Sunday, December 11, 2011

Doing the Reasonable!

Romans 12:1  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. 


Romans 12:2  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.
      
Jesus did not die on the cross for our sins, so that we could partake of the salvation He has offered, and then just do whatever we feel like doing.  He calls us to mortify our members daily!  Mortify means to kill, or to cause to die.  That means that we should do a daily "checkup" on our selves and kill the "cancer" of our own selfish will, and give our desires , finances, etc. to Him.
       In order to present our bodies to God a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable, we need to consider the following things:  what does God regard as holy and  acceptable?  He wants us to look  like a Christian and represent Him!  


2Corinthians  6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 
He simply asks us to come out from among the world.  We should reflect Him and all His holiness.  If a person was a son or daughter of a king or queen,  they would sure act like it, dress like it, etc.- they would be proud to show others who they are!
     My question is, why are we not proud of who we are?  We are the adopted children of our Lord and Creator, so shouldn't we want to be different than all others who are not Jesus' children?  Are we ashamed of who our Father is? Many would say, "Surely not!"
 Well...............then why do the children of God strut around in worldly apparel, do worldly things,  go worldly places, and talk like a foul-mouthed heathen?  Simple!  You ARE ashamed!  You obviously wish to blend in with the world! 
Luke 9:26  For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.


If we are who we say we are, then we need to stand up straight and tall, and act like it, and that's just our reasonable service!!!!!!!!


Acts 2:38, John 3:5....Be not only a reader, but a doer of the Word!


Sister Hannah Caudle 
         

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Stedfast with God

Psalm 78:1 Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Psalm 78:3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
Psalm 78:5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
Psalm 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
Psalm 78:7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
Psalm 78:8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

We are living in changing times. The culture of America today is more anti-God than every before. This is all the more reason for us to be more involved with living for God than ever before. Because there should never be changing times in the church. When did school programs, social gatherings and athletic events become more important than the work of God? Since when did spending time with our friends become more important than spreading this great gospel? Young and old need to be more involved with the cause than ever before. Since when did a skirt automatically qualify for modest dress? Just because its a skirt (which it better be for women) doesn't mean its modest. Furthermore with some when did it become right for women to wear men's apparel, and vice versa? When did it become OK to resemble the world in our appearance, our attitude, our entertainment, and our morals? When did prayer become optional? When did fasting become old fashion? Who made it OK to call Pastors and saints alike by their first names without titles brother, sister, Pastor, etc. attached? Worse is the changing of doctrine; when did it become acceptable to God just to make a confession alone, or to be baptized any other way outside of Jesus' name? I never got the memo from the Lord that said we could now be born again without the Holy Ghost, because the truth has never changed. Really who do we think we are if we are of those that believe we do not still have to follow the old paths? It still takes repentance, it still takes the infilling of the Holy Ghost, it still takes Jesus name baptism to be born again. It's still holiness or hell. We still have to dress right and modest. We still are required to live separate from this world, and to abstain from the very appearance of evil. Praying is still not optional for a child of the king, and fasting is a must. We must gather together more and not forsake the gathering of ourselves together. It is still honor to whom honor is due. We don't need another rebellious generation rising up that doesn't know God. Those who claim Pentecost and claim the born again message and are forsaking what they once were need to wake up for their our sake and for their children's sake, before it's too late

I want to be steadfast with God. If God has not changed and we have his spirit inside of us, just like those before us, then there is no reason we should change our view on carnality and sin. Truth is still truth, right is still right, and sin is still sin.

Lets fight a good fight, lets be steadfast with God. 

