“To the end [H]e may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God…”                                                                                                                              (1 Thessalonians 3)

There are three (3) doctrines that will anger a believer more than any other doctrine as has been my experience. And this tells the preacher something about the ones that are angered.
These three (3) doctrines are”
*The Doctrine of Election.
*The Doctrine Of A Wife’s Submission to Her OWN husband.
*The Doctrine of Personal Holiness.

The Doctrine of Election is a doctrine of love, hope, choice, God’s free will and sovereignty. This doctrine speaks to the personal, individualistic, specific, peculiar type of love God has for His persons. We can not see why anyone would oppose this doctrines other than it kicks against the flesh. This doctrine states, God from before the founding of this planet, before, Adam and Eve, before the Fall of man, God elected a specific number of persons to be saved, Christ came to Live for these chosen vessels, to die for the chosen vessels, and Rise from the deas for these chosen vessels.  Christ ascending to the right Hand of God to intecede for these Chosen vessels. In other words, Christ did all for this elect people.

What is there to be offended by, brethren?  One cannot teach other wise without twisting Scriptures and taking away from Scripture. This may get in the way of someone’s view of evangelism, but it should not.  Without the understanding of God’s free grace election, a witness can only wish someone would come to Christ.  With the doctrine of election, we know others will come to Christ!!!

Some despise this doctrine of election because they think (wrongly) that it is a teaching of a man named, John Calvin. These erroniously believe gossip about this man, Five-hundred (500) year old gossip. This man did teach election but he was not the first. The Scriptures were the first to ploclaims God’s freedom of choice God taught it, the prophets taught it or teaches it, the Psalmist teaches it, Christ, in the Gospels teaches it, the Apostles in their inspired epistles teaches it.

The other doctrine that gets a preacher in trouble inthe teaching of a wife’s submission. This doctrine is a type of the metaphorical third (3rd) rail. This should not be.  Methinks the reasons this doctrine is disliked:
*Persons think this is Paul’s teaching alone.
*Feminism.
*It has been taught improperly.
*Some men have abused this doctrine.
*Some will simply not listen to the defining of the doctrine, they hear submission and their ears go closed….men and women.

The Word of God is called the Word of God for a reason.  This reason is, it is, in fact, the Word and Words of God. The Holy Spirit moved holy men to pen His Words.  God inspired the human authors to write His revealed will.  If a person does not believe this doctrine of the Divine inspiration of God, there really is no use to have a spiritual discussion. If both parties do not hold to this doctrine, the Scriptures cannot be looked to as an objective Source of Truth and Authority.  If a woman cannot believe that this is God’s Word, and sees it only as Paul’s opinion, there is no reason to continue.

Feminism, I have no real problem with feminism as long as feminism has no problem witht he Word of God. There are many forms of feminism.  There is the left’s mindset and there is very little use, barring God’s direct intevention, to “spar” with this type of feminism and actually, it isn’t feminism but out right rebellion.

I have three (3) daughters. Do I think they are capable of anything? I do.  We have always told them that they can do anything because God is for them.  We do qualify that statement by saying you can do anything, lest God says differently.
As for feminism being code for “Pro Gay and Pro White Christ-ian Straight Man Hate” we are not feminists.

There is a rich history through out Scripture of women being instrumental in the will of God.  There is also a history of women causing long lasting damage, but that is true of man as well. Sometimes a woman has done both. But all was under the watchful Eye of God. And nothing happens that He does not allow and use later.

We have heard this doctrine taught, it has been taught well and not so well. Our teaching on submission is simple.
*Submission equals a woman’s trust for her husband’s love.
*The husband should look to the needs and welfare for his wife, as she should his.
*When the husband and wife sit down to make a decision, both have different points of view, different experiences, different gifts, etc. and all of that should be input.
*Both husband and wife should submit to each other in different areas.
*Submitting to a husband equals All the responsibility falls onto him, that isn’t a great feeling from a husbands point of view.
*In all things, there is a point man/woman that is responsible. In sports, in business, in clubs, in juries, in church, and in marriage.  This point person is responsible, they must weigh factots, make certain everyone is being heard from, making sure everyone is pulling weight, discipling, etc.  This point person answers to someone higher up.  So if all goes well the point person relays this news to the higher up, but if all things are bad, he also must relay the bad news.  In marriage, the point person is the husband and the higher up is All Mighty God.  The husband will answer for how he managed his family.

In the past we have seen some men abuse this doctrine and turned his wife into a work-horse.  This man has his Bible under his arm as he walks toward the church, and his wife is struggling with three (3) kids, a huge diaper bag or two (2), her Bible, etc.  Male reader, if this is you, Knock it off.  You are not seen as a holy man but as a louse and most right thinking men would love to slap you around a bit.  This slapping around would be in love and to the glory of God.  Certainly I jest, or do I?

I have long said the church should have “a salt ministry.” This ministry would basically be a numbrer of men visiting a man that abuses his wife or children. The point of the visit is to help him understand the proper way to treat his wife or children. We would do this with object lessons and examples. The husband would be the one that we demonstrate on. When the “a salt” ministry leaves the home, they leave behind the message, “We’ll be see’in ya’ or not, it’s up to you…big man.” If there is a person that needs help in this area let us know and we would be happy to speak with you.

I’ve seen the most offensive behaviour (I’m the offended party) from this type of guy…we’ll not call him a man or a husband.  This guy…is all about outward show and he has nothing on the inside.  I’ve been told by a furniture maker that one can tell a good piece from a bad piece.  The bad or cheap piece has a lot of shine and gloss to it.  The good stuff doesn’t. This is true of persons as well, If the outside is all made up there’s something missing on the inside.  I’m not speaking to ladies who wear make up. but you understand what I mean.

The third (3rd) doctrine is holiness or personal holiness.  Believe it or not, reader, The teaching on personal holiness has put me in troubles way more than the aforementioned doctrines above. The goal of salvation is to create a holiness inside of the believer. The Holy Ghost lives inside of the believer, right?  What do you think His main minstry or office is?  It’s in His Name….Holy. The Holy Spirit indwells us to make us holy and acceptable to God, when Christ returns or we die. Christ died and rose again in order to save us and make us holy.  The Father chose us in order to make us holy             (Ephesians 1:1-5). Peter quotes God in the Old Testament,  “Be ye holy, for I am [H]oly”

Paul in Romans eight (8) tells us that the Christ-ian is predestinated to be Christ-like.  To be Christ-like is to be Holy and to be Holy is to be Christ-like.  One could ask this question either way, How are you doing, Reader, in you Christ-likeness?  or  Reader, How are you doing in the area of your personal holiness?

One can use different words, but it seems to me that there be a three (3) fold holiness in Scripture.
*Positionally Holy: This is all God. He puts you aside for His use.
*Principally Holy:  One’s life principles or worldview changes.  This is BIG.  Persons do not change, lest God re-creates them or they are born again, anew, or from above. An unsaved person could be pro-death, but once the Spirit of God enters, that principle changes to pro-life.
*Practical Holiness: This is living a holy life. Our actions, our will, our feelings, our thoughts all take on a holiness. That’s not to say, wicked thoughts/feelings/desires will not creep in unawares, they will, they will. BUT the good news regarding those wicked thoughts is they’re wicked thoughts, whereas before they were just thoughts.

