What would it take?

Do you share your faith? Do you tell others what Christ did for you? Do you tell them what Christ did for them? Do you talk about everything except for God? Does the Name above all names only come up when someone sneezes around you? May I suggest that your current path come to a screeching halt, you turn to Christ and do what He told us to do.

What would it take for you to share the Gospel with someone? Your coworkers, people at the grocery standing in line with you, your family, anyone. Everyone needs to hear the TRUE Gospel of God. First please make sure it is THE GOSPEL and not a watered down, mane centered, feel good story about how God has a wonderful plan for your life and wants to bless you (see any of my other posts). What incentives would it take for you to open your mouth and proudly proclaim the Saving Grace of the Lord?

Would you talk to your neighbor for $5.00? How about $10.00? Better yet, would you accept $1000.00 for each and every person that you shared the True Gospel with? Would that open your mouth and negate all of the anxiousness and fear associated with talking to someone about Jesus? Although it may not erase the fear, I am almost certain that most people would overlook such personal discomforts and feelings for $1000.00 per person. I would also venture to say that in my hometown of Paducah Kentucky, within a week every ear would have heard Gods Gospel. I am not in the clear here either. I wrestle with just this thought daily. Lord why can’t I open my mouth more? Why can’t I tell those poor souls that are buying their way to hell every minute of the day as they live in constant rebellion and hatred towards the God that breathed physical life into them? I could make any number of excuses, but would any of them matter? If I am not doing what the Father said for me to do I am living in sin.

Reflecting on the simple question of monetary gains for evangelizing, if you would do it for money – why won’t you do it for the saving of souls? Isn’t the soul of a loved one or friend more precious than anything money could buy? Matt 6:24 makes it clear that we can’t serve God and money. So what is the real problem? For me, and this is not an excuse, I am a naturally quiet person. I find it hard to talk to anyone that I do not know. The more I get to know someone, the more I speak around them. It’s my “nature”, it’s who I am or actually who I was. But there is the answer, at least on my part, I am trying to do the talking, I am sweating opening my mouth, I am standing there palms drenched in sweat with my knees knocking (not that bad, but bad none the less). I am trying to do something that God will do using me as His tool. Just as He used men to write the Bible as His pens, He will use my mouth to speak His words. It all boils down to the fact that I am holding on to part of my flesh and not being the slave to God that I am. Moses had a speech impediment Exodus 4:10, Jeremiah did too Jer 1:5-9. But look what the Lord did through them. Is He not capable of opening my mouth as well or am I just being openly defiant to Him? I know the answer and I know what I must do. The question is – Do you?

We are bought with a price, 1 Cor 6:19-20. How can we not open our mouths? Not just because we are commanded to, but because of the people that are on their way to hell. We are commanded to sow the seed and God will take care of the rest. He uses our words to tweak the conscience of others hearts, to till the ground and loosen the ground. We must simply do what we know we are to do and open our mouths and BOLDLY proclaim the TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. There will be persecution, you can count on that John 15:16-25. We must not run from God like Jonah did - Jonah 1:3. Just step out in faith that God will do what He promised. Speaking to people is by ar the hardest thing for me to do, it’s not part of my physical/ fleshly makeup. It is part of my spiritual makeup because my heart cries out for the lost, especially the lost that are really on the way to hell. The ones that are having their itching ears tickled 2 Tim 4:3 and looking for answers outside of what God revealed and still reveals to us in His Word. \I have close friends and family that are deceived by what the American form of Christianity has instilled in them. They are what’s called inoculated against the True Christianity of the Bible. They look for teachers that fit their beliefs instead of looking for teachers that teach the Word.

There is a conference scheduled for October 11th here in Paducah KY at the Cherry Civic Center. This is a free event with a lunch being served. The topics include:
What is wrong with American Christianity?
The essential elements of the Gospel
What is TRUE conversion?
Check it out here www.realtruthmatters.com Please register early as seating will be limited.

Are you......?

What is probably the most important question to ask yourself, that is if you call yourself a Christian? Is it – Do I spread the Gospel, Do I go to church like I should, Do I sin too much, Should I tell people at work about God or Should I be doing more? I say no it is none of those. It will actually dictate the answer of those questions for you.

Are you curious yet? Have you figured out what the question is? You may have never heard this before; you may want to ask yourself this question daily. In fact in a different way we are exhorted to ask ourselves this question, to test ourselves if you will.

I’ll stop stalling now and let you in on it. Just a 3-word question to ask – “Am I changed?” Has the Lord, God of all taken my sinful nature and reversed my direction? Am I now walking in the Light instead of hiding in the darkness? If you have indeed been saved by grace, you have been changed. You are a new creation in Christ as 2 Cor. 5:17 tell us. If you have been recreated then how can you live a life of sin John 3:3? How can the power of God (Rom 1:16) unto salvation not be enough to change you? The power of God created everything, can that same power not take you hardened heart and make it pliable? Make you sinful nature turn from hating God and turn to Him in mercy?

Don’t cheapen the Cross, the sacrifice of God, the suffering of Christ. Do not call yourself a Christian if you remain in your sinful lifestyle, if you are one of those mentioned in 1 Cor 6:9 –10, don’t take the Saviors name in vain and try to justify your lifestyle, your sins. Man will naturally try to justify themselves (Luke 16:15), but are not and never will fool God. Do not mock God (Gal 6:7).

If God has started a work in you, He will finish it Phil 1:6. If you look back at your past sinful life and lust to have it again you are not fit for the Kingdom Luke 9:62. If your basis, your point of looking back for salvation is a prayer, a walk down an isle, a preachers exhortation that you are “saved” instead of an actual supernatural work of God that totally changed you from the inside. A lot of people are deceived by the modern message that churches are preaching. I would not be at all cautious to say that at least 90% of those that call themselves Christians aren’t. They rest their faith on a fleeting, momentary fuzzy feeling during a preachers message, the badgering by that same preacher to walk the sawdust trail during an extended altar call that is actually a form of hypnosis. No where in scripture is music used for a call to repent, no where in scripture is anyone declared saved by anyone, no where in scripture are the guidelines of Campus Crusade for Christ laid out – the first of their “Principles” is sad – God has a wonderful plan for your life. Now, where exactly does the Bible say that? I am also sure you would have a hard time talking Stephen (Acts 6:8 – 8:3), Philip, Matthew, James the brother of Jesus, Andrew, Peter, Jude, Luke and any of thousands if not millions of Martyrs for Christ that they had a wonderful life planned out for them. All that statement is – is a man centered statement to produce a very unbiblical result. If you look at John 15:20 Jesus Himself promised His followers that they would be persecuted. But then if that is your message, how many decisions would churches have? I venture to say that if the true Word of God was preached and the “decisions” were not head felt, but heart felt with the urging of God, instead of the urging by man, if the Holy Spirit was allowed to do what He said He would do, then the 90%+ fall away rate would be cut drastically.

