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My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, thank you for your
unceasing and fervent prayers. Thank you also for your patience
and allowing me the necessary time to re-group, re-build and
re-organize. What a terrible fiasco this has been with my computer
problems and targeted virus attacks. There really are some down
right ugly people out there intent on destroying any good that
we might accomplish. No doubt, this is WAR! Thanks to Rita and
her unceasing efforts and practical knowledge, I am back up and
running again and on line with an amazing HP computer system
and necessary protection software. Lets hope it survives any
potential future attacks.
Jesus spoke metaphorically and in parables so those who are
called could understand and heed His warnings and apply His teachings.
He spoke to them on a level, which they could understand, and
was able to do it with many different occupations, speaking of
Kings and Rulers, Fisherman and Shepherds, Land Owners and Tax
Collectors, etc. When the disciples asked Jesus, "Why do
you speak to us in parables?" Jesus' response was deeply
profound. Matthew 13:11-15 "He answered and said unto
them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the
kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever
hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance:
but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that
he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they
seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which said,
By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing
ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart
is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their
eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with
their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with
their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
I recently answered an inquiry on Jesus' rebuke of the stormy
winds and request of the sea to be calm and why there was such
a marked difference between the two. Rebuke, as it was pointed
out, is a very strong word. Though there is little available
from scholars on the difference, I may offer my own insights,
as I am somewhat familiar with stormy seas, having been caught
up in them as well. Scripture tells us that Apostle Paul referred
to Satan as "the prince of the air." Ephesians 2:2
"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the
course of this world, according to the prince of the power of
the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"
This quite literally implies that among Satan's powers on earth,
is the power to stir up the weather and the earth's natural living
mechanisms, causing much damage, devastation and destruction
on people and places inhabited by man. We have most recently
seen this to be true regarding the recent volley of hurricanes
pounding Florida and the eastern seaboard of the United States.
This has been an unprecedented year for continuos strikes against
Floridians especially because where these hurricanes meet land,
their winds are strongest and do not dissipate until traveling
across many miles. Understand that the hurricanes pick up their
power and velocity from the warmer waters off shore and loose
power as they travel across landmasses. The hurricane season
is only half over and there may be more to come.
Now regarding the water and why Jesus said, "Peace
be still." The water is just that, an element of
the earth and not an active weather system. It is that which
is separated only by landmasses, which are also composed of many
earthly elements. When the winds blow and howl like they do the
surface of all bodies of water are stirred up and large wind
born waves are the result. But the water itself is what gives
life to all creatures on earth and if we take the Bible literally,
it was the waters, which were divided (separated) from the beginning.
Later on in Scripture, Jesus refers to the Word and Himself as
being the water of life. I wrote by the Spirit in my book where
God declared Himself to be the water of life in us and apart
from Him we would be nothing more than a bowl of dust. Think
about it. There is a harmony that exists between good science
and Scripture. So then, wind, weather and the earth and moon's
gravitational forces affect the water being an element. Remember
too that God used water to cleanse and baptize the earth in Noah's
flood. When I think about how large God's being is, I think about
how all the earth's bodies of water (Oceans and Seas) are connected
and I think about how deep the waters are. When I'm on the water
sailing about and I get far away from any land masses, I am totally
consumed by the enormity of the planet's water system and metaphorically
speaking, its as big as God to me and I am as an ant is to a
Blue Whale. Therefore, the water is not representative of Satan
but of God's life giving nature and enormity.
When we approach God our Creator for anything, we beseech
(make request) and at no time are we in a position to make demands
of Him or rebuke Him lest we fall from His grace. On the other
hand, Jesus was able to rebuke the wind because He knows who
was behind the forces of wind. Interestingly enough, the word
spirit is derived from the root word meaning breath or wind.
