Archive for September, 2010

« Older Entries

Why Jesus Heals the Sick

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

healing

How important is your physical body? Apostle Paul stated, “…your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own” (I Corinthians 6:19b). That’s powerful, but in speaking to the Ephesians he made another statement that is even more incredible, “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Ephesians 5:30). Every born again believer is the temple of the Holy Ghost; but, we are also “flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone.” You cannot interpret the words to the Ephesian Christians in any other fashion. Being members of His flesh and bones mean that we are His extension and representative in our world or should I say, “His world.”

In writing to the Corinthians Paul enlarged on His dependency of us as His ambassadors in the world. In five verses he described us by several fantastic names or statements. We are “new creatures” and have the “ministry of reconciliation.” He hath committed to us “the word of reconciliation,” we are ambassadors for Christ, and we pray in Christ’s stead for others to be reconciled to God. We have been made “the righteousness of God in Him.” Read it for yourself, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (II Corinthians 5:17-21).

We are not junk. When our Creator designed us, He breathed into our nostrils the breath (spirit) of life so that we became a living soul. He then stated, “And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31a). The phrase, “living soul,” is an incredible description of the human personality. It carries the meaning of health, prosperity, vitality, and life as given by God. It is clearly the opposite of death, disease, and destruction. The only hindrance to this great life is the principle of sin and Jesus came to destroy the works of that principle and its originator, Satan. (I John 3:8)

The Psalmist stated, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14). We are a tremendous creation. God created us as His family. Our bodies are uniquely designed and have the capacity to possess the very Spirit of God. We are indeed “…of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). He, also, stated, “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30). You are important to the Lord!

And the Word (Jesus) Was Made Flesh
Nothing Jesus said or did can emphasize the importance of human flesh and bones more than the fact that He partook of the same. God, the Son, actually left the glory of the Father to descend into the human family and become a servant for redemption. My soul always flashes with excitement when I read, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (St. John 1:14).

The Divine Son, Who became human flesh, literally fills the Book of Hebrews. Paul stated, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). You cannot show your love for anything more than to descend into that state. He came for one reason and He stated it as the following, “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and gave unto them, saying, ‘This is my body which is given for you’” (St. Luke 22:19). Jesus chose a human body by which to minister and redeem mankind.

Our sanctification is accomplished by His body. The Holy Scripture teaches that “without the shedding of blood there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Paul quoted Jesus as saying, “Lo, I come to do thy will, O God,” and added, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:9-10). He had to come in a body. Now, He needs your body to continue His works.

He Bought Your Body
Redemption is not head knowledge, but a heart transplant. We actually become new creatures and give up all rights to ourselves. We become His flesh, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Corinthians 6:20). This may sound restricting to selfish and self-centered people; but, to the child of God it’s our liberty. Because we are “flesh of His flesh,” our body becomes of intrinsic value. This is the basis for true Biblical teaching in divine healing. If we are “flesh of His flesh,” we then partake of all His life and sit together with Him in Heavenly places.

The Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus has now been given to anoint us. Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, but He was never overcome with disease. His very presence was so full of life that sickness, torment, vexation, and demons fled as He approached or spoke. Now, we are told by Apostle Paul, “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” (Romans 12:1). Our security is in our submission. If we are in control we must use human methods to protect or heal ourselves. If He is in control, He protects and heals. There is no divine healing for ourselves — as we minister Jesus to others — until we are “flesh of His flesh.”

He saved you for Himself. He delivers you from sin so that He has another body for His Holy Ghost to dwell. He now fills you with His Holy Ghost that your body may be His place of revelation. He wants to reveal Himself to your family, neighbors, working friends, and everyone you meet. You are His ambassador. The Holy Book says, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Romans 6:13).

He wants His body healed, healthy, and victorious. It is easy to understand that we are “flesh of His flesh.” When He sent out the seventy, they returned rejoicing that the devils were subject unto them. Jesus then said, “…I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:18-20).

Notice these words, “Nothing shall by any means hurt you.” But, sir, you say, I know of this person and that person who died with cancer, or was killed in a car wreck, or fell dead of a heart attack. Don’t judge God’s promises by the experiences you witnessed or the doubts that fill our churches. There have been so many extremes in the religious world that we have forgotten the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let’s find the center of God’s Word and live right there. The Holy Ghost said, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (I Peter 2:24).

