True and Righteous Judgment

I am writing this in regard to the recent outcome of the Casey Anthony trial (Story Here). As many of you know, she was found not guilty other than of lying to a police officer in the death of her daughter.

Well, I wanted to share some perspective on this. Many have very heightened emotions about this and are outraged of the verdict. This is understandable. I would like to make a point though that I feel many are overlooking in this matter across the board.

If we keep a true Christian perspective in this situation, we will realize that what she has done is no more evil in God’s eyes than anything anyone else has done. Whether she murdered her daughter or just lied to the police, both are equal in God’s eyes and deserving of eternal judgment in hell.

If you have ever in your life told a lie, even one you may consider a “white lie”, you too are deserving of eternal hell in the same manner as one who has murdered their child. Unless there is true repentance and a faithful and continued commitment to follow Christ Jesus, then our fate will be the same.

Many, even those professing Christians want to jump on an emotional bandwagon crying out for justice, however I am reminded of a story told in Scriptures of a woman who committed adultery and the masses wanted to stone her to death, as was the law. When they brought her to Jesus to see what He would have them do though it seems it was more about them being justified by Him in their execution of justice. The Lord Jesus surprised them by His response.

The Lord responded that he who is without sin should cast the first stone.

This was showing those ready to execute righteous judgement upon this sinner that in God’s eyes, her sin is no more deserving of death than any of theirs.

We all have committed sins worthy of death and eternal judgment. Yet, the Lord is patient with us that we would come to repentance in Him and choose to follow Him so that His sacrifice would cover us.

I have seen many already write Casey off as being unsavable since a jury has found her not guilty and that she will never come to the understanding of her sins and have a repentant heart. We must not jump to such a conclusion for as long as she is alive, there is hope for her.

We as followers of Jesus should earnestly pray for her salvation and that the Lord God of all will be glorified in and through her. If she does not, then God will have the last Word and it will be sure, righteous and swift. If she does turn to Christ through repentance, imagine the impact she could make for the Lord.

Keep in mind that if the Lord and other believers gave up on you because you told a lie, stole something, killed someone, disobeyed your parents, etc. where would you be? Keep this in mind regarding all people.

Everyone must come to a full and truthful understanding of their sins, the weight of their sins, the judgment of their sins to be able to be repentant to salvation. The good news of the gospel is not that you are accepted in Christ but that Christ has made a way through Him for you despite your sins, the evil you have committed against Him and those around you.

Many have overlooked some sins because they continue to commit them… such as disobedience to the Lord. When you choose to disobey the Lord Jesus, you are continuing in sin willfully.

Hebrews 10:26-31 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

This is a good witnessing opportunity for those following Christ Jesus. With so many who are emotionally upset regarding this situation yet do not see themselves as justly deserving of the same punishment as they desire to inflict, this can open their eyes to their need for salvation just as Casey. Do not let this opportunity pass by as we will all be held to account for what we have done with all the Lord has given us for His glory in Christ Jesus.

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Cookies

I know you are probably thinking, WHAT?! Let me explain.

Tonight, my husband and I went to the grocery store to pick up some last minute things. It was a little late, around 9’ish but we didn’t want to have to go tomorrow. So, while we were there, shopping for what we needed, we happened to notice that some of the store food items were expired. One of which was a container of cookies, hence the title of this post.

I know you are asking yourself, “So, what do cookies have to do with going to hell?”. Well, I am getting to that.

We decided to bring this to the attention of the on duty manager because this was not the first time we have come across expired food there. Well, after we checked out, we found the manager and proceeded to inform her of the cookies. She looked at us puzzled as though she wasn’t sure what we wanted her to do about it. So, she said, “Well, I can sell them to you for a discount.” To which we replied that she cannot “sell” expired food.

She then looked dazed and replied in a prolonged tone, “Ohhh-kaaay”. She then took the cookies and walked off.

Now, to the point.

Many times when things happen, I think about how others might think or how they might respond and I then evaluate what the Biblical way of handling a situation would be.

I thought about how some may say or think in that situation that it could be free food since they cannot sell it and then rationalize that we should just take them next time and just not say anything at all. Then I thought to myself, “Its not worth going to hell over a box of cookies”.

I know some may think that is a harsh statement or judgment against anyone who might actually go through with something like that about what seems to be a small matter, however the Bible tells us otherwise.