Pneuma; related to pneo #4154, to breath, blow; primarily denotes
the wind. Breath; the spirit which, like the wind, is invisible,
immaterial and very powerful. It cannot be seen but it can be
heard. Winds and other natural mechanisms are part of that which
Satan has dominion over for a limited time. This question was
a good one and I enjoyed answering it. As always, I spend time
in prayerful reflection about such requests before I attempt
to give answer. It is important to me that God is the one who
answers and not me, a mere man. Now, look more closely at that
passage and see how it actually answers itself by finishing with
the qualifying statement, "the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience." Please remember
that Jesus has the power and authority to rebuke Satan but as
for angels, and us we must make request of our Lord to do the
rebuking for we are disciples and subjects and not gods. This
is a classic error made in many Foursquare and Pentecostal movements.
The proof as always is found in our Master's living Word. Jude
1:9 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with
the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dare not bring
against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."
Is it mere coincidence that there is increased tectonic activity
along the Pacific Rim from Alaska to California? Just a day ago
at the time of writing this piece, there were two earthquakes,
one being in California and the other in Alaska. At the same
time is the awakening of the volcano, Mt. St. Helen's in Washington
State that is now producing at least three earthquakes a minute
ranging between 1 and 2.8 on the Richter scale. Scientists are
speculating much regarding the timing and size of the eruption
they now deem eminent. Though scientists do not concur on a relationship
between these earthquakes and the rumblings of a volcano along
the edge of the pacific plate, I say that this country is primed
for a humbling event or two. Coupled with the recent barrage
of hurricanes in Florida and along the East Coast, the timing
of an Election year in America set in a back drop of "the
war on terror" where hypocrisy reigns and many lives are
being lost for the pursuit of power and resource, we have the
makings for increased "birth pangs."
Friends and brethren, the days of "many sorrows"
are upon us. Surely, America who has failed to humble itself
is about to be humbled by wave after wave of catastrophic events.
Just look at the worsening forest fire dilemma the last few years.
How about the increased tornado activity in 2003? I have repeatedly
written and warned that the onslaught of natural and man made
catastrophes will continue to take its toll on lives, property
and economy. In 2002, I began writing and recording the increased
statistical data on the number of earthquakes and volcanic activity
since the year 2000. At the time, I reported this activity had
increased 300% on a global scale. How many out there are listening?
Among you who are listening, who believes the messenger? Please
people, do not disregard the message I am given to exhort. It's
plain and simple in context but very serious and certain that
the very Spirit of God evokes these time sensitive messages.
Many of you are aware of my continuos warnings and pleas to
this Nation and its government for its sincere repentance and
humble submission to God's authority. In the spring of 2001,
I first released this strong plea and had sent several letters
to the White House and major news networks only to have it fall
on deaf ears…
"Many Americans believe that through this Nations might
and resolve, that terrorism identified, as the enemy will be
driven out by military might and strength, even eradicated. The
strength that will defeat the enemy is not through weapons or
arms of massive destruction. The enemies are a lost people! They
will destroy themselves. They are already on a course of self-destruction.
The enemy does not need to be destroyed by our weapons and might
but by our love and obedience to GOD our Father. We do not have
permission to become terrorists ourselves but we are commanded
to love one another, even our enemies. "For love conquers
all."
"And this is love, that we walk according to His
commandments. This is the commandment, just as you (we) have
heard from the beginning, that you (we) should walk in it."
Second John 6
"This Nations true resolve will be our humble submission
to the grace of GOD and our turning away from our own transgressions
lest we ourselves fall from His grace. Who are we to judge another's
attack upon us as terror when we ourselves have blood stained
hands? A sincere repentance is in order for the American Nation.
This country then needs to make request of the Lord our GOD for
His deliverance from our enemies lest we ourselves become the
enemy. We must resolve to rise above these acts of terrorism
and violence. We must lead by example and turn the other cheek.
Defend ourselves yes, but let us not stoop to the level of our
adversaries. We must be careful how we wage war against our enemies
and recognize that the enemy is evil itself. Whenever we fight
evil with evil, we beget more evil."
Again and again I have cried out, "Rather than
asking God to bless America, I am shouting with a loud voice
for America to bless God!"
On February 5, 2003 just after the second historic Space Shuttle
catastrophe, I wrote a third letter to President Bush and exhorted
to him the utterances of God;
The Holy Spirit exhorted, "Self imposed humility is
honorable in the eyes of your Father and necessary for the keeping
of your Faith (Trust).
