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Walking in him!

Mar 122013

Walking in him!

Since Jesus departed this world, our hearts have been heavy and sad but he sent us a friend, the Holy Spirit, he will be with us to the end and he has made us glad!

A body the Father had prepared for his Son; God the living word, through him the Father’s word would be heard.

He came to save the many and from his Kingdom he will not lose any.

How would people in places far away will hear and be delivered from all their fear?

There was needed many physical bodies for the Lord to work in, preaching the word of God, that belief in Jesus would save them from their sin.

Jesus began with Peter to build his Church, his body which all believers are part of, being fitted together by God’s own Son, loved by our Father, the Eternal One!

This mystical body in which even today he works through and *the greater works are being done through me and you.

We are the Church sent by Jesus, gifted by him to do God’s will, a bright light in the darkness set on a hill.

You cannot resist his choice of you, no way I say, for his irresistible grace has come your way, do not harden your heart as the word does say.

This mystical body is walking in him, we are his hands, feet and love in the world to be seen, **Jesus is building his glorious Church of the first born, the spotless ones, his Bride and Queen.

Though you Lord Jesus have gone away for a time, you are still very near to us and your work through us is divine.

Who are we Lord that you will reward us for the Father’s work that only you can do, it is you because you wanted us to be fellow workers with you.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago Ephesians 2:10 NLT.

Walking the land as you did trod, speaking to people through our good deeds, helping the poor with their needs, proof to this evil world that we came from God.

Truly a peculiar people are we, strangers in this world, longing to go to our heavenly home above, but we are held here by our Saviors’ great love. This we do for the Lost, doing his will, the only wise God who saves souls despite such a great cost!

*”I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. John 14:12 NLT. These greater works done through the Church, the Body of Christ are not greater in the sense of being better in quality but in quantity, more of them! Note that Jesus said; “The same works”, not different works!

**that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:27 NASB.

I used to think that when I went to Church that God was there, the truth is that we “Are” the Church collectively and individually, we bring God into the building! Another misunderstanding about the Church is the question; who is a Saint? A Saint is every true believer in Jesus Christ, they are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and sanctified by him. Paul the Apostle confirms this; All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. Philippians 4:22 NASB.

Note that Paul said; “All” the Saints greet you; they were all of the Body of Christ, the early Church. Their Sainthood is through God’s choice not that of men.

Author Ken

March 2013

Do you have a freed will or are you still bound?

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Mar 082013

Do you have a freed will or are you still bound?

What does God’s word say about this, you will be surprised as his word is contrary to what many believe. There are those in today’s religious circles that profess that those in the world today have a so called “Free Will” to make whatever choices they want. In the Bible, God’s word we see that this is only true in one respect; they can do whatever they want, especially in regards to sin. They cannot in their fallen nature given through Adam come to God; neither do they have the desire to do so! Why is that you may ask? It is because they do not have a “Freed” will, their wills are bound and enslaved to Satan, doing his will only as God’s word declares.

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1-John 5:19 NLT.

How great was the fall of Adam? His sin brought a total darkness of the heart, a spiritual death passed on to all mankind, even to this day.

The total control of the whole earth, over all humans and creatures was given to Satan who Jesus called; “The Prince of this world” Remember that during his tempting of Jesus, he offered the Lord the “Kingdoms of the world” which were his to give.

“I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. Luke 4:6 NLT.

Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2-Timothy 2:26 NLT.

The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 1-John 3:8 NASB.

Jesus today is plundering Satan’s Kingdom, taking out a people for himself, setting the prisoners free!

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT. (Note that he saves HIS people-the Elect, chosen by God the Father. “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. John 17:6 NLT.)

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 NLT.

Only those born of God have a true free will, they have been loosed by Jesus from the Kingdom of Satan, given the gift of the Holy Spirit; their bodies are now the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, Colossians 1:13 NASB. Who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:14 NLT.

They are the only ones with a free will to serve God or not. Those remaining in Satan’s Kingdom do not have this choice on their own; they can only do Satan’s will as captives, prisoners! The “Good News” is that Jesus sets the prisoners free and when he does they are free indeed, loosed from a “Bound” will, to a true free will. As Christians we can make a free will choice to walk in the Spirit or go back to bondage.This has nothing to do with Satan and his Kingdom but obedience to God’s word. If you embrace the Law through legalism you will “fall from grace”, it will steal your joy, you will lose the liberty of walking in the Spirit but you cannot lose your salvation as some teach falsely! This comes from following the Law and the commandments of men through legalism; this is what had happened in the Galatians Church. Listen to what the Apostle Paul said to them; Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Galatians 3:1 NLT.

