FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Giving Thanks in ALL Things

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

thanksgiving
1Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

2Corinthians 4:15, “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”

2Corinthians 9:10-11, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”

Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:16-17, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

1Timothy 4:4-6, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Psalm 95:2-3, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.”

Psalm 100:4, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

Psalm 106:1, “Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Psalm 107:8-9, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.”

AND ON AND ON WITH SO MANY MORE!!!

As with all things spiritual, the action of giving thanks becomes second nature with practice and it is then that the emotional or feeling of thanks comes to the person giving thanks. Thanksgiving is a day to remember all the blessings that we have been given so freely from the Lord.

In giving thanks in ALL things (even those seemingly not so good) we remember what the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

So remember; this day is a day to remember ALL those many blessings and the reasons for them, but EVERYDAY should be a day of giving thanks!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS CONTINUE TO ENRICH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR LIVES!!

Posted in Pastor's Desk | Tagged 1 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Corinthians, Bible, Bible Teaching, Colossians, God, God's Love, Holy Bible, Holy Scripture, Holy Word, Inspiration, Love, Philippians, Psalms, Scripture, Scriptures, Spiritual, Spirituality, Thanksgiving, Word of God | 3 Comments

Doppelgänger

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

*Doppelgänger

In fiction and folklore, a doppelgänger is a look-alike or double of a living person, sometimes portrayed as a paranormal phenomenon, and in some traditions as a harbinger of bad luck. In other traditions and stories, they recognize your ‘double-goer’ as an evil twin.

2 Corinthians 4:

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. (Bold emphasis added by me).

knowing-truth

My wife and I were watching one of those popular crime dramas the other day and the title of the episode was the same I am using for this article. Now it was done to instill a bit of humor into a serious subject, but I am using it with the *preferred definition as set down by Microsoft Bing when I did a search of the word.

My Brother in Christ, Russ Hall, (WordPress Blog, Facebook Page) a long-time internet friend and peer whom I met when first involving myself in online “ministry” inspired me with the picture above that he had posted on his Facebook page. It has ceased to surprise me, for a long time now, what avenues the Holy Spirit uses to provide inspiration and direction for a message. As with so many others of my brothers and sisters, we are facing an uncertain future concerning not just politics, but the right to express ourselves religiously.

Lately, when I have written a new article, or have posted a new teaching, it has been rather “sin heavy” as a friend has tried to delicately share with me. What is surprising is that for many, many years, I have NOT concentrated so much on our sin nature, but much, much more on our REDEEMED nature, which you must admit is a lot more positive and acceptable to read and hear.

It’s just that lately, the state of our societies has demonstrated the truth that human nature, in general, just hasn’t changed that much since the time of Adam and Eve, and I believe that the closer we come to the time of Jesus Christ’s return, unapologetic, unredemptive human nature will become more and more prevalent.

This “foundation” I’ve laid out brings me to the point of why I have been “preaching” or teaching so much on the acknowledgement AND identification of sin. I know what you’re thinking; everybody knows right from wrong; everyone knows what sin is via the Ten Commandments. But yet — sin has become more socially acceptable and more prevalent today. Yet, every spiritual Christian KNOWS that it takes more than just knowledge of sin to be redeemed spiritually!

Still, we have churches today that are teaching that sin is relative; the Bible is not literal when it comes to our sinfulness; there are many paths to salvation; as long as there is love and peace, continued sin is not eternally significant, etc., etc. Churches are allowing gays to be in positions of leadership, same-sex marriages are being accepted because after all, love is all that matters, despite the fact that the Bible is clear about what REAL love is and what REAL sin is!

Main supposed “Christian” church denominations today are opening up areas of their churches for Muslim prayer mats pointing toward Mecca AND they are calling for boycotts AGAINST our spiritual brothers, the Nation of Israel, siding with RADICAL Arab factions claiming that Israel’s actions are against humanity! I have said this for years (literally years) now, that what was once right is now wrong, and what was once wrong is now right.

We forget that Jesus Himself stated, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” – Matthew 10:34-39. (Bold emphasis added by me).

Jesus came to show the TRUTH about God’s relationship with man and to show AND provide the path to a relationship back with the Father. But in that, He showed that He is the ONLY path and in showing that truth, that very truth would be a sword, cutting relationships that would stand in the way of loving God Almighty with all that we are!

When I was an Associate Pastor at Calvary Chapel in Arizona, we combated against blatant New Age practices that weren’t just in our community, but had infiltrated several main-stream “Christian” denominations located in our community. With continual fervent prayer AND education identifying and attacking the practices we made big headway AND many brothers and sisters were made aware of the dangers of so many New Age teachings and practices!

This brings me to the inspiration behind Brother Russ Hall’s picture and the title of this article. You have to KNOW first, what the truth is and you have to understand that TRUTH, spiritual TRUTH is NOT relative. Truth is true and it comes from ONE source and one source only, our Heavenly Father, God Almighty in the image and likeness of His Son, the Living Word, Jesus (the Anointed One) Christ! It is written with the pen of men in the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, the written representation of the Living Word! The written Word and the Living Word are in total and perfect agreement and harmony and there is no contradiction, what so ever!

If you choose to discard the Bible, the Truth of God Almighty and His RELATIONSHIP with mankind, His creation, you have nothing to base a life of spiritual liberty or freedom upon, for everything else is deception and lies from the “god of this world.” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

There are two churches operating in this world today. The TRUE Church, the Bride of Christ, and its doppelgänger, the false twin. They look the same and much of the time, they outwardly speak the same, but the difference is beyond the heart, in the spirit; and from the spirit, their works are revealed!

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”

My question to you, CHRISTIAN, is this; if the devil and his ministers can look and act like TRUE servants of God’s Word today, than how are YOU going to defend yourself and your loved ones from what is false? If you Bible is “metaphorically” gathering dust today and it is just used for show or some religious talisman, than how will you be able to JUDGE (Matthew 7:15-27) the truth and those speaking it?

church-mistakes

I know when I start speaking of judging (discernment) many of my brothers and sisters start getting nervous and jittery, but I want you to read the following Scripture and then go back when you have time and read the account that this Scripture refers too. Acts 17:10-11, “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These (Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Bold and Parenthetical comment added by me).

The Bereans accepted the word with readiness, BUT/AND they searched the Scriptures to make sure what they heard was the truth! They weren’t doing it with the motive of finding fault with Paul and Silas’ teaching, rather they were searching so that they themselves wouldn’t be at fault with accepting a teaching that wasn’t directly from the Lord! They were discerning (judging) the truth to be just that, the truth!

Today we have so many who go to church to let the preacher/teacher do the work of the Bible and so many do not even pick up their Bibles to see if what is being taught is true. This is a sad indictment of the church today, but if you are a person who takes the time to read and study and see what the Word of God does say, you see the truth of what I am saying and as a spirit-led Christian, it has to concern you as well.

The reason we have main-stream churches allowing New Age practices to be a part of their churches as well as the other sins that have permeated the church is because people are relying on their feelings and what a personable teacher tells them rather than explore the Word for themselves. People are looking for happiness in church, happiness which depends on circumstances and feelings, rather than on spiritual joy, something that is deeper and derives from a relationship with the Holy Spirit and NOT based upon circumstances, but rather on truth. Feelings change, the Word of God does not!

What is sad is when instead of living a life based on the Spirit and the Truth of the Living Word of God, people look at world situations and apply their emotions, feelings that change with circumstances rather than the solid foundation of the Word of God. Because of this you hear social terms like tolerance, harmony, unity and compromise. Yet sadly for the deceived, the Word of God teaches exactly opposite and does not endorse conformity to the world. We hear all “well-meaning” church people tell others using worldly wisdom that we have to take care of those in the world.

That is NOT why Jesus came and that is NOT the instruction that Jesus gave the disciples just before He left this world for a season. Jesus came to reestablish a relationship with the Father that was lost due to man’s sinfulness. He came to reiterate the choice that mankind has, but that knowing not all will choose that renewed relationship and thus the outcome of that particular choice! Many, many churches today have become a place of social and political influence, totally neglecting the truth and the spiritual influence we have been called to share with the world!

Identifying sin and encouraging one another to spread the good news of the Gospel and the whole Counsel of the Word of God is no longer the priority. Rather, in an effort to gain membership and finances, to gain influence over the local communities is a sign of success in many main-stream churches.

This is why we have so many who claim to be Christians who can look at our political leaders and without remorse or a second thought, could place their approval behind those that have a proven track record of corruption, criminal activity, scandal and disdain for their fellow man. A TRUE Christian could judge (discern) someone who is false by the works and deeds that have gone before and make a spiritual determination. This determination would be based on the truth of the Word of God. But, instead we have those claiming to be Christians saying others are lying about the deceit and corruption and what is important is the policies this person or that person speaks on (feelings and emotions).

We hear so many of these doppelgänger churches speaking of unity and harmony in the world as if this is some thematic premise of the Bible. Yet when it comes to what the Bible says, Paul in Ephesians speaks of unity in the Spirit, unity with brothers and sisters, NOT unity with the world! Ephesians 4:1-3, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This Scripture is not talking about loving the world or being in unity with the world in the bond of peace, it is talking and Paul is addressing those in the emerging Church!

walking-in-light The Apostle John tells us this fact about the world and reiterates the truth of what Jesus stated when He said He didn’t come to bring peace but a sword. It reiterates the truth that our Redeemer commands us to love Him AND the Father more than ANYTHING the world offers, including people! 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.“

But don’t be deceived by those telling you that it is the earth itself, the natural world and creation that our Lord is telling you to hate! He is saying the world system, the world organization and the sin that runs the way the world progresses when it comes to seducing mankind. The natural world, the Lord made FOR mankind, for his dominion and for his pleasure!