-Bro. Caudle

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Old College Paper-- Ignorance

Scared of the Light
Justin Caudle
Eng. 111
Ignorance Research Paper
Scared of the Light?
Are you scared of the light? That seems like an odd question in a society where the dark is associated with fear. But when the dark becomes common place then the light becomes the unknown. When one’s awareness of the truth diminishes, they then begin to find themselves in a state of ignorance. Being ignorant doesn’t mean that one is unintelligent but rather they are uniformed of what is true and of what is real. (Wikipedia)  In essays written by both Fredrick Douglas and Plato, ignorance is defined from both a scholar and a person who admits that they once were in ignorance. Plato uses imagery and an allegory to represent humanities ignorance (Allegory of a Cave), but the difference between light and darkness being compared to the difference between truth and ignorance was not only used in Plato’s essay but can also be found many times in the Holy Bible. Jesus spoke of humanities ignorance in his message when he said, “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.” (Holy Bible, Matthew 13) The message that Jesus Christ and the book that he inspired preaches is often misused and misunderstood not because people are unreachable but rather because they are ignorant to the light, and are afraid of anything outside of the normalcy of their darkness. The same blockade of ignorance that the followers of Jesus Christ face is similar to the rejection that the character in Plato’s allegory faced upon their return to the cave. Throughout the book of John the terms darkness and light are used to represent good and evil, one scripture says that men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Here once again men’s natural state keeps them bound because of the change that is required in order to enjoy the light and truth. 


Ignorance is bliss is a statement that almost everyone has heard. Not knowing the truth of the matter; or either being to unmotivated to discover it, can cause one happiness? In the case of being ignorant of the message of Jesus Christ would this statement be true? That question is simple, no. The statement Jesus made concerning those that had closed their eyes to his truth was not directed at the non-believers, but rather those that are ignorant of his truth among believers. If one is a non-believer then that’s that, but if one is a so-called believer then shouldn’t they have understanding of the message they believe. Just as the humans in Plato’s Allegory of a Cave knew only the illusion that were shown to them, so is today’s “Christian” world. The chained individuals in the cave knew only what they were permitted to see by the authority over the cave, in today’s society believers are content to follow the teachings of particular men or women rather than directly follow the scriptures. If these individuals didn’t claim the Christian faith then that would be understandable, but when the message of the men and women they follow doesn’t fit the message of Jesus Christ line upon then they are found in ignorance of the truth. Often this is a willful ignorance, just as those that were in the cave where not persuaded enough to leave so is the ignorance that is facing the Christian religion today. Tradition has bound their heart into believing a lie. It is easier to believe a lie that you have heard a thousand times, than the truth that you have heard once.


A slave whom later found freedom after learning to read and write Fredrick Douglas said, “…in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch and no precaution could prevent me from taking the ell.” (Learning to Read and Write) There could be no better plan against ignorance than the one Douglas lay out, to leave ignorance one must be willing and hardworking. That’s why the plan against ignorance of the scriptures, is as Paul lay out to his son in the gospel Timothy, to study to show one’s self-approved. That’s why the writer of Hebrews said as newborn babes desire you the sincere milk of the word that you might grow thereby, the truth of the scriptures is available to them who are willing to search it out. Jesus said search the scriptures for these are they that testify of me.(Holy Bible) All of these Biblical references tell us that one must make an effort to not be ignorant of the truth. As Plato described the difficultly of the human adapting to the light of the true world so is the difficult of one ignorant of the message of Jesus Christ of adapting to the message he preached. So what is the message of the light that a dark cave of illusions doesn’t show? The message in the light of the Christian religion is the gospel of Jesus. His gospel was not a gospel of just say you believe but rather a gospel of obedience. That’s the very reason there are so many willfully ignorant of his message, is because of the reproving of the light. The light makes one not talk about change but forces them to change. That’s why Jesus said, “…every one that doeth evil hateth the light…..but he that doeth truth cometh to the light.”(Holy Bible) By ignorance many are scared of the light and don’t even know it.


Isaiah the prophet wrote that line must be upon line and that precept must be upon precept, here a little and there a little righty dividing the word of truth.(Holy Bible) Once again it is evident that one must be willing to search and look for truth to find it. Not just partial truth, but the whole truth. The application of knowledge is just as important as knowing what one knows, Douglas said that his newfound education had given me the knowledge of his state of being comparing it to a horrible pit, yet he was still without the ability to apply that knowledge in order to escape the pit saying he had no ladder.(Learning to Read and Write) This is why as in the case of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Bible records that then opened he (Jesus) their (the disciples) understanding that they might understand the scriptures, and how that repentance and remission of sins would be preached in his name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. And that’s just what they did, beginning at Jerusalem in Acts chapter 2 the apostles began to preach that message of repentance and remission of sins that had be given them by Jesus himself in the commission. They were not hindered by individuals’ ignorance but rather they showed forth the power of the one who had sent them forth to preach his gospel. They went to many a people stuck in many a caves and those that were willing and obedient ate the good of the land just as the prophet Isaiah had said it would be. (Holy Bible)


