Podcast: Psalm 33

 

 

 

20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: HE is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in HIM, because we have trusted in HIS holy name (The Word).

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We pray and wait, trusting in God.

God will bring HIS will to pass in the matter in HIS time.

Psalm 37:1-2   Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

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The apostle Peter said for us to work diligently that we would be found by Jesus when HE returns as being in peace, without spot, and blameless.  (2 Peter 3:14)

To do this, we would have to live constantly in peace, without spot and blameless, for we do not know the day of the hour when Jesus will return.

So we avoid the evil and love the good and pray without ceasing to pray over what we see and hear on this earth.

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.

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💥 Jesus is in heaven to appear in the presence of God for us.

 

Hebrews 9

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

25 Nor yet that HE should offer HIMSELF often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26 For then must HE often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath HE appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of HIMSELF.

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for HIM shall HE appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

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Podcast: When we speak of that which is done by God, the people of God will delight

 

 

 

Psalm 34

1 I will bless the LORD at all times: HIS praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

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I once played bridge and almost everyone at the bridge center identified himself as being a Christian and most spoke readily about their church that they attended.

But when I spoke of that which God had done in my life or of that which God had told me, they usually grew silent and bided their time until I quit speaking.

They often liked to hear so long as you told about attending church but they did not like to hear when I told them what God had said to me or had done with me.

Occasionally someone delighted, but not often.  That person who loved to hear about the work of God was a real Christian.

Regardless, I share God and what HE has done when the Holy Spirit reminds me of the story.

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💥 Prayer: To WHOM do we pray today as Christians?

 

Pam Padgett was raised in the Catholic Church.

When her high school classmate was killed on a motorcycle, Pam realized someone her age could die.  

"How could she be saved if she died?"  She wondered.

Her eyes were opened by God to know that nothing she had learned in the Catholic Church could save her.  Her only hope was God. 

She was terrified and she wanted to cry out for help.

"But to WHOM would she pray?"

In the Catholic Church she had heard of The Father, and The Son, and the Holy Ghost.  

So Pam said:  "Please get this prayer to the right ONE."

Instantly Pam was saved by God!  How do we know she was saved?  Pam knew after that prayer there was "something of God" in her.

Years later she saw a scripture and by that scripture she knew it was the Holy Spirit living in her.

I Corinthians 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

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The following scripture tells us we pray directly to God, The Father:

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.

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Podcast: Jesus says: In this world you will have trouble

 

 

 

 

John 16:33  Jesus says:  These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

When we go into the world by turning on the TV, especially newscasts, we hear trouble immediately.

When you leave your home and go into secular jobs people of the world will speak troubling you.

The answer for us is doing the following scripture:

Philippians 4:6-7  

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

(After we pray and commit our cares to God in prayer then the following happens.)

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

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There are many horror stories on today's TV concerning the change in climate and parched land.

But the promise from God is as follows in the Bible:

Genesis 8:22  While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

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💥 Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. (Hebrews 9:22)

The only one who shed blood for my sins is Jesus.  Who shed blood for your sins?

In the Old Testament God set up animal sacrifices for sins.

Hebrews 9

19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

When Jesus came to the earth as a man HE was sinless.  Yet HE died.  So whose sins did Jesus pay for with HIS blood?

Hebrews 9

26 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

So who pays for the sins of the Jews today?  They deny Christ.  They stopped giving animal sacrifices, so far as I know.  Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.  So who has shed his blood for the sins of the Jews today?

Who shed blood for remission of your sins so you can come to God?

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Podcast: The man of lawlessness

 

 

 

 

For many centuries churches have looked for "the man of lawlessness" and have speculated as to "who" is the man of lawlessness of the end times. 

In the 1800's, in the book, War and Peace, Tolstoy told of the Russians thinking Napoleon to be the antichrist.

In the 1940's, I'm sure many thought Adolph Hitler was the antichrist.

Who is antichrist?