That settles it. “By whose stripes ye were (past tense) healed.” It is finished, done, accomplished, and doesn’t need anything but your embrace of faith. As a child of God ye are “flesh of His flesh” and He wants you witnessing to your world of His sufficiency in all things. By the Spirit the Psalmist said, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases” (Psalm 103:1-3).

Attached Files:

Posted in Miscellaneous Articles | 11 Comments »

Unclean Spirits Delight In Crippling Human Bodies

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

Bible-believing Christians must wake up to the designs and actions of our enemy, Satan, and his world of unclean spirits. If there was some way of documenting how many sicknesses and crippling diseases are induced by evil attacks, we would wake up. Let me testify of an experience that happened to me. A number of years ago I developed headaches that were overwhelming. If I had gone to a doctor, I’m sure he would have called it “migraines.” After several months of BC, Anacin, and other over the counter medicines, I was worn out. While attending a special service at a Camp Meeting, the speaker preached a subject from Ephesians on, “Hand-to-Hand Combat.” It was a great sermon on how we wrestle with spirits of Satan coming against us. The Spirit of God spoke to my heart saying that these headaches were the action of unclean spirits attacking my body. Immediately, I surrendered the problem to Christ, repented of my unbelief, and claimed my deliverance. I was healed instantly and have never had the problem, even one time, since that night. I was perfectly healed or — to say it right — set free of that evil spirit vexing my life. This is simple truth but almost totally unknown to our church world. It’s sad that ministers have not searched this subject and made our churches a place of victory over the devil. I take my place in stating that I have failed in both understanding and preaching this truth. In this broadcast I give a list of ways to identify when a disease is possibly a direct attack from a spirit from Satan. The first signs that a sickness may be the work of spirits is if the physical problem makes you strongly depressed and creates emotions of doubt, fear, stress, and gloom. It does not have to be all of these emotions but some of them. It’s easy to see that these elements sound exactly like the things that Satan spreads. No one should go around loosely telling people this if they are not spiritual enough to pray the prayer of faith for a miracle of victory. I trust you will listen carefully. We are always ready to help you pray a prayer of freedom.

Attached Files:

Posted in Open Bible Dialogue | 12 Comments »

WHEN THE OLD MAN IS DEAD

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

bluecross

This ministry is sustained by our friends and partners.
Please click “DONATE” to share the burden with us!



Apostle Paul emphatically stated, “I die daily” (I Corinthians 15:31). Sometimes we all marvel at the power of this apostle’s life, but the power was in his “death, to himself.” Over and over this theme fills the revelations that flooded his life. In his second epistle to Corinth he stated, “But we have this treasure (all the priceless blessings and benefits of the Holy Spirit) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us” (II Corinthians 4:7).

Much of this generation can only conceive a saint of God walking on Hallelujah Boulevard with a golden cloud under their feet. Well, they surely need to read how this apostle described his life of constant death, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (II Corinthians 4:8-11).

When our old man is dead, something so wonderful happens that carnal people cannot conceive or understand it. God’s sovereign Spirit cannot rest upon or dwell in a human vessel until death to the sin nature has occurred. This is why the early church was so dynamic that they turned the cities in which they ministered into revival centers. Read Acts chapter 8, where a table-attending appointee shared the gospel message, “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:5-8).

The expectation after the Crucifixion and Resurrection was that the believers gave up their selfish life to live only for Christ. It is clear that all of them did not follow this expectation and we see that many were labeled as carnal instead of spiritual. It is clear that all of them that became spiritual also became powerful. Phillip and Stephen in Acts chapters six and seven were prime examples. It’s shattering to realize how carnal and helpless the church is today. It will never change in anyone’s life until they are fully prepared to die to the “old man.”

I challenge each reader of this Salty Saints to consider this wonderful possibility. The Romans Road of the Book of Romans is our starting point. By the Holy Spirit Paul stated, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:11-14). This is a powerful truth that our modern churches ignore.

You cannot research the history of the great saints of God without constantly encountering this revelation. It does not matter whether it is Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, or Baptist, etc. Every time you find someone that dares to seek the crucified life the same results follow. Those in the Catholic Church had to leave their connections to Catholicism. Often, those in reformed or orthodox circles were persecuted and driven out. But, every time these dear saints begin to bless multitudes and turn cities and communities into harvest fields.

