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I'm a pack rat

Hi. Yes, I'm a pack rat. Do you know what a pack rat is? It is a person who saves EVERYTHING, NEVER throws anything away. A pack rat can be generous and give things away but never, or very rarely, throws anythng away.

I grew up in south east Africa and we had the basic needs, although there were times when things were very tough. Mocambique was a Portuguese colony when we moved there in 1959 and in the mid 1960's the war for independance started and lasted until 1974.

During those years it was often difficult to find many things needed, so saving most things became the norm of life. Anything that could be used was saved, broken things that could be repaired were saved, things that could be modifed for another purposes were saved. You get the picture. I was a youngster at that time and grew up leaning to adapt to different situations and adapt things.

Now I am grown with my own family but those habits of old still stick with me. Three years ago God showed me clearly that all this saving and collecting was getting in the way of my communion with my Savior Jesus Christ. My life was cluttered, even when it was oganized it was cluttered. Now I praise God that this is the beginning of the forth summer I am able to get to it clearing all those saved "treasures". I live in a modern country now and evrything I need is available (although some things come at a high price).

I am often reminded of the verses, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be given to you as well..." Matthew 6:33

If I focus on God and His will, then I will also find evrything I need. Take a moment and open a Bible to Matthew 6:25-34 and read about God's faithful care for you and me. We need not worry about our needs, our real needs. However, we often mix up our real needs with our wants. Our wants are not always good for us or real needs. Although God often gives us those extras as well.

Spend more time with Jesus, pray and read about Him, get to know Him better. Soon you will find more answers to your questions and your will also find out what you really need and what are extras. Trust God to take care of you and give you strength for each day. Try not to worry about tomorrow. Plan for tomorrow if you can but don't worry about it. Let God take care of that.

God bless you.

What You Learned From God is to be Passed On

Psalm 11: 11 Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, always.

²And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the Lord your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,

³And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;

They may have excuse why they do not know the Lord. If they haven't had ay Christian influence, if they haven't had any Christian teaching or preaching, if they haven't had a witness fo what Jesus could do. They may have excuse for not knowing God, if they haven't had personal encounter with Jesus Christ, if they haven`t tasted of His goodness, if they haven`t felt the presence of God in their lives. They might have excuse for not knowing God if they haven`t seen the miracles, experienced the delivering power of God, the healing power of God, the saving power of God. Yes they might have excuse.

But we, who have been saved, who have been healed, who have been delivered; we who have known His presence, who have felt His spirit, who have dwelt with His blessing - we have no excuse for not telling others about Jesus. we have seen Him in His Word; we have experienced Him by communing with Him in prayer and worship; we have known Him because He is always faithful. We have no excuse for not telling His awesomeness to those around us. We must share the ways of God and the acts with God to all of those around us or how will they ever know Him? We are witnesses of His goodness and His glory.

What we have learned from God is part of our living witness. what God has taught us is part of our testimony. We overcome by the `blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony and loving not our lives unto death`. Truly our testimony is to be shared. Are you writing it? Are you speaking it? Are you passing it along to those your life impacts? The awesomeness of our God is to be passed on to those who do not know Him.

The impact of your life will not be known until you stand before Christ`s throne. Share Christ by being a living witness to His life and power. share with your children and with your spheres of influence the awesomeness of your God. How can they hear without a preacher? O God let us pass along what we have learned about our God to the generation to follow.

Psalm 22: ³⁰A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

³¹They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Trouble Hearing God

We have been having revival services this week at Armorel Baptist Church. Last night we had a very challenging question that was posed and I thought it was worth sharing here today. The question was: What is the last thing God asked you to do that you haven’t done? It followed the precursor phrase: If you have not heard God speak to you in a while…

You see, as believers God is always speaking to us through His Word, through others, through circumstances, and yes, vocally. If we are not hearing from God the only reason that makes sense is that we did not do the last thing He told us to do. We have not been obedient.

Yes, I know there are times that God does not speak. In those times we are to continue to grow. Sometimes He is not speaking because we are not ready to hear what He has to say. But those times should be rare. More times than not when God is not speaking it is because we have chosen to be disobedient to Him.

I recently had an old friend contact me saying that they were in need of a pastor. I told them when to call and when they did they proceeded to tell me how God had gone silent in their life. It had been almost 10 years since they had heard from God. I gave the typical response because I knew of some sin in this person’s life. I said that they needed to stop this, start that, etc. I was not satisfied with my response but it was all I could think of at the time. I gave this person terrible advice.

The best advice would have been to ask the question: What was the last thing that God told you to do that you did not do? When is the last time that you were not obedient to Him? Go back to that time in your life when God last spoke and be obedient to Him for what He told you to do then. You see, if we are obedient God will convict us of our sins and take care of that part of your problem.

Another question would be: Do you really love God? Jesus said that if we love Him we will keep His commandments. His commandments are revealed through His Word (the Bible) and when He speaks to us (with confirmation from His Word). So if we love Him like we are supposed to love Him then we will do what He has told us to do. That will take care of your sin problem and lead you to repentance. This will take care of your not hearing problem because when you are obedient He speaks.

In short folks it is time that you renew your love for Jesus. This will take care of any problem that you have with your relationship with Him. Remember that love is seen not in words but in action. Do not say you love Him while living in sin knowingly. Do not say you love Him and not do what He has told you to do. Love Him and walk in the fullness of His presence.

Philippians 2 Part One

Philippians 2:1-8

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:4-5

Humility and thinking of others before oneself are rare commodities in today's world. Most of the world's philosophy and life style is geared toward self-fulfillment and self-advancement. The Lord, however, asks us to live lives of humility, love, and selflessness. Philippians 2:1-4 says, "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." The Lord has showered us, His children, with His spiritual blessings. The Lord gave us His salvation from sin's power and penalty through His precious blood on the cross. He also daily gives us His encouragement, comfort, love, and fellowship. The Lord daily lavishes on us His compassion and tenderness. In light of God's blessings to us we need to show that same love to others. We need to especially show that same love to our fellow believers.

