Hollywood Hates Jesus

You know it bums me out how much Hollywood hates God and His Son Jesus. I watched this really great film tonight that was totally tainted by constant blaspheme of our beloved Creator and Savior. What's more, I never heard them curse Satan, Buddah, Zues, Mother Nature, Michael Jackson, Obama, or any other gods or idols nor will you ever hear them curse them- why? Because false gods are no threat to Hollywood- that's why!

Christmas Miracle

Grab a tissue and enjoy this moving story, then ask yourself... do you give room in your life to let God in to bless and use you?

Merry Christmas brothers and sisters!
love Chad

This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast , cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the quickie mart building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay
When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying 'I don't want my kids to see me crying! ,' so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, 'And you were praying?' That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.'

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little..

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City . Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan. 1, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spok en in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.
I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, 'So, are you like an angel or something?'

This definitely made me cry. I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.'

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 ' Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Not A Harmless fairytale!

Matthew 21:16
"They asked Jesus, 'Do you hear what these children are saying?' 'Yes,' Jesus replied. 'Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, 'You have taught children and infants to give you praise.'"

Beloved family and friends... I wrote a Christmas play and we are putting on a free dinner theater this very coming weekend. We all want to be entertained for the holiday season... I myself am guilty of this- I love love love the joyous celebrations of the Christmas season. Alas, there is a reocurring theme that has been growing increasingly rampid in our society at an alarming rate and NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO ADDRESS IT! And that's that the lie of Santa Claus has been pushing out the truth of Jesus Christ!

So... I wrote a play. It addresses this issue HEAD ON! And although it has been "lightened" excessively to appeal to children and adults alike and not be so "in-your-face" as my original vision of it intended... the heart of it is still there, and I highly recommend you guys come treat yourselves and your families to a great free meal and Christmas with a little taste of reality. Don't worry, there's plenty of fluff out there for you (and yes- "I") to enjoy, but why not come get fed some meat to settle into the season properly and without all the extra fat!

Now, I'm no prude... I love a good story, and this one has Santa Claus, fairy's, action, drama and Jesus Christ in it... but this play doesn't just feed you desert... it gives you your main course for sustanence and strength. I think everyone should try to make it out to one of two nights: Friday Dec. 11th at 7pm or Saturday Dec. 12th at 6pm at Abundant Life Christian Center on Newman and Prosperity- next to the Four Seasons Sports Complex.

So... I wrote this play. Why? Thanks for asking. Let me answer by telling you how this evening's practice for the play went. Here's the highlights... during one very important scene, we go from fantasy land to reality, and it rings a bit of sadness to the viewer... now I cannot tell you what happens and ruin the play for you, but anyone that knows Jesus personally will be affected by it, and one sister helped bring forth the point I'm trying to make by saying... "That's so sad... I thought Christmas was supposed to be happy!" What she missed was that the only reason the scene was sad to her was because of the TRUTH this scene shows. I was happy to hear this scene made her sad, because that showed me she does truly LOVE Jesus (bless your heart beloved sister!). Something else this comment helped prove was that we are more interested in being "entertained" than knowing the TRUTH! Harsh... but true!

Now hold on... this is the part where it REALLY gets rough: one thing I watched for and was clearly disturbed by was the children's reactions in the play as this was a dress rehearsal and Santa Claus and Jesus Christ were clearly present in adapted form. Now I love our kids, and this is not to their harm in any way- it is simply the reality of the accepted fabrications we have carried as tradition throughout time finally rearing its ugly head... and as prevelant as it is among the Christian youth- just consider how bad it is amongst the non-Christian... now I'd give details, but again this is not to the harm of our beloved children, so let me just say that when I as Santa was present, I saw and heard absolute adoration among the children. Santa was highly appreciated among our youth. Jesus Christ was a whisper- if that- amidst them. They simply did not show the adoration for the character of Christ as they did for the character of Santa Claus.

Who's fault is that? Ours. YES... YOURS AND MINE! ALL OF US! Santa brings gifts... Jesus brings salvation and somehow we have severely fallen short of what is the MOST IMPORTANT GIFT OF ALL or managed to properly relay this to our children!

The Bible clearly states... "They asked Jesus, 'Do you hear what these children are saying?' 'Yes,' Jesus replied. 'Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, 'You have taught children and infants to give you praise.'" Matthew 21:16

WHO ARE YOU TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO PRAISE? Have you considered you may very well be inadvertently teaching your kids that Idol worshipping and Lying is okay?

When we hear Santa Claus being glorified and praised above and beyond that of the name and very presence of Christ... THAT is clearly a red flag from the very mouths of our children, who simply redirect back to us what we as parents, leaders and society have fed them. See and hear the fruit of our choices!

I wrote a play... and this is why I wrote a play. I dare you to come witness TRUTH and start your season out right... then go get your fluff fulfilled elsewhere- no worries... there's plenty to be had!

I say all this with great love and adoration for all of you. I will get my fluff on too... but not before protecting myself with the mighty armour of the TRUTH of Christ! Come... let us feed you BODY AND SPIRIT... and may you all have a very Merry CHRISTmas!

Get That Icky Devil Off Of You!

Scrips for Spiritual cleansing and joy in life!

The Armor of God
NIV
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.


KJV Bible Verse List : Flee From Works Of Darkness
Last Updated : July 25, 2006


"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
1 Timothy 6:11, KJV

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith,
charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a
pure heart."
2 Timothy 2:22, KJV

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you."
James 4:7, KJV

"Neither give place to the devil."
Ephesians 4:27, KJV

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the
world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because
their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth
the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds
should be reproved."
John 3:19-20, KJV

"They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on
in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of
course."
Psalms 82:5, KJV

"The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what
they stumble."
Proverbs 4:19, KJV

"The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh
in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event
happeneth to them all."
Ecclesiastes 2:14, KJV

"There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the
workers of iniquity may hide themselves."
Job 34:22, KJV

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put
darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter
for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
Isaiah 5:20, KJV

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the
world."
1 John 4:4, KJV

"To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man
that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of
uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to
do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose
ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:"
Proverbs 2:12-15, KJV

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us
therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on
the armour of light."
Romans 13:12, KJV

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 4:6, KJV

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for
what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and
what communion hath light with darkness?"
2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the
Lord: walk as children of light:...And have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove
them."
Ephesians 5:8, 11, KJV

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath
translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"
Colossians 1:13, KJV

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should
overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light,
and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness."
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5, KJV

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the
praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light:"
1 Peter 2:9, KJV

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in
darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"
1 John 1:6, KJV

What changes when you are born again? A worthy read, INDEED!

