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Theology

The official Doctrine and Theology of Eagle Wings Charismatic Ministries International.

Also the Doctrine and Theology of the affiliated Ministers.

Parashah (Weekly Torah Portion)

For Messianic and Christian Believers

It was never clear to me why some call the weekly Torah reading parshah and others call it sidra.


Are these two words synonymous?

Answer:

The words sidra (plural sedarim) and parshah (plural parshiot) are used interchangeably in the vernacular to refer to the Torah portion that is read on a particular Shabbat. However, according to their original definitions they mean different things.

Category: English
Read Time: 7 mins
Hits: 252
 

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Eagle Wings Newsletter

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Contents

A great month
Friday Upcoming Eagle Wings Podcast
Eagle Wings Online Radio

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January  2024

A great month

EWCMI Website

"As we reflect upon the months of November and December, it's heartening to acknowledge the significant progress we've made in addressing the accumulated tasks of the past year. These months have not only been a time of catching up but also of growth and learning. A noteworthy highlight has been the journey of one of our granddaughters, who is currently navigating the intricate world of Information Technology. Her journey encompasses a broad spectrum, from grasping the nuances of IT Management and DevOps to delving into the intricacies of Development. Her involvement with EWCMI, as she volunteers and contributes her burgeoning skills, has been immensely beneficial to our ministry. This experience offers her a unique opportunity to understand the diverse aspects of the IT domain, while her contributions greatly support our mission. We are inspired by her dedication and enthusiasm, which mirrors the spirit of learning and service that we cherish at EWCMI."

Ruach Ha'Kodesh Publishing

We are excited to share a glimpse into our upcoming literary offering, a book titled 'Being a Fruit-Hanger.' This new publication promises to delve into profound spiritual insights and offer enriching perspectives to our readers. In the meantime, we are delighted to remind you of our available works. 'Power in His Wings' continues to be well-received and is accessible in English and Dutch, offering versatility in format with Hard-Cover, Paperback, and Kindle editions. Similarly, our second publication, 'Blood on the Door,' mirrors this availability, ensuring that these spiritually enriching texts can be experienced in the format most convenient for you. To stay abreast of these and future publications, we encourage you to visit the Author Page of Pastor Chris on Amazon. Here, you can find detailed information on each book, along with options to purchase. We are grateful for your continued support and interest in these works that aim to deepen our understanding and connection to our faith.

Eagle Wings Online Radio

We are pleased to announce some significant enhancements to our ministry's offerings. On our website, we've expanded our content to include more insightful messages, catering to the diverse spiritual needs and interests of our audience. In parallel, our radio station has transitioned back to its regular programming schedule. A notable addition is the introduction of the 'Eagle Wings Podcast.' This exciting new series debuts every Friday evening at 6 PM Central Time, marking the start of the Sabbath. Through this podcast, we aim to offer our listeners a time of reflection, inspiration, and deeper understanding of the scriptures as we welcome the Sabbath together. We invite you to explore these new resources and join us in our journey of faith and discovery.

Friday Upcoming Eagle Wings Podcast

Join us every Friday for our weekly podcast, a time of spiritual enrichment and insightful discourse. Each episode premieres at 6 PM Central Time, offering a fresh perspective to end your week and welcome the Sabbath. For added convenience, our podcast is also accessible through your favorite podcast platform, ensuring that you can tune in from anywhere, at any time. We encourage you to make this podcast a part of your weekly routine, as we explore various themes that resonate with our faith and daily living. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s journey together in faith with each new episode of our podcast.

10 Ministering to the Lord
11 Can Satan Read Our Minds
13 Talents and Counting
14

Living Water, Take a Sip


Podcast Highlights

Jan 12, 2024 - Ministering to the Lord

When we are ultimately called to be with Jesus, the Lord increases our greatness and surrounds us with His comfort. It is indeed a blessing to be in the house of the Lord, ministering to Him whom we love so dearly, and also being ministered to by Him. How great and glorious is His Holy Name.

Jan 19, 2024 - Can Satan Read Our Minds

Satan may not know exactly what we will say or do, but he is skilled at manipulating situations and anticipating outcomes based on our previous behavior. However, God has provided us with an ultimate outcome: death and resurrection. Ultimately, some will join Jesus in heaven, and others will join Satan in hell. The question then becomes, where will you go?

Jan 26, 2024 - Talents and Counting

THEN, we know from God's word what the Words of Jesus will be. Matthew 25:23 (New International Version) “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’.

Feb 02, 2024 - Living Water, Take a Sip

The Living Water that urges to re-listen to that message, that urges to discuss, that urges to share, that urges to declare it to the nations, to the states, to the counties, to the cities, to the family and friends, “Yeshua, lives in me, and I will NEVER again be thirsty because He gives me the living water”.

Eagle Wings Online Radio

The November and December timeframe once again marked a period of remarkable success for us, evidenced by the year-over-year increase in our listener base. During these festive weeks, our programming featured an eclectic mix of Contemporary and Christian music, a blend not typically found on mainstream radio stations. Significantly, 75% of our weekend playlist was dedicated to Christian music, aligning with our mission to provide spiritually enriching content. We are profoundly grateful and offer our praises to the Lord for the opportunity to expose so many individuals to the true essence of Christmas through our music selection. This achievement not only reflects our commitment to spreading the Gospel but also underscores the growing interest in and acceptance of our unique musical offerings.

