Podcast: Jesus tells us what it will be like before HE returns to gather the elect of God

 

 

 

Luke 21

7  And they asked HIM, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

Luke 17

28  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

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What was it like in Sodom in the time Lot lived there?

The sins of Sodom reached into heaven and God sent 2 angels to Sodom to destroy Sodom but first these angels had to remove Lot for he was a righteous man.

2 Peter 2:6-9   And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

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A rise in acceptance of homosexual sins will happen as a sign before Jesus returns to gather the elect to HIMSELF and God destroys this present world.

Lot knew homosexual acts were "wicked" and he states this in the following scripture.

Homosexuals lived in every "quarter" of the city of Sodom when Lot lived there.  Lot knew these acts were wicked and he was vexed because of them.

Two men, who were really angels of God, came to Sodom on assignment from God, to destroy Sodom after they delivered Lot from the destruction that was to come.  

Lot saw these two angels but he saw them as 2 men.  

(Angels do not have wings.  Angels look like normal men.)

Knowing the wickedness of the city of Sodom, Lot offered these men the protection of his own house.

Genesis 19

1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.  (have sex with them)

6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

10 But the men (the angels) put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

(angels of God have great powers)

12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:

13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

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The open approval by the world and the apostate churches concerning homosexual acts is one sign of the coming of Jesus to gather HIS elect and also the pending Great Tribulation and the destruction God will bring upon this world.

These churches depart from the following scriptures concerning homosexuals and lesbians:

Romans 1

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

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Hymn: I'm pressing on the upward way

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)


1.  I’m pressing on the upward way, 
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Chorus:

Lord, lift me up, and let me stand

By faith on Heaven's tableland;

A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.


2.  My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. 

3.  I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

4.   I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground.


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

*****

Scripture pertaining to this hymn:

v. 3.  I want to live above the world,

Matthew 7:24-27    Jesus says    whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

We live above the world by doing that Word given us by God by HIS Spirit.  We press on to higher ground each time we hear the Word of God and do the Word of God.  We build our house on the Word of God by doing the Word of God and when we live that way, our house will never fall!

And we are recreated in the image of Christ each time we do the Word of God.

***

v. 4   But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground. 

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

Pray:  Pour your heart out to God if anything concerns you.

Then use that scripture or concept to build yourself in the faith, thereby resisting the thoughts sent by the devil with that which God has brought to your attention by His Spirit.

Keep focused on that which God has given you in the matter at hand and every time a memory comes that would pull  you  down, make your mind return to thinking about that which God has given you in the issue. 

II Corinthians 10:3-5    For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

*****

💥 Jesus gave HIMSELF for our sins that HE might deliver us from this present evil world. (Gal. 1:4)

 I John 5:18-19  We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

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Romans 12:1-2

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We renew our minds each time we read the Bible, choosing to go in the way shown us by the scriptures.

This world walks in ways of the flesh of man which seems reasonable to this world.

1 Corinthians 2:14   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.

But we who are of God see things of God as we read the Bible.  We know the way of God and the will of God through the scriptures and by God's Holy Spirit who brings ideas from God to our minds.

Jesus tells us that we will not follow strange spirits:

John 10

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear HIS voice: and HE calleth HIS own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when HE putteth forth HIS own sheep, HE goeth before them, and the sheep follow HIM: for they know HIS voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

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Don't we know the voice of God, of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit, when HE speaks to us?

God has spoken to me many times in the years, especially since I've been born again.

He doesn't tell me to do that which is impossible.  (devils do that to steal, to kill, to destroy.  Jn. 10:10)

God's yoke is easy and HIS burden is light.  (Mt. 11:30)

I find God's voice to be gentle, not fearful. 

Devils try to move us by fear.  God leads us.  And it is true that God leads us into "green pastures" where food is good and plentiful, and there is no lack when God puts us there.

God does supply all our needs, as Paul said.  (Phil. 4:19)

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Jesus said in this world we would have trouble.  But be of good cheer for Jesus has overcome this world and as we follow what HE says, we too, avoid many unnecessary troubles produced by the thinking of men of this world.

Read the Bible and take on the way of God by the instructions of the scripture.

Pray, settling every thing that concerns you through talking with God.