We must show Christ-like love to others. We must seek to be united and "one in spirit and purpose" with our fellow believers in Christ. (Philippians 2:2b) This does not mean that we will have perfect uniformity of thought at all times, but there should be a common working together among believers for the glory of God. There should also be a loving and humble servant attitude towards fellow Christians. We must not act out of selfish motives or to stroke our own egos, but with a humble spirit we must consider other's needs and feelings before ourselves. This does not mean that everyone else is superior to us or more gifted than us. It simply means that we must follow Christ's example and give others preferential treatment. It means that we consider other's needs equally to our own needs. Romans 12:15-16a says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another." We need to experience joy and not jealousy in our fellow believer's accomplishments, honors received, and joyful experiences. We also need to mourn and sympathize with those who are going through difficult times.

We must show the same Christ-like love to others that Christ showed to us. Philippians 2:5 tells us, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." We are to demonstrate Christ's attitude of self-sacrificing love and humility in our lives. Christ Jesus, who is God Himself, left His place of glory with God, the Father, in heaven. He came to this world of sin and took "the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7b) What is even more amazing is that "He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8b) Jesus left the glories of heaven and came to this earth to live the perfect life for us that we could not live. Jesus then suffered the horrors of hell itself on the cross for us. What love! What humility! What sacrifice! Should we not show that same humility, selfless love, and servant attitude to others?

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Greetings Dear Readers! Let us all Praise our God- Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

May the Lord our God Jesus touch your heart so you will understand the GOSPEL MESSAGE TODAY. Plant this in your heart for this will soon flower and bear the fruit of righteousness that comes from God through Faith in Jesus Christ.

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Being a true believer;- You will have to face our Lord Jesus Christ in full obedience to what the Scriptures say. And this is what the Scriptures say: Commanding all true believers to return to God with your tithes and offerings.

RETURN THE TITHES TO THE LORD OUR GOD---AND GIVE YOUR OFFERINGS !!

MALACHI 3:6-11 ( ROBBING GOD )

: 6 " I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

: 7 Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, " says the Lord Almighty. " But you ask, ' How are we to return?'

: 8 " Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me." But you ask, ' How do we rob you?' " In TITHES AND OFFERINGS.

: 9 You are under a curse -- the whole nation of you --because you are robbing me.

:10 Bring the whole TITHE into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, " says the Lord Almighty, " and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it.

:11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit, " says the Lord Almighty.

THIS IS HOW YOU WILL DETERMINE YOUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS, FROM ALL THE BLESSINGS YOU RECEIVE FROM THE LORD OUR GOD:

BLESSINGS OR EARNINGS - $ 100,000.00

LESS: TITHES ( NOT YOURS,

RETURN TO GOD ) 10% - 10,000.00

YOUR NET EARNINGS - $ 90,000.00

YOUR OFFERINGS WILL COME FROM THE NINETY THOUSAND, THIS AMOUNT IS YOURS AND IT IS UP TO YOU, HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO GIVE.

WHILE THE TITHES ARE NOT YOURS, IT IS GOD'S THAT IS WHY YOU HAVE TO RETURN IT AND YOU ARE NOT ROBBING GOD!

LUKE 6:38

GIVE, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7-11

: 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

: 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,you will abound in every good work.

: 9 As it is written:

"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

HAVE YOUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS BLESSED BY YOUR PASTORS !

EMAIL ME FOR THE BLESSINGS

GOD BLESS YOU, DEAR READERS!

I GIVE ALL PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY TO THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD- JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.

EVANGELISTWILLY

NOTE: ALL SCRIPTURES TAKEN FROM THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

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ABOUT EVANGELISTWILLY

EVANGELISTWILLY is the Founding Pastor of the Church Planting Ministry, JESUS CHURCH-JEREMIAH 6:16 MINISTRY, INT'L.; PUBLISHER of the following:

Christian Magazine - The Evangelist- Gospel Message Today

Gospel Tract - The Secret of Happiness

He writes the gospel messages in this BLOG - GOSPEL MESSAGE TODAY, ChristianBlogsites.com; In the above publications; and other preaching materials distributed during missions; also a BOOK he wrote about the CHURCH is coming out soon.

He serves the Lord Jesus as Evangelist/Church Planter since 1992. He proclaims the WORD OF GOD not only through the gospel messages he write in the above Christian Magazine, Gospel Tract, this Blog- Gospel Message Today -- but also through Preaching and Healing Missions/Church Planting Missions; Guest Preaching in other Christian Ministries; and simultaneously Pastoring the above Ministry -- the Church Plants.

His mission is to let people know who Jesus Christ really is,--our One True Living God, our Lord and Savior! To preach the WORD OF GOD as it is written in the Holy Scriptures -- to the unreached, the rich and the poor; high and low; those who haven't heard or read the Gospel of our Lord; to bring souls at our Lord's feet.

JEREMIAH 6:16 This is what the Lord says: " Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths; ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, " We will not walk in it."

ISAIAH 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, " This is the way, walk in it."

******** and the good way is pointed to the following gospel:

JOHN 14:6 Jesus answered, " I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me."

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GOSPEL MESSAGE TODAY

HEBREWS 3:15

As has just been said: " TODAY, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.

HEBREWS 4:7

Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it TODAY, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: " TODAY, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts."

PSALM 95:7-8

: 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. TODAY, if you hear his voice

; 8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Maasah in the desert.

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WORK OF AN EVANGELIST- ( 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-5 )

1. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I GIVE YOU THIS CHARGE:

2. PREACH THE WORD; BE PREPARED IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON; CORRECT, REBUKE AND ENCOURAGE --- with great patience and careful instruction.

3. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

4. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

5. BUT YOU, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST, DISCHARGE ALL THE DUTIES OF YOUR MINISTRY.

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FIVE STEPS TO BE A CHRISTIAN- ( BECOME PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST - THE CHURCH )

1. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SINS AND CONFESS THEM TO THE LORD JESUS

PSALM 32:5

Then I acknowledge my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, " I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" ---- and you forgave the guilt of my sins.

