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Are you Good Enough?
[Teaching]
03/04/2010
By Glass, Gary
Are you Good Enough?
Jesus said, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Matthew 24:4. He was talking about the time prior to His return to earth. The Second Coming. We live in a age of deception. I, personally, have been deceived many times. There are many Christians, today, who are deceived, and don't even know it. They could be involved in New Age, Yoga, Psychology, Occult, Prosperity Gospel, Emerging Church Movement, etc.,and many other practices that are not biblical and can be harmful. I am not expert, but I will attempt to expose these topics in later articles. First, we need to lay the foundation before we expose error. The question is "Are you good enough?" or " How good do you have to be to enter into the presence of a Holy God." If you were to ask people today, then you would hear, " I am not perfect". " I am not a bad person." " I am getting better." However, Jesus answers the question. The answer is that you have to be as holy, righteous, and perfect as God, himself, to stand in His presence. So, we ask another question, " How can a holy God accept a sinner, like me, into His kingdom of heaven."First of all, a rich young ruler had the same question. He said, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Mark 10:17 In other words, how do I get to heaven? Notice, what Jesus says. He defines the word "Good". " Why callest me good? there is none good but one, that is, God" Mark 10:18 So, how many people are "Good "? Just one, God. Then, Jesus gives the young man a standard for goodness, which is the 10 commandments or The Law. "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear witness(Lie), Defraud not, Honor thy Father and Mother." Verse 19 The young man said that he kept these commandments from his youth. Verse 20. " Then, Jesus beholding him, loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lack: go thy way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." Mark 10:21-22 Can you guess what commandment this young man was breaking? He was breaking the first commandment, which states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Money and possessions became his object of desire, and the thought of losing that made him very sad.
Many people today are like this young man. They believe that if they could keep a good standard of living that God will accept them. However, we don't want to hear from the Lord, " One thing thou lackest." and be found wanting. We want to have full assurance that we have peace with God and eternal life. The Lord loves the Law. "Oh how love I thy law: it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97 "Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy Law" Verse 136. The Lord loves the Law so much that He was willing to put himself under the curse of the Law because of His great love for us. The penalty for breaking the Law is death and hell, but Christ came to redeem us. He took upon himself the sin of lying, stealing, adultery, murder, and became a curse for us. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Curse is every one that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13. The Law of the Lord brings us to Christ, so we can be justified by faith. "But no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." Galatians 3:11
Finally, what is the object of our faith. Saving faith is not personal experience, it is an objective dependence on the finished work, which Christ accomplished on the cross. Salvation is not deep sorrow, the willingness to change, earnest contrition. While one or another of these emotions many attend the convicted sinner, they are not , in themselves, salvation. One is saved by faith, sincere and sole dependence on the shed blood of Jesus Christ, His death on the cross. I am saved, not by my own surrender, but by the surrender of another, Christ, who gave Himself unto death for me. In this moment of time, if you will believe on Jesus Christ by accepting Calvary as the sole basis of your salvation, you will have the gift of God, which is everlasting life. Today, you are invited to make the decision. God Bless.
www.armyofheaven.com
Lost?? Get GPS
[General]
12/07/2009
By Taylor, David
On Friday, November 27, 2009 at 3:30 am, i ventured out with some of my kids for Black Friday. They wanted to see what the buzz about it was all about. After witnessing mass chaos at the local Wal-Mart, I was hit hard by one aspect of our human condition. The conduct of many patrons of the store reflected the attitude of self only! Jokingly, but probably true.......if we did not have rules and laws, we would not last 2 minutes on this earth.
Later on in the day, I had a phone conversation with a friend of mine concerning Black Friday. I mentioned the things that were on sale in the ads. I said everywhere you went they had GPS units on sale. I said " I never realized how many lost people there were in this world." This was a reference of needing a Global Positioning System (GPS) to tell someone how to get somewhere. Ponder this thought for a moment.......How did we get from point A to point B all the years prior to GPS entering the technological market?
While speaking about the lost people a thought came to me concerning them and GPS. How true with the statistics of people today, how many people are lost, as in separated from Christ, and their need for GPS (God's Plan for Salvation).
God's plan for salvation came into this world in human form ...........ironically enough, this season known as Christmas. As believers we need to be praying for the lost and in a way we need to be Garmin, Magellan, or Tom Tom to those around us. We need to point them to Christ who is God's Plan for Salvation (GPS). If we point them to Christ and they find him, then they are no longer lost. They will have a GPS that does not need batteries, a car adapter, or updates from the internet. Their new GPS system will show them where to go, will change statistics concerning our world, and maybe even lessen the chaos at Wal-Mart on Black Friday.
