the Christian brand of spiritualized self-help that is quick and
painless.

We're running on empty. We think we are sophisticated, but like
the Laodiceans we are actually poor, blind and naked. We need
to return to our first love but we don't know where to begin the
journey.

These voices from the past will help point the way. I've found
myself drawn to reading books by Ravenhill, Ten Boom, Murray
and Spurgeon in recent days. I've even pulled out an old hymnal
and rediscovered the richness of songs that I had thrown out
years ago—because I thought anything old couldn't possibly
maintain a fresh anointing.

I realize now that I must dig for this buried treasure. We will never
effectively reach our generation if we don't reclaim the humility,
the brokenness, the consecration and the travail that our spiritual
forefathers considered normal Christianity.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Where Did Michael Jackson Go When He Died?

This is an excellent video of Ray Comfort from The Way of the Masters as he takes to the streets to talk about the death of Michael Jackson.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 2

In Part 2 of the Spiritual Warfare series, Pastor Jenkins teaches the four Greek words that reveal the true nature of redemption. Ephesians 2:6 tells us that we are seated with Christ. Learn what this seating means and how it affects Spiritual Warfare. In addition, a brief explanation of God's covenant with Abram is explained as a further basis of your authority over demons. Listen and be prepared for battle!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

God Still Cares For His Children

One afternoon we were walking on Jaffa Road, the main street of modern Jerusalem, just returning from visiting the homes of some of our Arab believers. We were passing through the busiest section of the city and the street was packed with people, all Jews, when suddenly I remembered that we intended to do a bit of shopping but had already passed the particular locality. Mrs. Fried suggested that we turn back and attend to it, but I thought that the matter was of very little importance and could be taken care of next day, and so I suggested that we continue homeward, since it was close to supper time.

We walked only a few steps when I was strangely pressed to return, after all, and attend to the shopping. We turned back and had walked in the opposite direction only about a hundred feet when back of us we heard the most terrific explosion that seemed to be right beside us, but actually was about two hundred feet away. A bomb had been thrown, probably from a passing car, into the midst of the crowd. Next day we went to the scene, and, as far as we were able to calculate, had we failed to turn back at the time we did, we would have been at the very spot where the explosion took place! -- Sunday School Times

A REMARKABLE ANSWER TO PRAYER

Mr. Jay Gould once left his eastern home for a trip across the continent. In the western part of Texas the train he was traveling on was halted for a few hours at a little town to make needed repairs on the engine. Mr. Gould, to pass the time, walked up the village street, and found a sale going on, and the auctioneer calling out, "Fourteen hundred and seventy-five dollars." He inquired of a man what was being sold, and was told that it was a new church that the contracting builder had a claim on for the work. Mr. Gould, to help the sale, offered fifteen hundred dollars, which the auctioneer called a few times without a raise, and the church was sold to Mr. Gould at his bid.

Three gray-haired old men standing near watched the proceedings of the transfer and, going up to Mr. Gould, not knowing who he was asked him what he intended to do with the church he had just bought. "What is it to you what I do with it? It is mine now, to keep or to give away," said the millionaire. One of the men said: "This is what it is to us: We three men are trustees of that church house and were sent here to see and then report what disposal was made of it; and in the church, at this present moment, the entire congregation, with the presiding elders and preachers, are down on their knees before the God of Heaven, asking Him to Divinely interfere in some way to save our church, so that it may not be lost to us. That is what it is to our people."

Jay Gould gave the people their church.

The lesson is to never give up, stay in prayer, and have faith in God's care for His children.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

REFORMATION - NOT Just REVIVAL by Andrew Strom

Of course, I have written on this theme before. (My first book was
"The Coming Great Reformation"). But recently I have sensed God
reminding me again that unless there is massive "shaking" and
change in the church - then any 'move' that comes will not achieve
what He desires. Some people simply want a return to repentance
preaching and holiness in the churches. They just want an old-
fashioned 'Revival'. That is a laudable aim - and one that I personally
love - but it is not enough. In fact, it is nowhere near enough.