 

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Podcast: Given the opportunity, speak the truth of God

 

 

 

 

When the door opens in the conversation, just speak the truth by the Holy Spirit of God, by that which the Holy Spirit brings to your mind at that time.

2 Tim. 4:2-4  (Paul instructs Timothy)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

When I am with a person and the Holy Spirit reminds me of a scripture or concept, that is what I try to speak.   

The main thing is be faithful to God to speak what HE brings to you by HIS Spirit for then God will do the works that HE wants done.

But I am greatly warned about trying to plan ahead that which I will speak for if I do that, it might be my own work.  

God will guide us in that which we are to speak at the moment we are with another person.  

Let God be in charge.  

If God wants us to speak, HE will bring to our mind that which we are to say.  And we simply share "that".

A woman in our little church group had made out a list of things she wanted to say to her adult aged son.

When I found out what she was doing I urged her to tear up her list and just speak those things brought to her mind by the Holy Spirit of God when she was with her son.

Luke 21:14-15  Jesus says:  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:  For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

She did tear up her list and spoke what God brought to her mind while she was with her son, and she told me later not one thing on her list was called to her mind.

Learn to trust God to do HIS work through you.

When we learn to trust God, HE will bring to our mind that which HE wants us to say.  We don't have to try to do anything!  Just speak as the Holy Spirit leads you.

John 14:26  Jesus says: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear (from God), that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.

Also it is critical for us to settle all offenses with God, otherwise we might speak wrongly, trying to set someone straight.  We must keep ourselves at peace, without spot and blameless through praying when we are offended, and then speak freely that which God brings to our mind.

Psalm 51

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

11 Cast me not away from THY presence; and take not THY holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

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Hymn: I serve a risen Savior (HE lives! HE lives! Christ Jesus lives today!)

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)



1.  I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always here. 

Chorus:

He lives! He lives! 
Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me 

along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.


2.  In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,
I never will despair;

I know that He is leading,
Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

3.  Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him,
The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

*****

Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

Matthew 28:1-6  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 

HE is not here: for HE is risen, ...

***  

Before the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus said to HIS disciples:  

John 14:19  Yet a little while, and the world seeth ME no more; but ye see ME: because I live, ye shall live also.

When we are born again, we are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of JESUS. The Spirit of Jesus lives in us when we belong to God.

Ephesians 1:3-14    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  According as HE hath chosen us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of HIS will,

To the praise of the glory of HIS grace, wherein HE hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace;

Wherein HE hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;  Having made known unto us the mystery of HIS will, according to HIS good pleasure which HE hath purposed in HIMSELF:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times HE might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in HIM:  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of HIM who worketh all things after the counsel of HIS own will:  That we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in Christ.  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory.

The Holy Spirit of Jesus lives in us.

And the Spirit of Truth in us does the following for us:

John 14:26  Jesus said:  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13   Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.

***

Salvation to impart ... 

This world wants freedom to sin.

We want freedom from sin.

Matthew 7:13-14   Jesus says:   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The Holy Spirit of Jesus, living in us, leads us away from temptation by reminding us of scripture and concepts of God, so we can choose to go in HIS way and can reject the way of other humans as we live on this earth.

We are recreated in the image of Jesus each time we choose to go in the way of the Word while living on this earth.

We are fully equipped to follow God because the Spirit of Jesus lives in us to remind us of the way of God.

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

(Jesus, The Word, is the way to go.)

John 15:1-8   Jesus says:  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in ME that beareth not fruit HE taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, HE purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in ME, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in ME.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in ME, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without ME ye can do nothing. 

If a man abide not in ME, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in ME, and MY words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is MY Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be MY disciples.

***

John 8:31-32   If ye continue in MY word, then are ye MY disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

***

Proverbs 4:23   Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

*****

💥 2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

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💥  Be perfect:  following the Spirit of God, doing the will of God, speaking words which edify one another in Christ.  (and when needed apologizing)

💥  Be of good comfort:  To do this, we will certainly have to bridle our tongues from time to time, speaking not by our flesh to destroy another person but edifying that other person in the Word of God to bring comfort and grace in time of need, speaking by that which the Spirit of God gives us.