I found this question on Yahoo Answers from "Birdy", and some of the responses were so right-on, I just had to post them!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Hi Sweetheart... the most magnificent things just happen, we feel so alive, the joys of having the Spirit of God enter... well this is just so high, loving others with new found compassions. Being able to read the Word of God, and having this 'lite" up before you, with insights into the very heart of God. Something so awesome as the love in you grows and you have the mind of Christ, feeling His presence as close as you want Him to be... Being able to look at all other with new levels and waves of love. You know Birdie, God gives us all who ask of Him the free gift of Salvation. What we do hence with it is our decision. We can grow in this or not... the gift is ours... I am challenged in many areas of my life, and I love how the grace of God works, in me and in others as I take on more authority. The more we take on the more is given. The more we access God's Spirit the more is revealed concerning His mysteries... So I guess for me, seeing how I love better, and how I look to God most often for the answers within... I actually search for God... whereas before, I didn't....I find myself more and more often, asking... "God what would you say, do, what would you have me do?"" Kinda helps in the rearranging of my mountains, and certainly helps me know a better way of helping others... And the Spirit guides us... the more I surrender there, the closer the walk!

((hugs))
Love you

Lovingly
She Dances With Love
Kar~n~ Joy~c
-------------------------------------------------------

Everything !

We receive a new life ~ a new life in Christ. A new creation as the bible tells us.
The heart is new when we truly accept Him.
For me personally; i found the love i had for my family grew deeper ~ i didn't think i could love them any more than i did ~ but Christ's love operating thru me gives me a deeper understanding of compassion for my family and for other people i meet. I can pray for those i don't even know, or haven't even met :) The Holy Spirit/Ghost leads me to pray and intercede for people whose faces i haven't even seen :)

And the wonderful thing is i now have answers to help people, and the power within to make a difference in peoples lives, and i thank God for these changes He continues to make in me.

I now know God has a plan for my life, and He continues to work it out daily, and i look to Him to enable me to fulfil that plan. I have a destiny ~ and i find that so exciting ~ God is *amazing* isn't He!

I love this text in the Message bible Jer 29
I know what I'm doing - I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
When you call on Me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me you'll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you wont be disappointed. God's decree - I will turn things around for you.