The fact is, Reformations are far messier, more contentious and
immensely more "shaking" than Revivals. They tend to target pet
doctrines, ingrained cultures and structures that the church has
been clinging to for years. They bring massive disruption and
division. They force people to "choose sides". Those of us who
have studied history think that simple "Revivals" are bad enough.
Well, Reformations are ten times worse! And yet, without this
level of "shaking", God simply cannot achieve what He wants to achieve.

I believe God longs for a 'new' Church. I believe He will not be
satisfied until He has a bride for His son that is "without spot or
wrinkle or any such thing." And since we are in the Last Days,
I believe He wants a full restoration - back to the true original purity,
pattern and power of the early church. Nothing less will do. And
the "shaking" that is required to achieve such a thing is almost
beyond comprehension. But it is coming - in fact I believe it is now
upon us. The economic shaking we are going through is nothing
compared with what is about to hit the church. It will create a giant
"mess" - but it will be a glorious mess. And at the other end of it
lies a glorious church - truly fitting for a glorious Savior.

So what does all this require of us? -Simply that we co-operate
with God in what He is wanting to do. For many there will be a
temptation to settle for the simple restoration of holiness and
repentance - and to oppose anything that looks like causing much
of a 'shaking' beyond that. Brothers and sisters, let me warn you
that if you oppose this tidal wave of "change" that God is wanting
to bring to the church, then you will end up opposing God Himself.
And yet it will be very tempting for many. A lot of us don't like
upheaval and spiritual "revolution". But that is exactly what God is
wanting to bring. In fact, I believe that without Reformation we will
not get the Revival that we are seeking either. This time Revival
must come through "shaking" and Reformation - and no other way.

So if you want to be part of the next move of God, my friends,
set your backbone to be part of the tidal wave - not standing in
the way of it. God is coming to "clean house" - and we better be
ready to be "revolutionaries" along with Him if we want to be part
of what He is about to do.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Spiritual Warfare 1

In this first of a series, Pastor Jenkins details the 5 basic truths about Spiritual Warfare. Every believer is involved in this battle whether they realize it or not. Satan is a defeated foe, but he is also formidable. However, we fight from victory and not to obtain victory. This message provides the basics of spiritual warfare. Future messages will build on the foundation presented in this teaching. You can be guaranteed victory over the enemy by learning the truth about Spiritual Warfare.


Sunday, July 12, 2009

Pastor P. Joseph Roberts of Penuel Gospel Ministries from India

Hear the anointed testimony of Pastor P. Joseph Roberts of Penuel Gospel Ministries from India. You will learn how God demonstrated His power to heal and saved his family from Hinduism. Pastor Roberts details how he left a life of the street and sin to serve the living God. Miracles of faith and healing have followed Pastor Roberts' ministry. Don't miss this exciting testimony as it brings all glory to God. For further information on the ministry of Pastor Roberts, go to http://www.penuelindia.org/.





Friday, July 10, 2009

The Funeral of Steve McNair

Steve McNair was a married man who was shot to death by his girlfriend. At his funeral, his "pastor" made the following remarks:

“Drop your stone the next time you write about Steve McNair. Drop your stone the next time you text somebody. Drop your stone the next time you twitter. Drop your stone, those of you in the barbershops, the beauty shops. Those of you walking the streets on the corner, drop your stone,” Bishop Joseph W. Walker III told thousands of people, among them family members, fans and more than 50 former teammates, gathered at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

“What I do know about this man was that he loved God though he was just like us: imperfect,” Walked said. “But he knew God.”

This pastor represents what is wrong with the church in America. He doesn't want to call sin, sin. McNair was an adulterer. What does the Bible say about adulterers? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:9: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind...." This "pastor" should have been warning those in attendance what Paul said and not attempting to preach McNair into heaven. I am not trying to be cold, but the truth is that there is nothing more that can be done for Steve McNair; his eternity is fixed. However, for those still alive, the minister of God owes an obligation of truth. Sadly, he didn't give it. McNair may have "knew God," but so does the devil and he isn't saved either.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson

Please watch the below video clip and be honest before God.

