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Three Keys to the Psalm 91 Blessings!
By Pastor Randy Osborn 3/15/2020
Given the present Corona Virus threat and National Health Emergency, many are pointing to the blessing of KJV Ps 91:10 “… there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” This is a great promise, especially at this time, but to receive God’s protection there are three key conditionals. Let’s look at them.
First, Psalm 91:1 makes the statement that dwelling in God’s shelter will put you in his shadow. Otherwise, staying close to God will refresh, protect and bless you in many ways. The Psalm 91 scriptures that follow this opening statement is how we do this and what blessings will follow.
The first condition we must meet is ‘faith that is proclaimed.’ Ps 91:2 states “I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." This refers to ‘the word of faith’ that will bring salvation. It is mentioned in Rom 10:6, 8-10“ But the righteousness that is by faith says: … But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: ….. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. “ Yes, just as you must confess Jesus as your risen Lord and Savior to be saved, you must also say, out loud, that you trust God to keep you safe. And of course, you must believe in your heart. It goes on to state that God will surely, without a doubt, protect you and you need not fear.
The second condition is to hope for, or expect his protection. Ps 91:9-10 “ If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling.” The reason you will be safe is that God will send his angels to watch over you. Ps 91:11 “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Yes, we must expect God to protect us! He is our fortress!
The third condition is love for God himself! To love God is to love goodness, righteousness and truth, which is his word. Ps 91:14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” To love God also means we are not ashamed of Jesus, God’s son, our Savior or of his words. And we do what the Lord said to do and we say what he can do. We are to live righteously before him and call on his name. The promise to those who love the Lord is Ps 91:15 “ He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
So, the three conditions that need to be met that will bring the blessings and protection are faith, hope and love. In 1 Cor 13:13 we read “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love…” If we are to remain in God’s shadow and thus be sheltered by his almighty power, we need these three things in our lives–spoken faith, hope and love. Then no plague will come near thy dwelling! Praise the Lord!!!
(All scriptures are from the NIV, unless stated)
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SEVEN SAYING OF JESUS ON THE CROSS
The scripture records that Jesus said seven things while hanging the cross. They are as follows:
1. “Father forgive them they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
2. “Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in
paradise” Luke 23:39
3. “Woman, behold thy son!” To his mother Mary
“behold thy mother!” To John. John 19:26,27
4. “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” meaning
“My god, my god, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34
5. “I thirst” John 19:28
6. “It is finished” with a loud voice.” John 19:30
7. “Father into your hands commend I my spirit” Luke 23:46
One could spend much time examining each of these sayings, but I would like to point out just one point. That is about Jesus going into the dark for us, so we could live in the light with God.
If you notice, even while suffering on the cross, the first three statements reflect that Jesus was still concerned with those around him. Otherwise, he was lovingly ministering forgiveness, hope and provision to others. But then it changed. Darkness set in.
The bible states Jesus was on the cross from 9AM until 3PM, but at noon it turned dark. Matt 27:45 stated “ From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.” The fact of this strange darkness over the area was also noted in the writings of a Roman historian. But what did it mean?
Well, it could mean that man was rejecting ‘the light of the world’, thus plunging the world into darkness. That is certainly something to think about! But I believe it represented Jesus experiencing the darkness of sin for us, so we could live righteously in the light of God. 2 Cor 5:21 tells us “ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
After it turned dark, Jesus fourth statement was about feeling rejected and forsaken by God. He felt alone. He had never felt that before. He was with God and was God according to John 1:1. But now he feels alone. Why? It was because now he has become the sin of the world and sin separates us from God. Isa 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Again, 2 Cor 5:21 tells us “ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;…”
Jesus, who was the sinless Son of God, was made sin, and felt the awful separation from God that it causes. His father rejected him, so we in turn, can be accepted by the heavenly Father. God’s judgment against man’s sinfulness was being poured out on Jesus, who is our Savior. Isa 53:4-5 “ Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Also, in the dark Jesus ‘thirsted’, so we who hunger and thirst for righteousness, could be filled. The “righteous one” dying for the unrighteous, so we could be filled with the Holy Spirit and live a righteous life. In Matt 5:6 Jesus has said “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” And again, 2 Cor 5:21 tells us “ ... that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Jesus experienced all that darkness, so we could be forgiven and live in the light with him forever! 1 John 1:7 “ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Again, in John 8:12 we read “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Jesus loves us and did all this for us! Thank you my Lord! ************* **************************
Good News! A medicine to protect us from the Coronavirus should be coming soon!
By Pastor Randy Osborn 3/23/2020
I truly believe this because of a God given dream my friend Ashley, a very spiritual lady, had a few weeks ago. It was about zombies and a dog. Let me explain.
As I understand it, Ashley had gone with her niece to a band concert the night before, and in the morning was in the motel getting ready to leave. She received a phone call from her band member friend to inform her that they had already moved on to their next concert location in another town. He also told her to be sure to watch out for the zombies. Ashley laughed at the thought of zombies, but her friend was dead serious. He said they follow us around wherever we play and they were seen at the concert last night, so some will still be hanging around the motel, so watch out for Zombie-Mushroom Heads. He then asked if she had the dog that they had purchased the day before for her niece. She answered, “yes” and he said that she should be sure to take the dog with her, so the zombies would leave her alone.
The dog was interesting because it was a plant like mass in a tube when they had gotten it the day before, but by morning it was a dog big enough for her to carry. She took the dog with her when she went out to get in the car and this grey skinned stranger walked up to her. She remembers she purposely held the dog between her and the man. The grey man looked at the dog and then walked away. She got in the car with her niece and drove to their destination.
Here is what I believe the interpretation of this dream means for us in this National Health Emergency. The Zombie-Mushroom Heads represent the Coronavirus. One Scientist actually called this virus ‘zombie like’ in that they are dead outside of our bodies, but once in our sinuses they attach to unsuspecting cells and mushroom into many living viruses. They like to be in crowded venues with many people to be able to spread, but will remain in an area for several days. A dog, which is often used for protection, in the dream protected her from the zombie and represents a protective medicine that will quickly be developed, overnight in the lab, to protect us from the Coronavirus. We then can move on with our lives.
Again, I believe this dream shows that a protective medicine will be developed very quickly to protect us from this invading Coronavirus. It will be up to each of us to take and use it, but it will be effective. If my interpretation is correct, and I believe it is, I am encouraged that this will happen very soon. Thank you Jesus!
Also, I believe President Trump obeyed God by calling for a National Day of Prayer last Monday and that God will reward his obedience and answer the prayers of his people by sending a quick answer to this plague. Amen
Please note, one of the ways God speaks to us about present day happenings in our lives is through the dream and interpretation. Gen 41:11-16, Dan 1:17, Matt 1:20,21 Matt 2:12,19-20, Acts 2:17 *********************
Coronavirus and the Frog
By Pastor Randy Osborn 3/19/2020
Since President Trump called for a National Health Emergency travel has been restricted, major events canceled, businesses closed and we have been urged to practice good hygiene. President Trump has called this a war on an unseen enemy! It appears we are moving toward a total lock down, which means most of us staying at home unless absolutely necessary for several weeks. I believe this is just what we need to do, because of a dream I had concerning a frog! Let me explain.
A few weeks back I had a dream in which I was holding a young frog with my two hands and studying it. I wasn’t fearful of it, but it had to be held. After a bit I held it out for others to take a look at it also. This is what I am doing now, sharing what I have learned from this frog in my dream. Perhaps some of you will see even more.
I believe that this frog represents the Coronavirus we are now battling. By the way a group of frogs is called an ‘army’. As a frog hops around, this virus goes from person to person, city to city, state to state and country to country. Frogs also lay multiple eggs and reproduce abundantly, like this virus. The frog also represents transformation or change, as that is goes from a swimming tadpole to a frog. A young frog represents that this new and this is certainly something new to us. It is a common cold that has transformed into a killer virus, especially if you have a suppressed immune system. You have to admit, this is transforming our lives! But the frog eyes are what tells us most and how to defeat this virus. The frog’s eyes are located on the head that allows 360 degree vision. As God, by Moses, sent frogs into Egypt and the pharaoh’s palace to get their attention, I believe this is a God sent biblical proportioned plague to get our attention. This speaks to us of God wanting us to stop and look all around us and see what’s happening in our world. Stop, think about God, Jesus, judgement and your eternity. Think about family, friends, community and what’s really important in life. Look at the many blessings we enjoy in the USA. But let’s also take note of the evil, especially in our own lives. Yes, we have invented ways to feed the lust of the flesh, which we are told in scripture not to do. Many are addicted to drugs, alcohol and pornography. Our media we watch often promote lying, fornication and violence. Slander and dishonoring of authority is rampant. We glorify abortion as a scared right of women. We have legalized drugs, promoted gambling and prostitution. Our law permits same sex marriages and now some want to sexualize our young children in school! Good is called evil and evil good! The Holy God is not happy about the things we have allowed into our lives. Pharaoh wouldn’t let go of the Hebrews to allow them to go worship God. What are we holding onto in our lives that is keeping us from God? We need to look at the plague of our own heart and repent. We need to let go our evil ways, pray for forgiveness and turn back to be being a God fearing, bible believing people.
The frog eyes are also unique in that they also help the frog to swallow its prey. The frog closes its eyes and the eyes sink into its head, which helps force its food down the throat. This speaks to us concerning this virus. If we close our eyes to this situation, thinking it is like just another flu, we may very well be swallowed up and life as we know it may never be the same again. We must take this serious. But the frog eyes also tell us how to defeat it!
The lenses of the frog differ from the human eye in that the lenses move to focus. It can see color in the dark, which is unique, but it can only detect movement. Yes, if a frog was surrounded by food that didn’t move, it would starve to death! That is why we must stay home and not move around very much right now, so that way the Coronavirus will die out of its own accord. It just won’t spread! The lock down will defeat this enemy. And since God is behind this plague, he can also quickly take it away like he did for Moses and Pharaoh, if we will humble ourselves and repent.
When Pharaoh repented and said he would let the Hebrews go to worship, Moses asked him when he wanted to be rid of the frogs and have them live only in the Nile. Pharaoh answered “Tomorrow!” Seriously? He was willing to live with those frogs one more day? Don’t do that friend. Let’s repent of any evil in our lives and turn to the Lord today! As it is written in 2 Cor 6:2 “…. behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” And from 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let’s ask right now for God to forgive us for any evil we have let into our lives and turn wholeheartedly to Jesus. Do it today!
Fellow citizen, let’s obey what God wants us to do and what the President asks us to do. If we humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways and pray, I believe God will remove this virus quickly and we can return, with new hearts, to our great way of life in the USA.
(All scriptures from the KJV - Moses and frog plague is from Exodus 8:1-15) ********************
A lesson from Jonah: keeping your vows. by Pastor Randy 3/28/2020
Jonah 2:1, 7-10 “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God” …. "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. NIV
I read these passages from the book of Jonah and I noticed that Jonah prayed to the Lord from the belly of the great fish and said “…What I have vowed I will make good…. And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” In his misery Jonah said I'll keep my vow. Probably Jonah, as a prophet of God, had at one time promised to go wherever and say whatever God wanted. But this time he ran and wouldn’t do it for Ninevites. So he ended up in big trouble: three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish!
This made me think of once when I had been off work because of my back, that as I sought the Lord, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind that I had promised years before to give a monthly offering at a church for missions, but I never did. So I called the church and paid the amount owed and then God lifted me up so I could work again. Also, Louie Zamperini, in his life story as told in the book “Unbroken”, after the war was a tormented soul when he went to a Billy Graham meeting. After the preaching an altar call was given and Louie got up to leave, but the Holy Spirit stopped him and brought to remembrance his vow he’d made to God on the raft. He realized God had done his part by keeping him thru the war, but he hadn’t kept his part of the bargain, which was to serve the Lord. He turned around, went to the altar and gave his heart to Christ. Then God delivered him from his torments and gave him an abundant life.
At one time I believe America feared God and had been dedicated to God and to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but now we are relenting on that commitment. We as a nation should repent, and ask God to forgive us for not wanting prayer and God involved in Government or even mentioned in our schools. Thank God for President Trump who is promoting Christian values and protecting religious freedom. May we all ask forgiveness and then pray with him that the compassionate and merciful God will deliver us from the Coronavirus plague.
How about you? Remember, God doesn’t forget, so in this present isolated state, maybe you should ask God if there is any vow that you personally haven’t kept, especially to God? If so, ask God to forgive you and make it good, if possible. Then I believe God will give you grace to go forward in your life.