What does a persons response to the above doctrines say about them?
*Election: They have not looked into that doctrine because it is clearly taught. I have known preachers who have learned this doctrine late in life.  Another reason is the flesh will not allow it.
*A wife’s Submission: She’s not right with God and pride has gotten in the way, or maybe the doctrine has simply been misunderstood.
*Holiness: If this doctrine bothers you, you may not be saved, you may not be a Christ-ian after-all.  Why not consider this and correct it by calling upon the Lord Jesus and ask Him to be your One and Only Saviour?

“You shall keep them, O LORD, You shall preserve them from this generation for ever.”                                                                                                                                  (Psalm 12) KJV ER

“Thou shall keep them, O LORD, [T]hou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.                                                                                                                                            (Psalm 12:7) AV

“You shall keep them and preserve them, O  LORD; You will guard and keep us from this [evil] generation forever.  (Psalm 12:7) Amplified

“You, LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever.”                                                                                              (Psalm 12:7) New American Standard

“O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.                                                                                          (Psalm 12:7) New International Version

Reader,
There is a controversy today that has existed from the very first (1st) time the Word of God was translated or even doubted. It could be argued that this controversy goes back to the Serpent and Eve, “Hath God said…?”.  With the number of versions in existence, persons will, inevitably ask, “Why does your version read differently from mine?”

An example: Look above at the changes Psalm 12:7 undergoes from the first (1st) version to the last.  In the first (1) version and the second (2nd), the subject is the Word of God and God promising to preserve it forever.  As one moves through the other versions one cannot help but note, the subject changes. In some of the versions above the subject remains the Word of God in the first clause but changes to persons in the next. The last abomination…err…version, the NIV changes the subject altogether from the Word of God to man. The NIV is in keeping with the times where God and His Word has been relegated to second (2nd) place, if He even has the second (2nd) place, and man has taken charge.

Is this controversy important? Is it worth causing discord between the brethren? Is it worth looking into? Is it worth getting angry over? Regardless of the right or logical answers to the above questions, very many of our brethren or brethren so-called, would answer with a resounding and judgmental, and pride-filled “YES!!!  Is it right to be serious, sober, and grave when it comes to God’s Word? Of course, it is one of the most important issues one must have a view upon. However, one can focus on particular corallaries regarding the Word of God that should be considered minor.

In this pastor’s view, in this preacher/teacher’s view, in this veteran believer’s view, let us answer thequestions from above and other questions:

Q. Is this controversy important?  A. Yes, this is important, anything regarding God’s Word is important and worthy of attention.

Q. Is it worth causing discord between believers?  A. NO, NO, NO, not at all. The only reason to break fellowship is false doctrine, specifically, the foundational doctrines of the Christ-ian faith such as, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, The Life, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, Salvation by Christ Alone through faith alone, by grace alone, The Bible being the Word of God and Only Authority for believers, Christian Liberty vs. Legalism (where liberty is enjoyed, the Spirit is Present and where liberty is bound, He is not.  The letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life).

Q. Is God able to save a person who uses a different version or any version? A. OF COURSE. There exists nothing that hinders God except that which He chooses to hinder Him and hinder us, IE. Faithlessness.

Q. Are tracts inspired by God? A. No, they are written by uninspired men using divine truths.

Q. Has God saved some by the use of tracts?   A. Yes, many testify to “coming to [themselves]”  and coming to Christ through a human authored tract.

Q. Are some versions better for a specific pupose than are others?  A. Yes.  The A.V. is best for details and doctrine.  The A.V. or K.J.V. has the best pedigree os all the versions.  The Ampliphied provides a neat commentary of the A.V. In fact, in the beginning of the Ampliphied, It is written that this version should not be used alone as a Bible, but as a help. The K.J.V.-ER (Easy-Reader) is the King James or A.V. that changes the thees’, thou’s ye’s, and other non-doctrinal list of words and gives a list of these changes. For some this makes reading the A.V. “easier to read.”  I have heard the “Living Bible” is good for reading, but not necessarily for study. It maybe useful to those who have a good working knowledge of God’s Word and enjoys “just” reading the Word for enjoyment and not diligent study.  The N.I.V. to me, is not to be used. I ddo not want to offend, but sometimes, one cannot help it. The N.I.V. changes much, “only begotten Son” becomes “one and only Son.” Therefore, we are not sons of God.  The N.I.V. removes so much content and this removed content is equal to First (1st) Peter.

Q. Will God judge you for using the “wrong” version?  A. No.  To be so dogmatic and strong on a version being correct is to deny God’s power to speak through any vessel.

Q. Does a person have something to gain by insisting upon a specific version?  A. Yes, control, power, and authority, a pride-filled sense of being right. The fundementalist movement is obsessed over this issue. This issue is used to separate their flock (and it is their’s and not God’s) from other denominations. By doing this, the preacher or false prophet sets himself up as pope and the authority, he holds all power and control over his people.  With this power and authority, he is able to commit all manner of gross sin and crime and harm many, many persons and families for the rest of their lives. These personality types are psychopathic/sociopathic and they are not saved. This type of personality takes many forms and has been seen throught human history. This personality is drawn to executives business positions, political positions, AND pastoral position.  This type has no fear, no remorse, no consideration for others, except how others can be useful. This personality type has great charisma and charm, they are able to convince persons of anything. Many of histories leaders such as Caligula, Nero, and in contemporary times, Bernard Madoff, Jim Jones, Jack Hyles (YEP!) Obama (YEP!) Reader, if you disagree, look up traits of psychopathology and sociopathy and see for yourself. Apply the traits to the men I have named. Reader, I’m aware that I beat this dead horse often. Please be patient.

This writer uses the K.J.V. / A.V.  for study and preaching. He uses other versions that may give him another perspective. We use the K.J.V. ER sometimes for reading and not study.  This version capitalizes all pronouns that refer to the Godhead and I love that.  This ER also puts Jehovah’s Words in red in the Old Testament and tells you what Hebrew word for God is being used when the English gives only God or LORD. I also use this in accord with my Thompson Chain K.J.V. during Bible study.

Another something to consider, I have found New Testament writers quoting Old Testament passages and using different words and sometimes only part of the Old Testament passage. I found Paul saying, “..in another Psalm…” Paul doesn’t even give the specific Psalm.  These truths inform my view point and my position on varied versions.

Reader, I know I did not specifically state which version is the best or which one (1) I believe to be the most trustworthy and that is by design. I do think however, it is pretty obvious by what I have written. james says we ministers will offend with the very important truths of Scripture so we need not come up with other points of controversy to offend others or many.

I would imagine that some, on both sides of the controversy, could find reason to be offended by the above, this is a need in them that can be compared to a person needing to relieve him or herself.

Godspeed.

