03/17/20 PAY DAY IS COMING
I've been telling y'all that we were headed for personal and global disaster if we kept turning our backs on Jesus and His word.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
03/16/20 THE REAL MESSAGE OF THE DAY
03/16/20 THE REAL MESSAGE OF THE DAY
It ain't all true and it ain't all hype but this chaotic world mess is a call to turn from sin and self, and to trust and follow Jesus.
It ain't all true and it ain't all hype but this chaotic world mess is a call to turn from sin and self, and to trust and follow Jesus.
03/16/20 EVEN I KNOW THIS
03/16/20 EVEN I KNOW THIS
Like you, I Don't Know the hidden details.
But I know this:
THE WORLD IS ACTUALLY ALL MESSED UP, and
It resulted from rejecting GOD'S WORD.
Like you, I Don't Know the hidden details.
But I know this:
THE WORLD IS ACTUALLY ALL MESSED UP, and
It resulted from rejecting GOD'S WORD.
03/16/20 THERE IS A PRICE ON YOUR HEAD AND HEART
03/16/20 THERE IS A PRICE ON YOUR HEAD AND HEART
The moment you let Humanists redefine life and undermine Biblical faith, marks when you start to lose your mind and your soul.
The moment you let Humanists redefine life and undermine Biblical faith, marks when you start to lose your mind and your soul.
03/16/20 MINDLESSNESS FOLLOWS MINDLESSNESS
03/16/20 MINDLESSNESS FOLLOWS MINDLESSNESS
Nobody with any sense ever agreed to refer to a male as a female in order to pacify deluded people who are gender bending.
Nobody with any sense ever agreed to refer to a male as a female in order to pacify deluded people who are gender bending.
03/16/20 TOTAL INSANITY
03/16/20 TOTAL INSANITY
Those who trust and follow Jesus and His word, will love and serve others.
For this they are hated and killed by non-Christians.
Those who trust and follow Jesus and His word, will love and serve others.
For this they are hated and killed by non-Christians.
SINSANITY CONTINUES
03/16/20 SINSANITY CONTINUES
Jesus still delivers men from demons & restores madmen to their right minds.
And insane society still rejects Christ (Mk:5:1-17).
Mark 5:1-17
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
Jesus still delivers men from demons & restores madmen to their right minds.
And insane society still rejects Christ (Mk:5:1-17).
Mark 5:1-17
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
03/16/20 HELL AIN'T NO GETAWAY, IT'S A PUT-AWAY
03/16/20 HELL AIN'T NO GETAWAY, IT'S A PUT-AWAY
Those who die without Christ will not enjoy being in hell with their friends (contrary to the sick boast of an unsaved relative).
Those who die without Christ will not enjoy being in hell with their friends (contrary to the sick boast of an unsaved relative).
03/16/20 A FALSE, FRIVOLOUS, FATAL HOPE
03/16/20 A FALSE, FRIVOLOUS, FATAL HOPE
For those of you who hate my message of Christ and His salvation, cheer up.
After the rapture, you won't be bothered by me anymore.
For those of you who hate my message of Christ and His salvation, cheer up.
After the rapture, you won't be bothered by me anymore.
03/16/20 THIS IS WHY
03/16/20 THIS IS WHY
Why do I warn folks about following sinsanity?
BECAUSE FOLKS ARE FOLLOWING SINSANITY to hell.
Why do I warn folks about following sinsanity?
BECAUSE FOLKS ARE FOLLOWING SINSANITY to hell.
03/16/20 DON'T FOLLOW PIED PIPERS
03/16/20 DON'T FOLLOW PIED PIPERS
REFUSE to follow the insanity of the Jesus haters, the Bible haters, the Christian haters, the morality haters.
REFUSE to follow the insanity of the Jesus haters, the Bible haters, the Christian haters, the morality haters.
03/16/20 THEY FORCE THE INSANITY
03/16/20 THEY FORCE THE INSANITY
Ever notice that Liberals are not satisfied with believing and practicing idiocy?
They're FORCING their insanity on Christians.
Copied from my friend, Sam Guthrie.
We are living in a Bizarre World:
•We shut down travel from Europe over fear of COVID-19, but have an open southern border.
• If a dude pretends to be a woman, you are required to pretend with him.