God is all powerful and can change a mans sinful heart. We are all sinful, vile creatures that deserve damnation, but instead God provided a Way to salvation. The Way is Christ, not a prayer, not a ticket, not a decision or getting baptized, but Gods Holy Power to Salvation. We are commanded to repent and turn from our sinful existence, to trust in what God revealed to us through His Word. There is no other way. Don’t listen to Oprah, Obama or any other heretic that says all roads lead to God. That is a lie from the pits of hell. God is very exclusive in revealing salvation – John 14:6 is pretty cut and dry. Is that a narrow minded thought? You bet and Matt. 7:14 tells us that.

Are you a Christian? Have you been basing your salvation on a single experience? Has your life not changed to the conformance to more Christ likeness? Did you “give your heart to Jesus” in Vacation Bible School and base you salvation on that experience? Do you not produce the fruit of scripture? Or do you produce evil fruits? Has your life changed? Does your life continue to change? Has your bible been closed for days? Months? Years? Do you not love the Word of God? His love story to you? Also do not postpone crying to God that He might save you. A deathbed confessional may very well be the greatest fairy tale of our time. This is the hour unto salvation.

If you have any questions about salvation, please send me a message. I am no biblical scholar by any means, but I will find the answer for you. It may not be what you want to hear, but it will be the Truth of the Word.

Who is your master?

Did you know that as a Christian you are in all actuality a SLAVE to Christ? Not a servant or a follower, but a SLAVE.

Did you realize that the word in the original Greek NT Text Doulos means slave. Did you know that the word Doulos is used 130 times. Did you also know that the word Doulos is only translated slave 1 time in the King James translation? What about the other 129 times you ask. Servant or bond servant are the most common words used. Just take the great verse of spoken by our lord in Matt 6:24 -

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The first part Jesus used the word doulos, - No man can be a slave to two masters... Now that adds a whole new level to the verse. Since we are slaves and have been bought with a price, we are not our own. We are Christ's and we do His will, not our own. If you are still doing your own will, then you are still a slave to self, the flesh and this wretched world.

Christ is Lord, wether you accept and realize it or not. God created the world through Him and will judge the world through Christ. He is Lord and Ruler of all, like it or not. In order to be a Christian you must confess that Christ is Lord after you come to that realization. He is Lord no matter what anyone says to the contrary.

Check out this great message from Pastor John MacArthur on this most important topic. As always, Dr. MacArthur, one of the - if not the greatest Biblical minds of our day says this better than I ever could.

CLICK HERE FOR PASTOR JOHN MACARTHURS SERMON ON SLAVES TO CHRIST

Where's Bentley?

Okay, I'll put it to you straight. I've deliberated about the title of this posting and decided to not go for the obvious Waldo play on words and call it Where's Baldo? I did a little photoshopping and made a little "Where's Todd Bentley" Game. It's not very hard, but it's fun. Enjoy. The first person to find him in this picture will get........ absolutely nothing.

To my knowledge Bentley is still on sabbatical and isn't speaking. I did not switch over to godtv this evening to see the broadcast. But have fun and invite your friends to play along too. Click the picture to open up full size (I hope this works through photobucket, if not let me know and I'll try an alternative)

CLICK ON PICTURE FOR FULL VERSION TO SEARCH FOR WALDO Bentley

CLICK HERE FOR HIS LOCATION (ANSWER)

Where's Todd Bentley Hiding?

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it odd that the current poster boy for the charismatic healing wave is M.I.A ? To me, if Todd has been truly anointed with healing powers from God, would he not be able to heal himself and not need a sabbatical to rest or be refreshed or whatever other reason they concoct?

In my estimation, Bentley has been coming under much "fire" lately, and it ain't the fire he calls down in his meetings. The Nightline segment was fantastic at sharing some of Bentley's questionable tactics and past. I am personally awaiting Geraldo's follow up report of his forst segment pertaining to Bentley. Geraldo may be a little controversial, but he doesn't pull any punches.

I really believe God has taken Bentley out of the picture for a while, or maybe even for good. I know that I have been praying that God would show His power and silence this heretic. It is sad that these thousands of people are being lead astray with itching ears by this 2 Tim 4:1-5false prophet.

Do a quick search on youtube for Bentleys videos. All I can say is WOW! And HOW! How can these poor souls be so deceived by this loon?

Click here for Real Truth Matters

Here are some of Bentleys greatest Bams:

ABC's Nighline Clip


Legdrop the pastor?


Bob?


BAM!BAM!BAM! HEY!HEY!HEY!


Uh, yeah.


1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Behold, Rev 3:20's real meaning

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.


Perhaps one of the most used scriptures by evangelists and preachers for decades to declare that Jesus is standing at your hearts door and knocking, seeking a place within your heart and life. The paintings, pictures and stained glass representations of this bring it to life, quite possibly the most recognizable artwork of Christ, next to da Vinci’s Last Supper.

The sermon may go a little something like this:
“Oh lost sinner, Jesus is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Won’t you open the door and let Him in? Won’t you let Him fill the hole in your heart that only He can fill?”

How many times have you heard that referencing Revelation 3:20? Countless I am sure. My former church home just posted the latest sermon entitled “Grace Matters” here.
If you skip to about the 28:30 mark, or thereabouts, you will hear Pastor Jimmy Franks use this analogy and use of this most important text of Christ’s Revelation as presented to the Apostle John. (I check back sometimes to see if they have changed their message from a man centered message to a Christ centered message that no longer promotes the declaration of salvation to people, or that freely accepts people as born again that are blatantly living a life of sin which would mean that God is not powerful enough to change someone)

“So, Jeff, what’s the deal? Why are you writing a blog entry on this?”

I am glad that you asked.

Using this passage of scripture in this manner is….. well, not scriptural and a gross contextual misuse. Here is the entire passage:
Revelation 3:14-20 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

You see, this passage of scripture is not about an individual’s heart or salvation; this passage is written to the church that has turned their back on Jesus. Look again at the picture. Jesus is on the outside of the church door, knocking, seeking to be within the church. The church has turned their back on Him, maybe over run with “seeker sensitive” programs, maybe everyone is to caught up in their religion, maybe no one even knows Jesus to let Him into their church and are instead having fellowship with the other “jesus” they have created that allows for them to live a life of sin and still consider themselves saved or born-again. Something is wrong and for whatever reason Jesus is not part of their church. And by power of deduction and a little Kentucky slang "If Jesus ain't in your church, then Jesus ani't your focal point of Worship".

This passage is evangelistic in nature. Just understand that it is evangelistic to the church, not an individual. The church age we are living in now parallels this church that Jesus speaks of. This is the last church age before Jesus’ return. Are you ready? Are you in a church that professes Christ in words only and actually turns it’s collective back on Him? Does your pastor boldly and biblically proclaim God’s Truth as revealed in His Word? Have you had an encounter with Christ? A life changing, Damascus road event that turned your sin loving life into a God loving, Word proclaiming, truly Born Again child of the True and Living God? Or are you content at believing a walk down the isle, a 10 second prayer or a pastor declaring you saved is all you need for your ticket to heaven?