Revival is going to occur either before the Rapture or after the Rapture. The Holy Spirit is searching our Church World to find laborers and the crucified life is His single source. He cannot anoint the carnal life with His unction, but He cannot fail to anoint the crucified. Listen to Apostle Paul explain this great truth, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:6-8).

This level of revelation is enough to thrill a committed believer and to fill with fear the carnal believer. In I Corinthians we read, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Corinthians 2:14). There is very little difference, if any, between the natural man and the carnal man. At least the carnal man has made a decision to be a Christian, while the natural man probably hasn’t. But, neither is destined to remain in this unspiritual condition.

The sacrifice of Christ’s sacred body was a spiritual moment when cleansing and redemptive powers were released to change our lives. The Blood of Christ cleanses us from the guilt of sin, but is also fully prepared to break the powers of the nature of sin. In His pastoral prayer Jesus proclaimed, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:15-17). Sanctify means to set apart for a righteous cause and to enable the same in their hearts and lives.

Apostle Paul said a similar thing in his epistle to Thessalonica, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (I Thessalonians 5:23-24).

You furnish the life fully ready to be put to death and He is fully ready to do the rest. Paul said, “That which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die” (I Corinthians 15:36). Jesus completely settles this entire discussion. “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” and He also says, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27, 33).

Attached Files:

Posted in Salty Saints | 4 Comments »

Protection And Healing, The Children’s Bread

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

The man or women, the child, or the young person that learns the futility of the world’s system and the helplessness of flesh has a marvelous life ahead. This is the first lesson that man must learn if they would experience the glory of God in their lives. You cannot trust in flesh or the world’s provisions, plus trust in God. Leaning on the arm of flesh is the ultimate defeat. The inspired writer, Solomon, said it plainly and he certainly learned it the hard way. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8). God cannot answer your needs until you quit seeking the world’s answers. You cannot trust God while you trust the flesh. This is man’s greatest weakness and hindrance. Even your family will get angry when you do not run to their world’s system for the smallest need, muchless the life threatening situations. Jesus Christ is the voice that called His great provisions, “The Children’s Bread.” Every promise in His Word –and the whole Bible is His Word–are His provisions for every child of God. What would happen if the people of God learned that Jesus is really real and absolutely ready to make His promises a present reality. Revival would start before this year comes to an end. The one thing that has caused the church to become apostate is the failure to believe that Jesus Christ is present now and ready to act in our behalf.
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (St. Mark 16:17-18).

Attached Files:

Posted in Sanctuary Sermons | 4 Comments »

There Is A Multitude Of Vexed Souls

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

PLEASE EXCUSE THE INTERRUPTIONS. Satan has free access to the world of souls that live outside the protection of Christ’s victorious blood. If unsaved people could know that living in sin is dangerous because Satan is out to destroy them, it would likely change their mind about Jesus Christ. He alone is the Name and Power to set them free from the hellish future that awaits them, both here in this world and, especially, in eternity. This present hour of prophetic fulfillment shows us the last barrage of this mortal enemy. No one will suffer more in these last times than unsaved people that don’t know anything about calling on the name of Jesus Christ. You, as an individual, can change that today by pausing right now and surrendering to Christ as your Savior and Lord. It must be from your heart and it must be an utter total surrender. Start today living by the Bible and keeping His Words.
BELIEVERS: There are multitudes of good people that go to church and profess Jesus Christ, but are living unsafe lives. There are a host of things that, if allowed to control your life, can open you up to be tormented and vexed by Satan. Let me name a few that we deal with in this broadcast:
1. Trusting in your flesh and leaning on the arm of man is not a safe life for a believer. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5.) The flesh is woefully inadequate to keep you safe from the devil.
2. Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and any habit forming or mind-altering substance will open you up to the unclean spirit world. Satan is looking for a door into every life. Your mind is a gateway that must be watched over with Scripture and spiritual wisdom.
3. I talk about Fear, Disobedience, Fornication, New Age Religions, and other bondages that will give Satan a ground to attack. Keep yourself under the Blood and in the Holy Bible.
NEXT WEEK: “Unclean Spirits Can Cripple Human Bodies”

Attached Files:

Posted in Open Bible Dialogue | 4 Comments »

God’s Firestorm Will Burn the Islamic Koran

Friday, September 17th, 2010

BurningBook

The entire episode around the mosque at Ground Zero or the burning of the Koran is a precursor of prophecy. The War of Gog and Magog will be driven by the false prophecies in the Koran and its dictates for the cleansing of all Jews from Jerusalem and Israel. Ezekiel gave us a powerful timeline for this war and clearly promised that the nations in this coalition will be eliminated from the earth. A firestorm – the likes of which only Sodom and Gomorrah can compare – will erase the Islamic religion from the Middle East and portions of Europe and may affect America.