Sorry it's a bit long - i'd like to add one more text
Psalm 139:16
Like an open book You watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
the days of my life all prepared
before i'd even lived one day.
~~~~~

*How *awesome* is our God!
Life's an adventure ~ and even the pain is turned to blessing when i/we trust in Him :)
His love for me is deep, and everlasting, and i realise the depth more each day as i walk and talk with Him ~ this has changed me forever!

blessings xx
-------------------------------------

EVERYTHING!!! The joy is just so overwhelming. No matter what situation you may be in, you still have the joy of Jesus in you. It's like your eyes are opened up. The things you once did that weren't considered bad ( i.e. sexual sin, drinking, smoking ) you now see the bad in it. It's like you were blind and now you see the light. You also become more tolerant of people and don't want to retaliate when someone does something negative to you. I hope your experiencing or one day experience what I'm talking about.
-------------------------------------


You are given a fresh start, all your sins of the past are washed away.
you become a new creature in Jesus the Christ.
you walk in newness of life, not in the old carnal self leading to death, but in an unselfish self leading to eternal life.
Pressing for the mark of perfection.
--------------------------------------


The holy spirit is in me now, I feel him when i pray, when I hear a good homily at work, I even feel his repulsion when I watch a scary movie


As for me (Chad), this is exactly what happened to me. I began to hate the sin I use to love, I get sick when I hear people curse God and Jesus aloud (Hollywood does it all the time- ALL THE TIME), I want to learn more about the Holy Trinity, so I get more into the Word and I speak with Him more often (nearly all the time now), I love people more genuinely and I despise hatred, injustice and falsehood (all sin) very deeply and profoundly now where before it was just a way of life for most including myself. There is a deep-rooted change, and it's always reaching higher, growing me- seeking a better and better man within me each and every day! I love the change in me and look forward to more of God's changes within me.

You truly MUST consider... if you're NOT changing... are you truly born again? Don't be fooled by the world or false doctrine... if you are not changing for the better and finding the things of the world to literally irritate you beyond belief, you very well may be in danger spiritually. If you don't thirst and hunger for the things of God and Christ, you need to reconsider your place in God's kingdom... you may not currently HAVE one!

Check yourself now before it's too late!

Thanks... I Needed That!

Sometimes I just FLAT OUT forget to be still! This devotional was just what I needed for current events. Wait on God's timing. Be still and know... a beloved sister came at me with a similar message recently, but she went about it all wrong, so God took over and sent me this. May it help you as well. There is a time and season for everything... never be quiet about the gospel- always teach and preach the word of God- BUT... when someone just needs you to be there and listen... sometimes a response simply is not warranted! Thank you Jesus for this very needed reminder!


Being the Stillness
by Bonnie Grove

"Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great."
Job 2:13 (NASB)

Devotion:
I have sought comfort in the book of Job many times in my life. After I buried my infant son, I asked, "Why?" God reminded me that when Job asked the same question His answer was, "Who?"

While laying on a hospital bed knowing for certain I would lose the twins I had carried only a few precious months, God reminded me how in the midst of Job's suffering, God came. And in the whirlwind He answered. Not right away, not in Job's time, but in God's time - the perfect time when Job's heart could take in the words of healing.

In the years following those dark events, I trained in theology, counseling and psychology. I was on a quest to understand my brokenness, and that of others. I'm still on that quest, though my formal training is behind me.

One evening, I was in conversation with a man who was going through a divorce and was in obvious pain. He spoke of his daughter, and how his hopes for the future had been destroyed. When he finished speaking I sat in silence, knowing I had no great words to offer. Spent from telling his story, he too sat quietly.

Our silence stretched into minutes. Then, the man began to cry. I sat with him, keeping his tears company, and still said nothing. More minutes passed, and the man said, "That's the first time I've cried since this whole mess started." Then he said something surprising: "You've helped me so much. Thank you."

The silence had changed something for him. From my perspective, the silence was a result of my limitations as a counselor - I was empty handed. But it became clear to me there was something powerful at work. I remembered how Job's friends sat in silence with him for seven days and nights. With that in mind, I began to pay close attention to silence. I found that by being quiet, I could better understand my thoughts, fears, hopes, and desires. And in my long silences I was able to sense God's presence and hear His voice. When I sat with the man going through a divorce I listened to him without interruption. Then, by saying nothing, I helped him listen to what God had to say to him.

There are astounding lessons to be learned from the act of listening. I have learned that listening is an act of love. It is not passive; it is intentional, engaging with the heart and mind of another person. To listen you must turn off all outside distractions; say "no" to the world rushing by you. A sacred act of deliberate silence and meaningful pause, listening helps people clear a space in their life, heart, and mind in order to simply "be." Our listening is an important gift. I am learning to make it my first response. Through listening I want to provide the stillness God speaks into.

Dear Lord, bring me into a deeper silence before You, that I may hear Your voice, and in hearing, believe, and in believing, listen to the heart of others. When people hurt Lord, let me first offer them my listening, not my advice. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit with Bonnie today, where she will be a guest at the She Reads blog

Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove is a She Reads selection!

When Your Marriage Dies: Answers to Questions about Separation and Divorce by Laura Petherbridge

Find encouragement in God's peace on today's Radio Show - How Difficulties Affect Us

Application Steps:
Practice stillness in your prayer life. Sit quietly; offer the sacrifice of love by listening long to what the Lord has to say to you today.

Practice stillness in your relationships. Begin to pay attention to the silences around you and offer yourself to a friend through the act of listening.

Reflections:
Do you believe God will meet you in your silence?

Can you recall a time when you listened as an act of love to a friend or family member?

Power Verses:
Habakkuk 2:20, "But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him." (NASB)

Psalm 46:10-11, "Be still and know that I am God....The LORD Almighty is with us." (NIV)

Check Your Line of Sight!

When you're not seeing eye to eye with God... it's not God's eyes you're looking at. Don't forget, God is God. What you think is right may very well be wrong in His eyes, and it's His eyes you want to be in line with. He know the past, present and future. He and only He knows what is best for your future- so if you don't see eye to eye with Him, it's time to readjust your sight to line up with His!

Laugh Out Loud Funny! Read This!

Deer Roping (not to be confused with calf roping)

This is an actual letter from someone who farms, writes well, and tried this!

I had this idea that I was going to rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it.

The first step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that, since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home.

I filled the cattle feeder then hid down at the end with my rope. The cattle, having seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it.

After about 20 minutes, my deer showed up--- 3 of them. I picked out a likely looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw my rope. The deer just stood there and stared at me. I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold. The deer still just stood there and stared at me, but you could tell it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation. I took a step towards it…it took a step away. I put a little tension on the rope and then received an education.

The first thing I learned is that, while a deer may just stand there looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope.

That deer EXPLODED.

The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a LOT stronger than a cow or a colt. A cow or colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope and with some dignity.

A deer---no chance.

That thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled. There was no controlling it and certainly no getting close to it. As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not as good an idea as I had originally imagined.

The only up side is that they do not have as much stamina as many other animals. A brief 10 minutes later, it was tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the big gash in my head. At that point, I had lost my taste for corn-fed venison. I just wanted to get that devil creature off the end of that rope.