If someone claims to be a Christian and doesn’t recognize sin for what it truly is and especially when it is blatantly in front of us, then you have to be discerning and ask yourself, if they can’t recognize sin, then how can the Spirit of Christ dwell in them, for the Spirit of Christ frees us from that sin and helps us protect our loved ones, both in our families and churches from the ravages and deception of sin. It is an indication of blinded eyes and a veiled mind as 2 Corinthians 4 states emphatically! We have been commanded by the Word of God to identify the false prophets, the bad fruit which can only come from bad trees, the wolves in sheep’s clothing, the doppelgänger which wishes to deceive and cause to stumble with worldly wisdom rather than the righteousness and foundation of Biblical truth!

We ARE to study the Word of God personally, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:12-13. (Bold emphasis added by me). But we are to study the Word of God to protect the many members of the Body of Christ as well. We truly ARE our “brother’s keepers!”

We are entering a time and I believe are there now, when True, Spirit-filled, Gospel oriented Christians will have to make a stand against the charlatans, the phony church, the doppelgänger church, the one that wishes to deceive. We will either stand for Christ Jesus, the True Jesus Christ, or we will stand for the phony that will attempt to deceive many and those that have no foundation based in the WHOLE Word of God!

Posted in Pastor's Desk | Tagged 1 John, 2 Corinthians, Acts, Bad Fruit, Bad Tree, Bible, Bible Teaching, Body of Christ, Choices, Christ Jesus, Christian, Christianity, Church, Doppelganger, Faith, False Church, False Prophets, God, God's Love, Heavenly Father, Holy Bible, Holy Scripture, Holy Spirit, Holy Word, Jesus, Lord, Love, Matthew, Ministry, Philippians, Relationship, Religion, Scripture, Scriptures, Spiritual, Spirituality, Strength, Teaching, Truth, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing, Word of God | 2 Comments

My Prayer for YOU Today!

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

This is my prayer today for all my family and friends, brothers and sisters and their families and friends! Our hope IS and ALWAYS has been in the Lord! This Psalm is for you from my heart today!
God is Forever faithful to His Promises and Never-ending in His Mercies!

Please visit Jerusalem Prayer Team Facebook Page at: Jerusalem Prayer Team

Posted in Prayer and Praise | Tagged Bible, Comfort, Complete, Facebook, God's Love, Heavenly Father, Holy Bible, Holy Scripture, Holy Word, Jerusalem Prayer Team, Peace, Perfect, Prayer, Psalms, Revive, Salvation, Scripture, Scriptures, Security, Truth, Word of God | 1 Comment

The Word of God, Eternal Life & The Eye of the Needle

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Matthew 19:23-26, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

How many call Jesus, Master? We all acknowledge that Jesus is Master of many things and that many religious leaders of His day called Him Master, many times sarcastically, but even though Jesus was a Master Teacher, He was also a Master of the discussion! His wisdom in teaching in such a way as to draw others in with questions is exemplified throughout the Gospels. You just don’t hear too many teaching on that particular mastery.

Jesus knew how to set up His lessons with comments, parables, analogies and stories that caused those listening to want to ask questions. It wasn’t always the Jewish religious leaders and lawyers trying to trip Him up, for many times, it was just the average citizen wanting to hear what this “new” teacher had to say! Which of course, because of Jesus’ authoritative style of teaching, would lead to questions.

The problem that so many of us have today is that when we just READ the Bible we don’t always develop any questions for ourselves and when we don’t do anything to understand its setting or whether some of the stories are historical, analogous or parables, it can and does lead to misunderstandings and many times the very MEANINGS that Jesus was trying to convey end up getting lost in the details!

01word-bible-copy Remember, the Bible is the LIVING Word of God. It isn’t just the letter, the literal translation of the words, but the Spirit behind the words that cause it to live! (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). It is meant to stir up our minds and hearts and should cause us to have questions, to want to get answers from the Master! Because of those who do not make the attempt to understand this, we have teachings that become “religious fads,” based on one or two Scripture verses, many times taken out of context, we have teachings that are not backed up by the Word of God as a whole or taken literally when in fact they were meant as an analogy or as a parable to make a point.

One of the most misunderstood chapters in the New Testament is one I have taught on many times concerning judging; Matthew Chapter 7. Basically because Jesus is discussing judging in the form of sentencing or condemning to eternity and discerning right and wrong character as well as introspection, judging ourselves within. When this chapter though, is taken as a whole and you look at the different points that Jesus IS trying to make, the lesson He is TRYING to teach, you look at the behavior of the righteous in a whole different light.

On one hand you can see His warning against condemning another to a sentence of eternal punishment when in fact we are ALL condemned to an eternity of damnation by our sinfulness. Therefore, how is one person who is condemned able to be above another by pointing out another’s condemnation? Only from our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ is judgment going to be meted out.

Jesus is trying to show that our Heavenly Father is a loving, giving and merciful Father and One that any of His children can approach openly. BUT, He also shows us what constitutes being a child of His. This is where a type of judging, or in other words, discerning what is true and what is false is important in becoming a child of our Heavenly Father.

Jesus is telling and showing us that our actions can demonstrate to others what is truly in our heart. It is a path that is narrow, one that leads forward in a straight-forward manner and, not everyone is on that path. Rather, the majority of people will take the more commonly traveled path, the path where everyone else is going in a certain direction, but their actions will show a “discerning” person what path that is. We are to be on a path that leads through Him and His Words, not the path that appears the most pleasing and easy because the “flow” is going in that direction.

As I have taught before, it is not always what a person says that they believe, but rather what a person does to backup what they say that translates into the right actions. Luke 6:43-45 are some parallel verses to Matthew chapter 7, “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

“From the abundance of a person’s heart the mouth speaks,” is a common Scripture that I have used and it doesn’t take long to listen to a person to know what it is that they truly love or what is a priority in their lives. But, what is in that person’s heart, also translates to what they do and this is what Jesus is trying to get across. It isn’t ALWAYS what a person says that makes them a child of God Almighty, for it is also actions, and this is what Jesus will ultimately have to judge a person on; is their heart in the right place, motivating them to deeds of righteousness or to deeds and acts of lawlessness?

The point though comes down to looking within ourselves. Does our heart motivate US to righteousness or are we playing a game TRYING to hide our true selves from everyone around us? As the Scriptures tell us in Luke 8:17, “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” We can try to hide from others who we truly are, but from our Heavenly Father, through Christ, it is impossible!

light-21

Jesus finishes Matthew 7 with words of faith. FAITH? Where’s the faith in His admonitions in verses 24 through 27? You follow My words or you don’t; if you don’t you will experience a fall, and destruction! Yet, just as you will find in the writings of the Apostle James a confirmation of what constitutes faith, you will find confirmation of Jesus’ summation in Matthew 7 as words of faith; James 2:14-26, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

It is not just what you say; it is not just what you say you believe, it is also how you put those beliefs into action. Jesus is reiterating that, when He states that if you act upon His words, then you are acting wisely, acting in FAITH, believing that what He says is true, and so on, leading to wise action!

But, this is only part of the point that I am trying to make. Being able to take the WHOLE counsel of the Word of God is what allows us to grow into a whole person, more complete in Christ Jesus Himself, more able to effectively claim to be His disciples, His followers, no longer JUST servants, but friends, (John 15:15) truly Christian in not just what we say, but in what we do!

One of the discussions that Jesus had, led to the questions of eternal life, some of the same discussion that He had in Matthew 7, but here is where the details sometimes overshadow the point that Jesus is making in this modern age with our modern translations.

A big controversy exists today concerning the phrase “a camel passing through the eye of a needle” and what is its historical basis and what is its true meaning and yet there is so much research in the academic world trying to prove that the eye of the needle was a door within a gateway, or that Jesus was talking about the word camel being mistranslated from the word rope or cable, etc., etc.

The truth of the matter is that Jesus was trying to make a point that what may be impossible with mankind, whether it be a cable or rope passing through the literal eye of a sewing needle OR a camel going through a man-size door in a gate, it is NOT impossible with God when it concerns His ability to save man! Some readers get hung up on the rich man and his ability to be saved and others get hung up on whether Jesus was talking about a doorway or an actual needle!

There are things in history that can be shown that either ANALOGY can be historical and/or accurate, and either analogy works to prove the point that Jesus was making, but the fact that gets lost at times is the point that Christ Jesus was trying to make! Matthew 19:26, “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I love Bible history and I have a fondness for all science including archeology, but when it comes to the Word of God and its application to my life, that history gives me a setting and something in which to bring that Word alive! The history itself though, does NOT detract from the analogy or the point that Jesus was making. Those listening to His discussion didn’t question the details of the analogy or parable and neither should we. YET, many, many of my brothers and sisters stumble over NON-LITERAL points in the Word of God. They stumble over the letter, forgetting it IS the spirit of the Word that gives that Word, life!