Chapters thirty-six and thirty-seven of this prophetic book, which was written by Ezekiel, promised the revival of the Nation of Israel. In chapters thirty-eight and thirty-nine he revealed this war by Israel’s enemies and their effort to cleanse Jerusalem of what they view as the nasty Jews. Immediately after this picture of God’s firestorm against Israel’s enemies, the Scripture promises Israel the rebuilding of their glorious temple and an age of indescribable peace. These Scriptures are so exact that to doubt the present movement towards God’s plans requires disbelief of the Holy Bible. Ezekiel received this prophecy while in exile from Jerusalem and living on the bank of the Kebar River in Babylon.

Some writers speak of the Islamic religion as the religion of the Antichrist, but this is misguided. The Antichrist is clearly pictured in Revelation chapter seventeen as the intimate companion of the false whore church of Christianity. At no point in the twenty-two chapters of Revelation is there one bit of evidence of an Islamic religion even existing. The Islamic religion is the religion that drives the War of Gog and Magog but the apostate religion of the false church drives the Antichrist movement. The Antichrist’s passion is to unseat the God of the Bible not the god of Islam.

The nations that Ezekiel prophesied to lead this War of Gog and Magog are in perfect alignment. The two leading nations are Russia and Iran, named by Ezekiel by their original connections – Gog and Magog and Persia. If Ezekiel was alive today he could not state the facts around the coming war better. Look at this precise statement — a little research will show its perfection. “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.” “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee” (Ezekiel 38:2, 5-6).

The coalition may well embrace as many as 25-30 governments and an army of incredible numbers. They all will be driven by the Islamic fury against Israel and America. There is no date set by this prophecy, but the present storm is certainly evidence of how quickly the fury can reach the necessary pitch. What is happening may cool down or it may not, but at God’s ordained hour it will explode and the world will tremble.

Such an army will gather to march that all possibilities of defense will be eliminated. Israel will clearly see her existence as beyond human hope to survive. Some believe Israel already has a plan that they understand as “Ezekiel’s Option.” Their intent is to exhaust all their military resources and to accept whatever results. When this massive army crosses the borders in Northern Israel – stretching all the way from Russia and covering the countries that border the Promise Land – it will be God’s signal to intervene. Chills of joy run up and down my very being when I consider what our Great God of the pure faith of the Bible is going to do.

Burning the Koran is barely worth mentioning. This dark religion is an affront to God and everything He loves and will defend. The firestorm will break with a fury that only faith in God and the Bible can possibly understand. God said it like this, “And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 38:21-23). When God issues this call, the angels of Heaven and Earth will move into action and Israel’s defense will no longer be human.

I believe that when the War of Gog and Magog is over, there will not be any capitols in Russia, Turkey, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, and on and on. The city called Mecca will be non-existent and the sands of these capitols will be melted as glass. Joel spoke of the ruins that will welcome the remnant of this army as they try to go home, “But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things. Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.” (Joel 2:20-21).

I have no desire to burn the Koran although I understand that this book is on the same level as the Satanic Bible. The apostate church of America is full of people that are perfectly willing to call it a “Holy Book.” To do this reveals a state of mind towards the absolute Bible that borders on blasphemy. It’s dark out there and will get darker until our God says it’s enough. That could be and probably is right at the door. To all my Bible-believing friends, “Get ready, judgment is coming.”

Attached Files:

Posted in Prophetic News Alerts | 15 Comments »

Longing For That New Body

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

HeavenDoor

One of the strongest passions in a godly saint is their desire for their glorified body. A true saint has their feet on this earth but their head is in the sky. When you get a taste of the resurrection life of Jesus Christ, you will hunger for more and more. It will be complete only when we receive our glorified bodies that are made in His likeness. When Apostle Paul wrote his Holy Ghost directed letter to the Philippians, he included these words, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

Someone may ask, “Where is this level of spiritual living in today’s church?” It has been lost in our failure to have an altar in our lives. The word altar means “a place of slaughter or death.” There is no Biblical altar until something or someone dies. In the First Testament a sacrificial animal died. In the New Testament a surrendered believer dies. Through the pen of the writer the Spirit said, “I am crucified (There is not any person who is crucified without death to the old man.) with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). That’s the resurrection life we are missing and why we are spiritually empty in the process.