I would like to share some scriptures with you regarding this. I do hope that you can see that taking something without saying anything or paying for it is wrong and we call that stealing. When calling it what it is “stealing”, we know that it is illegal despite the details we would try to rationalize it with. The Bible calls that a seared conscious (1 Timothy 4:2).

Lets see what the Bible says about thieves:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 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, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Now, you may say that once we “get saved” then everything is covered from beginning to end, however I would like to share a couple of verses with you regarding that.

Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

You may then wonder about the Bible saying that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Well, lets look at those verses in the right context as they are shared in the scriptures.

Romans 10:12-13 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

As you can see, this verse is talking about both Jews and Gentiles can be saved rather than just the Jews or just the Gentiles and not just in general regarding salvation.

Well, here is another verse some may share but lets keep it in the right context as well.

Acts 2:19-21 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

As you can see in Acts, it is referring to the time of the second coming of Christ. When He comes back to the earth, things will be so much worse than anything you can imagine now, even with all that is happening today. This is not referring to the Church age.

We can see the Lord confirming this in the following verse:

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Where does this leave you? We all must walk out our conversion in Christ which is not what gets us there but what is the evidence of our sanctification through Him. Which means that one cannot be saved by Him without being changed by Him. This is possible on a death bed situation but only if they are sincere and changed within themselves by Him in that moment. For the rest of us, we must walk it out as faithful witnesses by our works or as the Bible calls them “our fruit”.

So, the next time you come to a situation that may seem like a small thing… just remember what the Word says and choose the right path that leads to salvation and eternal life and turn from the wrong path that leads to death and eternal damnation.

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

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Testimony: Olga

Testimony: Olga
Given 6/25/2010

When I was young, as a child, till I was 16 years of age I received Him, Jesus, as my Savior. (I’m not a Muslim; I came from a Christian family)I joined the choir at church only for 2 years, and then I got married at 19 years old.

I was married to an unbeliever (a Muslim) and from that time he forbade me to go to church. I knew my marriage was wrong. I just didn’t know how to end it but Jesus found me.

One day I was in the delivery room, when the baby was about to come out, I screamed, “JESUS help me,” and he heard it from outside the door and was so furious and curse me for calling JESUS name. That I never forgot. My husband heard it and was very furious. Then we, my husband and I were separated for 2 months. I went to my sister with 7 kids to Jakarta, (another island). Within a month, I got a job at a foreign company (Norwegian). At that time, I knew for sure GOD brought me out of the pit.

In the 3rd month he came after me, but we, the family and I, refused him. My kids were Muslim at that time, but deep down in my heart when I delivered my babies I always called Jesus’ name. After 5 years of working, one by one, the Lord started working in them, my children. I didn’t pray for it ’cause I myself did not search the LORD. The kids started knowing the Lord through their friends. As a Christian I always reminded my children to pray for their father. They have no communication with him. We still have problems here and there, but we all have faith to the LORD, the thing is, we have such a peace that we know it’s from GOD.

So all 6 are believers now and only one is married already, she is still a Muslim.

I now live with my daughter, she works at the Hospital, but she has been a Pastor since we were in Indonesia where I now live with them though I am a US citizen. I’ve been here for 14 years already. I’m helping my daughter take care of her kids. She is an Indonesian pastor here, helping the senior Pastor. I don’t know how you can make a testimony out of this but I’m really blessed, I mean I can feel Jesus always so, so close to me.

My 2nd daughter, she’s the one that is still a Muslim, her adult daughter once asked me about Jesus. She said they were talking with friends saying that in their book (the Koran) it says that after the tribulation, Jesus will rule and judge the people. So I asked her why Jesus (the Muslims say Nabi Isa) Isa refers to Jesus…Why not Moses or David (in their Koran they have them too), her answer was, “I don’t know”, so I told her that JESUS is LORD but still she refused…

My other daughter, the one that is a Pastor here, she was a Muslim and prayed 5 times a day but when her younger brother got to know the Lord through friends (not me) she got a vision, let’s say a dream. She was walking through the dessert and the family of her father was chasing her. Suddenly, she saw a building in front of her, It was a church and she threw herself inside the church. In the morning, she told me about her vision. From that time she made a good choice. After she graduated, she went to Bible College for 4 years and after working as a young pastor in Indonesia, she got an immigrant invitation from the US embassy in 1990. (I came here 1996)

My Muslim daughter, I love her very much, she is facing a divorce right now. I still pray for her. One of my sons, in year 1994 was in trouble, he was on drugs. I was very frustrated at that time. He gave me a lot of problems.