My dear friend, Christ is not a ticket to anything. He is Everything. If Christ is not your everything, then you will probably be one that is referred to in Matt 7:21-23. You will profess Him as He rebukes you and tells you that He never knew you. What a fearful thought that people that even people that preached, cast out demons and other miracles will be cast into the bottomless pit of hell. How many times have you preached? How many demons have you cast out of someone? How many miracles have you performed? Speaking for myself only, zero. But by the Grace of God He chose me to save, He extended Grace to me, He pulled me out of sins grip into His bosom.

What about you? No prayer will save you. No profession of faith. No decision. No walk down an isle. No manipulation by an evangelist or preacher to evoke an emotional response while the choir sings “Just As I Am” 7 times. Nothing can save you less the Father draws you to Him. Nothing you can do can save you, which would be salvation by works. Cry out that God will be merciful and save you and don’t stop until He allows His Grace and compassion to rebirth you into His true Church for His Glory.

Modern Expressions Taken From The Bible

We’ve all heard about “The writing on the wall” when you do something you know what the turnout will be, “Burning the midnight oil” while studying for a test or getting a project finished, which could also be done “By the skin of your teeth”. We all know we have to have “The patience of Job” when being “Your brothers keeper”.

We have all heard these expressions many times, but did you realize that they are from the Bible? Just another testament that Gods Word does not go out void and that it is engrained in the hearts and minds of men. Even the hard-core sinner knows “the love of money is the root of all evil” and how to “Raise Cain”.

Here is a small list of common expressions that are rooted in Gods Word. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Please feel free to leave a comment with any other ones that you know.

Writing on the wall Dan 5:5

Scapegoat Lev 16:10

Reap what you sow Gal 6:7

Turn the other cheek Matt 5:39

In the lions den or thrown to the lions Dan 6:16

Brother’s keeper Gen 4

Sign of the times Matt 16:3

Patience of Job James 5

Fall flat on your face Num 22:31

Pour out your heart Psalm 62:8

Sour Grapes Ezekiel 18:2

Skin of teeth Job 19:20

Stand in awe Psalm 4:4

To put words in his mouth Exodus 4:15

Like a lamb to the slaughter Isaiah 53:7

Rise and shine Isaiah 60:1

Salt of the earth Matt 5:13

A thorn in the flesh 2 Cor 12:7

Powers that be Rom 13:1

From dust to dust Gen 3:19

To wash one’s hands of something Matt 27:24

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak Matt 26:41

Shirt off your back Matt 5:40

Go the extra mile Matt 5:41

Blind leading the blind Matt 15:14

Wolf in sheep’s clothing Matt 7:15

The eleventh hour Matt 20:6

The right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing” Matt 6:3

Apple of your eye Deut 32:10

Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-33

Straight and narrow Matt 7:14

Old as the hills Job 15:7

Wits end Psalm 107:27

Leopard cant change its spots Jer 13:23

Don’t cast your pearls before swine Matt 7:6

Drop in the bucket" Isaiah 40:15

Eat, drink, and be merry Eccl 8:15

Eye for an eye Exodus 21:24, Lev 24:20, Deut 19:21 Matt 5:38

Labor of love 1 Thess 1:3

Letter of the law 2 Cor 3:6

More blessed to give than to receive Acts 20:35

No peace (rest) for the wicked Isaiah 48:22, Isaiah 57:21

Put your house in order 2 Kings 20:1, Isaiah 38:1

Sweat of your brow Gen 3:19

The love of money is the root of all evil 1 Tim 6:10

There's nothing new under the sun Eccl 1:9

Raising Cain Gen 4:8

Missed by a hair Judges 20:16

Burning the midnight oil Matt 25:6-9

You can't take it with you when you die 1 Tim 6:7

Blasphemy and Idle Words

Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.

Blasphemy? What is it? According to the 10 Commandments it is #3 declared in Exodus 20:7. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain. Do you ever do this? Now wait a minute, not just the most common form of this, but any of the forms. I really do not want to list them, but to get this point across I will have to.

My first example of a now days common use of Gods name in vain can be found in most chat rooms and text messages today – OMG, which is “Oh my G-d”. A using of Gods Holy name to show surprise, shock, disgust or awe. Any of which is blasphemy. This can be compared to the ever popular “Oh, Lord” or “Good Lord”. I even hear this at churches, even exclaimed by some pastors. Why? The same as any other vain vocalization of Gods name, there is no true reverence for His name by the person saying it. Could they be saying it in ignorance? Perhaps if the person doesn’t know what the names of God are, but that is doubtful.

Do you ever say “God bless you” when someone sneezes? If so why? Is it because it comes natural or is the polite thing to do? You always have? Your Mama always did? Anything except for truly asking God to bless that person? If so, then that is using the name of God in vain. I prefer Gesundheit, which is German for “good health”. Most of the time I do not say anything. We all sneeze, just as we all cough and I never hear anyone wishing blessing on someone for coughing. The pagan reason for saying “God bless you” or just the shortened “Bless you” goes way back, arguably from one of 3 reasons or perhaps all 3. 1.) Well wishes that someone did not become infected with a deadly sickness, namely the plague of the 14th Century. 2.) To prevent the soul from leaving the body. 3.) Protection from a demon or evil being from entering the mouth of a sneezing individual. All of which would probably not work as is.

Next is a the more blatant forms, the flat out “Jesus Christ” sometimes with a more colorful middle name added. Even the shortened “Jeez” is derived from the Lords name. A total disregard for His name. This is becoming more prevalent over time as this world spins out of control.

A very common usage in churches, by pastors, standing in the pulpit, addressing the congregation is having the people turn to the text of the lesson and saying “Say praise the Lord when you get there” then everyone repeats. Are these people so blind to this open disregard for the Lord? They use His name as an affirmation, instead of saying “Got it”, “There”, “Ready to go” – SOMETHING – ANYTHING except Gods name. Would you say "praise the Lord" when you arrive at a restaurant or someones home you are going to visit? (If it is in-laws, probably never - just a joke I love my extended family very much)My point is - Gods name doesn't have to be used in place of a four letter filth word to be used in vain.

But the 3rd commandment really goes deeper than just using Gods name out of place, out of disgust, as an affirmation or as a well blessing for having hay fever. How about the person that defiles Gods name by claiming to be in Christ but live differently? The professing “Christian” that lives a life of immorality, blatantly forsaking Christ and still claim to be a Christian. This is an attempt to cheapen Gods Holy name. A lot of people I am around daily do this, the profess Christ in one breath, then brag about their sins the next - while listening to "AC/DC Highway to Hell".

My last example will be said a lot over the next week – “God Bless America”. Now think about it- in order for God to bless America, He will first have to be blessed by America. His Name will have to be revered, the killing of Innocent babies will have to stop, the collective turning of Americas back on God and everyone says “God Bless America”? Why? And how is that not the biggest charge of vain words against God? A society that is so totally depraved that everything is acceptable - as long as it's not in the Bible.

