Month: June 2016

Some Sermon Thoughts on Ezra 8:21-23

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Being Dependent

Ezra 8:21 – 23

I.  THE PEOPLE HAD COMMITTED THEMSELVES.

  1.  They had boasted of God’s Providence and power.
  2.  They had sought His way in going through the lands of trouble – evil, bandits, and murderers.

II.  THEY WOULD NOT ASK HELP OR PROTECTION FROM MAN OR GOVERNMENT.

  1.  Due to their boasting in God.
  2.  The hand of God is on those who depend on Him.

III.  GOD GRANTS THEIR PETITIONS.

  1.  He provided their material needs.
  2.  He provided their protection.
  3.  He still does, for all those who will trust in Him.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Seventy and Nine

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For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)

…And read Matthew 6:5-13 as well.

Praying people will be forgiving people.  Praying with pretense, or for show, shows nothing, but hypocrisy.

What do I want for Christmas?

When I pray I want to  be heard by God, not men; I want my prayers to always be offered to God with a heart that knows it has been forgiven by God, and in knowing that in my heart, soul and mind I will always forgive those who have offended me.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day 180

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Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 (KJV)  Also see verses 2-4

Alms are acts of giving, or righteous giving, showing mercy, or charitable acts.  When we know certain individuals who give from their wealth, and some very notable people donate millions of dollars, and maybe billions of dollars to charitable causes, and lets the world know about it; and we can applaud them for their giving let us remember the words of Jesus above.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want to give my best for the Master; not to be seen by my neighbor, the government, or the so called “Elite” of society; but I want to give charitably because it is the good and right thing, and to do so before the Lord alone; without doing it for any reward, I want God’s reward not man’s.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and One

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Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 (KJV)

Believing that we love our neighbor, and our enemy most by living the truth before them, and sharing the truth to them; in true love; and that is in Christ Jesus; sharing the whole counsel of the word of God (Acts 20:27)…

What do I want for Christmas?

I want all those who hate me, who hate my family, who hate my Nation (the United States of America), and who hate my neighbor, and the nation of Israel; that God loves you so much He sent His only Son that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16); and that it is better than a false promise of 72 virgins, but the eternity God promise through His Son Jesus is with Him forever and forever; and that the only “Perfect” One is Jesus the Christ; Son of the Living God, who is God the Living Son.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Two

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Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” Matthew 5:38-42 (KJV)

What do I want for Christmas?

I want the heart and mind of Jesus Christ always in me, so that I might be forgiving, compassionate, and caring even toward those who would do me harm; I want the enemies of our nation (which is radical Muslim; within our nation, or outside it; who seek to destroy Israel and the U. S. of A.) to find life, peace, and forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Three

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Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:33-37 (KJV)

What do I want for Christmas?

I want to live by the words Jesus has spoken above; that His name might be honored and glorified; so others might more desire to know the One who died, was buried and rose again; to know my Redeemer; I want my “Yes!” to be Yes, and my “No!” to be No without making a vow, or taking an oath.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Four

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It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: but I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV)

Today marks our halfway point to Christmas in this year – halfway since last Christmas (December 25). It is the last day of the first half. Just a note.

Marriage is an institution of God.  He ordained that a man marry a woman, and cleave to her the entirety of his and her life.  There are many words in our dictionaries and our vocabulary’s that are being voided by the PC people, and that we are being asked not to use.  I have one I would like deleted; especially between a married man and woman; and that is the word D-I-V-O-R-C-E.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want marriage, between one man and one woman to be sacred again; for the man and the woman to take their vows seriously; for the man to train his heart and his eyes to desire only his wife, and no other, to be faithful to her, to cherish her, and value her even more than his own life; and that the word “Divorce” never be uttered between them of themselves.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Five

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Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30 (KJV)

Lust is a powerful, sinful influence on humanity; and it is a sin against God, and against the human race.  The greater message of Jesus is the seriousness of sin.  How serious is this matter of sin, and in this case “Lust”?  Jesus says to pluck out, or cut off the offending part.

What do I want for Christmas?