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Category: English
Read Time: 16 mins
Hits: 259

Bel Air 1950

Spring is here, but then again, what does this mean for you? For most of us living in the south and in the country, it means, besides rain, which we so desperately need, lambs, calves, lamb 2021 08 26 16 38 30 utcand birds being born, bees starting to buzz around, blossoms in the orchard, and bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes popping up all over southern Texas.

Bing Crosby's love songs play on the radio, bringing smiles to people's faces. Hmm, that Bing thing might be just with a select bunch of enlightened people, though.

Okay, to continue, all in all, this weather puts a spring in your step and a circle around your work schedule. It's time to go and work outside, take in the fresh air, and be ready to start planting. Can you imagine that there are not just kids, but even adults in inner cities who have never touched a goat's kid or a lamb before? I know I've spoken about this before, but if the news channels would just start reporting 15 minutes of positive news each day, crime rates would drop dramatically, maybe even by 5 percent. There have been several studies over different universities on this topic, and there is a report of 4219 pages that can be read from the University of British Columbia on this topic too.

But you Christians always have something to complain about, I can hear people say. That Bible of yours is filled with horror, murder, war, and betrayal. What these attackers and complainers, however, do not see and most likely do not know is that this is not the red thread that is woven by God in His word. Because that red thread that keeps it all together is God's covenant, His, I would almost say, His yearning to have a relationship with mankind. All those wars, all that killing, all that whoring around, all that wrongdoing, all that is brought forth out of the behavior of mankind. Mankind who possesses a will of its own and a mind to choose to have this relationship with God, or not.

"Oh yeah, but God is not always good," you might hear too. He had Israel in Egyptian captivity for 400 years. Yeah indeed, He also had announced that it would happen so that the people would know that this was a punishment from God. Can you imagine 318,9 million people suddenly having their pants dropped, man, woman, and children alike?

Then all standing bent over and receiving 3 swats.

Okay, I know this is truly silly, but you get the picture.

The person we elect, the person that acts on our behalf, does something that goes against the principles of the covenant that this country had made in the past with God and through which this country had received many blessings. Then this elected person, let's call him, the president. Okay, let's say it was our president, Barack Hussein Obama. Let's say he tells Israel that they need to give land away that not America, but God had provided to them. How would your dad react?

bel_air.pngYour dad has 3 cars, a truck that he drives to work back and forth, a nice sedan, and an antique 1950's Bel-Air. Now we also have a problem, there is a railroad track dividing our neighborhood with another neighborhood. They really don't like us over on this side, we have three cars, they have a bicycle. We have a garage, they have a carport. We have nice yards and gardens, they have a concrete playground. But you know there is that girl, that cute one, just on the other side of the tracks. And Joey, our neighbor's son, is always looking at her. Sometimes he sits with me on the roof of our garage, looking at her, because ours is just against the tracks. Joey came up with a plan. He said to me, "Now to make things right with the people on the other side of the track, and to give me a chance with this beautiful girl, I'm going to tell your dad that he needs to give this piece of land with the garage and the 1950's Bel Air to the people on the other side of the track. This way the track can be moved over to the other side of your garage, and they will be happy and I can date the girl, because we all have peace."

Now I start, of course, to get a little agitated about all of this. Joey has his eye on this girl, he wants something from the railroad track people. And to get that, he wants my dad to give some of his land, including the Bel Air, just to swoon the girl. And the protection for what is his, the cars and the garage, he wants that to be given away so that he can get what he wants under the umbrella that it would be better this way. Do you think my dad would go for that? No, I don't think so. It is not Joey's to give away in the first place. I surely think that Joey can no longer be my friend.Israel Map

This is, however, a very simplistic way of telling you what has been happening in the Middle East, with in the role of Joey, the United States of America, the Track People, the West Bank and the Palestinians, and in the role of Me and My Dad, the land of Israel. If I would agree with this, what do you think my dad would do to me? Joey, he would chase away, and say not to come back anymore, or with some justice from the 40's, he would switch his behind. My dad is the Lord God Almighty who has the land and the Bel Air. God has all the land and has given a large tract to the tribes of Israel, and we will read about this in a minute.

So then, do we now see everyone suddenly bent over with their pants dropped, or do you think other events have transpired over the last 100 years as we went against the will of God the Father? Indeed, we all know the answer, because I've never witnessed 318.9 million people bent over at the same time, screaming in agony. The problem is that people keep repeating the same mistakes, and we fail to learn from our errors. How can we be part of this change? How does God want us to be different and make a difference? Where does it all start? I believe the simplest and most truthful answer would be:

  • Give your life to Christ.
  • Accept Him as your Lord AND Savior.
  • Accept His Holy Spirit as your guide and conscience.
  • Then, when this choice is made:
  • Repent, move away from, and cease doing what is not in God's will.
  • Study God's will, the Holy Bible.

With this, become a better person, or in other words, grow progressively in holiness.

Be better, get better, eat better, live better, work better; in other words, stand out because you are better.

Why will you be better? Because God's best way of living is all described in His Holy Word, the Bible. When this happens, you will be able to share this success and this success story with others, convincing them that a life with Christ is not just for a better life now, but that it is a covenant that lasts throughout eternity.