As a side note, the original users of the GPS in both senses of Global Positioning System and also God's Plan for Salvation were the Magi as told about in Matthew 2. "These men came to Bethelehem spurred on by astrological calculations. But they had probably built up their expectations of a kingly figure by working through assorted Jewish books." {Noted from Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary}
Deep Wells
[Teaching]
11/18/2009
By Glass, Gary
Deep Wells
In the Bible, water was essential for life. It was needed for living, crops cattle, sheep, etc.
They used to dig wells to provide water for their families. If a well dried up, then the whole family would have to move away. During a war, people would stop the water from flowing, and make it so the people who lost the war would not return. The Lord uses this concept of wells to show man's need for God. The human soul is like a well. It is dry and thirsty, thus it needs to be filled with water. "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" Psalm 42:1-2.
A soul, without God, is like a man in a desert seeking for water, but finding none. " O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1 A person, without God, looks for ways to satisfy his thirsty soul. He will turn to money, lust, fame, entertainment, goverment, health products, sports, religion, etc., and never be satisfied. The nation of Israel tried to satisfy their thirst with other gods. The Bible says, " For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and dug out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:13 The Law or 10 commandments shows us how deep and dry our souls are. Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6 Thats not our righteousness, but a righteousness that comes from God. Its God's righteousness given to us by faith.(Romans 3:24-25).
In the book of John, Jesus asked a woman to give him a drink from Jacob's well. Obviously, He was talking about physical water. Then Jesus said," If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." John 4:10 There are three things that Jesus mentions. First, the gift of God. Then, who He was. Finally, a mysterious thing called living water. However, before we dive into the explanation, we need to listen to the amazing response from the woman. She said, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?" Verse 11. With this statement, I believe she is talking about our souls. There is nothing inside us that can quench the thirst of God's holy Law. Our wells, (souls), are deep and dry. We have nothing to draw with when it comes to our righteousness. The term draw means to cause to move toward one. If we want to draw near to God, then we can't do it by the Law. The Bible says, "...if there had been a law given which could have given life(eternal), verily righteousness should have been by the Law." Galatians 3:21-22
So, how did God fill our dry wells. First of all, it was a free gift of salvation purchased at the Cross. Isaiah says, " Ho, every one that thirsts, come to the waters, and he that has no money; come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isaiah 55:1 This verse invites everyone to come to the waters that are free to anyone who thirsts for righteousness and life. Secondly, God supplies His righteousness with His Son. "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference." Romans 3:22 Finally, Jesus said to the woman. "But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14 So, what is the living water. It is the Holy Spirit. The answer is found in John 7:37-39, on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. It says, " In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, " If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believes on me, as the scripture says, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water. (By this he meant the Spirit, whom they who believed in him should receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."
In conclusion, our souls are like deep wells that only God can fill. He is our life. For those who are thirsty and dry the Bible says, " And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him thirsts, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17. Amen
www.armyofheaven.com
King of Glory
[Worship]
08/26/2009
By Contreras, Angel and Susan
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.
2For he hath founded it upon the seas,
and established it upon the floods.
3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?
or who shall stand in his holy place?
4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;
who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity,
nor sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD,
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of them that seek him,
that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
8Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
even lift them up, ye everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
10Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
Selah
When we approach God, it would behoove us to know the God we approach. God, however is undefinable outside of His own disclosure. In other words, we cannot (do not have the ability) to know or understand the nature and person of God unless God unveils Himself, and further, gives us eyes to see and ears to hear. Praise be to God that He has had mercy on His people to give us His words.
This very psalm tells us so much of His person and purpose.
He is Creator, Owner,Sustainer, absolute Sovereign and King. v.1-2
The Psalmist asks who can approach this God? Who has the right to present himself before this One? v 3.
That person is described: as one who has hands, heart, soul and mouth free of sin and corruption v. 4. Question: does that describe me or you? This is enough to bring us to our knees for God's mercy.
CH Spurgeon wrote: "The question before us is one which all should ask for themselves, and none should be at ease till they have received an answer of peace. With careful self-examination let us enquire, "Lord, is it I."