To me, and this is my opinion, my feeling and right now I can not back it up with a scripture passage is: A true born again, new creation, in Christ Christian can break any of the 10 commandments, except this one. I think that if a person has surrendered to God, they can not even fathom using the Saviours name a a curse word, it is not possible. If you claim to be Christs, born anew of God and you do – then I very seriously think you need to examine yourself as 2 Cor 13:5 tells us “Examine yourselves”. Do you ever examine your fruits? Your walk? Why not? We are commanded to. I would much rather take the test here to assure my salvation than wait until I am standing before God and He judges me. Other than this commandment, everyone breaks the others from time to time – a little fib here, taking a paper clip from work, getting angry at someone without cause, looking with lust and so on – but this Commandment shows the heart of a person, how much they love God and cherish His name and honor and revere His names as revealed to us.

A few verses to ponder this day –

Matthew 12:36-37 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Philippians 2:9-11 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Psalms 139:20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile

You will one day stand before the great and awesome God that revealed Himself to us through His Word. Will you be able to say – Lord I have revered Your Name, I have held close to my heart the names that you gave yourself, I truly gave my life to you and repented of my sins and hatred for you. You saved me by grace and there is nothing that I did or that I can do to merit the Justification that is only possible by the blood of Jesus. Thank you my dear God and Lord of all.

An Alternative To The Common ABC's of Christianity

So you have probably heard the ABC way of evangelizing
A – Admit you are a sinner
B – Believe that Jesus is the Son of God
C – Confess your faith in Jesus

I would like to submit that there is a much more biblical ABC’s of Christianity. The more common ABC’s are a really generalized outline. Let me break the more common down before I go into the more biblical.

A – Admit that you are a sinner. This is somewhat biblical, but does a person just look at this and say, sure I’ve told a lie or 2, I committed adultery a time or 2 as well. BUT admitting and actually coming to a true understanding of your transgressions against a Holy and Just God are totally different.

B – Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Just one point here James 2:19 – Even the demons believe and tremble – Matt 8:29 States that demons acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God and thought He had came to torment them before judgment day. So just believing IN is not enough.

C - Confess your faith in Jesus. Romans 10:9-10, 13 are a common proof scripture for this “C”. You must first put these verses into context in which Paul wrote them. These were not written for a “means of salvation”. These are actually the doorway to salvation, the first step if you will, of the act of God turning your cold sinful heart into a warm moldable heart of flesh.

Now I will lay out a more biblical representation of the “ABC’s of Salvation”.

A – Allow the Holy Spirit of God you have hated since birth to perform a transformation from the sin loving person you have been since birth into a God loving, God fearing believer. 2 Cor. 5:17 says that If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away ALL things become new. This is a spiritual re-birth that is a requisite for salvation. You cannot stay in the sinful lifestyle that you once loved; you cannot submit to the world and be of the world. It not spiritually possible.

B – Become a new creation in Christ. Totally die to self, Rom 12:1, Rom 8:13-14, Heb 9:14, Matt 16:24. If you have been truly regenerated by God, then your life will no longer be your own. You will seek the face of God daily and will shun sin and seek His righteousness – Not just one time, but for the rest of your life. No profession of faith, no prayer, no decision ever saved a man from Gods fury and judgment. If you have truly been born again you will have a new heart for God and a new relationship with sin in which you will shun it, despise it and be instantly impacted by it when you fall into it. You must put yourself down and pick up your own cross. This is not a very popular message this day and age where the “seeker sensitive” or man centered message is the norm.

C – Continually repent of your sins Matt 4:17, Luke 13:3 and 5, Rev 2:4-5 - continually seek the face of God 2 Chron. 7:14, Heb 11:6, 1 Peter 3:12, continually profess Christ Rom 10:10, Matt 10:32-33, Psalms 107, Rom 1:16 - continually praise God for providing salvation that is totally undeserved of anything that you could do Eph 1:3-14, Matt 25:34, Luke 12:32, Acts 9:15, 2 Thess 2:13-14, 2 Tim 1:9, Jn 1:12, Eph 2:8-19.



If God has truly saved you and you have become a new creation, born again, then you will walk in the Light and will no longer have the same fleshly desires. Think about the physical world as Nicodemus did, how can I be born again? Enter back into my mother’s womb? Of course not, Jesus was talking about a spiritual birthing process. Just as you were truly born physically, you cannot change your genetic make up and become a dog or even change your skin color if you wanted to. So it is with spiritual birth, when you are TRULY born of the Spirit, you can not change your spiritual DNA, you CAN NOT live in sin 1Jn 3:4-10, Eph 4:22-24, Gal 2:20, Tit 2:14.

If you are having doubts about your conversion I pray that you will examine yourself as 2 Cor 13:5 tells us. If you are living a life filled with sin, then chances are you are not a true Christian. If you are friends of the World then you are the enemy of God - (James 4:4). Understand that nothing you can do can save you from Gods wraith, the only thing to do is cry out that God will save you, pray that God will regenerate your heart, cry out that He will cleanse you of all unrighteousness and stand just through the merits of Christ. As humans we deserve nothing but hell and damnation for our sins against a just and holy God, but He loves us as the Father He is and grants us mercy.

BBQ&A

Just home from a wonderful night of fellowship with a couple of good friends and their families and their pastor. We had a great BBQ meal prepared by Bobby and his wife Tina. I know it takes a lot to get something like that together and planned out, so I really appreciated what they did.

J.T. deemed it our BBQ&A, because after being fed a great meal, we were fed a great fellowship with their Pastor. All I can say is WOW! I was blown away with the knowledge and passion from him. Not at all the man centered message I have grown accustomed to at me previous church. I am currently "between churches" and from what I saw tonight I am going to look closer into Oak Grove and see if that is where God would have me be. Maybe so, maybe not. As Pastor Durham told me, there are many biblical churches out there, not just Oak Grove. He was not the typical - yeah we'd love to have you come in and fill out a visitors card, maybe get a letter from your current church and add you to our membership. He just stated, God will put you where God wants you (maybe in different wording, but the same point.

Pastor Durham answered questions that the group had and really explained election (not the Obama/ McCain presidential), predestination, being called, etc. This is an area that I struggle to understand and he put it into words I could understand, using scripture to show us. It all starts with the Sovereignty of God and that everything happens to bring glory to Him. I will not even try to explain it myself right now, because I am still not 100% sure on the doctrine of election. I won't put it out there only to be wrong. That is not what this blog is for. This blog is here to put the Truth of Gods Word out there as it is written and not by my infant understanding of some things. But to God be the glory I am pursuing His truth and He is allowing me to speak for Him, even though I speak babble most of the time, when God wants to say something - He will.

Please take the time to check out the following links -

Real Truth Matters - Check back often for info on the upcoming conference in Paducah

Living Priorities - Oak Grove and Pastor Durhams media source for sermons, manuscripts and other resources.