Then, after addressing these three topics, what do they have in common? God is a God of relationships, and we are created to be in this relationship, singing His praises.

Back view of young people Raising hands Psalm 67 from the Tree of Life Version "Let All Peoples Praise You" states:

For the music director, with stringed instruments, a psalm, a song.

May God be gracious to us and bless us. May He cause His face to shine upon us— Selah

So that Your way may be known on earth, and Your salvation among all nations.

Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly, and guide the nations on the earth. Selah

Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You.

The earth has yielded its harvest— God, our God will bless us.

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.

From this psalm, we hear the words echoing back: When the praises go up, the blessings come down.

      • Why is it, then, that the biggest complainers are filling the pews in the church?

      • Wow, today a message of questions.

      • But are we, and when, how, are we receiving the answers?

So then, tell me, is this a negative message, written by someone down and not looking up to all that is bright and good? I really do not think so. I believe that today's message is a realistic look at the situation. The land-for-peace deal, or the Bel Air exchange that we talked about earlier, is just an example of how people keep repeating mistakes from the past, and when you look at it clearly, how foolish it is.

The story before that about the news broadcasting is true and tested, and it shows us how people are influenced by what surrounds us. Isn't it true that our languages are filled with proverbs that tell us this? Like father, like son. The apple does not fall far from the tree. A man is known by the company he keeps. From nothing, nothing will come. Words disturb the air, but deeds bring success. He's putting new wine in old skins. And with that last word of wisdom, we see that we do as we are raised, not just by our parents, but by society as a whole. And we never learn because we keep on putting new wine in old wineskins, and most of it will be lost again. Then, of course, we will be sitting down and out, asking ourselves how it is possible that we have lost so much of that great and delicious wine.

What I'm saying with this, through those proverbs that are hundreds of years old, is that people still have not changed a bit. We are still pessimistic and still counting on the actions of others, instead of our own actions. "Why would I do this for God? Let Him do something for me first." Yes, we do not learn from history, because He has already done for us. Genesis 12:3 tells us how we can receive a blessing while we are still lost and not part of His people. Psalm 122 tells us how we can have peace within our walls by praying for the peace of Jerusalem. Then, in the good news of the Gospels, announced in the words of Isaiah, He gives His son, as John 3:16 states, to die on the cross to create a blood covenant with us so that we can be His adopted children and be part of the whole, complete deal. The forgiveness of ALL our sins and transgressions. Entrance into the Kingdom of heaven, and supper with our Lord at the wedding supper of the lamb.

So those last two questions were not answered yet.

crowds the audience at a concert of an oratorium 2022 12 21 17 04 59 utc

      1. Why is it, then, that the biggest complainers are filling the pews in the church?

      2. But are we, and when, how, are we receiving the answers?

Back to those proverbs again, because most of our people that sit in the church these days—yes, I say it and am going to say it again—MOST of our people that sit in the church these days sit there because of a combination of any or all of the three reasons:

      1. It is expected of them to be in church.

      2. "My parents raised me in the church, so I go."

      3. "It is the right thing to do and a good place to go to."

NOT because they have received THE life-altering, life-touching, Holy Spirit overpowering experience of a full surrender to Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha'Mashiach. If you are going to church because your parents did, and because you are reformed and you are Dutch, you are now Dutch Reformed. Or because your parents had you baptized and John was a baptizer, that is why you are a Baptist. Or, or, or—those are all the wrong reasons, filling up the pews with people not truly willing to change the world. Not truly willing to lose it all because Jesus, Yeshua, wants THEM to make a difference. "No, no, no, not me, Lord, I'm not good enough, take him, he sits on the first pew."

Are you by now receiving the answer, and are you by now receiving it clearly? When you surround yourself with people filled with the ideas, words, music, movies, language, foods, and thoughts of this world, then what goes in must come out. And when it is not good in the eyes of the Lord that goes in, then what is not good in the eye of the Lord WILL come out. Surround yourselves with the word of God, for all your senses—taste, eyes, ears, for your feet, your hands, your body, your soul. Then what comes in, must come out.

"Oh, I don't care if I do this right or not, as long as I make my eight hours." It will then indeed come out as poor quality for your boss, and he will see that what you provide for him is subpar. BUT those who give it all they have, because they are filled with the Holy Spirit Power of our Lord, will provide a top-of-the-line quality product and will be seen by their employers as the providers of top-of-the-line quality products. They will move on, and they will move up. Better position, better pay, better pay, better food, better food, better health, better health, better quality work. Circle complete, life gets better and better. The Bel Air is in your garage, and the other side of the track is still driving the old beaters like they have in Communist Cuba. Why? Because you are God's people, that is why you are envied, but that is also why you are better. When you have nothing to live for, there is also nothing to enjoy. But when you have everything to live for, you can stop that Bel Air beside the road and be in wonder at how that nice-looking heifer is giving birth to that calf.

Oh, my God is good, life is good.

Amen.

Sermon Notes by Pastor Christiaan J. de Ruiter are licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Note: The content provided here represents the foundational notes for a sermon or teaching, and should not be misconstrued as a complete transcript or a fully articulated sermon.

It is our profound belief that the Holy Spirit operates through the preacher, guiding and inspiring the delivery to resonate with the needs and convictions of the congregation.