Here is some good advice concerning promises from Eccl 5:1-6 “As you enter the Temple, keep your ears open and your mouth shut! Don't be a fool who doesn't even realize it is sinful to make rash promises to God, for he is in heaven and you are only here on earth, so let your words be few. Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, so being a fool makes you a blabbermouth. So when you talk to God and vow to him that you will do something, don't delay in doing it, for God has no pleasure in fools. Keep your promise to him. It is far better not to say you'll do something than to say you will and then not do it. In that case, your mouth is making you sin. Don't try to defend yourself by telling the messenger from God that it was all a mistake [to make the vow]. That would make God very angry; and he might destroy your prosperity. Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words; fear God instead.” TLB ************************* GOT TROUBLES? by Pastor Randy 2/17/2020
A Response to Troubling Times:
I really find much comfort and guidance from Psalm 34 in times of trouble. God says in Ps 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles”. Again, Ps 34:19 “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;” I like the word 'all' in these scriptures. We are to cry out to him in prayer in ‘all’ our troubling situations and he will deliver us from all our troubles! How he delivers us may vary, but I have found this to be true over my entire 48 years of Christian life.
Here is an example of how the Lord helped me through a stressful situation. The doctor had ordered me to have a stress test because of an abnormal reading on my routine EKG. This troubled me, since I have had previous heart by-pass surgery. God comforted me in this experience a couple ways: the prayers of the brethren at church and by God giving me a dream before this all happened. In the dream I had to climb up a steep bank that was at first appearance covered with vines, but on closer examination I saw it was covered with big yellow leaves. I climbed to the top, thanked the leaves and my brother-in-law helped me up to the top where we watched a golf match together. Here’s how the dream played a part. I went for the test, which required that I had to lie on a table for some x-rays. Above me on the ceiling were plexi-glass panels showing an arbor with vines, leaves and lit up blue background. I looked at it but I only noticed the vines. Unfortunately, my x-ray didn't take the first time, so I had to return to the waiting room, drink a soda and wait 45 more minutes. While waiting I remembered the dream and knew it was about the stress test, but I didn't know what the yellow leaves meant. I went back for the second x-ray and while on the table I looked up at the arbor, only this time I noticed that the leaves on the vines were all big yellow ones, just like in my dream. There were the yellow leaves! As I looked at them a great peace and joy filled my heart. I just knew everything would be fine and I was thankful. Also in the dream, my brother-in-law helping me up at the top represented the prayers of the brethren lifting me up and watching the golf showed me I would go on enjoying life. God is so kind to comfort us in our trials and confirm his care for us. My report from the stress test showed no problems! Praise Jesus.
Always remember God is on the throne. We will have troubles in this world. Troubles physically, emotionally, financially, relationally and spiritually, but God is in control. He will never let us go through more than we can handle. 1 Cor 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it”.
Remember who Jesus is. Heb 4:14-16 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”. Yes, Jesus is our Great High Priest and he will help us when we cry to him. And Jesus has been given all power in heaven and earth to help!
God will even use trouble for our good, to strengthen and establish us. Rom 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 1 Peter 5:10-11 “ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Know that we will go through troubling situations, but God has purpose in them. The storm will end and the sun will shine again.
Don’t worry, just give it to God. One of my favorite scriptures for anxious times is Phil 4:5-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Also, 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Yes, Jesus cares for us, just believe and don’t worry! Give it to God. God’s got this and you’ve got God!
And one final thought: God can turn our trouble into a testimony of his great grace! Praise the Lord!
(All scriptures are from the NIV version of the Bible) ,p>****************************** AREN’T ALL RELIGIONS THE SAME? By Pastor Randy Osborn 1/6/2020
Comment made on a face book thread: All religions are the same and all lead to God. They all developed from the Tower of Babel as people spread over the earth.
My Answer:
I thank you for your suggestion that all religions are the same, for it prompted me to look at the subject closer. I have studied what other religions believe vs Christianity and I don’t see them as the same at all. Jewish religion and Christianity are based on promises from God himself. Other religions are attempts to worship god or gods and aren’t all good. Some resulted in promoting fornication, idol worship, human sacrifice and even cannibalism. Not good!!!
In the scriptures we see that Moses says of the nation’s God will drive out before the Jewish people in Deut 9:5 “ It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And in Deut 12:31 it’s commanded “You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.” The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul states in 1Cor 10:20 “… the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. “ So, we see that God does not view all religions as being from him or their practices pleasing to him. The Jewish people were actually chosen by God and given his laws so as to be a light or example to all the other nations. Now those who believe in Jesus, the body of Christ, are to be that light.
I’ll maybe give you most religions spring from the tower of Babel in Gen 11:9, but Judaism was birthed by a promise by God to the man Abram in Gen 12:1-3. God said if Abram obeyed ‘he would be blessed, given his own land and thru his seed the families of the world would be blessed’. Abram obeyed God and the resulting Hebrew, giving of the Ten Commandments, Mosaic Law and the promised land of Israel were fulfillment of that promise. Then the seed that would bless the world arrived, Jesus Christ was born. Christianity was birthed by Jesus Christ himself and it was based not on works but faith in his redemptive work on the cross. He proclaimed that he was the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father but by him. He chose Apostles, commissioned them to preach and teach what he taught them. He said repentance and forgiveness of sins were to be preached in his name. After his death on the cross and resurrection he told his followers to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost the Spirit fell on the 120, Peter preached the gospel and the church was born with 3000 believing his report. I am one of the multitudes that has believed and confessed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God that died for my sins and rose again for my justification. I confirmed my faith by water baptism. And according to promise in Act 2:38, I also received the Holy Spirit.
But even if all religions were the same, as you say, I choose Door #1 - Jesus Christ, because he is alive! Actually, he offers a relationship not a religion. I choose him because he came from heaven, so I figure his directions to get there are best. Also, he showed us God’s love by righteousness, power, miracles and teaching us the kingdom principles. According to scripture Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and God vindicated him Son of God by raising him from the dead the third day. He then showed himself to many witnesses before ascending into heaven to set at the right hand of God. From there he sent back the Holy Spirit to help believers live and do his will until he returns. The Holy Spirit gives us access to God now. Jesus is our Great High Priest who we call on for help in times of need. He said he will never leave of forsake those who trust in him and that he will return. He’s been faithful to my wife and me for 50 years and vindicated his love over and over, in every possible way. We love him because he first loved us! As for me, I choose Jesus and the Bible.
This is how God showed me the Bible was his word, the truth and that I could build my life on biblical principles. It was though receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. Until that experience the Bible was just words and I just wasn’t sure about it. Once I received the Holy Spirit my spiritual eyes opened and it felt like the words were alive. It was soul food! And because I received the gift of speaking in tongues, just like in the book of Acts, I believed that all the scriptures were true as well. The Bible might be misused or misunderstood, but it is God’s word. I read the Bible most every day for it is good for doctrine, correction, and instruction in righteous. And the King James Version is one of the most published books in the world with polls showing that 55% still prefer to read it I like to read the newer translations also. One of the ways God speaks to us is through the reading of the scriptures.
Before I met my wife I searched for love with other ladies, but when Nancy and I reunited and got married, well I stopped searching. I found what I was looking for with her. Now I just to seek to make her happy. It’s was the same with God and truth. I began searching for spirituality, righteousness and truth in many places, but I found what I was looking for in Jesus. I found the truth and God. I no longer search for the truth, but I do seek God for his will and wisdom. I do hope you have found God in the face of Jesus as I have. He really is the way, the truth and the life.
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Jealousy vs Envy
By Pastor Randy Osborn 10/19/2019
We often use the word s jealousy and envy in the same way, but biblically they carry different meanings. Jealousy is fierce desire to protect your possessions, whereas ‘envy’ is a resentful desire to have what another has or is getting. Envy is to covet.
There is a ‘Godly’ jealousy, which is healthy. In Exodus 34:14 we are told that God is jealous and his name is jealous. He jealously protects his chosen people and wants them to worship him alone and no other god. He wants his name or reputation to remain holy also. His people are not to take his name in vain. God jealously protects his people as described in Ps 105:14-15 “He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." The Apostle Paul in 1Cor 11:2 stated he had a godly jealousy for the church he had founded. We can, in a healthy way, want to jealously protect our family and possessions.
But there is a ‘Bad’ jealousy as well. It is called the ‘Spirit of Jealousy’ in KJV Num 5:14. It is tormenting and can cause over protectiveness, unfounded suspiciousness, and unkindness in a relationship. God actually had an Old Testament religious ceremony described in Numbers 5:11-31 to reveal marital unfaithfulness to free a husband from this type of jealousy. We also can be overly jealous of our stuff to the point of being selfish. The Holy Spirit’s love and truth can help us stay free from this spirit today.
Envy can be acceptable also if used to describe someone’s enviable trait without wanting to diminish it. Like, “I’m enviable of your beautiful singing voice.” However, envy that wants to possess what another has is wrong. For instance, I want your position at work. It is coveting and is condemned in the Ten Commandments. Ex 20:17 "You shall not covet…. anything that belongs to your neighbor." Coveting a thing, putting something before God, is also idolatry.
The ‘spirit of envy’ is very evil. In fact, Prov 27:4 asks “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Anger we can deal with, but envy actually wants you gone to get what you possess! The Apostle James describes envy as demonic. James 3:14-16 “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, ….is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Galatians 5:26 tells us to ‘… put away envying one another.”
Unfortunately, today I see envy working its evil in our political arena. One party wanting so badly to have control and occupy the office of another that it is spurning many evils. This is one result of rejecting God!
I once had a spirit of jealousy that troubled me. If my wife would say something positive about another brother or minister, I would get upset and speak something negative. Then one day she humbly said, “I think you are just jealous.” I was upset at those words, but then I got alone with God and confessed that she was right. I then asked for the Lord’s forgiveness for yielding to that spirit. A great peace came over me as that spirit departed. Truth had set me free. Now if it tries to return, I know what it is and resist it in the faith. I’m free in Jesus Name!
If perhaps you feel that you have a spirit of jealous or envy influencing your life, there is an answer. The answer is Jesus Christ! James 5:6 says “God gives grace to the humble.” So do what I did! Confess your sin of yielding to jealousy or envy and receive God’s forgiveness and the grace that’s in Jesus. 1 John 1:9 ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ Then, once you have prayed and received God’s forgiveness and grace, in Jesus name resist that spirit! If you believe, it will leave! James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” And if it tries to return, just tell it to leave in Jesus Name! Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and set the captives free, which means you and me!
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An Encouraging Word - Don't Worry!
By Pastor Randy 7/20/2019
I sent this email to a faithful brother who was seeking work.
Just a line to encourage you.
Matt 6:31-33 " So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well". NIV
Many years ago, God told me to quit my job in Rockford, Illinois and move back to Sterling, my hometown. He said go on a certain Wednesday and he would get me the home he wanted for me. Well, I obeyed the Lord and did so. We ended up renting the only house available at the time. I told the landlord that I'd bring the $150 down on Friday. I didn't have the money, but I told the Lord if he wanted me to move he'd have to give the money. Well, the Lord spoke to someone at church on Wednesday night to give me $150 and help me move.
So, I moved and applied for work everywhere, but in two weeks I was completely broke and no job! I was at a Wednesday night house meeting, the wife had stayed home that night, and at the end of the meeting everyone left, but I remained there alone. I was crying out to God about being broke, when I heard the audible voice of the Lord say to me "Why do you worry?". It startled me and I actually turned to see who said that, but no one was there. I then went upstairs and was having a coffee with the man whose house we met in and my wife called. She said that at 9:30PM, right when the voice spoke to me about not worrying, a man from GE called and wanted me to come to an interview the next day. Mind you it was 9:30PM at night that he called. I did and they made me an offer and I started on Monday at the same wage I had before. Because they paid every week, I didn't miss one paycheck during my move. And because we moved into that house, due mostly to my wife sharing Christ with a couple neighbor ladies, two families came to Jesus and are still serving Jesus with me today! That was 45 years ago! God is faithful!
Another time at church a young lady came up and told me she desperately needed a job. I said let's pray and we did. In the Spirit I was getting the impression that she should look behind her. I asked her where she had worked before and she mentioned a fast food place years ago. I said why not try them. Well, she did and got hired on the spot. Later on, she obtained a much better job, but God met her immediate need! God is so good!
Ps 107:28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. NIV
I know the Lord loves you and he will provide. He's the Good Shepard and cares for us. Don't worry! Pray, wait, listen and then obey.
In Christ, Pastor Randy **************** JESUS IF YOU’RE REALLY THE TRUTH, SHOW ME By Pastor Randy Osborn -6/20/2019
One of the greatest salvation experiences that I have had privilege of being a part of was that of Walter Pope.
Years ago, Walter and Sally Pope lived close to church and so Sally began attending. However, Walter never would attend, but I got to know him through Sally and because we hired him to mow the church lawn. He was a very hard man when it came to Jesus and church.
Over the years I had asked Walter to come to church, but the reply was always “No”. I also asked what he felt about Jesus and the Bible and he always said, “He’s just a man and it’s just a book.” I’d ask, “How about heaven or hell?” and he would say “There’s just nothing!” Even after serious heart problems he’d answer the same.
Finally, several years later, he had cancer and was hospitalized. I went by one Friday afternoon to visit and I asked his wife if I could talk to Walter alone for a second. After Sally left, I then told Walter that I really liked him, but according to my Christian faith we wouldn’t be spending eternity together because he hadn’t accepted Jesus as his savior. He again said he just didn’t believe. I then asked him to pray the prayer I had once prayed, which was “Jesus if you’re really the truth, show me.” Jesus had answered my prayer and I told him that I believed he would answer his.