Do You Love the Word of God?

As a pastor, I have noticed that one of the first signs of backsliding is a loss of love for the Word of God. I have heard many excuses: "the print is too small," yet there is no difficulty reading the small print of a newspaper or television guide. "I don't have the time." However, there is time for television, movies, or other entertainments. The truth is, people do what they want to do. The following story evidences the power of desire properly placed:

A man in Kansas City was severely injured in an explosion. Evangelist Robert L. Summer tells about him in his book The Wonder of the Word of God. The victim's face was badly disfigured, and he lost his eyesight as well as both hands. He was just a new Christian, and one of his greatest disappointments was that he could no longer read the Bible. Then he heard about a lady in England who read Braille with her lips.

Hoping to do the same, he sent for some books of the Bible in Braille. Much to his dismay, however, he discovered that the nerve endings in his lips had been destroyed by the explosion. One day, as he brought one of the Braille pages to his lips, his tongue happened to touch a few of the raised characters and he could feel them. Like a flash he thought, I can read the Bible using my tongue. At the time Robert Sumner wrote his book, the man had "read" through the entire Bible four times.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The True Meaning of Pentecost Part 6

Many are confused about what took place on the day of Pentecost. They have either built entire denominations on speaking in tongues or they have said that all believers receive the experience at salvation. The truth is that you can't understand Pentecost until you understand what took place at Mount Sinai. In Part 6, Pastor Jenkins concludes this series by explaining the simplicity of Pentecost from a Hebraic perspective.


The Need for Christian Modesty

The following was written by Owen Strachan and posted on a blog on June 15, 2009. It was entitled, "The Bride Wore White--But Why?" The excerpt below addresses modesty in dress by Christian women, a topic that is rarely discussed for fear of angering women:

"This reminds us of the tremendous opportunity every Christian woman has to offer an unmistakably clear witness to lost people. Every act of modesty, however small, is significant. A total commitment to modesty brings great glory to God, firstly, and also has incredible cultural power provided that a Christian woman knows unbelievers to witness to.

We are reminded on this matter that we Christians need to be in the world so that our witness can shine among the lost. It is great for Christian women to all be modest together–we need that. But we need them, however they can, to be modest as a mode of witness.

This does not have to mean–in most cases–something extreme. It’s fine for Christian women to look normal and even fashionable. It’s nice for a woman to feel confident about herself and her appearance. Women should not feel the need to wear huge dresses, billowing blouses, or the like to avoid keeping men from stumbling. Honestly, if a woman is being modest, the power of the Holy Spirit is sufficient for men to avoid lust."

The Necessity of Holiness

One of the major problems in the contemporary church in America is a lack of personal holiness. The following quote from Bishop Foster explains the importance of holiness to both God and us:

"In the university of heaven, whose president is God, and whose catalog is the Bible, the course of study is plainly laid down. We may say without fear of successful contradiction that God's Word has majored on holiness! It breathes in the prophecy, thunders in the law, murmurs in the narrative, whispers in the promises, supplicates in the prayers, sparkles in the poetry, resounds In the songs, speaks In the types, glows in the imagery, voices In the language, and burns In the spirit of the whole scheme, from alpha to omega, from its beginning to its end. Holiness! holiness needed, holiness required, holiness offered, holiness attainable, holiness a present duty, a present privilege, a present enjoyment, is the progress and completeness of its wondrous theme. It is the truth glowing all over, welling all through revelation, the glorious truth which sparkles and whispers and sings and shouts In all its history, and biography, and poetry, and prophecy and precept and promise and prayer, the great central truth of Christianity."

How often do you hear messages about holiness? Why do you think there is such a lack of stressing personal holiness? Who do you think is most pleased: Jesus or Satan?