1 JOHN 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and justify us from all unrighteousness.

2. REPENTANCE - ( Repent of all your sins; Turn away from your evil ways; Have a change of heart; )

LUKE 24:46-47

: 46 He told them, " This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day

; 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

3. ASK FORGIVENESS FROM THE LORD JESUS FOR ALL YOUR SINS

ACTS 10:43

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

ACTS 5:31

God exalted him to his own right hand as PRINCE AND SAVIOR that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

4. RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST IN YOUR HEART, AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR

ROMANS 10:13

for, " Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

ACTS 2:21

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

5. BAPTISM IN WATER - ( Be baptized in water in the Name of the Lord Jesus )

ACTS 2:38

Peter replied, REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.

And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

********* NOW IF YOU SINCERELY BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THE GOSPEL AS ENUMERATED IN THE ABOVE FIVE STEPS TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN AND OBEYED EACH OF THEM IN FAITH THEN:

********* NOW YOU ARE SAVED ! SALVATION HAS COME TO YOU ! YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD; BORN-AGAIN; CIRCUMCISED IN HEART BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO NOW LIVES IN YOU; ASSURED OF ETERNAL SALVATION; HEIR TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD; MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD; WELCOME TO THE CHURCH, BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST JESUS ! !

********* NOW YOU BELONG TO JESUS AND JESUS BELONGS TO YOU !

ROMANS 8:14-17

: 14 Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

: 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, " ABBA, FATHER."

: 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

: 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

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AN INVITATION TO EVERYONE ! ! !

EVANGELISTWILLY is inviting you, Dear Readers to send an email to this address:

pastorwillie.caoile@yahoo.com

or at this URL:

http://evangelistwilly.christianblogsites.com/blog/

FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

****** Request for Prayer or Intercession

****** Counselling

****** Inquiries on any Gospel in the Holy Scriptures

****** Healing of the Sick/Laying of Hands/Praying Over - through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus Christ.

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Seeking The Savior (Thirty Second Devotional)

Devotional
Whom are you seeking? This was the question Jesus asked the disciples. While some people are seeking a teacher, others are seeking a religious leader, a miracle worker or a healer. We need to be seeking the Savior. It is one thing to know who Jesus is, but that will not get you into heaven. People need to have a personal relationship with Him.

Scripture Reference
John 18:4-5
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?" They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.

Action Point
Make it a priority in your life to have a personal relationship with the LORD. Get to know Him. Talk to Him, and spend time in the Word.

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The Power of the Sun

“The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard” (Psalm 119:1-3).

I was reminded of this Psalm yesterday when I saw the weather report. A NASA video of the sun was a featured story. The video showed the cycle of the sun flares over a three year period. It was amazing. I googled it and found it on youtube and watched it again.

I was mesmerized. That ball of gold spoke to me of the glory and greatness of God. Verse 1 of Psalm 19 says, “The heavens are telling the glory of God” and verse 2 says, “Day to day pours forth speech”. The sun was speaking to me of the greatness and power of our Creator. I had to learn more.

According to NASA, a single solar flare explodes with as much explosive power as billions of hydrogen bombs all exploding at once. They can be as hot as 100 million degrees Celsius. This information made that video incomprehensible to my simple mind. How many solar flares were on that video? The flares are only a very small portion of the suns overall power. My mind is just too small to comprehend this.

If my mind cannot comprehend the sun and its power, how amazing and powerful is the sun’s Creator? God is the Maker of this amazing explosive power that we depend on for life. I cannot, in my finite mind, begin to understand this much greatness.

But I can depend on it! I can put my trust in someone so great and powerful. He put the sun in the sky. He put it at exactly the right spot to give life to the earth. He put it at exactly the right spot to keep us from burning up from these solar flares. He keeps it burning brightly day after day, year after year. If He can control the sun and its power, can He control my life? Absolutely!

Today I will reverently and worshipfully say with the Psalmist, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer”.

Thank you, Lord, for being so faithful, dependable, and powerful. You keep the sun in check and control its power. You do this for the sake of mankind. Out of your loving kindness and mercy you give us life and warmth every day. You are dependable. You are our rock and redeemer. Your power will sustain me.

I thank you and praise you. You have declared your glory and I need to worship you. I need to fix my thoughts on you so that what pours forth from my heart and life are pleasing to you. My meditation and my speech need to declare your glory because you alone are worthy.

You can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piuKlpJmjfg&feature=player_embedded

For more information about the author, go to http://shereenlashua.com/

ETRNLLFE AFTR DETHC24

Greetings Dear Readers! Let us all Praise our God, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

May the Lord our God Jesus touch your heart so you will understand the GOSPEL MESSAGE TODAY. Plant this in your heart for this will soon flower and bear the fruit of righteousness that comes from God, through faith in Jesus Christ.

ETERNAL LIFE AFTER DEATH

( CONCLUSION-24TH )

COLOSSIANS 1:21-23

: 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.

: 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--

: 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul have become a servant.

COLOSSIANS 2:13-14

: 13 When you were dead in our sins and in the uncircumcisionof your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,

: 14 having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

****Imagine the happiness of our Lord Jesus who has been waiting for a sinner to repent and ask for his forgiveness and retuning to him! A sinner who was lost and found; a sinner who was dead and was made alive again!*****

MATTHEW 18:12-14

: 12 " What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

: 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.

: 14 In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

LUKE 15:3-7/10

: 3 Then Jesus told them this parable.

: 4 Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it.?

: 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully put it on his shoulders and goes home.

: 6 Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ' Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'

: 7 I tell you that in the same way that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the niney-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

: 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

******You will surely have faith in Jesus Christ by reading/hearing, believing understanding and obeying the message of the WORD OF GOD. *********

ROMANS 10:17

Consequently, faith come from hearing the message and the message is heard through the WORD OF CHRIST.

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MATTHEW 16:17-19

: 17 Jesus replied, " Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

: 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

: 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.:

I -- THIS IS THE 1ST KEY OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (SALVATION)

. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SINS AND CONFESS DIRECTLY TO GOD:

PSALM 32:5

Then I acknowledge my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, " I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

PSALM 51:3-5

: 3 For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me.

: 4 Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

: 5 Surely, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

JEREMIAH 14:20

O Lord, we acknowledge our wickedness and the guilt of our fathers; we have sinned against you.

