fencepostdigest

The War has already been won in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. There is a global war that has been raging since the beginning of time from the moment Eve said to Satian, “Okay, I will do that.” Today the battle includes Covid 19, oil, gas, the so-called climate change, BLM, and on and on the list goes. This all boils down to what the Word of God calls ‘Spiritual Warfare’ involving every human on earth; even those who are unaware are involved. This is NOT politics.

Many have become weary of all that is going and want the constant battles between good and evil, right and wrong, conservative and progressive, Republican and Democrat to end, but his ‘ain’t gonna happen. But we do need to increase our faith during this challenging time.

The ongoing fear and uncertainty caused by the forces of evil that are engaged in a massive effort to silence, censor and cancel the conservative voices of the People of God must be engaged in daily life.

However, God is in control and His Spirit lives within the heart of everyone who is a Believer and Follower of His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul writes, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him.He himself is before all things, and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:15-20 NET2. 

From time to time the Body of Christ must take a moment to ‘catch a breather,’ read some Scripture, pray and drink a cup of coffee or whatever. Our spirits must be refreshed for the battle will be ‘out there’ momentarily. Satan never stops in his efforts to overthrow the work of God. Evil is always present.

The 23rd Psalm is a bit of encouragement reminding us of the issues all around us and that God is our Source of Strength and will provide the victory over evil for the battle belongs to Him. You and i are His instruments to be used for the victory. Goliath remains even though he, too, is long dead. The lions are in the darkness awaiting our imprisonment, the raging fires are burning to destroy us, but the Son of Man will protect us from the scorching and consuming flames and the walls of water continue to surround us, but God provides dry ground upon which we stand and conquer the ensuing armies of evil. We MUST return to rebuild the walls that have been torn down by those who wish to silence our voices and to stop our influence in the world in which we live. We MUST not be silent.

Jesus is coming again; soon and very soon for He is Lord!!

From Proverbs 29:18 we find these words “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is the one who keeps the law.” Sadly, most people fail to grasp the meaning and effectual meaning of the entirety of the verse because but half of it is utilized. Most of the use of the text is biased for political and emotional reasons. However, we know the Truth because the second half of the verse explains the impact of the totality. For without the keeping of God’s commands His vision is lost in the darkness. In His commands is His Light, for Jesus told a group of believing Jews,  “who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” John 8:31-32 NASB.

I think, as others, the KJV missed what should be the impact of this proverb. The Hebrew word translated as “vision” is not concerning some sort of social, personal or political success, but rather,  a prophetic vision coming from God is the intent.  The Hebrew word translated as “perish”  does not say those who do not see the vision will “die in their sins.”  Rather the translation reminds us to “remove the restraint,” or to remove the chains of sin. If the Light shining in the Darkness is not noticed because of sin people will simply follow their own sinful hearts. God’s Word removes the scales of darkness and those who keep His teachings will know the freedom of salvation. The only hope for every lost person depends upon obedience to God’s Word.

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18 NASB

The NET2 translation reads, “When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!”

The KJV translates it this way, “Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.” (The Hebrew word translated by the KJV as “the people perish” actually means “the people are let loose” or “they cast off restraint.” However, people will spiritually die if their restraints for sin are not applied and that spiritual death is an eternal death; meaning there is no eternal life for the unsaved.

We Christians, Christ-followers, may soon begin to endure some very frustrating and difficult days. There seems to be a growing threat in our Nation for the freedom of expression in many ways. An anger toward the Christian movement is being expressed by those who are in opposition to President Trump that became a part of the fabric of some in conservative Chrisitanity. Certain lawyers and politicians are being held responsible for the excitement that Mr. Trump’s movement created. Major figures are being threatened because of their expressions of faith in Jesus Christ and support of Trump. This backlash toward Christian Conservatism will be felt across the board, no matter what denomination is targeted.

“Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name. For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners? So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.” 1 Peter 4:12-19. NET2.

