Deathbed Repentance #BillySunday

Death bed repentance is like burning the candle for the devil and then blowing the smoke in God's face #BillySunday

Why people are so confused

People are so confused because the try to combine their beliefs with God instead of letting God determining their beliefs and social systems. Repent

Why the Early Church was Hated--a wake up call for American Christians

The Early Church was hated by the Romans b/c “Christians….serv[ed] only the true and living God, despised their false gods, spake against their idolatrous worshipping’s, and many times stopped the power of Satan working in their idols” –Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

The Fruit of Godly Sorrow

Taking time to be real with yourself and God hurts and shows you where you’ve been selfish. But, the end result is repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. Praise God, Hallelujah!

Are you worried?

  All the sleep in the world can't cure worry. If you feel fatigued constantly, prayerfully examine yourself to see if you're living in a state of worry. If you find that you are, take courage! We have divine weapons which tear down Strongholds! 

When Not Doing Something is Sin

 

It is not only that sin consists in doing evil,
but in not doing the good that we know.

H. A. Ironside

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

James 4:17 (ESV)

God Sends No one Away Empty--D.L. Moody

God sends no one away empty
except those who are full of themselves.

Dwight L. Moody

Are we like the Early Church?

 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42 (KJV)

What are you doing in your life to share Jesus right now, day by day?

What are you doing in your life to share Jesus right now, day by day?
 

          That question has been on my mind quite a bit. As I prayed, the Lord laid on my heart to message each Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn connection I could and share the Gospel with them in addition to the conversations He brings my way each week with both Believers and unbelievers. It has been inspiring to hear back from a handful who do KNOW Jesus. I've also had a professed Christian contact me to say that my method would not draw any unbelievers but rather raise up a wall. I took that issue to prayer but the Holy Spirit encouraged me that I had done nothing wrong, I had simply obeyed Him. If people are mad at you because you talk about Jesus so much, so what? They may defriend you on Facebook, they may stop hanging out with you, they may tell you're a Bible thumper or take your faith to seriously but so what!

 

all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
2 Tim 3:12-13 (ESV).

 
    We may not be liked, but remember our Brothers and Sisters are being killed for their Faith around the world. Rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ--it means that people are seeing Jesus through you!

 

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matt 5:11-12 (ESV)

 

      If the world likes us we better do some examination for the world hates Jesus; and the false prophets in the Old Testament were loved while the true prophets like Jeremiah were labeled false prophets by people.

       I heartily encourage you to read Foxe's Book of Martyrs to see what Christians have said throughout the centuries and the persecution they have endured for Christ.

 

      How does the Lord want you to share Christ? ....another thing the Lord has laid on my heart is anonymously sending letters out to people in the phonebook for many that will never come to church may just open a card that comes in the mail.

 

          The reality is that unless every person we talk to KNOWS Jesus, they are going to Hell. We can't force them to accept Christ, but may we tell them the good news that Jesus has come to forgive us of our sins and redeem us from a life of bondage to one of fellowship with Him! Amen

 

1 Million Warriors Defeated by God

Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, and came as far as Mareshah. 10 And Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11 And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.” 12  So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.

2 Chron 14:9-12 (ESV)

We must Separate from the Unrepentant

 

"God sets standards, but He lets people be who they are and then separates Himself from them when they misbehave, saying in effect, 'You can be that way if you choose, but you cannot come into my house.' Heaven is a place for the repentant, and all are welcome. ...God limits His exposure to evil, unrepentant people, as should we. Scripture is full of admonitions to separate ourselves...."

#Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend

Declaring the Sins of a People: the Prophet’s Plight

This devotion comes from Extra Devotions, one of FMM's free Ebooks.

 

Declaring the Sins of a People: the Prophet’s Plight

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”

Isaiah 58:1 (KJV)

     God used to raise up prophets to speak to His people, has spoken through Christ (Heb. 1:1-2) His Son, and speaks to those who truly know and follow Him by His Spirit. However, the gift of prophecy is still used today, but I have found that it often comes through preachers (not “ministers” necessarily, but men who are in tune with God and declare and stand for the truth in the midst of a day and age that lives contrary to the Bible and hostile toward Truth).

       Many pastors are called for at least a season to this prophet role. As they seek God, He brings some hard (stern) messages and lays them on their spirit to preach/declare.  Personally, I’ve been there. I’ve sat down with hopes for a year of encouraging people and hopefully having them be encouraged and happy with me, to like and respect me as I share the Word, but then I get into the presence of God and He gives me the “tough” messages that get me labeled as the spoilsport or downer. The guy that people just want to shut up. Ever been there? A part of you wants to shut up, but you know that God has called you to speak. People don’t like you, but God is not only using you but teaching you that you have to fear and respect Him, not man?