These notes typically form the basis for a 30 to 45-minute sermon or teaching, allowing the Holy Spirit's guidance to shape the specific message and application to the gathered believers. The essence of these teachings is not merely in the written words but in the inspired delivery and connection with the congregation, led by the Spirit.

 

 

 

Category: English
Read Time: 13 mins
Hits: 244

A Blank Page

Good Morning, Friends.

Today, I wish you a morning filled with shalom, brimming with the Holy Spirit's fiery presence.

Last week, we turned a page in our lives, and now, we stand before a fresh, blank page. This new page is where our present unfolds, just as previous pages have chronicled our past, and future pages await our stories. What will I inscribe on this pristine, inviting slate today?

I often ponder whether it's truly me shaping these pages, or if they reflect how others perceive me. It's a curious thought. After all, this is the book of my life. Am I the author, or is someone else holding the pen? Consider this: when my story began, I wasn't even born yet. "Chrisje," meaning little Chris, was just a week old in Jannie's womb, a life sparked by the love between Jannie and Hendrik. Would Hendrik write in his book, "Out of our love, little Christiaan began to grow in Jannie's womb"? I doubt it. It seems our lives are often narrated by external observers.

Wedding TentHow does your book read? This week might end with a joyous note for Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, who entered into Holy Matrimony on March 08, 2014. Others might end their week with a child's whine, "No, I'm not tired, I don't want to go to bed!" Or perhaps, like me, you planned to do more, but suddenly, the lights went out, and all plans were postponed. Yes, that was me, needing rest yet reluctantly accepting it.

The wedding ceremony was moving, and I had to fight back tears. But now, there's much to organize and set right. Someone else might write, "Today, I helped a lot by cleaning dishes and storing leftovers." It feels good to read such things in our own books, doesn't it?

Brothers and Sisters, consider the blank page before a wedding ceremony. It's like a default page of nerves and grumpiness, but we often skip it. Men like to appear unaffected, but inside, a storm of emotions and nerves rages. So, we turn the page on that chapter.

How do we read our book? In many churches, you'll see two candles burning, a tradition whose meaning is often forgotten. These candles represent the Shabbat commands: "keep" and "remember." Keeping Shabbat means observing it, and remembering it involves preparation. For Jews, it's a reminder of their liberation from Egypt. For us Christians, it symbolizes our journey from a life without Christ—a path leading to death—to a life in His light, promising eternal life.

Lighting these candles, we recall our salvation, the moment we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The candle flames represent not only Jesus, the light of the world, but also the Holy Spirit's fire within every believer.

Proverbs 20:27 says,

"The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly."

This light illuminates our innermost being, with the Holy Spirit guiding us.

Luke 24:30-34 (KJV)

"And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.”

Consider the disciples' experience in Luke 24:30-34. Their hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke and opened the scriptures. This burning is the Holy Spirit's illumination.

Our life's pages before salvation might appear gray, filled with loneliness and worldly pursuits. But after salvation, they become bright with Christ's light. We're called to live and grow in holiness, following God's will and Jesus' example. The goal is to become more like Jesus, as the chorus goes, "To be like Jesus! This hope possesses me..."

As the prayer chorus tells us;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
In every thought and deed,
This is my aim, my creed;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
His Spirit helping me,
Like him I'll be.
Gowans and Larsons


In these times, we witness an increasing prevalence of false teachings and teachers, even infiltrating churches that were once steadfast in biblical truth. This isn't a new phenomenon; it's a trend that began nearly two millennia ago. The Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 2 and 3, addresses this through letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. Each letter, dictated by Christ Himself, serves not only as a specific message to these churches but also as a timeless guide for us today.

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7):  Known for its hard work and perseverance, the church in Ephesus is commended for its discernment against false apostles. However, Christ rebukes them for abandoning their first love. This serves as a reminder to us that while doctrine and discernment are crucial, they must be rooted in our first love for Christ and His teachings.

Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11):  The church in Smyrna faces poverty and persecution. Christ offers them no rebuke but encourages them to be faithful, even to the point of death. This letter reminds us that faithfulness in trials is precious in God's sight, and eternal life is the reward for such steadfastness.

Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17):  Located in a city where Satan's throne is said to be, this church held fast to their faith. Yet, they are criticized for tolerating teachings that led believers into sin. This warns us against complacency and the acceptance of teachings that compromise our moral and spiritual integrity.

Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29):  This church is commended for its love, faith, service, and perseverance. However, they are rebuked for tolerating a prophetess leading people into immorality and idolatry. It's a stark reminder that tolerance of false teachings under the guise of love or openness can lead to spiritual decay.

Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6):  Christ admonishes this church for having a reputation of being alive, but in reality, they are dead. This is a call for us to remain vigilant in our spiritual lives, ensuring that our actions reflect a living faith, not just an appearance of religiosity.

Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13):  This church, with little strength, kept Christ's word and did not deny His name. They are promised protection and reward. It teaches us that even a small congregation.

Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22):  The Lukewarm Church: Laodicea was criticized for being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold. Christ warned that He would spit them out because of their complacency. This church is a stark reminder of the danger of being spiritually indifferent and the need for fervent commitment to our faith.

Each church faced different challenges, from losing their first love to tolerating false doctrines. It's up to us to discern the truth, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 4 urges us to cherish wisdom and guard our hearts, for they are the wellspring of life. We must be vigilant in our walk with God, avoiding the paths of the wicked.