My daughter invited me to come, so from that time I stayed here. In 2007, my son got married and after he was married 3 months, he passed away. He got in a motorcycle accident.

Now I feel so much peace Alison, I know the peace is from GOD, I keep chasing Him. I’m a stay at home mom, just with my 3 year old grandson. The other 2 play music at the Rock Church, they are talented. I Thank the Lord I can feel He is always close to me.

Testimony: Alice

Testimony: Alice Williams
Given 6/26/2010

(*From a copy post*)
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 11:47am recorded last week.

Praise the Lord,

Today, I’m going to share with all of you of how the Lord changed my life. Ever since I was a little girl I believed in God. I used to hear my grandparents saying the Lord’s Prayer every night before they went to sleep. We would go to church with them every Sunday or attend Sunday school. However, I didn’t really know the meaning of really walking with the Lord. My upbringing was good; we had love and kindness in our home. But then again we all have choices to make and lives to live.

As I got older, I became stubborn and wanted to do things my way. I tried drinking alcohol when I was about 16 years old. I sure hated the taste. Alcohol lingered in my life until I was about 19 years old. I really didn’t like drinking, so I dropped it! Simple as that, I thought, I can have fun with my friends without it. However, I still felt that something was missing. I was not really happy.

Years went by, I got married, had three children. My life was not turning out the way I wanted it. I can’t share everything that took place with me, but I can tell you, my life was hell. I survived the most vile, abusive, tormenting life a human being can endure. There had to be God looking out for me because if not I would not be here today. Thank you, Lord, for your love and forgiveness. I have a very tender heart and I love all people. I am not perfect, and the Lord helps me each day, He corrects me if I get out of line. It is a narrow walk, it is a wonderful walk.

Anyways, I picked today July 23, 2009 to share this with all of you because 14 years ago I suffered a dark horrible depression. I was sick for two years. It was very tormenting, like living under a black cloud. All of my happiness, laughter, strength evaporated from my being. I cried all the time. My children were younger, and I couldn’t even look after them right. My parents helped me a lot. Thank you Lord for Christian parents! I felt so alone, I was extremely sad all the time. I prayed a lot for the Lord to restore my health and happiness. Still, I felt so isolated from everyone and everything! Panic and anxiety attacks were constantly there.

I remember one winter day, January 1996 I became very angry and fed up. I was staying at my parents place, and started smashing up the bedroom. I just wanted to die. I was suicidal, my plan was to drive somewhere, let my car run and kill myself. My love for my family and faith in God kept me. I ended up going to the Crisis Unit for a few days. I came home, but the dark cloud was still there. My parents prayed for me. I prayed. I became closer with the Lord. I reached out and He was there with me. Even in the darkest times, God was there, holding my hand, renewing my spirit and soul!

Again, even after all that I had been through I went to church, but never really committed my life to the Lord. He blessed me with so much! I had my family, my health was restored. I was blessed with a nice home and full time job. What more could a person be blessed with. I got involved in unhealthy relationships and more sinful living. I was not at peace. It just was not right! This was not sincere happiness. The Lord was knocking at my heart! I had to give Him my whole life! No turning back this time. When Jesus gets a hold of your life, you will know. Take heed to His call my friends. You won’t be sorry!

Three years ago, I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ. I’m very happy that I chose to serve the Lord. I want His love to shine through me so others will know Jesus as well. I’m still learning lots of things about this walk. Every day is a gift. I love all of you people out there. Like I mentioned before, I’m not perfect, no one is! When we fall down, or feel down, get back up. When Jesus carried that cross and died on it, He died for you and me. We need to acknowledge His love and forgiveness. He is there, He will never leave or forsake us, however, we all have choices. It is up to us.