Let’s pray:

Lord, help us to speak and shout when you tell us too, but to be silent when you want us to be. And above all, may we Fear You and not people: may we serve You and not our fear of fitting in. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Is a Storm Coming to America?

    HOPE FOR WHEN THE STORM HITS is about the realities of what is happening and coming in our country, America (the storm); and the hope that we can have despite it all. Talking with my Grandfather, who was born following the crash that began the Great Depression, I know that he is very concerned about my parents’ and my generation in the midst of the problems going on in our country. Yet, my Grandpa Deason has also shared with me some hopes that I believe are key to motivating those who read this book to move forward intentionally in the midst of another impending “Great Depression.”

 

      The signs are clear. Our nation has wholesale rejected God and pursued evil (Isaiah 5:20-21, Proverbs 8:13). A few, a remnant of dedicated followers of Christ remain. Regardless of one’s spiritual position, almost the entire country has become dependent and comfortable in many ways. If food supplies could no longer be purchased from a store and one had to find and preserve his own food, many would starve and die following a season of trying to steal from those who were somewhat prepared. This book is about casting hope. My Grandfather told me how even though times were “hard and tough” when he grew up and they were “poor” that they had food, a good life, and people were really close back then. What do people want today? Well, the same things ironically. They want close relationships and their basic needs met. Contentment can be summed up pretty well by what my Grandfather told me: “I didn’t try to make a lot of money. But I had a wife and kids, and now look at how many grandkids and great grandkids there are that came from your Grandma and Me. What more could a man ask for?” At the time of this writing some 29 people are either 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd generation descendants (5 children + 18 grandkids + 6 great grandkids) of my Grandfather and Grandmother. Another 9 people are spouses of the 1^st and 2^nd generation descendants. Family. Relationships. Love. Those are the things that will still be considered the greatest blessings when the coming storm hits (unless the Lord does a miracle and has mercy on us).

          What will follow, first of all, is my Grandfather’s description of what it was like in the “hard” yet good times that he grew up in. After that, I will talk about some strategies that can be implemented to prepare for the coming storm and to build self-sufficiency now so that we can       1) take care of our families and 2) help others if hard times strike.  

 

Wisdom is more important than gold or silver

       “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” Proverbs 3:13-14 ESV

 

 

 

 

..........

      I went for a walk with my Grandfather one Thanksgiving to walk his dog and he told me about his concern for me and my parents’ generation and the mess that the country is in. He told me, “The White House…and Washington, D.C…..you gotta fix it.” This book is my first step in sounding the alarm to that end. I realize that I may never have an opportunity to speak to the leaders of this nation; however, I will write and speak about how to “fix it” by doing the right thing instead of just doing some-thing. What follows is my vision—well really a Biblical conviction based on study of God’s Word and time spent with the Lord—of what we as individuals and families can do. We cannot keep going down the path we are going as a country without consequences. Realistically a storm is coming. God can do a miracle! I pray for Revival, I hope for a complete turnaround, but realistically I have to be honest and so do you that we do not see a 180 happening. However, I do know that Scripture is very clear about this: God will preserve and take care of His Remnant.

        The truth is that unless the United States of America dramatically changes course, that the judgment of God will come upon our land (Jeremiah 23, Romans 1:16-32).

But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.   Psalms 75:7

 

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings  Daniel 2:21

 

       Therefore, I believe we must be realistic. God will always preserve a Remnant for Himself, as I will go into later (and am even doing a book project on with a good friend—Ken Zimmerman, Jr. which is scheduled to be released in 2014). But before we go on I want to make clear what my intentions are as we move forward. The reason why I must do this is I am going to mention very specific ways that we can prepare for a coming economic storm; however, without the proper foundation these preparations and ways to increase one’s income will become idols in our lives.

