Posts

Showing posts from April, 2012

The Revelation

The author of the Book of Revelation is the Apostle John (Rev. 1:1, 9; 21:2, 22:8).  The title of the book describes the content and purpose of John's writing.  The word "Revelation" means" to take the cover off," from the Greek word apokalupsis.   It is the uncovering or unveiling of the glory of Christ, and of future events (1 Thess 2:19). Revelation was addressed to the churches of Asia Minor (Rev. 1:4) specifically name in chapters two and three.  This book was written at a time when these churches were undergoing persecution and difficulty.  The two most important such periods were during the reigns of Nero in A.D. 37-68 and Domitian in A.D. 81-96. There are four views on the interpretation of the the Book of Revelation.  The first is the preterist view.  It places the events and visions described as belonging to the past, particularly to the Roman Empire of the first century A.D.  The proponents of this view explain the highly symbolic ...

The Christian Warfare

In any war there will be causalities and the Christian warfare is no different.  To effectively wage war against the enemy one must be equipped with the proper weapons of war. The Christian Armor consists of: 3 weapons for endurement:  The girdle, breastplate and shoes. 2 weapons of defense:          The shield and helmet. 2 weapons of offense:           The sword and spear. Seven weapons; the number seven is God's number for Spiritual Completeness. Feet fitted with readiness.  Shield of faith which is Jesus to extinguish flaming arrows. Reminder that this battle is spiritual and must be fought in God's strength, therefore is you are not trained properly to use these weapons don't put on the armor; should put on the armor be prepared to take the offensive and fight until the battle is won. When you are in an Army there are deserters and in God's Army the deserte...

Many Are Called Few Are Chosen

"For many are called but few are chosen." ( Matthew 22: 14) What does this scripture mean to you? The calling is a call to service as a servant for the Living God.  There are many Gods but there is only one Jesus, therefore we must differentiate when we say god. Consider what Jesus said of Saul of Tarsus before Jesus during his conversion: And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias, And he said, Behold, I am here . (Acts 9: 10, Key Bible KJV) As you see from verse 10 Jesus called Ananias by name and pressed him into service.  Jesus chose Ananias the disciple for this task and Jesus calls many of us for service; do we answer as Ananias or do we ponder the call as if something strange has come over us? or do we ignore the calling and wonder later what is happening in our life our spirit.  It's called conviction and this is a good thing.  Those that are not called do not suffer conviction they s...

Rich Religion

I read this book titled Wounded Continent by Tom Griner. The book is about the sufferings of the African people and how God is turning their despair into hope.  This article is not a sales promotion of Mr. Griner's book, however it is about Christianity and how it is being marketed and distributed in America.  This is a brief outline of  Christianity in the West flourishes as a multi-billion dollar enterprise in contrast to Christianity in Africa. In North America we can find where Christianity is promoted on a wide scale; from Christian entertainment, Christian dating, Christian books and Christian clubs just to name a few.  You can find a Christian seminar on anything from paying your bills, divorce, and how to get rich.  As long as their is a market people will pay.   Sadly the Body of Christ in this instance is largely committed to itself.  I have heard churches promote leadership conference, there is nothing w...

Church People

One day while in route to my moms house I met a young man who shared an interesting story about his cousin. She met a man (the wrong one) she fell in love with him;  she followed him to another town.  The love of her life, so she thought, delivered her into a life of prostitution.  Devastated, heart broken and embarrassed she returned home. Life seemingly hopeless in her eyes she went to church searching for redemption and forgiveness from God.  She came dressed in the attire of the profession she desperately wanted to be delivered from.  Coming to Jesus just as we are means coming to Jesus in our present inner condition, and if this is all she had to wear who are we to judge. After church the young woman was fellow shipping and was high on the Spirit of God when a group of women gathered not to welcome her but to talk about her attire.  They approached her and told her, "who do you think you are coming here dressed like that.  Don't ever come...