Yet do not be troubled, because the very thing God requires of you to ascend before His holy presence, He freely provided in Christ. As you are in Christ, His cleanliness, purity, and righteousness is yours. v.5
As He has set us graciously before Himself, clothed us with an alien righteousness we seek after Him and His face as one seeks one's most precious friend. As one seeks the deepest love of their life and will not rest till the eyes of that lover are deeply set on his own. As the deer pants for the waterbrook so my soul longeth after Thee" Ps 42:1 "Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee" St. Augustine
What a gracious God we have. Oh what a wondrous King we serve. Now that the Psalmist describes the Lord, he commands the gates
of the Temple, the Heavenly Jerusalem, the very temple of our hearts to open up and adore the Prince of Glory. He does not command us to worship some hidden deity, some ethereal entity with no definition or purpose. No, we are told " Who is this King of Glory? He is the Lord Strong and Mighty" He is the Lord Mighty in Battle" v 7-9
Oftentimes reading the Psalm itself is enough to refocus our attention to the richness and majesty of God.
Oftentimes, lingering on the words breathed by the Sovereign is enough to renew a heavy, beaten down spirit.
Oftentimes, the reason we weep and gnash is because we have not fed of the food of the Father's table.
Look to Him. Be raised from your slumber and worship the High and mighty Lord.
Come to worship with purpose. Aim your heart like an arrow toward the altar. Let your praise have context and grounding in the true and Living God revealed in the inerrant, infallible written Word.
Using the Law in Witnessing
[Teaching]
07/24/2009
By Glass, Gary
Treasure Hunt
[Teaching]
07/05/2009
By Glass, Gary
People would ask Jesus, many times, "What shall I DO to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25) Jesus would
respond by saying "What is written in the Law?" or "You know the commandments.." (Mark 10:19). Then,
He lists some of the Ten Commandments. A certain lawyer asked Jesus, "What must I Do to go to heaven."
Jesus would respond, "What is written in the Law? or How do you interpet it." The man answered, "Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all
thy mind; thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus replied, "Thou has answered right; this DO, and thou shalt live."
(Luke 10:25-28) Thats it! All we have to do is keep God's Law or the Ten Commandments. Jesus said, " On
these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:40)
Another example, is when a man came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Master, what shall I DO that I
may inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:18). Jesus answered, "Why callest me good? There is none good, but
one, that is God." (Mark 10:17-18). Notice, here Jesus answers the question on how many people have
obeyed the Ten Commandments. He says," There is none good, but one." How many are good? The
answer is Zero. In fact, it is worse than that. Not only are we not good, but we practice evil. The Bible
says, "with their tongues they have used deceit,.. whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their
feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways." Romans 3:13-16
The Bible says, "Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to them who are under
the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and ALL the world may become GUILTY before God."
Romans 3:19. The Law cannot help you, but leaves you helpless, the Law cannot justify you, but leaves
you guilty before a holy God.
Also, the Bible says, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:
for by the law is the Knowlegde of Sin." Romans 3:20. There is the conclusion. The Law does not save
you. It is only Jesus Christ finished work at the cross, and your faith in Him that saves. Anyone, who would
want to add or to believe that God needs our help for our salvation through good deeds is deceived.
"Being justifed freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24.
However, so many people try to earn their way or work their way into heaven. And yet, The Bible concludes,
"Therefore, we concluded that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 3:28
God Blesswww.armyofheaven.com
The School Master
[Teaching]
05/05/2009
By Glass, Gary
The School Master
The question may arise about the Holy Spirit's role in the salvation of sinners. The answer is clear from Scripture. We are drawn by, convicted, born of, and kept by the Holy Spirit. Why then do we need to use the Law (10 Commandments) when witnessing? Jesus Himself tells us how the Holy Spirit works in the salvation of the lost. He said that when the Holy Spirit comes, "he will reprove the world of sin, (which is transgression of the Law; 1 John 3:4), and of righteousness, (which is of the Law ;Romans 8:4), and of judgement, (which is by the Law; Romans 2:12). So, when we use the Law to bring the knowledge of sin to the lost, we simply become instruments the Holy Spirit uses to lead sinners to the Savior. (1)
First of all, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. The definition for sin is found in 1 John 3:4, which says, "Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." I love the way John Wesley described the proper use of the Law, he said, " To slay the sinner is then the first use of the Law, to destroy the life and strength where in he trusts and convince him that he is dead while he lives: not only under the sentence of death, but actually dead to God, void of all spiritual life, dead in trespasses and sins." The Law exposes the sin in a person's heart. It brings to light the wickedness of sin. Charles Spurgeon said, "But the Law comes, takes the shutters down, lets light in, and then we discover what a vile heart we have, and how unholy our lives have been; and then, instead of boasting, we are made to fall on our faces and cry. 'Lord, save or I perish. Oh, save me for thy mercy's sake, or else I shall be cast away.'"