• Somehow it’s un-American for the census to count how many Americans are in America.
• Russians influencing our elections are bad, but illegal Mexicans voting in our elections are good.
• It was cool for Joe Biden to "blackmail" the President of Ukraine, but it’s an impeachable offense if Donald Trump inquires about it.
• Twenty is too young to drink a beer, but eighteen is old enough to vote.
• Sexualizing children is bad, but 11-year-old drag queens are good.
• Illegals aren't required to show ID, but citizens can't buy cough medicine without it.
• Citizens are fined if they don’t buy their own health insurance, and then they are forced to buy it for illegals.
• People who have never owned slaves should pay slavery reparations to people who have never been slaves.
• Inflammatory rhetoric is outrageous, but harassing people in restaurants is virtuous.
• People who have never been to college should pay the debts of college students who took out huge loans for useless degrees.
• Immigrants with tuberculosis and polio are welcome, but you’d better be able to prove your dog is vaccinated.
• Irish doctors and German engineers who want to immigrate must go through a rigorous vetting process, but any illiterate Central-American gang-banger who jumps the southern fence is welcome.
• $5 billion for border security is too expensive, but $1.5 trillion for “free” health care for illegals is not.
• If you cheat to get into college you go to prison, but if you cheat to get into the country you go to college for free.
• Politicians who say that the President is not above the law put illegal immigrants and themselves above the law.
• People who say there is no such thing as gender are demanding a female President.
• Illegals don’t pay taxes, but they get tax refunds.
• We see other countries going Socialist and collapsing, and it seems like a great plan to us.
• Voter suppression is bad, but not allowing the President to be on the ballot is good.
• Fourth-of-July parades are bad, but parades of women dressed as vaginas are good.
• Some people are held responsible for things that happened before they were born, and other people are not held responsible for what they are doing right now.
• Criminals are catch-and-released to hurt more people, but stopping them is bad because it's a violation of THEIR rights.
* And pointing out all this hypocrisy somehow makes us "racists."
If you are tired of living in the Left’s dystopian nightmare - copy, paste, and share.
Ever notice that Liberals are not satisfied with believing and practicing idiocy?
They're FORCING their insanity on Christians.
Copied from my friend, Sam Guthrie.
We are living in a Bizarre World:
•We shut down travel from Europe over fear of COVID-19, but have an open southern border.
• If a dude pretends to be a woman, you are required to pretend with him.
• Somehow it’s un-American for the census to count how many Americans are in America.
• Russians influencing our elections are bad, but illegal Mexicans voting in our elections are good.
• It was cool for Joe Biden to "blackmail" the President of Ukraine, but it’s an impeachable offense if Donald Trump inquires about it.
• Twenty is too young to drink a beer, but eighteen is old enough to vote.
• Sexualizing children is bad, but 11-year-old drag queens are good.
• Illegals aren't required to show ID, but citizens can't buy cough medicine without it.
• Citizens are fined if they don’t buy their own health insurance, and then they are forced to buy it for illegals.
• People who have never owned slaves should pay slavery reparations to people who have never been slaves.
• Inflammatory rhetoric is outrageous, but harassing people in restaurants is virtuous.
• People who have never been to college should pay the debts of college students who took out huge loans for useless degrees.
• Immigrants with tuberculosis and polio are welcome, but you’d better be able to prove your dog is vaccinated.
• Irish doctors and German engineers who want to immigrate must go through a rigorous vetting process, but any illiterate Central-American gang-banger who jumps the southern fence is welcome.
• $5 billion for border security is too expensive, but $1.5 trillion for “free” health care for illegals is not.
• If you cheat to get into college you go to prison, but if you cheat to get into the country you go to college for free.
• Politicians who say that the President is not above the law put illegal immigrants and themselves above the law.
• People who say there is no such thing as gender are demanding a female President.
• Illegals don’t pay taxes, but they get tax refunds.
• We see other countries going Socialist and collapsing, and it seems like a great plan to us.
• Voter suppression is bad, but not allowing the President to be on the ballot is good.
• Fourth-of-July parades are bad, but parades of women dressed as vaginas are good.
• Some people are held responsible for things that happened before they were born, and other people are not held responsible for what they are doing right now.