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Go Ahead and Laugh

We are facing many national issues, economic issues, and moral issues. Things look bad, but I have some advice for true blood washed Holy Spirit filled believers: LAUGH! Now before you think I am endorsing the "holy laughter movement" which I am not, I want you to read the following excerpt from Perfect, Yet Pressing written in the 1800's:

"Be strong and of a good courage. Fear not nor be afraid of them; for the Lord, thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee." Deut. 31:6.

I might stop there, might I not? There are passages of Scripture that fill me with triumphant, holylaughter. This is one of them. There is nothing the Lord more emphatically assures his saints than that he is going before them and with them, that he is going to do all the fighting, and that all they need to do is to come along. To put that assurance in the same verse with "Be strong," etc., is what makes me laugh. If the Lord is going with me, in me, before me, behind me, above me, beneath me, and is going to fight all the battles for me, and if all that I have to do is go along with him, what have I to be afraid of?

I am not a strong man. Once in a while I drift in with a great big man, like Rev. William B. Osborne. There is a satisfaction in being with such a big man. Often Brother Osborne has said to me, "Let me get hold of that valise." It would not be a burden to him. All I had to do was just go along without bothering about the thing!

Moral cowardice! Spiritual cowardice! Faint-heartedness! Fearful-heartedness ! Always ready to run! Discouraged at every difficulty! Always seeing the walled cities and the giants! Always seeing everything and everybody but Almighty God! There is nothing so contagious as a panic. God says, "I have been with you, I have nursed and cared for you, you have never wanted for bread or for shoes, and now that you stand upon the borders of Canaan, I am with you. Be not afraid."

Talk about us being brave, when God is for us, and with us, and in us, fighting our battles, and is all in all to us! When I read passages like that, I laugh to think how safe I am -- to think how oddly those two things about God and courage sound together in the same verse! Where is the room for fear? We will not get a panic on us the next time, will we, when something turns up, or goes wrong, or that we are quite sure will go wrong? We will not get all in a tremble, because some big fellow plants himself right across our path, will we? No, we will take God, with all the infinite resources in him.

Now, you can see that one of the best things the believer can do, is laugh out loud! What does the sanctified crowd have to fear? Absolutely nothing is the answer. Get to a place where you can laugh!

Monday, July 6, 2009

An Evil Heart of Unbelief

The following excerpt is taken from the book Perfect, Yet Pressing by Rev. John Thompson and Rev. E.I.D.Pepper:

"An evil heart of unbelief." Hebrews 3:12.

Notice how the word "heart" occurs in this chapter. "Harden not your hearts;" "They do always err in their heart;" "An evil heart of unbelief."

There are many who think that faith is a purely intellectual process. Pure faith in a pure being, like an angel, must be a purely intellectual process. If men's hearts were right, the errors of their brains would be reduced to a minimum. Take a man who, five minutes before he is entirely sanctified, is full of prejudice and error, but just so soon as the divine glory strikes him, just so soon as his heart is made clean, his brain is made clear!

Some one in the Salvation Army has said, "Clean clear through, and clear clean through." To be clear clean through, you must be clean clear through. The Methodist altar is one of the grandest theological seminaries in the world. Men have gone through colleges, and have all the titles dangling after their names; yet they do not know as much about pure and undefiled religion as some poor, little unknown souls who have had no educational advantages at all. So, if you want to do some right, clear, limpid, Biblical thinking and believing, get your heart right. It is "with the heart man believeth unto salvation."

If we could only see this "evil heart of unbelief;" this heart full of prejudice and blindness; this heart that arrays itself against God; this carnal mind and nature that sets itself against the moral perfection of God himself; this "evil heart of unbelief" that sets itself against truth and right and grace and glory, we would pray, "Lord save us from an evil heart of unbelief!"