Next, the Holy Spirit shows us the righteousness of the Law. In Romans 7:12, it says" Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." When the Law was given on Mount Sinai, the people of Israel were afraid. They said unto Moses, " Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die." Exodus 20:19 Charles Spurgeon said," It was a dread Law even when it was given, and since then from that Mount Sinai an awful lava of vengeance has run down, to deluge, to destroy, to burn, and to consume the whole human race, if it had not been that Jesus Christ had stemmed its awful torrent, and bidden its waves of fire to be still." God had to provide another way to bring sinful men to a righteous God. He provided a way through His Son Jesus, who was the only person to keep the Law perfectly. The Bible says, "But now the righteousness of God, without the law, is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Romans 3:21-22 God provided His righteousness to those who trust in Jesus Christ, thus meeting the demands of the Law and fulfilling it to the letter."That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:4 What a wonderful knowledge to have is that the righteous demands of the Law were met at Calvary, and we now have access to God by the blood of Christ!
Finally, the Holy Spirit shows us the judgement of God. "For as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without the law, and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law". Romans 2:12 What is the standard by which we are judged? It is by the Law. Have you ever told a lie? Stolen anything? If yes, then you are a lying thief, and that is only two of the ten commandments. The Law are ten cannons that are pointed at you to blow away the fig leaves of your self righteousness. Charles Spurgeon said, " Lower the Law, and you dim the light by which man perceives his guilt; this is a very serious loss to the sinner rather than a gain; for it lessens the likelihood of his conviction and conversion. I say you have deprived the gospel of its ablest auxiliary( its most powerful weapon) when you have set aside the Law. You have taken away from it the schoolmaster that is to bring men to Christ. They will never accept grace till they tremble before a just and holy Law. Therefore, the Law serves a most necessary purpose, and it must not be removed from its place." Thus, the purpose of the Law is to lead people to Christ. A teacher that leads us to graduation. "Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Galatians 3:24
In conclusion, God is not willing that any should perish. God waits patiently for people to repent and trust in Jesus. By His mercy and restraint, He holds back His wrath, and does not yet judge people by the full measure of the Law. However, that restraint doesn't last forever. The Bible says, "But after your hardness and impenitent (not sorry) heart you treasure up to yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds." Romans 2:5-6 Imagine, a world being judged by the Law, which is why the Book of Revelation is so amazing. Let us use the Law lawfully while we still have time because the day of the Lord in near. Let us be like John the Baptist who said, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Matthew 3:7
1 The Evidence Bible from www.livingwaters.comwww.armyofheaven.com
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Worship in Spirit and In Truth
[Worship]
04/09/2009
By Contreras, Angel and Susan
Well, I'm back.
Its been a while. I have been on hiatus for a while and I missed you. I’m back to, hopefully get our theological synapses fired up and “spur you on to love and good works”
This weekend, Pastor Jim shared his thoughts and perspective on worship. I appreciate Jim's passion and willingness to be transparent and authentic. I've sensed a sincere intensity within him as he leads the music portion of our worship, that tells of a deep love for his Lord. Oh that that passion would ignite in me and those around me.
What does ignite a right response in our gathering? What is that thing called worship? Is it a thing, an event, an attitude or is it more? Have I misunderstood the meaning and reality of the command (yes command) to worship? I think that I may have in my walk.
Within popular evangelical culture in recent years, I believe, worship has come to be a frivolous affair. It has become called "an experience" whose value is measured by the number of goose bumps, chills or number of tears that had been evoked. There is an obsession with forms or styles that give rise to pressures on the leaders as well as the pew dwellers to…perform for God rather than worship Him. Thus worship becomes very...um…horizontal, earthbound, in a word, fleshly. My feelings toward God and how I express them become the focus rather than we, as a community, coming to God as a chosen race and a royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9) called by Him to present ourselves to Him and proclaim His excellencies. Worship, then becomes a work rather than a holy calling.