• Criminals are catch-and-released to hurt more people, but stopping them is bad because it's a violation of THEIR rights.
* And pointing out all this hypocrisy somehow makes us "racists."
If you are tired of living in the Left’s dystopian nightmare - copy, paste, and share.
03/15/20 CONCERNING THE CHURCH
03/15/20 CONCERNING THE CHURCH
This is one of my older articles I reposted in January of 2019, concerning the origin, the nature and the ministry of the Church, according to the Bible. The Church is not a wood or stone edifice, but rather the Body, Building and Bride of Christ.
01/27/19 THE CHURCH an article dlg
In this article, from several years ago, I expressed my view of the CHURCH throughout my ministry. As we have passed through Philadelphia and as we are crossing into Laodicea, the reality of these truths becomes even more vital to personal salvation.
THE CHURCH IS GOD'S PLAN TO REACH THE WORLD.
THERE IS NO CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT THE CHURCH.
A. THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH is the most powerful, important wonderful body of people in the world. The Church is only mentioned two times in the four Gospels of the New Testament. Jesus said He would build His Church on the fact that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and the said that when there is dissension between followers of Christ, they should eventually bring the problem to the Church. But notice, when He said that He would build His Church, He said, “...the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church is magnificent because it is His Church and it is built upon Christ and it is will prevail against the gates (the power, wisdom, resources) of hell.
B. THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH was God's idea from before the foundation of the world, though it was not known for four thousand years.
Basically, the Church is a BODY people who have a saving faith in Jesus Christ and follow the teachings of the Holy Bible. The body is universal, regional and local. In the Old Testament the people of God were distinguished by being part of the Jewish faith, practicing Jewish religious ritual, but God had always planned to include people of all racial backgrounds in a saving relationship with Himself. This plan is called The Church. The Church is not obligated to observe Jewish laws of sacrifice, diet or ceremony. The Church is comprised of people who trust in the sacrificial death and physical resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ, as the only acceptable way to find God's approval. However, this plan did not become evident until after Jesus Christ came into the world.
(I emphasize portions in this comment by using all caps, since I cannot bold face).
Ephesians 3:3-9
(3) HOW THAT BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,
(4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
(5) WHICH IN OTHER AGES WAS NOT MADE KNOWN UNTO THE SONS OF MEN, AS IT IS NOW REVEALED UNTO HIS HOLY APOSTLES AND PROPHETS BY THE SPIRIT;
(6) THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOW HEIRS, AND OF THE SAME BODY, AND PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST BY THE GOSPEL:
(7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
(8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
(9) AND TO MAKE ALL MEN SEE WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST:
THE CHURCH was a MYSTERY (a secret) in the Old Testament, revealed to Paul in the New Testament. A Biblical Mystery is a secret that can only be discovered, understood, when God explains it or reveals it. The Church has been God's plan from the beginning, but was kept hidden from the human history until the coming of Christ and the teaching of Paul the apostle.
C. THE MASTER OF THE CHURCH
Remember, when Peter identified Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus said,
Matthew 16:17-18
(17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
(18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
1. THE CHURCH belongs to Jesus
The Bible says Jesus is the Head of the Church.
Ephesians 1:22-23
(22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
(23) Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
Colossians 1:18-19
(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;
2. Jesus Died for THE CHURCH
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.
Ephesians 5:25-27
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT;
(26) THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY AND CLEANSE IT with the washing of water by the word,
(27) THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, NOT HAVING SPOT, OR WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING; BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH.
Jesus is the only Head of THE CHURCH, on earth and in heaven. In fact, the Biblical models of the Church recognize the Authority of Jesus over the Church.
D. THE MODELS OF THE CHURCH
1. THE CHURCH is the BODY OF CHRIST
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.
1 Corinthians 12:27
(27) NOW YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.
Ephesians 4:12
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:
Colossians 1:24
(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST IN MY FLESH FOR HIS BODY'S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH:
2. THE CHURCH is the BRIDE OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 11:3
(3) But I would have you know, that THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST; AND THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN; and the head of Christ is God.
2 Corinthians 11:2
(2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: FOR I HAVE ESPOUSED YOU TO ONE HUSBAND, THAT I MAY PRESENT YOU AS A CHASTE VIRGIN TO CHRIST.