(Psalm 12:7) New International Version

“…[Y]ou younger, submit yourselves’ to the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.”                                                                                                                                                (1 Peter 5)

According to news sources these are schools where shootings have taken place in the U.S. since the beginning of 2018.
*May 18 Santa Fe, Tx Ten (1) killed.
*May 11 Palmeda CA  Boy shot in shoulder.
*April 20, Ocala Flo  Boy shot in ankle.
*April 12, Raytown Flo Man shot in Stomach.
*March 20, Lexington Park Maryland ( 2)two shot/ (1) of them killed
*March 02, Mt.Pleasant Mich Two (2) shot/ one (1) of them killed.
*February 24, Savannah GA One (1) killed.
*February 14, Parkland Flo  (Seventeen (17) killed.
*February 09, Nashville Tn (1) student shoy (five) times.
*February 05, Oxon, Maryland, One (1) shot and lived.
*February 01, LA CA 0ne (1) one boy shoy in head, One (1) girl shot in wrist, Two (2) others shot and grazed.
*January 23, Benton, Kentucky Sixteen (16) and Two (2) killed.
*January 22, Italy, Tx One (1) shot.
*January 20, Winston Salem NC  One (1) shot.

Reasons for School Shootings according to a Preachers:
We will not say much about mental illness. We will not say mental illness plays zero (0) part is some shootings, but certainmly not all.  When something happens that cannot be explained or will not be explained by spiritual aspects or plain and simple human nature, mental illness gives it a name and that is that. When persons see an angel, it is given a name and all spiritual aspects are ignored or “poo poo’d away.”  When lindbergh saw an entity help him cross the ocean, doctors gave it a name and that was that.  When “something” helped persons escaped, doctors gave it name and that was that.

We know a young girl, a woman now who saw her mother die in a traffic accident, this girl was riding “shot-gun” at the time.  A “person” was there instantly and pulled the girl away from the accident and helped her to a curb and stayed with her until first responders arrived. The young girl later asked where the helper was to thank him, and others who saw her get safely to the curb told her she walked by herself.

The thing about these persons who tell of these events have nothing to gain by these admissions but grief by most, even by some that should be able to believe. When you are trying to evaluatenwhether a person is being honest, one (1) thing to consider is if the person has something to gain by what they say and if this person is generally honest and  truthul.  Have others had the same experience and are these others credible.

Joan of Arc is a women or rather a girl from history (1412) that claimed to hear celestial voices speaking to her and giving her instructions.  Many to this very day say she was schizophrenic and mentally ill. Let us apply our guidelines from above:
*What does she have to gain?  Death, societal and religious persecution, shunning by family and friends and other good things.
*Was Joan normally honest and upright? She was.
*Have others had the same experience and were they credible? Others experienced the same, IE. Prophets, have others that were uncredible, to be honest, yes.  But did the uncredible have other issues and were they generally honest and well?  No.

Joan of Arc, while a teen-ager, led France to great victories and independence against England.  When she was introduced to King Phillip of France, he hid among many others to see if this “prophetess” could find him (At these, times there were not photos of royalty, most did not see their king).  An impostor sat upon the throne and was dressed in royal regalia.  Joan walked up to him, looked at him for a bit, turned from the impostor and walked among to crowd, she finally walked up to an indivual and bowed, she bowed before the KIng of France.  All were shocked.

The King directed everyone to depart, and sat with Joan for a time.  Finally, the King exited and told the people he believed in Joan, promoted her to lead his armies. Of course many doubted her for a while until following her as their leader!

Why did I write the above regarding mental illness and spiritual activities? To make the case that not all things should be marked up to menatl Illness.  If anyone we to be marked down as a truly mentally ill person, would it not be Jesus Christ, who made truly remarkable statements and admissions? Yet, intellectaul honest phsychiatrists and psychologists that have studied this Man, like Pliates and royalty, during Christ’s time, “find no fault in this [M]an.”

“Again, we write the above on mental illnesses to demonstrate that it is not the only option, no, not at all.

Other reasons for this violent trend are:
*Simple human nature. The human mind and nature is set to violence and evil imagining
*Victim of bullying. Bullies are an army of Dr. Frankensteins. They create these killers and these killers turn on them.
*Publication and reporting of killers name. Some persons see the exaltation of thes killers and desire the same fame.
*Not reporting more on the victims and their families. The destruction these killings have on friends and families of the victims are not focused on enough.
*Not executing the killer after due process and being found guilty. This should be logical, This should be plain and simple, this should be common to those with sense
*Weapons not being secured in the home. In most of these killings the weapon was obtained from the home and the weapon was easily accessed.
*Persons not paying attention to signs before shootings. Friends and family do not pay attention to signs, flags, and things the killer actually says before shootings.
*Political Correctness. “See something, say something” if you want to be considered racist….again political correctness.
*Politicians, especially with the left mindset or rather being possessed by out of control emotions. These leftminded politicians and their voters pay no attention to common sense, to facts, to history.  The burden and much of the weight of these killings should be put on their shoulders
*Teaching on evolution. No soul, why not kill?  No afterlife consequences, why not kill?  Only the strong survive, why not bully the weak and why not kill the bully?
*The mixing of a carnal nature, a dead spirit given to sin, and demonic influence and violent video games and the glorification of violence equal killing.
*Broken families.  This should be honest to a person with common sense.

How to TRY and stop these shooting:
*Do the opposite of the above.
*Begin promoting Spiritual matters such as the law of God and the Gospel of Christ, it is only this that will change the nature of the lawless.
*Stop glorifying these killers, do not report their names,and start focusing on the destruction they cause.
*Begin using words likes coward, loser, small-minded, weak, bullied and other derogatory words to describe their actions.
*Prosecute parents, that fail to reasonably contain their weapons, as accomplises.
*Stress to all, the importance of reporting signs and allow them to remain anonymous.
*Execute the killer after due process and the killer is found guilty and it is at this point the identity can be reported and maybe not even then.  This execution must take place within weeks of conviction and must be televised. Methods of execution is to be Electric chair, guillotine, hanging, or shooting squad. The execution must be graphic and not peaceful or humane. Parents or guardians should be put in front and their reactions televised.  Some, no doubt will call this extreme and inhuman. Let me ask these persons a question, which is more inhumane, the killing of the innocent and the increase of these killing or the execution of the murderer and the pain it causes the killers own family.  Feax humanity and political correctness and those that propagate the such, again, bear the weight of these killings.

During the week or so, while the killer is being prepared for execution, the killer should be allowed to see the news, her others speak of him or her as a coward, weak, as bullied, as small-minded and the effects upon the families of those killed should be streamed to his or her cell for hours a day. The Gospel should be presented to the killer also. In other words, the only things the killer should see on television is what he or she has caused, what the public thinks of them (But the name of the killer is not to be given), and religious programming.

The above will probably never come to fruition because as usual, those things that make the most sense will never be considered seriously, not in the times in which we live. In the times in which we live, God is continually ignored and resisted and affronted and offended, killers are glorified, criminals are not properly dealt with, and assinine and innane ideas are considered, the small minded and a small number of persons receive the most attention. Attention is given to the silliest of ideologies and other reasons.