I figured if I just let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die slow and painfully somewhere. At that time, there was no love at all between me and that deer. At that moment, I hated the thing, and I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual.

Despite the gash in my head and the several large knots where I cleverly arrested the deer’s momentum by bracing my head against several large rocks as it dragged me across the ground, I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in, so I didn’t want the deer to have to suffer a slow death, so I managed to get it lined back up between my truck and the feeder—a little trap I had set before hand…kind of like a squeeze chute.

I got it back in there and I started moving up so I could get my rope.

Did you know that deer bite? They do! I never in a million years would have thought that a deer would bite somebody, so I was very surprised when I reached up there to grab that rope and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist. Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse where they just bite you and then let go. A deer bites you and shakes its head—almost like a pit bull. They bite HARD and it hurts.

The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably freeze and draw back slowly. I tried screaming and shaking instead. My method was ineffective. It seems like the deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, but it was likely several seconds.

I, being smarter than a deer (though you may be questioning that claim by now), tricked it. While I kept it busy tearing the tendons out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and pulled that rope loose. That was when I got my final lesson in deer behavior for the day.

Deer will strike at you with their front feet. They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about the head and shoulder level, and their hooves are surprisingly sharp. I learned a long time ago that, when an animal—like a horse—strikes at you with their hooves and you can’t get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape.

This was not a horse. This was a deer, so obviously, such trickery would not work. In the course of a millisecond, I devised a different strategy.

I screamed like a woman and tried to turn and run.

Now, when a deer paws at you and knocks you down, it does not immediately leave. I suspect it does not recognize that the danger has passed. What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you while you are lying there crying like a little girl and covering your head. I finally managed to crawl under the truck and the deer went away.

So now I know why when people go deer hunting they bring a rifle with a scope to sort of even the odds.

All these events are true so help me God….

Sincerely,

(Name withheld).
--------------------

Can You Lose Your Salvation? A bible study and work of personal opinion

2nd Timothy 2: "14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (Bible). 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.' "

"ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED"?

I have come to realize that people have really begun to focus wayyyy too much on this questionable doctrine as well as the one of "when" Jesus will be returning... and I have come up with a comfortable response:

"Why?" Why ask? Why has this become the main focus of topic as of late? Are we not supposed to forget the past, focus on the present and worry not about the future? If we are living our lives according to the will of the Father, then why are we concerned about losing our salvation in the first place?

I believe the devil is working overtime to misdirect our attention from what really matters- living rich, righteous and God-honoring lives while spreading the truth of Christ's gift of salvation to others whom do not even have the gift of salvation at all.

If you are living your life according to the doctrine of "once saved, always saved" then you stand a chance of not living THE LIFE at all and you are not going to be much use to anyone else. You WON'T read your Bible... you WON'T keep in prayer, and you WON'T share the gift YOU have been freely given. Why should you... you're covered. You can go on about your daily life free of all worries and have no need to deal with the stresses and condemnations that come from those you would attempt to share this wonderful gift with. And since you're saved and therefore permanently riding the free train on the Heaven Homebound Express, why should you worry about your sins and your lifestyle at all. Again... you're good. Party On!

Careful... there is a lot at stake here! In fact EVERYTHING is at stake here! Do you really want to mess around and put all your faith in just a couple of scriptures in the Word that just may be being misinterpreted when so many other scriptures say LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY OR ELSE? Obey God's commandments or else.

Folks... stop letting others dictate your faith for you. Stop trusting in MAN to be the supplier of your knowledge and wisdom of Our Beloved Heavenly Father. As I have spent my year studying the Word, one message remains clear throughout- get saved by the blood of Christ, then obey His commandments. Do NOT be in the world- do NOT look like the world- do NOT love the world and its sin. CLEAR. Clarity at its best. So why do so many Christians look just like the world?

Brothers and sisters.... do not compromise the truth... do not compromise your salvation. Jesus came to save us from our sins and He has made it clear... "If you love me, obey my commandments!" (John 14:15). If you are choosing to remain in sin, you don't love Christ. If you don't love Christ... how can you be saved? Stop sinning. You are the ambassaders of the almighty God. STOP BALTANTLY SINNING!

1. Read the Word- fully (Click Here!). Put on the full armor of God daily (Eph 6:10-17)! Some Main scriptures to see if you are TRULY saved are found in this perfectly thorough study that is nothing more than Bible scriptures. Please read:

Are You New In Christ? Are You Truly Saved?

...also, for fighting against the principalities of evil, and preparing yourself daily, check out this study: The Full Armor Of God: Protect Yourself and Your Family Against Evil

2. Test all spirits. (Click Here!)

** 1st John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

3. Stop believing EVERYTHING you here- figure it out for yourself. Put some real effort into finding the truth, and the truth YOU WILL FIND! (Click Here!)

** Ephesians 4: " 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."


** Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

4. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling:

** Philippians 2:12b-13 "...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure"

** Isaiah 55:8-11 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word the goes out from My mouth. It will not return to me empty."

** "GOD'S WAY: To work out your own salvation is to solve by means of going to the very source of our salvation, going into the Word to renew our hearts and minds and to come into His presence with 'fear and trembling.' The fear spoken here in NOT a fear of running from God, but a different type of fear, a 'reverence'. A fear of 'not knowing' that causes us to seek God and His presence. 'Trembling' refers to a shaking due to weakness, but this is also a weakness of higher purpose-a weakness that brings us to depend on God." -found here: GRACE PLACE



Let God, through the blood of Christ, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit of Truth our Lord has given unto all who be saved lead you into a solid foundation of faith that needs NOT ask "Can I Lose My Salvation?"

Your salvation should NEVER be in danger of being lost. If you have to question it- you are probably not saved at all!


----------------------------------------------------
Be Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind
Bringing Into Captivity Every Thought to the Obedience of Christ

Psalms 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Mark 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Creation VS Evolution ... What's all the bickering about anyway?

Here's another little ditty about Creation (see archives for previous post under same name!) This was in response to a question I came across online duriong Bible study...

Question:

If you are a Christian, must you also be a Creationist?

My response:

I would love to offer up two visual resources for you:

"Perfect Planet" and "God of Wonders". These two wonderful videos simply present the facts that ANYONE can see in life and in the universe for themselves, using simple common sense and truths, historical facts and YES science. Watch these videos and come to your own conclusions about the truth of Creation... this wonderful masterpiece that Yahweh the Author and Creator lovingly molded with His own hands. You don't have to stick your head in the sand to be a Christian. In fact, most people against intelligent design stick THEIR heads in the sand to deny it. Facts are facts and truth is truth. Seek the truth for yourselves- stop letting others dictate it for you.

Here's a great rundown with scripture references I found online for those seeking truth, but I definitely recommend the two aforementioned movies/documentaries!

http://www.lwbc.co.uk/trinity_in_creation.htm

also read this:

http://www.theocentric.com/theology/creation/all_creation_sings.html

(Note: due to this person's self-titled blog , I want to warn that I have not finished reading this article and only condone the following...thus far...)

Here's a snippet:
"And the Bible teaches that belief in divine creation is a matter of faith. Creation itself may point to God but it doesn't prove God. Like a piece of art silently speaks of its creator, so God's divine artistry in creation teaches us of God: "The heavens declare the glory of God, the earth declares his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). It stands as a mute witness of glory for those with eyes to see (see Psalm 19:3-4). As Pascal observed, there is enough evidence of God's existence in creation for those who want to believe; there will never be enough evidence for those who do not want to believe. It is for this reason that we confess the words of the ancient creed as a matter of faith: "I believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth." The author of Hebrews concurs: "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible" (Hebrews 11:3)."

If you take the time to look beyond the damage we as humans have caused and just see the beauty of the earth and all its wonder, the human being's anatomy and all its wonder, the universe and all its wonder... you'll see that the intricate details and the studies showing how non of this should have sustained itself this long without a designer to hold it all together, you'll see with your own eyes that all of Creation glorifies that designer whom created it all and sustains it all.

Psalm 104

When Healing Doesn't Come

Here's a great testimony from a sister living in the moment of God's will when it's not her will...


When Healing Never Comes
by Wendy Blight

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)


Devotion:
Today she is 16. A newly licensed driver, varsity cheerleader, confident, strong, funny, and beautiful, inside and out.

Then she was 13. Sitting in a doctor's office, between tears and trembling, we heard these words: "scoliosis," "a curvature of the spine," "back brace," " 23 out of 24 hours a day," " two years."

Words cannot explain life those next weeks and months as she faithfully wore her brace ... a brace that deformed her body, caused sleepless nights filled with pain and sorrow, and required her to quit something she loved: competitive cheerleading.

Questions plagued her heart. Why me, God? What did I do, God?

Questions plagued my mind. Why her, God? What did I fail to do? Please take this from her and give it to me, Lord...PLEASE!!

I cried out for healing. We obeyed Scripture. Elders of the church prayed over her. I laid hands on her and anointed her with oil. Hundreds of women prayed for her healing.

Healing never came.

Many nights she lay in my bed, locked in her brace, sobbing, asking, "Why me, Mom?" I lay next to her, tears rolling down my cheeks, exhausted, feeling helpless, wondering how we would make it to the other side of this.

Healing never came.

Her back worsened despite the brace, so we tried alternative methods.

Healing never came.

Oh, for a time, they kept her curve at bay—until six months ago. Her curve and the pain resulting from it had increased with astounding speed since then, until it reached the point that we had to face the reality of surgery. A surgery that requires this precious child of mine to put her life on hold. A surgery that means rods and screws will line her spine from top to bottom. A surgery that requires months and months of rehabilitation. A surgery that prevents her from ever tumbling again.

Healing never came ... or has it?

At first glance I'd say "no" because the Lord did not heal in the way I so specifically and faithfully prayed.

But, when I look at the promised result - it will straighten her spine and allow her to live pain free - I must say, "yes" healing is coming, just not in the way I hoped and prayed.

The passion of my heart, the call on my life, is to point others to find answers to their struggles, great and small, in the Word of God. So what do I say to myself as I kneel before the Lord? I allow the tears to come. I shake my fist, asking why has it had to come to this? I ask why did He not choose MY way?

And then, I surrender.

I take my own advice.

I go to His Word. His Word that speaks sweetly to me:

"Wendy, trust Me with all your heart. Do not lean on the knowledge of chiropractors, physical therapists, and others. Do not lean on your fears. Acknowledge Me, Wendy. My Name. My Power. My Strength. My Love. I promised to direct your path, and I have. This is the path I have led you to follow. Trust Me." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Wendy, I do not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

"Wendy, remember My ways are higher than your ways, My thoughts higher than yours...TRUST ME with her because I have a plan and I love her more than you will ever know." (Isaiah 55:8)

I wish I could tell you today that I am not afraid. But I would be lying. I am afraid. I am afraid of the day they will roll her away to cut into her spine and insert foreign objects into her body. But I can tell you that I trust my God, and I ask Him daily to help me with my unbelief.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is TRUTH. Father, for every woman whose heart aligns with mine today, direct us to Your Word. Speak truth into our circumstances. Help us with our unbelief. Help us take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Fill our hearts and minds with whatever is lovely, true, pure, excellent, and praiseworthy. Father cover us with Your wings. Help us to fully trust in You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
If you have a struggle, take a few minutes today, go to God's Word, and ask Him to speak into your circumstances. Note the verses to which He draws you and personalize them as I did above. Pray them every day this week and watch what God will do.

Reflections:
Read the following verses and reflect on what they speak to your heart: Hebrews 4:16, Romans 10:17, and Hebrews 12:2.

Power Verse:
1 Corinthians 2:16, "For who has known the mind of the Lord that He may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (NIV)

Isaiah 44:2, 21b, "Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not....I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me." (ESV)

Hallowmas... for a dear brother...

A beloved friend and brother in Christ put me on the spot when I encouraged people to change their celebration of Halloween into a celebration of "Hallowmas" as an alternative to the pagan holiday (Thanks bro- don't ever hesitate to test everything and everybody... I receive it with love!). We both mean well and our intentions are pure... from the heart. Here is another "point-of-view" I just discovered on a wonderful Bible-based faith site that simply confirms where I was going with the whole Hallowmas thing, and the definition of Hallowmas according to our American dictionary. Let there be no ill-will among us, amen!

Mirriam-Webster Definition of:

"Hallowmas"
One entry found.
Main Entry: Hal·low·mas
Pronunciation: \ˈha-lō-ˌmas, ˈha-lə-, -məs\
Function: noun
Etymology: short for Middle English Alholowmesse, from Old English ealra halgena mæsse, literally, all saints' mass
Date: 14th century
: ALL SAINT'S DAY

Article:


All Saints Day
Alex Crain
Editor, Christianity.com

The self-absorbed thinking conveyed in the line, "Well, me and Jesus got our own thing goin'," may have worked for Tom T. Hall's now passe American country song, but it is hardly the defining characteristic of true believers. Being willing to stand alone against error is one thing, but individualism in general is nowhere commended in Scripture. Such thinking flies smack in the face of God's emphasis on building local communities of believers who are universally united in Christ around the true gospel.

Blind spots, flaws and all, it is fortunate for us that God calls saints those who embrace the humble path of justification by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph. 1:1, 15). Incredibly, He not only calls us saints and imputes the righteousness of Christ to us (2 Cor. 5:21), but He uses us in every generation to build His kingdom.

All Saints Day is officially commemorated on November 1st each year, serving as an annual reminder that every follower of Christ is a part of something very, very big and... ancient.

According to one source, the tradition dates back to "about A.D. 610, when the Pantheon, turned into a Christian Church, was dedicated to to all saints. Its great idea is the Unity of Christians of all ages, countries, and races in Christ, and the perfection of that unity in heaven" (1662 Book of Common Prayer).

All Saints Day also reminds us to be thankful to God for His grace. It is only by His grace that anyone is able to get the gospel right. We pray to God, the giver of grace. We do not pray to the saints (Matt. 6:6), through the saints (1 Tim. 2:5) or for saints who have gone to glory (seeing that they're already in heaven and don't need our prayers). Rather, we remember the saints and to allow the memory of their faith spur us on to deeper worship and greater service to the Lord. Hebrews 11 gives us examples of the great cloud of witnesses who are called so, not because they are watching us, but because they testify of God's grace to them. The testimony of past saints resounds to us: "God is faithful." "The Lord is good, trust always in Him." "God's grace was sufficient for me and it will be for you too."

As the classic hymn "For All the Saints" was played during our local church's worship service this weekend, I reflected over the landscape of the past 2000 years of Christian history and pictured millions now enjoying their rest in the presence of the Lord as well as the thousands of believers here on earth—the final two stanzas conveying the unified thought of all of us saints, both in heaven and on earth:

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Alex Crain,
Editor, Christianity.com

Fashioning God in OUR IMAGE