The apostle John tells us there are many antichrists and John told the church antichrist was already among them and came and sat with them for awhile and then left, not wanting to heed the doctrines of Christ as they were following at that time.

I John 2:18-19  Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

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Acts 20  (Paul speaking to the elders at the church at Ephesus)

25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE hath purchased with HIS own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

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The apostle Paul tells us that men will get worse and worse in the last days:

2 Timothy 3

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

 

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2 Thessalonians 2

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

(In 1982, God said to me:  "The falling away are not people leaving the churches.  The falling away are churches leaving the scriptures to set up their own doctrines.")

Paul tells us of that apostasy of the end times which comes into the churches where they fall away from scripture and set up their own preferences for doctrines, casting away portions of scripture.

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Antichrist is a spirit in men:  (The apostle John says:)

I John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Antichrist is a spirit that comes into men who fight the doctrines of Christ which are set forth for the church in the Holy Scriptures.

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The man of lawlessness:  NASB

2 Thessalonians 2

1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 

3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

(The apostasy had to come into the churches before Jesus could return.  That has happened as churches have fallen away from portions of Bible to allow the approval of various sins of the world in the churches today.)

6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;

The scriptures, Jesus, kept antichrist back from the churches, until they removed portions of scripture from the churches.

Then antichrist came into the churches, the spirit of lawlessness against the doctrine of Christ.

This was ordained to happen in the end times and it has happened in many churches as they have changed from the doctrines of Christ of the Bible.

Jesus could return any time now.  HE will destroy the apostate churches.

2 Thessalonians 2  (KJV)

8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

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💥 By the Bible we know several truths about what happens when a person dies.

 

We know by the Bible death is simply "falling asleep".  

John 11  (Jesus says)

11 Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12 Then said HIS disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto HIM (to Jesus), Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up HIS eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard ME.

42 And I knew that thou hearest ME always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent ME.

43 And when HE thus had spoken, HE cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead!

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Jesus also raises those who "sleep" in HIM.

I Thessalonians 4 (Concerning those who are dead)

13 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.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with HIM.

15 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 (go before) them which are asleep.

16 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:

17 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.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

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After the crucifixion of Jesus, HIS body was placed in a tomb in the rocks and a stone was placed at the entrance of the tomb, sealing off the tomb.

Several women went to that tomb to place sweet smelling spices on the body of Jesus.

Here's what happened.

Luke 24

1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they (several women) came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men (angels) stood by them in shining garments:

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they (the angels) said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 HE is not here, but is risen:

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Comments by Joan Boney:

So death is falling asleep. (John 11)

And the dead who belong to God sleep in Jesus.  (I Thess. 4:14)

(The Holy Spirit reminded me of this truth.)  And the body without the spirit is dead.  (James 2:26)

I believe this shows us the spirit leaves the body at the time of death, and therefore the spirit of man is not buried in the dead body, but is in Christ somewhere else, but is sleeping.  When Jesus returns to this earth, HE will come with a shout and trumpet of God, and the dead who are asleep will awaken just as Jesus spoke with a loud voice and Lazarus awoke from the dead.  (John 11)

I believe the spirit leaves the body at the time of death and though the spirit sleeps it sleeps in Jesus.

And the Bible shows us we will be raised with new spiritual bodies.  

This flesh we currently live in will not be in the new heaven with us.  

Jesus' body did not see corruption of the flesh but the flesh of man does see corruption while the body decays, the soul (spirit) lives in Jesus forever.

And we will be given a new spiritual body when Jesus awakens those who sleep in HIM.

I Corinthians 15:48-53

48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

  49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

 

  (God is a spirit.  John 4)

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52  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.

(Blink:  That is how fast we will be changed into our new spiritual bodies.)

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

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So why hang out over graves as if that person's spirit (soul) is under that ground.  

Though the dead body is there, that is only dead flesh.  The real person we knew sleeps in Jesus and is the spirit that was in the human.

I believe this shows us at the time of death, the spirit in man leaves that dead body and sleeps in Jesus.  