💥 Be of one mind:  This is critical.  Be conformed in thinking to the New Testament Bible, not to the ways of this world.  Ephesians 4:3-6   Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

💥  Live in peace:  We live in peace by taking each care to God and talking to God and hearing from God concerning the troubling thoughts.  Continually examining ourselves by this:  Do I have any cares about anything today?  If the answer is "yes", stop immediately and pray, doing what Paul says to do in Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

We cannot live in peace if we are concerned about anything.  So pray.  And when we do this God promises us the following:

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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Podcast: Answer to prayer

 

 

 

(Comments by Joan Boney)

Jesus said:  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.  (Mt. 10:36)

So it is not unusual when you speak the Word from God to have a relative or the church people fight against that Word.

In 1977, my cousin, Church of Christ member, once said to me, "Well ... I believe you are a Christian ... I just don't see how you can be one."

She did not understand being born again.

For the next 40-years, she fought me and tried to get me to quit the work I believe God gave me to do.

In 2019, she waged her last battle against me.  It was by exchange of letters for by this time she had gone totally deaf and could not hear by phone and the only communication I could have with her was by letter.  (She didn't know how to do email so we sent US mail to each other.)  She lived in another city from me, about 500 miles away.

She was 97-years-old at that time.

My prayer was that God would reveal to her before she died that I was of HIM and I was just trying to do that which HE told me to do.

(Then she could be saved and go to the new heaven, new Jerusalem.  But if she died fighting against me, that would be same as fighting against God.)

On May 31, 2021, God gave me a dream showing me this cousin now knows I was doing HIS work and we were at peace with one another.

I've always believed God could save a person at the time of that person's last breath on this earth.

Just speak the truth and hold fast to the truth when speaking to another person.  And quit worrying and have faith in God.

If we pray according to the will of God, our prayer will be answered.

I John 5:14-15   And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE heareth us:  And if we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM.

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Hymn: I love to tell the story

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)


 1.  I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do.

Chorus:

I love to tell the story,
’Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
of Jesus and His love.


 2.  I love to tell the story;
More wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies
Of all my golden dreams,
I love to tell the story,
It did so much for me;
And that is just the reason
I tell it now to thee.

3.  I love to tell the story;
’Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it,
More wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story;
For some have never heard
The message of salvation
From God’s own holy Word.

4.  I love to tell the story;
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story,
That I have loved so long.


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

*****

Scripture pertaining to this hymn:

Philemon v.6    That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

***

Romans 5:5-9   ... the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

But God commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

***

Concerning telling the story of Jesus ... 

Every time I share that which God has shown me, I tell of God and His power to help us and guide us as we live on this present earth.

It seems I'm almost always sharing something with people who come to the house to work.  

And wherever I am, I share as the subject arises.

I never plan anything.  I just pray for God to have me say what HE wants me to say and it seems there is always something HE wants me to say.

I speak as issues and scripture are brought to memory.  This is the way the Holy Spirit leads me.

*****

💥 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

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Thoughts come to us from God by HIS Holy Spirit.  These thoughts produce the fruits of the Spirit which are:  love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance  

(Gal. 5:22-23)

Thoughts also come to us from our flesh and devils and these thoughts are exactly opposite to the thoughts that God would have us to do.

Galatians 5:19-21  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Before we were born again, we followed the ideas brought to us by our flesh and by devils.  But after we were born again, God gave us HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live in us and to lead and to guide us.  However we still have the flesh and we have to choose between going the way of the flesh and the way of the Spirit which are opposite from one another.

Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

After we are born again, we have the power of the Spirit to keep our flesh crucified with Christ, not choosing to do the works of the flesh of the natural man but rather to walk in the ways of the Spirit, producing the fruits of the Spirit of God.

We are now dead to the sins we once committed, crucified with Christ, that we can now choose to walk in the ways shown us by the Spirit of God.

Romans 6

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into HIS death?

4 Therefore we are buried with HIM by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of HIS death, we shall be also in the likeness of HIS resurrection:

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with HIM, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

So now we know hate filled thoughts are of the flesh and devils and we do not choose to go this way when such ideas come to our minds.  Instead we turn immediately to God asking HIM to help us.

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

Instead of hating, we can pray for that other person who brings hatred to us, asking God to help that person also.