This is a brilliant article on the dangers of falling prey to the many people and books and movies that are making God more like us so that we can feel more comfortable about our faith. Jesus made it clear that following Him would NOT be comfortable... there will be sacrifice and suffering. Pick up your cross and follow me, He said. Let's not forget... there was NOTHING comfortable about Christ's time on the cross. It is our Faith in the TRUE TRINITY that makes life more tolerable and eternity glorious. Stop forming God in your image so that you can have a relationship with Him on YOUR terms and in YOUR comfort zone. That's simply NOT biblical. Enjoy the following "shortened version of the article. You can read the whole article here:

REFASHIONING GOD

Paul's prophetic words of warning in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 are evident in the popularity of many publications and media sources of today: "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."


All of us, from time to time, have had thoughts about God that did not square exactly with what He himself has declared in the Scriptures, but that generation of misinformation has reached appalling levels among evangelical Christians today. This development has been stimulated primarily by the Church Growth and Emerging Church movements in their approach to allegedly reaching our culture for Christ. Reinventing Christ and Christianity, in order to make them more acceptable to the unsaved masses, is both the method and the goal. It amounts to recreating God in the fallen image of man. As delusionary as that approach may seem in attempting to reach the lost, astonishingly, it has millions of professing Christians caught in its web of deception.


Though many examples could be cited, the most popular vehicle of this tactic is a fictional book that has been atop the New York Times best-seller list for about 60 weeks, is available in 35 languages, and has sold more than seven million copies. I'm referring to The Shack, by William Paul Young. Multitudes have claimed that the book has transformed their lives by giving them a "new and wonderful awareness about God that they never understood from the Bible." The story centers upon a man, Mack Philips, whose young daughter was abducted during a family vacation. Although her body hadn't been found, evidence pointing to her murder was discovered in an abandoned shack in the wilderness of Eastern Oregon; hence the title.


After several years, which have played emotional havoc with Mack and his family (he calls this time "The Great Sadness"), he receives a note in his mailbox inviting him back to the shack. The note is signed, "Papa," a very private and intimate name that Mack's wife affectionately uses for God. Mack apprehensively follows through with the invitation and encounters the godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in ways, means, and manifestations that are both unbiblical and bizarre. God the Father appears as a stereotyped, overweight black woman, who, nevertheless, is called Papa. She's a bit crude at times, likes to boogie to funk music, and some of her dialogue makes you wonder if she got past the third grade: "Well, Mackenzie, don't just stand there gawkin' with your mouth open like your pants are full"; "Take it easy on those greens, young man. Those things can give you the trots if you ain't careful." And when asked if there was anyone in the world of whom she was not especially fond, she replies, "Nope, I haven't been able to find any. Guess that's jes' the way I is."


The book may be fiction, but God is not. If God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit say and do things in this novel that are out of character with how they are revealed in Scripture, they are obviously false representations. Insights and explanations about God constitute doctrine. They are either true to God's Word, reflecting sound doctrine, or they are lies or fables that men concoct. Paul's prophetic words of warning in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 are evident in the popularity of The Shack: "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."


The Jesus character is a giggling "good ol' boy" who is enamored by His creation. A bit of a klutz, he drops a bowl of sauce that splatters all over Papa's skirt, giving the three persons of the "Trinity" a good laugh. When questioned by Mack about his less-than-good looks, Jesus blames it on his "big Jewish nose," which he says he got from Mary's side of the family, specifically his grandfather. We learn that Jesus likes to fish for trout by trying to chase them down as he runs on water. He has yet to be successful but thoroughly enjoys the sport. Referring to the female Papa's unexpected crudeness, he declares, "She's a riot." Throughout the story, Jesus can't seem to restrain his giggles and chuckles. He and the other persons of the Trinity are so like us that many readers claim they are now "more comfortable" with God. It's astonishing that what amounts to slandering the character of our holy God could make a professing Christian comfortable.


Nearly all of the literary devices in the book are either emotional or psychological hooks. The bait is "meeting felt needs." For example, Jesus the Carpenter constructs a coffin for the now-found body of Mack's daughter, although she makes her daddy feel better by communicating to him from heaven (necromancy?) that she's quite happy. As another example, the reason that God the Father appears as a woman to Mack is because he had a bad attitude toward his own dysfunctional father (who made it to heaven anyway, in keeping with the universalism [everyone is finally reconciled to God] implied in the novel). Heresies and distortions of biblical truth are found in page after page of The Shack (see Extra Page).


Thinking of Jesus' words in Matthew 24 that false Christs would arise and lead many astray, the Jesus of The Shack readily qualifies as a fulfillment of that prophecy. Again, more than seven million people have thus far been presented a bogus Jesus, and, for some, that may be their one and only introduction to him. That grieves me deeply. A false Jesus can save no one. Erroneous ideas about Jesus will destroy any hope of a truly fruitful relationship with Him. Jesus was, and is, certainly human. But He is also God, and His humanity was and is perfect in every aspect. In that light, all attempts to make Him seem more like us—sinful humanity—either in a book or in our minds, is an act of blasphemy. Blasphemy isn't just bad-mouthing God or Jesus; it's attributing characteristics to Him that are not true—any false characteristics. It is conjuring up "another Jesus," which Scripture condemns.


"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Ephesians 4:17-18). The success of The Shack among those who profess to be evangelicals is as shameful as it is destructive, yet it also indicates that "vanity" of mind and "ignorance" are not the exclusive domain of unbelievers. Only a love for the truth and a willingness to do what the Word of God says will preserve us from the apostasy that Scripture tells us will overtake the world.


Lord, help us to remain steadfast in the faith, submitting to You in all things, and worshiping You in Spirit and in truth. Maranatha!

Falling Away: Salvation and the Unpardonable Sin

When I Fall Away


I pray you are all having a great week. After your daily scrips, PLEASE take time to read this PHENOMENAL bible study on Salvation and the unpardonable sin. It is hands down the best study I have ever seen and deserves a good look. Don't let others dictate your faith- work out your own salvation in fear and trembling:

" Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Philippians 2:12, KJV

"And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation."
Romans 5:9, NLT

"Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge on their lips. "
~ Proverbs 14:7, NLT

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21-22 KJV

Falling Away: Salvation and the Unpardonable Sin

by Pastor Ric Recla

Main Passage: Hebrews 6:1-6

The Book of Hebrews is a book written by a Jew with an obvious purpose of persuading the Jewish people to consider Christ as the promised Jewish Messiah who took the place of the sacrificial lamb in the Jewish religious cult.
It was also written to provide a theological framework to make it easy for Jewish believers in transitioning into a new way of worshipping God, wherein Christ is now at the center in the place of Jewish sacrificial system.
When you read the book of Hebrews you will notice that the writer is an insider who is well-educated in the Jewish religion, and yet is confidently able to show that Christianity is just a natural direction which Jews could transition into after considering carefully God’s revelation through Jesus Christ.
The Book of Hebrews has many very interesting teachings. One of these is the great danger of APOSTASY which is introduced in chapter 6 and followed up in chapter 10 which shows its key elements:

How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29)

This verse articulates a situation wherein a person could trample underfoot the Son of God, treat the blood of the covenant as unholy, and insult the Holy Spirit after experiencing all their benefits.

Apostasy is commonly defined as abandonment or rejection of one’s faith; it is volitional denouncement and desertion of one’s faith or religion. It is also translated as the falling away.

It may be helpful to understand apostasy if we can differentiate:
Fall into Sin – Sinning due to human weakness. Forgiveness can be availed through the sacrifice of Christ
Fall away – Volitional rejection of the whole belief system. No forgiveness is possible not because God cannot forgive, but that forgiveness is never asked.

The immediate context of chapter 6 shows us that the writer is urging the believers to grow up to maturity, which could be taken as a clear indication that the author is presuming his addressees as already born again. Otherwise, it would not be meaningful to urge growing if he thought they were still spiritually dead.