Thus we testify not of death in graves, but of resurrection of those who sleep in Jesus.

So we don't hang out in graveyards with dead bodies but we believe in the resurrection and our life shows our belief.

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Podcast: Living as Christians

 

 

 

I Peter 2

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

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Lawlessness of the end times:

2 Timothy 3

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness (attending church), but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

(Knowing it was God who taught you the way to live.)

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

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2 Peter 3

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.

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💥 Depend on God for help, not fleshly ways

 

Pam Padgett ... member of the body of Christ

 

As I read 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 on the blog today I recalled something that happened yesterday. 

 

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 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;)

 

Our garbage is scheduled to be picked up each Monday. The trash company has been very dependable to do this. The few times they haven't been able to pickup the garbage, they have sent an email to let us know.

 

This past Monday, I put the trash can out first thing in the morning as usual, but it was never picked up and there was no email from the trash company. Trash cans for others in the neighborhood also had not been emptied. 

We have wild animals, such as raccoons and even bears have been sighted in this neighborhood (though not by me, I'm glad to say!) and I didn't want any animals to get into the trash and make a mess, so I rolled the trash can into the garage Monday night. 

 

Tuesday morning I put the trash can back outside. By mid-afternoon, it still hadn't been picked up. So I called the trash company to make sure they were aware that our garbage had not been picked up. A woman at that company said to be sure to leave the can out because someone would be by to pick it up that day. But by Tuesday night, this still had not happened. Since the garbage had been sitting in the sun for 2 days, I was hesitant to bring it back into the garage because of the smell, so I left it out. (I think I prayed and asked God to please keep animals from the can.)

 

The following morning as I pulled out of the driveway to go to the store and saw the full trash can still there, very puffed up thoughts came, stirring me up, such as that I should call the trash company and "demand" that they pickup the trash right away or to threaten to go to another company.

 

It was obvious these thoughts were not from the Holy Spirit, so I cried out to God to please help me. I told HIM I didn't want to be destroyed over anything, certainly not over trash!, and that I wanted to go in HIS way in this and to live in peace. And I asked HIM to please cause the trash to be picked up that day. 

 

Immediately, I was calmed and those puffed-up thoughts stopped.

 

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

 

When I returned from the store less than an hour later, the trash can had been emptied. 

 

I was so glad to have been helped by God instead of trying to deal with this in the flesh by threatening the trash company!

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💥 Speaking idle words brings God's judgments upon ourselves.

Jesus says:

Matthew 12

33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

(If we delight in that which is evil, we will put evil into our hearts by that which we watch on TV and by the people with whom we associate. And that which goes into our hearts comes out our mouth.)

35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

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I don't like to see adultery on TV.  I don't even like to see the hint of adultery for I know it is evil.  If evil is in our heart, we will seek out evil on TV and store up evil things by that which we choose to watch on TV.

Evil is defined for us by the works of the flesh:

I Corinthians 6

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
 
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers (to criticize or abuse in an angry or insulting manner), nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

But if we have been cleansed by God from these sins and we turn back to these sins and delight again in such, we place ourselves in danger.

I find movies and TV shows that I once enjoyed before God showed me sins, I cannot watch today.  I have no desire to live in sins of this world nor to watch this world commit sins.

And Peter warns us:  

2 Peter 2

20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

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Amos 5:15   Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate:

And pray for God to restore you if you find yourself slipping.

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.

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Podcast: Antichrist in the church groups

 

 

 

2 Thessalonians 2

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

(When churches fall away from scripture and set up other doctrine, the restraint holding antichrist back is removed and "the spirit of antichrist" moves into those church groups.)

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

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In l982, I was reading verse 3 of 2 Thessalonians 2, and God spoke to me and said:  "The falling away are not people leaving the churches ... The falling away are churches leaving the scriptures."

The restraint against antichrist are the scriptures.

NASB: 2 Thessalonians 2

3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the Day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;

When I read these verses in the NASB version of the Bible, I said to God, "Who is it that restrains antichrist?"  And immediately I knew it is Jesus (The Word) who restrains antichrist.