So what is the truth behind the light? What must one do in order to be a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ? Jesus said, “…my sheep hear my voice”, but he didn’t stop there he went on to say, “….and they follow me.” His message of belief is one of obedience. True believers according to his words would receive his spirit in them, and according to the writings of Luke in Acts chapter five he states that the spirit is only given to them that obey God. So in order to be a true believer one must be obedient. The writer of Hebrews wrote that he is author of salvation to all them that obey him, and it is stated that upon his return he would take vengeance on them that obey not the gospel. In today’s “Christian” world there is a message of many paths to the same place, well if the message of Jesus Christ is correct then that is not so and is an example of men’s ignorance to what they say they believe. Throughout the Bible God states that beside him there is no savior, and Jesus whom was God in flesh stated that he was the way, the truth, and the life and that there was no other way into the sheepfold than though him. (Holy Bible) So either the message of Jesus Christ is wrong or the message of modern “Christianity” is wrong. Just as the figures shadows on the wall had become all the chained humans knew so is the scriptural knowledge of professing “Christians” today. They only know what one has taught them and made to seem true rather than following directly the message that they profess to be their basis’s for life. They follow after the commandments of men rather than those of God as Jesus said. (Holy Bible)


The message of the Bible is clear and available to them willing to come out of their cave of normal habitation and discover that there is one God and he is on their side. That’s the message the Bible preaches. True Christians should be a light of that message just as the figure in Plato’s story tried to relay his experience back to the others held bondage by what was false. The real message is that God was manifested in the flesh, and that he gave up that flesh whom was his only begotten son so that those that believed in him could be saved. And as true believers they would obey in order to fulfill by grace through faith, because faith without action is dead. Thereby they would believe not only that Jesus was real but that his message was real, by believing in the words he spoke. That if they believed and were baptized they could be saved, that if they did do these things that they could have his spirit which without they are none of his. Peter and Paul both preached this message, Peter in Acts 2:38 and Paul in the sixth and eighth chapter of Romans. This message completed Jesus and the words he said when he said a man must be born again. Throughout the book of Acts this is the same message of salvation that was preached by the apostles and according to the scripture that is the foundation we are built on. (Holy Bible)


But much as in the case of Plato and Frederick Douglas when the true message is given forth it seems foreign and is pushed to the side as if it is the illusion. To them that are in the light and have the revelation it is the very thing that drives them to try to share it with others, but some believe that ignorance is bliss. Ignorance is found in so many different avenues of society and one of them is the ignorance of people of and the faith they profess. And its hard to help one in the darkness if you yourself have yet to truly fully see the light. Ignorance will make one afraid of the light.

Letters to The News

Letters to The News:

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Baptism

Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

First of all baptism is not optional, its a requirement if you want to be saved.(Mark 16:16) Its the only way to have your sins remitted. So we must know from the beginning it aint optional, unless of course we want to be lost. Yet many of the same folks that say its just optional are the ones who baptism in the titles and argue against the true form of baptism, why worry if its just optional? But once it again it is not optional and the triune formula is false doctrine. There is only one Biblical way to be baptized for the remission of our sins. It must be in the name of Jesus Christ, for that name is the only saving name.(Acts 4:12) Key word is name, the only saving name is Jesus!

Father is not a name, its a title. So what is the name of the father?
John 5:43  I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

So here is Jesus speaking telling us that he has come in his father's name. So whats the name of the father?
JESUS

Son is not a name, its a title. So what is the name of the son?
Matthew 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

So here is the name of the son, JESUS! This was the man Christ Jesus, we must understand he was flesh and in him was the fullness of the Godhead. God (a spirit John 4:24) was manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). He was the son of God, not God the son.