If you are bound by alcohol or drugs and you think there is no way out. That’s not true, the Lord will help you. You can call on Him today. He will give you the desires of your heart. He will restore what is broken. Just trust in Him. In God’s word, in John Chapter 10 verse 10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it more abundantly.”The peace of the Lord is so wonderful. I’m not saying that this walk is not challenging. It is, but the Lord is the one who will carry us through. Trust him! Don’t tarry too long without Him. I want to thank you all for reading my testimony. I will keep on praying and serving the Lord. Our God is an awesome God! My prayers and love to you all! God bless you all. Amen.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come: let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” Revelation 22:17

Testimony: Crystal

Testimony: Crystal Spence
Given 6/25/2010

I am 27 years old and I am a native woman. I was born on December 3rd, 1982. Long ago as a child I believed in Jesus. I also knew there was a heaven and hell. It’s only by God’s grace that I believed in God through faith. As I got older I always knew that God, the devil, heaven and hell exists. I lived in Peguis until I was 5 years. Then I moved away with my mom and two brothers Derek and Vince to a small city called Brandon in 1988-1995. My mom was a single parent of me and my brothers. My brother Vince is challenged. I was the youngest, 5 years old and my brother Derek 10 and Vince was 8 years old. When we lived in Brandon, I remember a time when I was riding my bike around on my block, that I knew the devil was nothing but God had all power. I think even back then I was a threat to the devil.

At age 11 years old I got hit by a car when I was crossing the street . I was walking home from school during lunch hour and this elderly man hit me with his vehicle. My school was only 3 blocks away from where I lived. I was instantly knocked out. I was just two minutes away nearly getting home. I only got a few cuts and one tooth knocked out. No broken bones. It was God who spared my life. He kept me alive because he knew me already even before I was born that I would completely surrender my life to Him one day.

Later on, my mom had a depression in July of 1995. She graduated from university and nursing. She was working two jobs and was a single mother too. When she had the depression she couldn’t work for awhile. So we moved back to Peguis in September 1995.

I went to a different school with kids I didn’t know at all. The last time I ever went to school in Peguis was when I was in kindergarten. Even when I was a child I was always the kind of girl that would be outgoing, soft spoken and liked to get along well with others. Anyways, when I moved back to Peguis and started school I had to adapt from going to school in the city to going to school on my reserve.

It was a challenge because I was bullied. I tried to make friends when I attended school but was still bullied. It made it difficult for me to go to school. I found myself reading the bible and praying to God. I remember reading mostly Psalms. It was in a red bible (New Testament). Even when I was younger I wasn’t a fighter, I always wanted to get along with others. It became difficult for me to go to class each day. I felt very sad and had a low self-esteem. As I look back on my old report cards I was doing well in my work but my attendance was not so great. I eventually quit school. My mom gave me permission to quit school later on due to the circumstances but she had faith that I would finish my education later on. My mom would rather have me quit school than to be depressed. I have forgiven things that happened to me when I was younger. We need to forgive others because only then God will forgive us too. Forgiving others is one of the ways of healing. We must forgive others.

However, before I eventually quit school, I became very rebellious in my early teens. I spent a lot of my time away from home during the weekends. I would be with my friends. I became sexually active at the age of 14. I had different boyfriends but mostly short term for awhile. I smoked marijuana and drank a bit. But I was mostly into smoking weed.

Since I was 16 years old I was in 3 different long term relationships. They were not healthy relationships and one abusive relationship. When I was physically abused I would hide my bruises from my family and friends. That relationship ended. I still was involved in smoking up and drinking a little. Later on I had a baby at the age of 19. I still was involved in unhealthy relationships afterwords.

I felt in my last relationship that ended in 2007, that my life and soul was being pulled down. At the time my boyfriend’s addictions were pulling me down. I drank a bit and smoked up with him once in awhile. I felt God was calling me because I started to feel bad for how I was living by doing drugs, alcohol and being intimate with my boyfriend at the time. There were times when I felt that my soul was in jeopardy. I felt that if I died in my sins, I would be on my way to hell. My boyfriend and I had an off and on relationship, meaning we would break up and get back together several times. It wasn’t healthy. I was pulled down emotionally because we both couldn’t be without each other so it was not a stable relationship.

I went to college in between when I was with my boyfriend. I had broken up with him for the time that I moved away to college. My mom, my brother Vince and my son Tyrone moved to Brandon while I attended college. It was another challenge that brought me close to God. I still wasn’t living for the Lord completely. It’s one thing to believe in God and another to actually live for Him completely. But God was still faithful and helped me through a lot.