One instance of this and the circumstance that made me realize just how serious this has become has been on my mind recently for some reason; it was when one of my “pastors” in Arizona began teaching from behind the pulpit that we only have to forgive a person 490 times and many times we don’t have to forgive if they don’t ASK for forgiveness!!! I’m being serious about this! This is no exaggeration to try and make a point; these types of things are being taught in supposedly fundamental “Christian” churches.

He used the incident in Matthew 18 when Peter thought he was being generous in forgiveness where it is recorded, “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:21-22.

Jesus wasn’t being literal, but Peter was for he was referencing a discussion Jesus had with them, found in Luke 17:3-4, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

This “pastor” I was associated with used the circumstance in Luke 17 to justify NOT forgiving unless a person comes asking, which goes against countless other Scriptures found in the Bible! But He also used Matthew 18 to justify the number of times necessary to forgive, after that, forgiveness is not necessarily given; in other words, you can justify withholding forgiveness!!!

The truth of the matter is that in either case, Jesus is attempting to make the point that forgiveness should be given freely, without restraint, without condition and whenever necessary and in remembrance of our Father’s forgiveness. Don’t forget, when Jesus used the example of prayer in Matthew 6, often termed “The Lord’s Prayer,” he concluded the example by explaining the part on forgiveness given by stating this, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14.

In Peter’s time, seven times seventy, the need to forgive that many times was probably beyond comprehension! Not necessarily the sum, but the necessity, and so Jesus was not being literal, but in essence stating, “forgive as often as necessary!”

Another common NON-LITERAL point that has caused so much division in the Church is again from our beloved Apostle Peter, found in 2 Peter 3:8, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

There are many Christians today who take this ONE Scripture and base doctrines, especially those associated with Creation on this one Scripture! Yet, as evidenced in the whole 3rd chapter of 2nd Peter, we see Peter is stating that time doesn’t matter to God. His analogy was meant to make those of his time realize time is nothing to the God of Creation, to a Heavenly Father who will keep and fulfill His promises to mankind in His own timing!! This analogy was never meant to provide a foundation for doctrine and yet in this modern age, churches and peoples are divided by it!!

Remember, one of the attributes of our Heavenly Father is Omniscience! All Knowledge, ALL SCIENCE! He is the Creator of the laws that govern the universe, that govern CREATION itself and man is only recently exploring the “tip of the iceberg,” as it were when it comes to understanding what governs our universe! With every new scientific discovery, despite the “arrogance” of some (I say some) scientists, I am only more in awe of my Heavenly Father’s Majesty and Glory!!! On the contrary, it doesn’t lesson my faith, but rather increases my faith, for I refuse to put my Sovereign, God, The Almighty in a box! He is truly bigger than my mind or any mind can comprehend!

Our Bible is rich and full and living and dynamic and no matter how many times you read it through and no matter how many times you study various and all chapters and books, you will NEVER be able to get your fill of it, for there is always something more to glean or learn from it! BUT, you don’t enter into the Word of God with a “hit and miss” attitude.

The key to Who our Heavenly Father is, the key to how He wants His children to be and how to relate to Him is all found within the pages of this GREAT and LIVING Word! It is the “doorway” to eternal life and a relationship with our Heavenly Father through our Redeemer, Christ Jesus! It shows us the possibility of the impossible! No matter how many times I have read it, no matter how many times I see others teach on familiar and non-familiar verses, I ALWAYS gain something more with which to wake up and approach each new day!!

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The Word of God is a “narrow and straight-forward” path yet also deep and complex when it needs to be to help guide us to where it is pointing! I challenge you; the next time you decide to read “through” it, do so with thought and prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His goals to your heart and spirit and I guarantee, you will never look at it the same way again!

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Just the Right Amount of Sting

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

1 Timothy 2:(1), “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (7) for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle–I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying–a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

John 4:23-24, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

I want to take just a bit of your time to explain some things to you, the reader of some of my posts and articles. This was actually inspired by my (ex) brother-in-law, who I still consider very much a brother, in the Lord and otherwise! You see, I wrote a post on my personal Facebook account about a liberal article that had been reblogged by a sister in the Lord. For those of you unfamiliar with reblogging, it is literally just reposting a blog written by someone else, a tool that WordPress (and I’m sure other blog sites) use to make it easy to share like thoughts.

This liberal article ignited, shall I say, some “righteous anger” in me as I look at so much of the lies being passed by the liberal media world as the world’s way and thus the enemy of our soul’s way of ensnaring and trapping not just those “blinded by the god of this world,” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), but “if possible the very elect itself.” (Matthew 24:24).

My brother made a comment in reply that the article had just the “right amount of sting” as those who claim to be in the spiritual Church and who call themselves Christian need to stop playing games because of the times that we are living. I have been thinking and praying about that phrase, “just the right amount of sting” and I don’t criticize my brother for making it. BUT – as for my motive for writing the post, it wasn’t to HURT another, though I knew that it would at the least, STING.

I stated in a recent article on my blog, in the article “Whence Comes Division?” that we have taken that older saying, “the truth will set us free,” and replaced it with the “the truth hurts,” thereby condemning those who want to speak the truth for the fear of hurting others with that truth making it “politically” wrong in this pervasive societal climate we live in! You don’t dare state that sin or sinfulness is wrong, for it will destroy someone’s delicate sensibilities!

It DOES however raise my spiritual anger for anyone seeking and attempting to walk in the truth of the Word of God, and with so much going on in the world today being needless and senseless, yet, while senseless, it is necessary for the prophetic Word of God to be accomplished in the end times. This however does NOT make the needless suffering, lies and blatant corruption right and we SHOULD be interceding in prayer, but not just in prayer for those blinded, but in exhorting the truth also. Whether they accept the Word of Truth or not is not within our power, but a matter of their own choosing, the same choice Almighty God gives all of us, freely!

We must remember, and I am constantly reminding myself, that our Heavenly Father asks us to do a job, a calling and He and He alone equips us to accomplish that in obedience and yet, IT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT’S JOB TO ACCOMPLISH THE RESULTS! The Holy Spirit has and IS the power and He is the One who searches hearts, molds and transforms them!

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This leads me to the Scriptures I posted above at the start of this article. In 1 Timothy it was the Apostle Paul writing to his student and spiritual son Timothy giving him solid spiritual advice on HOW to wage warfare and especially on behalf of those who already consider themselves to be a part of the Church of Christ Jesus! This is why the Epistles of Timothy and even the short Epistle of Titus are considered Pastoral Epistles or Letters. They were written with the express purpose of helping to guide the leaders, in this particular case, Timothy and Titus in the governing and leadership of their local church.

Before I go into the aforementioned Scriptures above, let me lay out this foundation found in the previous verses from the ones mentioned above as found in the first chapter of 1 Timothy. Paul is stating this, “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them (the prophecies) you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected (faith and a good conscience), concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan (shunned and marked as ones belonging to the enemy) that they may learn not to blaspheme (in the hope of learning and returning to the fold and avoiding final destruction).” – 1 Timothy 1:18-20, (emphasis added is mine).

Now if there was any reason to feel “stung” by an Elder or Leader of the Church, it would have not been just these two people, but those to who had the letter read too as a lesson! Serving the Lord is a LIFESTYLE choice and not some temporary fad or social club type of activity. It is no less true today as it was back then, but because of “political correctness,” (the new term, but very old censorship) it has not been followed or practiced in our “church world” or religious circles today. The reason for this has been obvious to me for decades, but I won’t get into now for that is a very definite controversial subject I may explore later!

The fact does remain, the truth CAN and often does hurt or sting, but the truth was never meant to destroy! It was meant for each of us to grasp personally and contemplate its ramifications in our own lives! The truth DOES AND WILL set us free if we take it to heart as an act of Love from our Heavenly Father and apply it to our individual lives.

We forget and pass off our inheritance as if it is such a small thing, but read what the writer of Hebrews reminded each of us, “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

“You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” – Hebrews 12:3-8.

This brings me to the verses from 1 Timothy chapter 2; after the Apostle shares with Timothy of the warfare that is real and in his midst, Paul exhorts his spiritual son to remember to give supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanks for ALL men, not just those who belong to the Church, but ALL mankind and then Paul goes on to explain those prayers should extend to those in positions of leadership and authority over us all; those who reign in higher civil and political office.

It says to pray, intercede, give supplication AND thanks! But here is where people forget to acknowledge the Spirit of the whole Word of God and get stuck on just the letter; it does not say we have to agree with wrong-doing and corruption, with lies and deceit! God Almighty, in so many other areas of Scripture they do not tell us to enable those negative qualities found in those in leadership, but we are to pray for their souls, for their spiritual eyes to be opened AND for spiritual wisdom! Why give thanks for them as the Word clearly says, then?

We give thanks for our leaders as the Prophet Daniel stated, “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” – Daniel 2:20-21.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans13:1, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

We give thanks for our leaders and those in authority NOT because of the lies and deceit, corruption and evil they do, but because our God in Heaven, set them up to fulfill HIS purpose, HIS will so that we might be inheritors of His Kingdom!! The same God who allows these leaders reign is the one who inspired the Apostle to write, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28.