Africa

Depending on the generation, Africa is a vast wasteland of endless wild animals.   A continent wealthy is resources (i.e. diamonds, rubber etc.).   There is another animal that stalks Africa known as man. For centuries Africa is the victim of robbers, rapist, and killers; robbing the land of its resources, raping the population, and killing the animals. One could contend the land and its people are cursed.   Did Africa do something so horrible God is punishing the inhabitants? On the contrary Africa is a land where God is manifesting his glorious power through the people.   The western world with its elaborate living conditions has its share of crime and greed but Africa suffers through more than anyone living in the United States could imagine. “In Zambia the life expectancy at birth has plummeted to 32 years.   It is estimated that nearly 1.2 million people in Zambia alone are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.” (Griner, Wounded Continent, (2005), pg. ...

The Tower of Babel

And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. (Genesis 11: 1, Key Bible, KJV) Earth:  Put for its inhabitants. This is man's beginning attempt to unify mankind, and ends with God's new provision to unify all in blessing with Abraham's seed.  As scripture states during this epoch the inhabitants spoke one language as God intended this to be.  As plainly seen man's attempt to do what is right in his own eyes resulted in God's intervention. Babel (confusion) is placed in the days of Nimrod (rebellion); "Babel was a pointed rejection of God's instruction to "replenish the earth" (Gen 9:1).  It was a flagrant example of the corporate pride and willfulness of man.  The intent of the tower may not have been to reach heaven; the expression can refer to a tower with an idolatrous temple for heaven." (Notes from Key Bible KJV) And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and...

Make A Difference

One sunny day I was out and about praising God; looking at the beauty of his creation amiss a world of wickedness.  I thought for a minute if it had not been for the Lord where would I be.  I began to smile when a young approached me and said. "OG" what you smiling about? I answered, "young man I'm thankful to Jesus for not giving up on me when I was just about to give up on myself.  Please understand my young friend nothing compares to peace that the Lord gives. He studied for a moment and replied, "Man you walking!" I said, "yes, and so are you.  Consider this some people don't have legs, yet you and I are standing isn't that a blessing."  The young paused for a moment again, then he bellowed, "OG you don't understand, I bet I have done more than you!" I prayed away the perplexed spirit that was trying to intervene.  I asked him his age, he replied, "I'm twenty-five, why? I smiled and said, "I've bee...

Three Arks

The first Ark came during Noah’s time.   Those days were not different than today; evilness prevailed throughout the land.   In another word, man does what is right in his own eyes, yet God is in charge and no matter what is looks like to the physical eye, God sees for his eye is spiritual thus he see the righteous and the unrighteous.   God has a plan for all. These are the generations of Noah:   Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9, Key Bible KJV) Do not misunderstand perfect.   Here the word means completeness.   Scripture does tell us there is none perfect except Jesus; however, this does not mean Noah is or was sinless.   Scripture states, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:11, Key Bible KJV)   Noah lived in a violent world yet Noah walked with God. “And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had...

God Did It

When I was down and out and didn't know which way to turn, God looked upon me and said, "I am the way follow me." My friends and family turned their backs on me and said there was no hope of me ever becoming anything, but God came to me and said, "I'll be your friend to the end," that changed my life and now I praise him all the day long. I received several calls from potential employers with job offers only to learn I didn't get the job, however, God said, "I have a job for you if you continue to believe I will supply your every need," all during my unemployment he paid my rent, fed me, and kept money in my pocket. When I couldn't sleep at night.  I laid awake with tears in my eyes because trouble was all around me.  Jesus came to me and said, "Come unto me and I will give you rest."  Now sleep is peaceful and He told me, "Weepth endure for a night but joy comes in the morning." I rejoice cause trouble don't l...

Which Way Is Heaven?

To get to heaven turn right and go straight.  Why not left; because Jesus said follow me, therefore the directions are clear.  Turn from your ways on the left. Turning right ensures the correct path, however like any journey preparation is to be made for a successful and productive travel. "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." (John 3: 1,2 Key Bible, KJV) Nicodemus was such a man who was at the intersection seeking directions to the kingdom.  Speculation is given to why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night.  To put it plainly, that is when his journey began.  He received an answer. "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3: 3, Key Bible, KJV) The...

Motivation

Who motivates you? What motivates you? Why are you not motivated? When are you motivated? Where are you motivated? Look around right where you are now.  Are conditions evil? turn evil around is spells Live. Jesus said he came so that we have life more abundantly.