Gray Areas In Scripture

There are things that the Bible expressly forbids, as sins. Some of the most common are any of the 10 Commandments, hate, witchcraft and anger. But what about the “gray area’s”? These are things such as drinking alcohol, smoking, cussing, gambling and watching TV.

Let’s take a look at some of the one’s I mentioned above:
Drinking alcohol. I know people scour the bible looking for proof that it is okay to drink alcohol. I did it myself when I was younger and trying to justify my lifestyle. (Just a little footnote: if you have to do a month long study to justify what you are doing, then you should probably not be doing it). While the bible does not come out and say “Do not taketh a drink of Budweisereth or Coorseth” scripture is quite clear as to not be drunk. Galatians 5:19-21 has a short list of sins that will warrant a person from not entering into the Kingdom of God, one of which is drunkenness and reveling.

“Okay Jeff, stop being a Pharisee and a legalist.”

I did not say it, I am just pointing it out. If a person does these things they “shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Pretty simple to understand. Ecclesiastes 9:7 does say “drink thy wine with a merry heart”, but there is a huge difference between a drink and a DRINK. Before you drink, ask yourself “Why am I drinking this?” Is it to get drunk or loosen up? Then you have already answered the question of if it’s sinful or not. Is it because you love the taste of a beer? I would have to answer a big N-O for me, I never had a drink of alcohol that tasted good. But then again I do not like seafood and many people do.

Next on the list is smoking. This one hits home for me because I smoked for 28+ years of my life. When I actually did come to a saving faith in Christ, truly was born again, then God took that addiction away from me. I have not smoked in about 4 years now. But is it a sin according to scripture is the question, what I say doesn’t mean a hill of beans. As a Christian we are commanded to live a Holy life, to strive to be more Christ like in our daily walk with Him. I’m fairly sure Jesus did not have a Zippo and a pack of Marlboro Lights in His pocket. Smoking is a slow death sentence to ones self as well as those that are around them when they do smoke, which is murder but over a period of time instead of an immediate killing. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost and that we are bought with a price, so you are damaging God’s property too. Then in Romans 14 we ate told not to be a stumbling block for our brother. Plus it makes a person and everything they own smell “ickey” as my wife puts it.

Now on to cussing. A lot of people do it, a lot of people say they don’t. I will not go into a list of what I consider to be cuss words, but I am sure a few popped into your head just now. Ephesians 4:29 says “do not let any corrupt communication come from your mouth”, Jesus said in Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. But James 3:8-12 pretty much sums up the point 8. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12. Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Gambling in itself is not even mentioned in the bible. Not a poker game, slot machine or lottery ticket one, so it’s not condemned, right? Let’s first break it down. Why do people gamble? It is for the love of money and to get more of it quick without having to work for it. This is a whole blog entry in itself, but we all know 1 Tim 6:10 states “the love of money is the root of evil”. Hebrews 13:5 "be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave thee; never will I forsake thee." Matthew 6:24 Jesus said "No man can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon (Money)."

Now for the T.V. question. Is the ol’ boob tube a sin? Not in and of itself. It’s just a hunk of plastic with wires, circuits and electricity running through it. What you watch on it is the question. Do you watch blatantly sinful shows that mock the name of God? Do you watch pornography? Soap opera’s filled with sexual and immoral themes? False Prophets such as Todd Bentley and Joel Osteen that peddle a false Christ? Has your TV become a god to you, a religion? Do you live your life around what is showing on TV and when?

One of Webster’s definitions of religion is: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.

I think living a life revolving around television could be lumped in there. As well as many other things in a persons daily life.


To me, if a person is a true born again, Bible believing Christian, these gray area’s pretty much take care of themselves. If you are living for Christ and walking the narrow path of His righteousness, then you will steer from things that could be considered a sin or sinful. If you are walking in the light of God, then your life will be exposed for anyone to judge (blog to come later on judging others). If you have to hide to do something, it is wrong. If you have to lie to cover up something, it is wrong. Just remember, God knows everything including your mind crimes of sin, lusting that brings forth sin. Jesus said that lusting after a person was fornication already.

In closing, there are many things of the world today that although not mentioned in scripture, are and can be considered sinful. Ask God to give you discernment of anything in your life that he doesn’t want you to do. Get out a notebook and start writing them all down. You will probably need several pages, more if you are really in tune with the Lord. Men are actually inventing new ways to sin against God. You might even say in the past 100 years there has been a “great falling away” from the Word of God 2 Thess2:3.

I beg you to seek God in all His righteousness and if you have not begun a total commitment to Him, to do so. Do not gamble eternity on a prayer you said as a child, or a decision you made a few years ago. If you are living in sin, without remorse, without a conscience, without feeling the anger of God pressing on you with each transgression of His law, then you have probably been deceived into believing a false gospel and are following a false god. One manufactured to conform to mans sinful existence. If your god thinks it’s okay to lie to anyone for any reason, to cheat on your taxes, to steal pens from your employer or to be conformed to the world through it’s music and sinful lifestyles, then your god is not The God of the Bible and you very seriously need to repent of your sins or face the wraith of a Holy and Just God. No say this short prayer, no walk down an isle, no decision will save you from hellfire and damnation. Only a true repentance and turning from your sin and a life of seeking the face of God . Please weigh your costs and make the true turn from the sin you love to the One that loves you and died for your sins on a cross.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Check out a little from John MacArthur on the subject

and here

John MacArthur on Sin

What's wrong with the church today? Nothing!

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

What is wrong with the church today? Nothing and I stand firm on that and will never budge.

“How can you say that Jeff? Look at everything that goes on in the church – lying, cheating, stealing, hate, gossiping, text messaging during services, teens having sex, alcoholism the same % as the national average, pornography addiction. Jeff, how can you say that nothing is wrong in the church?”

Fasten your seatbelts for an answer you may not like. What you are thinking of as the church….. is not the Church of Christ. The true Church of the Lord is healthy and forging ahead as commanded - Eph 2:19-22. It is going to all nations, it is preaching the true gospel, it is preaching the definite need for repentance.

Now what you may be calling the church is a building with walls and members of what could be labeled these days as a social club. Pastors no longer proclaiming the gospel of Christ as the Word says, sins being looked over, no kind of biblical reprimands, leadership that the former pastors of old would disassociate with immediately. The big problem with churches (the social club type) is that they are full of unrepentant sinners that think they are on their way to heaven because they once made a “decision” for Christ. These are more often times call “backsliders, hypocrites or prodigals” and that they just need to rededicate their life to God. Well, more than likely they are lost and in need to repent of their sins and follow Jesus. It is not possible for a child of God to live in a sinful lifestyle, be it drinking alcohol, having sex if not married, stealing from your employer, drug addiction, lying on your taxes, whatever other sinful lifestyle. It’s just not possible. 2 Corinthians 5:17 lays out in that IF anyone is in Christ they are a new creation, old things are passed away, all things become new.