They went from the liberty that they had in Christ to a bondage being under the Law and the commandments of men.

Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ Mark 7:7 NLT.

This same legalism has crept into some Churches today, their rules and regulations they have substituted for the liberty our Lord has given to everyone who believes in him. The Law came through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ! One doctrine that is taught in many Churches today is tithing. I and many other Christians reject this doctrine as it is not taught in the New Testament. Paul the Apostle never used the word “Tithe”; he did however refer to believers giving according to how much the Lord had prospered them. Through faith, if we sow much we reap much, sow little, reap little. The joyful giver gives from the heart and what the Holy Spirit prompts him/her of what to give, it has nothing to do with the tithe. There is an article that will prove that the tithe has no place in the New Testament, it is called “The Tithe Is Illegal “. If anyone with an open mind reads this article they will understand it is a part of legalism and why the Apostle Paul would not say the word “Tithe”, he would not twist the scriptures! You can read it from a link on my site called; The best I have ever read about tithing. Those who collect a tenth or tithe have a secure income, no faith needed but the Apostle Paul walked by faith. God granted that the believers send him support; he also worked with his hands so he would not be an extra burden to them. He never told them to pay him a tithe but appealed to them to give what they had purposed in their hearts to give, I’m sure this was the work of the Holy Spirit through joyful Christians!

Author Ken

March 2013

Need oil?

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Mar 072013

Need oil?

Who doesn’t, fuels our homes, cars, boats and more!

The Bible speaks of oil for lamps but in this parable it is special oil. Oil used in lamps give the wicks the ability to burn which gives off light. In the scripture of the 10 virgins, five had oil, five did not. This was a parable given by Jesus concerning those who belonged to him and those who did not.

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Matthew 25:10 NIV.

Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ Matthew 25:11 NLT.

“But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Matthew 25:12 NASB.

There are some very special truths found in this parable from our Lord Jesus. Note verse 10, they went to BUY oil, salvation is a free gift. Remember Simon the magician offered to pay for the Holy Spirit (Oil) and the power and was severely rebuked by Peter.

But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! Acts 8:20 NASB.

“For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” Acts 8:23 NASB.

This man Simon was an unsaved man like the five Virgins without the oil they sought to purchase. Their cry Lord, Lord, is the same as the “Works for salvation” people who told the Lord about all the things THEY did in His name. His reply to them is similar as said to the five Virgins; “Truly, I don’t know you” Thus Jesus separates the Tares from the true wheat, the believers, God’s Elect.

The oil represents the Holy Spirit and those without the Holy Spirit do not belong to him! King Saul was anointed with oil because it was God who made him the ruler of Israel. The Lord gave the people the King of their choice a man after their own hearts, not his! Saul was a wicked man extremely jealous of his servant David. For 10 years David suffered, ducking spears throw by King Saul and living in caves. Although David had an opportunity to kill Saul he would not because he knew Saul was God’s *anointed. He had oil (the sign from God that his Holy Spirit was with him) poured on his head by God’s Prophet Samuel and the power of the Holy Spirit, changed him into a “New” man. In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit would come upon and depart God’s Elect when they sinned. This is what David feared when he sinned saying; “Take not thy Holy Spirit from me”. When Jesus died on the cross, he obtained our perfect salvation, as he had promised. He sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost to be with every believer and He NEVER departs even when we sin. He did depart from King Saul because of his evil; Saul was put to death but went to be with the Prophet Samuel in Paradise as Samuel had previously told him. Despite David’s sin, the Holy Spirit never left him but God punished him greatly, taking his son born out of wedlock with Bathsheba and his much loved son Absalom who turned against him causing David to flee. The death of Absalom was a bitter pill to David. He was put to death by one of David’s Army commanders Joab. Psalm 119, a psalm of David shows how great was his punishment by the Lord and his godly repentance that led to a restoration of his fellowship and walk with God. David said; “When I went astray you punished me but now I keep your word”.

Sin always separates the believer in their walk with God. David in Psalm 23 was comforted seeing the Rod of correction in his walk with the Lord, knowing that whom the Lord loves he corrects, anyone who claims to be a believer and suffers no correction when they willfully sin does NOT belong to God!