"Humility that is inflicted is necessary for your training
and discipline and is called for when you are unable to meet
the first requirement."
In the same letter, I further stated; "In 1999, I started
writing these exhortations as instructed to warn the Gentile
Nations and awaken the true sons of Israel. The first seventeen
are being published in a book entitled "Apostasy
Revealed." You (President George Bush) have the
first twelve original sermons. GOD, our Father, sent warning
through his messenger that if the people did not soon repent
(turn away) for their wickedness and indifference, it would be
"like a mountain erupting…The ramparts are beginning
to crumble and soon the walls will give way…like pine trees
on a mountain slope being laid waste…" I warned
of the increasing earthquakes, huge flaming forest fires, droughts
and volcanic awakening. I warned of the graft and corruption
within corporate America and the rise of chaos and various crimes.
I said these things would be evident and the light would expose
the darkness. I first exposed the sexual immorality within the
priesthood two years before it became headline news. I warned
you because I was sent to warn you. I wrote letters to you and
major news networks. I even sent an amateur video presentation,
"Message to the American Nation and Her Allied Neighbors."
For the most part, it all fell on deaf ears. I tried to gain
entry into Christian Churches and the messenger was shut down.
Hollywood material I am not but recent evidence and current events
suggest that the message I bear is prophetic and credible."
I ask you brethren, is it coincidence? If it is coincidence
then I am off my rocker and self deluded. If it is coincidence,
then why has so much of what I've written and exhorted come to
pass? On the other hand, If the word I am given to exhort is
prophetic and these indeed are the utterances of God, take heed!
I am moved to speak in such a way so as not to tickle your ears
but deliver time sensitive information so that you may have ample
opportunity to reconsider the choices you've made in your lives
and make the necessary adjustments that you may draw in a closer
and more intimate and meaningful relationship with the "God
of our fathers."
Again, I say, "Rather than asking GOD to bless America,
I am shouting with a loud voice for America to bless GOD!
I am asking the rest of America to obey their convictions of
truth and duty, even at the cost of their friends, family and
life itself. Don't you want a better world to live in? I do.
Are you ready to stand firm and resolve to stem the tide? I am.
How much do you love truth and justice? You know my answer. What
is the price you will pay for restoration and reconciliation?
Does the price we pay have any value in a market economy?
And the Spirit responding said,
"Guilt is something you run from and conviction is
something you obey.
Grace is something you receive and something you honor.
Mercy is undeserved but something you have and something you
give.
Justice is something you seek and something you do.
Hope is something you have and something you inspire.
Love is My Word to you and your Word to Me."
Brethren, listen to the Word! "If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not
sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
(1 John 1:1-10)
"When you understand (know) who you are and you
know yourself, then you will be known." Everyone
who is truly a Christian must be guided and taught by the Master
Himself. He has made that possible through granting the promise
of the Father's Spirit, given to dwell in those who obey His
command and precept.
"Apart from Him you are nothing.
You are either a Christian walking in the likeness of Christ
(the Appointment), or you are something less than a mere believer.
There is no gray area here. The truth is evident and confirmed
throughout Scripture." From Apostasy
Revealed
Let us not forget that very word of warning from Jesus regarding
these times that we most certainly are in…
Matthew 24:1-14 "And Jesus went out, and departed
from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him
the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye
not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not
be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown
down. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples
came unto him privately, saying, tell us, when shall these things
be and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of
the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that
no men deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I
am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars
and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these
things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation
shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there
shall be famines, and pestilence's, and earthquakes, in divers
places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they
deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall
be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many
be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one
another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive
many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many
shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same
shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall
the end come."
Hear me now brethren when I say that the day draws short when
they shall come to sweep us up and deliver us to imprisonment,
interrogations, torture and yes, even death. On top of the wars
and rumors of other potential conflicts, we also have the rapid
deterioration of what many consider the Church. What I must point
out to you is that these are the very temples, which Jesus spoke
of where "There shall not be left here one stone upon
another that shall not be thrown down." I have gone
on record in prior exhortations and my radio show, "The
Hour of Apostasy Revealed," declaring that these contemporary
Churches are the many divided houses of God. I have also reminded
you that Jesus taught us that "no house that is divided
against itself can stand." It therefore stands to
reason that these are the things to which we are witnesses and
this is the time that Jesus promised, "this gospel
of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness
unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Now ask yourself brethren, how close are we?