Walter said, “I don’t know how to pray.” I said to just say the words “Jesus if you’re the truth, show me.” Finally, he did. He quickly said “Jesus if you’re really the truth, show me!” I said “OK! You asked, now let’s see what God will do.” I then prayed some more and left.
The next week I stopped by and was chatting with him and his wife, when I asked, “Walter, did God answer?” He said, “Yes, he did!” I was surprised by his quick response and asked, “You mean you now believe in Jesus?” “Yes, I do!” replied Walter. “What changed your mind?” I asked. Walter just said, “Well, let’s just say I had a rough weekend!” He then prayed with me to receive Jesus as his lord and savior.
I went back again and we talked, more freely than ever, and he submitted to being baptized. He went home later that week, but he passed away a few days later. But he didn’t die in his sin, but with the hope of heaven in his soul.
His family told me that they had been praying for their father for many years. God had graciously answered their cry. They also said they could tell he was different for their father had told them that he loved them. He couldn’t do that before the love Jesus entered his heart. I knew then his faith and conversion was genuine.
Perhaps you aren’t sure about Jesus being ‘the way, the truth and the life’ and that he is the savior of mankind. Then I ask you to pray the prayer that Walter and I had prayed. Just ask, “Jesus if you are really the truth, show me.” I believe God will answer your prayer, just like he did Walter’s and mine.
Matt 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. NIV ******************
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A HEALING AT CHURCH
by Pastor Randy Osborn 5/27/2019
A few Sunday's ago we experienced a miracle healing of a man's injured hand, but not at the time we prayed for him. Let me explain.
We were having testimony time before praise and worship began and Calvin came up to share how God had helped them with several home projects. He didn't mention that he had fallen on the ice about two weeks earlier and that his wrist was still swollen and painful, but I was aware of the problem, so we prayed for his hand to be healed in Jesus name. Well, nothing happened right then, so Calvin went back to his seat and we continued with the service.
During worship I went to the back to tell the sound tech something and decided just to stay in the back. While there I looked at Calvin and the thought came to me that he could healed by the end of the service. I whispered a prayer to that effect and forgot about it.
Well, at the end of service as I was about to dismiss, Calvin stood up proclaiming that the Lord had healed his hand! He was waving his hand proclaiming that he could freely move his hand and all the pain had left. He said he hadn't been able to move his his hand like that for two weeks. Of course, he was happy and so was the congregation. Thank you Jesus for your great kindness and answered prayer! Psalm 107:21 "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" **************** THE CAN CHRISTIANS COMMAND ANGELS? By Pastor Randy Osborn 2/18/2019 I have ministered on several things of late, one of which was "Can we command angels?' Some seem to think we have authority to command angels, because they are spirits like Satan's fallen angel army, which the one’s Jesus sent out had been given authority over. (Luke 9:1, 10:19) Truly, believers can cast out devils in Jesus Name (Mark 16:9) and resist them in the faith, (1 Peter 5:8,9) but we can’t command the holy angels of God. Ps 91:11 says `he (God) will command his angels`. The holy angels are God’s servants, not ours (Heb 1:7). You don’t tell another's servant what to do. God sends his angels as stated in Heb 1:14 "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" And in Ps103:20 it says angels are mighty and do God's commands and they listen for the voice of his word. Let’s look at this closer.
Those who hold to commanding angels say that we are the Lord's voice and when we say the Word of God the angels do it. If we don't say the Word they are bound. I believe this is untrue, because angels only do what comes out of the mouth of God, not necessarily out of our mouths. The devil actually quoted a scripture to Jesus wanting him to jump from a high place, but it wasn’t from God. (Matt 4:5-7) God can send angels to help even if we aren't saying something, because he knows what we are going thru and if we are God fearing believers. Ps 34:7 “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” God surely uses angels to help us, but he commands them not us. (Ps 91:11) The Christian model for when we need help is not to send angels, but is to cry unto the Lord! We read in Ps 34:17 "The righteous cry to the Lord and God hears their cry and delivers them out of all their troubles". If he needs angels to get the job done he will send them, but he may just use a brother or sister, or whoever. If we command angels, I know we would surely mess up God's plan, because now we only see in part and know in part. (1Cor 13:12)
The Lord Jesus did acknowledge angelic ministry help in John 1:51 stating heaven was open to him and angels ascended and descended on him. Angels also ministered to him after the temptation in the wilderness (Mark 1:12) and after praying in the garden (Luke 22:43). He also cast out demons with his word, (Matt 8:16) but even Jesus didn't have the authority to command angels. Actually, the Lord stated in Matt 26:53-54 “ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" Jesus had to ask the Father for angels, because he was made lower than angels, so he could die for us. (Heb 2:9) Angels can't die like humans, but in the resurrection and in new bodies, those counted worthy will be like them. (Luke 20:36) So we acknowledge angels and believe the saints will someday judge the angels (1Cor 6:3) , but not now while in this present age and in these mortal bodies, for we are still lower than the angels, Heb 2:6,7 God’s angels are stronger and greater than us. (2 Peter 2:11) We don't command them. We ask Jesus and he commands the angels, who are now subject to him, for his name has now been exalted and he is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. (1 Peter 3:21,22) He was made lower than the angels for death, but now as the risen Lord he’s over them! (Phil 2:8-11) Those counted worthy to be in the resurrection and in the world to come will be over angels too! (1 Cor 6:3)
One might ask “Can’t the Holy Spirit speak through a person a command to the angels?” Yes, I believe it is possible. I knew a minister who spotted a group of boys getting ready to steal his car and out of his spirit he cried “Angel on guard!” He then watched the boys back away from his car and run away. Later he spoke to them and they said a big man was sitting in his car. It was an angel! So, yes, the Holy Spirit can speak commands thru us, but it is a spontaneous response, not just us deciding what we want or think should be done. It must be the Holy Spirit speaking the will of God. Most often we just need to go to the throne of grace and ask our Great High Priest Jesus Christ for guidance and help in our time of need. (Heb 5:16)
So, in conclusion, we are to call on Jesus for help and he will help us in whatever way is necessary. That may include using his angels. *********************
******************** BAPTISM AND JESUS'S TWO COMMISSIONS By Pastor Randy Osborn 02/2019 Why are ‘no water baptisms in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost’ recorded in the Bible?
For many years I wrestled with this question. Why did the Apostles only baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? Did Peter in Acts 2:38 make a huge mistake on the day of Pentecost when he told three thousand souls to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins? Or did Peter and the other apostles understand something that most haven’t figured out. I believe they understood perfectly what Jesus meant in Matt 28:19 when he said baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. The baptism Jesus was referring to was not one ‘of water’ at all, but was a baptism of ‘being immersed in the knowledge of the Kingdom of God’.
You see Jesus gave them two different commissions. The first one was Matt 28:18-20, which was a ‘teaching commission’, and the second was Mark 16:15-16, which was a ‘preaching commission’. The scripture tells us the Apostles fulfilled both, when in Acts 5:42 it declares “they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Let’s look at baptism closer.
The word ‘baptism’ means to fully whelm or immerse in something. The term is usually thought of as describing Christian water baptism, but Jesus also used it to describe an immersing in ‘fire, suffering, the Holy Spirit and knowledge through teaching.’ This teaching baptism was given in Matt 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in (amp ‘into’) the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." I believe this was a commission to disciple all nations by teaching about God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and kingdom living. It was to bring forth Hab 2:14 “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”
The preaching commission was given in Mark 16:15-16 “He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” This of course negates infant baptism by requiring belief before baptism. Also, Jesus had said in Luke 24:45-48 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. “ That’s exactly what Peter, who had been given the keys to the kingdom, declared in Acts 2:38 “Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Apostles continued by teaching the new believers doctrine in Acts 2:42-43 “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Peter was doing what the Lord asked of him, which was to feed his sheep.
So, in my opinion, water baptism, by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin is the scriptural way to baptize. If comes after one believes, confirming their confession and heartfelt belief ( Romans 10:9 ). On the part of the baptizer, they are representing Jesus and acting in his name. The one being baptized is confirming their confessed faith in Jesus by calling on the name of the Lord and in obedience to the Word, identifying with Jesus death, burial and resurrection in water baptism. This produces a clear conscience and opens the door to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
I usually declare that it is the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that brings us to today’s baptism. I ask them their full name and to confess verbally their repentance and faith in Jesus death, burial, resurrection and his being their Lord and Savior. I then say “their name and as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and of one who also has been baptized, I now baptize you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of all your sins.” I then immerse them fully in the water and of course help them up back up. I usually then pray that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit, according the promise of the Word. I exhort them to continue in the faith by growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord. Then we rejoice!
I truly believe that God is more interested in a person’s faith and heartfelt belief than the exact method or words spoken over them at baptism. I have, in extreme cases of sickness, baptized by just dipping my hand in water and pouring it on the head. If they were to recover we would agree to do it by full immersion. Also, I’m sure if one interprets Matt 28:19 as water baptism and then baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost that it would be counted in heaven, because it is scriptural. The baptized one’s name would be written in the Lambs Book of Life. However, if we know to do right we should surely do it the right way. I will always baptize in Jesus Name because I believe it is the right way and fulfills Col 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” and it proclaims Acts 4:12 ‘there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved.” Let all God’s servants do it the way they feel keeps with the Word and I know Jesus will approve.
Baptism scriptures: John 3:3-17 Must be born again of water, Matt 3:3-17 Jesus baptized , John 3:22-23 much water needed, Mark 16:15-16 believe gospel and baptized are saved, Acts 2:38 baptized in Jesus Name for remission of sins, Acts 8:16 The Samaritians baptized, Acts 8:35-38 Eunuch, Acts 9:17-18, 22:16 Paul baptized and calling on the name of the Lord, Acts 10:47-48 Cornelius group baptized in Jesus Name, Acts 16:30-33 Jailer and household, Acts 19:1-7 Twelve disciples, 1Peter 3:20-21 Baptism for a clean conscience and referencing Noah’s day and water (God washed the sinful flesh away with water. The water was 22ft above highest mountain Gen 7:20), Romans 6:3-4 Baptism identifies with Jesus death, burial and resurrection, Galatians 3:27 we put on Christ, Col 2:10-13 buried with him in baptism – like the sign of circumsion, Col 3:17 do all in word or deed in Jesus Name, Act 4:12 no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved. ***********************
******************************************** Fences Make Good Neighbors by Pastor Randy Osborn 11/26/18
Here is an old saying that I have found to be true in my own life and now for my country as well. ‘Fences make for good neighbors, and a good neighbor will wave and talk across that fence, but will not come over before asking or in an emergency to help.’ I have a privacy fence on part of my property line and I think our country should have a fence on its southern border also. It is a good thing.
At present we are facing a very tragic event on the southern border of the USA and Mexico. Hundreds of South American immigrants are at our border demanding to come in without prior permission. They fly a Honduran flag and are climbing the border barriers. Some are actually throwing rocks at our troops. Is this an invasion? What did Jesus teach about someone trying to enter an owned or protected area?
Jesus said that a person trying to enter the sheep fold by any other way than by asking the gate tender to let them in the gate was to be considered a ‘thief and a robber.’ John 10:1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.” That’s correct; they are considered ‘criminals’. The USA law reflects this also by stating that it is a criminal act to illegally enter the USA without the proper documents. What if someone came to your front door and asked for help? Perhaps you’d help, say “ no” or possibly direct them to a place for help. However, if you caught them crawling in a window, you’d probably get a weapon and call 911 to report a crime in progress!
The USA needs to insure that those who are coming here to work or live are ‘good people which will put their names on record’. Scripture teaches that God will also have limited access to his future New Jerusalem, with only those whose names are registered in the Lamb’s Book of Life allowed. Rev 21:2-3 “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “” Rev 21:27 “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. “
Are Walls immoral? Not according to God, who blessed Nehemiah to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem which were in ruins. And the building of the wall had a positive result. Neh 6:15-16 “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.” Also, the Holy City, Jerusalem, described in Revelations 21:9-14 had a ‘high wall’ with twelve gates, each guarded by an angel. Each gate was a single pearl. An angel guarding each gate shows the city had restricted entry. Again, Rev 21:27 states that “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.“
President Trump is demanding that these immigrants fill out the application papers and go through one of the 48 border crossings into our country rather than just climb across the fence, which is a criminal act. To emphasize this, Trump also made an executive order that denied asylum protection to anyone who illegally enters this country. But, a district Judge has struck down Trumps order, thus hindering the President’s ability to prevent this flood. To me the enemy is binding the strongman. Jesus said in Matt 12:29 "Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.” I believe in checks and balances, but we must stop allowing ‘one un-elected judge’ from tying the hands of our President. Congress must pass a congressional ruling against this type of action. It is putting our country at risk! Congress also needs to act on changing our immigration laws – now!