Proverbs 4 (CJB)

Listen, children, to a father’s instruction; pay attention, in order to gain insight;
2 for I am giving you good advice; so don’t abandon my teaching.
3 For I too was once a child to my father; and my mother, too, thought of me as her special darling.
4 He too taught me; he said to me, “Let your heart treasure my words; keep my commands, and live;
5 gain wisdom, gain insight; don’t forget or turn from the words I am saying.
6 Don’t abandon [wisdom]; then she will preserve you; love her, and she will protect you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom! And along with all your getting, get insight!
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will bring you honor;
9 she will give your head a garland of grace, bestow on you a crown of glory.”
10 Listen, my son, receive what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I’m directing you on the way of wisdom, guiding you in paths of uprightness;
12 when you walk, your step won’t be hindered; and if you run, you won’t stumble.
13 Hold fast to discipline, don’t let it go; guard it, for it is your life.
14 Don’t follow the path of the wicked or walk on the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, don’t go on it, turn away from it, and pass on.
16 For they can’t sleep if they haven’t done evil, they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining ever brighter until full daylight.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; they don’t even know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I am saying; incline your ear to my words.
21 Don’t let them out of your sight, keep them deep in your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them and health to their whole being.
23 Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of life’s consequences.
24 Keep crooked speech out of your mouth, banish deceit from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze on what lies in front of you.
26 Level the path for your feet, let all your ways be properly prepared; then deviate neither right nor left; and keep your foot far from evil.

In the church, some may say that grace excuses all, but we must remember our duty to honor the Holy Spirit and our Heavenly Father. Just as we wouldn't want to grieve our earthly fathers, we should strive not to grieve our Heavenly Father.

Each of these churches reflects different challenges and spiritual states that are still relevant to us today. As we consider our own "book, " our own walk with the Lord, we must ask ourselves: Which of these churches do we resemble? Are we like Ephesus, strong in doctrine but lacking in love? Or are we like Smyrna, enduring trials with steadfast faith? Perhaps we are more like Laodicea, comfortable and complacent, needing a wake-up call to reignite our passion for Christ.

These messages to the seven churches serve as a mirror, reflecting our own spiritual condition and prompting us to introspection and action. They remind us to remain faithful, to repent where we have strayed, and to pursue a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. As we write the pages of our lives, let us be mindful of these lessons, striving to be churches and individuals that are pleasing in the sight of our Lord.

In our journey of faith, we often encounter crossroads where the teachings of the world conflict with the eternal truths of Scripture. Within the church – and by this, I mean the universal body of believers who declare Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – there are prevailing movements that sometimes misconstrue the essence of grace. They suggest that since we are forgiven, adherence to God's commandments becomes optional as if grace is a license to disregard the grieving of the Holy Spirit through disobedience.

But let's ponder this: Do we not love our earthly fathers? I certainly do. I recall my father's teachings and his warnings against habits that could harm me due to our family's history of fibrosis and alcoholism. His guidance was not just rules; it was an expression of love, a desire to see me live a healthy, fulfilling life. If I respect and honor my earthly father's wisdom, how much more should I heed the wisdom of our Heavenly Father, who embodies righteousness and knows the very fabric of our being?

Vintage book blank pages mock up top view flat lay on dark wooden backgroundOur lives are like books being written under the watchful eye of the Lord. When He reads my pages, will they be stained with His tears of sorrow over my choices, or will they reflect His joy and approval?

This is a profound reflection for each of us.

Moreover, there's another book – the Book of Life, held by Yeshua (Jesus), the Lamb of God. As described in Revelation, the world will face tribulations, a prelude to the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. Revelation 13:6-9 vividly illustrates this cosmic battle, emphasizing the significance of being inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life.

This book is not a record of our deeds but a testament to His grace. It's not about our righteousness but His sacrifice. When we stand before God's throne, it is Christ who will intercede for us, affirming our place in His book, cleansed by His blood.

For those not found in the Lamb's Book of Life, their own deeds will be their testimony, and as Scripture reminds us, all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. But praise be to God, for we are saved by grace, justified by His sacrifice. Our names are not just written in this book; they are sealed with the declaration, "He is mine," signed by Jesus Himself.

In this understanding, we find the true essence of our faith – a balance of grace and obedience, love and reverence, humility and assurance. Our lives, then, become a living testament to His grace, a journey marked not by perfection but by a heartfelt desire to align our will with His, to live in a way that honors both the sacrifice of Christ and the teachings of Scripture.

Praise His Holy name, for in His book, our names are not merely entries; they are declarations of His enduring love and our eternal belonging.

Amen.

Category: English
Read Time: 13 mins
Hits: 260

I'm Angry

I'm angry!
I'm angry, are you angry, are you angry with me?
Oh, you need to let it go. Jesus saves, which is so much more important. We need to love our neighbors as ourselves, and thou shall not judge.
Are you a Christian?

How can you be so angry?

It is out of your hands; just let it be.250px Jane wyatt robert young
Yes, I'm a Christian. That Jesus saves the repentant heart is the most important thing in your life.
If you want to say, "Yes, Jesus, I love you," but you do not repent, then are those not just empty words?
"Yes, honey, I will do everything for you.  I will.  I want a lifelong relationship with you, and I want to marry you, but I will not leave my sleep-in girlfriend and/or  boyfriend.