The 10 virgins are a picture of the saved and lost, there are many religious people in today’s world that may be devout in the practice of their faith but their hearts are far from God. They do not have oil, the Holy Spirit who is given to every true believer in Christ the moment that they believe!

A Christian’s willful sinning causes God to suffer as it grieves his Holy Spirit. Remember in the Book of Acts the two believers who lost their lives because of having lied to the Holy Spirit, therefore lying to God, the third person of the Trinity!

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Acts 5:3 NIV.

The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” Acts 5:4 NLT.

The Holy Spirit cannot depart from anyone who is in the Body of Christ, the Church; Jesus had declared that He would be with us forever!

The Christian is a purchased possession of God and not their own, they are taught of God through his Holy Spirit. We read of Christians being weak, sick and falling asleep (Dying as did Ananias and his wife). I have heard those in some Churches say that God does not cause believers to be sick but the Apostle Paul refutes that falsehood in his writings to the Corinthians. He states that any believer that partakes in communion while willful sinning, is in an “Unfit manner”, not rightly judging the deeds/sins of the body. This brings God’s chastisement which can be grievous and can result in death (For the believer it’s an early trip home, falling asleep as the term Jesus used for those who belonged to him). To avoid punishment, examine yourself, confess your sins, you have the promise of forgiveness from God who will not only cleanse you but forget the sins you have confessed, so don’t bring them up again as he won’t remember! But if you wish to partake of communion knowing you will continue in your willful sin (A revolving door, I have been there!), you would be better off not to! God is not mocked, whatever you sow you will reap, sow good, reap good, sow evil, and reap evil! Remember from the Book of Hebrews; “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”

In order to avoid the chastisement from God avoid willful sinning which grieves his Holy Spirit, instead, walk after the Spirit by obedience and devotion to Christ, deny the lusts of the flesh. We all stumble in many ways but God gives “Grace upon Grace” in our struggle with sin, (Romans 7 is Paul’s struggle against the flesh and its lusts) the warfare between the Holy Spirit and our corruptible flesh. God does pity us; he knows our frame that we are but dust. Set your minds on things above, draw near to God and he will draw near to you, he rewards those who do.

Even in our unfaithfulness he remains faithful to us, he cannot deny himself. A day in his fellowship is better than a thousand as David said and when you meditate on him the fires will burn, you will experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns will do the same.

*Some falsely teach two things regarding King Saul; one is that Saul was a godless man. The other is that the Prophet Samuel who was called up from Paradise was a demon, both teaching are false. Saul was God’s choice, anointed with oil; the Holy Spirit gave him faith in God. I believe the Holy Spirit only comes upon God’s Elect which Jesus confirmed by saying; He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Mark 7:28 NASB

Proof from God’s word that Saul was saved, he was given a new heart and prophesies.

“Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man. 1-Samuel 10:6 NASB.

The bread mentioned is Jesus himself for God’s people through the Holy Spirit. Dogs were a common term the Jews used for unbelievers, the Gentiles. When the Nation rejected Jesus, God began saving Gentiles from all Nations and tongues. When their number is complete according to the will of God, He will return to save all Israel.

“AND IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE.” Matthew 12:21 NASB.

The word of God states that it was Samuel who God allowed to tell Saul that he and his sons would be with Samuel in Paradise (A special place of rest and peace for all God’s Elect. They could not go to Heaven at that time but had to wait until Jesus died on the cross and fully paid the ransom for their salvation). God’s word tells us it is Samuel who the false teachers twist in saying it was a demon; I suggest that they read the warnings in the last chapter of the Book of Revelation.

“What does he look like?” he asked. “An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. 1-Samuel 28:14 NIV.

What’s more, the LORD will hand you and the army of Israel over to the Philistines tomorrow, and you and your sons will be here with me. The LORD will bring down the entire army of Israel in defeat.” 1-Samuel 28:19 NLT.

One son of Saul was Jonathan who David said that his love for him was better than the love of a woman. I believe this was through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jonathan was with his father Saul and his brothers in Paradise. Another confirmation that Saul was a saved man as Jonathan was there with him, one who loved David. Some Churches find it hard to believe that one is saved by faith alone, works will follow after but never before!

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; Ephesians 2:8 NASB.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9 NLT.

The saved believer however may still willfully sin but they can never lose their salvation, King David and King Saul as an example. David was spared death by God, and Saul the believer was not. The death of a believer is never separation from God, the fate of the non-believer is always separated from God weather alive or dead!