So we give thanks for God’s will being accomplished and this lines up with all Scripture and why things transpire in the way they do. Paul goes on to tell Timothy to pray and give thanks that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.” How, when there is so much wrong? Paul states, “in all godliness and reverence!” But here is the thing so many overlook; in Romans 12:18, Paul also states, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

I have heard so many quote this Scripture to justify never speaking out against the corruption and lies told by those who should know better and they speed or gloss over the part that says, “if it is possible!” There are times when, as the Scriptures continue, “as much as depends on you,” you cannot live without confrontation.

Paul explains this to Timothy and thus to all who would follow in the calling of Timothy and yes even Paul himself, “for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle–I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying–a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:7.

truth-set-free If you have been called to teach, preach or exhort the Word of God, you CANNOT ignore the TRUTH of His Word and you do not have the choice to water it down, to compromise its integrity or to twist it to say what you might want it to say! Your calling, your obligation is to tell the truth as the Holy Spirit reveals it to you and be obedient to Him! You can ONLY be obedient, you have no control how it is received or applied once it leaves your spirit and lips! The actual work and results were never yours to insure, they were ALWAYS the Holy Spirit’s, it was just our calling to speak the truth and do it with a heart and spirit motive of the same unconditional love for all that our Lord Jesus gave when He hung on the cross and then when He rose to be at the Right Hand of our Heavenly Father as our Intercessor and Advocate!!

Can you follow YOUR calling with that kind of motive; putting aside your concerns for feelings so that the truth can be told and blind eyes (spiritually) can be opened? It takes integrity and courage and being fallible, we won’t always succeed, but if we determine in our hearts and spirits that we are going to be obedient to the Spirit’s calling and move forward with that goal in mind, then a TRUE spiritual revival will be coming our way and not just some “circus show style” revival that won’t take root where it counts. For me personally, I want to see Christ Jesus coming through the clouds, mighty, glorious and victorious and just before that, I would love to see a great multitude of my fellow men and women bow their hearts and spirits and surrender to our Great and Mighty Redeemer!!!

THAT will be worth all the hurts and stings! That will be a day to remember, a day to Glorify our Heavenly Father and to Exalt Him for His Wisdom and Love!!!!

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Whence Comes Division?

Posted on September 11, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

Mark 3:24-25, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

Mark 3:31-35, “Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.” But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

Matthew 12:32-37, “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

The other day I reposted an updated version of an article on unity within the spiritual Body of Christ, mainly because of the turmoil not just in the world around us, but here in the United States where I live, because of the political and social upheaval that is a sign of division and corruption.

church_division The thing is, it has permeated into our “church” or religious circles and has caused many to question our so-called brothers and sisters. In the spiritual realm, within the true Body of Christ, there is NO division for the Body of Christ, those members called to be a part of the Kingdom of God, those who have been spiritually reborn are NOT divided in what is eternally significant and important; that is what is according to Matthew 22:37-40, “Jesus said to him,” ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

The confusion though in what I call “religious circles” as opposed to the spiritual is that as in every generation there are many who consider themselves “religious” yet without the spiritual knowledge of an INTIMATE relationship with Christ Jesus, Who is the source of our spiritual rebirth and regeneration. Many know OF Him, and know ABOUT Him, but don’t know Him intimately in the spirit.

You see, for several decades the church has replaced the importance of actions, with the importance of FEELINGS as an indication of love in action. You’ve heard me teach on this before, it’s nothing new, but it has caused a lot of confusion in “church circles” and a common truth is that confusion is NOT of the Spirit of God, but of the devil, the enemy of our souls.

You see, a favorite cliché used to be, “that actions speak louder than words.” In fact, it is an unequivocal truth and not just some idiom that our parents spoke. The Scriptures listed above in Matthew go to the truth of that saying. But through the generations, since the 60’s another slogan started to take prominence and it was spawned from the depths of hell and swallowed, “hook, line and sinker” by so many, that today it has become a way of life; “if it feels good, do it; as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone!”

Actions, backing up the veracity of your words, gave way to feelings taking prominence and what you say was the basis of your feelings and thoughts. The trouble with this is that actions are concrete, they are set, once accomplished, feelings are fleeting and based solely on subjective and relative emotion. Feelings can be influenced by the day, the weather, what you have eaten or how you have slept, whereas, actions, though at times motivated by feelings, display for the whole world to see, what is truly in your heart, what lies at the depths of your innermost thoughts, displaying the deep recesses of your spirit!

This is the very reason why Jesus used the analogy of the good tree producing good fruit and the bad tree, evil fruit. What comes forth in your actions, defines the person you truly are from your depths and the truth of the matter is, you can’t keep that to yourself, for as sure as the Sun rises and sets, what you love, what matters most to you, is what will not just make up the majority of your conversation, it will lead you to the actions you employ.

Division in the “church” world comes when well-meaning people, who believe they have the spiritual “pulse” of the Lord start relying on their feelings, instead of on the infallible TRUTH of the Word of God, which is never-changing, and always the unwavering benchmark of what is right and what is wrong!

Because I speak out against immigration crimes, I’m unloving. Because, I don’t agree with harboring Middle Eastern refugees within our borders, I’m unloving. Because I state the facts of black on black crimes, or Asian against Asian crimes, I’m unloving and racist. I CAN’T be a Christian, because how can you stand by and see these things go on in the world and not want to embrace them all; after all we are supposed to be a Christian Nation!

Well, I’m sorry to “HURT” your feelings and burst your bubble, but we haven’t been a Christian Nation since we started allowing women’s feelings of choice to murder unborn babies. We haven’t been a Christian Nation since we allow the freedom to express ourselves evolve into a billion-dollar porn industry. We haven’t been a Christian Nation since we have allowed laws to be enacted to legalize all forms of immoral businesses so that they can take on the appearance of legitimacy! We haven’t been a Christian Nation when we have allowed the very people leading this Nation to get away with breaking the very laws that would put any number of us “normal” citizens in prison for years!! We haven’t been a Christian Nation when we pass laws allowing same sex couples to enter into a spiritual sacrament, legally and call it love!! I could go on and on and on and yet the majority of people polled in this country believe they are Christians! But if you speak out against any of these immoral actions taking place in this “Christian Nation” you are labeled a racist, homophobic, xenophobic, sexist and if you are against RADICAL Islam, you are Islamophobic!

You are labeled “harsh and unloving” because you won’t embrace the “plight” of all these groups. Yet, what ever happened to America being a Nation of Laws and doing things the right and moral way? Well, because of feelings, morality is all relative now. You see, we have a woman running for President who claims that the Bible and the wisdom in the Bible has made her the person she is today, a person proven through the course of her public and professional career to resort to lies, deceit, blatant corruption and it is not just her words that condemn her, but her actions through 40 plus years.

But you see, here’s the problem; because she MENTIONS the Bible we are to accept her because after all it is the right thing to do. Yet many of my so-called brothers and sisters will continue to enable her, like the parent of a drug-addict enables their drug-addicted child to continue in their careless and reckless endangerment of their life and the life of others! Because, after all, you can’t stop LOVING them! But you see, THAT IS NOT LOVE! Love, real unconditional love would demand actions that prevent harm to come to them and to those around them. Selfish and self-centered feelings cause someone to continue to enable those doing wrong!

What happened to the “truth will set you free?” It was replaced by, “the truth hurts!” So, thereby the truth is wrong if it hurts someone’s feelings and that is why so many who buy into the devil’s liberal lies use feelings as a substitute for actionable love!

But, here’s the thing; everything we are experiencing today in society, in the world, has been recorded in the Bible, historically. The results of obeying the truth are evident as are the results of disobeying the truth and the fall that mankind takes historically when he as a whole ignores God’s Words and Truth!

But as a Christian, we have to feel love don’t we?? Where in the Bible is it stated as a fact or shown as an example that Godly, unconditional love is anything but an action? If you are a Christian we SHOULD be concerned (See, I wrote CONCERNED) about the things going on in the world and society around us for after all, we do live IN this world, though we are not a part of it (as spiritual Children of God). But we AREN’T commanded to be blindly led by our FEELINGS! We are told of things we can DO to make a difference. If your brother (the person living next to you) needs a coat and you have two, give him one! (But he has to receive it for it to do him any good!). What if you don’t have a spare? Help him find someone with a spare AND pray for his and your own guidance to that end!!!

Oh but brother Roland, praying for him might as well be as the Apostle James says, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” – James 2:15-16.

But the whole point of James exhortation is that it takes faith AND works (actions); you can’t have one without the other and vice versa; but it takes everything working (action) together and in this exhortation, feelings never enter the picture. Sometimes, when situations and circumstances are beyond our ability to intervene, the most powerful intervention is prayer, fervent prayer. Prayer is not a feeling, but an action, it requires action and purpose, thought and preparation! James is the Apostle that also exhorts us to pray and ask the Lord (Who is willing to give generously) for wisdom, spiritual understanding!

My question in this article as stated in the title was “whence or where does division come from?” It comes from the enemy of our souls, it comes from confusion and unrest. 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (here, the term peace can also be translated to mean a quiet and restful mind, not troubled by confusion or doubt).