II- AND THE 2ND KEY TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ( SALVATION )

REPENT OF ALL YOUR SINS; TURNING AWAY FROM THESE SINS ; LEAVE THE LIFE OF A SINNER:

ISAIAH 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, he will freely pardon.

EZEKIAL 14:6

Therefore say to the House of Israel, " This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!

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MATTHEW 3:1-2

: 1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and

: 2 saying, " Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

MARK 1:14-15

: 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.

: 15 " The time has come," he said, " The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news

MARK 6:12

They went out and preached that people should repent.

LUKE 24:47

and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to alll nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

ACTS 2:38

" Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus unto remission of your sins."

ACTS 3:19

" Repent then and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

ACTS 17:30

In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

ACTS 26:20

First to those in Damascus, then those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

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LUKE 13:3

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

III- THE THIRD KEY TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (SALVATION)

ASK GOD'S FORGIVENESS FOR ALL YOUR SINS

PSALM 25:11

For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

PSALM 51:1

Have mercy on me, O GOD, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgresion.

***ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN FORGIVE OUR SINS; AND ACCODING TO APOSTLE PETER..... IN ACTS 2:38; IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, SO THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN. *******

ACTS 2:38

Peter replied, " Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

LUKE 24:47

and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

ACTS 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

ACTS 5:31

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

ACTS 10:43

All prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.

TO BE CONTINUED

GOD BLESS YOU, DEAR READERS!

I GIVE ALL PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY TO THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD- JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.

EVANGELISTWILLY

NOTE: ALL SCRIPTURES TAKEN FROM THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

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ABOUT EVANGELISTWILLY

EVANGELISTWILLY is the Founding Pastor of the Church Planting Ministry, JESUS CHURCH- JEREMIAH 6:16 MINISTRY, INT'L; Publisher of the following:

Christian Magazine - The Evangelist- Gospel Message Today

Gospel Tract - The Secret of Happiness

He writes the gospel messages in this BLOG- GOSPEL MESSAGE TODAY, ChristianBlogsites.com; in the above publications; and other preaching materials distributed during missions; also a BOOK he wrote about the CHURCH is coming out soon.

He serves the Lord our God Jesus as Evangelist/Church Planter since 1992. He proclaims the WORD OF GOD not only through the gospel messages he write in the above Christian Magazine, Gospel Tract, this Blog- Gospel Message Today --- but also through Preaching and Healing Missions/Church Planting Missions; Guest Preaching in other Christian Ministries, and simultaneously Pastoring the above Ministry -- the Church Plants.

His mission is to let people know who Jesus Christ really is, -- our One True Living God, our Lord and Savior! To preach the WORD OF GOD as it is written in the Holy Scriptures -- to the unreached, the rich and the poor; high and low; those who haven't heard or read the Gospel of our Lord; to bring souls at the Lord's feet.

JEREMIAH 6:16 This is what the Lord says: " Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths; ask where the good way, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, " We will not walk in it."

ISAIAH 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, " This is the way; walk in it."

******** and the good way is pointed to the following gospel:

JOHN 14:6 Jesus answered, " I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me."

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GOSPEL MESSAGE TODAY

HEBREWS 3:15

As has just been said: " TODAY, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."

HEBREWS 4:7

Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it TODAY, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:" TODAY, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts."

PSALM 95:7-8

: 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. "Today, if you hear his voice

: 8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Maasah in the desert.

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WORK OF AN EVANGELIST - ( 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-5 )

1. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I GIVE YOU THIS CHARGE:

2. PREACH THE WORD; BE PREPARED IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON; CORRECT, REBUKE, AND ENCOURAGE -- with great patience and careful instruction.

3. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

4. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

5. BUT YOU, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

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FIVE STEPS TO BE A CHRISTIAN - ( BECOME PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST - THE CHURCH )

1. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SINS AND CONFESS THEM TO THE LORD JESUS

PSALM 32:5

Then I acknowledge my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, " I will confess my transgressions to the Lord " --- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

1 JOHN 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and justify us from all unrighteousness.

2. REPENTANCE - ( Repent of all your sins; Have a change of heart.)

LUKE 24:46-47

: 46 He told them, " This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.,

: 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

3. ASK FORGIVENESS FROM THE LORD JESUS FOR ALL YOUR SINS

ACTS 10:43

All the prophets testify about him that evryone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

ACTS 5:31

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

4. RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST IN YOUR HEART AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR

ROMANS 1:13

for, " Everyone who calls on the nam of the Lord will be saved."

ACTS 2:21

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

5. BAPTISM IN WATER - ( Be baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus )

ACTS 2:38

Peter replied, " REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ so that our sins may be forgiven.

And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

*********NOW IF YOU SINCERELY BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THE GOSPEL AS ENUMERATED IN THE ABOVE FIVE STEPS TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN AND OBEYED EACH OF THEM IN FAITH THEN:

*********NOW YOU ARE SAVED! SALVATION HAS COME YOU! YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD; BORN-AGAIN; CIRCUMCISED IN HEART BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO NOW DWELLS IN YOU; YOU ARE NOW ASSURED OF ETERNAL LIFE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITH ALL OF US BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST; WELCOME TO THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH-- BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

*********NOW YOU BELONG TO JESUS AND JESUS BELONGS TO YOU!

ROMANS 8:14-17

: 14 Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

: 15 For you did not a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, " ABBA, FATHER."

: 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

: 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

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AN INVITATION TO EVERYONE ! ! !

EVANGELISTWILLY is inviting you, Dear Readers to send an email to this address:

pastorwillie.caoile@yahoo.com

or at this URL:

http://evangelistwilly.christianblogsites.com/blog/

FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

********* Request for Prayer or Intercession

********* Counselling

********* Inquiries on any Gospel in the Holy Scriptures

********* Healing of the Sick/Laying of Hands/Praying Over -- through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus.

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Refreshing (Thirty Second Devotional)

Devotional
There is nothing like being outside after it has rained. The dust, and the pollution in the air has all been washed away, and everything has a fresh new look to it. In the same way, when you repent, God will bring a time of refreshing through the cleansing blood of the Lamb, and wash away the sin that you have been carrying around.