1)      Seek and Serve God only

2)      Pursue Wisdom

3)      Plan Purposefully to Provide for & Protect my Family

4)      To Invest in Lasting Things: Relationships, Time with God, a Home (not just a house)

      We need to recognize first and foremost our utter need for and dependency on God. You cannot take a breath, enjoy a hot meal, cherish fellowship with a close friend or loved one, learn, or apprehend anything without God! He designed you and your body and your mind in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13-14)! God is sovereign and controls all things, when hard times come, He is still with us. The things that you and I must endure during our lifetimes, we will endure in His strength if we abide in Christ. Like Job and Hezekiah, we can trust in the Lord in the midst of our sickness! As the late Adrian Rogers said, “‘Pastor, what should we tell the sick and suffering?’ Tell them that this isn’t God’s final plan; Jesus is coming back.” Daily acknowledge your utter need for God! You must understand your sinful poverty (Rom 3:23, 6:23)! When you understand that, and daily live in a mindset that you are nothing and God is your everything then “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). And what do the poor in spirit receive? “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3)!

 

Courtesty of:

 

 

 

Repenting of Denominational Prejudice, Addressing False Doctrine

Evaluating “Strange Fire”

Repenting of Denominational Prejudice, Addressing False Doctrine

Ryan Marks

   I agree that barking like dogs, divine laughing, or other occurrences supposedly “charismatic” and evidenced by the “Toronto Blessing” are nowhere in Scripture and sound demonic. Satan does perform miracles to deceive. However, I am concerned by the extreme position John Macarthur takes on all those who believe in the “Gifts” or “speaking in tongues.”

     To start, nowhere in Scripture do we find a clear statement that says the Gifts have ceased or will cease before Heaven. There is record of Christian leaders since the time of the Apostles (Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, John Calvin and others) saying that the gifts have ceased, but again will we believe the Scripture alone or accept the teaching of men? The much quoted 1 Corinthians 13 passage by Cessationists says that tongues will fail when prophecies cease and knowledge passes away. Applying the proper hermeneutics of Bible interpretation looks at the context and clearly raises the opposition—have all three of these passed away? No. Knowledge is still around. We live in the information age and as Daniel prophesied, many run to and fro and knowledge is increased (Daniel 12:4). And in regard to prophecy, even Cessationists (those who believe the “Gifts” and “Tongues” have passed away) believe that prophecy is still occurring as a spiritual Gift through preaching.

    I grew up in a “Pentecostal church” and was homeschooled largely using “Baptist” textbooks. But I do not consider myself to be any label—“Freewill” “Calvinist” “Pentecostal” etc… I am a Christian and I endeavor to only Believe what the Bible teaches. Now, yes I believe that we all have probably been taught something wrong in church. No church is perfect, nor any spiritual leader—if they were we would not need to like Paul “oppose Peter to His face” at times. I enjoy discussions on doctrine when the heart of those discussing is really to understand what the Bible says. But when any church tradition is dogmatically held to, I know the conversation is going nowhere. It is dangerous to just be “Baptist,” “Catholic,” “Lutheran,” “Presbyterian,” or “Pentecostal” in one’s beliefs without ever considering what God’s Word actually says.

    However, it is very dangerous to say that all charismatics/Pentecostals are demonically influenced. The Bible nowhere gives evidence that the so called “Gifts” have passed away and Paul warned us not to despise prophesying (1 Thess 5:20) but to test the spirits and see whether they are of God (1 John 4:1). I love John Piper’s loving but non-agreeing response to Strange Fire on his Ask Pastor John podcast, I believe the episode aired late 2013; John Piper dealt with the issue from a solely Biblical perspective.

      Let me clarify that there are some false teachings (and John Macarthur makes references to most if not all of these in his book Strange Fire) among Pentecostalism (but there also are among Catholicism and Lutheranism and every ism); however, the issue should not be “all Pentecostals” but exposing the false doctrine just as not “all Catholics” or “all Lutherans” are unbiblical. I disagree with Mr. Macarthur as he strongly portrays that the entire group is corrupt (I hope I am wrong about him taking that stance), but agree that there are some major false doctrines circulating by primarily Pentecostal and Charismatic groups that are unbiblical:

·        The false doctrine of prosperity and comfort especially as a blessing for a “financial seed sown into their ministry.” Yes, God gifted Joshua, Job, and Abraham with success and some business sense, but that doesn’t mean life is easy and lucrative for the Believer.  …. “supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” 1 Tim 6:5 (KJV)

·        False doctrine that you must speak in tongues to be saved  …. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31 (KJV)

·        Unbiblical “revelations”—that contradict the Bible and supposedly need to be proclaimed as God’s truth in today’s world…. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3 (KJV)

·        False doctrine of the Word of Faith Movement—your words have the same creative power as God’s words-that’s blasphemy! …. “Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” 2 Corinthians 10:7-18 (KJV)

·        Healing Crusades—teaching people to “seek their miracle” rather than Seek Jesus  …. “Asa…was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12 (KJV)