You CAN speak out about unrest and injustice and still be a Christian who truly loves your fellow man, but if the god of this world, the devil, has blinded mankind, the only act of love that will count for anything is to pray for their spiritual sight to be restored that they can make the choice to follow after Christ Jesus and accept His free gift of Grace and Redemption! You can clothe and feed your neighbor, but that will always be only temporary. You can open your house to the stranger, but that will always be only temporary. Eternal, is showing him the gift available to him, free of charge and priceless beyond compare, BUT, you can’t make him receive it! That always is and will be HIS choice and his choice alone!

slide15-640x360 How do we stop the violence in our inner cities? How do we stop the poverty all over the world? How do we stop the wars that are taking place all over this world? We DON’T! We don’t have the power too, but we do have the ability to make a haven for those seeking and searching for the TRUTH, for those seeking and searching for a way to PRACTICE the truth without fear of reprisal, but it won’t happen if well-meaning “Christians” rely on their feelings instead of on the Holy Spirit to lead them and guide them into ALL truth!

Only a change of heart, a willing change of heart can make the world a different place. The sad truth is that Jesus Himself told us the outcome and you can FEEL bad, or you can do something by speaking up and pointing others to the ONLY way to a changed heart, which is found in Christ Jesus! Remember Jesus stated this, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – Matthew 7:12-14.

Jesus didn’t state this, to make those He was speaking too, to feel bad. This should be an encouragement to those seeking the truth, but it SHOULD definitely be a motivation for those Redeemed to action by hitting their knees and praying for the conditions in the world and not adding to them by falling into the enemy’s trap of “feeling” sorry!

You want unity in the “church or religious” world? Stop believing and spreading the world’s lies, plain and simple. Remember, it is not the Spiritual Church that is divided, it is the world that is divided and if you feel yourself on the outside looking in and confused at what the “church” is doing, the step back inside the TRUE CHURCH, the Body of Christ!

In closing, I want you to remember this, Jesus Christ died on the Cross and spilled his RED BLOOD so that ALL mankind might take part in His gift and in the true, Spiritual Body of Christ this IS the truth, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:26-29.

WHAT A PROMISE TO THOSE WHO ARE A PART OF THIS BODY!!

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Law + Grace = Mercy

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

There has been such a misunderstanding about what grace is and it is due to such a lack of teaching or an over-simplification of teaching. Grace itself is or should not be hard to understand, but it has been used as an excuse for unrighteousness and unlawfulness for way too long!

To understand grace, we need to understand our relationship with the Law for it is because of the Law that we even need grace. The truth is that each and every one of us has been born and created under the Law of God. We can’t escape this truth; we are bound to the Law as sure as we our bound to each breath we take, and therein lies the problem.

You see, mankind CAN’T fulfill every aspect of the Law. We can’t. Adam and Eve proved that very point and they lived in a state of perfection. But, they were given, as we are, the ability to choose what path they/we walk. To validate that freedom of choice, the Lord, our Heavenly Father gave them a commandment, the first of the Law. That aspect showed them and us that we are not automatons or robots, without the ability to make free choices. This has been the Lord’s way of doing things in ALL His creation. Many think the angels were created without choice, but in fact, Lucifer, His best and brightest could not have rebelled without the ability to choose whether to follow what he was created for as opposed to rebelling against his creator!

There is a reason why our Heavenly Father created us with the ability to choose to follow His commandments or not too; for one, to love Him with our actions can only be real if we have a way of demonstrating our loving Him with actions. If we are given no choices to make a determination, it would not be love, real love, it would be forced servitude and the Lord WILL NOT force us to submit our wills to His without the ability to choose to do so.

james1_17 The Law has and always will be our Master, our taskmaster, exacting perfection without question. The reason for this is two-fold; one to show us our inability, our imperfection and need for something beyond the Law and two, because one of our Heavenly Father’s many personality attributes is Just-ness or Justice. He is a Just God, and as the Apostle James writes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” – James 1:17-18, (bold emphasis mine).

Unlike our many worldly judges, God’s ability to judge is not based on feelings, on relationship with individuals (He’s no respecter of persons), on financial or power status, etc. He is Just, and there are no lies, deceit or manipulation in His Character; what He says, He does and means.

When you hear or read the phrase, “His Word is Law,” there is no “reading between the lines” or wondering as to what is meant. When you read, “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:15-16, then you know that everything you need to be obedient is in those Words. There is no swaying one way or another, we either BE, (by action) Holy or we DON’T (by inaction) be Holy and we are judged by a Just God without any variation.

But, history has proven that we CAN’T fulfill every “jot and tittle” of the Law and if we can’t then we are doomed to the Justice that God has decreed is payment for NOT fulfilling every aspect of the Law.

What I have stated so far is basic theology that even a new-born Christian learns and understands. But this is why the need for grace becomes so important. We cannot escape the Law or the payment needed for not fulfilling the Law without grace.

Ephesians 2:4-9, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Bold emphasis mine).

The simplest teaching on grace that most Christians have been taught is that grace is “unmerited favor” with God. What is, unmerited favor? Have you thought about it, or have you just accepted it as it is stated? All I am asking of you, is to give it more than a cursory or passing thought.

Unmerited of course is simple; it means not earned or worked for, not deserved. Grace is a favor to us that we don’t deserve and we can’t earn. But grace, God’s Grace is so much more than that. Look again at the Scriptures in Ephesians 2:4-9. We are saved, or redeemed; in other words, payment for what we owe has been taken care of by Grace. Grace is a gift of God, it is THROUGH faith and not faith itself that saves us. Grace saves us and it is faith in that Grace that saves us. It is NOT some magic formula, but rather totally spiritual, trust in God’s Word, trust in something we can’t see, but have only heard about, from God’s Word. It is the Assurance in what God says about God’s Grace is true and real. You believe that His Grace saves or redeems us and it is that belief in the Grace that does the work, making the gift have value.

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Grace itself is a gift. But for the gift to be of value, you have to accept it for what it is. If you do not believe that the gift is of any value in your circumstance than the gift itself is of no value. It is NOT just saying it, but actually believing it. This is the difference of what makes the gift of Grace so important. Anybody can SAY anything and the saying of it does not make it so. But if you BELIEVE in something, the believing causes you to SPEAK of what you believe. It is cause and effect, but it is the difference between “getting the cart in front of the horse or the horse in its proper place!”

Now I want you to follow this line of reasoning; Jesus, God’s Anointed One (the Christ), is God’s gift, our Heavenly Father’s GIFT to mankind. Of all of mankind He is the ONLY ONE who was able to perfectly fulfill, (every jot and tittle) the Law. He alone is the only One who could live a life in perfection, while also suffering every temptation known to mankind and yet CHOOSE to obey every aspect of the Law!

Matthew 5:17-18, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Grace is NOT some ethereal abstract concept floating out in the realm or “soup” of the supernatural. Grace is real and an attribute of our Heavenly Father’s personality and embodied in the life of Christ Jesus. Jesus is God’s Grace embodied and gifted to us because as Ephesians 2:4-9 states, that, “He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Bold emphasis mine).

Christ Jesus is God’s Grace shown to us and given to us as a free gift to pay the price not one of us could ever afford for the inability to fulfill the Law, the commandments of our Heavenly Father, God Almighty! We accept the gift of His life, death and resurrection for our penalty of sin and it is our faith in His gift, His Grace that redeems us from the JUST penalty of eternal death! In accepting and believing in that gift, we then appropriate God’s mercy, as stated in Ephesians 2:4. God’s mercy is not afforded us, until our debt to the Law through God’s Grace has been paid. It is then that God’s mercy is appropriated to our lives. It is through Christ Jesus, God’s Grace that our redemption has been mercifully paid. It is through no work of ourselves, but through ALL the work of His (Christ Jesus’) ministry. The value of the gift is in accepting ALL that He has accomplished, in giving Him all the praise and credit and then living a life reflecting His Grace in our lives.

When we accept Jesus Christ as the saving Grace within our lives, truly abiding within our lives in the unity of His Spirit with our spirit, then that grace no longer allows us to practice lawlessness or unrighteousness for now we have an intimate relationship, a KNOWING relationship with our JUST Heavenly Father through His gift of Grace, His Son, Christ Jesus!

grace_gods_gift We must remember that EVERY attribute, every trait of our Heavenly Father is embodied in the person of Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus is the free gift to each of us that is beyond value; priceless for eternity! The value of the gift, is in the receiving and in the believing. The gift is free, what we do with that gift, already given, is our choice! It is all part of our Heavenly Father’s perfect plan from before our very beginning! It was His plan for each of us, individually even before He created His angels and messengers. In His wisdom and His thinking, in His willingness to create a being who would love Him for WHO He is, for what makes Him God; He created us with Grace and Mercy already in place to fulfill His Just-ness! His Law, His Grace can be claimed, can be appropriated in the personal and intimate KNOWING of His Son, Jesus, the Anointed One (Christ).

We live under the Law, we are ultimately judged under the Law, but we are redeemed by the Law of God’s Grace which affords us Mercy for eternity, IF we choose His freely given GIFT!

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Jigsaw Puzzle Unity – Redux

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

Redux? Why did I choose that word? I don’t know, it just seemed fitting at the time. First, this is a message that I posted on another site some time ago and yet felt in the light of recent instances needed some update and clarification. There seems to be some confusion as to what spiritual unity truly is and with all the denominational differences, those differences can be confused with actual ministry and gifting differences. Also, with the state of the world that we live in today, with all the political turmoil and racial unrest reinvigorated by unscrupulous and corrupt leaders, we are seeing a division within those that claim to be a part of the Body of Christ.