I will not stay off the drugs, and every weekend, I will be out with my friends, smoking wacky weed and getting drunk."

Any woman who hears something like this would run away screaming, "You don't love me; you just want me for the … you know what."

Of course, this also works the other way around, for a woman towards a man.

However, there is already a two-sided, double-faced opinion in our society: a girl would be called a whore, and a man would be called a victor, one who scores.
They are both whores. Period!

Indeed, we need to love our neighbors.  Scripture tells us in the Gospel according to the disciple Mark, chapter 12, verse 31, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.
But where in this chapter on holy living does it say anywhere that we need to embrace the sin of our neighbor, or that we need to agree with it, or that we need to have our children raised in the understanding that this sin is normal and thus acceptable?

We can still love them as human beings and want all the best in the world for them, but especially want the Kingdom's future for them, without, I say WITHOUT!!, accepting their deplorable lack of morals and the lifestyle that is a bullet in the eye of God.

And then, while saying this, I'm told I'm judging.

No, that is the point. I'm NOT judging; I'm holding to the standards, or at least I do my best to hold to the standards that have been set in the book of life's morals and values, the standards and rules of life set out by God Almighty in His book, the Holy Bible.

The book filled with guidelines and 'thou shall' and 'thou shall not's that brings my life to a higher level of fulfillment, to a higher level of health, to a higher level of success, to a higher level, or closer relationships with God and with my fellow brothers and sisters.
The book that urges me, that spurs me on, that encourages me to improve my life, my standard in society, my place at work, my role as a husband, a father, and as a grandfather.
The book that moves me to improve my life to live healthier, happier, more educated, and more successful.
The book that helps me to make decisions on what is right and what is wrong, not on my own authority, but by the authority of in whose authority it was written.
And then, in His authority, I'm able to say yes or no, stop it or move ahead.

51eLjUhe4OL. SL160 So in this, I'm NOT judging!; I'm not the one condemning, but it is God who is, and I AM the one who is relaying this information to those that I love!
Yes indeed, I'm relaying that information to those that I love because I do not want them to miss out on the blessings that God the Father has prepared for those that are following His will.

Or do I need to say it with the words of the previous weeks' messages?
I do not want them to miss out on the blessings that are attached to each and every mitzvah, each and every commandment that God has given to us.
Yes, to repeat the words from a previous message.
The Mitzvot, the commandments, are blessings in themselves and not a curse.
It was already last month, that we talked about the five keywords of a great and wonderful life concerning these Mitzvot, as we read in Proverbs 3:1-10: Obedience, Integrity, Trust, Discernment, Giving.
Obedience to God's word, following His will.

Having Integrity, letting your yes be yes, and your no, no.
Have not your values, your morals, your will, and your honor be swayed like a leaf in the wind, but stand strong as a 500-year oak with roots buried deep in the soil of God's word.

Have trust that God knows best, no, have faith in, believe KNOW that God knows best.
Learn to have, or have the discernment to understand what is right and what is wrong, have discernment to speak when appropriate and to be silent when appropriate.
Have the discernment to pick your battles carefully, not to end up burned out over something, a topic, a candidate, a platform, an agenda, or a manifesto that in the great scheme of things will not have the soul-saving impact that another might.

I love my fellow brother or sister enough to tell them that the road they are on leads them off the highway of salvation, that the road they are on leads them away from the road of righteousness, that the road they are on leads them straight to HELL.
And know, again it is not me that judges.
And Yes, I love them enough that I want them to go to heaven, I want the best of the best for them.
No, I don't want them to be an abomination in the eyes of the Lord and be a whore.
And No, finally as the last point that I started on all the way back at the beginning, about 50 points back on my rising blood pressure scale.
I just cannot let this go!
If I would let it go, I would be in disobedience to God when Jesus, my God, My Lord, My Savior, My Salvation, as written in
Matthew 28:18-20 (TLV)

“18 And Yeshua came up to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Ruach ha-Kodesh,
20 teaching them to observe all I have commanded you. And remember! I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Jesus, Yeshua did not say, "I think it would be a cool, or great plan if you would go."
NO, he said, "Go therefore, Go out, Make disciples, teach them ALL I have commanded."
Doesn't matter how long it takes, go, go, go, go, even when it is to the end of the days when the world will become utterly destroyed.
This means, when I'm being shut up because somebody says, "Are you a Christian, thou shall not judge?"

"This just illustrates the ignorance of this person.

It highlights their selfishness and suggests that, perhaps unknowingly, they do not love their neighbor enough in a biblical sense.

Oh, loving each other in the worldly sense is about living and letting live, doing whatever you want without care. In the worldly view, there's no heaven or hell, so it seemingly doesn't matter where you end up.baptism top

This is the deception that Satan wants people to believe. If they are unaware of the existence of hell, Sheol, Gehenna, or whatever you might call it!—a profoundly terrible place—then speaking of heaven and living a life built on progressive sanctification seems irrelevant.

You don't have to be a 'holy roller' to be in His plan, but it is a continuous struggle to draw closer to God, aligning our lives more with His will.

Discussing God's commandments and rules for life is not something that benefits Satan. This is why I am so intensely angry. It's about our country, the one I chose to come to, the one I made my own. It was a place with conservative Christian values and morals, at least in parts of society not yet controlled by local or federal government. And now, that is being partly taken away.