The majority of religious life in our present churches is “letter religion” instead of “spiritual life.” Much of the preaching in our churches, on radio, and on television warns people not to seek experiences because of the great amount of false emotions and false experiences. I understand the need to be biblically discerning because of the false, but Satan never produces a false that does not imitate the genuine. The “false anointing” that grips so much of the Church World is nothing but an attack on the spiritual reality with which the Lord Jesus wants to flood your life.

I will not allow Satan’s esoteric and paranormal spiritism to rob my soul of the mighty works of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God speaks expressly to all of us, “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. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 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. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:11-14).

There is nothing any deader than an unspiritual believer. The life of a crucified saint is beautiful and powerful. Saul of Tarsus saw the face of Stephen and later found himself transformed by the same Christ. “And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). The resurrection life of Jesus Christ is not only an idea to fill poetry or a stanza for a song; it is a supernatural life to turn a repentant sinner into a vibrant saint. One man in Acts chapter three, who had never been in a sanctuary, went into the temple walking and leaping and praising God after encountering resurrection life. That would mess up Sunday morning services at most churches.

All of this resurrection life is just a small taste of what awaits the real saints of God. The Holy Ghost said, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:18-21). As great as it is to be a saint of God, it is only the down payment on our future. No wonder Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

The great lesson of I Corinthians chapter fifteen should be fixed in the memory bank of our mind. Let’s read it slowly, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.” “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (I Corinthians 15:42, 46, 49, 51-52). What a picture of the ending/beginning of a godly life!

Occasionally, I meditate on that which is right before us. What glory it will be to quickly be transformed and glorified with a resurrected body and — at the same moment — caught up to the presence of the Father and the Son. To climb the steppe of the sky and see the city of Heavenly Jerusalem gleaming in the distance will be majestic in itself. But, to enter into the city that Apostle Paul dared not to describe is beyond words. The city will already be primed for the wedding celebration. Saints of old, whom we have celebrated in our singing and preaching, will be milling about in a grand homecoming fashion. Loved ones that have already arrived will be running to meet us. Angels will be singing our welcome chorus. In some indescribable fashion, the Lord of Lords will be welcoming every one of us.

The Bible has promised if we confess Him to a hostile world, He will confess us to His Father. How all of this can be I will not try to figure out, but it will be as He promised. The future of God’s saints is so grand that our words almost sound like daydreaming. The half has never been told, but what I know has me so excited that I’m longing to go home.

Attached Files:

Posted in Salty Saints | 12 Comments »

Satan Can Do Nothing Unless We Allow Him

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

Satan is a defeated foe. He is limited to what the Lord Jesus Christ allows in our lives or by what we allow. Bible-believing saints must learn exactly what the Word Of God has taught us. There are five primary ways that Satan attacks:
1. He is constant in his effort to afflict our bodies. The saint’s body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Satan hates that temple and desires to render it improvised or destroyed. The Holy Ghost said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (III John 1:2). Jesus Christ offered His body to be lashed or whipped, “That by His stripes we may be healed.”
2. Satan viciously attacks our state of mind. Depression, doubts, fears, anxiety, and other dark emotions are broken when we refuse their powers over us. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). Satan has no right to control your thoughts and imaginations.
3. He accuses us before God, to those around us and to ourselves. It’s very important that we learn to reject every accusation he makes against us. He is a liar and the father of lies.
4. The devil is the tempter of every living person. The Bible tells us that he can only tempt a believer in the area of their lust. This shows the limits of Satan. If we are pure and lust has been broken out of our lives, Satan is helpless. The Blood of Christ will sanctify every power of the flesh and give us victory over our human weaknesses.
5. Lastly, but very important, is Satan’s dedication to make us proud and self-centered. Self is man’s greatest foe. Self must die if Christ is going to be Lord. Listen to this broadcast and let the Son of God set you free.
NEXT WEEK: “There Are a Multitude of Vexed Souls”

Attached Files:

Posted in Open Bible Dialogue | 3 Comments »