Author Ken

March 2013

Dedicated to the memory of Angelina Maria Caterina who went to be with the Lord April 15, 2012

Who likes ants?

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Mar 032013

Who likes ants?

Like spiders, they sneak into your home, there are few places they don’t

roam! That little ant can be a sneaky fellow, its not nice to find him in your Jell-O!

Some people say; “Leave them alone and they will go home” but I say;

“better yet, throw them a bone!”

Give them some special bait, something sweet to eat, they will gobble it up

with their hordes, a scary sight to be seen but with ants it doesn’t pay to wait.

Within the tasty bait is an ingredient that wipes the nest clean, including

the Queen! Hate to have to do that but it’s necessary and not mean.

When you see a lone ant running around, be aware of this little scout,

scurrying all about, be sure, the chances are you will be seeing many more!

The Bible speaks about the ants being wise, they gather their food in the summer and store it for the winter. Who tells them to do this? It is the Lord; he gives instinct to his creatures so the bird knows how to build a nest and the pigeon’s guidance, when they fly home to rest.

The ants are not a strong people, But they prepare their food in the summer; Proverbs 30:25 NASB.

Author Ken

March 2013

The healing power of love.

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Feb 262013

The healing power of love.

It comes from our Father above, the God who IS love!

Before I was born I was loved by thee, how wonderful Lord

are your thoughts of me, too numerous are they for me to see.

As David said; you saw me formed in my mother’s womb and for

me, you laid in the tomb, you had seen much grief, sorrow and gloom.

The grave could not hold you as their prize, on the third day

you did arise!

That Sunday morning you did come, you did not reveal yourself

that day to all but to some.

A woman of the streets was one, despised by the Pharisees and by almost

everyone.

What great love and great forgiveness this woman did see, it is also given to you and me.

Now she loved the Lord and hated her sins, her stony heart was removed a new heart of love was put in, her new life in Christ was to begin.

What a Savior, what a Lord, whose love draws us like a cord.

Jesus, he is worthy to be praised, who delivers us from our sin and shame,

the beloved Son of God who brings glory to his Father’s name!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 NIV.

Author Ken Feb. 2013

A Rose without thorns.

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Feb 172013

A Rose without thorns

In a special garden it did grow, a place few would know.
There in all its beauty the Son of God did sow, at a time when this world knew no woe.
This was the Garden of Eden, of which we have heard, in it walked God’s Son, the living Word.
As the Sun did set, Adam and Eve he met.
The Lord said to them; I have created you both to be with me, I give you this world to rule from sea to sea.
Enjoy your vast home but remember I have made you for my own!
No thorns, no creatures that bite, a perfect world with all that’s right but their enemy was within sight.
Their love for the Lord was put to a simple test, of one tree they cannot eat, the eating of that fruit would bring sure defeat.
*When Satan the Serpent tempted Eve, she, he did deceive.
He said; God is hiding something from you, when you eat the fruit, your eyes will be opened and his secret you will undo. You will know good and evil just like him, which is what he has been hiding from you!
Paradise was lost that day when they both went astray from their Lord, in their sin, they both were in one accord.
God’s warning they did not heed, their nakedness they knew and from the Lord’s presence they did leave.
Fig leaves could not cover what had taken place within, it was a Spiritual death that came from their sin.
God cursed that perfect earth, a fallen Race, physical death, sickness and disease took its place.
When you next pick some Roses, be warned, be careful of the thorn.
When stuck by one, blood will flow, a reminder that it was shed for us from Emanuel’s veins, this is from the Bible we know.

*Thank God that he didn’t let Satan win, he covered the sin of Adam and Eve with blood shed, defeated Satan at the cross and gave the promise of salvation to everyone who believes!

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT.

Author Ken
February 2013

And the rocks did fall, a true story!

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Feb 122013

And the rocks did fall, a true story!

I recall one Thursday night at Church many years ago, after I had given my testimony about seeing God’s hand in my life. The Pastor said he liked that term I used. Recently I was reflecting on the many times in my Christian life I have seen God act. One experience I remember when my faith was weak and my fear was strong. When your life is in danger you never forget those times. It was in the 1980’s that my brother in the Lord sold me a Moped which I loved, took my young son for many rides on it.