Ephesians 5:23
(23) FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: and he is the savior of the body.
3. THE CHURCH is the BUILDING OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 3:9
(9) For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, YE ARE GOD'S BUILDING.
Ephesians 2:20-22
(20) AND ARE BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNER STONE;
(21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:
(22) In whom YE ALSO ARE BUILDED TOGETHER FOR A HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
4. THE CHURCH is the ARMY, THE SOLDIERS OF CHRIST
Philippians 2:25
(25) Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, AND FELLOW SOLDIER, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
(3) Thou therefore endure hardness, AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST.
(4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER.
Philemon 1:2
(2) And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus OUR FELLOW SOLDIER, and to the church in thy house:
5. THE CHURCH is the HOUSEHOLD, FAMILY OF CHRIST
Galatians 6:10
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.
Ephesians 2:19
(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD;
Ephesians 3:15
(15) Of whom THE WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH IS NAMED,
6. THE CHURCH is the PILLAR AND GROUND (SUPPORT) OF THE TRUTH
1 Timothy 3:15
(15) But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the HOUSE OF GOD, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH.
E. THE MINISTRIES AND MINSTERS OF THE CHURCH
1. The GIFTS of the Spirit are given to and for THE CHURCH
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
(27) Now ye are THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.
(28) And GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH, first APOSTLES, secondarily PROPHETS, thirdly TEACHERS, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
(29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
(31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
All of 1 Corinthians 14.
Ephesians 4:11-12
(11) AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS; AND SOME, EVANGELISTS; AND SOME, PASTORS AND TEACHERS;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:
Ephesians 4:15-16
(15) But speaking the truth in love, MAY GROW UP INTO HIM IN ALL THINGS, which is the head, even Christ:
(16) From whom THE WHOLE BODY FITLY JOINED TOGETHER and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh INCREASE OF THE BODY UNTO THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE.
2. THE CHURCH sent the APOSTLES TO PLANT CHURCHES
(The apostles not only made converts, they established fellowships, churches, and appointed elders for those churches).
Acts 13:1-3
(1) Now there were IN THE CHURCH THAT WAS AT ANTIOCH CERTAIN PROPHETS AND TEACHERS; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
(2) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, THE HOLY GHOST SAID, SEPARATE ME BARNABAS AND SAUL FOR THE WORK WHEREUNTO I HAVE CALLED THEM.
(3) AND WHEN THEY HAD FASTED AND PRAYED, AND LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, THEY SENT THEM AWAY.
Those converted to Christ became THE CHURCH
Acts 2:47
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED.
3. The Origin of THE CHURCH at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
(19) Now THEY WHICH WERE SCATTERED ABROAD upon the persecution that arose about Stephen TRAVELED as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, PREACHING THE WORD to none but unto the Jews only.
(20) AND SOME OF THEM were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, WHEN THEY WERE COME TO ANTIOCH, spake unto the Grecians, PREACHING THE LORD JESUS.
(21) And the hand of the Lord was with them: and A GREAT NUMBER BELIEVED, AND TURNED UNTO THE LORD.
(22) THEN TIDINGS OF THESE THINGS CAME UNTO THE EARS OF THE CHURCH WHICH WAS IN JERUSALEM: AND THEY SENT FORTH BARNABAS, THAT HE SHOULD GO AS FAR AS ANTIOCH.
(23) Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
(24) FOR HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST AND OF FAITH: AND MUCH PEOPLE WAS ADDED UNTO THE LORD.
(25) Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
(26) AND WHEN HE HAD FOUND HIM, HE BROUGHT HIM UNTO ANTIOCH. AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT A WHOLE YEAR THEY ASSEMBLED THEMSELVES WITH THE CHURCH, AND TAUGHT MUCH PEOPLE. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
4. Converts, CHURCHES and CHURCH Elders
Acts 13:48; 14:1, 4, 22-23, 27; 15:3, 22-23, 36, 41;16:5; 18:22; 20:17, 28; 21:18
5. God gave Officers and Offices to THE CHURCH
Elders, Deacons, Shepherds, Bishops, Presbyters,
F. The MESSAGE of THE CHURCH
1. CHURCH EPISTLES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to specific CHURCHES.
Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
2. CHURCH PASTORS...
God gave His instructions and revelation to Pastors of local CHURCHES.