The ungodly in our communities will be advancing some terrible verbiage and physical rants against us who are walking with God, and we must not be surprised. However, we must be prepared for what is to come. I am in no position to describe or detail what is coming because none of us in America has ever seen what is to come. Our Nation has always been protected from such hatred, but those in control of political storms are not law-abiding citizens and are not concerned for the Constitution. Their hearts will be expressing the hatred in their hearts.

Be reminded that Jesus is Lord.

Context, context, context is everything when reading and studying the Word of God. To simply pull a single sentence from the surrounding context is wrong, is sinful and distorts the Truth of God’s inspired text. 1 John 2:28-3:10 is one of the very best examples of which I speak. For in verse 6 we read, “Everyone who resides in him does not sin; everyone who sins has neither seen him nor known him.” More than one time I have encountered folks who misrepresent an argument and the Word of God by taking this statement from the context of the surrounding statement.

“ And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been fathered by him. 3:1 (See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children—and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: Because it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that whenever it is revealed we will be like him because we will see him just as he is. 3 And everyone who has this hope focused on him purifies himself, just as Jesus is pure). 4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; indeed, sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that Jesus was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 Everyone who resides in him does not sin; everyone who sins has neither seen him nor known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Jesus is righteous. 8 The one who practices sin is of the devil because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was revealed: to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Everyone who has been fathered by God does not practice sin because God’s seed resides in him, and thus he is not able to sin because he has been fathered by God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed: Everyone who does not practice righteousness—the one who does not love his fellow Christian—is not of God.” NET2. 

What one will discover with a simple reading is the emphasis upon the idea of ‘practicing’ sin and/or righteousness. John clearly states that anyone who practices sin is of the Devil and anyone who practices righteousness is of God. One who purposefully practices righteousness can only do so because of the presence of the Holy Spirit living in the body of the Believer. There is no other way for righteousness to be accomplished because righteousness comes from Him alone.

Do Believers sin? Absolutely, ‘yes.’ But a Believer cannot/will not practice sin, but will only practice righteousness because of the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Believer for the body of the Believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit. “Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin a person commits is outside of the body”—but the immoral person sins against his own body.  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.”                     1 Corinthians 6:18-20. Every Believer is united with Christ by grace through faith and are created to produce works of righteousness. We purposefully live in righteousness, His righteousness alone.

Because we do not practice sin and live in it a Believer is never called a ‘sinner’ in the New Testament. We are referred to as righteous, Believers, Saints, beloved, Brothers or Sisters, but never are ‘sinners.’ Do we sin? Absolutely, but we do NOT practice sin. We practice righteous behavior because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. 

Jesus is Lord.

Be aware that Jesus will come in the middle of the night, meaning that no one knows the exact time of His coming. Therefore, we can and must ask, “Just how close to the ‘midnight hour’ are we?” And I am unable to count how many sermons with that t being asked I have heard. At least many, and it is a fair, just and sensible question to present over and over again. Therefore, here we are, a time a crisis around the world and in our Nation, “Just how close to midnight are we?” I do not know, but a more important question is, “Are you prepared when the clock strikes TWELVE?’

Jesus said this in Matthew 24:14, “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come.” What, EXACTLY does this mean? Is He specifically saying that the Good News will be proclaimed within the borders of every Nation around the world OR is Jesus saying that every person on the Planet MUST hear the proclamation of the Gospel, “And then the end will come?” Personally, I think the Lord is saying that every living person must hear the proclamation, and then He will come again. NOT UNTIL If that is so, we have a ways to go, yet. IF He is telling us that the Gospel only needs to be preached within the borders of every Nation in the world, we are very, very close to that moment. BUT, we are really uncertain for just as He said in Matthew 24:36, “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son —except the Father only.” For this reason I have NEVER been a ‘time-setter’ concerning the arrival of the coming Rapture of Jesus Christ, that is, “the taking away of the Church.” Some have literally set the Day of His coming, and until this moment disappointment has come, instead. These people are fools.