In times past, God has turned on peoples for less and sent a spirit of dimness, and idiocey upon them. He has allowed death, disasters and plagues to overwhelm, and has released demonic forces to overtake many.

You can agree with what I have written, you can agree with some of waht I have written, you can disagree with some or you can disagree with all. But please, please, please have a reason(s) why and provide for another reason(s) with support(s), this is how discussions work and this is how one (1) presents a well thought out argument.

In the future we will write (DV) on the differences between convictions, compromise, and stubbornness and help others to decide which they are and what to do about it.

Godspeed.

“Blessed is the man whom [T]hou choosest, and caused to approach unto [T]hee, that he my dwell in [T]hy courts…”  (Psalm 65)

“But our God is in the heavens: [H]e hath done whatsoever [H]e hath pleased.”                                                                                                                                            (Psalm 115
“…the Son quickeneth whom [H]e will…”  (John 5)

“For whom [H]e did foreknow, [H]e also did predestinate to be conformed to thev[I]mage of [H]is Son…”  (Romans 8)

“[H]e hath chosen us in [H]im before the foundation of the world…”  (Ephesians 1)

“…God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth…”  (2 Thessalonians 2)

Reader,
The God of the Scriptures is SOVEREIGN, Supreme in Power and Authority, He does what He wills, When He wills, How He wills as long as He wills. No one can stop God. No one can stay God’s Hand. God needs no counsel. God needs no help. God needs no information. God will never learn anything new. God will never grow old. God will never forget except what He chooses to forget.

Why are you who you are? Why were you born when you were born? Why do you live where you live? Why are you the gender you are? Why are you the shape you are? Why do you have the intrinsic struggles you have? Why do you have the infirmities you endure? It is because God does as He pleases.  One thing you must remember, God is Sovereign AND God is GOoD, God is all-wise, all-knowing, God is every where, God knows all things…God knows you…He knew you before you were born.  When Christ Died on Calvary, you were in His mind, He knew you and Loved you from eternity past, God always knew you and always loved you.

My reader, Everything is as God planned it. All things will work together for your good because you are His called and because He has a purpose for your life and His purposes are also His Pleasures. You are likened unto gems and gems get cut. You are likened unto gold and Gold must go through the fire. You are Predestinated to be Christ-like, therefore you must be crucified to this world, Your flesh must be crucified and mortified. You are a plant that must be pruned and it hurts to be pruned, but proper pruning, though painful, promotes growth and life.

Reader, if you love God, you were loved by God first (1st), you did not choose Him, but He chose you. God rejects others but accepts you. Reader, you are known by God and you are loved by God and that is the answer to all your joys and struggles.

Godspeed.

“For we wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”                                                                                                                                           (Ephesians 6)
“[I]n high places” is translated from the greek, by Young in his analytical concordance, as in the heavens. Therefore we learn that “spiritual wickedness” or demonic forces reside in the heavens. We know from Job that (s)atan and others fallen entities have access to the third (3rd) heaven or God’s abode.  The first (1st) heaven is the clouds, and the second (2nd) heaven is space (aliens?).

“Principalities” is translated from the word, beginning and principality.  It seems to me this is speaking to the fallen angels or demons that were present at the beginning of the world, I can’t be dogmatic or authoritative here, or establish a doctrine but it makes sense. “Powers” is translated from the word, privilege and authority.”  Sounds like power and privilege or the “upper crust.”

“[R]ulers of darkness of this world,”  ruler is translated from a word that means world rulers and darkness from the word darkness in the Greek.

Paul tells us we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. I am not a Bible corrector or higher critic of Scripture. I am not one to disagree with the Word of God, BUT….do we not wrestle with other persons, “wrestle” in terms of dealing with difficult persons? dealing with persons given to emotional possession? dealing with persons that want control? OF COURSE!!! we wrestle against flesh and blood, so is Paul wrong?

“Holy men of old spake (and recorded) as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…”  The [W]ords of the LORD are pure [W]ords…O LORD, [T]hou shalt preserve [T]hem from this generation forever.  No, Paul is not wrong, no, not at all. So what should we conclude in his words about flesh and blood, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness?

“And Satan stood up against (Political) Israel, and provoked David to number Israel             (1 Chronicles 21).”  “But the prince of Persia [(s)atan] withstood me one and twenty days…”  (Daniels 10).   “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses…”  (Jude 9).  “And having spoiled principalities and powers, [H]e made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it”  (Colossians 2:15). These passages speak to spiritual warfare. By the way, Colossians 2:15 tells us what Christ was doing over the three (3) days when His Body was in the Tomb. Research it.

Reader, When we take all the above texts and look into the different human author’s (Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration) intent and meaning and put them together; we see when we wrestle against flesh and blood, we are wrestling with a person who is demonically influenced.

Reader, This must be the explanation for the political left (or the wicked and lost) “feeling” their way through political issues. Have you, Reader, never said, “What!? How can s/he think that?” or “How can a person say that” or “How can a person really believe that way.”  “S/he’s got to be joking, who thinks that way?” or “That can’t be”  “Why, how, what?”

Methinks you have uttered those very lines above. Think about it, think objectively, step out of yourself and look anew upon the plague of abortion. When or if one (1) does this type of objective observation, one comes to the conclusion: a female person is allowing or wanting another person to kill…err…rather murder or dispatch a living soul. Wild animals do not do this, but humans do!!!

“PEOPLE!!!” is often uttered when someone does something bad or unusual. When one hears about a guy, not a father…when you hear about a depraved homosapien killing or hurting it’s own offspring one thinks, “what!?…How does…How could…PEOPLE!!!”

Most persons know oil and water do not mix. But what most do not know or think about… isssss a carnal nature, a depraved nature mixed with demonic influence will get you murder, rape, suicide, larceny, extortion, black mail, kid-nappers or in the words of St. Paul, “all unrighteousness.” One may say or think, humans need not a demonic influence to do all the bad that humans do. That is true, right, correct, accurate, and proper. BUT…

…But we read in the Word of God, that these influences are at work and they are at work in high places, they are from the beginning so they know much, these influences are in the ear of world rulers!!!

Some may think I’m being too extreme or too literal. Okay, then, what are the demons doing? where are they? If you believe in Christ, you must believe in demonic forces because Christ knew the demonic, Personally, right? right.

Therefore, politics cannot be the answer to stopping that which is wrong, that which is upside down and inside out. New legislation cannot be the answer, coalitions cannot be the answer, bipartisanship will not be the answer for they are flesh and blood.

It is PRAYER, Invective prayer, imprecatory prayer, prayer that disables and stops somebody or something or some movement, a cursing type of prayer. Paul tells us that our weaponry, our armour are not carnal but spiritual. Paul tells us that our spiritual enemies, our fallen imaginations are like strongholds that must be pulled down, pulled down in His Name, by His Name and with His Power and with His Authority. Reader, God lives inside of you. He is like a caged lion waiting to get out.