Scripture Reference
Acts 3:19
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

Action Point
As Christians, if we want to see a mighty move of God, we need to get out and tell people about Jesus. He is the Answer, and if we want to see lives transformed, it starts with us proclaiming the Gospel message to a lost and dying world.

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Where Are You (Thirty Second Devotional)

Devotional

When the LORD called to Adam "Where are you?" in the garden of Eden, He knew exactly where he was. The question had nothing to do with his location. The LORD was asking where Adam was in relation to Him. When Adam sinned the fellowship with the LORD was broken. The LORD had not moved. It was Adam that had moved away from the LORD.

Scripture Reference
Genesis 3:9
Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?"

Action Point

Ask yourself where you are in your relationship to the LORD? Remember that He is always there. If it seems like He is far away, It may be that you need to draw closer to Him.

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Hebrews: Gods last word to Man chap 10:15-25

[Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin. Vs 15-18

Now he brings the witness of the Holy Spirit, and again reviews the New Covenant that will be made with the nation Israel, of which the gentiles partake of, as grace has been extended to us for salvation. As before, we saw by one sacrifice for sins which are remembered no more. Forgiven and forgotten, very important to see this, but here notice it is expressed a little different for he says where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin. Here is the other reason there are no more offerings for sin; Remission has already happened in the first and only sacrifice for it. Since my sins have been remitted and are gone as far as God is concerned, what will another sacrifice do? NOTHING! IT IS FINISHED. And who is it that says this? THE HOLY SPIRIT. No more offerings in heaven, no more on earth, there is no reason and God has said so! Now on my part I must let this sink into my heart: 1 sin WAS paid for 2 Sin WAS forgiven, 3 It WAS forgotten This is all I need to know, it is all in the past tense, but covers the future.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And [having] an high priest over the house of God; Vs 19-21

THEREFORE! After all the exhortation, THEREFORE! Brethren this is directed to every blood bought believer whether walking with the Lord or backslidden. Every on fire Christian and every weak believer overcome by the flesh, many who are doubting their salvation, not sure if their sins have been forgiven, we are to HAVE BOLNESS!! That means all doubters, all backsliders, all you who say as Paul Oh wretched man that I am, all you who study his word and serve Him, it is to you he says enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. He has gone in before you, the veil is now gone and the entrance is now open and he is calling you to come. Let none of Christ’s sheep be left out thinking they are not worthy. YOU have access by a new and living way. The language suggests it is as a freshly slain and living way. God sees the sacrifice of Christ as if it were right now not that it is to be repeated but that its effect as though it just happened, it is fresh. So if I sin right now, I confess my sin right now, Christ’s sacrifice having took place 2000 years ago on earth, in heaven it is as if it happened right now as a freshly slain lamb, this is what God sees. This is why it does not have to be repeated, or re-enacted down here. It reminds us of Isa 65:24 where God says And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. And having a High Priest over the house of God: The writer has mentioned a High Priest 18 times so far in this book, and here he says he is over the house of God. He is making sure the readers understand they have a High Priest they can turn to.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. VS 22-25

Three times he exhorts: LET US. Let us draw near We can draw near because it is a better covenant, under the old we could not. We can draw near because we have access we did not have before; with a true heart, we know the heart is desperately wicked and who can know it. So we cannot trust our own heart in any manner because of our corrupt nature. But when we approach our God seeking him, because we have been born again and given a new heart, then it is with a true heart we do this. David was a man whose heart was after God, so may ours be. In full assurance of faith. We have all the evidence of accomplished salvation, giving us full assurance of faith, and God has said so in this word. I may not feel worthy, but it is not up to me, Col 1:12 says Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (fit) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: My job is to believe, his job is to make me fit for heaven. Rom 5:1 says Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, On the basis of this we can have full assurance that we may come. Having our hearts sprinkled. When Moses dedicated the old covenant, he sprinkled the people with the blood of the animal sacrifice, there he sprinkled their flesh. Here, it is as Peter says (I Pet 1:2) elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. The new and better covenant is here, and it is our hearts that are sprinkled from an evil conscience. Our conscience that accuses us of failure or sin, is now sprinkled taking away the guilt knowing sin is forgiven and paid for so we are to have no more remembrance of it. So our full assurance of faith stems from the fact Jesus has entered into heaven itself, and has an unchangeable priesthood 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. Heb 7:25 His own elect he has chosen, has he perfected forever by one sacrifice, so nothing more is needed. LET US hold fast It would be easy to go back to temple worship as ceremonialism is hard to turn away from as it is so familiar, this is why they are told to hold fast. As the church in Acts was told cleave unto the Lord, or hold fast. It is possible the persecution was getting to them (vs33) the scripture says those who will follow the Lord will suffer persecution especially those who left Judaism. Public opinion can be difficult to overcome even when you know you are right. The writer is exhorting them not to turn back. For us it means to move forward in our relationship with him daily. Peter tells us Jesus is our example for in I Pet 2:21 he says For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: And we are to remember his faithfulness. For the Jews it would be easy as they referred back in their history to Joshua 21:45 where we read Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.NKJV And again in I Kings 8:56 "Blessed [be] the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses. For us Paul writes in Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? And much more as he says Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? And Who [is] he who condemns? [It is] Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Finally Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The fact Jesus was delivered up, the Holy Spirit has come as a down payment of our inheritance is proof of his faithfulness. We are also aware that his gifts and calling are without repentance. And then LET US consider one another to provoke unto love and good works. Paul told the Thessalonians Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. I Thess 5:11 To the Philippians he said Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, Phil 1:27 and Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 2:4 The good works we are to do are works of faith continuance in prayer & worship, watching for each other.