Consider this. What if I tell a group of illegals that you will gladly take them into your home and supply for their needs? I then give them your name and address and tell them to just go to the address, but if you aren’t there, feel free to just break in and make yourselves at home. You won’t mind. Actually, I think you would mind them just breaking in, even if you were willing to help. Same with the border deal. If they are 'seeking' to live here, 'knock' on one for entry port doors, fill out the necessary papers and 'ask' for entry! Jesus taught in Luke 11:9 ‘And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ If they have honest hearts and its God’s will for them to be in the USA, then they will be in the USA! Lawfully and peaceably!
Our doors are open, but we must maintain the rule of law. It might take longer, but in the long run it’s better for all. We need to support our President and pray earnestly for him and the congress, because they need God’s wisdom to deal with this problem justly. Congress really needs to change the immigration laws. We might also be praying for the Mexican Authorities to handle their side of this situation in a responsible way. Pray also for the immigrants to act right and in turn be treated kindly. 1 Tim 2:1-2 “ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” And build the border wall!
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AREN'T ALL MEN SAVED BY CHRIST?
This question, along with his views, was shared with Pastor Randy a few years ago. “Aren’t all men saved by Jesus dying on the cross and so all will go to heaven? If so, isn’t the lake of fire just symbolic?
Pastor Randy’s reply: Thanks for the question and comments. It prompts me to think and answer.
1. You say all mankind is saved by 1 Tim 4:9-10 “ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.”
(NIV)
Answer: Yes, Jesus died for all mankind and all can be reconciled to God, but they must believe to receive it. Unfortunately, we know that not all men will believe, confess Christ as Savior and be saved.
Romans 10:9” … if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” KJV
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." KJV
2. You also think the lake of fire of Rev 20 is just symbolic.
Answer: The lake of fire will be a real place, but it is not hades (hell). The lake of fire was not destroyed, but Hell (Hades, in the center of the earth) was destroyed for it was no longer needed. Death as we know it was destroyed too. The lake of fire is a place of everlasting destruction prepared for the Devil and his angels. Those who chose not to accept God’s salvation plan in Jesus, but chose to live lives in sin apart from Jesus and the ungodly, will be thrown there.
Rev 21:7-8 “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." NIV
Rev 20:14-15
14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. NIV
Matt 25:41
Then shall he (Jesus) say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: KJV
Matt 25:46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." NIV
Apostle Paul taught this:
1 Cor 6:9-11 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. NIV
Gal 5:19-21 “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
NIV
3. You say that if all died in Adam, then Jesus is more powerful, so he saves everyone.
1 Cor 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” KJV
Answer: I say, all must have faith to be “in Christ”, so only all the believers “in Christ” will be made alive, not necessarily everyone.
Please know that there is being “in Christ” and “out of Christ”. All the promises of life are “in Christ”. Christian believers live a Spirit led righteous life ‘in Christ’.
2 Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. KJV
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: KJV
Rom 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. KJV
Rom 5:17 “ For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. NIV
What are we saved from? 1 A sinful destructive life outside of Christ now and unrighteousness 2. The hopelessness of being separated from God and Jesus now and in Hades after our first death, but rather having the hope of heaven when we die 3. The White Throne judgment and facing the 2nd death in the Lake of fire!!
Rom 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
NIV
Rom 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! NIV
Why are we saved? He has an ordained purpose for all that are saved by faith, which is to bring him praise and glory. The faith we have produces good works which has prepared for us to do. We’re not saved by the works, but do good works because we are saved (rescued, preserved, healed). We are his witnesses and give him praise. We worship God in spirit and truth. We live righteous lives. We serve and love him!!
Eph 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV
Rom 5:19
19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. NIV
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. KJV
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: KJV
CONCLUSION: All of this is to say that I believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. We must, thru faith, be born again to see or enter his kingdom. We can know him now and look forward to heaven at death. We have everlasting life in Jesus, whether it’s here or in heaven or on the new earth. Jesus is the soon coming King!
Who is Christ to you???
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THE DEATH PENALTY? 9/10/2017
Pastor Randy was asked the following question by a Pastor in the Phillipines:
In light of Romans 13:1-6, what is the right view of the death penalty as a Christian?
Pastor Osborn’s Answer:
I feel the death penalty is right with God. He instituted it after the flood in Genesis 9:5, 6. Man was to punish a murderer with death. Paul said in Acts 25:11 'if I've done anything worthy of death, then let me die." Some sins do deserve death, as stated in 1 John 5:16, 17. In Luke 23:41 it says that the thief on the cross even stated that he deserved his punishment, but that Jesus was innocent of any crime. When Pilate confronted Jesus with the fact that he could have him crucified, Jesus didn’t argue the fact but affirmed that it was God who had given Pilate that authority. John 19:11
I find the answer to following Jesus teaching of forgiveness, not repaying evil for evil and still approving the death penalty lies in the fact that one is addressed to us as individuals and the other is made for society as a whole. You can see this by reading Romans 12:19-21 which is to us as individuals. We are to leave vengeance to God. Then it follows into Romans 13:1-6 showing how God will use the rule of law and Government court system and police to punish evil.
Again, we as INDIVIDUALS are not to take the law into our own hands, by paying back evil for evil, but we are to leave vengeance to God who, most often, will use his ordained authorities. We are to overcome evil by forgiving and doing good, as stated in Romans 12:21. It tells us in Romans 13:4, God will take care of the lawless and evil doers, usually by using the ordained authorities. They have his blessing to use force and even kill if necessary to maintain law and order. Sometimes even war is a righteous and necessary thing. Rev 19:11.
The COURTS can issue a rule of law death penalty for murder, but only if guilt is strongly established by two or three witnesses, as stated in Deut 17:6. Of course, for any system to work perfectly men must be moral and truthful. But because of sin, I know that justice has been perverted. Some have lied and the innocent have suffered wrongly. Take for instance what Jezebel did to Naboth in 1 Kings 21:10 and what they did to Jesus in Matt 26:59,60. Hopefully, injustice will be a rare exception. Good government and the principle of ‘the rule of law’ that does not contradict God’s word, still stands correct in God’s eyes and must be maintained. Rest assured, God has promised us there will someday be a truly righteous rule on earth, when Jesus returns to rule. 2 Peter 3:13
Hope this helps, Pastor Randy *****************
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The Golden Rule of Jesus
Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:12 “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” This is often called the Golden Rule. But don’t other religions teach the same? For instance, Confucius taught “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others" (The Analects Book 15:24) And other religions, like Hinduism, speak similarly of not doing something harmful to others. But Jesus teaching is different, can you see it?
The difference is that Jesus said ‘Do to”, not just “Don’t do.” The other religions only stress not harming anyone else, but Jesus taught that we are to model what is right by doing it. If we want help in times of need, then help someone else out when they need help. If we want treated kindly, then treat others kindly. If we want treated with respect, then show others respect. Jesus said you would reap what you sow! So pay it forward! Be the example and do good!
Yes, Jesus’ teaching was radically different! The others religions allow you to live a self-centered lifestyle, just don’t hurt others. Jesus says look out not only for your own interests, but be concerned also for the needs of others. He wants us to think about what others might need, feel or think. In short, love one another!
So be a light, fulfill the law and the prophets, and ‘DO TO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU!”
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Hades vs Gehenna
The bible mentions both hell and the lake of fire. Hell is real and the lake of fire will be, but they are different. Unfortunately, ‘hell’ in the New Testament is translated from two different words. One is 'hades' and the other 'gehenna'. Where hades is used in the original text, it refers to the lower world in the center of the earth, where now the unbelieving and unrighteous sinners go after their first death, if they don't confess Jesus as savior. Jesus went there at his death for three days and preached. (Matt 12:40, 1Peter 3:19) Those who believed in him he took out of there to be with him in paradise or the third heaven. (2Cor 12: 2-4). Note that hades had two parts until Jesus. (Luke 16: 23) At the present, hades is just for the unbelieving. True believers at death go to heaven to be with Jesus. (2Cor 5: 8) Hades is not an eternal place, but is a terrible and used only until the white throne judgement, when all are raised again to face Jesus on the throne. (John 5:22- Rev 1; 18 -Rev 20:10-15.) Hades itself will be thrown in the lake of fire. (Rev 20: 14) So will those who followed the devil. (Matt 25:41-46) This is called the second death and final separation from God. It is an eternal reminder for choosing evil instead of love.
Again, if the word ‘hell’ is translated from the Greek word 'hades' it is referring to the center of the earth that exists now. If the the Greek word ‘gehenna’ is used, it refers to the lake of fire at the end. Also, if the body is mentioned as being cast into hell, it is translated from the word gehenna and is referring to the lake of fire judgement at the end. Matt 5:29-30, 10:28 and Luke 12:5 uses the word gehenna. Luke 16:33 and Matt 16:18 is hades. Act 2;27 is hades and is referring to the soul of Jesus not being left there beyond three days.
All whose name is not in the book of life will be thrown in the lake of fire. (Rev 20: 15) God is holy, totally righteous and just. His judgements are true and fair. Only the holy and those who love him will be with him forever in the new heaven and earth. (Rev 20: 6, Rev 21:1, 6-8) The good news is that a true Christian believer does not have to worry about hades or the lake of fire. Their sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ and are in the first resurrection, insuring that they will not have to worry about hades or the second death. (Rev 20:6)
So, have you confessed Jesus Christ as your savior and is your name in the book of life?
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‘An Unusual Happening’
By Pastor Randy Osborn - 02/03/2017
A while back, I attended a R2G Conference and a minister known for his prophetic gifting was speaking. At one point he made the statement that God had told him that ‘unusual things’ would be happening. When I heard that, it immediately bore witness is my spirit that it was the truth. Here’s what happened a few days later.
A few days later I was talking to the Lord in prayer and mentioned the word concerning his doing ‘unusual things’ and so I mentioned a few that I thought would be good examples of the unusual. However, I concluded that I believed he was going to do those unusual things according to his will not mine.
A few hours later my wife returned and excitedly said, “Guess what just happened to me!” I asked her, “What happened?” She went on to explain that she was at CVS picking up medications for us and the bill was $224. She was going to put it on our credit card when the lady waiting on her said, ‘Wait a minute, don’t swipe the card yet.” The pharm tech then went away and was discussing something with two other ladies. She returned smiling and said, “Thank you and have a nice day.” My wife was perplexed and said, “But I haven’t paid?” The lady replied, “You have a guardian Angel. Haven’t you heard of random acts of kindness?” My wife was dumbfounded. “Are you OK?” the tech asked. “You have an angel” she said again. Finally, my wife, who was visibly shaken and speechless, which in itself is unusual, thanked them and walked away. The three women were all smiling.
After she shared what had happened, we remembered the prophetic word about the unusual. We both just praised the Lord! Also, the Lord used this kindness to confirm his being with my wife on an upcoming colonoscopy, part of the medicines being for that procedure. She knew he was with her and it came out just fine.
You must admit, that was an unusual happening! And we can expect more, so be watching! ******************* 'Trump is President, now we must pray for him.' by Pastor Randy Now that Donald Trump is officially President of the USA, we are given instruction by The word of God to pray for him. It reads in 1 Tim 2:1-3 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Let's do it. I mean, let's really do it!!! Let's pray for him and this new administration. ************************ Is Trump fit to be President? by Pastor Randy
After hearing Donald Trump’s crude comments concerning women, the question arises “Is he fit to serve as President?” To answer this let’s look at some of God’s decisions after some kings messed up.
King David fell into adultery with Bathsheba and consequently had her husband purposely killed in battle. He paid a great personal price in his own family, but God saw his heart and kept him as king. Or, if you think that is bad how about King Manasseh? He was horrible, even sacrificing his own children to false Gods. God gave him over to his enemies as punishment, but he had a change of heart in prison and God restored him to the throne. Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind for seven years and was put back on the throne after recovering with a new attitude. Were these bad decisions on God’s part? No, because God sees the heart. Men will make mistakes, but they can repent and have the right heart. God knows this.
Donald Trump said crude things at one point in his life, which he admitted, but now he is more mature and is growing wiser. Who hasn’t said or did something that they later regretted. But you don’t disqualify yourself from life. You just move ahead on a straighter course and by the grace of God try not to mess up again. So, give him the same judgment you’d give yourself. Donald’s now married, with good kids, and I don’t think he looks down on women at all. In my opinion, I believe that in his heart he really does want to help America be Great Again. He wants America safe. He’s an organizer and a tough negotiator. He won’t say ‘stand down’ to those in trouble. He knows how business works and what can make it grow. No, he’s not a priest, but God may still use him to lead us to a better future. We'll see.
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Who’s Making These Rules Anyway?
Today we are told that it’s wrong to stop a boy, who thinks he’s really a girl, to use the girl’s bathroom. He or she or it might feel bad. Forget that it might make the majority of normal people uncomfortable. And some are said to have a ‘fluid gender’, which is that one day you’re this, the next day you’re that. Whatever you might ‘feel like’ today is what you are. This is insane! And we are to just accept it as the new reality. Who says so? Who’s making these rules anyway?