There are two (2) realms on this earth, we’ll use the word realms. Like it or not, it is what it is (I wish that phrase was in the Bible). There exists the temporal, carnal, flesh and blood, natural realm or world and there is the spiritual realm where demons and angels interact.  Reader, our faith is a supernatural gift from a Holy Other and He is the Great BIG GOD….”MY GOD IS SOOOOOO BIG AND MY GOD IS SOOOOO MIGHTY, THERE”S NOTHING MY GREAT BIG GOD CANNOT DO. If you do not understand this about your God and your faith you are not enjoying your salvation, your faith holds no excitement for you. I know we can not see these truths by sight but our God-gifted faith tells us that realm is very present.

Closed minded believers or Christ-ians who are too smart or hold too high of a position to acknowledge these things lose out and so do their flock. Reader, I have been pulled out of my bed and tossed a cross the bedroom, I have heard something ask me, “What are you looking for?” in my wife’s voice and she was not there. Reader, you will either believe me or you will not. You will think i’m making it up or you won’t, You will think there must be a natural explanation for these things and if you think that, there is your problem. You do not understand how Supernatural our God and our faith is. Your God is too small and your Christ-ianity is boring.

Reader, I have looked for items that are missing, I would tear the house apart, looking for an item only to find it in the dead center of the bedroom floor the next day. I lost my wallet, my wife and I scowered every where for it. I was so frustrated and angry. I went to the bedroom and the wallet was at the foot of the bed. These things happen all the time to persons but they chaulk it up to, “I must be crazy.”

I’ve had discussions with other persons that understand this, they know what’s going on. Reader, What are demons doing if not influencing politics, influencing criminal behaviour, and trying to “gas light” (Research the term, gas lighting) Christ-ians? What else would they be doing?

A Christ-ian in a high position said, demons move things and angels put them back.  You might say, “That’s too much!” Okay, you tell me what are the angels doing with their time. Yeah, some remain and praise and worship Him, but that’s their purpose, you see, that’s what they were created to do. Other angels, Gabriel, Michael, and the host of Heaven are designated for other purposes. Gabriel is the messenger and Michael is the protector of Israel and dare I say, the protector of spiritual Israel (that’s you and me) too? These angels have other angels under their authority, so what do you think these other angels do?

Reader, We live in a world that is natural and a world that veils the Supernatural, that is how it is. It’s not spookey, it’s not scary, it’s not make believe.

In summary: If one believes in God, one believes in angels and demons. If one believes in angels and demons, one must be made to wonder, what they do in this world; invisible to the eye, but clearly seen through the eye of faith….LOOK, THERE’S ONE NOW.

“Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”  (Luke 17)

Reader, We will share a truth about forgivenes with you that many understand not.  One cannot frogive another, lest the other seek one’s forgiveness.  To forgive with out repentance is to condone the trespass of the other and it is to be “holier” than God. For God does not forgive lest forgiveness is sought and the sin is confessed freely. This is not to say one is free to be bitter against someone that has trespassed against them.

One (1) may not be able to forgive another without the other desiring forgiveness through repentance and confession but one (1) is not allowed to hold a grudge and be bitter against said offender. The bitterness and grudge will negatively effect the hardened heart long before it ever effects the offender.

What should one do if the offender does not come seeking forgiveness? This goes against the world’s view, but the offendEd must go to the OffedER and point out the offendErs trespass, as often times the offeding party is ignorant to their trespass.  If the offendER repents, the offedED is obligated to God to forgive for God has forgiven far more and far greater offenses against Him. One (1) who withholds forgiveness from an offendER, God will withhold forgiveness from the one (1) withholding forgiveness. This means exactly what it says.

Some have struggled with forgiving another, but the question should be asked, has this person sought your forgiveness?  If not this is why you are struggling, you cannot forgive one (1) who is not repentant.  Howeveer, if someone has sought your forgiveness and you are withholding this forgiveness, you are in a bad place and you need to seek God’s grace and His forgiveness for this.

Forgiveness frees both parties.

Godspeed.

“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness:
(2 Corinthians 6:14)

“Take my yoke upon you..”  (Matthew 11:29)

“…God is [L]ight… If we say that we have fellowship with [H]im, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth…”  (1 John 1)

There are very basic precepts in the Christ-ian faith but unfortunately, these basics are the ones (1’s) that we forget to follow. Some of these precepts include, loving one another, loving the brethren, loving neighbors, and loving enemies. Another precept we ignore is doing unto others as we would have done to us. Yet others include loving God and giving Christ the Preeminence in ALL things, seeking the Kingdom of God before everthing else. Some other precepts include loving not the world, praying and reading/studying the Word of God.

Many believers believe it is the pastor’s responsibility to “feed them” from God’s Word and they have no responsibility to study for themselves or feed themselves. Some pastors struggle with this ridiculous notion of church members and I say church member and not Christ-ian because if someone disputes the need OR DESIRE to feast upon the Word of God themselves are SUSPECT. Many a pastor will not say this because of the fear of offending and losing “members.”  This is thje blessing of a small ministry like the one God has entrusted me.  The fear of man has no hold upon me.  I can say to you reader, if you do not strudy and read (two (2) different actions) the Scriptures you are suspect to this writer and pastor.

Reader, if you see no need to read and study the Scriptures, especially if you be an adult you are suspect and so is your salvation.  If you have not an active prayer life, you are suspect.  Let me put thses two (2) into perspective for you.  Husbands, if you ceased speaking to your wife, what kind of relationship would you have?  Wives, my qquestion is the same to you.  Business person, how important is it to stay in touch with your clients?  Parents, how important is it to keep up with your children?  Singles, how important is it to keep us with your boy/girlfriend? The answers are obvious as is the application.

Reader, If you are interseted in a television program or a sport, how often do you keep up with it?  If you cannot watch it at it’s schedules time, do you not DVR it?  How many persons refuse to answer their telephone when their show is on? or how many roll their eyes and say ugh whena phone call interupts your show or sport? Those who are inbterested in the celebrity lifestyles, how often do you refer to magazines and or online reference?  Does God not deserve even more of your attention?  Has your favourite celebrity died for your sins, defeat death and rise again? They did not… they know not that you exist.  When you wake up in the  orning what it your fist thought? coffee, websites, what? Should God not be one’s first (1st) and last though of the day as well as through out your day?  The answer again, is obvious.

Another precept that is very basic but is so often ignored or not even considered, I know not which is worse. This precept speaks to being unequally yoked together with another. This is a precept that speaks to many different human relationships. When I was a teenager, I dated a catholic girl, I knew no better.  My Dad, who was not saved but knew enough about Scripture and human nature told me I shouldn’t be dating a catholic as we were an unsaved “Protestant” family.  I thought he was ridiculous ans most teens think of their fathers. I could not understand his reasoning. He explained a protestant and a catholic would never agree on how to raise a child, I was a teen and wan’t thinking about children. However as most adults do, they look back and see the wisdom of a parent.