One day I went for a ride on my Moped alone, thank God! I rode to a less traveled road miles from my home, it was an area that you would hardly ever see a car. As I began my ride home on that deserted road I was approaching one of the few Bus Stops, to my surprise there were about five teenagers there waiting for the Bus. When I was about to ride by them, they saw me and they all picked up large rocks! Seeing this and knowing what was about to happen caused great fear to arise in my heart ( The Moped had a problem, after running for a while, the engine would quit, maybe due to overheating? I was thinking of that as I approached these kids with the rocks in their hands!). You and I know that only one good size rock can cause much injury to the brain or even death. This is what I faced all alone on that deserted road. I don’t remember calling on God for help, all I remember is thinking is that I would duck my head and hope they missed it with the rocks. To my total amazement as I rode by they all dropped the rocks from their hands, I happened to look in my rear view mirror and saw the most wonderful sight, a Police car! Where we lived at that time was a low crime area, we hardly saw a Police car at any time, in fact, most people didn’t even lock their doors! It was God’s doing that at the exact moment of my need he sent his Ministers the Police to deliver me. When the teenagers saw the Police car, the rocks fell from their hands! Let me ask you this question, what are the odds that at this time of my special need a Police car would appear on this lonely road? It had nothing to do with the odds; it was an act of God and his love for me! His word tells me that he is faithful to me even when I am unfaithful, for he cannot deny himself as HE is the faithful and the Amen!

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 2-Timothy 2:13 NASB.

Therefore, angels are only servants–spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 NLT.

This was not my first encounter with the possibility of death; I was given the “Last Rights” by a Priest as a 16 year old boy raised in the Catholic religion, almost run over on my bicycle, (I believe an Angel turned the steering wheel of my bike and the car missed me by inches).Survived a head on crash with a truck that totaled my car, fell off my boatlift, hitting my concrete dock and falling into freezing water, I had thought at that time I broke my back! Fell off a ladder and was totally paralyzed but recovered fully. I will leave these testimonies for future time, they all give honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ and his “Hand” of protection and deliverance in my life. I am truly a blessed man, an object of his love with a blessed family, to God be the glory!

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us Romans 8:31 NLT.

I dedicate this testimony to all the Police forces and their families. The Police are God’s ministers who put their lives on the line every day for us, our beloved brother-in-law is one of them!

The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. Romans 13:4 NLT.

Author Ken

Feb. 2013

Why Barabbas?

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Feb 112013

Pilate must have thought the crowd was crazy, why would they reject an innocent man and choose a murderer to go free? Pilate believed that Jesus was the King of the Jews, he desired to free Jesus because of the dream his wife had about him. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” Matthew 27:19 NASB. Pilate was aware of the custom of the Jews to release a prisoner each year at the time of the Passover and thought for sure they would choose Jesus over Barabbas. But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?” John 18:39 NLT. Pilate in his zeal to get Jesus released had him flogged, beaten to a pulp as one would say in order to win the people’s mercy for him saying; “Behold the man” Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold, the Man!” John 19:5 NLT. To his total surprise, the Chief Priests chose Barabbas and rejected Jesus, shouting; “Crucify Him”. It was God’s will that Barabbas go free and Jesus be crucified! Pilate was much afraid, he knew Jesus was innocent and believed he was the King of the Jews. He ordered a sign to be put on the cross; “Jesus the Nazarene, “The King of the Jews”. Neither Pilate, the Chief Priests nor the crowd sentenced Jesus to be put to death, God willed it. Jesus, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world Revelation 13:8 NASB.

The Apostle Peter explained this to his people in his preaching recorded in the Book of Acts, the Jews who heard were “Pierced to the heart” by the Holy Spirit and repented as Peter had told them to do. This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. Acts 2:23 NIV.

As Peter had told them it was God’s pre-determined will that Jesus go to the cross for the sins of the Nation. Caiaphas who was the High Priest that year had prophesied that Jesus would die for the Nation; this is another confirmation that it was God’s will, not man’s that Jesus was put to death! This was the Prophesy of Caiaphas; Nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” John 11:50 NASB.

God’s word says that without the shedding of blood there would be no remission of sins. It was the will of God the Father to send his Son, God the Word to die for our sins, the just for the unjust! Our fallen nature with all its sin was represented by Barabbas the murderer and prisoner. Jesus died and we were set free, loosed from our sins and God’s Judgment.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard Romans 3:23 NLT.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 NASB.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT.

Author Ken

Feb. 2013

More of the deep things of God.

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Feb 022013

More of the deep things of God.