We now go in the way of the Spirit of God by choice! For now we serve God.

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Podcast: Many put themselves into ministries without being called by Jesus for the work of the ministry

 

 

 

 

When Jesus calls us to a ministry work on this earth, HE appoints us from heaven as Jesus appointed and called the apostle Paul from heaven.  

Jesus will do something to show that person he is to be a minister of Jesus Christ when Jesus calls him to be a minister.

Ephesians 4:8;11-12

8 Wherefore HE saith, When HE ascended up on high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

11-15 And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (The Word)

But many put themselves into ministries without having the Spirit of God and without having the call of Jesus for the ministry.

They just enroll in seminaries or Bible colleges.

Jude

17-19  But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Often when I share things of God with such, they have no spark of understanding.  Understanding is from God.  When I see this, I usually depart from that person knowing that God is not giving that individual understanding.  

1 Cor. 2:14   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.

The apostle Paul spoke of these false ministers who were not of Jesus and actually were ministers of Satan.

2 Cor. 11:13-15  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

They see the Bible with natural eyes and often set up many false doctrines from the scriptures.  And by doing such, they deny the Lord Jesus though they say "Jesus is Lord."

For if you deny scriptures, you deny Jesus who is "The Word".

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Hymn: I know that my Redeemer lives

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)


1.  I know that my Redeemer lives
And ever prays for me;
A token of His love He gives,
A pledge of liberty. 

2.  I know that my Redeemer lives,
A quick’ning Spirit He;
I know eternal life He gives—
Amazing grace—to me.

3.  I find Him lifting up my head;
He brings salvation near;
His presence makes me free indeed,
And He will soon appear.

4.   He wills that I should holy be:
What can withstand His will? 
The counsel of His grace in me
He surely shall fulfill.

5.  Jesus, I hang upon Thy word:
I steadfastly believe
Thou wilt return and claim me, Lord,
And to Thyself receive.


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

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Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

v. 1   I know that my Redeemer lives
And ever prays for me;

Hebrews 7:25   Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:24-34    For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?   But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

And HE that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because HE maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS Son, that HE might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom HE did predestinate, them HE also called: and whom HE called, them HE also justified: and whom HE justified, them HE also glorified. 

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

He that spared not HIS own Son, but delivered HIM up for us all, how shall HE not with HIM also freely give us all things?

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, WHO is even at the right hand of God, WHO also maketh intercession for us.

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v. 2  I know that my Redeemer lives,
A quick’ning Spirit He;


John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 John 16:13  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.

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v. 3  His presence makes me free indeed,
And He will soon appear.

Ephesians 1:12-14 ...  That we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in Christ.  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory.

John 8:31-32   Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on HIM, If ye continue in MY word, then are ye MY disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18   But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (die) in Jesus will God bring with Him. 

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede)  them which are asleep (dead). 

For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.


Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

***

Job 19:25   For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that HE shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

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💥 It is not wise to measure yourself by another person for this leads to covetousness.

 

2 Corinthians 10:12  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

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My cleaning lady once said to me, "Don't you ever think you have to try to keep up with the Jones?"

I was surprised in this question.  I thought about it and answered, "No."

Later I was reading Bible and saw a passage of scripture which said to do this leads to covetousness.

To compare yourself to another is also a work of the flesh:  emulation  (Gal. 5:20)

emulate:  to try to out do another person, to match or surpass another person in achievement

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Instead we should turn to God and ask HIM what HE wants us to do, not trying to out do another person but pleasing God in all things.  Helping people as needed instead of beating people.   For Paul says that they that do "such things" shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  (I Cor. 6:9-10 & Gal. 5:19-21)

And to live the way of our flesh will trouble us unnecessarily.

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We are born in the flesh of man, the natural man.

I Corinthians 2:14  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.

So God sent HIS Son, the Word, Jesus to live on this earth and die for our sins that HIS blood was sacrificed for us that we might come to God through belief in HIM.

God gave us HIS Spirit so we could know the will of God, and God showed us what we had been doing in the flesh was sin, and caused us to go opposite to the will of our flesh and to overcome by going in the way of God by the Spirit.

Galatians 5

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

(Follow after the things the Spirit brings to our mind which produce the fruits of the Spirit.  For example:  Instead of hating those who offend us as our flesh wants to do, we learn to love and forgive them which brings forth the fruits of the Spirit.)