Jesus also promised regarding these days that He would send
various messengers to speak the utterances of God and gave warning
of what would be their fate. Matthew 23:34 "Wherefore,
behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes:
and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them
shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from
city to city:" Such is the life, calling and outcome
of some who are called. Thanks to the Roman Catholic Church,
many have died for this reason and now with America's Homeland
Security force and beefed up military, many more shall loose
their temporal lives because of their unwavering faith and stance
against these increasing abominations. But, how many is many?
Why do I feel so alone in this calling and commission? Why is
fellowship so hard to achieve? The answers are found at the heart
of man's religious deception. Just look at the common outcome
of religious posturing in many of today's Churches.
A NEW WAVE "CAT AND DOG"
THEOLOGY
Here is a perfect example of yet another apostate doctrine
spreading like disease across declining congregations called
the "Cat and Dog" theology. What a crock! Look
at what a brother recently uncovered in his local church…
He wrote:
The ministry is called "Unveilinglory." The two
men who author the material are Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison.
The first premise is the Cat / Dog joke.
Dog says "you feed me, you pet me, you must be God."
Cat says "you feed me, you pet me, I must be God."
"Cat" Christians don't have incorrect theology,
just incomplete theology.
IOW's (In other words) when cats get saved, they do it for
what's in it for them. i.e. They get saved because "I don't
want to go to hell, its about me and what I want."
This, according to Robison, is incomplete theology. To complete
the theology they would have to realize that they got saved not
just to escape hell, but to give glory to God with their lives.
Thus they would become "dog" Christians, who supposedly
are not in it for them but for the master. (Actually dogs are
in it for themselves too). This is not too bad so far.
Error #1:
Jesus Christ is not central; in fact the gospel Paul preached
is all but absent.
People are forced to choose. The Bible, Is it about God? Is
it about us? Robison teaches, "As Christians, we say it's
about God, but we live like it's about us."
The foundational doctrinal premise of "cat-n-dog"
is that the Bible is NOT about us. It's about God and his glory.
To read the Bible with us in mind at all is being self centered.
These points are hammered over and over.
Jesus Christ does not even enter as an option, when in fact,
the entire Bible is about Him and how God sent Jesus to make
a way for us to come into relationship with God. Therefore, it
IS about God AND about us THROUGH Jesus Christ. In fact, the
one mention of Jesus and why He came to earth is presented in
the light that while he died for us, he really died to glorify
the Father, so that we might glorify the Father. (In reality,
it was the act of obedience in going to the cross that glorified
the Father, not the death of Jesus. Sin and hell are downplayed
and all but avoided.
While it's true that we were created primarily to bring glory
and praise to God. We can't do that without the redemption of
Jesus Christ for our sins. They leave that out.
Error #2:
We should not be on a "rescue mission" to save souls
from hell. Rather we should encourage people to go on a "treasure
hunt" to find God's glory.
To get saved in order to escape hell is presented as a self-centered,
wrong reason.
They don't tell people that they have broken Gods law and that
they deserve to die. They don't say that God is furious with
them for rejecting his Son and his death on the cross and that
unless they repent and trust in Jesus, HELL is where they are
going. They don't tell that Jesus died was buried and rose again
on the third day and conquered sin to save them from eternal
separation and hell... so that they could bring glory to God.
They discourage "fire escape" or "rescue mission"
evangelism. They cast aspersion on those who place importance
on evangelism to save souls, implying that those who do evangelize
to save souls do so in order to off-set immorality in their lives.
They belittle use of John 3:16. It's about "us", therefore
it is a "cat" verse and is self-centered. They also
belittle "Jesus Loves Me".
They teach that when we witness to people we should tell them
that they should become a Christian so that they can worship
God and glorify him. It has to be "what's in it for God"
and not "what's in it for me".