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Vs 25

Here is another great exhortation to good works not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together We need to be around other believers and be sharing with them as you see the Day approaching Looking around at the happenings of the world today, even the casual observer will attest to the fact there is an increase in violence everywhere. Persecution against the Christian community is coming from our own government, as they espouse political correctness for all except us. We dare not offend Muslims, atheists or those of the gay community as they are forcing their agendas down our throats. The military is now considering it an act of treason if a CHAPLIN tries to lead someone to Christ. Those who have done as Jesus told us to do, WATCH we see the day approaching and there can be no doubt. Israel is once again forced to defend itself against aggressors. How long will it be before Iran & Russia get involved as we read about in Ezekiel where the prophet declares Russia will invade Israel, with all its allies? Make no mistake God’s judgment is in our country. How much longer will the abortions continue? The gay community is on record as desiring to, “destroy the institution of marriage”, which by the way is GODS INSTITUTION. How much farther will we go before God finally declares ENOUGH! Or has that point been reached and God is only waiting to see if there is any repentance here to be gracious to this country again. The day is approaching, the birth pangs Jesus talked about are getting heavier and more frequent and he said "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near--at the doors! Mrk 13:29 Paul reminds us in Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. We need to forsake the world and all it has to offer but, not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. Vs 26-30 We will take this up next time

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Words In Your Mouth (Thirty Second Devotional)

Devotional

As Christians, when we read the Bible we should read it with great reverence. As we read the Bible, we are not just reading a book written by men; we are reading the Word of God. As we proclaim the Word of God, it should never be our words and thoughts that we are speaking, but the Word of God that He gave to us to proclaim to a world that is in need of a Savior.

Scripture Reference

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

Action Point

Take time each day to read and study the Word of God. As you go out and tell others about Jesus remember that we are not speaking on our own authority if we are proclaiming the Word of God.

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In His Name (Thirty Second Devotional)

Devotional
There is power in the name of Jesus. Power to heal, power to forgive, and power to save. Over 5000 had heard and believed the Gospel. They saw a man lame from birth get up and walk, and many other wonders and signs that were done through the apostles. By what power or by what name did they do this? It was in the might and in the name of Jesus.

Scripture Reference
Acts 4:7
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"

Action Point
There is power in His mighty name. As you proclaim the Gospel, remember that it is not by your power, but by His power and in His name.

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Do Good To All (Thirty Second Devotional)

Devotional
Though we are not saved through works, they should be evident in the life of every believer. When people see Christians helping one another, they see the love of God in action. Every time we meet someone on the street, we have an opportunity to let them see Jesus in us. Sometimes just holding the door open, a smile or a kind word can be an opportunity to share Jesus.

Scripture Reference
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Action Point
Take every opportunity to be a witness for Jesus. Be a walking example of who Jesus is by showing His love to those around you.

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Hebrews: Gods last word to Man chap 10:3-14

But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year. VS 3

Under the old Mosaic economy repeated sacrifices bring to remembrance sin. But we read in Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Here in Jeremiah the prophet is referring to the New Covenant he will be making with Israel, which we gentiles are now under through the gospel. In Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. How could this be under the Old Covenant? As we mentioned before David knew this through grace, not through the sacrifices of the Old Covenant, because through them sin was remembered. That was the Law, this is grace.

For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.Vs 4

It is because they are animal sacrifices and are inferior to the sacrifice of Christ; therefore it was not possible to take away sin. God designated it that way to point to a better sacrifice. How frustrating for those who wanted to follow the Lord, and have to continually offer sacrifices every time they sinned. Then with David we can say Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5 Sin is not something you can rid yourself of, it is integrated into your being. Just like leprosy, a type of sin mentioned in scripture, and it is something only God could cleans or cure, so sin is the same way, only God can rid you of it.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: Vs 5

Here is how God did this. He prepared a body for Jesus, Why? Paul tells us in Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: We remember the Law was a ministry of condemnation we read that in II Cor 3:7,9 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:, For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. Paul is speaking of the Law, which was weak through the flesh, and was unable to be kept to give life. So Jesus, as Paul said, For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. II Cor 5:21 And Peter tell us I Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. It is for this reason Jesus the Lamb of God became flesh and dwelt among us. When we see him hanging on the cross we understand from this, as those other men on crosses were CONDEMNED for their sins, so Jesus was CONDEMNED for ours. This represents the punishment for sin in the flesh for all to see. When God looks upon his Son on the cross, he is satisfied that sin HAS BEEN punished, using the body of Christ on the cross. It is very important for us to understand this; it means sin need not be punished again for the believer; nothing has to be added in the way of works done by us to be accepted with God. Satan would sift us like wheat when we sin and tell us, you are guilty, Go will require it. You must now DO SOMETHING to gain his approval again. Ah, but my reader, listen not to him, for there is nothing to DO, you are to BELIEVE that God does not punish but once and all is forgiven. Satan and religion would have us in bondage, but whom the Son sets free is free indeed.

In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]. VS 6-10

God took no pleasure in the Old Testament sacrifices because they could not finally put sin away. The sacrificial system was temporary because it was a picture of the once for all sacrifice that was to come. And in Israel it became nothing more than a ritual and the people’s heart was not in it. Listen to Isaiah as God through him laments To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them]. Isa 1:11-14 He concludes the thought by saying Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Vs 16-17 Something they couldn’t nor wouldn’t do. So Jesus came to do the will of the Father, putting away the first covenant and its sacrifices to establish the second, by the once for all sacrifice of himself. Again the emphasis is on Once for all sacrifice of Christ.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. VS 11-14

Going now from the often the repeated sacrifices to the priests or men who offer them. Notice every priest standing daily contrasted with; But this man sat down . To STAND daily indicates continuous ongoing work. He who SAT DOWN speaks of work completed, in this case sacrificial work. Sacrifices by priests of the order of Aaron were never complete. Christ is of the order of Melchesedec and his sacrifice was complete. Again this man offered one sacrifice for sins forever; he SAT DOWN, indicating IT IS FINISHED as Jesus said from the cross. He sat down until his enemies are made his footstool. Very interesting to consider, the footstool bears the weight of the body, so the enemies of Christ will bear the full weight of his judgment upon them. Paul says concerning the 1000 reign of Christ in I Cor15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. And it all starts with the resurrection as Paul states But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. I Cor 15:20,24 Now we must consider; If ONE offering has perfected forever them that are sanctified, WHY would it need to be repeated? God is not requiring it! The actual sacrifice happened on earth, at a particular time for actual completion, so when was that? Daniel 9:25-26 says Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Exactly 486 years from the time Artaxerxes told Nehemiah he could return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls which was written for us in Neh 2:1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king this was the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and he was cut off or crucified the following Friday. This is what marks for us the time on earth when this happened. Paul says in Gal 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. This was that specific time on earth. For those who say God is outside of time and sees the sacrifice of Christ as always before him, we say Yes that is true according to Heb 10:20 which means to God it is as if the sacrifice had just happened. But they must understand, God chose a specific time and place on earth for it to happen, and broke the plane between eternity and time to execute the plan. Remember Christ was the Lamb slain FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, and once completed on earth, never to be repeated, on earth. And if God says we have been perfected forever, we must ask what more need be done? Does this sound like it will not last? We need only care what God thinks, not what man thinks, no matter who it is. God is the Judge and if he declares you perfected, I say to all who challenge this, HE has the LAST WORD and this is it.