Let me say this emphatically; the Spiritual Church is NOT divided, for if that were the case, then the Holy Spirit Himself would be divided and that is not Scriptural! So, it stands to reason that it is individual thinking and lack of spiritual understanding that is causing a division in “religious” circles. In the Spirit, in our Heavenly Father’s TRUE Kingdom, there is no division!

The fact remains is that the devil and his lies, his emissaries and the enemies of our soul, which includes the world order, is hard at work to keep mankind blind to the truth of the Spirit of God and the workings of His Kingdom. But we have this promise, “And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” – 1 John 4:3-6.

Greater is the Spirit within us (if we are truly children of God) then he who is in the world. But you can’t just stop there and park or camp on that Scripture alone! Those of the world, hear and believe the lies of the world, they accept the deception and falsehoods and those that KNOW God, in an intimate way, are not swayed by the lies of this world, but KNOW the truth, which Scripture tells us, sets us free. There is NO division in truth!

2 Corinthians 6:14-15, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?”

We do not as individuals have to believe in everything exactly the same; but, truth and falsehood should be easily recognizable to a child of God who is walking in the Spirit of Christ Jesus! If you enable those who lie as a lifestyle in this world and deceive to gain their own ends, you enable the enemy and are actively condoning fellowship with this world order and its motive to destroy the truth! Then, whether you believe yourself to be religious (it should be spiritual) or not you are then the cause of division and you need to be called out, just as the Apostles Paul and Peter called out those in the letters they wrote to the churches! In doing so, you protect the “flock of the Lord” and you might “save a brother or sister from destruction,” according to Scripture!

If you are more concerned about feelings than you are of the Spirit of the Lord and the Spirit of the Word, then you have no stake in the Kingdom of God! You MUST unequivocally LOVE the Lord and His Kingdom and those who make up that Kingdom more than family or friends or you are the cause then of division in this world!

I KNOW beyond a doubt, that this seems harsh; but what is more important in eternity, this world and its ways or the Kingdom of God and the Body or Bride of Christ? This is NOT the LAW I am spouting, but actually GRACE in action! Grace has been so misunderstood and taught wrong for so long, it has become an avenue for lawlessness and a justification for unrighteousness!

Now, with these ideas, before you, take a look again at TRUE unity. Imagine from the Lord’s perspective, how HE sees a unified and complete Body! Are YOU one of the many puzzle pieces rightly fitted in its proper place? Only you, can truly answer that, but your actions, dictated by your heart, will determine where you fit in the TRUE image that God Almighty, our Heavenly Father, has created.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:…”

1 Corinthians 12:11-14, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free–and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.”

1 Corinthians 12:18-20, “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.”

1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”

Just to let you know ahead of time, this is not a teaching on the gifts or ministries themselves, but rather a teaching on the Body of Christ itself and what it appears the Holy Spirit is accomplishing before our eyes.

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Why Jigsaw Puzzle Unity, you ask? I love jigsaw puzzles; always have. I love seeing a picture and then watching it scrambled and using my intuitive skills to put it back together again with little odd-shaped pieces.

As I have been praying the last couple of days, I have been in AWE of how the Lord is bringing His Church together in unity and with purpose. It seems to me that this unity seems to be happening ever quicker as the days go by. That might just be me, but it sure appears that way.

Back in the early ‘70s, Ray Stedman’s teaching on Body Ministry was gaining ground in many of the fundamental churches and for me, who surrendered to the Lord in late 1969, it was an exciting time and teaching. The problem is, it ended up being treated like a religious fad for many churches rather than a spiritual reawakening! I clung to that teaching though and it not only helped me in areas of ministry, but it also helped me when dealing with others whose ministries differed from mine.

There are still those Pastors and Teachers who do teach it, but it doesn’t seem to be mainstream like it once was. I can tell you why I think that is so and I’m probably not far wrong from my experiences in various areas of ministries. But — that’s a lesson for another time, let’s just say for now that EGO has a lot to do with the lack of teaching!

What struck me about Body Ministry is how it resembles the jigsaw puzzles that I so love. You see, our Heavenly Father has this image, vision, picture of the Church Body, that which Christ Jesus as bridegroom is coming to call unto Himself. It’s a beautiful image and the Bride is decked out in her most brilliant and white dress. She is the vision of purity and intimacy and she beams with anticipation of her coming Lord. I can’t describe the beauty with which the Father views her, for it is beyond our comprehension while we are wrapped in this corruptible flesh.

But we are given a bit of a view of her if we are willing to look at her individual members. Like the jigsaw picture that ultimately creates the beautiful image when finished, she is made up of sometimes unique pieces, sometimes very similar with little differences, but each piece has its own place to make that image complete. You can’t take a similar piece to another and place it in the wrong spot for it will not look right and it certainly won’t fit right. Each piece has been pre-cut, pre-created with one purpose in mind, to complete the picture in the one and only spot it is meant to fill.

Notice another thing about this analogy; if you are missing a piece, the image, what should be seen is incomplete and not whole, for it takes the interlocking of each piece to not only make it complete, but make it secure and strong!

So it is with Body ministry! You can read the verses concerning the individual ministry and spiritual gifts, but the main point is that we NEED each one fitting where our Heavenly Father has created that gift to fit in the overall picture! Yes, God knew before the puzzle was in pieces, the importance of each piece and where each piece needed to fit and interlock!! Remember, it is God Almighty who sets the members as He sees fit, as it pleases Him! A jigsaw puzzle fits as it should because each piece IS unique and individual, in a good puzzle there are no two pieces alike. You can’t have ALL edge pieces or you can never have a complete picture, only a border. If only a border, what would it hold in place?

So it is with the Body of Christ. We have border pieces that help keep other pieces linked together. A border defines the size and outline of what the image is to be. It lends definition. You can look at it complete and say, yes, it is rectangular or square or round, etc. You can’t get something from a jigsaw puzzle that it was not meant to be, because each piece defines the complete outcome of the picture. So it is with the Body of Christ!

Here’s the thing; there is a reason why we are asked to surrender our wills to that of our Redeemer as Lord. It is His Spirit’s job or function, to make us the piece that God wants us to be so that we comprise the picture that He already foresees. What each of us is called to do, is no accident, for it is exactly what pleases our Heavenly Father.

What we are witnessing today, is the jigsaw puzzle of the unique pieces that make up the Church of God Universal, the Body of Christ, coming together as the Holy Spirit places us and creates within each of us the image that will ultimately make up the whole. The picture is already there in the mind of our Heavenly Father. We just have to be willing to submit to the interlocking process that produces unity and strength. The thing that interlocks each of us in our own unique way, is the love for one another, all who surround us as a piece of the puzzle. You can’t interlock with an edge piece if you are one of the center pieces, for you weren’t created too. You can love the complete picture by loving that piece of the puzzle next to you and interlocking with it creating strength and unity!

Eventually, you see the BIG picture. We ARE that Body, becoming more and more the beautiful Bride that the Father is preparing the Groom to come for. He is coming for a Bride who only has eyes for Him, who’s only desire is an intimate relationship with Him! Right now, each of us are adding to the larger picture if and when we allow the Holy Spirit to move us to that place that has been reserved for each of us!!

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I am tickled beyond measure, that I am living in a time when I can see God’s True Church coming together in Love, adding to the strength of our Heavenly Father’s vision of what we are meant to be to Him!!

Love is our border, our edge and it should and always will define us as the Church that God is building!

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The Living Word – God is ALL Part 2

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

The next “Omni” characteristic of God’s personality that I want to cover is His Omnipresence. As can be seen fairly clearly this attribute means that God is ALL present or everywhere and there is nowhere He is not. To even begin to grasp this fact of our Heavenly Father you need to remember that our God is a Spirit. We cannot view or consider Him as a material or bodily presence as we know the body. One of my favorite Scriptures that I use often is found in John 4 and verse 24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

It can be said, that God is the center or centered everywhere, and yet there is no limit to the area of His presence. Because He IS Spirit and not a material presence as with His Omnipotence, there is no limits to His being everywhere at once.

Jeremiah 23:23-24, “Am I a God near at hand,” says the LORD, “And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the LORD; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD.”

Ever-Present David wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” – Psalm 139:7-12.

Job 22:12 “Is not God in the height of heaven? And see the highest stars, how lofty they are!”

Another favorite Scripture that I love to quote is found in Proverbs 18:24b, “But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Our God’s presence is closer to us that we can even truly imagine! Yet thinking on this, shouldn’t bring any type of fear, but rather a Godly Awe and an assuredness that should give us continual peace and strength!

Yet KNOWING that our Lord, our Heavenly Father’s Spirit is ever close to us, we also know that according to His Word, His Throne is in Heaven where He still reigns over all of His Creation. 1Kings 8:30b “Hear in heaven Your dwelling place……”

Isaiah 66:1a, “Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool.”

Revelation 21:2a, “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God……”

So, though our Lord, His Spirit, can reside within our hearts and He remains closer in person than a brother, His Kingdom, His Throne is centered in Heaven! Because we as a bodily presence have trouble fathoming this idea, doesn’t make it untrue, but rather should stimulate our faith, which according to God’s Word in Hebrews 11:6, says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

eternal god We should understand that because God is also everywhere, His Omnipresent nature also means that there are not boundaries as far as time is also concerned. You see, He doesn’t just dwell in the present, the here and now, and His presence is everywhere at once also, but His presence is also every-when! You see, one character trait of God does not negate the others, but rather they coincide with each other to make up His personality! God IS eternal! He exists outside of the very time that ensnares us, at least until our bodies release us from time and we also begin life in eternity.