Reader, whether you are a young person, a single person, or a business person you must not ever be unequally yoked together with an unbeliever or even an unbeliever that has not a passion for the Lord.  To be unequaaly yokes together with an unbeliver or even a “professing” but an “uncommitted believer” will only breed headache and heartache. One who is lost or uncommitted will not have the same values as a believer and even if they are highly ethical or moral individuals, it matters not for God has declared to be unequally yoked displeases Him.

I have worked with a former atheist (he is a believer now) yet he was the best and most honest man I have ever worked under.  I have worked under a Chrisian man and it was eye opening to say the least. The atheist was far easier to work with and he was, to tell you the truth, a stronget and more ethical and moral man than the beilever. However, I could never be yoked with either of them in a business where we would be equals, say staring up a business with them. I would prefer strarting a business with the moral atheist (or former atheist) long efore consider the “believer” but it would displease God for me to do so.

It is folly and blatant disobedience for a single person to yoke up with a lost person, either for dating or marriage. There is never an excuse for this broken precept. To violate this basic and common sense command is to violate God’s will and there will most asuuredely be harsh consequences and they need not even be caused by God. These consequences will come naturally.

The standards are different between the lost and the saved. Sexual issues will be there, financial issues, priciples on child rearing, church, politics, recreations, etc. etc. etc. will be struggles and the struggles between tow 92) Christ-ians living together in the bond of marriage will have their own difficulties, mush less a Christ-ian and a child of disobedience. Problems between to individuals, unequally yoked together are promised and guarenteed.

What if two (2) persons are married, neither are Christ-ian and one (1) is brough to the Christ-ian faith and the other is not. The Scriptures answer this.  If one (1) spouse becomes saved and the unsaved spouse wants to remain in the marriage the newly saved spouse must remain.  If the unsaved spouse departs, the saved ex-spouse is free to marry another. If the saved spouse leaves the unsaved and marries another the saved and departing spouse will be seen by God as an adulter/ess and the new spouse or “partner” will also be considered an adulterer/ess. Christ-ian, to follow Christ and to be yoked together with Christ will cost.

Christ tells us not to be yoked together with unbelievers but to be yokes with Him. That is to say, be under His control and reign. This tells us that to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers is to be under the reign and control of a lost person who shares not you beliefs and standards, to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever will be a prison or enslavement. If you do not believe me, ask someone serving a life sentence with an unsaved spouse. I have seen this and it is ugly.

May times if not most, the unsaved will influence the saved more than will the saved influence the lost as the saved has the carnal nature only and the Christ-ian also has the carnal nature remaining in addition to the new Spiritual narure. The idea some have about influencing a lost person through dating or marriage goes against the precepts, will and Wisdom of God. Your wisdom, plans, desires, ideas do not surpass the Wisdom of God and the evidence of others who have gone against His Wisdom and have and are paying the price for this blatant sin and offense against God.

Reader it is better to obey than to sacrifice future happiness and abundant life. We are to be yoked to Christ and to walk with Him in the Light as He is the Light. Paul askes the quesion, what accord does the light have with the darkness? When one (1) turns on the light, does not darkness disappear? When one (1) walks with Christ, the Light darkness will also disappear, therefore if darkness encroaches upon you or you are shrouded in darkness, are you walking in the Light with Christ, the Light?  Is you light so shinging if darkness does not scatter in your presence. Again, the answers are obvious.

We are not suggesting one (1) cannot be friends with the lost, but they must not be influenced by the lost and if they find themselves giving in to their friends darkness, they must depart and withdraw from that darkness without apology. You might say, “Yeah, but…”  to which I will retort, “No! there are not buts or ands or what abouts.” Obedience and one’s spiritual well being are at stake and are more important than worldly friendships.

If one does not make it clear that they are a Christ-ian and they stand for Christ and that Christ stands for them, they will be influenced by the darkness of their friendships with the lost, you will not be the exception. If one (1) takes a stand for Christ and with Christ, they’ll not need to actively withdraw themselves from the darkness or entrapment of worldy friendship, their friends will withdraw from them.

Reader, again, this is a basic Christ-ian precept and it is the plain and revealed will of God for your life. Do not cross God on this.

Godspeed.

“No one can serve two masters…”  (Matthew 6)

Years ago, when I laboured on a landscaping crew, the foreman would ask everyone a crude question. He would ask if you, as a heterosexual male, would have relations with another male for a million (1,000,000.00) dollars. I’m not sure what his purpose was with this question…maybe he was testing a persons convictions, he was not homosexual, so it was not a way to find a sex partner.

Some men would say, “For a million dollars? Yeah, of course.”  Others said (and this was telling), “It depend on if he was cute or not.”  Others would say, “No way, dude.” My answer was, Nope. Each of the answers above say something about the person answering the question. My answer was based on Christ-ian principles and a fear of grieving God. To a person without convictions or principles, the answer is easy. The unprincipled man would think, a few minutes of disgust and abasement is worth a million dollars.

This question need not be a crude and offensive question. This questions comes down to this, What is your price?

In the eighties (80’s) and nineties (90’s) there was a professional wrestler called the Million Dollar Man. His real name is Ted Dibiase and today he is a Christ-ian and he speaks for the faith. His character in wrestling was a man that loved money and would use money to humiliate others. “Would you kiss my boots for five-hundred (500) dollars?”  I’ll give you five-hundred (500) dollars, says the Million Dollar man if you can bounce this basketball ten (10) times and as the boy got to nine (9) the Million Dollar Man would kick the ball and the kid would be laughed at with Dibiase’s maniacal laugh (The kid got the money behind the scenes).

Reader, Is this not an interesting question, Do you, as a child of God, have a price?  Would you do something wrong for a price.  I couldn’t watch it, but there was a show called “Fear Factor” and on this show persons would abase themselves for cash. I was embarrassed for them as they, themselves had no shame. They would eat disgusting things, they would lay in a tub and let snakes slither all over them and things like that.

When I was a kid, I saw a guy pass around an ash tray. Everyone present (except me) would spit hockers and loogies into this ash tray. This guy, for one dollar ($1.00), would then lick all of that which was in the ash tray.  I cringe to this day.

There is more going on with the persons mentioned above other than the obvious. There must be deep seated issues, or greed, or a need for acceptance. Right? or am I just wound too tight? The doctrine that would explain this voluntery abasement would be the docrtine of human depravity (Genesis 6:5)

Reader, if an atheist asked you to do something for cash would you do it? This atheist is militant and wants to show Christ-ians are no better off than non-Christ-ians. So he asks a Christ-ian…he asks you, to do something and it isn’t even that bad of a thing to do, say, chew a piece of bubble gum off the street, would you for that cash abase yourself? How much money would it take? Would you justify it by saying the money will go to a good cause or would you stand and refuse the ridiculous offer because you do not want to grieve your Lord and because you are a representative of Christ?

On the other hand, as asked above, could you justify your abasement in order to obtain a large amount of money so that you could help someone or something? Would you not be self-centered if you refuse to do something that would help so many others? Let’s be specific.