Last week, we talked about the Puritans, how they were driven out of England in the 16th and 17th centuries, ended up in the Netherlands, and then on American shores, founding the land of Religious Liberty, New England. As Rod Dreher wrote in Times; the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage has fundamentally shifted the ground beneath our feet. The dissenting justices' warnings are alarming. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Antonin Scalia pointed out the philosophical and historical groundlessness of the majority’s opinion.

Scalia even called the decision “a threat to democracy.”

And Now, and Now, as was written by Rod Dreher in Times;

No, the sky is not falling — not yet, anyway — but with the Supreme Court ruling constitutionalizing same-sex marriage, the ground under our feet has shifted tectonically.
Voting Republican and other failed culture war strategies are not going to save us now.
The alarm that the four dissenting justices sounded in their minority opinions is chilling. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Antonin Scalia were particularly scathing in pointing out the philosophical and historical groundlessness of the majority’s opinion. Justice Scalia even called the decision “a threat to democracy,” and denounced it.
It is now clear that for this Court, extremism in the pursuit of the Sexual Revolution’s goals is no vice. True, the majority opinion nodded and smiled in the direction of the First Amendment, in an attempt to calm the fears of those worried about religious liberty. But when a Supreme Court majority is willing to invent rights out of nothing, it is impossible to have faith that the First Amendment will offer any but the barest protection to religious dissenters from gay rights orthodoxy.
Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito explicitly warned religious traditionalists that this decision leaves them vulnerable.
Alito warns that this decision will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to accept the new norm, and will be used to oppress the faithful.
So where does that leave us?
For one, we have to accept that we really are living in a culturally post-Christian nation. The fundamental norms Christians have long been able to depend on no longer exist. lgtbq new
For another, LGBTQ activists and their fellow travelers really will be coming after social conservatives. The Supreme Court has now, in constitutional doctrine, said that homosexuality is equivalent to race. The next goal of activists will be a long-term campaign to remove tax-exempt status from dissenting religious institutions.

Rod Dreher June 26, 2015

For us, this means accepting that we are living in a culturally post-Christian nation. The norms Christians once depended on no longer exist.

LGBTQ activists will likely target social conservatives, equating homosexuality with race. This could lead to a campaign against tax-exempt status for dissenting religious institutions.

So, I am furious about the courts, particularly our Supreme Court, which has now seemingly categorized the LGBTQ community as a separate race, potentially labeling messages like this as hate speech. Why?

Because of John 3:16 (TLV):

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Accepting Jesus in your life means change, following His example and lead.

Understanding this concept shouldn't be so difficult. Are we so influenced by Satan's will that we can't decide to follow God? Are we no longer allowed to offer this solution to someone in the LGBTQ community, as it might now be seen as discrimination?

But let's turn to positivity and solutions as the Lord intended. We find solutions, resolve, comfort, and love in the Bible. Proverbs 24:10 says that if we faint in adversity, our strength is small. Psalm 121 (CEB) reminds us that our help comes from the Lord. 1 Peter 5 tells us that "the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

To stand out in these times, we must follow God's word even more fervently.

Philippians 4:13 says,

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Proverbs 3:4-10 (TLV)

Then you will gain favor and a good name in the eyes of God and man.
5 Trust in Adonai with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Adonai and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor Adonai with your wealth and with the first of your entire harvest.
10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty, your vats will overflow with new wine.

As Proverbs 3:4-10 tells us, we must trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

In these challenging times, we find encouragement in Psalm 91:1-2,4,9-10 (TLV). Romans 8:38-39 (TLV) assures us that nothing can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:5-15 (TLV) reminds us that we have received the Spirit of adoption, not the spirit of slavery.

My wife, 1st Lady Wilma, often says, “no pain, no gain,” and Mike reminded me, “mind over matter.”

We must persevere through the pain of this ruling. The Lord will use this time to separate the wheat from the chaff, as stated in Matthew 3:12 and 13:41-43.

So, listen closely. You are the wheat, not the chaff.

Move forward, grow closer to God, and walk in obedience.

Obey God first and foremost, and the law of the world only when it does not oppose God's law.

Remember, as for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord!

Amen!"

Category: English
Read Time: 8 mins
Hits: 319

Who do we think we are, Trying to Improve on God

Ah, the subtle art of people watching - a pastime beloved by many.

If you're one of those who delight in this observational hobby, you know there's no shortage of fascinating venues. Take the airport, for instance. It's a veritable theater of human variety. Here, a brief glance at someone's luggage, and you're playing a guessing game of origins. Guilty as charged, I've done it too!airport 2022 11 16 22 05 57 utc

Picture this:

  • Round-faced Europeans bustling about - "Ah, must be Germans," I muse.
  • Then there are the Scandinavians, with their oblong faces and predominantly light-colored hair, striding with a purpose that's neither too brisk nor too leisurely.
  • And let's not forget the Dutch - their loud, joyous hellos and enthusiastic back-patting are a dead giveaway.
  • Moving on, we have the Chinese, with their distinct hairstyles and less flashy attire
  • compared to the impeccably dressed Japanese, who seem to have perfected the art of the whirlwind European tour.

But wait, before you raise an eyebrow, it's all in good fun! These are mere observations, a bit of harmless stereotyping - or 'profiling,' as it's called nowadays. It's a human instinct, really.