Holy Ghost is a title. What is the name?
John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.


What name? JESUS! The Holy Ghost is the spirit of God, so of course it would be the same name.

John 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 7:39  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Romans 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.




Read the Bible, no where will you find were anybody was baptized in other name than the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. Only other baptism found in the Bible was John's baptism, and those baptized unto John's baptism were re-baptized by Paul in Acts 19. There is no such thing as a trinity, the word is not in the Bible. There is one God manifested in various ways throughout time. It is impossible to find one place where anybody in the Bible was baptized in the titles, it didn't happen. They understood what Jesus was commanding them, and that was to baptize in the name.

Read Acts 2, Acts 8, Acts 10, Acts 16, Acts 19...baptism is in the name of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 2:3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Hebrews 2:4  God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

This thing wasn't done in a corner, God confirmed his word. The Apostles and what they did must be our example, they obeyed the voice of God! They didn't baptize in other name, even history tells us that.

- Bro. Caudle
Acts 2:38, obey it! 

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Beautiful in his time

Ecclesiastes 11:5  As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

God knows all things.

Ecclesiastes 3:11  He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

And he always has a plan. We do not always understand why he is doing what he is doing, and we dont always understand why he commands us to do what he commands us to do, We can be assured no matter that he is working everything out for our good. He makes all things, and in his timing everything becomes beautiful that is in his will.

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Just keep trusting God, he knows all things and will make everything become beautiful in the life of his saints. Because with him we always win

-Caudles
Read Acts 2:38, obey it!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Can You See, But Not See???

Proverbs 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
Proverbs 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

As believers we must have understanding of the scriptures.  Knowledge is  not enough; and true knowledge comes easy when there is understanding.  Those that never come fully to the knowledge of the truth never got a line upon line understanding of the Bible.  It's possible for us to hear scripture, but really never have an ear to hear what the Lord is trying to speak to us spiritually. 

Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mat 13:15 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.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

As in these scriptures there are those that God wants to save and heal, but their heart has prohibited them from understanding truth.  The enemy would like to blind our hearts from faith and keep us in bondage.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Why?  Why are these individuals ever learning?  What has caused for this condition of their heart?  They are blinded!!!
2Co 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2Co 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

This is why they are blinded.  This is why we must always pray for our understanding to be opened as we read the scriptures; and this is why we must always let our beliefs be based solely upon what the Word of God says.

~Bro. & Sis. Caudle~
Acts 2:38- Read it, and obey it!


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Letter to Editor

http://www.mtairynews.com/view/full_story/7326111/article-Letter-to-the-Editor-

Old letter to the Editor involving the wine protest in Mount Airy some time back, but let your focus be more on the theme and not the particular circumstances.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Self-Examination

2Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
 
    An old silversmith was standing one day over a large vessel that was boiling over a roaring fire.  His face was smeared with sweat and ashes; it was weather-beaten and weary.  Yet he smiled as he stared at the metallic gray liquid, because he knew it was being perfected.  A while later, one of the old silversmith's apprentices walked by and wondered what the old man was smiling about. The young apprentice stared into the rippling liquid and asked the old man, "Sir, how do you know when the silver is perfect, free from impurities I mean?"
     The old man replied, " Well son you see,  how I know that this silver is done being perfected is when I see my reflection in the silver liquid." He turned back to the pot  and continued watching his silver...waiting to see his reflection.

James 1:23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
James 1:24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
James 1:25  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Just like the old silversmith, God is watching over each of His children's lives, putting us through the test of fire and trials to burn away our imperfections....and make us more like Him.

1Peter 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

~ Bro. and Sis. C.~




Thursday, August 18, 2011

Waiting upon the Lord

Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

This scripture is so true...for many years I had questioned whether I really had a purpose and whether I was ever going to see God work through me to the good of others. I waited 9 years for the man of my dreams....and my message to all you young ladies out there is wait on the Lord, put Him first, and all things in your life will fall into perfect place....and in His perfect timing.  I'm happy to say now that I am Justin Caudle's wife...and God did keep me strong in Him.  Another thing I would like to say, is that life is so much better if you save yourself for your mate! So challenge yourselves to keep God in the center and He will renew your strength....that's Gods divine promise to all of us no matter what comes our way!!!