This is truly a doctrine of the devil if there ever was one. The apostle Paul wrote in his letters to Timothy that in the end time men would not endure sound truth, but give heed to doctrines of devils. The sound truth is that God made male and female period. In fact, in Deut 22:5 it states “ A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.” And since God doesn’t like cross dressing, what do you think he feels about a sex change? What gender you physically are born is what you are, not what you feel you are. Since God is not the author of confusion, then where are these confused feelings coming from? I believe it’s coming from a demonic spirit and lie.
To those who might be thinking or feeling like a gender other than they were born, I ask this question, “Have you considered that these feelings might not originate from your heart, but that they could be coming from another source?” What if it was really the devil telling you this lie in order to ruin God’s purpose for your life? This could hold true for suicidal thoughts, same sex attractions or any sinful deed. It could be demonic influence, not God! If so, it must be resisted. The Bible tells us this can be true and that we are to try the spirits to see if they are of God (1 John 4:1). All thoughts must be taken captive to be in obedience to Christ. We must learn to discern good and evil. Jesus himself was tempted of the devil, so we will be also. Jesus defeated Satan by the rightly divided truth of the written Word of God, and so can we. God’s given us the bible for truth and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16).
I once heard that if the devil can keep you from the Bible, prayer and church, he can deceive you. And that is what I see as happening today. A culture void of Bible teaching, no prayer allowed, discouraged church attendance and not even wanting to mention that there is a God. The result is a growing moral darkness and confusion of mind. How dark it will become is proportionate to how much of God’s light (truth) will exist. It’s the knowledge and fear of God that causes men to refrain from evil (Prov 16:6). No knowledge of God means living in dark oppression, but where the Spirit of the Lord is there will be liberty (2 Cor 13:17). We need Jesus, who is the light of the world!
I want you to know that I have written this article out of love. I don’t hate a confused individual, because I know what it is to be under a spirit and have it negatively affect one’s life. I had spirits of rejection, lust and jealousy, all of which kept me from seeing people and enjoying life fully. But through Jesus I have been forgiven of my sins, reconciled to God the Father and set free. The Truth of God’s word and Holy Spirit has cleansed and sanctified my life. God has restored my soul! And I am blessed and eternally grateful! So, I share what I have learned, so you can be set free, be blessed and stay free. Jesus really does love you!
But, as a father and husband, I say ‘NO WAY’ to this male, who thinks he’s a female, going into a girl’s bathroom with my wife, daughter or granddaughter. This is not right and endangers our female population. Why any pervert, under the guise of being transgender, could enter whenever they wanted. Enough is enough of a few ungodly pseudo elite people ruling the masses. And if you feel the same, please raise your voice in protest.
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BEAUTIFUL SIGHT.
By Pastor Randy Osborn 3/31/2106
On Good Friday, March 25th, 2016, we held a special Redemption Service at our church. The service examined the different aspects of the redemption price Jesus paid for our salvation and the benefits we receive. We also baptized three individuals in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, according to Acts 2:38. It’s the baptism that was so special.
As I mentioned, three were baptized in water. The first was a Spanish homeless man coming out of alcohol addiction, the second was an engineer who works at a local industry and the third was a godly woman who wanted to be sure she was baptized according to scripture. All were identifying through water baptism with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus their confessed Lord and Savior. We all were gathered in the name of Jesus worshipping God and obeying the Word.
What I thought was so beautiful was, that at that moment in time, there was no male or female, rich or poor, Spanish or English, but just Christian brothers and sisters rejoicing together. It was a picture of how Jesus views his church body and how he wants us to see each other. We are to love one another and see fellow believers as family, no matter what their station in life. We are to look at them as God’s child and judge by their spirit. We are all on a journey, at different levels of spiritual maturity and in different seasons, but we all are God’s workmanship. He is at work in his children to have Christ formed in them.
What I have come to realize is that we as Christians come from varying cultures, have different personalities, gifting, callings and positions in the body of Christ, but in worship we are all the same. Each one of us is a unique soul, with a unique story and a unique way of saying ‘thank you’ to Jesus. No one can take your place and you can’t take anothers place. Each believer is special to God. When we live at peace and worship together, it forms a beautiful atmosphere of praise, in which the Lord can inhabit. How very true is Psalms 133:1 that states “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
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THE EMPTY HOUSE
Have you ever gone by an old abandoned house that has been vandalized? The lawn is over grown, the doors and windows are broken and graffiti covers the walls. It is ugly!
On the other hand, you’ve surely seen plenty of occupied houses, or even some vacant homes that are for sale, but yet they are untouched. Or perhaps a house is under construction and left vacant at times, but yet it isn’t usually bothered. Why the difference? I believe one reason is that the abandoned house is empty, neglected and is serving no useful purpose. Where there is a watchful eye and activity the vandals usually stay away.
Jesus used this thought of a cleaned up empty house in his teaching about what happens when a spirit leaves a man. He tells us of an empty house being like a person who finds freedom through Christ, but then does not live for Christ, but abandons him for worldly pursues. From the Living Bible we read in Luke 11:23-26 "Anyone who is not for me is against me; if he isn't helping me, he is hurting my cause. When a demon is cast out of a man, it goes to the deserts, searching there for rest; but finding none, it returns to the person it left, and finds that its former home is all swept and clean. Then it goes and gets seven other demons more evil than itself, and they all enter the man. And so the poor fellow is seven times worse off than he was before." Those demons are like the vandals who come and destroy that abandoned house. There is no watchful eye or godliness present to keep them away.
The apostle Peter explains this in 2 Peter 2:20-22 “And when a person has escaped from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then gets tangled up with sin and becomes its slave again, he is worse off than he was before. It would be better if he had never known about Christ at all than to learn of him and then afterwards turn his back on the holy commandments that were given to him. There is an old saying that "A dog comes back to what he has vomited, and a pig is washed only to come back and wallow in the mud again." That is the way it is with those who turn again to their sin.”
We are told in 1 Cor 6:11 that when we come to faith in Jesus Christ we are washed, sanctified and justified. Our house is cleaned. Even so, we know that the devil will come to tempt us to turn away from God, just as he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. But Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and had only one purpose in life, to live fully for God his father. He resisted the devils temptations with ‘it is written’ and refused to abandon God’s purpose for his life. We must do the same.
So, Christian’s let’s have our house filled with the Holy Spirit, God’s word and the love of Jesus, so that when the tempter comes trying to lure us back into the old sinful ways, he will find us so occupied with the things of God, that he just can’t get in the door! **************
FINDING A BALANCED CHRISTIAN LIFE
One of the most challenging things a Christian has to do is to keep a good balance in life. We have God, family, work, church and social involvements in our lives. How do we keep a healthy balance? Here’s what has helped me find that balance. It is in the scripture of Matt 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; …”
First, I use to think that life’s priorities had values, so one was more important than the other. So, if it came to a choice, the one would have precedent over the other. For instance, family was above church or work.
I have come to realize that looking at it like that wasn’t correct. God, family, work, ministry and social all are equally important in having an abundant life. The key to the balance and doing what is right at the time is always seeking God first, as stated in Matt 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; …” I have found when I seek God first and spend time with the Lord, he gives me the wisdom to make those righteous choices, and thus balance things rightly.
Here’s an example concerning a family matter. I was heavily involved in a new church plant when my daughter was training to run the Chicago marathon. The run was on Sunday and since it was her first major marathon, she really wanted her mother and me to be there to encourage her. What was the right thing for me to do? Is it church or my daughter on that Sunday?
I began seeking the Lord for what was right in his sight, and he answered. The Lord said to me, “Your daughter needs you right now and if you give her time to something else, you will be stealing what belongs to her.” I didn’t want to cheat my daughter, so I arranged for someone else to handle my church responsibilities and we went to the Chicago marathon to cheer her on. We moved from spot to spot along the 26 mile course so we could see her. She did well and shared that us being there, especially at the 18 mile marker, really helped. She went on to run in many more and even qualified to run the Boston Marathon, but she never requested us to be there, as she had that first time she ran. I was so glad we went and was part of that experience. And I know God was pleased, for I had obeyed him.
At times over the years I have had to choose work or church over family time and vice versa. And as I look back, I have made some bad choices. But those came when I wasn’t really seeking the Lord first and asking for his guidance. When I give God the first of my time and seek to do what he says is best, he balances things out, so I can have an abundant life.
So, to stay balanced, make your number one priority spending time with God. Make sure you set aside some time each day to read the Bible and talk to the Lord in prayer. Get in that ‘prayer closet’ Jesus spoke of and pray in secret. If the Lord is truly your shepherd, Jesus said you’ll hear his voice. And Psalms 23 promises you will not want and he will lead you in paths of righteousness of his names sake. You’ll find balance. *******************
GOD KNOW WHERE HE LIVES
The other Sunday a lady gave an interesting report of talking to two ladies about reaching God and heaven. One woman said, “We all have our own beliefs and the many different religions are all leading to God”. It was then that the Holy Spirit said to the Christian woman, “Tell them God knows where he lives.” The two others replied, “What did you say?” I said, “God knows where he lives!” “What does that mean?” they asked. The conversation followed as such.
She asked them, “If you wanted to go to a certain person’s house, but didn’t know how to get there, then wouldn’t you ask directions from someone?” “Of course”, they answered. Well, if you asked two people the way and the first one said “I haven’t been there, but I think if you go here and turn there you’ll be there.” The second person you ask replies, “I’ve been there myself, go here and turn there and you will be right at the place.” Now, the first person just believed he knew, but wasn’t exactly sure if he was right, but the second had actually been there and knew for sure the directions would get you to your destination. Which one would you believe? Of course you would believe and follow the directions of the one who had been there, right?
There seems to be many over the ages that claim to know how to get to God or heaven. Actually, they just believe their way is right and are not really for sure. Mohammed is one of those who was not actually sure of his salvation. But Jesus, God’s son, claimed in John 3: 13-15 that he came from heaven and told us that believing in him and following his teaching would assuredly get you there. I think we should listen to someone who has been in heaven with God, the Father, as how to get to his house, don’t you? He actually said in John 14:1-3 that he went back to his father’s house to prepare mansions for the believers to dwell in. I think I’ll stay with his directions. How about you?
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TRYING TODAY'S SPIRITS! By Pastor Randy Osborn
Today we are seeing more and more people coming out of the closet and proclaiming that they are homosexual. Society as a whole is against this sexual orientation, but with governmental leaders and much of the media celebrating this so called freedom, it is becoming confusing. Since in 1 Tim 4:1,2 the Apostle Paul warned that in the latter times some would depart from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits, doctrines of devils and speak lies, let’s look to the holy scriptures for truth on this subject.
First, Jesus did basically four things as he ministered those three and a half years on earth. Mathew 4: 23,24 states that he went about preaching the Kingdom of God, teaching in the synagogues, healing the sick and casting ‘unclean spirits’ out of people who were demon possessed. That same ministry, including casting out of evil spirits, was given to the twelve disciples he sent out in Matt 10:1. It is also given to the Christian believers today. In Mark 16:17 Jesus said believers will “in my name cast out devils”. We see this recorded throughout the book of Acts. The Apostle Peter cast out spirits in Acts 5:16, the Apostle Paul delivered a young lady in Acts 16:16-18, the Evangelist Phillip demonstrated deliverances in Acts 8: 6-7 and Acts 19:11-16 records a very interesting demonic encounter surrounding Paul. Even today deliverances are happening in Spirit Filled Christian Churches around the world.
Briefly, I would like to point out that there is a spirit realm that is unseen, but affects us all. There are the Spirit of God, the holy angels, the Devil and his demons existing in this realm. Spirits are non-material beings. Fortunately, God and the good spirits outnumber the evil ones two to one. Now, the Spirit of God is described as holy, good, righteous, truth, light and love. God uses ‘truth and love’ to set us free and wants to give us an abundant life in Christ. God’s angels watch over and minister to the heirs of salvation. On the other hand, demons are part of the Devil’s Kingdom of Darkness, which uses fear and lies to control. Each demon has a particular negative trait. They will project the thoughts and feelings of their character on their assignments. They are, to name a just a few, witchcraft, idolatry, seduction, lust, fear, rejection, rebellion, stubbornness, hate, revenge, bitterness, murder, suicide, lying, jealousy, envy, greed, pride, perversion, infirmity and death. These are, of course, to be rejected. Their only purpose is to ‘kill, steal and destroy’. Demons tempt through the senses using the ‘lust of the flesh, lust of eye and pride of life’. The human spirit is our will, which is what God and the demons both want. But God wants our heart to be given freely out of love, but demons want to capture it! The demonic spirit will tempt us to break God’s moral law, which in turn brings negative consequences and will give them legal right to control. Your soul is the prize!