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…(Hebrews 6:1)

Verse 4 says that it is impossible for them to be renewed or restored unto repentance.
This statement is the hub of the age old debate between the Calvinists and the Arminians.
The Calvinists would say that the individuals referred to here in verses 4-6 are fake believers.

4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away…

Let’s try to appreciate what the Calvinists are saying. They are saying that today there are people inside the church that are not true believers, and some of them don’t even know they are fake Christians as could be supported by Matt. 7: 20-23:

20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23“And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

This is very scary, isn’t it? If your personal belief that you are saved is rejected by Christ due to your wrong fruits or no fruit, how else do we understand salvation by grace through faith?
Listen to how Peter responded to this issue: (2 Peter 1:5-11)

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

How many of you believe Peter? Peter is not saying that you must work to be saved. What he is saying is that true salvation will naturally bear the above-mentioned fruits. Otherwise, the claimed salvation would be fake.

I truly believe that God’s children must have an inner confidence that they are saved. And that’s good! But if that’s all we do and nothing else to build the Body of Christ, then we are simply saved for nothing, and therefore, good for nothing.

One great problem for saying that the people referred to here are fake believers is found in verse 6.

4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6and then have fallen away…

On this, we can ask the question: “Where did these people fall away from?”
If apostasy is denouncing, or abandoning or deserting your faith or your status as a Christian, this is only meaningful if one has attained the status of a genuine Christian.
This is the reason why the Arminians consider this passage an evidence that a Genuine believer can lose his salvation.
Now let’s also appreciate the Arminians for fairness’ sake since we also appreciated the Calvinists’ points. Honestly, it is more natural to take the persons referred here as Christians. If people in the church that we know are enlightened, have tasted the heavenly gifts, partakers of the Holy Spirit, tasted the good word of God and powers of the age to come are questionable believers, how else do I know that you are my genuine brothers and sisters in Christ? How can we ever enjoy our fellowship if we all suspect each other as possibly fake brothers and sisters.
The main problem with Arminianism, according to the Calvinists, is the assertion that you can lose your salvation. How many of you believe that you can lose your salvation?
How many of you here believe you have already lost it for one reason or another?

Personally, I believe that I am saved not because that’s how I feel, but because God’s word says that I am, after satisfying the condition articulated in His word (Jn 1:12-13; Jn 3:16,36, 6:37, 47; 1 Jn 5:11-13; Rom 8:1).

I also believe that I cannot just lose my salvation simply because my Savior assured me that no one can just snatch me out of His hands. (Jn 10: 28)

28And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

And that as Paul puts it “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.” (Rom 8:38-39)

The problem we have this morning is the fact that Hebrews 6 asserts that there is a case wherein we can apostatize: abandon our faith, dessert Christ. And that if this happens, it becomes impossible for us to be restored or renewed to the Faith in Christ.
Hebrews 10:29 articulates to us how this could happen:

29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

The problem can be easily resolved if we can distinguish between falling into sin and falling away from our faith.

We fall into sin because of our human weakness. This sin can be taken care of by the blood of Christ on the Cross if we confess it. But falling away from your faith is to reject, abandon, denounce, and dessert your savior. It would be nonsense to claim salvation after denouncing and abandoning a savior.

Therefore, it would be fair to say: You cannot lose your salvation, but you can sure throw it away in apostasy. And if you will not pick it up again before you breathe your last, if you continue to harden your heart when you can still hear His voice, you may go to eternity without it.

A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. (Proverbs 29:1)

The last problem we will address is whether or not an apostate can be restored back to faith.
The answer is very clear. From from our passage, we hear an emphatic “NO!” or “Impossible!”

6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

Having said that, we have to be very careful in determining what is impossible because most commentators missed this point I think. Either they don’t take the emphatic assertion as serious, or they explain away the verse.

The statement is in the infinitive passive form which could be correctly rendered this way “impossible (for them) to be restored.” The apostate is the receiver of the action and not the doer — meaning that it is impossible for any agency to effect that restoration, and probably even by God Himself, since He did not provide an exception. Jesus illustrates this in the case of the prodigal son. The reason the father did not pursue the son when he left is because He could not restore relationship with the one who rejects him. No one can coerce true repentance. The father did not look for the Son. Why? Because he is not lost. He know s the way back home. He is running away and is hiding. It’s no use to look for someone who is hiding because when you find him, he will still run away and continue to hide.

While verse 6 says it is impossible for them to be restored, it did not say it is impossible for them to return on their own — that is, without any agency.

Jesus’ emphatic assertion of absolute acceptance for anyone who comes to Him in Jn 6:37 could well indicate what He will do to a returning apostate.

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (Jn. 6:37)

Did not Jesus say we are to forgive seventy times seven if that same brother would still come to ask of it? He taught us that because that’s what He would do to anyone who sincerely comes to Him to ask for forgiveness.

Brothers and sisters, two things I will tell you in closing:
If you believe you are saved but know in your heart that your fruits are sour to God, you better re-examine your heart, you might be connected to the wrong vine. Repent and seriously get connected with Jesus, the true vine, and secure your election by bearing the right fruits.

If you believe you have committed the unpardonable sin, or you believe you have already abandoned God, Jesus, or your Christian Faith. But you still hear God calling you today. I tell you no one and nothing else can restore you back to God. God has given you the key to your restoration. Like the prodigal son, you can decide to come to your senses and return and expect the father to be waiting for you right at the door ready to welcome you into His arms. You may have a hard time believing that but that’s what Jesus said. He who comes to me, I will never cast him out.
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Biblical Truths About Sexual Self-Gratification

Is Sexual Self-Gratification Wrong?

Here's my easy quick answer... another question:

1. Everything you say and do... God is watching. Do you think He is watching you do that to yourself and cheering you on?
2. When Jesus comes back, if you happen to be caught with your pants down (literally), do you suppose He will say, "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!" I mean... REALLY?

So, that's the obvious easy answers. But i believe these very important questions should have a more biblical basis for their solutions, so I found this AWESOME study online that someone spent valuable time on and feel it should be shared with all.

Enjoy!



WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...

MASTURBATION?

"What does the Bible say about masturbation?" is one of our most frequently asked questions. Many Christians have found it difficult to answer this question according to the Bible, because the Bible never mentions masturbation specifically. To understand how God feels about this subject, we must examine other verses that deal with issues such as lust, self-control and purity. Also, we must examine its fruit to see if it is from God. We have tried to address this issue by answering some of the most frequently asked questions. Our prayer is that God will use this page to bring freedom and deliverance.

"Does God care about what we do in the privacy of our bedrooms?"

Sex is God's invention. He is the mastermind behind it—and His creation is worth far more to Him than it is to us. This beautiful expression of love was created out of His own heart, as a gift to be experienced between a husband and wife. It is only in marriage that this manifestation of intimacy can be fully enjoyed in the depth for which it was created.

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral" (Hebrews 13:4, NIV).

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4, KJV).

The more beautiful and unique something is (like sexual intercourse), the more power it holds over our lives, either for good or bad influence. That is why it is so easy for the devil to corrupt the most precious of God's gifts. When we become more in love with the gifts than the One who endowed them, the things that were designed to bless us begin to destroy us instead. Yes, God cares about what we do with our bodies, in public or in private. He doesn't want us to abuse ourselves in any way.