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

So we deliberately choose to love rather than to hate as this world does.  We resist the flesh by choosing to go in the way of the Holy Spirit of God.  The Spirit of God will bring to our mind the way of God and we choose that way keeping our own flesh crucified with Christ by going in the way shown us by the Spirit.

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Podcast: Building our works on the word from God

 

 

 

 

I Corinthians 3

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (The Word of God)

13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

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A Jewish woman who said she believed in Jesus told me that "God had ordained her to sell my house for me."  I doubted that!  I had just hired a realtor that same morning.  The house sold in 2 days.

When I was injured by a fall I was examined at hospital and sent back home, the physicians saying this was broken in an area of my upper arm which did not require surgery.  However it was very painful and I could hardly move.  One of our church members tried to help me but I could see she was not able to do this so I hired home help care.  This church member said I was taking her assignment from God away from her by hiring these people.  But I knew the work with me was wearing her down.  Later she said she was glad I had hired the home help care.

Often people think God has assigned them to do something which is not the case.

Jesus says:

Matthew 7

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

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

(It was not God who assigned them to do that work.)

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When the work is assigned to us by God and we faithfully do that work, we will receive reward.

God assigned a work for Joshua to do in taking Moses place after Moses died.

Joshua 1

1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

When God assigns us to do something and we do that thing, signs follow confirming the work to be from the Holy Spirit.

In February 2022, I awoke one morning at 7 am knowing to contact and reconcile with two women who had left me two or three years earlier.  Immediately I got out of bed and send emails to these women saying, "I just want you to know I wish you well in all things as you go forward."

Was that God telling me to do this?

Confirmation came from one of the women who said she had been feeling that she was going to be hearing from me and had even started looking for me to appear on her emails, "and now it has happened."

I have found that God often confirms that what I have done was assigned by HIM.

Mark 16:20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

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I believe devils try to imitate God and assign us works to do.

But remember:  God's yoke is easy and HIS burden is light.  (Matthew 11:30)

James 3

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

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A man who was from another country which was around the world from me contacted me.  He said he was a minister and he said God told him to get me to come help HIM like God told Paul in the "man from Macedonia" vision. 

But I didn't believe this was God.

* I was 81 years old at that time and partially crippled.  It would likely have killed me to try to travel.

* This would have been very expensive.  I have found when men ask me to travel around the world they never offer to help me with expenses.

* I would have to abandon my own work assigned by God (blog and podcasts) to be able to do this travel.

* It would be a very difficult yoke for me and would likely destroy me.

John 10:10  Jesus says:  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

We must carefully evaluate what we do to be sure the assignment is from God.

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Hymn: HE leadeth me!

(Click forward arrow > to play music:) 


1. He leadeth me! O blessed thought, 
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught;
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
Still ’tis Christ’s WORD that leadeth me.

Chorus:

He leadeth me! He leadeth me!

By His own WORD He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,
For by His WORD He leadeth me. 

2.  Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ’tis His WORD that leadeth me. 

3.  Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine (by reaching out and grabbing HIS Word and doing it),

Nor ever murmur or repine; *
 
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since it is Thou that leadest me. 

4.  And when my task on earth is done,
When, by Thy grace, the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,  
Since Thou in triumph leadest me.

(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

*** 

Defnitions:
 
Consider these definitions for the words "murmur" and "repine" in verse 3.

Nor ever murmur or repine;

murmur:  complain about 

repine:  to look back with intense longing for what one once had ...
             to be fretfully discontented ...
             to mope, to languish, to feel upset about, to be despondent over ... to brood, lament, grieve, mourn, sorrow

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Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

Romans 8:11    But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, HE that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

God, by HIS Spirit, brings thoughts to our minds to comfort us, to show us what to do, to stabilize us in times of trial.  Sometimes God will give us a dream to help us.  And God uses angels from time to time to deliver messages to us.  

John 14:26    But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13   Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.

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I Corinthians 2:1-5   And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

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John 5:30   Jesus said:   I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear (from God), I judge: and MY judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent ME.

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I Corinthians 2:10-13    But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak

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Romans 8:14   For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

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