Timothy and Titus.
3. SCATTERED CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to the CHURCH in various regions or scattered abroad.
Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter.
4. HOUSE CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to CHURCHES meeting in homes.
1 and 2 and 3 John.
5. SEVEN CHURCHES...
The Book of Revelation was sent to seven specific LOCAL CHURCHES.
This is one of my older articles I reposted in January of 2019, concerning the origin, the nature and the ministry of the Church, according to the Bible. The Church is not a wood or stone edifice, but rather the Body, Building and Bride of Christ.
01/27/19 THE CHURCH an article dlg
In this article, from several years ago, I expressed my view of the CHURCH throughout my ministry. As we have passed through Philadelphia and as we are crossing into Laodicea, the reality of these truths becomes even more vital to personal salvation.
THE CHURCH IS GOD'S PLAN TO REACH THE WORLD.
THERE IS NO CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT THE CHURCH.
A. THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH is the most powerful, important wonderful body of people in the world. The Church is only mentioned two times in the four Gospels of the New Testament. Jesus said He would build His Church on the fact that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and the said that when there is dissension between followers of Christ, they should eventually bring the problem to the Church. But notice, when He said that He would build His Church, He said, “...the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church is magnificent because it is His Church and it is built upon Christ and it is will prevail against the gates (the power, wisdom, resources) of hell.
B. THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH was God's idea from before the foundation of the world, though it was not known for four thousand years.
Basically, the Church is a BODY people who have a saving faith in Jesus Christ and follow the teachings of the Holy Bible. The body is universal, regional and local. In the Old Testament the people of God were distinguished by being part of the Jewish faith, practicing Jewish religious ritual, but God had always planned to include people of all racial backgrounds in a saving relationship with Himself. This plan is called The Church. The Church is not obligated to observe Jewish laws of sacrifice, diet or ceremony. The Church is comprised of people who trust in the sacrificial death and physical resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ, as the only acceptable way to find God's approval. However, this plan did not become evident until after Jesus Christ came into the world.
(I emphasize portions in this comment by using all caps, since I cannot bold face).
Ephesians 3:3-9
(3) HOW THAT BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,
(4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
(5) WHICH IN OTHER AGES WAS NOT MADE KNOWN UNTO THE SONS OF MEN, AS IT IS NOW REVEALED UNTO HIS HOLY APOSTLES AND PROPHETS BY THE SPIRIT;
(6) THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOW HEIRS, AND OF THE SAME BODY, AND PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST BY THE GOSPEL:
(7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
(8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
(9) AND TO MAKE ALL MEN SEE WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST:
THE CHURCH was a MYSTERY (a secret) in the Old Testament, revealed to Paul in the New Testament. A Biblical Mystery is a secret that can only be discovered, understood, when God explains it or reveals it. The Church has been God's plan from the beginning, but was kept hidden from the human history until the coming of Christ and the teaching of Paul the apostle.
C. THE MASTER OF THE CHURCH
Remember, when Peter identified Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus said,
Matthew 16:17-18
(17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
(18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
1. THE CHURCH belongs to Jesus
The Bible says Jesus is the Head of the Church.
Ephesians 1:22-23
(22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
(23) Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
Colossians 1:18-19
(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;
2. Jesus Died for THE CHURCH
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.
Ephesians 5:25-27
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT;
(26) THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY AND CLEANSE IT with the washing of water by the word,
(27) THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, NOT HAVING SPOT, OR WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING; BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH.
Jesus is the only Head of THE CHURCH, on earth and in heaven. In fact, the Biblical models of the Church recognize the Authority of Jesus over the Church.
D. THE MODELS OF THE CHURCH
1. THE CHURCH is the BODY OF CHRIST
Ephesians 5:23
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.
1 Corinthians 12:27
(27) NOW YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.
Ephesians 4:12
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:
Colossians 1:24
(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST IN MY FLESH FOR HIS BODY'S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH:
2. THE CHURCH is the BRIDE OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 11:3
(3) But I would have you know, that THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST; AND THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN; and the head of Christ is God.