Again, we are hearing the cries, “Jesus is coming!!” I agree, for the Bible speaks of that moment in time, but, again, we cannot say ‘when’ because Jesus, the One Who is coming, did not know. He may know now, but when He was on earth, He did not know. My guess is, Now He does know. But between the time of His  birth and until the moment of His resurrection, He did NOT know.

The better question for this very moment is, “Are you prepared to meet the Savior when He comes?” Only you can know, only Jesus knows for, “Then I saw a large white throne and the one who was seated on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and another book was opened—the book of life. So the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:13-15. 

We are much closer to Midnight than we might know or think, and for this reason alone you and I must be prepared to meet Him for soon and very soon only those who know Him will meet Him in the air. 

Jesus is Lord!!

“Listen, earth! I am about to bring disaster on these people, the fruit of their own plotting, for they have paid no attention to My word. They have rejected My instruction.” Jeremiah 6:9 NET2

I was observing a video of a very well-known and respected, and so-called ‘Christian’ comedian the other day and suddenly the Spirit of God simply overcame me with an overwhelming response to his words. Basically he was saying that he was stepping away from Fundamentalism, that is to say, ‘absolute values and the authority of God’s Word.’ 

He told the audience that Fundamentalism is bad because of the fact they preach against sin. No, he did not say it that way, but he said something like this, “God accepts you as you are,” and pointed out the fact that he accepts divorced people because there are many of you who are divorced and are here present. The comedian pointed to the ‘Woman at the Well’ story and implied that Jesus forgave her, but that is not what he said. Go and read the entire story in John 4:1-42. Jesus did reveal her sin, but never forgave her, He did NOT.

This funny man did tell them that Jesus accepts divorced people because in Jeremiah 3:8, God divorced Israel, and He did. But, again, I  want you to encourage you to read the context of that Scripture for this is NOT what God does. God condemns Israel and Judah time and again in Jeremiah because of their absolute rejection of His commandments. Yahweh does promise to receive them over and over again if they comply with His Words. But God NEVER accepts them because of their sin; God only accepts them if they repent of their sin and promise to follow His instructions, His demands upon them. And, over and over again Israel and Judah sin, repent and return, but are seen repeating the same attitudes generation after generation.

Unfortunately, our ‘funny man’ was lying and most likely believes the same lie today. He is a fraud and I think this is important to understand. Fraud has become an often-used word, especially in the United States since November 3rd, 2020. I will not go there because everyone at this moment knows what I write. God does not accept the idea of divorce within marriage and there is no need to repeat that here, but He does NOT. 

Divorce, as defined by the 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary is, “Separation; disunion of things closely united.” And, yes, there is another definition related to marriage. However, the use of the word as seen in Jeremiah 3:8 is not speaking ofs, but rather of a covenant relaltionship between God and man in the Old Testament. God chose to disolve that relationship because man disavowed the covenant; God did not. Israel and Judah insulted Yaweh and Holy God did not wish to continue the broken vows of His chosen people. Our ‘funny man’ is simply wrong, and he intentionally chooses to publicly misuse the Word of God. Shame on him for he utilized the words of God for humorous gain and not for His glory.

The result of insulting God may have eternal and damnable results. The story concerning the death of Ananias and Saphira found in Acts 5:1-11 demonstrates the severity of lying to the Holy Spirit. Both of these poor souls died for doing so. Peter confronted these two folks, and was, no doubt, under the control of the Spirit and two persons set to deceive the spiritual leaders, perhaps to build a reputation for themselves. And there are two sins at play here: 1. sin against the local body of faith and, 2., sin against the Spirit of God. How or what is expected from God? If I were our ‘funny man’ a second thought might be appropriate. Fortunately for him this kind of justice or judgment has not yet befallen him, but his doe not lessen the degree of guilt before Holy God.