In fact, an older definition of masturbation is "self-abuse." Although more modern dictionaries may no longer carry this definition, they are still linked together under self-abuse:

Self-abuse noun¹

1. Abuse of oneself or one's abilities.
2. Masturbation.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) further confirms this, saying that unlawful sexual relations defile our own bodies. "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."

"Isn't it still better to masturbate than to commit fornication?"

The easy answer to this question would be, "Yes, it is better to masturbate, because at best it corrupts only one person. It certainly is the lesser of two evils." However, why would a loving, holy, all-powerful God abandon you to a situation in which you have to choose any evil, whether it be "lesser" or "greater?" To really answer this question, we must again go back to God's original plan for sex.

First of all, masturbation will not truly relieve the sexual pressure that one may feel. It may for a short moment, but in the long run it only creates a deeper desire and capacity for sex, which will lead to more masturbation. If you let yourself become enslaved to a sexual high, you will find that you need to go to increasingly extreme acts to maintain the same degree of excitement. There are even ungodly sex therapists who recommend masturbation as a way of increasing sexual desire, not lessening it. This creates a vicious circle, like the junkie who craves a "fix," but is only temporarily satisfied. The more he indulges in his dependency, the more ensnared by addiction he becomes. This is the nature of all sin. That is why Jesus declared that all who sin become a slave to sin (John 8:34).

Furthermore, masturbation usually involves fantasy, visualization, and often pornography. The Bible is very clear as to what God expects of us in these areas of fantasy and lust. It teaches that we must not look lustfully at each other nor should we behave in such a manner as to entice others to lust after us.

"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a girl. I know full well that the Almighty God sends calamity on those who do" (Job 31:1-3, The Living Bible).

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).

While the above verses refer to men lusting after women, all women know that it can very easily be reversed to apply to themselves as well. Men may be more easily visually stimulated than women, but women can be just as vulnerable to sexual fantasy in the emotional realm. Both are sin in God's eyes, and both can be brought into subjection by controlling our thoughts through Christ's power.

All sexual immorality begins with a thought. A lustful thought not taken captive, will eventually lead to other perversions, because sin reproduces itself in increasingly greater measures. If we do not deal with our evil thoughts, they will take root in our hearts.

It is for this reason that God is so concerned with our thought life. Jesus came not only to deliver us from our "outward" sins, but also from wickedness that begins in the heart.

"Isn't God unreasonable to demand sexual purity after giving us sexual drives that seem to overwhelm us at times?"

Our loving God never demands from us what is impossible for us to do. We are so weak within ourselves that it may seem impossible, but He will equip us with His holy power to overcome any sin, if we ask in faith.

Of course, sexual urges in and of themselves are not wicked. They are natural. God created us that way. He desires that we get optimum pleasure out of them by using them the way they were created to be used. However, many desires for physical gratification (whether it be food, sex, etc.) stem from a deeper need that is unfilled deep inside us. Gorging our flesh can never fill a hunger that grows out of our spirit. Only intimacy with God can fill the deepest needs inside of us. No other created thing has that power.

God is no more unreasonable than any caring parent who lovingly disciplines their child. It is only because He knows what is best for us. He sees a mighty potential in each one of us that far supersedes our wildest dreams, and He loves us enough to do all He can to bring it to pass.

"I agree with all the theory, but living it out on a day to day level is another story."

This is the place where we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. The Holy Spirit is not a vague "force," but the very power of God to comfort you and strengthen you against the sins that used to rule you before you were born again. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the very ability that Jesus had to resist temptation. He depended completely upon the Father and so must we.

Something you must know is that God is not the one who is tempting you in this area to "test" you. God is on your side and wants to set you free from these things, not lead you into them! "When tempted, no one should say "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:13-14).

God wants us to overcome every sin and temptation in our lives. Please slowly read the following verses and let their message seep deep inside your spirit.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

"For though we live in the world we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

"In the same way count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:11-14).

"For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16, King James Version).

"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

"Can I really be set free?"

"In (this) freedom, Christ has made us free—completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery—which you have once put off " (Galatians 5:1 Amp).

If you are in a real struggle with any form of sexual sin, we do not believe it was by accident that God led you to this teaching. He wants to set you free, starting right now! We would like to share several things that you can do to break loose from this stronghold:

1. Confess this sin first to God, then go to a committed Christian you trust, such as your pastor. Ask God to lead you to someone that you can be accountable with, who will be faithful to pray with you and for you. This will take humility on your part, but it will lead to life. James 5:16 says: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (You may not feel "righteous" but if you have admitted your sin to God and received His forgiveness, you are! That means your prayers are powerful and effective!)

2. Flee from and reject anything that aggravates this sin. For example, you may need to get off the Internet for a season or purchase software that blocks out pornography. This may sound too drastic, but it certainly is mild compared to Jesus who said, "If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to go into Hell" (Matthew 5:30). His point was that we must be willing to part with anything that causes us to sin—even if it hurts temporarily.

3. You may need to seek healing and deliverance from qualified Christians who are anointed in this area of ministry. If you have been deeply involved in sexual sins, the devil probably has a stronghold in that area of your life. If you can, find some people who can help you stand against the devil, for he is the one who seeks to lead you into temptation, and whispers lies of hopelessness and shame into your ears. If he drops a filthy thought into your mind just when you are trying to pray (he has used this tactic on even the holiest saints of God), tell him to leave in the name of Jesus! Recognize his voice for what it is, and submit yourself to God. As you do this and resist the devil, he will flee from you! He is deathly afraid of those who are submitted to God in brokenness and humility.

4. Don't give up! Deliverance might take time. Self-control takes effort. You may slip occasionally—or even a lot. But remember that God loves you and He will be faithful to perfect His character in you as long you keep submitting to Him. Eventually you will win—and not because of your best efforts, but because of God's mercy (Titus 3:5). Just as salvation is received in faith, so deliverance must be received in faith. This has nothing to do with our character, strength, or failings. The only thing it is dependant upon is you receiving it in humility. If you should fail, recognize it quickly, ask God to forgive you—and then receive His forgiveness! He is faithful to do that which He promised, not just in a select few mighty men and women of God, but in all who are willing to come humbly before Him. That includes you! We want to encourage you to hold on to this scripture as your anchor:

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

If there is anything else we can do to help you, please let us know. In closing, we would like to pray for you:

"Father, we thank you for bringing this person into our website. We know that it was your Holy Spirit that led them here and we thank you for your faithfulness to them! We lift them up to you now and ask that You fill them with a desire for You that transcends every other desire they have ever known. Let them know your cleansing love and power. We thank you that he whom the Son has set free, is free indeed. We speak this freedom into the life of this one whom the devil has bound in shame. We speak healing and deliverance and we break every tie that has kept them under a spirit of addiction and perversion. We stand against the Evil One and his every plan to bring destruction in this one's life. Father, in faith, and by the power and authority You have given us, we declare that this one is FREE in the name of Jesus! We commit them to Your care and we loose Your Holy Spirit to minister to them at this very instant. We ask these things in the precious name of Your son, Jesus Christ."


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