2 Corinthians 11:2
(2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: FOR I HAVE ESPOUSED YOU TO ONE HUSBAND, THAT I MAY PRESENT YOU AS A CHASTE VIRGIN TO CHRIST.
Ephesians 5:23
(23) FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: and he is the savior of the body.
3. THE CHURCH is the BUILDING OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 3:9
(9) For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, YE ARE GOD'S BUILDING.
Ephesians 2:20-22
(20) AND ARE BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNER STONE;
(21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:
(22) In whom YE ALSO ARE BUILDED TOGETHER FOR A HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
4. THE CHURCH is the ARMY, THE SOLDIERS OF CHRIST
Philippians 2:25
(25) Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, AND FELLOW SOLDIER, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
(3) Thou therefore endure hardness, AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST.
(4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER.
Philemon 1:2
(2) And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus OUR FELLOW SOLDIER, and to the church in thy house:
5. THE CHURCH is the HOUSEHOLD, FAMILY OF CHRIST
Galatians 6:10
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.
Ephesians 2:19
(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD;
Ephesians 3:15
(15) Of whom THE WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH IS NAMED,
6. THE CHURCH is the PILLAR AND GROUND (SUPPORT) OF THE TRUTH
1 Timothy 3:15
(15) But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the HOUSE OF GOD, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH.
E. THE MINISTRIES AND MINSTERS OF THE CHURCH
1. The GIFTS of the Spirit are given to and for THE CHURCH
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
(27) Now ye are THE BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular.
(28) And GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH, first APOSTLES, secondarily PROPHETS, thirdly TEACHERS, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
(29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
(31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
All of 1 Corinthians 14.
Ephesians 4:11-12
(11) AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS; AND SOME, EVANGELISTS; AND SOME, PASTORS AND TEACHERS;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:
Ephesians 4:15-16
(15) But speaking the truth in love, MAY GROW UP INTO HIM IN ALL THINGS, which is the head, even Christ:
(16) From whom THE WHOLE BODY FITLY JOINED TOGETHER and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh INCREASE OF THE BODY UNTO THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE.
2. THE CHURCH sent the APOSTLES TO PLANT CHURCHES
(The apostles not only made converts, they established fellowships, churches, and appointed elders for those churches).
Acts 13:1-3
(1) Now there were IN THE CHURCH THAT WAS AT ANTIOCH CERTAIN PROPHETS AND TEACHERS; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
(2) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, THE HOLY GHOST SAID, SEPARATE ME BARNABAS AND SAUL FOR THE WORK WHEREUNTO I HAVE CALLED THEM.
(3) AND WHEN THEY HAD FASTED AND PRAYED, AND LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, THEY SENT THEM AWAY.
Those converted to Christ became THE CHURCH
Acts 2:47
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED.
3. The Origin of THE CHURCH at Antioch
Acts 11:19-26
(19) Now THEY WHICH WERE SCATTERED ABROAD upon the persecution that arose about Stephen TRAVELED as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, PREACHING THE WORD to none but unto the Jews only.
(20) AND SOME OF THEM were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, WHEN THEY WERE COME TO ANTIOCH, spake unto the Grecians, PREACHING THE LORD JESUS.
(21) And the hand of the Lord was with them: and A GREAT NUMBER BELIEVED, AND TURNED UNTO THE LORD.
(22) THEN TIDINGS OF THESE THINGS CAME UNTO THE EARS OF THE CHURCH WHICH WAS IN JERUSALEM: AND THEY SENT FORTH BARNABAS, THAT HE SHOULD GO AS FAR AS ANTIOCH.
(23) Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
(24) FOR HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST AND OF FAITH: AND MUCH PEOPLE WAS ADDED UNTO THE LORD.
(25) Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
(26) AND WHEN HE HAD FOUND HIM, HE BROUGHT HIM UNTO ANTIOCH. AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT A WHOLE YEAR THEY ASSEMBLED THEMSELVES WITH THE CHURCH, AND TAUGHT MUCH PEOPLE. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
4. Converts, CHURCHES and CHURCH Elders
Acts 13:48; 14:1, 4, 22-23, 27; 15:3, 22-23, 36, 41;16:5; 18:22; 20:17, 28; 21:18
5. God gave Officers and Offices to THE CHURCH
Elders, Deacons, Shepherds, Bishops, Presbyters,
F. The MESSAGE of THE CHURCH
1. CHURCH EPISTLES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to specific CHURCHES.
Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
2. CHURCH PASTORS...
God gave His instructions and revelation to Pastors of local CHURCHES.