This should give every child of God confidence and assurance and yet every enemy of God, a moment of pause for how does His enemies think they can hide from Him. How do false prophets and those who disguise themselves to deceive believe they can hide their secret crimes from God’s very presence? There truly is nothing hid from Him in the earth or in Heaven above!

One very famous hymn, penned by the late Frederick William Faber, states:
“But God is never so far off
As even to be near; He is within: our spirit is
The home He holds most dear.
To think of Him as by our side
Is almost as untrue, As to remove His throne beyond
Those skies of starry blue.
So all the while I thought myself Homeless, forlorn, and weary,
Missing my joy, I walked the earth, Myself God’s sanctuary.”

The first thing that should come to heart in a Christian’s mind is COMFORT! To truly KNOW that the One Who Created us and loves us unconditionally is ever present with us through all of life’s trials and journeys, should be considered a treasure beyond measure!

The second thing, should be what we discussed above, WARNING! “Thou God sees me,” should serve as a warning to any who choose to live a life of sin, whether it be the hidden sins in the darkness or the willing lifestyle of sinfulness!

As I stated in Part I, it’s easy to toss about “religious” words and especially so if you have been involved in church for a good deal of your lifetime. But, when you truly meditate and think upon the Character and Attributes of God Almighty, and when you start to look at them as the makeup of His Whole personality, it should give us an overwhelming sense of awe. Proverbs 1:7 tells us this, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

This fear that the writer of Proverbs speaks of is the sense of awe and wonder that I am referring too. It doesn’t mean to be afraid of our Heavenly Father for that contradicts His Own Words. But we are to be amazed and to wonder at His presence, and at His personality. The more you truly KNOW your Heavenly Father, the more intimate you are with Him, the more wondrous He becomes to you on a deeply personal and spiritual level!

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When it comes down to it, isn’t that what our spiritual awakening was for? Isn’t that what this changed lifestyle and journey is to become? It’s not that we can get closer to our Lord and Father, but it’s that we recognize and finally realize just how close He IS to us already?!

In closing this part, I want to echo what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” – Ephesians 3:8-12, (Emphasis mine).

END OF PART 2

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One Body, Many Members

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

Luke 4:16-21, “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

fulfilled-scripture-0011 This Scripture shows us Jesus announcing His ministry and the reaction that followed. Now we can get into the particulars of Him being in the town of His youth and the relevance of His family growing up there and so forth, but the point that I want to make, is that at this point in history, Jesus announced the beginning of His ministry and He described what it would consist of. Jesus KNEW what He was called to do. He KNEW His mission as it were and He knew what it would entail.

No, He didn’t put a title or label to it, for what the ministry was called or titled wasn’t what was the important factor; the work, the service He would perform was what was important! So it is with ministries today. Titles are given for reasons of identification in the world we live in today. The title however doesn’t identify what that person’s true ministry or calling is; it is the work that is done, in faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

A couple of weeks ago, on my Facebook site, someone had shared with me a prophecy that had gone out in 2011 about one of our political candidates in the United States for today. It was a prophecy that also included blessings of harvest that the Lord has “promised” the U.S. for its work to other countries and nations in the past. It prompted me to do a teaching on what a true Spirit-led prophecy can be identified by; in other words, 100% accuracy. The problem is, we won’t know if this is 100% accurate until the presidential election is complete and actually a short time after.

So I taught on modern day prophecy. But I also did a section on the ministry of a Prophet (in our New Testament era) because so many church goers confuse the ministry of a Prophet with the gift of prophecy. The teaching of specific ministries is something that is often neglected in churches today and I have my “theories” as to why that is, but that isn’t what I want to center on today.

The fact is, I received about 3, maybe it was 4 emails from concerned Christians who thought I was coming out and claiming to have a Prophet’s ministry! After all, that is pretty arrogant of me if I was; but I guess they were basing it on some things I have taught, and putting together the teaching on prophecy and then the ministry of Prophet, they just ASSUMED I was claiming that ministry. First, let me say that it is because of the very thing I was trying to do, teach about the specifics of a Prophet’s ministry that brought this about. These things are NOT being taught today to the detriment of the Body of Christ. The ministry of Prophet, just like that of Apostle, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher as well as the other organizational ministries is NOT being taught and thus, those who actually have been called into a ministry may not even be aware that they have the ability and gifting to work in that area.

I personally blame most organized religious denominations for this, for if someone doesn’t go through THEIR channels, then there is no way God WOULD call them as individuals! But notice, Jesus didn’t wait for the religious leaders of His day to recognize Him either. He knew His Father’s calling at a young age and proceeded to pursue it, even though the timing for Him to come out openly hadn’t arrived.

I was fortunate to be mentored by a Teacher who understood the individual ministries and taught on each and every one specifically as well as the individual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, all of which I might add are for the edification of the CHURCH as a whole, save one, and it is the one gift that is given to only edify the believer and yet it is the one gift that some denominations have risen to a level of importance above every other gift INCLUDING LOVE!!

Again, just another important reason and proof of the importance of proper teaching and Bible study in our churches today!

Paul is one of the foremost of all the Apostles who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has taught on the ministry callings AND the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He does so not just in Romans and Corinthians, but in his other letters as well. He recognized, because of the Holy Spirit’s influence the importance these ministries and gifts would play, not just in the establishment of the NEW Church, but of the building up and edification needed to bring about unity within the Spiritual Body of Christ! Follow these Scriptures I have listed. I haven’t taken them out of context, but brought out the main points of his teaching:

1Corinthians 12:5-7, “There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all….”

1Corinthians 12:11, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

1Corinthians 12:18-20, “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.”

good and perfect gift I know this is a common subject for those of you who have followed me for some time, but it is because it is so vastly important in the continuing growth and maturation of a Christian’s lifestyle. There is NOT a single one of us who has been called to ONLY warm a pew! Each and every ministry, if acted upon in faith, is essential and vital for the health and well-being of the Body of Christ in its preparation for the coming Bridegroom!

When I first started the blog and before it, my other online ministries, I used the title of Pastor, because in the capacity of what I was doing, I was being a shepherd, I was being a Pastor and a Teacher; also, I have been a Pastor behind the pulpit. It helped those who were unfamiliar with the callings and gifts to understand where I was coming from. But for most of my brothers and sisters who understand, the title is not necessary. Now, in the “real” world, I go by Pastor (very seldom Reverend – I don’t care for THAT title) so that I can have access to the hospital when a patient desires prayer. Or when I have visited the jail to be able to talk to an inmate or share a Bible with them, etc. It is the government only, that looks for a label such as a license or my ordination papers. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t need that to use me nor does His Holy Spirit and it is the same with each and every one of you reading this right now.

I KNOW what I have been called to do. I KNOW my ministry calling and it was confirmed to me just like Paul’s “son” Timothy’s was by the laying on of hands and prayer by the elders. But I don’t need a title, unless someone demands for whatever reason clarification and then any title such as Pastor or Teacher, Reverend in the rare cases, will do!

We don’t have to as God’s children, make a ministry coming out announcement as Jesus did. Just as in Jesus’ case, there will be those who will except it as it is and others will scoff and ridicule. But, the question I have for you today is this; DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT?

Do you truly KNOW the specifics of your own personal ministry and if so, are you attempting to accomplish it by faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? The title as I said doesn’t matter, but having a knowledge, a working knowledge and at least a degree of direction is important, otherwise, believe me, it is easy to become discouraged, disheartened and even start to question your place in God! This is the very reason why Paul was so adamant on encouraging Timothy AND Titus in their ministries.

If you are not sure about what the different ministries are and whether they are relevant today or not, seek out a Pastor or Teacher who is not afraid to tackle the subject. If you find a leader who tells you that the ministries listed by Paul in Romans and Corinthians aren’t relevant for today but were just for the establishment of the church, then run from them as fast as you can because they do NOT have yours NOR the Body of Christ’s well-being in mind. They are only concerned with their own position and ego.

And finally, if God’s children are taught the specifics of the individual ministries, there would be less conflict in the church because we would each recognize just what part each other is performing for the good of the whole! The church as a whole would be able to recognize when things are not as they should be and the proper ministry could deal with those problems in a loving and uplifting way. It all stems from whether we are willing to love one another enough to encourage one another or admonish one another as the need arises.

To put to rest any lingering concerns any of my brothers and sisters have concerning me claiming to have a Prophet’s ministry; NO, that is not my place in the Body of Christ. It is not my calling, though, at times, my ministry may appear in its teaching to touch that area, it is not my calling. But, I do KNOW what my Lord has called me to do and though I have skirted some of it for a while, I am determined to do all the Lord asks me to do without question, with Love for the eternal well-being of others and for my Love and gratefulness for His unconditional love for me!!

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What’s in a Name?

Posted on June 19, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

christ definition
I have heard that in the United States, over three-quarters of the population “claim” to be Christian. I decided to check online for some research and I picked out three sources out of more than I can count concerning the polling of people whole believe they are Christians.