·        False doctrines of confession—speaking into existence the “blessing you want”--this is nowhere in Scripture. However, we should pray about anything and everything to the Lord and cry out to Him. But …. “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3 (KJV)

·        The false doctrine of cheap grace—(this one is not distinctly a Pentecostal error, but is appearing to gain a lot of ground at least among Charismatic leaders today) it is turning Christ’s grace toward us as an excuse for not trying to avoid sin or confess our wrongs and ask for the forgiveness of others.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer battled this in his book The Cost of Discipleship

·        Unhealthy-emphasis on healing, trances, etc… God can heal and there are a few instances of “trances” in Scripture—visions by Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Peter, John and others. However, nowhere in Scripture are we told to seek these or to claim them as “part of our inheritance.”

·        The Seeker Friendly gospel (again not distinctly Pentecostal, but appearing to gain ground amongst Pentecostal leaders) seems to be growing…now I believe this is across the board in all denominations, but I have seen a lot of it in bigger Pentecostal churches. The Seeker-friendly Gospel tries to make the Gospel appealing to sinners and tones down or even ceases to talk about sin and our need for Christ.  …. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

·        False Doctrine of Name it Claim It—again nowhere in the Bible  ….. “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3 (KJV)

·        Turning speaking in Tongues to another Gospel. Salvation is not what many “Pentecostal’s” conversations are about, but experiences. This is dangerous. William Seymour (early Pentecostal leader) got it right when he told Pentecostals, “Don’t go out of here talking about tongues; talk about Jesus.”  ….  “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9 (KJV)

     I like the Baptist Faith and Message’s position on the Pentecostal-Charismatic debate—neutral on Spiritual gifts. In our discussions with other Believers, we should be careful not to make the issue of the “Gifts” a point of division. If they Believe in Jesus and KNOW Him then as Jesus said, whoever is not against us is for us. This is not an issue of clear sin and disobedience to God like homosexuality. The debate is about how God’s Holy Spirit interacts with Believers today based on Scripture. There should be unity around Christ and the maturity to disagree without be disagreeable.

We must keep the Gospel—repentance and receiving Jesus and KNOWING Him as the focal point of our ministry to others.

    I attend a small Southern Baptist Church now and am in a Southern Baptist Seminary at the time of this writing. I do not call myself “Southern Baptist” or any other denomination though because often the deformational card just stirs up offense and prejudice and many unbelievers equate Baptist with Westboro right now.

    However, I am thankful to be a part of the Southern Baptist Fellowship. I won’t talk about my “denomination” often, but I know that the Lord guided me to be a part of the SBC as I sought Him for many months on the “denominational accountability” issue in regard to the Pentecostal denomination I grew up in. I also, am around many like-minded Believers and am thankful that Salvation is the primary issue at the heart of so many in our SBC Fellowship and we keep that as our main focus—Do you KNOW Jesus? Also, I am privileged to be a part of the denomination that most major “revivalists” have come from: Billy Graham, D.L. Moody, Vance Havner & etc…  God’s blessings has been poured out upon our fellowship in this respect.

      I am concerned that many Pentecostals place too much emphasis on experience and too little emphasis on learning the Scripture, teaching sound doctrine, and discipleship. …They are very successful in many respects of evangelism and zeal however and we all can learn from them.

       I am equally concerned with liturgical traditions such as Catholicism and Lutheranism that place so much emphasis on repetition that the heart and life of Christ’s Spirit can be sucked out of the local church. ….yet, liturgical traditions have continued to faithfully expound many of Scriptures doctrines throughout the coming and going of changes in the Church throughout the centuries and we can all learn from that.

 

What should be our Non-negotiable issues?

1.     Do you KNOW Jesus?

I take Jesus statement literally—many will cast out demons, heal the sick and raise the dead, but yet they won’t know Him. This statement by our Lord picks my heart primarily for Pentecostals, but I am also pricked for the “attendees” of every church that have never surrendered to Jesus as Lord and just have “accepted” Him as fire insurance. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23 (KJV)

 

2.     What Sin is—anything you think, say or do that breaks God’s heart (Child Evangelism Fellowship) and “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4 (KJV)

3.     Who Jesus is-- Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord. Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16. (The Baptist Faith and Message)

4.     Repentance—“repent ye, and believe the gospel.”  Mark 1:15 (KJV)

5.     That the Word of God is the final authority and if you teach or Believe something that isn’t in the Bible then you’re wrong.  “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV) 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

“Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:6 (ESV)