Timothy and Titus.
3. SCATTERED CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to the CHURCH in various regions or scattered abroad.
Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter.
4. HOUSE CHURCHES...
God gave His instructions and revelation to CHURCHES meeting in homes.
1 and 2 and 3 John.
5. SEVEN CHURCHES...
The Book of Revelation was sent to seven specific LOCAL CHURCHES.
03/15/20 FIRST TNHM ONLINE MEETING
03/15/20 FIRST TNHM ONLINE MEETING
Today we held our 1st TNH Online Meeting (FB LIVE). It was not to avoid gathering as a church, but to initiate a new format for future shut-in ministries, distance outreach and ministry during times of emergency. I want to have interactive participation (praying, testifying, singing, exhortation) as well as Bible teaching and preaching.
Today the participation of the congregation was done through texting. I am hoping to have audio/video participation (as with SKYPE or ZOOM). We had a good service today, but we are hoping to improve it and make it available to other folks who are not yet part of our local body.
Yes, we are planning on a local presence in our Ministry Center, but we recognize that our Ministry Center is only a tool of our people, our church.
Today I taught from my desktop in my house. Brother Wade was visiting this weekend. Martha, Wade and I are seen in the screenshot below. TNH folks were participating through Laptops and Handheld devices, in their homes (Atlantic, Seagate, Beaufort and Morehead).
If you or a friend is interested in our ONLINE MINISTRY, please contact me.
Today we held our 1st TNH Online Meeting (FB LIVE). It was not to avoid gathering as a church, but to initiate a new format for future shut-in ministries, distance outreach and ministry during times of emergency. I want to have interactive participation (praying, testifying, singing, exhortation) as well as Bible teaching and preaching.
Today the participation of the congregation was done through texting. I am hoping to have audio/video participation (as with SKYPE or ZOOM). We had a good service today, but we are hoping to improve it and make it available to other folks who are not yet part of our local body.
Yes, we are planning on a local presence in our Ministry Center, but we recognize that our Ministry Center is only a tool of our people, our church.
Today I taught from my desktop in my house. Brother Wade was visiting this weekend. Martha, Wade and I are seen in the screenshot below. TNH folks were participating through Laptops and Handheld devices, in their homes (Atlantic, Seagate, Beaufort and Morehead).
If you or a friend is interested in our ONLINE MINISTRY, please contact me.
03/15/20 UNDERSTAND YOUR SITUATION
03/15/20 UNDERSTAND YOUR SITUATION
Correct me if I am wrong, but there is no US Government mandate today that stops Christians from gathering and worshiping.
There is NO government directive not to have church. Even if they shut every sanctuary door in America, that does not stop believers from gathering, worshiping, studying. It may close buildings, it may limit size of gatherings, but it does not stop believers from being the church and doing the work of the church.
Christians are not kept from gathering as a church, simply because numbers or location or programs are forbidden. AT THIS POINT, THERE IS NO PROHIBITION ON MEETING, WORSHIPING, STUDYING.
My point in asking the question is to dispel the false reports and fear mongering that is being stirred by both the un-churched and the churched people. There is no government directive forbidding church gatherings at this time. Even when there is such a law and even when there are armed guards at the chained doors of sanctuaries, the church will still meet, albeit in a different fashion.
It is true that this is a great time to minister to the unsaved people who might be stirred to ask questions about salvation. It is also true that many of those people are not going to be interested in going to a "church" building to find the answers to their question. It is also true that those people will probably not find many places that can help them in the future.
This is why the western church today needs to be more Biblical in its view of Christianity and evangelism. I still believe in meeting together in designated, dedicated buildings, but I also realize that the modern, western form of Christian churchmanship is not based on a New Testament model. I also know that there is more to online discipleship than simply proclamation of salvation. This is where we as the church need to use our opportunities, buildings, technologies to reach and teach the people.