The personal standing that you and I have before God is intensely Holy and precious before the Lord and we must do well to keep the sanctity of this relationship. Believers have a divine responsibiitiy before Him just as Paul writes in Galatians 5:16-26, “Live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity,  idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions,  envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.” (Please read the 5th chapter in its entirety.)

Jesus is Lord.

“So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can people do to me?” Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! Do not be carried away by all sorts of strange teachings. For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not ritual meals, which have never benefited those who participated in them.” Hebrews 13:6-9 HCSB.

Just a few days after a new President is inaugurated of the United States of America, and nothing has really changed, or have we changed direction? 

Politically, yes, everything has changed. People’s lives are being directly affected by old ones that have simply replaced what Trump had accomplished. And we now know where we are going as a Nation on the world scene. However, my sense is, my spiritual understanding tells me the religious climate in our Nation has not changed…not one iota. (‘Iota’ is the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet relating to the English letter ‘i.’  The meaning of the use of the word ‘iota’ simply means, ‘extremely small.’)

.America’s religious values have not changed since the founding of it 200 years ago, but the people have accepted these values less and less. Our Nation is not united under God for most are refusing the Bible more so today than 50 years ago. The heart and soul of America is growing darker with each passing day. I would like to think the opposite is true, but from what is being said and done, the obvious is being revealed. 

Of course, the Covid invasion around the world has caused fewer people to be in attendance at church buildings, but this is true of every place designed for assembly of crowds. The only places growing in attendance are hospitals and graveyards, and bedspace in hospitals is limited. 

I think there is more hatred being brewed by political sources than ever now-a-days. Politicians have stirred the race brew and want to keep that pot boiling for in doing so people choosing sides for the color of their skin continues. And those who know Jesus Christ, those who, indeed, are born-again Followers and Believers in His written Word accept the Truth therein. People walking in darkness have no clue.

“But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:25-29.

Yes, I am writing to Believers, Followers of Jesus Christ for the unsaved have no understanding about what I write. Some may have an idea, but are not in agreement with the Word of God that it is literally true and all that is written there is absolutely true in every way and does not change. Absolute values.

Paul writes a powerful one-sentence statement surrounded by encouraging words concerning his fellow Believers  in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong. Your every action must be done with love.” The Apostle continues in verse 18, “For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people.”

I hesitate to do a similar thing here, but I will, for fear of missing someone. Please remember these names and pray for them for these are dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ who labor on a daily basis in their communities of faith. I will begin with Trish Carr whose husband Rick is literally fighting for his life in a hospital in/near Tulsa, Oklahoma, but these two are among the most faithful of God’s children. James and Judy Carpenter from Sicily Island, Louisiana whose family is blessed mightily by our Savior because of their steadfastness in Him. Bill and Janice Cheek in Lecompte, Louisiana serve God in many capacities; not only in their local church, but in community as well. Max and Susan O’Bryant in Hope, Arkansas live quietly, but are of significant value to their faith community there. Mark Keith is a well-known radio voice in Hope, Arkansas serving our Lord faithfully in ways that truly cannot be explained. Scott and Judy Hunt living somewhere in Georgia whom I have never met personally, but are said to serve God in untold ways in their church and community. Ralph and Janis Cahill near Weatherford, Texas, bless God for their spiritual voices of faith in serving our Savior. Charles Thomas lives and works in Hermitage, Arkansas and is known far and wide as a faithful laborer in Christ. Carl and Adrea Bradford serve their local church and Carl is a Professor of Evangelism at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas…(”Thee” seminary, I might add.:)) And I will close this by mentioning Reggie and Crystal Lisemby who serve in a Messianic Ministry to Israel. Homero and Flor Calongos, Juan and Ludo Villegas are serving churches in Peru. There are so many.