Now, let's get back to our people-watching escapade.

If you're up for a truly memorable experience, head to Austin. Oh, the garden centers there are a people-watcher's paradise! Picture us there: two seniors, another adult (whom I would've called middle-aged two decades ago), and three kids, all of us navigating a cart through the greenhouses, touching every plant in sight. We must've looked quite the sight ourselves in our jeans, t-shirts, caps, and sneakers.

Keep Austin Weird GuyAustin's motto, "Keep Austin Weird," really comes to life in these garden centers. You've got every character you can imagine - the earth-loving naturalist in rope sandals and tie-dye, the dedicated tree-hugger in hemp clothes, and the corporate executive meticulously planning their square-foot garden. And then there's us - the unmistakable country bumpkins, standing out like sore thumbs.

This brings me to a thought-provoking point. When we observe others, we see them as different and ourselves as the norm. But in reality, when others look at us, they're likely thinking the same! It's a curious human trait, this perspective. As Deuteronomy 32:3-5 poignantly reminds us, God's creation is flawless; it's we, His children, who sometimes stray and distort.

Deuteronomy 32:3-5 (CJB)

3 “For I will proclaim the name of Adonai. Come, declare the greatness of our God!
4 The Rock! His work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A trustworthy God who does no wrong, he is righteous and straight.
5 “He is not corrupt; the defect is in his children, a crooked and perverted generation.

So, does this mean we're the 'normal' ones and everyone else is 'abnormal'? Far from it! According to the scriptures, God's creations are perfect, but it's our human meddling that often leads to imperfections. Whether it's people-watching, admiring nature, or even getting poetic about it, it's incredible to witness God's wisdom in the diversity of His creations.

As we revel in the beauty of our garden coming together, let's take a moment to appreciate the marvels around us. Stand up, yes, right now, and look at each other. Extend a hand and say, "You are a blessed person, God made you beautiful." Easy to do with a spouse, but now, try it with a stranger. No, it's not flirting; it's recognizing the beauty of God's creation in every person.

But wait, what about those who don't fit our conventional standards of beauty?

Remember, God doesn't create junk. Many physical and mental conditions have underlying causes - environmental, genetic, or otherwise. Our meddling with nature, like in the case of GMOs, raises concerns about the future health of our children and grandchildren.

And on the topic of GMOs, yes, I'm quite particular about our veggies for this very reason. Why tamper with perfection? When God has created something, who are we to think we can improve upon it?

Hence, our foray into yuppy town in search of heirloom, non-GMO, organic seeds.

The shocking yet unsurprising discovery of pesticide traces in breast milk leads to a broader discussion. It's not just about the food we eat; it's about how we, as humans, often mess things up in our arrogance. We think we can do better than God, but time and again, we're proven wrong.

So, who do we think we are, trying to one-up God?

Tinkering with DNA, cloning plants, animals, and even humans – it's a slippery slope. The story of Noah, though distorted in modern retellings, serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying too far from God's path. Deuteronomy 6:14-17 warns us not to test God, yet here we are, doing just that.

Deuteronomy 6:14-17 (CEB)

14 Don’t follow other gods, those gods of the people around you— 15 because the Lord your God, who is with you and among you, is a passionate God. The Lord your God’s anger will burn against you, and he will wipe you off the fertile land. 16 Don’t test the Lord your God the way you frustrated him at Massah.17 You must carefully follow the Lord your God’s commands along with the laws and regulations he has given you.

As Christians, we're called to be discerning, to test the spirits, as 1 John 4:1-3 advises. Our world is filled with temptations and false teachings, pulling us away from God. It's a challenge to say no, not just to unhealthy foods, but to the myriad of influences that threaten to derail us from our spiritual path.

1 John 4:1-3 (CEB)

4 Dear friends, don’t believe every spirit. Test the spirits to see if they are from God because many false prophets have gone into the world. 2 This is how you know if a spirit comes from God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come as a human is from God, 3 and every spirit that doesn’t confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and is now already in the world.

In this genetically manipulated world, being a Christian isn't always easy. It means standing out, sometimes facing envy or persecution. But we know the path we're on and the rewards that await. It's time to stop following our own desires and align ourselves with Christ.

It is so well written in the “Treatise of the Faith” from the free will baptist church.NAFWB Logo BURGUNDY


Perseverance of the Saints
There are strong grounds to hope that the truly regenerate will persevere unto the end, and be saved, through the power of divine grace which is pledged for their support; but their future obedience and final salvation are neither determined nor certain, since through infirmity and manifold temptations they are in danger of falling; and they ought, therefore, to watch and pray lest they make shipwreck of their faith and be lost.
Doctrine of the free will baptist church chapter 13

In our journey of faith, it is essential to recognize that we are not alone. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we are encouraged to persevere in our spiritual race, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-4).

Hebrews 12:1-4 (AMP)

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.
4 You have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have you yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood.

Our challenge is to navigate a world increasingly shaped by human intervention, holding fast to our Christian identity.

It might not be easy in our Genetically Manipulated world, to be a Christian, we are not just ordinary people; we are children of God, followers of Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Let's embrace our uniqueness, stand firm in our faith, and shine as beacons of God's love and wisdom in a world that desperately needs it.

 

Amen.

 

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