Now, the scriptures teach us to test our feelings and thoughts to see if they are good or bad. In 1 John 4:1 we are exhorted ‘not to believe every spirit but to try them, to see if they are from God’. We are given the scriptures, our conscience, other Christians and the Holy Spirit to help us tell what is right. In fact, one of the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Cor 12:10 is ‘discerning of spirits’. We are also told in James 4:7 ‘to resist the Devil’ and in 2 Cor 10:5 ‘to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ’. Again, 1 Tim 4: 1-2 warns of some departing from the faith and listening to demonic lies! False teachers, demonic influence, oppression and possession are realities today. We need to be watchful and think!!
OK, back to people proclaiming they are gay. As a Pastor, who has had some experience in the deliverance ministry, I feel strongly that the homosexual feelings and traits are demonically inspired and not a genetic trait. The spirit might be from a ‘generational family curse’, but I’m not aware of any legitimate scientific study that has identified a ‘gay gene’. Thus, the sexual attraction to the same sex is not really a feelings coming from the individual at all, but is coming from a spirit on the person. If believed and received, then that influencing spirit enters the individual and will take more and more control. So much so, that it will even altar the walk, talk and characteristics of the individual. The homosexual spirit is marked by ‘extremism’, ‘unnatural affection’ and ‘sensuality’. They will be emotionally out of balance in most aspects of life. The homosexual act is described in the scriptures as an abomination in Lev 18:22 and 1 Cor 6: 9-11 states that those practicing this lifestyle will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Jesus referred to it being like the ‘Days of Lot’ before his coming in Luke 17:28-29 and Lot’s day was marked primarily by the sin of Sodomy, which is homosexuality. It is a sign of the end time and of rejecting God. It is a sin with destructive consequences.
What about Gay marriage? What would it hurt? Well, I believe Jesus, knowing what we would face today, told us what very well might happen in his statement of Matt 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” In scripture the term ‘dog’ can carry different meanings, but I believe the ‘dogs’ he is referring to here can be taken to mean the same as were mentioned in Duet 23: 17-18 “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abominations unto the LORD thy God.” The ‘dog’ here is definitely referring to sodomites or homosexuals. So, if we give ‘Holy Marriage’ to the ‘dogs/homosexuals’ Jesus said they may very well trample and destroy the sacred institution of marriage all together! We should do as Jesus said and not give it to them. Why take the chance? We should not promote or celebrate this sinful lifestyle. Also, it’s interesting to note that ‘dogs’ are the first ones mentioned as being not allowed in the New Jerusalem in Rev 22: 15. Besides, if today we all decided to turn homosexual then no more children would be born and humans would cease to exist on planet earth in as little as 100 years. That’s not God’s plan stated in Gen 1: 27-28, which is for men and women to marry and populate the earth!
What saddens me most is that many young people are being told a lie. They are being told is that God made them to have these same sex feelings and to just accept them. Few are telling them that these thoughts and feelings are not of God and that they are to be resisted! It is a demon influence trying to get them to meet a legitimate need for affection in an illegitimate way. In turn, many are oppressed and even becoming demon possessed! Also, they aren’t being informed about the many negative health issues and shortened life span of those that practice the gay lifestyle. Romans 1:27 actually points to a ‘built in penalty’ for such sexual practices. And I ask you, why don’t they show a Gay Pride Parade on TV? I’ll tell you why, because they are so disgusting. But the good news is that Jesus is still setting the captives free and destroying the works of the Devil!
The homosexual sin is just a sin like adultery, drunkenness or stealing. It is just not right in God’s eyes, so it needs to be resisted or repented of if one is caught in it. It can be forgiven and freedom in Christ is available. But one must confess it as sin, renounce it, turn from it and accept Jesus as Lord. Jesus will help the heart’s cry of the truly sorrowful by giving grace. True freedom and righteousness are available, but one must whole heartily continue in the Word of the Lord, which will show us the truth and set us free. The wrong sexual appetite that has been awakened will in time die out and be replaced by purity, if one doesn’t give up. Freedom will come to those who have faith.
I want you to know that I have written this article out of love. I don’t hate homosexuals, but I know what it is to be under a spirit and have it negatively affect one’s life. I had spirits of rejection, lust and jealousy, all of which kept me from seeing people and enjoying life fully. But through Jesus I have been forgiven of my sins, reconciled to God the Father and set free. The Truth of God’s word and Holy Spirit has cleansed and sanctified my life. God has restored my soul! And I am blessed and eternally grateful! So, I share what I have learned, so you can be set free, be blessed and stay free. Jesus really does love you!
So in conclusion, remember that every thought or feeling you have is not necessarily of God. We need to try the words, thoughts and feelings we encounter. Give them the test of conscious and scripture. Are you feeling peace in your spirit or are you getting a sick feeling? Does this agree with what the Bible says is righteous? If you have peace and it is ok with God, then go with it. If not then, reject it! Follow after holiness and stay free!! ************************
FRANKINCENSE NOT HONEY
In the Old Testament we read that God required the incense frankincense with meat offerings. Lev 2:15 “… lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering.” Also, in the holy place on the Table of Shew Bread, the bread was offered with the incense Frankincense. Lev 24:7 “And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” However, we see ‘honey’ was forbidden to used with the burnt meat offerings. Lev 2:11 “… for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.” Why?
First, we all know honey is pleasant to the taste and this is stated in Proverbs 24:13 “… honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.” The sweetness of honey is also compared to the sweetness of the Lord’s laws, precepts, ordnances, commandments and fear in Psalms 19:10 “… they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” So, if honey is sweet, why doesn’t the Lord want honey in burnt offerings?
The reason lies in what happens to honey when fire is applied. Honey will just disappear in the fire producing no sweet aroma. Frankincense, on the other hand, will produce a sweet odor when the fire is applied. It leaves a lingering pleasant odor – a memorial. So, what does this mean to you and me?
As Christians we are told in Romans 12:1 to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord. And because our sacrifices will often face trouble or difficulty in their administration, our attitude needs to like Frankincense not honey. What I mean is that we all can be honey sweet when all is going well, but it disappears when things go wrong. For instance, someone sits in my seat at church. However, if we are like Frankincense, when things go wrong or trouble arises, we actually become sweeter and more pleasant. Frankincense is a good attitude that glorifies Christ! A good attitude in a bad situation leaves a notable and lingering impression.
After teaching this awhile back, I was tried on being like frankincense not just honey. Here’s what happened. We had watched my daughter’s dogs while she was at a work related conference and the big lab had gotten in the living room and clawed my leather couch. I hadn’t seen it for several days, but when I sat down one evening I saw the damaged couch. Immediately, the Holy Spirit reminded me to be like frankincense and not to lose my temper. It wasn’t easy, but I did my best to stay calm and collected. My wife later commented that I had handled that well. Actually, the Lord in me handled it well!!!
I thank God for his Word, in this case about the frankincense and honey, because it prepared me to glorify Christ in a bad situation. May this teaching help you also!
In conclusion, a good attitude in a bad situation is a sweet perfume to God. It is frankincense. Let’s remember 1 Thess 5:8 “In Everything give thanks, this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”
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BIBLICAL MEDITATION
When we think of ‘meditation’, our minds usually think of some Eastern Religion or picture a Buddhist monk sitting in a candle light room chanting. However, it’s really not like that at all, and a closer look at the scriptures will show that the Bible refers to meditation quite often. Let’s look at biblical meditation.
First, the definition of ‘meditate’ is to engage in contemplation or reflection. It is to reflect, ponder or focus one’s thoughts on something. So, bible meditation is simply to focus and seriously think about some bible subject or scriptural thought, with the intent of really understanding it. It’s like chewing gum until you get all of the flavor out.
God gave Joshua, when he was taking over the leadership from Moses, the following counsel in Joshua 1:8 “ Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” If we desire productive and abundant spiritual lives, this is wise advise for us today! Meditate on the Lord’s word constantly, in order to understand it and put it in practice!
King David, a man after God’s heart, said in Psalm 104:34 “My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” David expressed his thoughts about meditating throughout Psalm 119. He said he meditated on his God’s goodness and unfailing love. He also mentioned meditating on God’s Word, laws, precepts, statutes and promises. The testimonies of God’s wonderful works and ways were constantly on his mind. He encouraged himself in the Lord. He expressed in Ps 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” We should cherish God, his word and his ways the same.
In the Apostle Paul’s New Testament letter of 1 Timothy 4:12, he exhorted the young Timothy to be an example in word, in lifestyle, in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity. And Paul then stated in 1 Timothy 4:15 “meditate upon these things and give thyself wholly to them: that thy profiting may appear to all.” Our growth in God’s grace and power will be evident also, if we will take Paul’s advise about meditating on and applying in these areas of our lives.
What we think on matters, if we want God’s peace. In Phil 4:8-9 we read “ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” All wonder David wrote in Ps 19:14 “ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Let’s all take God’s word, the Bible, more serious and meditate on the scriptures daily. It will greatly profit us spiritually. After all in 2 Tim 3:16-17 “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
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Thanks Phil Robertson For Making Us Think!
By Pastor Randy Osborn
Recently, Phil Robertson of the popular ‘Duck Dynasty’ TV show was suspended by A & E because he declared that the scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 stated that the homosexual sex act was a sin. On the other hand groups like GLAD, liberal theologians, many governmental leaders and much of the media are celebrating and encouraging this so called freedom. Gay marriage is now allowed in many states. Since in 1 Tim 4:1,2 the Apostle Paul warned us that ‘…in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils and speak lies…’, let’s look to the holy scriptures to see who’s declaring the truth.
First, we must realize Phil Robertson is a Christian and so he has adapted a ‘Biblical Worldview’. Indeed, all Christians should believe the Bible is God’s Word, true and is what gives us our moral compass. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. Also, Psalms 119:105 states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” Thus, along with our conscience and the Holy Spirit, the scripture to the Christian is a filter by which all feelings, thoughts, or teachings are compared, to discern if they are true or not. If something contradicts what the Bible teaches about an issue, then it is false and is to be avoided. If it agrees with what the Bible says is righteous, then it must be accepted. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 we are exhorted to “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. ” We all have the God given free will to accept or reject something , so we can debate Phil’s wisdom or choice of words in speaking about this issue, but Christians can’t debate the truth stated in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. “ Clearly, immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, thievery, greediness, drunkenness, slandering and swindling are sins, which if not repented of, will keep one from going to heaven.
Since this is Bible truth it should be accepted, but perhaps the bigger question is “Why was this truth spoken?” Truth can be spoken for various reasons, like to impress, hurt, warn, instruct, encourage, comfort, correct, convict or condemn. Truth should be spoken in love to edify. (Eph 4:15) If Phil spoke in love, which I’m sure he did, to convict others of sin and to warn them of God’s judgment if they don’t repent, then good. But if he spoke to condemn the sinner to Hell, with no hope of God’s forgiveness at repentance, then he was indeed in error. All judgment has been given to Jesus, not to us. (Acts 10:42) As long as there is breath, the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that there is hope with God for forgiveness and for making heaven your home at death. I’m sure Phil was speaking to help people turn from a life the Bible says is sin, which has wages of death, to an abundant and eternal life in Christ.(Roman 6:22-23)
So, please don’t reject Phil just because he’s told the truth. That’s like hating the doctor who told you that you have a life threatening disease and need special treatment. I recently experienced chest pain and ended up in the emergency room. After testing I learned I had Coronary Heart Disease and needed immediate open heart bypass surgery. Well, I didn’t like hearing that report, but I knew the doctor was telling me the truth and it was for my good. So, I had the surgery, which has extended my life. It’s similar when God’s Word tells us we are living wrong and that it will have negative eternal consequences if we don’t change. We should submit to God and let Jesus, the great physician, do an open heart surgery! It is for our eternal good. Don’t hate God’s messenger for telling you the truth!
So, from the ‘Biblical Worldview’, Phil stated correctly that the homosexual sin is just a sin like adultery, drunkenness or stealing. It is just not right in God’s eyes, so like all sin, it needs to be resisted or repented of if one is caught in it. It can be forgiven and freedom in Christ is available. In 1 Cor 6:11, after previously mentioning homosexuality in verse 9, it states that ‘And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” Yes, some in the early church were x-gays that had been set free through faith in Jesus. The truth is, the Bible in Romans 3:23 states that “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”, so we all need to repent of our sins and have faith in Jesus for Salvation. (Act 20:21) Jesus is still the Great High Priest sitting on heavens throne of grace and will help those who call on him with a believing heart. (Heb 4:15-16) True freedom and righteousness are available, but we must whole heartily continue in the Word of the Lord, which will show us the truth and set us free. (John 8: 31-32). Freedom will come to those who have faith. (1 John 5:4)
In Conclusion, in American we have freedom of speech. Phil Robertson just stated what he believed was Biblical truth and I also believe he spoke in love to help. He has brought this subject to light, so we can think about it. And, as one minister says, “We must think to believe and believers must think!” He has made me think about this issue in the light of God’s Word and to form an opinion. Thanks Phil for making me think.