This apostasy didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a downward spiral for many years. Churches have adopted worldly draws to entice people to come inside, from rock concerts to now days poker tournaments, instead of letting the Holy Spirit draw them in. This also translates over into the messages being proclaimed, looking outside the Bible for truths as does Brian Mclaren, Rob Bell, Doug Pagitt and unfortunately many others. They proclaim just enough of the Bible to make you think they are from God, but spew forth a very dangerous, damning message. Yoga, Universalism, looking outside the bible for “truth”. It’s nothing new, it’s been going on since the bible was being written. Until people KNOW the Truth of God, they will not see it. They will search in whatever fits their personal thoughts instead of following the Word of God. Sola Scriptura , Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria – In Scripture Alone, By Faith Alone, By Grace Alone, In Christ Alone, Glory to God Alone. When people get back to that, then there will be change in the world, there will be change in the “church” so much as the buildings called churches will be empty because the Christians will be out telling everyone about Christ. Then again, the state of the world today is just one sign of the closing day of the Glorious Appearing of the Lord. I’m ready, Are You?

Let's go defense - Clap, Clap

Let’s go defense – clap clap
Let’s go defense – clap clap
Let’s go defense – clap clap

And so it goes across the U.S. at about any sporting event taking place. Oh, and throughout the church buildings as well.

My question is – Why are the churches not living offensively for Christ? No, not offending people or being a stumbling block, but by taking a proactive stand for Christ. Don’t wait for a state to legalize same sex marriages (oops, yeah California just did), don’t let the Christian nation of the USA legalize the murder of 150,000 babies each year (oops again, that’s been legal for many years with millions of innocent babies being murdered out of convenience), don’t let a small voice take God out of our schools and our government buildings (yeah, you get the idea).

It’s all already happened and now the true Christians are trying to change the downhill tumble of this nation. I balk very seriously at calling the U.S. a Christian nation any longer. Sure many profess to be Christians, but look at how they live, look at their fruits, look at who’s running for President and on the B-Line for office – a pro baby murdering/ self professing Christian. What happened? When did the Christian morals dry up and the Christian have to play defense over what is right by God’s Word instead of what is right in the eye’s of a sinful nation?

Christian’s are fighting a war, Ephesians 6:11-20 tells us that we are fighting the war and to be prepared with our loins girt with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, our feet prepared for the gospel of peace, taking the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation all defensive items and the one offensive item the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Seems like professing Christians have forgotten that the Word of God will shut the mouth’s of men. If the Word of God is proclaimed, in context of course, no one can dispute it, they will try to justify themselves, but if God’s Truth is proclaimed then His light will shine on the darkness and the Word will shut their mouth. I have encountered this before on a professing Christian blog post on myspace. There were a lot of comments/ posts by several different people – all of which claimed to know Christ. 99% were giving their point of view (which did not align with scripture) and of course was wrong and the other 1% were proclaiming truth but did not back it up by the Word of God and were hence getting dragged through the yard. I simply stated facts and then justified them by scripture and no one refuted what I had written, because the Word of God had stopped their mouths (typing in this case). I did have a few “emergent’s” call me a Pharisee and a legalist, which is usually a vain attempt at trying to veil there personal beliefs and actions outside of scripture and point the blame at someone else (many recite Matt 7:1 Judge not , that you be not judged. Don’t fall for that because we are commanded 5 verses later to not cast pearls before swine – how could we do that if we did not judge a person and determine they are swine- Another blog to come later on this subject of “Judge not…”) Of course I am neither a Pharisee nor a legalist, I am a heart torn Christian that has a bleeding heart for the lost, especially the professing Christian that knows just enough to damn themselves to hell. I was told to check out other literature of poets and New Age writers to enlighten myself (it’s a wonder they didn’t tell me to try Yoga to loosen up too) and I stood on the Word of God boldly and told them that the Bible is all the Truth I need and I didn’t need to read Nietzsche to help me understand God’s Word.

My point in all of this is that as a Christian we are commissioned by God to proclaim His Truth’s to the lost people of the world offensively and not wait to have to defend attacks. Of course in the state of society we have to constantly defend, but I challenge you to become offensive and proactive for Christ. Don’t wait for another downfall of society, take a stand for God, which is what we are actually required. Make an impact at your job other than saying “bless you” when someone sneezes, tell your teacher about creation before he cracks the book of evolution open, take initiative to clean up your neighborhood, city, state, country and world of the sinfulness that permeates society today. Proclaim Christ! Live offensively for Christ! Stop the spiral of sin. But then again, this was all foretold in Gods Word – the great apostasy, false prophets abound (see previous post), sin is common with bars and liquor stores on every corner, porn being peddled everywhere you look, the “entertainment” industries thrive on sexuality, drug use, famous people promoting false gospels (yeah you know who, Oprah, Tom Cruise, John Travolta), political candidates that need to work on their own affairs much more than they should the whole countries. Its all in the Book. Study to show thyself approved 2 Tim 2:15, Hide His Word in your heart Psalm 119:11 and proclaim His truths with BOLDNESS Eph 6:19-20, Phil 1:14, 1 Thes 2:2, Acts 4:13, Heb 13:6

The Lakeland Revival

So, for the past week I have watched parts of the Lakeland revival on Godtv and also been to the freshfire homepage and interacted in their chat room (until I was kicked out for posting 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. ) Looks like they don't want their koolaide drinkers followers to hear scriptures quoted from the Bible.

Todd Bentley seems to be the predominant figure/ personality at these revival/ healing/ anointing meetings going on in Lakeland Florida. I have put Todd to the test and he doesn't quite match up to what scripture outlines for a leader. It's not the tattoo's, I have a few myself), it's not the speaking in tongues (that's an entirely different blog to come later), it's not the bluejeans and t-shirt (although seeing him in flip flops and shorts behind a pulpit was disturbing) - it was the rapid fire "healing" the visions of an angel, insistence that everyone believe in his angel guide, the Holy Ghost hits, the constant testimony that 18 people had been raised from the dead. And that's just in the first 10 minutes tonight that I had the "revival" on. Please check out some of the videos below of Bentley's preaching/ teachings.

What is most disturbing to me is I have not once heard a proclamation of God's saving grace through His Son Jesus Christ. There are many mentions of Jesus, but always in a passing word after Bentley proclaims a healing or an annointing being released by himself or through himself. Jesus has been relegated to the backseat of the bus. I am all about being healed by the Lord, I have received some miracle healings myself. I can say that none of them "took a while to complete". Seems like bentley proclaims that a healing might begin today and take a while to come to a finish. Uh, where exactly did it take Jesus a while to heal someone? Okay, got sidetracked, but the TRUE MESSAGE for anyone proclaiming to be a messenger of God is not to be healings, wealth, annointing or whatever else sounds good at the time, it is to proclaim Christ Lord and reach out to the lost using the Word of God, the message of repentence and the regenerative power of God through His Son Jesus Christ. None of which I have heard in my hours of watching the Lakeland Variety Show, er uh Revival.