I was challenged to define what I believe worship to be. I agree with Jim as he put forth the biblical concept that worship, as Christ defined it, is to be done in “Spirit and in truth”, this alone is a study in and of itself of great edification! It describes a “true worshiper”. Wow, that’s what I want to be. It is someone the Father seeks. A true worshipper worships in a balance of truth and spirit, each component enhancing the other, never overpowering the other. All spirit and no truth breeds emotionalism and superstition. All truth and no spirit brings out cold scholasticism and bitter pietism. But real, authentic, vital worship begins with the object of worship, not the worshiper.
“And immediately I was in the spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One who sat on the throne. And He that sat on the throne was to look upon like a jasper and a sardius stone: there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald…and out of the throne proceeded lightning and thundering and voices: and there were seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.”
Revelation 4:1-3,5
Can you picture that? Rest on that description for a moment. There is the Mighty God, the Lover of our souls, the powerful, omnipotent Sovereign enthroned with a symbol of His everlasting power and promises encircling Him. His splendor that is destruction to the enemy but life to us who believe. Tell me: what does that evoke in you? This is what happens next:
“And the four and twenty elders fell down before Him that lives forever and ever, and casting their crowns before the throne saying:’ Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created’” Revelation 4:10, 11
The twenty four elders saw and declared the truth of the Glory they were in the presence of, the God of Glory, Jesus Christ. Their response to that greatness was unabashed worship.
The worship gathering of disciples, then is the dialog of Heaven. God is presented to us in Word, Sacrament, Music, Liturgy and we respond to the God of the Word in sweet, humble adoration. God speaks through the Word as it is read and expounded, we are fed Spiritually by the bread and wine, the Gospel is represented to us and we mourn and rejoice. There is context to our worship, i.e. Truth. There is response that is heartfelt and Spirit-born, from our deepest bowels, i.e. spirit. As the great Jonathan Edwards put it:
Holy affections are not heat without light, but invariably arise from some information conveyed to the understanding. The child of God is graciously affected, because he sees and understands something more of divine things than he did before-something more of God, of Christ, and of the glorious things exhibited in the gospel (Jonathan Edwards, A Treatise on Religious Affections (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker), p. 192).
We are coming to the place this week where there will be renewal. My friends, Good Friday can be a new beginning of a renewed sense of true worship as we hear and focus on the Gospel. Christ, God who is high and lifted up, was lifted up on a cross for every eye to see and be set free from the tyranny of sin and death. Christ, God most high, is resurrected on the third day and sits at the right hand of the Power of God.
Behold the Lamb and Worship. He is worthy.
In Him,
@nge!
God's Bailout Plan
[Teaching]
03/30/2009
By Glass, Gary
God's Bailout Plan
How is it that Jesus declared that when the time of His coming had arrived that everyone would know it because every sign would have been fulfilled? "When ye shall see all these things(signs), know that it (his coming) is near, even at the doors" Matthew 24:33 Yet, a few moments later, He said just the opposite: "For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." (verse 44) The conditions upon earth cannot be such that everyone would know He is about to return to earth, yet at the same time the conditions be such that no one would even suspect He is about to return. Unless, Jesus was talking about two different events. (1)
First of all, one event comes as a complete surprise. There are no signs. Jesus says, "Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come." Matthew 24:42 We are not to set dates, but we are commanded to be watchful and ready with expectation that it could happen today. Jesus describes the conditions on earth that will precede this event. He declares " As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until..." Luke 17:26-27 So, it seems that conditions on earth are going very good. The economy is good, and people are enjoying peace and prosperity. It is business as usual. All is well! No worries! Jesus continues, " Likewise, also as it was in the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;" Luke 17:28 That does'nt sound like Armageddon. The world doesn't seem to be experiencing the disasters recorded in the Book of Revelation. Why? Its because they are not happening. Yet, Jesus said that He would come back at this very moment. What event could that be when nobody is expecting him and the disasters are not happening, yet? It is called the Rapture. Jesus comes back for those who trust in Him, His bride, to rescue her from the judgement to come. The Bible declares, "For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 5:9 Our judgement for sin happened two thousand years ago. Jesus is going to save us from God's wrath. The Bible states, "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation(wrath) be overpast." Isaiah 26:20
However, the next event is filled with signs and wonders. Jesus said,"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places." Matthew 24:7
This event is called the Second Coming of Christ. It comes after great wars and judgment from God. The Bible says that it gets so bad on earth, that if Jesus does not return to save the earth that "no flesh shall be saved" Matthew 24:22 Imagine, all life on earth would be gone. The Bible says, ."Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heaven shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" Matthew 24:29-30 Then, the prayer "Thy Kingdom come" will be answered.