I completed college in June 2006. We moved back to Peguis (my reserve) that year.

I continued my relationship with the guy that I broken up with before College. I didn’t feel right when I was with him intimately. We tried to make it work but it didn’t. I felt the Lord Jesus working on me to give my heart and life completely to him but I was holding back because I didn’t want to change my ways yet. I loved this guy too much. I realize it now that I was being selfish and wanted to go my own way of living. I wasn’t ready to give Jesus my life yet. I may have not been too heavily into drinking but I did drink once in awhile. Drinking is still drinking, just like sin is still sin even if it’s a small sin. It was not right in the eyes of God. It was an off and on relationship for almost 4 years.

I would even get dreams, like they were warnings when I wasn‘t living right. I didn’t feel at peace because Jesus was knocking on my heart’s door. I couldn’t sleep right at night; I was irritable and was not at peace. I finally made a decision to end that relationship early January 2007. It was the best decision I made because that relationship was pulling me down emotionally in my life but most of all it was pulling my soul down in the wrong direction. I needed Jesus in my life because He was the only one that could fill my life with peace, love and joy. He is the way, the truth and the life.

I have been single since then because I now put Jesus first in my life. I have a real relationship with Jesus. It’s an everyday walk. I am not saying it’s always easy. There were times I would get tempted by the devil. Jesus is there to help me through it. I am not a perfect person and never will be. I give God all the glory and praise for His mercy, love, forgiveness and peace. I am even closer to Jesus now then I was 3 years ago.

I will continue telling others about Jesus. I will tell others that drinking, doing drugs, lust, sexual immorality, and more is not right in God‘s eyes. I don’t do this to judge others, only God will be the judge of everyone. I only want to tell others that things are not right, out of love, and to warn others because nothing that the enemy (devil) has to offer is worth it. A person’s soul will live on for eternity after a person dies either in heaven or hell. Don’t let the devil steal your soul! We only have one life. We all have choices, either to walk in God’s ways or our own ways. I choose to live for Jesus and His ways. God’s word is the truth.

Things that I’ve done like have sex, drugs, etc almost took my soul to hell if I died in my sins. The only hope a person has in this life is Jesus. Repenting of sins and turning away from sins. Jesus wants us to live for Him completely. It’s not about attending church on Sundays, doing good deeds or being a good person. A person has to be born again and that’s by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and repenting (confessing) your sins wholeheartedly. Repenting means to tell Jesus your sins and being really sorry for them and asking Him to forgive you and He will.

I serve an Awesome God. He is very mighty! However, he won’t allow any sin into His kingdom. That’s why I am sharing my testimony and will keep sharing about God, His Word, and I will keep posting videos, notes and pictures to show you Jesus is truly the way! (*insert: Crystal ministers on Facebook*)

Even when I post things about hell and Jesus returning, it’s all true my friends because Jesus will return so we must be ready, it says it all in the bible. So my friends be careful what choices you make. When you completely surrender your heart and life to Jesus you‘ll see the changes Jesus does in your life and you‘ll never be the same. He will make you a brand new person. He will forget your past. Only by Jesus’ precious blood we can be cleansed. He died on that cross of Calvary for me and you. What He can do in my life and others lives, He can do for you. God loves you! Seek Him soon. Jesus is worth it. You have everything to gain with Jesus Christ and nothing to lose. But without Jesus you have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Well God bless you all.

Sincerely your friend,

Crystal

A Wake Up

I am posting this because I believe based upon messages I have been getting, it needs to be posted… again. Please take the 15 minutes to listen to this message. Your life depends upon it.

I Will Rest In You

I created this video for those who lost their lives and are still missing in Haiti from the earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010. One of my husband’s college friends was in the Hotel Montana and rescued from an elevator shaft, however, the man that was with him (David Hames) has not yet been found. Please keep everyone and their family and friends in your prayers. I hope this video is a comfort and encouragement to you. Thank you for watching.

Once Saved, Always Saved?

I received a comment, Don’s Comment, that inspired me to write this article. In his comment, he brought up the questions of “Once Saved, Always Saved”, which is a debate that has circled the Church many times over. I am sure that you can find a plentiful range of answers on this topic depending upon whom you ask.