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BE ANGRY AND SIN NOT! by Pastor Randy Osborn
Have you ever been angry? Most assuredly, the answer is ‘Yes’. That’s because anger is an emotion common to man. Even God experiences anger and we see him expressing his great wrath in the book of Revelation. Even Jesus demonstrated a righteous indignation, when he tipped over the tables of those selling in the temple. Since we have to deal with anger, whether it is a righteous indignation or otherwise, let’s take a closer look at this emotion.
First, the definition of anger is ‘a strong feeling of displeasure’. Ps 6:1 says “Oh Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.” Anger is a feeling of displeasure that is an internal burning. It must be internally managed.
Anger not controlled turns to wrath or rage. And James 1:20 tells us “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” Also, Proverbs 16:32 tells us “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” Also, Proverbs 19:11 says “People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.” Through faith in Jesus we have received the Holy Spirit, which gives us ‘self control’, as told in Gal 5:22-24 “But the fruit of the Spirit is ….. self-control.” So, the Christian has the spiritual strength to control their emotions, but we must choose to do it. Anger must be internally managed.
Scripture reads in Eph 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Again, this says that we will all deal with anger, but we are warned not to do or say something while angry that we will regret later. Don’t react in the flesh. Many a relationship have ended, objects have been broken, jobs have been quit, car accidents have occurred, unholy words were spoken, fights have started and cruel acts preformed, all because people have acted out of anger. But if we will take time to pray and listen to God, we can bring the situation under his control before harmful things happen. We are told not to ignore anger, but to get the anger under control of the Holy Spirit as quickly as possible or else the devil will take advantage of the situation to cause great harm. As an example, let me tell you about the ‘lost hamster”.
A good while ago, my wife and I had an argument about something. I can’t remember what it was about, but I remember that we both were so angry that we couldn’t even look at each other. Well, we knew the Ephesians 4:26-27 scripture about not letting it go to the next day, so we got down on our knees and prayed about it. But quite frankly, the feelings didn’t leave. We went to bed lying as far apart as possible. But then God helped the situation.
The kids had let the hamster out of the cage a few days earlier and we could hear a rustling noise coming from some papers in the corner. I immediately said “It’s the hamster!” We both jumped out of bed and began chasing him around the room. We began laughing and the tension from our argument vanished. God had helped us by refocusing our attention on something other than the argument. We had prayed and brought Jesus into the situation, and he answered our prayer by sending that hamster! So, when you feel hot displeasure rising inside you, remember to take it to Jesus as quickly as possible.
We must learn to not react in flesh, but learn to wait for the Holy Spirits leading. In fact, God can even use this emotion to shed light on an issue of the heart that might be hindering your walk with him. Proverbs 20:27 “The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.” Knowing the real cause of the anger is a great help in controlling it! Angry moments can be lessons from God.
When angry you are displeased at something. Again, ask God to show you what’s evoking this angry feeling. It might be real or imagined. The feeling might be a righteous indignation at some injustice or it could be you feel bothered, insulted, rejected, frustrated, left out, threatened, afraid, jealous, envious or you could be experiencing an unknown reaction to something that happened in your past. Ask God, who knows the thoughts and intents of the heart to show you, so the truth can set you free. Here’s an example.
Once my wife said something to me that caused me to push her away when she came next to me. I didn’t hurt her physically, but she was emotionally hurt and angry, for I had never reacted that way before. She went to the bedroom and I followed her. I told her, “I am so sorry, I don’t know why I reacted that way. Please, let’s ask the Lord.” She agreed and we began to pray. Almost immediately I was ten years old and my Mother was pushing me away from my little brother, who had just came home from the being born. God was showing me that I was feeling rejected by my wife, just like I felt rejected back then. I was set free from that negative past experience and my wife forgave me. It has never happened again. Praise God!
Forgiveness also is a big issue. Jesus instructed us to forgive or we will not be forgiven. Eph 4:32 reads “ Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” If we don’t forgive we will live with a constant bitterness of soul and an abiding spirit of anger. Jesus called this the ‘tormentors’ in Matthew 18:34-35. Only forgiveness frees us from this torment.
In conclusion, when you feel that burning or anger arising within you, do the following: 1. Don’t ignore the feeling or react in the flesh, but bring it under control of the Holy Spirit as quickly as possible. 2. Think things through and analyze what is really making you displeased. 3. If it’s not obvious, ask the Lord for help discerning the cause and for wisdom. 4. Wait for the Lord’s instructions before acting. 4. Forgive if necessary.
So, let’s control that anger and not let it control us. We can be angry and sin not!
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PEER PRESSURE CAN BE GOOD By Pastor Randy Osborn
Eph 5:11 "Take no part in the worthless pleasures of evil and darkness, but instead, rebuke and expose them". TLB
A few years back I was traveling with my in-laws and the Lord gave me insight about peer pressure. It was late at night and we needed gas for our automobile, so we pulled off of the highway to a gas station. The place was older looking and a bunch of bikers were fueling up when we pulled up. After I filled our tank, we decided to have a bite to eat in the small restaurant that was attached to the gas station.
The café was empty except for about five guys talking at table. The men were tough looking. They all had shaved heads and wore tattoos. I felt out of place being there, like we were in someone’s private club. I just wanted to have a coffee and leave, but the mother in-law wanted some pie, so we ordered. As the waitress was taking her order, my fears were heightened.
The men at the table were having a heated discussion about something and then one of them stood up saying the ‘F word’ and angrily spoke something about shooting someone with his AK47 rifle. I don’t think my in-laws heard it, but I did, and was thinking, “We are definitely in the wrong place!!” That’s when something interesting happened.
Then one of the other fellows at the table stood up and said, “Hey, we don’t talk like that when a lady is present!” The angry man then said, “Sorry man,” and sat down. I heard no other fowl language while we were present. We peacefully finished our meal, paid and left.
As we drove away, I thought of peer pressure. One member of that group of men had spoken up and used his influence, among his peers, to cause righteous behavior. I thought, “peer pressure can be used as an influence for good or bad.”
Ordinarily, we think of peer pressure as being negative. We think of teens being pressured by other teens to drink, do drugs or have sex. But, teens can pressure each other to do what’s right also. The social pressure of being accepted by your peers is a guiding force, so why not use it for good!
When I was a freshman in high school, some peer pressure taught me a valuable lesson about the tongue. We were having an assembly and as some girls were performing I tried to impress my friends by saying something naughty. The comment was also heard by some senior girls, who were sitting nearby. The girls didn’t say anything, but all three turned around and gave me very scornful looks. Very scornful! I felt ashamed and wanted to crawl under the bleacher. I was wrong and they were reproving my bad behavior. They actually did society and me a favor, for those disapproving looks helped correct my unrighteous behavior.
Jesus, in Matt 5:13-15, taught us to be “light and salt” in this world. The apostle Paul confirmed this teaching in Ephesian 5:8,11 by telling the church to be light in the Lord and to reprove the works of darkness. As we follow Christ's teachings, the behavior or activity that we model, accept or reject, will demonstrate to our world what the Lord accepts or rejects.
So, remember that in the social circles that we are part of, whether in school, work, family, sport, church or friends, we can be a guiding light. Always, use wisdom and act in love, but let your approval of good actions or rejection of bad behavior be made known. We can make a difference in our world! PREVIOUS TEACHINGS*******************************
THE SOFT ANSWER
Once, when I was working as a flooring contractor, there was confusion over where the different colored carpets were to be installed. A supervisor who was there instructed me to install it a certain way, which I did. However, when the owner came by and saw the carpets he was very upset.
He began to use fowl language and call me names, which began to stir up my anger. As we were walking to another building the owner continued to curse at me. I could feel my face getting red and my fists were beginning to clench, but then something happened to changed things. The Holy Spirit brought Proverbs 15:1 to my mind. It reads “A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.”
I then chose to obey the Word of the Lord and began to speak softly. I calmly said “I’m sorry this happened. Is there anything we can I do to fix it?”
Almost immediately I witnessed the anger leave the man and his face changed. He answered back “Oh, it’ll be OK, I’ll just paint the wall. I never liked this color anyway.”
I paid for the paint and it worked out peaceably, thanks to the Lord. I’m glad I listened and obeyed what the wisdom of the Spirit had spoken to me, for it sure saved me much grief.
As one preacher once told me, “When we work the Word, the Word works!”
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RESURRECTIONS OF THE DEAD
The resurrections of the dead and judgment are an important doctrine in the Bible. The understanding of when these resurrections occur, who takes part in them and what they face, will both challenge and motivate us to live a holy life. With this in mind, let’s look into the Word for understanding.
First, Hebrews 9:27 states ‘it is given man once to die and then the judgment.’ We all will experience this death process, unless we are alive at Christ’s return. Death is a separation of soul and spirit from the body. So when we die, the spirit and soul depart the natural body. The spirit goes back to God who gave it and the soul will exist ‘somewhere’ until one of the resurrections and the reuniting with one’s former body. But where will the soul abide?
The soul of man will go to one of two places at natural death. It will go to a paradise, which now exists in the third heaven where Jesus abides, or to a lower region in the earths heart called ‘Hades’ or ‘Hell.’ Jesus explained this clearly in a Luke 16:19-31 parable about the death of two men. After death, one went to a place of comfort called Abraham’s bosom, reflecting he had faith in God. The other man went to a place of torment. Both had memory in tact and full senses. Although death is sometimes referred to as sleep, it is only because of the unawareness of what’s going on under the sun. They definitely were not just sleeping, as we know it.
What determines where the soul will abide after death? Simply, ‘the where’ is determined by whether or not a person dies in their sin. John 8:24. We all have sinned and come short of God’s glory, so we are all condemned. Romans 3:23 However, Romans 5:1 & 10:9 declares whoever has confessed faith in Jesus Christ as the risen Savior has peace with God and are living in God’s grace. Believers that are living righteous lives in fellowship with Christ will go to heaven to be with him when they die. Jesus said he went to prepare a place for those who believe in John 14:1-2. However, if one is living in sin, Ephesians 2:1 tells us they are ‘spiritually dead’, which means they are living separated them from the Holy God. So, when they die, the life apart from God that they are experiencing in this life will just continue. At death they will go to Hades to await the resurrection for the white throne judgment. However, if a person has accepted and confessed Jesus Christ as savior and is living for the Lord, their sin is forgiven and the fellowship they have with the Lord will just get better. They will go to ‘paradise’ to be with Lord at death. Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21-23 that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and that to be with Christ is far better than to live in this flesh. Death has no sting to a Christian, because their sins have been forgiven and they have pasted from death unto life. 1 Cor 15:55-57 ,John 5:24
Now, let’s look at the resurrections of the dead. Paul in 1 Cor 15:20-25 refers to three resurrections. The first occurred when Jesus rose from the dead, the second would be at his second coming and then there’s one at the end. The first resurrection is past, and the second is soon coming, when Jesus returns in the clouds. Those that have died believing in Christ will be at that time be resurrected in glorified bodies. Those believers, who are alive at his coming, will experience an instantaneous change into a glorified body. 1 Cor 15:51-53 They will then be caught up with the other raised believers, to meet the Lord in the air. This is called the Rapture of the Church and is mentioned in 1 Thes 4:13-18. These will reign with Christ during his thousand-year reign. It is also referred to as the First Resurrection in Rev 20:6, and all those in the first resurrection need not fear the second death. Those in the first resurrection are called blessed and holy.
The Third resurrection occurs after the millennial reign of Christ. Rev 20:5. The earth as we know it has been changed and all the rest of the dead will be raised, in their bodies, to face the White Throne Judgment. The Book of works will be opened for judgment, but those not in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be thrown into the ‘lake of fire.” This is called the Second Death. This is the final and eternal separation from God. Rev 20:11-15
Please remember that God does not want you to live separate from him now, after death in Hades or to be thrown into that lake of fire. The fact that the lake of fire was made for the Devil and his angels is recorded in Matt 25:41. But God our Savior sent his son to die for your sins, so you can be brought into his fellowship in the light. John 3:16 reads “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Don’t die in you sins, accept Christ today and be reconciled to God the Father! Then live a holy life which is pleasing to the Lord and be part of that first resurrection.
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WISDOM - ONE GREAT PROMISE!
One of the greatest promises in the Bible, aside from salvation, is the promise of Godly Wisdom. It reads in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Of course, it goes on the say that we will need to ask God in faith if we except to receive. But that’s true of salvation or any other promise as well.
But think about it. If we don’t know what to do in any situation, we can just pray and ask God and he will gladly let us know what to do. It might come directly or from another person who has understanding in that area, but it will come. And God knows everything. We have access to the wisdom of Solomon and Daniel. When Jesus taught and spoke his parables concerning the Kingdom of God, he showed understanding in husbandry, banking, building, fishing, farming, sewing, military, spirits, diseases, baking and more. Yes, we can have the spirit of wisdom that even our Lord Jesus Christ possessed. Wow! What a promise!