Antichrist is not one man but is a spirit in many men.

The apostle John tells us this:

1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

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I saw one pastor after another twist scripture and explain away scripture and omit scriptures and even lie about scripture to their congregations in those years when I tried to find a church to attend.

I would go to the pastors and ask them where it was in the Bible after hearing them speak doctrines that I could not find in the Bible.

Two of these pastors said exactly the same thing when I asked them this:  "I can't remember where it is in the Bible."

(They both had spoken these doctrines the previous day at their church service and I searched the Bible and could not find that which they said at their service.)

I asked each of these pastors to look it up and tell their secretaries where it was and have her call me and tell me where it was in the Bible because it was very important to me to know where it was in the Bible.

Shockingly these two men both became angry and replied:  "ALL RIGHT!  It is not in the Bible."

Both pastors knew they had lied for both told something to be true when it was not true.  They just made up what they said.  

Neither man repented nor showed any shame.

Nor did either man show any love for the Bible nor respect for the Word of God.

Both of these pastors were antichrist in their churches.

I was greatly grieved and horrified until God showed me this was ordained to happen, this falling away from scripture.  And Paul said it had to happen before Jesus could return.  And it is happening today and has happened.

After that, I was no longer angry nor discouraged over being unable to find a church group for I knew it was ordained by God to happen and the apostasy had to happen in the churches before Jesus could return.

It was part of the end times.

When Jesus returns, HE will destroy those churches that are antichrist.

2 Thessalonians 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming:

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💥 Our weapons are not carnal but mighty through God: Dealing with pain and grief.

 

2 Corinthians 10

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

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

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

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

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When trouble comes, what do we do?

Our weapons are not carnal:  The world tries to do something to help them forget the trouble.  Their solutions to ease the pain are often:  drinking, shopping, cleaning out closets, exercise 

Our weapons are mighty through God:  We learn another way in the pain.  We cry out to God asking HIM to help us.  We ask God to restore our soul.  We ask God to cleanse our heart and to renew a right spirit in us.  (Psalm 51:10)  And we learn to stop and wait and to let God work through us restoring us in the matter at hand.

During times of trouble, the devil will send even more condemning and troubling thoughts to our mind.  

One of the greatest weapons that I have found is to try the spirit that brought that thought to my mind.

I John 4

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

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Spirits bring thoughts and ideas to our mind.

When we are having trouble with another person, we will often have a thought to tell that person such and such.  I am learning to try that spirit to see if that idea is of God and I just say to that spirit, "Do you confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh?"  

And very often when I do this, I will hear in my mind, "No."

Then I am at peace, knowing not to say "that" to the person with whom I am dealing.

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(I do warn you that unless you are born again of the Spirit of God this is not likely something you should do.  When we are born of God, we do have a power of God to deal with such things as evil spirits.)

Acts 19

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

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But according to the Bible, I John 4, we who are of God are to try the spirits to see whether they are of God.

Recently I was very grieved over something a woman did.  She thought what she did was from the Holy Spirit but I was very troubled.  I would not have been troubled if what she did was of God.  I knew what she did was "another spirit" leading her to do this thing and she was rejoicing in that other spirit thinking it was the Holy Spirit.  I could not stand this.

I turned to God in prayer asking for help.

The pain of grief continued inside of me.  I kept calling on God asking HIM to help me.  The pain would lessen but it was not really settled until I confronted that spirit and said, "Do you confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh?"  That spirit that was bringing the thoughts to me causing the pain, said, "No."  And that spirit fled from me, bringing no more troubling thoughts concerning this matter to me.

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Spirits speak to us bringing thoughts and ideas to our mind.  

Sometimes it is the Holy Spirit speaking.  But it can be "another spirit" not of God speaking.

We really must learn to settle the matter of which spirit is bringing that thought.

"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;"

The battle of the end times will grow worse and worse.

Every idea sent to us by the spirit of antichrist separates us from things of God until we expose it as being antichirst.