Matthew 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

-HRC

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Showing our faith

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God;but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Do we say we know God, or do we know him? Words are simply just words, but to know God we must obey God!


1John 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 
1John 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1John 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1John 2:6  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked

To say we know God is one thing, but to really know him we must obey him.

To say we love God is one thing, but to love God we must obey him!

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

I want to know him, because many are going to say Lord, Lord. But he is going to say to many depart from ye that work iniquity, I NEVER KNEW YOU.

If you believe in him, truly believe in him, then you will obey him. If you love him, you will obey him. If you know him, it will be because you obey him.

As much as false doctrine may not teach that one must make an effort to enter into the kingdom of God, if we are going to be saved we are going to have to strive to enter in. Its going take us showing our faith.

1John 3:24  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

I dont want to just know of God, but I want to know God!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Faith between the Promise and the Performance

Romans 4:20  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Romans 4:21  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Abraham didn't  give up. There was time that transpired between the promise and the performing of the promise, but that's why we must have faith. What God has promised he will perform, there maybe a pause between the promise and the performance, but God has not forsaken us. 

He promised Abraham a seed...pause.....Abraham's wife Sarah had Issac when Abraham was 100. 25 years after the promise, God fulfilled his word. 

He promised Abraham a land to his seed, for 400 + years his seed was in bondage...hundreds of years didn't stop the promise. 
-
Deu 1:8  Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. 

He promised to redeem men...when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his son made of a women to fulfill his promise. God in Christ. 

He promised the gift of the Holy Ghost...there was a space of time..then the day of Pentecost and the fulfillment of that promise. 

Whatever promises you have in your life, don't give up on them just because of time. God hasnt forgotten us. His promises are sure. 

We have another promise, that same Jesus is coming back to take his bride home. The church without spot, or blemish. We need not grow weary in well doing, God will fulfill his promise. There has been a pause, there has been space, but God will deliver on his word. Have faith. 

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

-Bro. C
Acts 2:38, obey it! 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Word

Psalm 119:11  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:16  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Psalm 119 is a good chapter to read over and over again, no it's a great chapter! It speaks so much of the word and how the writer loves it with his whole heart.This is one of those chapters you can read over and over and still get inspiration from it every time. Well every chapter in the Bible is that way! But here are just a few verses that stuck out to me as I set and read it tonight:

Psalm 119:67  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

Sometimes its good for a little affliction to come into our lives to keep us on track, keep us praying and seeking God. Lord if it takes affliction to bring our backsliders back then so be it.


Psalm 119:72  The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Cant no wealth, no riches of this world compare to the priceless value of Truth! Buy it for yourself, buy it for the next generation, and don't let go of it. Its far more valuable than anything else.

Psalm 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

The word settles what is and isn't truth. So once I know what truth is I hate every lie that speaks contrary. I hate every false doctrine. Love everybody, but hate every sin. Love everybody, but hate every lie. Love everybody, but hate every false doctrine. If I am going be in love with truth, I must hate lies. See I cannot serve two masters, I am going to love one and hate the other. So I choose to love truth, for its more valuable than anything.

Psalm 119:165  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Preach to me preacher, I wont get offended. Why? Because I love the truth. Because I want to be saved. Because all scripture is given by God's inspiration. And I have great peace and I'm not torn between serving two masters because I have truth, and nothing else could satisfy like truth does. For the word of God has set me free.


Psalm 119:127  Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
Psalm 119:128  Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. 


When you love truth, you hate the false way. Enough said. Psalm 119 is a GREAT chapter!

-Bro. C
Acts 2:38, obey it!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Grow Up!

1Co 13:11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood  as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became  a man, I put away childish things.  