Don made some very good points in his comment for being once saved, always saved and I encourage you to read the short comment.

Lets begin with the scripture that he gave…

Romans 10:9-10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

This is a great scripture to begin with. This is the sole foundation of salvation, however, there are many other verses to consider in this topic and that is what we will discuss in this article.

First, lets notice that the verse given above states that we must confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus… also, with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Well, what happens if you first confess and then later deny? This is the situation that Peter found himself in.

In four places, Jesus told Peter that Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crowed that next morning (Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34, John 13:38). Then it shows Peter’s reactions when it happened in three places (Matthew 26:75, Mark 14:72, Luke 22:61).

Now, if we combine the following verse with the scripture in Romans 10, we begin to get a more balanced view of obtaining salvation.

Matthew 10:33

But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.

So, this verse being the case… how did Peter get around this for his salvation? We can find that out in these next verses. Pay close attention to whom it is directing the message to… Jesus is speaking to Simon, son of Jonas, which is also Peter.

John 21:15-17

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Now, notice that Peter had to restate his love for Jesus three times, which was in direct opposition to his three denials and as I stated before… did you notice that Jesus referred to Peter as Simon? Lets remember back when Jesus renamed Simon to Peter:

Matthew 16:15-19

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona [son of Jonas]: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Notice what gave Peter his name. It was the fact that he confessed with his mouth unto salvation and therefore became a new creation in Christ. Why did Jesus then revert back to calling Peter, Simon in the book of John? It was because he denied Jesus unto perdition.

We could stop there, but lets keep going.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

What was that??? “Draw back unto perdition”!!! Oh my, what would make him say that? Lets see a parable that Jesus shared:

Matthew 13:3-8 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Matthew 13:18-23 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Mark 4:3-8 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark 4:14-22 The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it], and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Luke 8:5-18 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth [it] under a bed; but setteth [it] on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Within this “Once Saved, Always Saved” debate, there is the question of, if some confess to being Christians, but end up going to hell… were they ever really saved? Well, scripture implies that can be the case. Lets take a look at the topic of vessels. The Bible speaks of having vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor. Now, you may be wondering how I can imply that some in the “Church” would be considered vessels of dishonor… Well, lets look at that, shall we?

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

2 Peter 2:12-22 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Matthew 13:25-30 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

Lets take a look at another example of enemies within the Church:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

I will end on the following verses:

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

In Revelation 3:1-6 you can see Jesus’ letter to the Church of Sardis. Notice how He tells them that their works are dead and not perfect. Notice also how He references in verse 5 that IF they overcome, He will NOT blot out their names in the book of life. This means that if they do NOT overcome and continue in their ways, He WILL blot out their names in the book of life.

Lets also take a close look at Revelation 3:14-22 where Jesus is speaking to the “Church” of the Laodiceans. Jesus gets so upset with this Church’s lukewarmness, that He says if they do not change He will spew them out of His mouth.

Honestly, there are so many scriptures to share on this topic… however, room does not permit for me to dictate the Bible in its entirety to you. I highly encourage you to search out the scriptures for yourself and pray that the Lord will open your eyes to His Word and the understanding of His Word (Proverbs 4:7).

The following video is very convicting, please watch it.

Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion… Yeah Right!

There is a lot of controversy over these topics lately and through the years. It seems to be growing at more of a rapid pace through and to the Church lately. It seems that you are fine as long as you do not promote, discuss or even alert others that you are a Christian. If you do, then you are asked to stay quiet for the greater good or to leave in silence. We are being groomed to accept the rules of the supposed majority and to resign ourselves to not questioning those with a loud voice.

[Lets define what a Christian is because it seems that many people are a little confused as to what it means. First of all, you MUST believe that the Bible is the INERRANT Word of God, without this, you cannot base a security of salvation on what the Bible says if you do not believe it is without error. Secondly, you have to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, Savior, the Son of God (Creator of heaven and earth) and that He came here to earth, lived a sinless life to die on a cross in place of you. This created a way to be able to come before God, clean from sin, because your price has been paid and you have been cleansed. You must also believe that Jesus rose from the dead 3 days later and is now in heaven sitting at the right hand of God on His throne making intercession for you… Mary cannot do this, for there is NO other way to God but through Jesus His Son. Also, you must realize that you have sinned, done things wrong and be repentful of this (desiring with your entire being to be forgiven and are sorry for all you have done wrong). You must desire to turn from sin and earnestly – diligently – wholeheartedly walk toward Jesus in the truth of His Word.]