John Wesley spoke of Christian Perfection. The term created much debate; however, this was misplaced criticism. By the term "Christian Perfection," Wesley meant loving God with your entire heart, soul, and strength and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus commanded us to do so, yet some believe that they can't accomplish what Jesus has required of them. You can have a perfect heart today, if you are willing to pay the price. What is that price? It is a dying out to your desires and will and submission to His will and desires. When you do that, God will not refuse your offering and a perfect heart of love is to be expected by faith. Today, examine your heart. Is it perfect? If so, rejoice for what God has done! If it is not, ask your self, what are you refusing to give up for the Master?

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Pray Clear Through for America

Today is July 4Th and no doubt Christians across our land will pray for our nation. Our problems are immense and godliness and tolerance rule the day. However, all is not lost because we can still pray. Today, take some time to pray through. This means to pray until you know you have been heard and the answer is coming. Pray for national repentance and national revival. Pray that those hypocrite money grabbing preachers would repent or get out of the way. Pray that our leaders would follow godliness. Below is a paragraph from the book Praying Clear Through to encourage you:

"God will answer prayer. He has always answered prayer. He may not answer right at the time; He may delay for His glory and our good. or, as the case may be, like it was in Daniel, tenth chapter, where the devil kept the angel of God with an answer to Daniel's prayer from getting to Daniel for twenty-one long days. But you keep praying; never let up; never let go. God will answer, He has always answered, for He is a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. Dare to trust Him anywhere. He will answer prayer. If you want to walk in the beautiful, victorious, shining pathway; if you want all the gates to fly open; if you want every block swept out of your way; if you want lions' mouths locked and fiery furnaces quenched, Red Seas to open up, Jordans to give you a dry pathway through, jails to shake off the doors and liberate you from prison -- pray clear through. If you want a rich experience, a strong faith, and to do exploits for the Master -- pray clear through. If you want to outride every storm of life, to go marching from ever battlefield with victory perched upon your banner -- pray clear through. If you want the will of God concerning some work, some call, some plan about some friend -- pray clear through. If you want the leadings of the Holy Ghost on any matter that pertains to His glory and your good -- pray clear through. If you want an Isaac for a husband, a Rebekah for a wife -- pray clear through. If you would have the Holy Ghost lubricate the wheels and belts of memory, unctionize your spirit for a fruitful service -- pray clear through. If you would be more like Christ and less like the world -- pray clear through. If you would be all like Christ, and none like the world -- tray clear through. If you want to suit God, please the Holy Ghost, and glorify Jesus Christ-pray clear through. If you want His Word to open up to you, and feed your soul, and make you fat in grace -- pray clear through. If you do not want to go to Heaven empty-handed, or be a barren fig-tree -- pray clear through."

Friday, July 3, 2009

Heaven Dropped Down

The following comes from the small book, Perfect, Yet Pressing by Rev. John Thompson and Rev. E.I.D. Pepper:

"Days of heaven upon the earth." Deut. 11:21.

The eleventh chapter of Deuteronomy is a wonderful chapter. In it we find these striking and gracious words: "Your days may be...as the days of heaven upon the earth," -- as glorious, as multiplied, as enduring.

That was the Scriptural language in which life in the Canaan of the Old Testament was described. And what language, then, shall be used to depict life in the New Testament Canaan of Perfect Love?

And, in entering and occupying the Holy Land -- either or both of them -- the people of God were promised signal divine help and victory, if faithful to God and to His covenant: "For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cleave unto Him, then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves. Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours." "There shall no man be able to stand before you; for the Lord your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as He hath said unto you." The Bible says that "the meek shall inherit the earth." We sometimes think and talk as if it were the fighting people who are to get everything. I have often wondered why it was that the strong opposers of holiness do not do us more harm than they do. Do you know the reason? It is because there is a God in heaven. "The Lord your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon." There is something beautiful yet awful in holiness. I do not care how bad people are, there is a kind of dread upon them in the presence of holiness. People are afraid of the "evil eye" and the "curse," but they are much more afraid of the prayers of God's people and of the "single eye." "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse."