I have seen reported that Bentley says he is not sure of the spirits, angels, that come to him. He has never tested them and by deduction can not be sure that they are from God. Personally if a being other than a man were to talk to me I would probably have to ask them a few questions, ask for proof, test them if you will (1 John 4:1). I have a hard time believing many of man's proclamations that say they are messengers of God, but preach a different Jesus or receive a different spirit(2 Cor 11:4). I'm not coming down on my Pentecostal brothers, but this is not Pentacostal and most of all it's not Biblical.

If you have been following this "revival" I strongly urge you to test it, test Todd Bentley, test everything about it. If he is proclaiming anything other that the True Christ, the True God dismiis this as heresy, as a deception that you need to join me in prayer for the Lord to expose this false prophet and all others like him.

Watch these videos and see ow heretical Todd Bentley is:

Violent Healings?


Todd's First Journey to Heaven


Astral Travel/ Projection


Jesus on Earth? Show me that in scripture.

Do a search on youtube for Todd Bentley - there is plenty of video proof of this mans false teachings. If it doesn't line up with scripture then it's not true. Test.

Please check out these other sites for more in depth articles on Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Revival:

Blogspot Lakeland Revival

Blogspot Church Warnings

Bad Cold Readings

Apologetics Index

Insight to the spiritual aspects of Bentley

Great information on Bentley

Buffet Line Christianity.

How many people do you know that treat the Word of God like a buffet line? "Give me some love, kindness, charity, a side of meekness. Oh and throw on as much forgiveness as you can." See anything missing? How about repentance, faith, longsuffering and temperance?

The biggest problem with the American form of Christianity is the lack of God's true message. The preachers have a watered down message that is very man centered instead of Christ being the center. You would be hard pressed to step into a church on Sunday mornings and hear the words - repentance, judgment, damnation or righteousness. The very first Word said by our Savior when He started His earthly ministry was REPENT (Mark 1:15). He also said that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repent (Luke 5:32) and twice within 3 verses in Luke 13:3,5 to Repent or perish.

Unless a person has truly repented of their sins, turned from them, been reborn in Christ, then they are not a Christian. It goes without saying that a truly born again Christian will be exceedingly sorrowful of their sins against the most gracious, forgiving God. Just as it is not physically possible for a man to become a car after sitting in his garage, a spiritually reborn true Christian can not become a sinner again. Let me clarify that statement- everyone sins, if we say that we don't we are a liar (1 John 1:8), and as you know all liars will have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8). A Christian will fall into sin, not dive into it. Also upon sinning the Christian will be guilt ridden as their conscience (Rom. 2:15) overwhelms them to a daily repentance to the Lord for their sins. It is not possible for a Christian to live a constant life of sin and immorality. The true Christian will also hold dear what the Lord says in His Word, he will read and study the Bible daily to see what the Lord is speaking to him. If you have a little dust on the bible, you better start a thorough examination of yourself as commanded by Paul to the Corinthians in 2 Cor. 13:5, then read 1 John and see if what you believe a Christian is lines up with what God says a Christian is.

Just a few things that prevail in the American churches (buildings, not the Lords true Church) that are glossed over that may be signs you are not a true Christian:
1. Drunkenness
2. Premarital sexual relationships - as well as cheating
3. Praying to anyone except God (saints, Mary, etc.)
4. Pornography
5. Cheating on taxes
6. Stealing from your employer (it doesn't matter if it's a paper clip or a computer, it's all stealing - as well as not putting in a full days work for a full days pay)
7. Abortion (murder)
8. Blasphemy (which includes a lot more than the most common phrase that comes to mind)
9. Gambling
10. Watching un-Christian type movies
11. Violent types of "entertainment" (UFC, WWE, Cage Fighting,etc.)
12. Yoga
13. Anything else I didn't mention that just popped into your head


If you are involved with any of those things I beg you to examine yourself. If your basis for salvation is from a single prayer, if you have no remorse for your sinful life, if you are involved in Freemasonry, if you are now calling me a Pharisee or a legalist I beg you to read the bible to see what true Christianity is and turn from your sins and follow God on His path, a narrow path with a narrow gate. Not the path of the world, which is broad and leads to destruction. I am not a legalist or a modern Pharisee I am a broken sinner that has been saved by Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. I have nothing to gain from this, I am not asking for you to join a church or send any money. I may not know you personally, but I love you as a human, as a soul in this existence that still has a chance to turn from the sins of this blink of an eye existence and turn to God, repent of your sin, become a new creation and live as the bible teaches. It will not be easy, you will not get everything you ask for, you will not be healed because someone slaps you on the forehead, you will not be treated the same by people at work, you will probably even be laughed at, ridiculed and called names. People in other countries are dying because they profess Christ as savior, so it’s not going to be that bad for you to be called a Jesus freak by Bob at work. As a Christian you will pray for ol’ Bob. I don’t want anyone to go to hell, but sadly the state of the church (not Christ’s church, but American churches) in this day is very indifferent to Christ, they thrive on the feel good message and prosperity of ‘What can God do for you?” How about pull you out of a pit of fire? How about die an agonizing death on a cross for you? How about creating the beautiful reminders of His majesty all around you? You should be asking ‘What must I do for God?” He asks a very simple thing – Repent and trust and He will take care of the details.

Until next time. Please read and study your bible daily. Walk with the Lord and tell everyone you know about His saving power and grace towards us – sinners. Pass out some tracts, talk to the cashier at Wal Mart, talk to Bob at work. But most of all live a humble life in solemn gratitude for a wonderful, glorious God. We deserve the grave, but He gives us His mercy.



I use instaverse daily. It is an invaluable tool or looking up scripture. After installing, just put your cursor of a a scripture such as Acts 4:13 and wait a couple seconds and it pops up to let you see the scripture. Also when using your favorite word processing program if you just type Luke 13:5 and then push alt f8 instavers will then paste the verse you input into your document. A great time saver for sure. Check it out here:
P.S. I don't get a penny for this if you download it.

Repent and be blessed?

First let me qualify this posting. The Lord has really opened my eyes over the past 12-18 months to a lot that goes on by preachers. The twisting of scriptures, the declaration of people being "saved", "God shaped holes", etc. I have been praying for months that my current home church would see that what is being proclaimed is not biblical. The pastor has been confronted and agreed, but thencontinued his course. This was done by a good friend of mine on a few occasions. I have confronted the associate pastor and he has likewise remained on his course. I have heard them both on several occasions declare people saved because they said a magical prayer. That's just not biblical, especially from leaders in churches.

This leads to my point. I have been praying for either the Lord to lead me to a new church or the leaders of my current church to see their errors. I have neither right now, but know it must be the former... I must find a biblically sound church home with leadership that lead biblically and are not worried if they step on a few toes, as long as they procalim the true Gospel.

Today's message started this morning, it was about being in Gods favor. Kind of a quasi-name it and claim it message, even thought the pastor said "we are not a name it and claim it church". Being in God's favor is biblical and he started out with his 5 point message. The first point was prayer - O.K. so far, you must be prayerfully seeking God. Second tithing/ giving, still O.K. Then we get the invitation/ altar call and it is status quo, declaring people saved.