An orphange is in need of funds or it will close down and all the ophans would be wards of an evil state. Then, an atheist appears and says, “I will give you a million dollars and all you have to do is say, Christ means nothing to me.” many persons are watching you and wondering what will you do. The lost would say, “What kind of Christ-ian is that” if you did not do what you were asked to do for the sake of the children?”  Others are thinking, “I’m glad i’m not in that position.” And others say, “No way! No How!” but they can say that because they are not being tested or tempted.

What is the answer? What would you do? Is there a right or wrong answer? Does this fall under Christ-ian liberty? Methinks the answer is simple, NO! I will not abase myself to save the orphanage because to abase myself is to say God is not. It would say, God is not Present and knowledgable of the ophanage’s dire straits. It would say, God is not able, God is not sovereign, God is not wise and God does not know the end from the beginning. You would be putting yourself in the place of God if you gave in.

The doctrine that we could look at is the doctrine of redemption or the doctrine that states, we are bought with the price of Christ’s Blood. This doctrine states: we are not our own, we are the property of Christ Jesus. Therefore, if put in a position as described above, the answer is simple. I have not the right to act upon your offer for I have been purchased by the Blood of Christ.

Other reasons or causes of defying the evil offer:
*One’s Christ-ian witness.
*To act upon the offer will not ever bring any glory to Christ and to glorify God is our purpose in all that we say and do. “Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Abasing one’s self does not bring glory to God.
*To demonstrate the convictions of the Christ-ian.
*To demonstrate the difference between God’s people and the world’s / (s)atan’s people.
*To demonstrate money is not a draw for the right-minded Christ-ian.
*To demonstrate the person who bows in prayer and submission to Christ, bows to no other and serves no other master….understanding to serve Christ is to serve others in His Name and for His Sake.

In summary: *The lost may have a price wherewith they will abase themselves. *The Christ-ian is not free to abase himself or herself because the Christ-ian is bought by the high cost of Christ’s Blood.

Godspeed.

“…[F]eed my sheep…”  (John 21)

I remember years ago hearing a young man say that his aunt suggested to him that he ought to be a pastor. Her reasoning was his friendliness and charm.  Reader, friendliness and charm are traits of a sociopath and the devil!!! This man put himself equal to other men who have walked with God.

Another man said to me once, “Anybody could be a preacher, all you have to do is talk on Sunday and sit around the rest of the week.”  I asked him to name the first (1st) five books of the Bible, it was no surprise, he couldn’t”  I then said to him, “I guess if everyone could be a preacher, you are the only one (1) who couldn’t, how stupid are you?” I know it wasn’t a loving reply, but we need not always give loving reply if a harsh retort leads to further discussion.

The pastor is a misunderstood person. The pastor is often the recipient of much maligning by the lost and unfortunately of the saved. Many believe the pastor lectures on Sunday and sits around and placates himself the rest of the week. These persons are ignorant of the ministry and all that it entails. These persons know nothing of the weight a minister bears.

So, What does it take for a man to be a pastor?  Is it charm and friendliness only?  Is it a solid working knowledge of Scripture? Is it a Bible college degree?  Is it the qualifications of First (1st) Timothy three (3) and in Titus? These qualifications are: Blamelessness, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth his own house well; Not a novice,  and he must have a good report of the lost.

Some remarks on the above qualifications before we discuss what else is required of a man to be a pastor. We will do this in bullet point form:
*Blameless. this, of course, does not mean sinless. It means that no one should have a reason that would disqualify a man from the pastorate, like having multiple wives, being violent by nature, etc.

*Vigilant, sober.  The pastor is a person who is a shepherd always on the watch for approaching wolves and other predators and there are many (The world, the flesh, the devil, corrupt preachers, etc). The pastor is a man that is serious regarding his ministry as it has been entrusted to him by God.  That is not to say a pastor should not have a sense of humour or enjoy life, it is saying the pastor is deadly (figuratively speaking) serious when it comes to the Word of God and all things God.

*Good behaviour, given to hospitality.  This needs no explanation, the pastor should behave himself in all settings. Hospitality speaks to the fact that the church began in home churches and I believe the church will, again be in homes during the upcoming perilous times.

*Apt to teach.  What is the difference between preaching and teaching?  This has been asked by many. My answer is this, One preaches the Gospel and one teaches the Scriptures. Another is one preaches to the heart and one teaches the mind.  Personally, I tend to do both at the same time.  When I bring a message, I preach a little and i teach a little.

*Not given to wine.  This means a pastor must not be an alcoholic, it does not mean he cannot drink wine at dinner, HOWEVER, one must know one’s self. I know I cannot drink wine because I have an addictive personality.

*No striker and not a brawler…spiritual discussions, debates, arguments can and often do turn ugly and even physically violent. The pastor should not be of this frame of mind. The pastor fights with prayer and words, he does not call for fire from Heaven….a lot.

*Greedy. This is the main attribute of many a televangelists like Robert Tilton (look this guy up on youtube), Peter Poppoff, and their ilk. There is nothing wrong with a ministry asking for support for this is Biblical, but when filthy lucre, mammon, and materialism become the driving force, it is of the devil or man-centered.

*Patient. The pastor must be longsuffering and tenderhearted with his God appointed flock.

*Not covetous. The sin of coveting is the sin that will lead you to break all of God’s laws.

*A well run household for as Scripture states, if a man cannot lead his family in the ways of God, how can he lead the people of God? He can’t.

*Not a Novice.  Not a beginner.  It is a capital mistake to put a newly saved celebrity in a pulpit, this can lead to trouble for everyone involved.

*Of a good report of them without. The lost should speak well of the man that would be a pastor. The lost may not agree with the pastor or even like the pastor but the lost would have to speak well of the pastor if they are intellectually honest.

Other than the above, what is needed for a man to fill the office of pastor well and good?
*The calling from God: The calling of God is absolutely essential. If a man enters the ministry without being called, he will fail, even if it looks like he is successful.  This trespasser will hurt others, hopefully unintentionally. I have seen and heard men preach that were not called to preach.

The preaching, of the not-called preacher, though sound and true, is dead, dead, dead. In the Old Testament we have prophets speaking for God, who were NOT sent by God. We also see, King Saul trespassing into the priest’s office and offering a sacrifice.  The examples given in the last few sentences are akin to a man or woman entering the ministry without the calling of God.

Some might ask, “How do you know or who are you to say who is called and who is not?” My reply, Like calleth unto like, deep calleth unto deep. A pastor will recognize the genuine article and he will recognize the impostor (Impastor?) It is called spiritual disernment.