1Pe 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

 A child just does some things a little different than do grown-ups. Something that may not be a part of acceptable behavior for an adult may just be ok for a kid. Why? Cause a kid is a kid, they speak like one ( without little thought of what they are saying and its impact on others), they understand like one (they just don’t comprehend some of the directions they are given in life), and they think as a child ( they believe that the adults can do anything, they think less on the major issues of life and more so on the small things). A infant can be taken in some businesses without their shoes on, but for the adults the sign on the door means just what it says. See kids just get better treatment sometimes and sometimes just seem to be able to slip by with doing something unacceptable. This only last for some time, this only seems to be the way a child could act, and when that child became a man he must put away these actions in order to truly be a man. He is taught how to be a grown-up.  

 Let's make this spiritual, let's compare this to the spiritual realm. Let's make this putting away of childish ways our plan in the spiritual manner. I have seen folks that where in the body of Christ for years but it seemed after all that time they were still on the same level of God, and ultimately this would lead to their spiritual downfall and backsliding. We must put away childish things.

 Its childish to talk about your brother, the one that wants to help you reach the next level, the same one that is praying and fasting for you and your family.

 And I want you to remember that Jesus said except we all become as little children we shall in no likewise enter into the kingdom of God, but he was talking about their acceptance of him and their love for one another and him. But I'm talking about childish actions, actions that are immature and due sometimes to the lack of experience.

  Its childish to kick against the preacher the one trying to preach you and your family and friends the words of eternal life. I have seen adults that have tore their family apart and caused for members of their family to backslide and disrespect the church and its faithful because they got their feet stepped on, well you can see why they got their feet stepped on.

 In the 14th chapter of Matthew the preacher lost his head, John the Baptist spoke the truth and upset some folks. So John was arrested and we all know ultimately beheaded, but even after they destroyed the preacher, even after they had passed their hate of the minister on to the child, even though the preacher was no more, God’s word was still right. Like it or not God’s word still says that adultery is wrong, God’s word still says that murder is wrong. You can destroy the preacher but not the words nor the God behind that preacher. You can kill the messenger if it's his time, but you can't destroy the message.

 "Oh that preacher don’t know what he’s talking about, that won't ever hurt you, you just wear what you want to wear.” Um… about 10 years down the road it will be just drink what you want to drink, just smoke what you want to smoke. Be with who you want to be with. It’s time we put away childish ways for the sake of ourselves and our children.

 "Oh that man is not to smart." Well I beg to differ with you, I believe the man of God are the most intelligent of men around the world. They have wisdom from above!

 Our world today is a mess,  because man have failed to give ear to God, at first maybe just slightly then as time progressed more and more. We have prisons full of people who once where probably told don’t listen to that preacher, graves filled with people not ready to meet God because they wouldn’t heed to the word of God.


We must put away Childish ways and just Grow up. We can't stay on the bottle too long, we have to leave the milk and grow to a new level, eat a better diet.


Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil

Monday, June 27, 2011

Proverbs

The words of wisdom will continue, I have been short on time lately. Look for the words of wisdom to continue this week, plus for a blog entitled, "Spiritual Authority".

Continue

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This scripture sums up the gospel well. This scripture gives us the apostle’s doctrine. This scripture gives us the plan of salvation. This scripture assures us that we must repent. This scripture clearly lets us know how to be baptized, in Jesus name. This scripture lets us know the Holy Ghost is for us, for those with an obedient heart. This scripture was spoken by the man that had the keys. I love this scripture! Obey it!

If baptism is required for remission then the name is as much required. Baptism does nothing for us without the name, and that name is Jesus. Acts 4:10-12. And without water and spirit birth we will not be a part of the kingdom of God. Preach the word, teach the word, believe the word, and obey the word! Without the foundation we will not stand.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

-Bro. C

Friday, June 17, 2011

Words of Wisdom: Proverbs Chapter 3 & 4

I have combined these two chapters because yesterday I didn't have the time to post a blog.




Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.


Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.


Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.


Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.




Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.


Proverbs 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.


Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.


Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.


Proverbs 4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.