Finally, the Bible says that Jesus would come as a "thief in the night" I Thessalonians 5:1, but God reminds us," Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." Revelation 3:10. In Genesis 19:22, a angel told Lot that he could not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, until Lot was outside the city. In verse 16, it says that "the Lord being merciful unto him." Jesus shows us that it is going to be the same way when He returns for His bride. In fact, He says, "But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all." Luke 17:29 God told Lot "Come out", and to Noah, "Come in", and to the church, "Come up" Revelation 4:1. Come Out, Come In, Come Up. Thats mercy!
(1) "In defense of the Faith" by Dave Hunt
www.armyofheaven.com
Motions
[Worship]
03/29/2009
By Glass, Gary
It's not the Economy!
[Teaching]
02/03/2009
By Glass, Gary
It's not the Economy!
The problem with America is not the economy. It is a moral problem. The Bible states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin a reproach to any people." Proverbs 14:34. Our national debt is more that 10 trillion dollars. Much of this debt is to foreign nations. Over 2,300,000 Americans will get cancer in the next year. We have terrible droughts, and yet we have continual massive floods. We are also plagued with devastating hurricanes and killer tornadoes. These things are not evidences of God's blessing. So, why are they happening to us? Aren't we a morally good nation? Don't we trust in God?
First of all, we need to look at the root cause. Since 1990, more than 300,000 people have been murdered in the U.S.. More than 50 million babies have been aborted since Roe V. Wade. Americans spend up to 13 billion annually on pornography. Still the idea that we have somehow offended God is unthinkable. Rather, we blame the economy, politicians, global warming, El Nino, and Mother Nature. We blame everything but ourselves and our relationship to God. Our nation is broke, and yet we say that we are the best nation in the world. The Bible declares, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty(proud) spirit before a fall" Proverbs 16:18.
Next, is the problem of religion. First, lets define religion. Religion is man's attempt to cover his own sin and guilt. It puts self on the throne of his life, and establishes his own ways to achieve a good standing before God. The first attempt at this was in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve tried to hid their sin, guilt, and nakedness from God by putting fig leaves on their bodies. This was man's first attempt at religion. The Bible says, "There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12. Next, it was Cain's offering that was rejected by God. In Cain began all false religion, and was man's attempt to God in his own way. Then, there was the Tower of Babel. Man was trying to reach the heavens. Finally, there will be the New World Order. Man's last attempt to get rid of God's ways, and establish a kingdom for himself. However, the Bible is clear that the only way to cover sin and guilt is through the shedding of blood. "When I see the blood, I will pass over you," Exodus 12:13. We must be covered, shielded from divine justice by the blood of the Lamb of God. We are saved only by trusting in His blood, His atoning death.
Finally, we trust in a three-legged stool. We need income(economy), security(military), and health. It seems that God has knocked down one of these legs to show us the moral state of our country. Next, will come war then disease. However, if we were like the righteous kings of Israel, and put away the idols in our life, then fall on our knees in prayer, maybe God would not destroy America. If we would ask for forgiveness for the crimes we have committed, then maybe God could bring blessing back to our nation. If we would proclaim the gospel message, and trust Jesus Christ alone for salvation, then maybe we could have revival and prosperity in our land. However, if we don't, then we will be no better than Sodom and Gomorrah. We will be like the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and the Romans. Their nations were very powerful, but all failed because of sin. It is my hope and desire that America will not suffer the same fate. The Bible says, " But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive together with Christ(by grace you are saved)." Ephesians 2:4-5
Winds of Change
[Teaching]
01/15/2009
By Glass, Gary
Winds of Change!
I will never forget the year 2008. It was a crazy year. It was a year that saw gas prices go up, then down. The economy took a beating. The Olympics were amazing. Personally, I turned 40, and had my 10th wedding anniversary. My mother survived breast cancer, but sadly my mother-in-law died of lung cancer. There was layoffs, bailouts, and foreclosures. Then, the Dow Jones drops 777pts which was 7% drop resulting in a $700 billion loss after a failed $700 billion bailout. Thats alot of sevens. Plus, this all happen on the 7th month of the Jewish calender. It happened around the Feast of Trumpets. This is the fest were a horn is blown to warn of danger or to gather the people. Is God trying to tell us something?