The Holy Spirit Our Friend

Friday, September 10th, 2010

holdinghands

There is no one with whom we should nurture an intimate relationship more deeply than with the Holy Spirit. He is a person — a divine member of the Godhead — and He was sent by the Father and Jesus Christ to be intimate with every saint. We were renewed and reborn out of sin and the old broken life by His wonderful work in our heart. Not only did He rebirth us to our Savior and God, but He sealed us into the new fellowship of His saints. When we were born again, He put His seal upon our heart and soul that says to the devil and sin, “Keep your hands off, this is the property of Jesus Christ.” It was the Blood of Jesus and the Word of God that the Holy Ghost applied to our spirit, soul, and body in the redemptive miracle. The Spirit is immediately the Comforter and Guide of the new child of God.

Our spirit receives the witness of God by the action of the Holy Spirit in our life. Apostle Paul said, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). This is why the face of a repenting sinner immediately reflects the wonderful work of salvation. A born-again person does not become a new creature weeks later. The miracle of the new birth makes them a new creature that very moment. Drug addicts, drunks, harlots, etc. are miraculously delivered from the old habits on the spot. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17). This is the miracle of the Holy Spirit coming to totally transform the individual and then becoming the guide to their life. A new-born believer is no longer alone.

The reason many new Christians are so on fire for the Lord at the beginning of their Christian life is because of this wonderful work of the Holy Ghost. The sad story is how few Christians maintain this relationship with the Spirit for the long haul of Christian living. This is why we are warned not to “quench the Holy Spirit” or “grieve Him.” Look at these great truths. “Quench not the Spirit” (I Thessalonians 5:19). “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

The Bible says “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). When you are no longer led by the Spirit, you are in the process of backsliding and will soon be backslid and out of fellowship with Jesus Christ. You have no right to call yourself a Christian unless He is your comforter, Teacher, and Guide; and you are surrendered to His perfect will.

The church world is full of men and women that once walked with God but they have rebelled against His Holy Spirit. Now, the Spirit is turned to be their enemy. Listen to a prophet of God, “But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them” (Isaiah 63:10). All you need to do to be in rebellion is to resist, quench, or grieve Him. Your joy will be gone, and your close relationship will be impossible because He alone is your link with the Father and the Son.

Return today! David cried out for God to renew a right spirit within him. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” Psalm 51:10-12). Your future is in the balance until the Holy Spirit once again is the miracle worker in your daily life. There is no hope apart from His presence. Welcome Him, nurture His closeness, and rejoice in the joy of His wonderful witness in your heart. The only thing He does or knows is Jesus Christ. He never speaks of Himself. The Holy Ghost is your companion and friend.

Attached Files:

Posted in Miscellaneous Articles | 8 Comments »

Jesus Said, They Shall Take Up Serpents

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

The enemy of every believer has the disposition of a snake. Satan is a snake, biblically speaking. But, remember, Satan cannot cross the Bloodline. Without a doubt this use of the term “snake” is one of the strongest types in Holy Scripture. Satan went into the Garden of Eden as a beautiful creature, lied, and deceived Adam and Eve. He then had to crawl his way out of that garden. That is the perfect picture of the effect of sin.
1. Satan is out to destroy every person reading these words. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). I beg of you to listen. If you are a genuine “Born Again” Christian, the devil is after you and will destroy you if it is possible. Please do not think that you are exempt from his determination against every believer.
2. Jesus has totally defeated the devil. The church world is not hearing preaching that warns them and educates them about Satan’s schemes. If you know that he is out to get you and you know how utterly he has been defeated, then you can be protected. It’s up to you. LISTEN! “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven..” (St. Matthew 16:18-19). If Satan defeats you, it’s your fault.
3. Now, you must recognize Satan’s activities. Satan vexes people — Christians as well as sinners. He depresses, fills with jealousy, criticism, unforgiving spirits, and roots of bitterness. Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are chief areas that Satan promotes and spreads. Strive to learn all of his designs and resist them in the name of Jesus.
WE CARE ABOUT YOU!! Order this sermon on DVD or CD and share it with others.
Call our office if someone can pray with you to cast out demons or to break evil attacks on your walk with Christ. And, remember, a demon cannot possess a blood-washed saint but he can attack you from without.

Attached Files:

Posted in Sanctuary Sermons | 9 Comments »

« Older Entries