Let God direct you by his word. Don't look to your own human intelligence, emotions, nor wisdom. Look toward God and let him direct you. Don't look to the right, nor to the left. Nothing off the path has anything to offer us, what we need (all we need) is on the path. Let the word direct your steps. Every voice that speaks contrary to truth needs to be gone from our lives, because those voices are subverting whole houses. Any voice besides those preaching truth should not be of influence in the lives of those in the church. Everything to the right or to the left is destruction, but on the path their is safety. Stay with Jesus, stay with the word.

-Bro. C
Acts 2:38, obey it!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Word of Wisdom:Proverbs Chapter 2

Proverbs 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Wisdom! That's the them of Proverbs. Well its that wisdom, not earthly wisdom, but that Godly wisdom that will preserve thee. It will keep thee from the strange woman, wisdom will help us to understand and walk with a clear focus. Don't look to the right nor to the left, keep your focus on God! And remember what James wrote, if you lack wisdom just ask God for the right wisdom to direct your life. Pray for his will, God will never fail you.

We need discretion to tell what is and isn't of God, remember try to try the spirits! And understanding, we need that opened so we can clearly understand the scriptures (truth). Read the word, believe the word, and obey the word!

-Bro. C
Acts 2:38, obey it!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Word of Wisdom: Proverbs Chapter 1

Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

There is a lot in the first chapter of Proverbs, but the last verse seems to sum it up very well. Basically it's saying just do what God says to do, and everything will work out for your good. As verse 5 in chapter one says, "A wise man will hear, and increase learning." We must accept the teaching and preaching of God's word in order to live a good life. This chapter lets us know that if you despise such learning (wisdom and instruction) you are a fool (verse 7), and that a fear of God is required of us. It goes on to warn us not to follow those that want to rebel and wait to shed the blood of the innocent. We better watch what nets we set, and what pits we dig. They could be to our own down fall. Wisdom is crying out, trying to persuade men to follow God, he gives safety!

Proverbs1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Provers 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Proverbs 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

But men still attempt to follow their own way, and their own devices. So they will eat of the fruit which they produce. Reminds me of  "be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: (Isaiah 1:19) Choose to obey God, and eat the good fruit!

-Bro. C
Acts 2:38, obey it!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Stedfast

Update on upcoming blogs:

Within the next two weeks I hope to finally finishing putting together a blog on Spiritual Authority. I know sometime back I first mentioned it, but time has not allowed me to finish it up. Just wanted to make sure I let everyone that reads my blog know that I haven't forgotten about that topic I mentioned a few weeks back, unfortunately I wasn't able to make it my next blog like I had originally said/planned.

Also hope to everyday update my blog for the next month with "Words of Wisdom,"starting today.  Drawing from a chapter of Proverbs each day.


Thanks for all those that read this blog, and for all those who comment on it so kindly. With viewers from America, to Germany, to Russia, and many more countries; I am so glad for them all. Hopefully inspiration, and truth has found it's way into many lives.

A few scriptures about steadfastness that I love:

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye STEDFAST, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence STEDFAST unto the end.

Acts 2:42 And they continued STEDFASTLY in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

BE STEDFAST in TRUTH!

- Bro. C
Acts 2:38, obey it!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Serve Him!

2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

God has never liked doublemindness, and a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. If God be God, then serve him with all of your heart! It saddens me to see double lives, lets purge ourselves from filthiness of the flesh and lets receive the word of God for what it says! We cant serve God and our flesh, to be carnal minded is death! STRIVE to enter in! Serve God with sincerity, they that worship God must worship him in Spirit and in Truth!

Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Let the world do what the world does, and follow Jesus!

Monday, June 6, 2011

God's Army: Truth is INVINCIBLE

"there are no invincible armies and that there never have been" -Stalin

Sorry Stalin, but you must never heard of God's army! It is invincible. Its called the CHURCH!

2 Corinthians 13:8
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.


Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.


Truth is invincible. You can’t war against God and win, period. Try as some might, and some truly are, you will not prosper against truth! There is no wisdom nor is counsel that will stand against truth; truth is invincible. Truth will never change, as much as men try to form their own doctrines.

Truth is going to save those that obey it, but its going to stand against those that will not obey it.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.


John 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

John 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.



Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

As long as we stay in God's army we are invincible, no weapon formed against us shall prosper!