The sermon continued this evening. A recap of the first 2 points, on to the third - Repentance. I thought great, wonderful! He is going to proclaim Christ's command to repent or perish Luke 13:3, 5. A big wrong-o. He used Acts 3:19 as his text for this point which is "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. " His point was Repent in order to gain God's favor. WHAT? Did he just say that? He even went on to say " The messages we (modern preachers) give today do not say much about repentance, judgement or accountability. We fluff things up so we don't step on many toes, but you must repent in order to gain Gods favor and be blessed".

I believe this may have been God's way of telling me to get out of this heretical teaching and into a scripurally sound church. I have really hoped and prayed that my current church leadership would realize the error of their ways, but who am I to tell them they aren't biblical? I haven't got a theology degree or even been inside of a seminary. I just love the Lord and His Word and He has granted me eyes and ears that are very discerning. Praise the Lord for that.

So if anyone knows of any biblically sound, Word of the Lord proclaiming churches in the Paducah Kentucky area, please let me know. I have one in mind that I have heard some very favorable things about the pastor.

Catch ya next time, until then repent and be blessed saved!

Declarations Of Salvation By Pastors

An issue that not many people put much thought into is altar calls - more specific what happens during and after an altar call.

Altar calls are a fairly new creation in Christian history. They are believed to have been started/ created by Charles Finney. He often times used "anxious seats". The reason for these seats were to force a decision, to get results.

There were in fact many decisions made using this method. Many since Finney have evolved the altar call into what it is now - A vain attempt by man to force a decision and avoid the work of the Holy Spirit on a persons conscience and soul. Some of the well known preachers that use or have used this method are D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, Luis Paloa and Billy Graham.

While scripture does tell us to "Compel them to come" and "I beseech you, be reconciled to God", there is no mention of an altar call, an anxious seat or anything remotely close. Don't get me wrong, I am in favor of altar calls if God's Word has been properly proclaimed and His Spirit has done a work in someone's conscience and heart. With that being said - 5 stanzas of "Just As I Am", "I Surrender All" or "Softly And Tenderly" are probably not great works of God in a mans heart - they are songs that are used to inspire emotion that leads to decisions that lead to numbers.

The most dangerous part of this is the declaration by an altar worker, elder or pastor that someone has "asked Jesus into their heart", "made a decision for Christ" or most commonly "been saved today". With this declaration many people are being sent a firey hell. Salvation is not a walk down an isle, it is not a decision, it is not a temporary feeling that lasts for a little while and then goes away. Salvation is permanent, you can not lose it and once you have it you will walk with God, you will REPENT daily and you will be changed - BORN AGAIN. Many people are under the false impression that since a preacher told them they were saved that they have it all taken care of now. Nothing in the bible is spoken of salvation being a one time thing, salvation is an ongoing, growing existence that is evidenced by a disdain for sin, an open proclamation of Gods work in their life and a markedly changed lifestyle. We are commanded to test and examine ourselves that we are in the faith, not look at the day written in the back of our bible, recall a time walking down the isle, a decision, baptism, or "asking Jesus into your heart".

Let's break down the term "Born Again" because it seems to be thrown around a lot these days, with very little thought on it's meaning. Think of natural/ fleshly birth. If you are born a Caucasian, there is no way you can become Asian, a puppy can not become a kitten, a fish can not become a elephant. When a person becomes Born Again - they are rebirthed with a new heart, they are a new creation in Christ. A truly born again, repenting Christian can then not become a sinner again. It is not in their "make up", it is not possible. They will walk in the light of the Lord and shun the darkness, they will want to please the Lord and when they do fall into sin - they will repent, they will not use the saving grace of Christs death, burial and resurrection as a "get out of hell free card". That is an open disdain and is a lie from the pits of hell. A true Christian will be so heartbroken when they sin, that they are causing their Father pain, that they will cry out for mercy and forgiveness.

What has happend to Christianity in the USA? No where else has a decison taken the place of a true life changing experience with God Almighty. No where in scripture can be found of a decision, a walk down an isle, a magical prayer, being baptized or a proclamation by anyone other than Christ been a sign for being born again. But so many these days are being deceived by the millions. Stand in front of a pub and ask everyone that enters and stumbles out if they are a Christian and at least 75% will declare they "took care of that a long time ago" or that they are saved. Is that the case with you? Have you had a life changing experience with the Lord? If not I beg you with all that I am to repent and turn from your sinful life. Any questions? Feel free to contact me, I will show you the biblical way to salvation, and it won't be the Roman Road or 4 Spiritual Points.

Paul Washer Explains it a lot better than I can.

What is Truth?

Hi all. This blog is in it's very infant stage of planning. I pray that this becomes a tool for current believers, those that the Lord is drawing to Him and those that believe they are born again and sadly aren't.

I challenge readers to check out what I write and see how it aligns with God's Word, because that is my only concern. I am not concerned with personal "opinion" unless it lines up with scripture. Please don't email me or comment if you start out with "In my opinion..." unless it can be backed up with scripture as well. I do enjoy constructive dialog, I am by no means a biblical scholar or teacher. I am just a small voice of a wretched sinner that deserves nothing but hellfire and damnation and instead God has given me His Grace and Forgiveness. I am truly heartbroken as the many lost that profess to be Christians and are on the fast track to hell.

I plead that you to do as 2 Cor. 13:5 commands us and examine to see if you are in the faith. Chances are if you never had a permanent, life changing experience with the Lord, if you have not turned from your sinful life, if you think that a single profession of faith or decision saved you, if you base your salvation on a preachers word, if your bible hasn't been opened in years, if you can live in sin daily without remorse, if you think Jesus is your get out of hell free ticket, if your statement of faith starts out " I am a good person, if you have done anything other than repent of your sins and follow Christ, then you are not born again.

What the Lord begins, he will finish - Phil. 1:6. If God started a good work in you, salvation, He will continue and you will continue. You will not look back at the sins you once loved and desire to return to them Luke 9:62. The Lord is faithful and true and will not halfway do anything in your life. You will not despise reading Gods Word, His love letter to you, you will not despise fellowship with believers, you will not desire to live of the world but to be in the world proclaiming Gods Name.

Live your life with boldness for Christ. Anything less you should question. Pray for forgiveness and REPENT and follow Christ - Matt. 4:17 are Jesus' very first recorded Words when He began His ministry. Luke 13:3,5 the Lord Himself states again to REPENT or perish, not say this short prayer - make this profession of faith - come down the isle after 5 stanzas of "Just As I Am" - write this date in the back of your bible ... He says REPENT OR PERISH. Understand also that repenting is not a one time affair, it is a lifestyle and if you are truely born again, then you will be repenting daily, hourly, every waking moment.

I invite you to check out some of my study links. Use them as tools for your walk with the Lord.
Until next time - Acts 4:13
Live your life so that everyone you come into contact with will KNOW that you have been with Jesus



John MacArthur Explains - Grace To You Part 1





John MacArthur Explains - Grace To You Part 2