*The pastor’s heart: The pastor’s heart is the creation of God for no man has a natural pastor’s heart. God creates this heart in different ways. Moses, for example, God was angered with the Jews and tells Moses, He (God) could destroy the Jews and raise up a seed unto Moses. Theologically speaking, God would never have done that, if He did He would be going against His Own Word and would be breaking covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. So why does God put this option before a frustrated, stressed, and overwhelmed Moses? So Moses could see his own heart, his own love for the Jews. The same goes for Abraham and the sacrificing of Isaac, Abraham needed to know his heart belonged to God and God’s puposes and pleasures.
*The God-Obsessed mindset: The pastor has God in his mind always and I mean always. Every decision or choice goes through a God-filter. When the pastor passes gas, he asks God’s pardon. When he sits to eat, he eats with God and is in God’s Presence. The pastor, in other words, is Godhead-consumed, he is consumed by the Father, he is consumed by his love for the Son (his elder brother) and the desire to be like the Son and he is consumed with a sensitivity to the Spirit. For the pastor, everything, everything is about God. The pastor is a burning bush.
*An experiential knowledge of the God of the Word,  this is different from knowing the Word of God. One can know the Word of God frontward and backward yet not know the God of that Word. (s)atan is an example, he knows the Word of God, yet he loves God not. The pastor, to be effective, must have experiences with God. I’m not speaking about tongues or baptisms of the Spirit, I’m speaking about experiencing the mountain tops and the valleys (everyday life) with God at His side and with God instructing him and directing him, and counseling him during these times.
*An animating love for others: The pastor must be a man with a need…a need.. a need to protect others. The pastor must be animated by his need and his love to protect his flock and to do so fiercely.
*Righteous convictions: The pastor must be persuaded of his convictions. The man of God, must not be easily swayed to and fro. God’s servant must know who he is in Christ and what God expects from him. The minister must be complete before he can lead others under Christ’s Lordship. When I say complete, I mean, The man of God knows who he is and he knows and understands why he does what he does. This man is not soon shaken or frightened by the face, arm, or word of men. This man is a shield, protecting God’s people and behind this shield there is real love, care, and concern.
*Faith in God Alone and no confidence in self (Proverbs three (3)), college degrees (Philippians 3:4-10), other persons (Psalm 146), worldy concepts (1 Corinthians 2:4), or man’s plans (Genesis 11).
*A completely surrendered life to God, IE. The will is surrendered, the feelings and emotions are surrendered and open to God’s instruction (Ezekiel 24:15-18, Take some time and look at this passage). The mind is surrendered to God in totality. It is the giving up of one’s right to lead one’s life. Yes, it is to become God’s robot, if you will. It is to be possessed by the Holy Spirit as a lost person is possessed by a demon.  It is the ultimate trust-fall. It is counting all things loss. It is the emptying of self and the filling of the Spirit. The pastor must be a man who is dead to self so Christ will live freely through him, regardless of cost; and there will be cost. He will take almost everything, if not everything, so that He can give everything…in His time, that’s how it works, like it or not.

The effective pastor is dead to self, for he dies daily to self, and yet he lives an abundant life as Christ, Who is Life, lives in him.

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in body.”  (Hebrews 13)

In our world today, Christ-ians are suffering AND ENDURING AND PERSEVERING great persecutions. Some are being silenced, some are being imprisoned, some tortured, and some murdered in very horrendous fashions. This is nothing new to the Christ-ian faith, no, not at all.  Our ancestors have suffered persecution from the beginning, all the way back to Abel, there has always been Christ-ian persecution, at times less ferocious and at others terribly ferocious. You could do youself the favour of reading through “Foxes Book of Martyrs.” There are also many books looking at the persecutions of current day.

When you hear of these persons glorifying God by their testimony and eartly death?  Do you shrugs your shoulders and think, it is what it is? Do you ignore it and hope it goes away. Do you pay attention to these events that are effecting YOUR Christ-ian family?  Do you realize that these events are straight from Revelation and Matthew 24, 25, and the epistles of the apostles of Christ?

In other words, where is your heart and what is your mindset when these persecutions come to you attention?  Do you realize that these persecutions could very easily come to the shores of America?  In America, persecution takes the form of silencing the Christ-ian and the expression of faith, that does not mean that persecution will not become more violent and blood-thirsty.  The Christ-ian is Blood bought, the persecutors are blood thirsty and afraid of the Christ-ian faith that disqualifies their reprehensible worship of death cult.

So, where does your heart find itself when you hear of this prophesy become sight?  What does your response or reaction say about you?  If you care not, if you pay no attention, if you ignore it, if you shrug you shoulders you are not what you should be. If one cannot consider the pains of persecution of an unknown brother or sister in Christ, one must wonder if you have ever really considered the suffering of Christ in your stead. John said if one does not love one’s brother how can one claim to love Christ?  This principle is applicable to our topic.  If one cannot feel for and think about your brethren that suffers how can you then consider Christ, Whom you have not seen?  Ouch. Right?

For those who do hurt when the brethren suffer but can do nothing in the physical sense, what should one do?  Out text above instructs us well.  One should put one’s self in the place or the stead of the suffering and pray from there. One could also get involved with organizations that advocate for the persecuted. This persecution will become a more and more object of Christ-ian focus. The Biblical principle, of many priciples that apply here is our Lord’s Word, “Do unto others…”

Reader, if you were being persecuted or you were suffering in another way, would you not desire the prayers of other believers?  Paul said, “Brethren, pray for us.” Another principle is “prefer others ahead of yourself.”  And a priciple that speaks so strongly to one’s spiritual condition, is “Love thy brother” and “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”  Reader, these are fundemental and the most basic of Christ-ian teachings, if these be missing, what does that say?  Reader, think not that I am speaking only to you, but I preach to myself as well.

Reader, if we love not our suffering brethren, if we pray not for our suffering brethren, if we prefer them ahead of ourselves…..Who in God’s Name will?  These persecuted believers are those that bring much Glory to God and we can be a part of that if we suffer with them and pray to God for His grace to be released in them and as we pray for the destruction of God’s enemies, who shall forever remain reprobate to the faith and to God’s love and mercy.

How does one put themselves into the body of the suffering brethren, it takes time and a sanctified imagination, it takes time in meditation, it takes an understanding of the means of persecution our brethren are enduring and glorifying God.

We would whole-heartedly suggest that you, if you be an adult, to look on youtube and see the means of be-heading. Reader, our brethren are not be-headed with one blow of an axe or guillotine, but instead, their heads are sawed off, back and forth with a single blade knife!!! It is long and drawn out.

Five (5) filthy beasts, aka Muslim terrorists hold the “guilty,” infidel, or Christ-ian or future witness against them at the Great White Throne. Two (2) reprobates or God hated hold and twist one arm of the Christ-ian, two (2) others do the same on the other arm.  One (1) then put’s his knee into the back of the Christ-ian, pulls his or her head back by the hair and begins to saw back and forth. The head become detached slowly, and the open airways makes a sound like a stuck pig.  The monster that saws the head off will then pull it off, the body will fall forward and the decapitated head is set upon the back, and then the next Christ-ian is brought forward.

Others Christ-ians are lowered into vats of acid and eaten alive by the chemical. There is no limit to the muslim’s torturous imagination. While one may pray for an individual muslim to come to Christ or one may show Christ-ian love to an individual muslim, the entirety of the Muslim cult should be prayed AGAINT.

In closing, we ask again, where is you heart on this matter or what is your mindset or reaction to these crimes against God and His people?