And I would be amiss to leave out everyone of my family…the Willifords, and they are many. You know who you are…                            

This list of the Faithful could go on and on and on, but as the saying goes, “Bob, you are in trouble for you will miss someone.” Yes, I know this, but if your name is not here it is not because I meant to. Space does not allow everyone I know ‘in Christ.’  

My point is simply this, as our Nation seems to be tumbling out of control; those of us who are born-again Followers of Jesus Christ know Him as our Source, THE Source. We must not only abide in and with Him, we must faithfully continue to proclaim his name wherever we live and breathe.

Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, whoever they are and wherever they be.

Jesus is Lord!!

Yesterday I wrote about the mess I believe the local church is in and has been in for a very long time and I cited John’s 7 letters to local churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. My point is simple, the Body of Christ is to be found around the world and not simply in a localized place. The Church is not a physical location nor an organization although both of these may or may not be important. The Church is a living organism “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven. Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NET2. The primary reason and strength of the Body of Christ is found in Jesus Christ, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 11:1-3 NASB.

The obvious weakness to be found in many local churches is simple, they seem to identify more with local individuals and traditions more so than with the One who is the Redeemer. My thought is also simple, Jesus IS the reason for the Church, the Body of Christ and no local church exists for itself alone, but this appears to be what has taken place. The song “Power In the Blood” is more often vocalized in small churches than the larger counterparts, but the power oftentimes does not rest in Jesus Christ, but rather in one or two people therein. The focus is often not upon Jesus, but rather which side of the building the new piano is to be placed. But, let us move on.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, 

“12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 

13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many. 

15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 

16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 

18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 

19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 

20 But now there are many members, but one body. 

21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 

22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 

23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 

24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 

26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

Paul stresses the strength to be found in the Body being composed of many moving parts. However, in verse 3 we find “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” It is the Spirit of God from Whom the Body gains strength. The Body is identified with Christ through His death, burial and resurrection. The Holy Spirit empowers the Body and the Father provides guidance and wisdom. The members cannot function without one another, but neither can the Body function if one member decides or is given authority. This is the purpose of the Pastor, the Shepherd.

In Ephesians chapter 4:7-16 we discover the purpose of several distinct callings of God upon individuals, “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

What we know is simple: the local church is not about individuals, but rather about Jesus Christ, “the building up of the body of Christ.” v. 12. The mess in which many local churches find themselves happens because the Message of the Gospel is clouded by the one or two people who have become the ‘authorities’ of the local church and Christ has been pushed aside. The Body is well, the Body is one, and the Body is healthy. It is the local church that is a mess.

Jesus is Lord.

I had a ‘thought’ not long ago and I feel this came from God, but this is nothing new. This thought directed me to take a look at the 7 churches John mentions in the Revelation; Folks, these churches were in a mess, a spiritual mess. Our local churches in America are and have been in a mess for a very, very long time, but the Body of Christ is not. The Church, the Bride and Body of Christ is sound and doing quite well because everyone who is walking in the Spirit as Paul wrote are in concert with one another in Jesus Christ. These folks are in unity.

Who are these local churches of which I speak. Are you prepared for this? Well, here goes. Baptists of all kinds, Southern, American, National, Reformed and all the rest. Methodists of every sort and Presbyterians, too. There are the Churches of Christ, the Christian Churches, the Assemblies of God, the Churches of God in Christ and the Churches of the Nazarene, also. There are many local churches with the name Pentecostal and Apostolic, Quakers and Shakers. Indeed, there are so many more the phrase ‘impossible to name’ is what I must end with. Yes, the local church community is immense in number as are the population of their members. However….