Do you remember how this chapter started? It begins with, "Know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the Lord your God, His greatness, His mighty hand," etc., etc. I do not talk to your children, who do not know how I have watched over you, and guided you, and cared for you, and delivered you from your enemies, and have saved you from all sorts of troubles and brought you here. I am not talking to your children, who do not know about, and have not seen any of these things; I am talking, to you! You who know about your wanderings in The Wilderness, and your crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan, I am talking to you!

God wants us to be as faithful to Him as He has been to us. He wants us to remember all these things as we go in to take possession of the land, all the land promised to us. Every place upon which the soles of our feet shall tread, is ours. "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse." Which shall it be? Your will must decide. We may accept all the blessings offered in perfect love, or realize the curse accompanying the rejection of such experience.

Are you putting your feet down rapidly? Are you getting quickly over this holy ground? Do not stop to get out any measuring instrument. Be a fleet-footed surveyor. Run just as fast as you can get your feet down.

"Every place upon which the soles of your feet shall tread." Oh, if people believed that, how quicklyhow quickly they would get into Canaan and get around in Canaan! What surveyors they would be! It would be a more rapid move than in Oklahoma and in the Indian Territory. You know how they did? They just got themselves and their horses and vehicles in, moved as fast as possible, and claimed possession. That is exactly the way God wants it should be with us in our Canaan of Perfect Love.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

A Religious Sinner

The following excerpt comes from the book Perfect, Yet Pressing by Rev. John Thompson. Are you a religious sinner? From the actions of the modern church, it would appear that there are many who could be placed in this category.

I Samuel 13:8-14.

Saul was a religious sinner. He was a worshipful sinner. Now mark you! I do not say that Saul was a saved sinner, a converted sinner, a regenerate sinner, but that he was a religious sinner. There in such a thing as having a great deal of religion, but not much salvation. Saul worshiped God, but he did not do the works of God. He counted sacrifice better than obedience, rather than obedience better than sacrifice. His life was a direct contradiction of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a very forgetful, impatient, religious sinner. He could not wait for Samuel, but thought that something must be done at once, and so he takes a priest's place and functions, and himself offered a burnt offering and sacrifice. Do you know that this thing is going on all the time -- all worship and no work; all words and no work? Over and over again Saul had to be taught that he must not think that because he had worshiped God he could go on and do things that God could not approve.

Oh, that we could see that consistency in our daily lives, practical holiness, every-day holiness, obedience to God, is better than sacrifice! We may go to meeting every day in the year and be religious sinners all the same. A man cannot oppress the widow and the fatherless and then worship God and think that he is all right. That is being a worshipful sinner. The two things must exactly tally. We must be full of worship and full of work. Our spirit and our creed and our conduct must exactly tally an correspond. What is the good of talking about perfect love if in the church of God or in the family there is the short, snarly, critical, censorious, easily-offended spirit? Where is the perfect love in that?

When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, there is a keen spiritual discernment as to the will of God, the worship of God and the work of God, and as to just where one links on to the other, so that a man is one and the same thing all the way through. It should not be a hard thing to get these things together. It does not require books or papers to teach us these things. Simplicity, child likeness, watching God, having the mind of the Spirit, keeping under divine guidance, moving cautiously, being careful to be obedient to everything that God says to us -- that is the safe path. Get off of that track and there is trouble somewhere there is trouble inside and trouble outside.

Oh, that the Lord would teach us this lesson! It is a very important one. I do not want anybody to stumble over me. They will, I suppose, but I want it should be because of my blunders, caused by imperfect judgment, and not because of anything that is inconsistent with pure and perfect love in me. I want worship and work to get thoroughly mixed up together in my religious life. Step cautiously. But not under strain and stress. The testimony of a pure conscience from a pure heart to a pure life. Say that I am under strain and stress. In one sense, bounding along with the simplicity of childlike freedom, yet keeping eye and ear, the eye and ear of mind and heart, open to God, in the minutest things of life. Not having a sore conscience, but a very tender conscience. Now, let us quit being religious sinners and be well-saved saints.