I am noticing recently, more than ever, that there is truly a double standard in every area. This is happening at our schools, our jobs, our online communities and even our churches. It is a sad day, when we hide our light under a bushel for the sake of peace. The world systems, especially the US government, say that you should respect those who tell you what to do, even if it goes beyond your beliefs and convictions, because people have died for your ‘freedom’ and if you don’t like it then you should move away.

Well, why can’t we look at Christianity the same way then… Others have died, suffered, gave of themselves completely, so that you could be a Christian – saved by grace and sealed for the day of redemption… so why hide yourself in quiet while others stand yelling to take away your voice and the opportunity for others to share in that ‘true freedom’ of the salvation from eternal death. Where is that respect?

This of course, will not be resolved until the Day of the Lord comes. The world must first come together under one umbrella: one religion, one government, one submission in order to accomplish what the ‘greater good’ sees as their utopian dream of glass houses and brainwave visualization. The world is becoming a cesspool of muddy water, yet they are too blind to see that it is filthy… all they see is that it is all one color and to them, that means unity. To us, Christians on the other hand, it means soon redemption… so look up, for your redemption draweth nigh.

Concerned

There are a lot of people who are looking at this war between Israel and all the other nations in the wrong way as well as other situations in life.  I am noticing many who are fellow believers getting ‘caught up’ with the cares and concerns of this life.  I do agree that we are to pray for the peace of Israel, knowing of course, that true peace will only come when our Lord and Savior, Jesus sets up His kingdom here on earth. 

 

First, we must all realize that ‘we’ cannot establish the Lord’s kingdom on earth, only the Lord Himself can and will accomplish this, but not until we go in the rapture of the church and the anti-christ reigns his false government on earth (probably convincing everyone that it is the true kingdom of God).

 

Secondly, we must realize that what all God has said (preordained) will happen – WILL HAPPEN, regardless of what control we think we may have.  God has allowed us as humans to influence His decisions in some ways, but not against HIS already written Word.

 

To know what is coming for Israel and all the other nations who are coming against her; all you have to do is to read books such as…

 

Isaiah

Ezekiel

Amos

Obadiah

Daniel

Revelation

 

These are just some to say a few.  What God has written in His Word, is going to happen and it is going to happen soon and quickly.  So, recognizing this fact and that we are to always pray according to the will of God, which is the Word of God, we should not waste our energies on praying against the things the Lord has already told us will and must first and soon take place before His return.

 

I think that a better place to focus our energies is to pray for the souls who are left, that they will accept the True Gospel and be saved before it is too late.  Also to pray for the safety and courage of those who are all around the world preaching the true gospel of Christ, even against persecution of those who are in the ‘church’.

 

The time is short and getting shorter by the minute.  Now is not the time to sit back and be complacent.  The day is soon coming to an end and none of us will be able to work anymore.  Now is the time to pick up yourself, stand firm in the truth of God’s Word and proclaim it boldly to all those we come into contact with – no matter the consequences.  Whether we want to recognize it or not, we will be held accountable for the blood of all those whom we choose, for whatever reason, to not share the truth with.  We cannot change their fate ourselves, but we can be a witness so they are left without excuse and you have then given God the glory by allowing Him to use you.

 

So, I encourage you to not use laziness or the lack of time as a crutch because your time may be shorter than you think and a crutch will not hold you up in the day of your judgment.  How horrible it will be for those to stand before the Lord, knowing His sacrifice for us, and not having done everything in our ability for Him while here on earth.  Have you ever taken an honest moment to think about how you will feel, what you will think, what it will be like, to truly stand before GOD the One who created ALL things and can end all things just with a thought?  You might just want to take that moment now and make sure you really are ready to meet Him face to face.  Do not assume it will be a light moment; this is God we are talking about, not a friend from down the street.  A holy fear is one of reverence – do you really have that?

 

Is Jesus your Savior AND your LORD? If not, ask Him to be. Ask Him to forgive you of all of your sins and to show you how to please Him. Read His Word and don’t follow men, follow only God through His Word, it is the only truth and the only way. Don’t hesitate, time is running out.