Hebrews: Gods last word to Man chap 9:22-10:2

Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood. 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, Saying, This [is] the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. VS 18-22

So we read without shedding of blood is no remission. Here we must reflect and ask, when we see the re-crucifying of Christ in the Catholic Church, and they say it is the un-bloody sacrifice, we must ask on the basis of just the sacrifice alone, what is the point? Why re-crucify him and pray the sacrifice is acceptable in God’s sight when no blood is shed? If it was acceptable 2000 years ago, when he shed his blood, why would it need to be acceptable now, and since no blood is shed logically it won’t be so why do it? And since sin was put away for good then, why repeat it now? If it was NOT accepted then, with the shedding of blood, why would it be accepted NOW when no blood is shed, for without shedding of blood is no remission. Am I picking on the Catholic Church and its people? NO! I am interested in pure Biblical doctrine coming TO THE CHURCH and an un-bloody re-sacrifice is not that! Jesus Christ was crucified for one reason, to put sin away once and for all. In the process his side was pierced and blood and water came forth, so we see he shed his blood for the remission of sins. If Christ is to be re-crucified, it must be for mans sins, but without shedding of blood is no remission. So why do it? Well Jesus said to! No, he said when you eat the bread which represents his body and drink the wine which represents his blood, he said DO THIS! DO WHAT? Eat and drink in remembrance of me, so you won’t forget what was done 2000 years ago, he didn’t say RE-CRUCIFY ME again. While the Catholic Church defends its teaching, we will see many verses in this chapter and the next that will challenge their doctrine. I call your attention to the word “ONCE” which we will see often. My burden for ALL BELIEVERS is they would GROW IN GRACE and KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. The disciple must rightly divide the word of truth and that is what we are doing here, and the Lord bless those who are taking time to study as we put forth the exposition of his word as the Holy Spirit directs us. I might also add to all you students who are reading this, compare scripture with scripture and comment on any questions you might have. So now,

[It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 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: VS 23-24

We see here it takes the shedding of blood to purify the earthly tabernacle as well as the heavenly. For the earthly which was made by man, temporary because it was of the Old Covenant therefore blood from a clean animal was acceptable, but not for the heavenly as it requires a better sacrifice. Why does the heavenly need to be purified? We know from Job1:6 Satan came to present himself before God Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Since Satan is the author of sin, and God cannot have sin in his presence, only the blood of Christ has the power to cleanse the real Holy Place And he himself must appear there since no earthly priest is permitted, as they were only designated for the presenting of animal blood in the earthly tabernacle. So Christ has entered into the true in heaven and that for us. Our High Priest has entered into heaven itself because he is of the order of Melchisedec, they on earth are of the order of Aaron, Jesus is the Son, they are not.

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 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. Vs 25-26

The writer will now make clear Christ offering of himself is final, unlike the Levitical sacrifices which need to be often repeated. If the sacrifice were to be repeated, suffering would also need to be repeated. The suffering of Jesus Christ is part of the sacrifice and a repetition of the sacrifice would have to include suffering. He was the lamb slain from the foundation and his blood is the blood of the everlasting covenant, by the determinate council and foreknowledge of God. It was ordained to be completed only ONCE! ONE TIME should it happen. If the sacrifice of Christ is to be repeated, it is to overturn the council ordained by the triune God from the foundation of the world, which would disregard what God has decreed. Oh friends, do not brush over this too quickly. ONE SACRIFICE has completely put your sin, ALL YOUR SIN forever, it will not be repeated, it is un-necessary! Thus saith the LORD!

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 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. VS 27-28

Just as physical death is only appointed as a one time thing, So Christ was once offered and died once. AH! Says one I GOT YOU NOW! What about Lazarus? He died TWICE. Yes he did, but lets look at the reason for that, better still lets let Jesus tells us why. First he pronounces him dead; Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead .Jhn 11:14 Now lets hear from Martha saying Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Jhn 11:21 Then Jesus confirms: Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again And then Jesus said I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: Just before Lazarus rose Jesus tells us WHY Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? What would that be? RESSURECTION FROM THE DEAD which only God can do. Thus the resurrection of Lazarus and others was FOR THE GOLRY OF GOD. The principle idea being conveyed in the context has to do with the sacrificial death of Christ that his SACRIFICAL DEATH was to be ONCE. There are two deaths; physical death, and spiritual death. All die physically once, those who believe on Christ Jesus will escape the SECOND DEATH which is spiritual. And the second time he appears, it will be apart from sin. He will not be coming to repeat the process. So it is important to understand what once means, and here, it is concerning the sacrifice of Christ. The word once in this verse means the sacrifice has perpetual validity which requires no repetition. Let us illustrate this; when you are born you get a birth certificate which is issued to prove your date of birth, and it has perpetual validity. That means it is always valid and the act of birth obviously is not repeated. When someone dies, a death certificate is issued as proof of the date of death, and carries the same validity, always valid, and of course the death is not repeated. So Christ’s sacrificial death is accomplished and has perpetual validity which requires no repetition. Because of this we have the assurance that sin has been put away for ever as the sacrifice is NOT to be repeated, ONCE is enough. To repeat the sacrifice is to tell God ONCE was NOT enough, sin is not totally put away, which leaves NO ASSURANCE of total forgiveness, and opens the door for us to be in bondage to the weak and beggarly elements of religion in observance of things to add to it establishing our righteousness before God for acceptance. This is not the gospel of grace at all. So in Chap ten verse one we read