Therefore, according to "cat/dog" logic we should not
get saved to escape hell. If Jesus died to save us from "the
wages of sin" (death, hell) then, according to their logic,
He died for the wrong reason.
Error #3:
Elevation of Creation- devaluing of mankind
On Creation:
Over and over, the point is made to glorify God as we look
at nature.
They teach that God told us not to make graven images, so that
we would be able to "see Him in" the creation (flowers,
trees, wind, butterflies, etc).
Not once was it mentioned that we bring the greatest glory to
God by allowing Jesus Christ to be manifested in us, the way
we live, our attitudes, etc. Only by looking at nature, tasting,
hearing music. "I can worship God while I listen to the
Beach Boys…." Puh-leeze!
Value of mankind:
1-"God is not fair"
We were given examples of three people who served God, yet
had different outcomes. Thereby, we conclude that God is not/does
not have to be "fair". "You have no right to ask,
'Is it fair?'"
Nothing was mentioned about justice. Or just trusting that God
sees the bigger plan for our lives.
We should not question when life is taken. We should not grieve
when a child is taken.
2-We were told not to seek the glory of the "winner's circle"
by seeking to be like the Bible heroes (of faith). Rather, we
were told that we should identify with the lesser characters
of the Bible. The two examples given were of nameless people
who died. We were told that they died in order that God might
be glorified. (Not true.)
Ex. -1) Job's children. This
story was told as if Job's children went to heaven and had a
conversation with God. (This seemed to be a deliberate but subtle
denial of hell.)
Ex. -2) David and the 70,000
who died as a result of his sin and his choice of judgment on
his people.
What is missing here is this: If bringing glory to Gods name
is so paramount in his theology, then the greatest glory to God
that we could possibly affect would be that of seeking to be
like none other than Jesus Christ. This "option" was
totally omitted as was the fact that Hebrews 11 sets before us
a whole list of "winners" as examples of people to
emulate in order to bring the greatest glory to God. He equates
these men and women of faith to being "the winner's circle".
This is a distortion. They simply walked in faith and obedience
to God, enduring hardship and seldom seeing the promise fulfilled.
Error #4:
Prayer
Examples of prayers were given, then we were asked, "Is
this a cat prayer?" "Is this a dog prayer?"
Only prayers that were prayed for others (not self, or even those
belonging to us) and in which it was prayed for "the greatest
glory of God" were deemed to be "dog" prayers.
By these criteria, the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples/us
to pray is a "cat" prayer. See further about the final
assessment of "cat" theology. (First presented as incomplete,
later presented as sin.) (Of course, the author denied this when
we presented the question to him by email.)
Error #5:
"Cat" theology is sin and must be uprooted.
At first it is taught to be incomplete. Now is it presented
as sin (dandelion to be uprooted!).
It must be replaced by "dog" theology.
See error #4 and the prayer that Jesus taught. According
to their criteria it is a "cat" prayer, which would
now be equivalent to…
Error #6:
Mode of "teaching" uses mind control techniques.
The senses are bombarded. Rapidly changing visuals. Bells.
Rapid fire talks. Humor is used to both degrade and then hide
the degradation.
At the end of every hour of "programming" the statement
was made that we would not retain any more than 15% of what we
heard, therefore it was highly advised that we buy the books,
CD's and yes even "UN approved" World maps. Of course
there are special CD's for the children and special CD's for
the teens and everyone was told that buying the CD's for the
teens and kids was imperative. He stated that it was necessary
to listen to the CD's or read the books at least four, if not
six times, in order to assure a total change in our way of thinking.
Concepts are concluded along a line of reasoning, thus conclusions
are drawn that are not Bible based and scripturally founded.
During the last session, pages were "ripped" from
the Bible on stage. It was a "stage" Bible, yet it
was made to look as if it were not.
This is not a one time fly by night / flash in the pan operation.
Mainstream fundamental churches, including the SBC and the Methodist
are embracing this teaching. Their influence is already reaching
overseas to countries like Ukraine and Russia.
It should be noted that although we could not put our finger
on any solid evidential statement, my wife and I had a strong
sense of anti-Semitism in his presentation. End of his letter.