Knowing that plucking out my eyes, or closing them even as a woman passes by will not take away the lust, and that cutting off my hand will not keep me from sinning I want the Spirit of Christ in me to direct my heart, my thoughts always to Him; and for Him to purify my heart and my thoughts for His power and glory; I want to make the covenant with my eyes like Job…

“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1

Job is of course, meaning with lustful thinking.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Six

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Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” Matthew 5:23-26 (KJV)

There are many who profess to be Christian, yet hold grudges, are angry at other brethren, and seek to do harm by gossip, or wish them harm.  By the words of Jesus above we are to do what it takes to make things right.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want to want what is good and right for my brother or sister in Christ; to do them good at all times, and not evil; nor to wish evil upon them or even upon those who might seek to do harm to family or myself.

Lord,  help me always to pray for my brethren, my neighbor and any who may despise me; and seek to do them good always.

A Gap to Stand In

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Something written September 2015. Fitting today as well.

shiloahbaptistchurch's avatarShiloah Baptist Church

Probably not the most profound title.  Maybe not even a catchy one, but it is a title – “A Gap to Stand In”.  So let us stand in the gap.

“Her priests have violated My law, and have profaned Mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed…

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Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Seven

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Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21-22 (KJV)

We live in a day where we have Political Correctness, and that has opened the door for many to just say whatever comes to mind, because whether most of us like to admit it or not; we are rebels.

Now I am not speaking for PC.  I cannot stand what it does.  Dismissing, or deleting words, or flags does not answer our question, or our need.

So, What do I want for Christmas?

Since words have the power of life and death; I want to always remember that power when I speak; I want to always remember that my words can kill, murder, and destroy; or they can give life, encouragement and strength; in love and truth.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Eight

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Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20 (KJV)

It would appear that the fulfilling of the “Law and the prophets” is the ultimate fulfillment of Righteousness; according to the words of Jesus.  We see that Jesus is the fulfillment, because we have no Righteousness except through Him.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want the righteousness of Christ to reign in my life, so that others might see Him in me, be convicted of sin, turn from their sin to Christ, calling on His name for salvation.

There is no righteousness which exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, except that of Jesus.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Nine

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Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 (KJV)

What do I want for Christmas?

Since salt is a flavoring, and a preservative for food; and light dispels darkness; I want to be one who gives a great flavor through Jesus Christ in this world; and to be a light – the light of Christ which dispels darkness in this world; which only Jesus Christ can conquer.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day 190

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Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV)

This is a continuation from yesterday’s post…

What do I want for Christmas?

Persecution – Christian persecution is not something believers go looking for; but when it comes I want to be able to stand in faith no matter what the enemy of God may hurl at me; and I want all my brothers and sisters in Christ to be faithful to Jesus as well; and let it begin by being faithful to the Lord in the “Little thing” – reading God’s Word, prayer, witness, fruit bearing.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and One

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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 (KJV)

There are millions of Christians around the world suffering persecution for the cause of Christ, and their faith  in Him.  Even in the United States that is increasing, as we steadily lose our freedom of religion.

I know there are some who do not see what I am saying, but it is still in the facts of reported events.

So, What do I want for Christmas?

No matter what may come on us; Christian, I want us all to stand strong on the cross, and faith of Jesus Christ; no matter what a God hating society may hurl at us; let us be strong in the faith of Christ, and grow in His image and likeness; returning the world’s hatred toward us into His love back at them.

Happiness in persecution?  That is right, because we live for Him.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Two

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Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

To begin; we need to know that a peacemaker is not one who overlooks sin, iniquities, or transgressions in order to be at peace.  That is really a transgression of the term “Peacemaker”.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want all who will read this and hear to know that there is genuine peace with God who created all things; and that you can have a personal relationship with Him, because He has come down to you in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ, and gave His life on a cross, was buried, and bodily came out of that grave three days later; and He ever lives making intercession for you/us.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Romans 5:1

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

Before there can be peace with your neighbor, or your enemy; you must have peace with God through Jesus Christ His Son.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Three

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Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

One of the meanings of the word “Blessed” is ‘happy’.  True happiness comes only from God, and doing His will; not our own.

Having a “Pure” heart and mind is also a work of God.  “Purity” comes from cleansing, pruning away the dead unfruitful parts of our lives.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want God to work in me, pruning away all that is unclean, unrighteous, and unholy; so that I can see God.  Yes I know the Lord as my Lord and Savior, but I want You Lord to do Your work in me, make me pure, and clean of heart, soul and mind.

“Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:2-3

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Four

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Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (KJV)

Meekness, nor mercy are weaknesses, but great strength. Like meekness mercy is often misunderstood.  I do not think I can begin to fully understand it myself, but I know that I sure need it, and so does the people of the whole world.

The GOD who created all things extends mercy to us all every moment of every day.  The next breath you and I take, comes at God’s mercy.  The next beat of our heart comes by God’s mercy. He extends mercy so that we might have every opportunity to know Him.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want and receive God’s mercy; therefore, I want to be sure that I extend mercy to others around me.  If I cannot grant it to others is good evidence that I have not received it.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Five

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Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 (KJV)

Have you ever been hungry?  I mean so hungry your belly began to swell from malnutrition, and you were getting weaker and weaker.  I have never been that hungry.

Jesus’s words above are not about physical hunger, but a hunger for righteousness.  A thirst for righteousness.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want that my greatest desire, hunger and thirst to be for righteousness to reign in my heart, mind and life; for my community, State, Nation and the world.

When righteousness reigns in our hearts there will be peace on earth.  That righteousness is Jesus Christ.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Six

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Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 (KJV)

With pride, arrogance, and power being the perfume of the culture we live in this verse stands in stark contrast to the rest of the world.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want to have a deeper understanding of meekness; the meekness of which Jesus speaks; and to have that in me;  I want to see more fully that meekness is not weakness, but strength under control, and I want the kingdom of Jesus Christ in this world to practice it.

Pride, arrogance and power are a stench in the nostrils of holy GOD.

Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Seven

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Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (KJV)

In recent days in the community in which I live two life long residents have passed away, and their families are mourning their losses.  The first was discovered by a neighbor  in his home; the other died in a tragic tractor and haybaler accident on a hillside.  The people in Jenkins and Barry County are strong and resilient people, and were strong at the funerals.

A friend of mine, and fellow School Bus driver passed away on Thursday after suffering a very short bout with what had been diagnosed as bone cancer in the beginning, then I do not know, after they changed that diagnosis. His funeral is tomorrow [June 13].

There is much mourning in our world over the deaths of family members and friends.

What do I want for Christmas?

I want those families to be comforted, encouraged, and blessed; and if those family members and friends do not know the Lord; I want you to know that Jesus loves you so much that He died for you.

I want us to mourn for our sins; to be grieved when we have offended God in our iniquities, and transgressions; and to seek His forgiveness.

 

TITLE: “THE REAL RESULTS OF THE HOMOSEXUAL MOVEMENT UPON AMERICA”

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Jack Woodard's avatarJack Woodard's Blog

TITLE: “THE REAL RESULTS OF THE HOMOSEXUAL MOVEMENT UPON AMERICA”

TEXT: ROMANS 1:18, 26 “FOR THIS CAUSE GOD GAVE THEM UP…”

INTRODUCTION:

The following is a short Message I have written about one of the most controversial issues of our day, Homosexuality. That this could even be a divisive issue in our land tells how far we have fallen morally and spiritually as a nation!

Many no longer see homosexuality as a SIN, (even in the APOSTATE CHURCH) and many who still do see it as a sin, see it as they do other sins, as no big deal.

With many people taking these views of homosexuality they see no reason to oppose its proponents, as a matter of fact they see such opposition as intolerance, bigotry and out right hate. It is no longer in America a virtue to hate every evil way and to love and embrace decency…

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Are You Ready for the Coming of the King?

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Looking forward to seeing you at these special meetings. You will hear great Biblical exposition of the Bible prophecies of Christ Jesus, His return, and the only message of salvation.

Tim A.'s avatarShiloah Baptist Church

Just a reminder to any who may notice this in the Jenkins, Missouri area.  We are having a Prophecy Revival at Shiloah Baptist Church June 12 – 15, 2016.  Evangelist Don Walton will be preaching, there will be special music.  All are welcome.

We want one and all to be ready when Jesus comes for His Church; and that is all who believe in His Son, and trust His finished work – the death, burial and resurrection.

PR-Photo-061516

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