(Notice in I John 4:3, the apostle John calls this other spirit "the spirit of antichrist".)

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Recently as I was thinking about trying the spirits, the thought came to me: "You're going to speak to a spirit?"  (trying to stop me from trying the spirit) 

The Holy Spirit reminded me:  "God is a spirit and you speak to HIM."

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Ephesians 6

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of HIS might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

One of the pieces of the armor of God is the Word of God.  Doing I John 4:1-3 is one of the weapons of our warfare. I believe we who belong to God must learn to use HIS weapons in the end time warfare.

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💥 Gratitude toward God

Barbara Preston, member of the body of Christ 

 

I Thessalonians 5:18   In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

This scripture has been called to my attention recently so I find myself trying and wanting to be more diligent to remember to give thanks to God for the things He has given me as I go through my day. 

 

Of course this produces, in general, the fruit of gratitude in me. 

 

And, specifically, I find it helping me when I want to complain about something. Since doing this scripture, when I start to complain about something, I am reminded to turn the complaining into gratitude to God for His help and blessings. 

 

I like this fruit. 

 

 

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Podcast: Politics and voting: What the Bible tells us as Christians to do

 

 

 

Jesus says:  "My kingdom is not of this world."  (John 18:36)

And Jesus then said:  "If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is MY kingdom not from hence."  (John 18:36)

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As Christians our provision on this earth is supplied by God.  I'm convinced that as long as God chooses to leave me on this earth, HE will provide for me.  I do not seek provision from governments of men nor do I seek provision from humans.

I believe what Paul said in the Bible:

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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I often see documentaries on TV concerning Hitler, Germany, and WWII.

The German people were crazy in their avid devotion to Adolph Hitler.  Even up to the day Russia came into Berlin in 1945, the people of Germany fought and many praised Hitler.

(It sadly reminds me of many of the followers of Donald Trump.)

Lies and delusions prevailed and many in WWII Germany suffered greatly because they believed a lie.  The crowds worshipped Hitler and were as mad men.  They were swept away by a delusion.

I see the same thing in both political parties in USA at their political conventions that are shown on TV.

At the Democratic Convention I saw a woman who was obviously a man but was dressed in a woman's dress.  She was on their platform and people were obviously approving her.  

I was terribly shocked when I saw the rioters break into the United States Capitol building on January 6, 2021.  Never before have I seen a visible threat posed like this to democracy.  

I have never been a political person.  I believe politicians have to compromise in order to be elected.  

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This is what the Bible tells us to do:

1 Timothy 2

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

I do pray for those in authority.  

When Donald Trump was president, I prayed that he not use any nuclear weapons.

Concerning President Biden, I prayed that he not do anything to get us involved in a war because of Russian and Ukraine.  Sometimes I pray for him to be strengthened physically for he seems to have physical weaknesses.

If you entangle yourself with a political party, can you pray for the other party if they are elected?  Do you learn to hate the other party?  Are you blinded into following the party and therefore become deluded to truth.

I consider both political parties to be of this world.  I see both parties make laws which are opposed to scripture.  I do not expect them to be the church.  They are the world,  I just avoid the subject of politics and do not allow myself to put my hope in men of this world but I keep my hope in God.

I do not vote for any human ... but I do sometimes pray for those persons in charge that they would make decisions which allow us to live in peace.

I am grateful for the 2 party system for not too much can get done because they keep each other in check.

Dictators demand loyalty and would not allow us freedom concerning Bible.

At this point in time, I am allowed to speak any verse of scripture from the Bible.  And I am free not to be a member of either political party and I do not have to vote.

In NAZI Germany the people did not end up with this freedom.  They had to pledge their allegiance to Adolph Hitler.  And the people who really supported him looked upon him as a god and worshipped him and became wild and crazy.

We as Christians hope in God and we know the things in the Bible will come to pass and we keep ourselves from becoming entangled in things of this world even as we live in this world.

Romans 14:19   Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

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