Here’s just one simple testimony of how asking for wisdom worked in my life. One Sunday afternoon, after church my daughter was doing the dishes and cut her finger on a sharp knife. It was bleeding so profusely that the wife and I couldn’t get a bandage on the cut. As we struggled to tend to the injury, the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “Why don’t you ask for wisdom?” This was very interesting, because I had just ministered on the subject of Wisdom that very morning. I humbly obeyed and asked, “Lord, please give me wisdom to bandage this finger.” The answer came immediately as the Holy Spirit said, “Just squeeze her wrist.” I did just that, which slowed the blood flow to her finger, and we were able to apply the bandage. I thank God for that wisdom, which I have applied several times since.
The Bible teaches that wisdom of God covers all areas of our life. So, if you need direction in anything- just ask God for wisdom. If you need help in dealing with a situation at work –ask God for wisdom. If you are a parent that’s having a problem with a child –ask God for wisdom. If you are starting a new job –ask God for wisdom. If you are a student having trouble with a particular subject –ask God for wisdom. If you are doing a task at home and don’t know what to do –ask God for wisdom. If you are dealing with a difficult person –ask God for wisdom. If you are struggling in a relationship- ask God for wisdom. In whatever situation you find yourself and if you don’t know what to do, just ask God for wisdom! The Word promises God will give it! ********************
The Tithe and Me
By Pastor Randy Osborn
The tithe means ‘one tenth’. One cannot read the Bible without running across the word tithe many times, especially in the Old Testament. The tithe’s primary purpose was to support the priesthood(1) . It is also mentioned by Jesus in the gospels(2) , but we only see it occurring once in the epistles, in the book of Hebrews(3). By not being mentioned by all the Apostles, it raises the question, “Is Tithing part of the New Testament Covenant?” The answer is ‘Yes ’, because of honor. And this article is how I came to discover this truth.
Now, I was not raised in what you might call a ‘Christian home’, but it was a loving home and my parents were honest and hardworking. The Bible wasn’t read, talked about or discussed, but Mom took me to Sunday school and I was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. However, I knew little of scripture or what it was to be a Christian. I stopped attending church in High School. So, I was a clean slate for the Lord to write on.
I came to Christ in the early 70’s in what was termed the ‘Jesus Movement’. Many thousands were added to the church at this time. I accepted Christ Jesus as my personal savior, was baptized and received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I was ‘born again’ and of course began going to church, which meant giving offerings. I found myself giving a tenth, because it just seemed the right thing to do. I really had no scriptural basis. Actually, I always have given that amount, even when I felt it was law and not grace.
As I grew in knowledge of the Lord and God’s word, I began to read about tithing and heard many a sermon about why we should tithe. But I just was not convinced that it was a New Testament requirement. I felt it was just a guideline. If I was asked about tithing I would just say “It’s between you and God.” I really felt it was an Old Testament Law, thus not applicable to now, since the written Law of Moses and the priesthood has been abolished(4).
Actually, early on, the Lord tried speaking to me about this issue through a dream. In the dream, I was running up the front steps of the church that I was then attending, waving my tithe offering saying, “I have my tithe now!” But when I reached the top and looked around, the church was empty. It took years for me to figure out that God was showing me that if we don’t give tithes and offerings the church will not exist!
As the years went by, I continued to struggle with the issue of tithing being part of the New Testament economy, but not with giving. I knew God loved a cheerful giver and that he would bless those who gave (5). Once I actually gave all I owned to help an evangelist whose car had broken down, and God abundantly blessed me. But that is another story. It was I as I was studying on the subject of ‘honor’ that my spiritual eyes began to open to tithing for today. I found that one of the ways we honor someone is to give them financial support, as in honoring our father and mother in their old age (6). But it was when I read John 5:23 “That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father…” that my reasoning was challenged. The question then arose, “If Jesus was to be honored like the Father, how exactly was the Father honored?” The answer became clear in the scriptures.
In Proverbs 3:9-10 it reads “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Also, I read in Leviticus 27:30-33 that “… a tenth is holy unto the Lord.” Through the prophet Malachi God rebuked them for not honoring him as a Father (7) and of robbing him of tithes and offerings (8). God the Father was honored by the tithe and that was how his house and ordained ministry was maintained and in turn the people blessed(9). So in the same way, Jesus is to be honored with the tithe and offerings, so his house, ‘the church’ (10), will have the needed funds to function and for the Christian to be blessed.
Also, Jesus said that it was a righteous act when the Pharisee’s tithed (11) and that we are to give to God what belongs to God (12), which is the first tenth. And Romans 13:7 exhorts us to “Give everyone what you owe him….. if honor, then honor.” God is holy and should be honored with the holy tenth. You see, when we honor Jesus Christ with the tithe, we are also acknowledging and honoring the Father who sent him (13).
One might also mention that before the Law was given, Abraham, called the father of faith, gave tithes to a priest of the Most High God called Melchizedek for his blessing (14). In Hebrews the 7th chapter we read that Jesus himself is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, and that he has given us a better covenant (15). Also, in the book of Galatians we are told that Abraham actually had the Gospel preached to him(16) . So it follows that Christians, as the children of Abraham by our faith in Christ (17), should honor Jesus with the tenth for his blessings, just like Abraham did. Jesus also said that Abraham’s children would do Abraham’s works (18). Abraham paid tithes.
Also, concerning where to give your tithe, Jacob mentioned giving a tenth to the house of God in Bethel and again that occurred before the Law of Moses was instituted (19). In Malachi 3:10 we are told to bring “all the tithes into God’s house”. For the Christian today, Hebrews 3:6 and I Timothy 3:15 tells us that God’s house is the church of Jesus Christ. We also see in Acts 4:32, as the church was first being formed, the believers laying offerings at the feet of the Apostles, the recognized church leaders. So the tithes should go to the church, which is God’s house and Christ’s body on earth. Tithing to the church is meant to be an act of faith towards God and a way God can bless the believer.
Actually, one the greatest blessing of honoring the Lord is that God in turn honors you. In 1 Samuel 2:30 God says “…those who honor me, I will honor.” So, if you support his house, then he will support your house. If you care and help his children, then he will in turn care for and help your children. He also will open up the windows of heaven and bless you. Favor will be given and power to get wealth, as well as, rebuking the destroyer for your sake(20) . When the Devil tries to kill, steal or destroy, the Lord will be your shield. Jesus also reminded us not to worry, but to ‘seek first’ the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and then God would supply all we need (21). And Jesus said it was a righteous act to tithe (22). When God is given the first ten percent, then the remaining ninety percent is blessed (23)! Awesome!!
Once I understood about honoring the Lord with the tithe, I did begin to teach it, but not very often. In fact, once I went to a three day Pastor’s Conference and they took an offering every session. Mind you, this is from the same group that had paid to come. I did give at the end, but it troubled me that they took up so much of the ministry time taking offerings. I was actually complaining to the Lord as I drove home saying, “Lord it’s just not right!” To this the Lord replied, “You’re right, but you’re not any better.” I responded, “In what way?” The Lord said, “They do it too much, but you don’t teach the people enough about giving, so I can bless them.” Ouch! The Lord was right. I had gotten so tired of being asked for money, that I had gone to the point of not taking a collection at all. Today, we still don’t take a regular Sunday offering, but I often mention the blessings of giving and we pray for the tithes and offerings that are to be placed in an offertory in the back.
As a Pastor, I’ve had few interesting God experiences and observations concerning the tithes over the years. First, is about a woman who started coming to our meetings years ago. She had nothing but the clothes on her back, plus she was overweight, had a bulging eye, poor teeth and was estranged from her family. She worked at Self Help, a local place that hired the handicapped. Well, she began tithing. In fact, if I didn’t see her for several weeks, she would save up her tithe checks and put them in the offering when she did come. As she was faithful, I watched God bless her. She moved to better apartments, obtained more clothes, had her eye and teeth fixed, lost weight and fellowship was restored with her family. Then she met a widowed man, they fell in love and married. Today they live in a nice brick home, have a new car, enjoy their family and are happily serving Christ together. You sure can’t out give the Lord!
Another widow came to the church that always tithed faithfully and I noticed how God would provide for her. If something broke, the Lord would send someone by to fix it for her. Or someone would give her wood to burn. In fact, once she had cosigned for her son to get a loan and when he couldn’t make one of the payments, instead of the Banker coming after her, the Banker made the payment himself! How many times to you hear of that happening? And although she wasn’t really looking, God sent to her a widowed man. They fell in love, married and are extremely happy as they serve the Lord faithfully together. They both say that they had never known true love until they married. God knows what we really need.
I have also noticed that those who honor the Lord with the tithe, when troubled times come their way, God will rebuke the Devil’s attempt to destroy their ministries, marriages, careers, health or children. They survive the storms of life, while others who won’t tithe go through similar things, but are often destroyed. God’s promise to rebuke the devourer for those who honor him is surely true!
Once, many years ago the church was struggling financially. For several months in a row the income and bank balance just continued to drop. Finally, one day I was at church praying and asked the Lord, “What is wrong Lord?” My wife was also there, praying in the back of the church. Afterwards she came up to me and said the Spirit had brought to her attention about some money we were receiving and not paying tithe on. I said, “We should be tithing on that money.” She told me that I had said we didn’t need to tithe on it. Then I remembered saying something to that effect, but I didn’t mean always. It was a big miscommunication! But who was to blame didn’t really matter, but what did matter was that God had shown us the problem and why the funds weren’t coming. We calculated the amount we owed, wrote out check to the church for that amount and the funds started to come in once again. Sin in the camp, especially at the leadership level, will affect receiving God’s blessings.
Recently, I had been working on the next years wage packages. I was rushed for time, so I quickly put the figures together for that evenings Board meeting. It looked OK, so the Board tentatively approved them. Well, the next morning as the wife and I were praying, I said the Lord, “I hope you approve of the wage packages.” The Lord replied, “No, I don’t like the tithe.” I was shocked, and as my wife continued to pray I didn’t hear a word. “Maybe it’s the wording” was my first thought. Later I was at church and standing before the pulpit I prayed saying, “Lord, I’m sorry if the way we are doing this displeases you. You have always blessed us before, but if I need to change this I will.” The Lord replied, “That is not the problem.” I was perplexed and went over and sat down. The Spirit then said, “Look at the figures and you’ll see the problem.” “What?” I said. Again, the Spirit said, “Check the figures and you’ll see.” Later, I went home and after lunch sat down with the wage package sheets. I added it up and it seemed right. Again, I looked at it and it seemed fine. Then I decided to add things up from the bottom up. Wait a minute, something wasn’t right! I then wrote a math equation to figure a tithe amount and as I solved it I saw the problem. My gross amount of the sum of the different categories did not include a tithe. The gross figure did not reflect a tithe! As I adjusted the figures to include the tithe, a thankfulness and soberness filled my spirit. I was thankful that God had shown me the mistake, so I could receive his blessing, but I was sobered by fact that he was watching so closely! The Lord does care about every detail, especially the tithe. He is taking account!
Before I conclude, here are a few other exhortations concerning tithing. 1. Don’t give your tithe with strings attached. Release it to God and let the Church leadership deal with stewardship of the funds. 2. Always remain consistent in your tithing and give to God first. When you think you can’t afford it is exactly when you need to trust God. He’ll come through! 3. Don’t give emotionally or think logically. God’s kingdom rules are not logical, but work on the principle of faith in what God says he will do. Trust God’s Word. 4. Know that God will bless and provide, but don’t expect it to come back in only one way. His blessings will be come back in manifold ways. 5. God will bless with wisdom on how to make or manage your money, so be listening for it. 6. All the tithes should go to a Church you are physically part of and where you can get to know those who labor there (24). TV ministries and such should only receive an offering, not a tithe, because they can’t really know you or be known by you. 7. Alms given to the poor and general offerings are freewill, to be given after the tithe. 8. Always remember that the church, in which you came to know Christ, existed because some Christians honored the Lord and supported it. Let’s make sure the church will be there for others to find Christ.
So, in conclusion, I do feel strongly that the Christian should tithe to their church, as an honor to Jesus for all his blessings. The church will then have the funds to spread the Gospel, maintain a house of worship, support the ministry and do the works Christ wants them to do. And the fact that ‘a tenth is holy to the Lord’ is still relevant today. God is holy and should be honored with the holy tithe. By putting God first, we bring his blessings into our lives and that of our family. Honor God and God will honor you. Try God and see for yourself. You can’t out give God! **********************
(1) Numbers 18:21
(2) Matt 23:23
(3) Heb 7:4
(4) Heb 7:12
(5)2 Cor 9:7,8
( 6) Mark 7:10-12
(7) Malachi 1:6
(8) Malachi 3:8
(9) Malachi 3:10
(10) 1 Tim 3:15
(11) Matt 23:23
(12) Matt 22:21
(13) John 5:23
(14) Heb 7:1,2
(15) Heb 7:20,22
(16) Gal 3:8
(17) Gal 3:7,29
(18) John 8:39
(19) Gen 28:19,22
(20) Malachi 3:10-12, Duet 8:18, 1Cor 9:8-11
(21) Matt 6:33
(22) Matt 23:23
(23) Rom 11:16
(24) 1Thes 5:12
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