Please note: I do not recommend new believers in Jesus Christ read this blog. The Apostle Paul wrote that these are “Babes” in the faith and should be fed the “Milk” of the word as they do not have the “Spiritual” teeth needed to chew on the “Strong Meat” of the word yet. In fact, according to Paul, it could hurt them in their lack of understanding. God willing, they will grow through obedience and the trials all Christians face unto a mature man, led by the Holy Spirit doing God’s perfect will.

When Jesus was crucified between two thieves, both reviled him but something happened to one of these men. Here is where we see the deep things of God related to his sovereignty, foreknowledge and predestination of the elect, those he himself had chosen before the creation of the earth.

One thief was chosen by God and one was not, this is confirmed in the Book of Ephesians and the Book of Romans, both written by the Apostle Paul.

God is no respecter of persons, from the fall of Adam and Eve all have sinned and have short of the glory of God. This fallen nature has been passed to the entire human race but God in his compassion and mercy willed that not all the human race created in his image and likeness be doomed to separation from him for all eternity. In his foreknowledge he chose a people for himself. We are told in God’s word that in his choice, not many rich or wise were chosen. He chose the poor and abased to confound the wise, he chose a harlot and a beggar over a King. In his great mercy he does save some rich but not many!

One thief on the cross had a darkened spirit, not able or desiring to know who Jesus is; he is the picture of the non-elect of the world. His words to Jesus were from his Father Satan. The non-elect are held captive by him to do his will. Jesus told the evil Pharisees that their Father was Satan. Something different happened to the other thief, the words he spoke were of faith.

Jesus knew that this man was one of his Father’s elect and was given to him as he said at the Last Supper; “Thine they were Father and you have given them to me”. The Holy Spirit regenerated this man in his last hours of life on that cross. He was given the “Gift” of faith and called upon Jesus his Savior (He was saved without works). Nobody earns salvation through works, it is a free gift but works follow true faith!

The two thieves’ are a “Type” of those who hear the Gospel of Good News, one will reject God’s word, and the other receives it with joy. One has ears to hear, the other does not.

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin but with the elect he does a further work, granting them a “Godly” repentance leading to salvation. He also gives the “Gift” of faith so that the elect ones can believe in Jesus and be saved. The non-elect are convicted of sin, judgment and the righteousness of God but they cannot believe. They will always reject God’s word as they are incapable to receive (Only the “Good Ground” prepared by God can receive the seed, the word of God, take root and grow) it because of their dead (Darkened) spirit before God.

You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NLT.

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29 NLT

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful 1-Corinthians 1:27 NLT

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9 NLT

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9 NLT

Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Luke 8:8 NLT. God grant that those who read my blog as Jesus said; have “Ears to hear”, for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Author Ken

January 2013

What a walk!

Poems No Responses »

Jan 202013

What a walk!

What a walk with thee oh Lord.

I have been upon the mountain tops, through the valleys, I didn’t know

You were there for me, your drawing cords of love I could not see.

I did not know you those many years ago, did I sin much, that’s for sure,

this you did know, I was your enemy as your word says so.

Far from the straight and narrow I did go.

Who was it that whispered in my mind; “I Am the one you need to find”.

Was it my own thoughts I heard? No, it was Jesus, the living Word!

One of my many valleys I walked years ago, was in Boy’s Home where I did go,

many summer days I spent time thinking, does anyone care, and I had much fear

because of the conditions there.

I remember a young ill Latino boy on the food line, with me he did speak and for this they struck him hard on the cheek.

If you even picked up a stick from the ground you would be beaten really quick!

I remember one dark stormy night, the lightning made the windows glow bright.

Upon my bed I lay, scared and depressed; the peals of thunder prevented my rest.

I cried out and said; “Lord, get me out of here”.

My prayer was answered that night, in one week I was back home, much to my delight.

Love lifted me, this 12 year old little boy born into a poor family, from the darkness of those Valleys I did go, the Good Sheppard saved me, and from him does my joy flow.

He took this pauper and made him a King, now, I don’t want for anything.

What he did for me he can do for you, just ask him and see that it is true.

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 NLT.

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 NIV.

For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. Romans 5:10 NLT.

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:14 NLT. This sounds hard but the key is Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Eternal Life. When you enter through him, “The Door”, you will be saved having found the “Narrow Way” which is Jesus himself!

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT.

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. John 10:9 NIV.

Author Ken

January 2013

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