In 2009, I believe there is going to be two dominant worldviews. The first worldview is that everything is going to get better in our world. We elected a new president, which gave us new hope. This year will see a new effort for peace, security, and health. Three things people want are income, protection, and good health. One pastor said," God will knock out all three legs mankind is leaning on for support. This year it was the economy. The other two legs left are military might and health. These things happen in order. When the economy of nations goes down the toilet it brings war. Then the consequences of war is often disease." Yet, the elite of the world are going to try to fix it, and make it all better. It is like fixing the Titantic. They will have meeting which will include presidents, rock stars, prime ministers, purpose driven pastors, talk show hosts, etc. to solve the world's problems. They are going to have global solutions to global problems like the economy, poverty, global warming, nuclear weapons, religion, and the Middle East. Will they succeed? The answer is yes, but only for a short time. The Bible states, " For when they shall say, Peace and Safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. I Thessalonians 5:3
Nevertheless, the second worldview is that the world is getting worse. They see the world like the Titantic, which is starting to sink fast. For Christians, we head for the lifeboats, which God has provided. The world hit the iceberg of God's Law many years ago. There is nothing to save this sinking ship, but we are called to tell people to get off the boat. As Christians, we need to remind ourselves of the words of Jesus, who said," Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 Peace can only come to us through Christ, not the world. The world hates Jesus. The Bible declares, "And this the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:19 However, there is hope. God provided a way of escape from a sinking ship. The Bible says, " Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:9
Finally, it is important to be watchful and alert about the events that are going to happen this year. Lets blow the alarm, and warn of danger ahead. "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Isaiah 58:1
King of Kings!
[Devotion]
01/07/2009
By Glass, Gary
What to think...what to think
[Worship]
01/04/2009
By Contreras, Angel and Susan
Its a late night, but the gathering of believers to worship God is only hours away. I am moved, however to encourage you to think as you worship.
Feeling is, of course welcome, but I encourage you to engage your mind as well as your emotions as you come before God. Consider that He has invited you to come before Him. He has opened the doors to the Holy of Holies, where none could enter but the high priest and permits you as a New-birthed priest before Almighty God to offer yourself as a living sacrifice, your reasonable act of worship. Note well, in your mind, that the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit...not any old god, is the One before whom you present yourself.
Take off the sandals of the world, you are coming to Holy Ground. Come and receive His forgiveness, the rejuvenating of your spirit and the renewing of your mind.
Think through the Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs...and Praise Him.
Think through the reading of Scripture and the proclamation of the Gospel...and praise Him.
Think through your sin, receive cleansing...and praise Him.
Come to Him all you who are weary and heavy laden and receive rest...and praise HIm.
Meditate on all His works and Praise the Lord. Come as you are, but not any way you please.
Think about it.
Worship...Unplugged
[Worship]
11/18/2008
By Contreras, Angel and Susan
Quite a morning.
Imagine everything for Sunday worship is planned, prepared and primed to go...only to to have to regroup, re-plan and pretty much do worship improv style. That's pretty much how it went this Sunday. The power went out of the building, but the power turned on in the body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit humbled us and showed us that in spite of our best laid plans He was in control. The atmosphere was positively electric. Ironic because we had no electricity. We had, at least in our pew, had to use our Hymnal, (you know that odd blue book that hasn't been used in years) to finish off the rest of "How Great Thou Art" because we had no power point. Pastor taught en encouraged us on the focus of worship, bowing down before the Lord (self-note: Gotta do that sometime).
The sweetness of that time was the prayer of the people. Young and seasoned alike crying out to God for friends with "throw up" issues and Praises for the gift of Salvation.
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord...we did
Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation...we did
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song... we did
For the Lord, He is the GREAT GOD; the Great KING above all gods
Let us come bow down in worship let us knee before the LORD our Maker..." Shall we? Psalm 95
Ah, how wonderful it is when God is the focus and not our voices, our songs, our clothes our electronics. When Heaven speaks we can hear, when we are at our end, then we can understand.
Just as a side note, as I was looking at the front of our Sanctuary, the most potent light came in through that circular window behind the pulpit. Emblazoned on it was the cross, silhouetted by the day's light. My eyes were riveted.
Folks, isn't that what Worship is all about. Focus on the cross and the Savior pinned to it, then let your heart erupt in Holy Song.
It was Peace...unplugged
Love ya
@ng