My reply in part followed; "Add to that
the larger wave of adopted "Purpose Driven" movements
and their new product, "The 40 Day program" and we
have a fresh new uprising of absolute denial and unbelief. I
truly believe that in general, people are lazy and for the most
part experience mental blockage or disinterest in reading God's
Word. All too often, it is more convenient to listen to another
man (preacher) speak a sermon and while he makes an attempt to
identify with common contemporary styles and society, he leads
the hearers into pits of darkness and blindness. The people swallow
it like a fish attracted to a lure. There is no conviction and
discipline is a forgotten by-word. What is really disturbing
is the fact that these modern day preachers are popular because
they are often witty and humorous and that is appealing to an
entertainment driven society. Then, salt is added to our wounds
when they publish books that teach this garbage making best seller
lists. When a society demands something like wealth and prosperity
doctrines, they get it not unlike drug dealers staying in business
because the demand exists regardless of the increased campaigns
against drug use and stiffer penalties for such. Yes, the human
conditioned has worsened and I believe, is quickening the pace
of our "end times."
There is no time like now for God's appointed to rise up and
glorify the Father's indwelling Spirit as Christ Jesus had demonstrated
speaking the very utterances of God. As Jesus glorified the Father
so we too are called to do the same there-by glorifying Christ
in us and continuing His ongoing redemptive works in human vessels.
His Kingdom is comprised not only of the heavenly but also of
the earthly and we are commissioned to usher in and bring it
about so that it may rise in the midst of God's enemies and put
asunder every lofty speculation and deception. I'm sure you would
agree with me that our "salvation" is a duty and responsibility
to Jesus whom we profess as Lord of lords and King of kings.
AMEN
For the benefit of new comers and those who have not taken
much time to tour Cephas Ministry's vast library and resources,
I'd like to close this exhortation with a recent response to
the question, "How did we come by calling the Ministry,
Cephas?
Nicholas Scrolls is part of
Cephas Ministries, which is of long standing. The name Cephas
goes back to the Bible in John 1:42
"And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld
him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called
Cephas, which is by interpretation, A
stone (petra).
Why did we associate our lives
with a stone you might ask? Stones lay on the ground and are
walked on. We could identify with that as Christians. Everywhere
we went we were not wanted and trampled on.
As our beloved Father would have
it He showed us Scripture later that these stones are lively
stones and make up the Temple that the Holy Spirit lives in as
told in 1Peter 2:5:
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual
house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5
KJV)
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto
ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in
a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your
hearts:
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is
of any private interpretation. 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 1:19-21 KJV)
The reason why There shall not be left here one stone upon
another that shall not be thrown down," is because
"Judgement begins with the household of God."
Following the very pattern of Christ Jesus is to disciple after
Him and we view our salvation to be a duty and responsibility
to God and man to uphold and glorify the indwelling presence
of the Father, His Son and His Spirit learning to accept and
live by the same selfless standards that Jesus upheld. Jesus
didn't command to 'go to church.' He said, "We are
the Church" and it is our duty and obligation to continue
the very same works, which He established. Religion at first
is a place where "new borns" can be nourished but many
churches all too often become a crutch and hindrance to man's
spiritual growth and relationship with God. Our arms are spread
wide and our hearts are open to the whole of humanity but each
one must accept and follow the pattern, which Jesus authored.
Come and share salvation with us. Take a stand against mediocrity
and hypocrisy and resolve to make a difference in this ever-darkening
world. May He bless your heart richly with desire and grace and
let us all pray in agreement that our individual callings and
desire to serve our Lord's Kingdom will continue to bear fruit
and glorify Him who calls us of darkness into light. In Christ
Jesus name, grant as we pray oh Lord. AMEN
Nicholas A. Stivers a humbled God fearing man, scribe and
messenger
Author; Apostasy Revealed Published
by Mountain View Publishing ISBN 1-928602-92-4
Jude 1:1-8 "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ,
and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the
Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto
you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 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. For there are certain men crept in unawares,
who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly
men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying
the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore
put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the
Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward
destroyed them that believed not. And the angels who kept
not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath
reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment
of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities
about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication,
and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example,
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these
filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak
evil of dignities." |