AND REMEMBER, THE MEETING HOUSE IS NOT THE CHURCH. The Building of God is not brick, wood, pews, steeple. The Church is the Body of Christ. Christians must get away from thinking of the church as being a physical building where believers meet. The CHURCH is the Body, Bride and Building of Christ.
Later today I reposted an article (from January of 2019), which I wrote concerning the nature, model and work of the church. I hope folks read that article.
(to D... I was not sure what you were saying, but here are some thoughts that might relate).
Remember, the church is "the people of God," not a building. There are some people who cannot go to a building (attend a public service), therefore the church (the people of God) should be able to make it possible for them to be part of worship, study, fellowship, ministry opportunities. When a church is under government attack, the believers need to be able to meet in a location other than a designated building. Christians all over the world understand this Biblical truth better than western, modern Christians.
Also remember, most of the people who "go to church" are nowhere near being part of a real church. Church is a relationship, not a building, not geographical location, not a denominational organization.
When an oppressive government padlocks the doors of a "church building" then no one is going to be, "going to church." Only when believers understand that CHURCH is the gathering of a local body of believers, who are of one mind, holding to the one true faith.
There will come a time that there will be government oppression across this land. God's people are not married to church buildings, but rather they are surrendered and faithful to Jesus as the only Head of the Church.
Four posts after this one I posted an article that focuses on the nature and mission of the Church. I hope folks will read it. It is mostly Bible references. One of the great weaknesses of modern and western Christianity is Biblical Ecclesiology.
Correct me if I am wrong, but there is no US Government mandate today that stops Christians from gathering and worshiping.
There is NO government directive not to have church. Even if they shut every sanctuary door in America, that does not stop believers from gathering, worshiping, studying. It may close buildings, it may limit size of gatherings, but it does not stop believers from being the church and doing the work of the church.
Christians are not kept from gathering as a church, simply because numbers or location or programs are forbidden. AT THIS POINT, THERE IS NO PROHIBITION ON MEETING, WORSHIPING, STUDYING.
My point in asking the question is to dispel the false reports and fear mongering that is being stirred by both the un-churched and the churched people. There is no government directive forbidding church gatherings at this time. Even when there is such a law and even when there are armed guards at the chained doors of sanctuaries, the church will still meet, albeit in a different fashion.
It is true that this is a great time to minister to the unsaved people who might be stirred to ask questions about salvation. It is also true that many of those people are not going to be interested in going to a "church" building to find the answers to their question. It is also true that those people will probably not find many places that can help them in the future.
This is why the western church today needs to be more Biblical in its view of Christianity and evangelism. I still believe in meeting together in designated, dedicated buildings, but I also realize that the modern, western form of Christian churchmanship is not based on a New Testament model. I also know that there is more to online discipleship than simply proclamation of salvation. This is where we as the church need to use our opportunities, buildings, technologies to reach and teach the people.
AND REMEMBER, THE MEETING HOUSE IS NOT THE CHURCH. The Building of God is not brick, wood, pews, steeple. The Church is the Body of Christ. Christians must get away from thinking of the church as being a physical building where believers meet. The CHURCH is the Body, Bride and Building of Christ.
Later today I reposted an article (from January of 2019), which I wrote concerning the nature, model and work of the church. I hope folks read that article.
(to D... I was not sure what you were saying, but here are some thoughts that might relate).
Remember, the church is "the people of God," not a building. There are some people who cannot go to a building (attend a public service), therefore the church (the people of God) should be able to make it possible for them to be part of worship, study, fellowship, ministry opportunities. When a church is under government attack, the believers need to be able to meet in a location other than a designated building. Christians all over the world understand this Biblical truth better than western, modern Christians.
Also remember, most of the people who "go to church" are nowhere near being part of a real church. Church is a relationship, not a building, not geographical location, not a denominational organization.
When an oppressive government padlocks the doors of a "church building" then no one is going to be, "going to church." Only when believers understand that CHURCH is the gathering of a local body of believers, who are of one mind, holding to the one true faith.
There will come a time that there will be government oppression across this land. God's people are not married to church buildings, but rather they are surrendered and faithful to Jesus as the only Head of the Church.
Four posts after this one I posted an article that focuses on the nature and mission of the Church. I hope folks will read it. It is mostly Bible references. One of the great weaknesses of modern and western Christianity is Biblical Ecclesiology.
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