Monthly Archives: September 2018

Worthless Idols

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When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry all of them up, And a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in Me will inherit the land And will possess My holy mountain.” Isaiah 57:13

What or Who is your Idol? I work with a couple of guys who openly admit they spend 12 hours every Sunday watching football. They tell their wives and kids not to bother them and don’t leave their couch all day to stare at an electronic box. During the week they spend countless hours analyzing every player for their fantasy teams. This is Idolatry!

When you put something of more importance than God its idolatry. When you spend more time during your week focused on something instead of God its idolatry!

However as God says when people finally need something, maybe there is a sickness in the family or maybe they are suffering hardship, people start crying out to God to save them! Why don’t you call out on the idols that you spend all your time worshiping!

God wants a relationship with us! He didn’t create us to observe us from afar. He wants to know you and he wants you to know him! Spend time with him, pray to him, worship to him! Let the Holy Spirit intercede for you to bring that relationship with your Heavenly Father

How many of us have that friend or relative who only calls us when they need something? You never hear from this person ever until they are in need, then they are your best friend. Don’t be this person with God! Don’t put things or people in place of God, make him your priority! Develop a relationship with him through Jesus Christ Amen!

The Living Water

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“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” John 7:38

Jesus told the crowd that he is “The Living Water” and anyone who is thirsty can come drink from him and never be thirsty again! For the Gentile Christian, what  was he talking about? How can Jesus be the “Living Water”? But for the Jewish people they knew exactly what Jesus was talking about!

So once more the people complained against Moses. “Give us water to drink!” they demanded. “Quiet!” Moses replied. “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the LORD?” Exodus 17:2

 

To understand the “Living Water” we need to understand the Exodus of the Jewish people. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt by the power of God. However to get to the Promise Land they needed to travel through the desert. They had no food or water, and continually complained to Moses that they would be better off as slaves

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:6

God provided “Living Water” in the middle of the desert for his people. Just one of the many miracles God performed for the Jewish people during there Exodus. This “Living Water” brought the people back to life and gave them hope for the future

But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:39

Jesus referencing the “Living Water” from the Exodus was talking about the Holy Spirit, this is our Living Water in which we will never thirst again. Just as the Jews had a rough journey to the Promise Land (Israel) We as Christians also have a rough Exodus to the New Heavens and Earth!

But the Living Water and the Bread of Life are sufficient for all our needs, God is our provider!

Blind Watchmen

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His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; Isaiah 56:10

What is a watchmen? In ancient times cities would have large towers where watchmen would be on lookout and alert the city of an enemy or invasion. God called the prophet Ezekiel to be a Watchmen in a spiritual sense to preach truth and call out Israel from their sins

We as Christians need to be watchmen or women also. But how can you be a watchmen if you don’t know anything? Or if you stayed mute when evil strikes? This is what God was telling Israel, there watchmen were being dumb and silent. Many Christians today are being dumb and silent also as we watch Satan continue to infiltrate the Church and lead many astray!

How can we stay ready? First we need to be truly baptized by the Holy Spirit, many Christians are not truly Born Again, therefor living by the flesh and not the Spirit. Repent and Confess Jesus is your Lord, then you will be filled with the Holy Spirit

Second we need to continually study the Word of God. Many Christians fall for false gospel because they don’t know the Bible. You need to stay sharp , don’t fall asleep during your watch! Alert the Church of False Teachers and False Religions that are invading the Church

And the dogs are greedy, they are not satisfied. And they are shepherds who have no understanding; They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one. Isaiah 56:11

The word Pastor is Latin for the word “Shepherd” . Pastors are the Shepherds for the Churches! If they are not qualified or out for their own personal gain, the Church will be left vulnerable to Satan. We need good Pastors and Watchmen (Christians) who are alert and sober for the devil is looking to devour us like a roaring Lion!

Revelation Chapter 2

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To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:  Revelation 2:1

Angel (angelos) also means messanger, some believe angel could be symbolic of the pastor or bishop.  The One (Jesus Christ)  who holds the 7 stars (Angels/Messengers)

The One (Jesus Christ) who walks among the 7 golden lampstands (Churches/Assemblies)

I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; Revelation 2:2

Jesus always starts with something positive or praise for the Church. This Church doesn’t tolerate false doctrine and test the Spirit (1 John 4) Jesus also recognizes the struggle and faith of the Church

and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. Revelation 2:3

Regardless of the Churches struggle, they endured for the name of Jesus, they put their faith and Christ and didn’t grow weary (Isaiah 44)

But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place– unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

The Church of Ephesus has forgotten its first love, Jesus Christ. We see this a lot in most Churches today. The Church is more about the world then its about Christ. Jesus says REPENT or I’ll remove your Lampstand (Church/Assembly) . Repent or Christ will dissolve the Church!

‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Revelation 2:6

The Nicolaitans were a heretic Church formed by former deacon of the Jerusalem Church. Nicolas was ordained by Peter by began implementing sexual immorality (debauchery) into his doctrine and split off.

As Jesus stated in the beginning, he commended the Church of Ephesus for not following the heretical teachings of Nicolas and staying true to the gospel.

‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’ Revelation 2:7

Jesus typically ends his letters with a word of encouragement for the Church. Notice Jesus references the Tree of Life, which was in the Garden of Eden, will also be in the New Heavens and Earth (Paradise of God) Eating from the Tree of Life means Eternal Life

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: Revelation 2:8

Notice Jesus identifies himself as the First and Last (Isaiah 44) the same God identified himself in Isaiah. And has come to life (Resurrection) Jesus references his resurrection so there is no mistake who is speaking.

‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9

This Church is very poor by worldly standards but rich by Gods standards. Jesus recognizes their pain and suffering. And the religious Jews who mocked the Christians and accused them of blasphemy. However Jesus recognized these Jews as people of Satan.

‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Jesus warns them there will be persecution, imprisonment, and even death for some. So much for the prosperity gospel. But Jesus told them even if they lose their life for his sake , they will inherit the Crown of Life in Gods Kingdom

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’ Revelation 2:11

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus has overcome the world, by defeating sin and death at the cross. Through Christ we can overcome also and not be hurt by the second death, meaning the final judgement! We inherit eternal life by the blood of Jesus Christ

And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: Revelation 2:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The One (Jesus Christ) who has the sharp two-edged sword (The Word of God)…Jesus is the Living Word

‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. Revelation 2:13

The Church/Assembly of Pergamum is a persecuted Church living in a very hostile and Anti-Christ area. Antipas was a Bishop of Pergamum and was ordained by the Apostle John, he was murdered for being a Christian, as Jesus references him as a “Faithful One”.  Jesus is telling the Persecuted Church, he sees and knows the suffering they had to endure

But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. Revelation 2:14

The Church of Pergamum is guilty of following False Doctrine passed down by Balaam through King Balak. This doctrine of SIN was used against Israel to destroy them from within. The same is going on with the Church of Pergamum, as they continue to practice immorality within the Church

‘So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Revelation 2:15

As we noted earlier, Nicolaitans was a heretic Church that taught debauchery. Jesus rebuked other Churches for following this false doctrine. Its important we follow true doctrine from God and not manmade doctrine

‘Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. Revelation 2:16

Again The Word of God is referenced as a “Sword” Jesus defeats evil with Truth, which is the Word of God and is Jesus himself, the Living Word

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’ Revelation 2:17

Hidden Manna, remember Jesus is the “Bread of Life” Jesus is the Hidden Manna, the Bread sent down from Heaven by God. There are many theories on what the interpretation of the white stone may be, one thing we do know. Anything written in stone is permanent. Jesus is permanently writing your name in Paradise. That new name is your sanctification by the Holy Spirit

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this: Revelation 2:18

The description of Jesus (Son of God) having eyes of fire and feet of bronze, is most likely symbolic of judgement. Typically, Bronze is symbolic of judgement as its refined in the fire

‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. Revelation 2:19

Jesus acknowledges the work this Church has accomplished. And also acknowledges this Church is actually growing and not getting lazy

But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. Revelation 20:20

Jezebel was a Queen in Israel who persuaded her King husband to make Israel abandon the worship of Yahweh and worship false gods of Baal and Asherah. Jezebel went on to persecute and kill the true prophets of God. Again another Church that is following false doctrine instead of the Word of God

‘I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds Revelation 2:21-22

Notice even though this Church is reluctant to Repent of its immorality, Jesus is still giving them time to Repent. This shows the great compassion and patience God has with us. Of course we need to come to repentance however if we fail to do so, its not Gods fault for our destruction. Its our own disobedience.

‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. Revelation 2:23

Jesus makes this pretty simple, follower of Christ are Children of God. People who reject Christ are Children of Satan. Jesus will give you judgement according to your deeds, Beware!

‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them– I place no other burden on you. ‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. Revelation 2:24-25

Jesus rewards the faithful who don’t stray and follow, Jesus knows the Sheep from the Goats! However Jesus is preparing us to be prepared until his return, there will be trials and tribulations for his people

‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; Revelation 2:26-27

What a powerful promise by our Lord Jesus Christ to his people. Christians who are persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed in , will rule over this entire world by the authority of Jesus Christ

So the last shall be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:16

and I will give him the morning star. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 2:28-29

In Revelation 22:16 , Jesus refers to himself as the BRIGHT Morning Star, now you would also note Lucifier (Satan) was referred to as a morning star (Isaiah 14) You will notice in Revelation, the Anti Christ will try to mimic the real Christ throughout history to get everyone to fall for him

But Jesus reveals he is the Bright or Real Morning Star, Lucifer is a fraud and will be defeated in the end with all his followers!

Glory of God

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He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. John 7:18

Determining whether a preacher is false or not is easy to do. Are they trying to glorify themselves or are they glorifying Jesus Christ? We see a lot of false teachings in Christianity today, the prosperity gospel is a classic example. Mega Church preachers making millions of dollars , promoting themselves and books, did Jesus do any of this? Jesus was preparing us for Gods Kingdom not to live as millionaires in this world. We are called to be separated of this world not become a part of it!

So Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. John 7:16

Jesus is the Living Word, the Torah that became Flesh! Jesus teachings are not contradictory to the Old Testament, Jesus is the Old Testament. Jesus brought clarification and revelation to existing teachings of prophets that many never understood. These were not new teachings, they were the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

The Living Word is Jesus Christ, the Word became Flesh (John 1:14) Seek the glory of God our Father and you will speak truth of the Holy Spirit. When we seek our own glory or gain, then we fail Gods glory and seek to glorify ourselves

Preach the truth of Jesus Christ, Preach the Living Word of God, not our will but Gods will Amen!