Chap 10:1

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

Basically these two verses say: The law can never make perfect, (or complete) those who come, WHY? Because repeated sacrifices are a reminder of sin, since they were not put away under the Mosaic sacrificial system. If one sacrifice under the Old Covenant could have done this, offering for sin would have ceased! THEN would the conscience be clear as there would be no more memory of sin. Every time the priest would go into the Holy of Holies, never mind the continual sin offerings brought by the people sin is remembered, because it still remains and is not put away. How then does the Catholic Church, every time the people see the offering of the body of Christ in the wafer again, understand sin has been put away? THEY DON’T neither did the children of Israel under the Old Covenant. Only David understood it after Nathan told him; Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon II Sam 12:9 (his sin). And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Vs 13 David DID NOT offer a sacrifice!! But his sin was forgiven. Listen to David, Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, [Saying], Blessed [are] they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Rom 4:6-8. Here is GRACE! This was foreign to David under the Old Covenant, something related to the New, and that done by God himself spoken by the prophet Nathan. As long as you are under the rule of law, you will always be reminded of your sin, as in the repeated sacrifice of Christ, those who perform it claim to be under grace or do they not understand what grace is? It is in reality a mixture of Law & Grace which Paul and the counsel at Jerusalem (Acts 15) forbid! If God has forgotten our sin, so should we as he has put in place the one offering that does just that.

But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year. VS 3 we will take up next st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";}

The Church is Responsible

¹⁵“But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
¹⁶“Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country.
¹⁷“Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
¹⁸“Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.
¹⁹“Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. (Deuteronomy 28:15-19)

If we keep the commandments of YHWH we will be blessed as a nation. He says, “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) everything that we do will be blessed. This is what we used to have, Yahweh’s Blessing, and we were the strongest and wealthiest nation in the world. What happened to that?

Here’s what happened! “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:” (Vs 15) the same Yahweh that blessed us has now cursed us because of our disobedience and unbelief. And in our arrogance and pride we are pushing forward in our own strength, try to restore on our own what Yahweh had done. It cannot be done as long as we are operating under His curses.

We have only ourselves to blame, there has been very little personal evangelism in the last few generations. The result of which is a population of over educated atheists. The church changed its message in order to please itching ears and improve cash flow. And the commandments haven’t been preached in many years in this nation. Instead the church is telling everyone the commandments are dead.

There needs to be a gigantic revival in this nation, but sadly it cannot, and will not happen, until the church changes. You don’t have to be the brightest bulb in the box to be able to see how ineffective the church on the corner is. You would think at some point they would catch on. But no, they continue from week to week singing the same song, following the same rote service schedule, and teaching the same sermons over and over again, and when they have a revival it has no heart, it’s three or four days of preaching sermons with nothing solid to lean on.

There are some churches that are doing better than others, in attendance. But without the law, there can be no conviction, and without conviction, there can be no salvation. and now we can safely say, that these are the things that have brought about the destruction of nations, ours included. Remember the words of Y’shua when he said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. (John 15:15, 16)

Today’s Affirmation:

Today, I will recognize the importance of Yahweh’s laws and I will study them.

Prayer:

Father Yahweh, there are so many of my friends who are living with out Your Laws, Abba. I pray for them, that they would come to realize that because of their rebellion our entire nation will collapse. Help us to regain our faithfulness, Father. In the Holy name of Y’shua Christ, I pray. AMEN!

The Fall Py 1 (Thirty Second Devotional)

Devotional

There are many people who have been deceived by the devil. Eve knew what God had said, but the devil had placed doubts in her mind when he said "Has God indeed said." Like Eve, many people have been drawn in by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. They hear what they want to hear and do what seems right in their own eyes.

Scripture Reference

Genesis 3:1

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"

Action Point

Be a voice that is proclaiming the Word of the LORD to a world that is in need of a Savior. People need to hear the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

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Name of the LORD

Hi,I just got back from a church leader conference in Poland, WOW. There were leaders truely burning to serve Christ from eleven countries. I was so blessed by what they shared of Jesus working in their countries, of the difficulties they encountered and how Jesus guides them to solve these. I was very encouraged by this conference. One of several things I bring with me home to Sweden is the need to pray for each other and for each one's needs. I now have many new friends. One way to pray effectively for someone is to do as Joni Ericson Tada did with a group of youngsters. So, today I will share with you a devotion from Joni and Firends. God bless you.

The Name of the Lord

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10:13

I taught the Junior High Sunday School lesson this week. How can I inspire these kids to pray for their friends at school who don't know Christ? We made a list. On one side of the blackboard, we wrote the name of a classmate with a short description: Charlie -- stuck on himself; Christie -- parents divorced; Stephanie -- fooling with drugs. The blackboard filled up quickly. On the other side, we listed the names of Christ: Friend of Sinners, Healer of Broken Hearts, Prince of Peace, Bread of Life, and many more.

We prayed with eyes open, each Junior Higher linking the need of a classmate with a particular and suitable Name of Christ. Their small voices became large with confidence as they began praying, "Prince of Peace, I pray that Christie comes to have peace in her heart" and "Friend of Sinners, Stephanie is in real trouble with drugs... she needs to see her sin and you as her friend" and "Bread of Life, Charlie doesn't know it, but he's hungry for you...let him feed on you." Thirty minutes passed quickly. Each young person was energized by this fresh way of weaving the Name of the Lord throughout their prayers.

As the song goes, "There is strength in the Name of the Lord; there is power in the Name of the Lord; there is hope in the Name of the Lord." Become familiar with the many and varied names of Christ in scripture, then employ those names in your prayers. The Names of Christ give color and texture, meaning and depth to our prayer language. Plus, it's a way of becoming more familiar and intimate with your Savior. Lastly, there is power in the Name of the Lord -- that's good news for your unsaved friend who needs prayer.

Prayer: Lead me to pray for someone today, Lord, and show me in scripture a new way to express Your Name in prayer. In fact, I want to do this right now...

Blessings,

Joni and Friends

www.joniandfriends.org