However, the Body of Christ is far different in my estimation; numerically speaking. The Church, the Body of Christ is NOT a denomination at all, but rather the Spiritual Body of Believers, the Followers of Jesus Christ of whom He is their Lord. These are the Saints so often mentioned in the New Testament. Now, to return to the theme of this writing…

Here are the problems penned by the Apostle John in his Revelation:

1. Ephesus left its first love, Revelation 2:4.
2. Smyrna was a refuge for some who were blasphemous and a ‘synagogue of Satan.’ Revelation 2:9.
3. Pergamum was a dark place; a throne of Satan, pagan worship and immorality abounded. Revelation 2:13-15.
4. Thyatyra was thoroughly immoral, most likely populated by folks who enjoyed and permitted sexual deviancy and prostitution among the members and without embarrassment. Revelation 2:20-24.
5. Sardis was simply ‘dead.’ Revelation 3:1.
6. Philadelphia was a church of lies, possibly deception. Revelation 3:9.
7. Laodicea, an awful luke-warm place, “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” A terrible existence to be. Revelation 3:15-17. NASB.

The conditions of these 7 churches in John’s Revelation do compare with every local church around the world. Some may be equal to and some may be worse than each of them. In many ways every local church is not in a good place before God because sin lives in them and there is no maintained discipline in any one of them. There may be a sense of discipline; may be luke-warm, but there are too many allowances for sin in each and every one. How does your local church compare to the 7 churches of Revelation?

However, the Body of Christ is truly doing quite well, for these are the folks who ‘walk in the Spirit’ as described by Paul in his letters to the churches in Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi and Colossae. In Romans 12, 1Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 the Apostle speaks of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that are found in those who are walking with God and are empowered by Christ, filled with His Spirit and are crucified with Christ on a daily basis. There is absolutely no doubt that each of them knows the other by who they are; how they walk, talk and breathe. Interestingly, Jesus speaks of these sort of folks when he said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14. “There are few who find” the narrow way that leads to life. 

For this reason, the Church, the Body of Christ is really doing well and in her there are no divisions nor issues causing problems. These are NOT Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Pentecostals and the like for they are simply Followers of the Christ. There are few of them in reference to the population of the large groups of local churches, but their numbers are truly quite large if they could be known. Jesus simply tells us that few people will come to Him by grace through faith. We know one another and the world at large knows who we are, too. And for this reason we are despised and hated. 

Jesus is Lord.

On June 16< 1858, Candidate Abraham Lincoln said this, 

“If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it. We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly augmented.

In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.”

Growing up in Lubbock, Texas gave me the opportunity to observe the construction of many residential dwellings; on location and others to be moved. Anyone who ever observed the construction of a house will understand there is but one way to do that, from the foundation to the last bit of interior necessity.

However, when we observe every bit of the necessary elements to be used in construction, and every worker whose necessary skill utilizing all these pieces for their particular purposes; omitting nothing, we are then able to understand the necessity of a pre-drawn plan to be used by these skilled laborers.

In the end, there is a Master Architect whose thought and skill is first of all considered before the first spade of dirt is turned. Without this skilled individual in mind, the finished product cannot be known. The point is simple; every person involved is necessarily needed at particular moments for the construction to be complete and all must be united in observing and drawing from the pre-drawn plans and instructions for construction. Without their concerted efforts the ultimate project fails.

Think about this for a moment. From the outside looking in, those who may occupy that new dwelling most likely will never consider the person nor tools used by those responsible for the foundation, the unseen wiring in the walls, the thousands of nails and screws, the unsawn boards, the cans of paint nor the pain-staking hours of the finish carpenters. All the new resident will most likely think of is the ‘feel’ of their new house.

However, the most important and longest lasting detail is simple, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” From start to finish every detailed piece must be correct for without that detailed joint in the foundation or frame, the construction will one day collapse…the whole of it.

In the following texts from the Synoptic Gospels we find that truth revealed; Matthew 12:25-29, Mark 3:23-27, Luke 11:14-23. Jesus said, “Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute began to speak, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, he casts out demons!”  Others, to test him, began asking for a sign from heaven. But Jesus, realizing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed, and a divided household falls. So if Satan too is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? I ask you this because you claim that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has already overtaken you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his possessions are safe. But when a stronger man attacks and conquers him, he takes away the first man’s armor on which the man relied and divides up his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Luke 11:14-23 HCSB. (Please read each of the events recorded by each Inspired writer.)

I will stand by this statement in connection with the November 3rd, 2021 General Election in the United States. The Democratic Nominee for President won by fraud…by fraud, and I will believe this until the day I die. This was an election under the direction of Satanic forces that were not attempting to hide their deeds, but they did so with great skill so that no one could detect the process. Everything done was evil and planned to the very last detail. And every judge, including the Judges of  the Supreme Court of the United States were blinded by the forces of evil; endetected.

For these reasons and more, I believe the God of the Universe, Yahweh,  has begun a Judgment upon the United States and the results may last for more than a generation or forever. That I will not know for my time on earth will not last that long. History will one day record this truth.

America is in a mess. The local Christian churches in America are in a mess and are NOT united, but divided. Almost everything in America is presently in a mess. However, the Body of Christ does stand united and do you know why? I know perfectly well for His Name is Jesus Christ and He is Lord.

Liberty Lost

The following is not a political statement, but my opinion concerning how the Christian Church has poorly administered opportunities to govern well. God gave America to the Church through the Constitution, but it failed to administer that Document with His wisdom. And because of that failure in administering His justice properly we are ‘losing it’ just as Benjamin Franklin said we would. I wrote this earlier today,                                                           

“Martin Luther King, Jr. did not protest about blacks in poverty, he protested low wages and poor working conditions of the working class…he was correct. The Black community in the South lived there, but there were similar, if not worse conditions in the large urban areas in the Northeast, too. And not all of these people were Black for they were Italians, Irish, Germans…people from all over the world who lived and worked in slave-like conditions. But there is more.                                                                            

My parents grew up on poverty as did their parents before them. My grandmother was born in the 1880’s and spoke of her own mother living west of Fort Worth. This area was settled some time after the Civil War…Parker County…and it was about this time that the town of Weatherford was founded. But, as my Grandmother told me, her grandfather and other men from area left their families at home to tangle with the Indians…Comanches. This was in the 1870’s so far as I am able to understand, the last of the Indian Wars, as she said.

My grandparents met and married in Wise County, and lived on the Williford ‘home place’ on Salt Creek. Dad took me to see the old house owned by a man by the name of Shipley before the house burned. I have been unable to find the location of that spot since about 1965.

My parents met out there somewhere and were married in Johnson County, Cleburne, I believe. And both their extended families ended up in West Texas; Lubbock and Sweetwater to work on the cotton farms and in the gins during the Depression. As my Dad said, “We were dirt poor and did not have two nickels to rub together.” World War II began soon after they were married and my oldest brother was born while Dad was in the Service.

Enough of this for I did not experience the poverty my parents and grandparents knew. We did not have a lot of the things that the rich people had, but my parents always said they did not want their children to live in similar conditions. Dad worked long hours building houses, mostly, and for a while worked as a salesman for a grocery distributor. Later he owned a couple of gas stations and was the manager of a lumber company in Lovington, New Mexico. We moved a lot when  I was a child. Dad also built mobile homes in Lubbock for awhile and was able to get loans, I guess, because of VA loans he acquired after the War.

What I do know is certain, God provided a way for poverty not to be their children would know, and we did not. Our parents struggled just as their parents did before them. But, we live in a different time today and America is entering a very, very dark time.

The Church was given an opportunity through the establishment of the United States of America. This was not given to the Church as an institution so much as it was given to our Forefathers who were mostly God-fearing men. However, it was not they who messed up, but it was those who came later who ‘dropped the ball.’ We know this because history recorded the facts of those failures.

The judgment of God may now be upon us and the liberties given as stated in the Preamble to the Constitution, “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,” have not been secured. We are about to observe the end of what was provided by God.

Jesus is Lord.”