From the early part of this new century until a poll in 2014, the number of people who claim a “religious” affiliation to Christianity has went from 83% to approximately 71% in 2014. It is true less and less people are claiming a “Christian” affiliation, but as you can see, the number is still close to three-quarters of the population.

Now, here is the thought I want you to consider; how many who claim to be or follow “Christianity,” think that the title of Christ is Jesus’ last name, or possibly even His first name? I’m not being silly or frivolous in asking this for I have a concern in mind when asking. All I ask of you is to look at the initial definition given above as found when inputting the question into the search engine, Bing; as to: the meaning of Christ.

Oxford Dictionaries, one of the most respected dictionaries in the world, tells you, what the scholarly world thinks; the title, but also treated as a name! Or this one; an oath used to express irritation, dismay, or surprise! If you pursue further in their origin of the word, you will find the Greek word “Christos” meaning “anointed” one, or “chosen” one. BUT, you have to search further for that in the dictionary.

How many who claim to be Christians, actually know that Christ is the title given to Jesus because He IS the Chosen One, the Anointed One? As stated above, “Christ” comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning “anointed” one or “chosen” one. This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Mashiach, or “Messiah.” “Jesus” is the Lord’s human name given to Mary by the angel Gabriel, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.” — Luke 1:31. “Christ” is His title, signifying Jesus was sent from God to be a King and Deliverer (see Daniel 9:25; Isaiah 32:1). “Jesus Christ” means “Jesus the Messiah” or “Jesus the Anointed One.”

Now here is the thought I would challenge you to think about; since Jesus is the “Anointed One” and we are His followers, then doesn’t taking the name “Christian” also mean that we claim to be “anointed disciples” or “anointed followers?” Think about it! For centuries, the term Christian has been used to denote the followers of Christ Jesus, and according to Acts 11:26c, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

The followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ began under the teaching of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas, to be called “Christians” especially since Paul taught so heavily about Jesus as the Anointed One and Messiah. Using the title Christ, opened up the door for followers of Jesus Christ to be “tagged” as Christians. Remember, before this, most called the followers of Jesus a sect of the Nazarene.

How does modern man, know how to be a follower of Christ Jesus, if he doesn’t read or listen to the reading of the Bible and study for himself, the life Jesus laid out for an example AND the teachings of the Apostles and Disciples as written in the Epistles? Jesus gave us not just instruction in how to treat one another, but EXAMPLES of what He taught! In today’s vernacular it would be, “He practiced what He preached!” Jesus’ teaching focused on our walk as individuals empowered by the Spirit He would send to us. The disciples who taught based on what Jesus taught them individually, taught us how to walk not just as individuals, but as a Body united in the power of the Holy Spirit and that as individual MEMBERS we make up what is in actuality the true Church, the Bride of Christ in which Christ Jesus would return to take Home with Him.

Many today, believe they fulfill their obligations by being members of a church or a denomination and all their faith is gained by listening to the Word of God from the preacher, the leader of the congregation. But I ask you what I have hinted at time and time again, where is the “anointing” in that scenario? I am NOT saying it is not evident in SOME churches, but I am saying, the leaders of many congregations have deemed themselves the anointed and the people themselves will “rest” in the leaders anointing!

Is it any wonder, we do not see AGAPE Love expressed to the lost in the world today, but rather condemnation and disdain? Who was it that our example, Christ Jesus, confronted continually? Wasn’t it the “religious” leaders, the scribes and Pharisees that were leading the people astray? It was the “religious” that had disdain for the lost and condemned those caught in sin, yet when the King of Kings related to the public, it was with love, compassion, kindness and tenderness!

anointed-for-service Isn’t it time, that Jesus’ “Christian” followers go back to His example and start treating those lost and searching for truth with the same unconditional love, compassion, kindness and tenderness? Maybe REAL revival will return before Jesus Christ returns and it won’t be the circus so many have been used too through the years, but the true ANOINTING that followed the true believers of the Anointed One!

Just something I’ve been thinking and dreaming of and praying for!

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Preach the GOSPEL

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;” (that is, the Gospel).

Mark 16:15, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Bold emphasis added for clarity).

Colossians 1:21-23, “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight–if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven…” (Bold emphasis added for clarity).

Just some “Food for Thought,” but we should remember that we have been called to preach to those outside the spiritual “Church” the Gospel of Christ Jesus, a message of hope and redemption to all whose minds are slaves to the “god of this world!”

Once the Gospel has been received, then it is time to teach the spiritually young how to walk! As I said, just something to think about!

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Kill the Patient! Destroy the Disease?

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

I posted an article on my personal Facebook timeline the other day in the wake of the Orlando shooting AND because of so-called “Christian Pastors” that spoke out and applauded the shooter for doing God’s work! Yes, you read that right, pastors applauding the shooting. One of the pastors has a fairly big following, the other pastor who commented in agreement was a Baptist pastor.

Now, my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord who happen to be Baptist, I am NOT condemning the Baptist denomination as a whole. But, I am condemning, yes, condemning the words coming from the mouths of these supposed Pastors, Shepherds of the Lord’s flock!

I know I use this Scripture a lot, but it bears repeating again; Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” These words are the words of Jesus Christ Himself to His disciples. I truly recommend that you all read the whole chapter.

Here’s some food for thought from that Facebook post; some “analogy” as it were:

My wife has leukemia; many of you who are close know this; some of you didn’t, but it’s true. Untreated, this type of leukemia has a life expectancy of about 5 years. Now, she didn’t ask for it, but it was something that was actually dormant and inherent in her family. When she would complain about some of her symptoms, our doctor in Arizona would do tests, but for some reason couldn’t see what the symptoms were related too. He was a qualified doctor of internal medicine, but ended up asking Susie, “what do you want me to do for you?”

Now move ahead to our relocation to Colorado, where we wanted to be closer to our kids. We found a family doctor and the very first check-up, he suspected a diagnosis but then ordered tests to verify it. Both doctors were specialists in Internal Medicine.

One doctor, a specialist couldn’t identify the problem and left the patient to her own devices. The other doctor identified the problem and what did he do? What he DIDN’T do is tell her there was no hope, or to go and hole up somewhere and die! He told her the truth; there is no cure, but there is a way to live this life free from the ravages of the disease. As long as she followed the regimen prescribed, she would live and not die from the effects of this disease.

This doctor did not recommend killing the patient because she had a disease in her body that could eventually destroy her! So it is with sin. Sin is in us, it is inherent and we didn’t ask for it. BUT depending on the “doctor” you go too, there is a way to live without the ravages of this disease in our flesh. You could do what some “doctors” are telling you and kill the patient and then you no longer have this disease in your midst. You have no concerns then of “catching” this disease or even having it near you! Remember how leprosy was looked upon in Jesus’ time?

But, the RIGHT “doctor” will prescribe a regimen for you that will help “disable” the ravages of this disease and you can live without this disease causing your death. You have to remember one point though; the doctor can only share with you right “medicine,” the “prescription” isn’t forced upon the patient. They have to accept it, they have to believe the “doctor” that the disease they have is deadly, and then they have to willingly “follow” the regimen. He doesn’t tell the patient to go kill themselves or hole up somewhere to die. He tells them of the possibility to live a life full and complete. The choice on how to live then reverts to the “patient.”

In this analogy the Lord has allowed us to live through, the “doctor” is the preacher or teacher you are willing to listen too. The Bible says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:12-13.

You can listen to a preacher or teacher, but you are responsible for what you do with his “prescription.” Do you kill your neighbor, God Almighty’s Creation, because he/she has sin in his/her flesh, and thus remove it and the possible “contamination” from around you; or do you tell them of the “prescription” that allows them to live a life where the “symptoms” won’t kill them and they are able to live a full and complete life, a life able to help and inspire others?

MourningAngel

What if it had been you before your “spiritual awakening” and a preacher or teacher told others to kill you because you were in sin, before you were able to receive your “prescription?” There is sin in the world and it is inherent in those we come in contact with or those we see in the news and much of it is “in your face,” but – lest we forget, those that carry this disease are ignorant and blind to it! Do you think it is because they DON’T want to know or that they want to be blind? The Apostle Paul reminds the church of this in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” So who is to blame? The “patient” who doesn’t know (who is ignorant and blind) that they have a disease that will kill them, or the ones who have blinded them and keeps them from a known “cure or remedy?”

Don’t we who have been given a “prescription” freely that works, have a duty to at least let others know that there is remedy for what ails them? Do we beat them over the head with how bad the disease is, or do we approach them with a remedy that will relieve the loss of hope, the lack of joy, the anger that besets them and so on, all SYMPTOMS of the “disease??” Leprosy-Is-Not-Ancient-History If we beat them over the head with how ugly the “disease” is, how horrific it makes us feel, how we can’t stand to be around a “diseased” person then we are no better than those who viewed and dealt with leprosy, way back when! What comfort did the lepers have in being shunned because of something they had no control over? We all have a part in helping others realize there IS a “prescription” to help live above the “disease” and NOT do all to shun or kill those carrying the “disease!” Jesus didn’t shirk from reaching out His hand to give comfort and to heal! If He truly is our example, our Master and Teacher, then what right do we have to hold back a hand of comfort, a hand of healing and NOT use that club of destruction?! Jesus stated, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” – Matthew 10:24.

Remember, we all have the “disease” within our flesh and ONLY the proper “regimen” keeps us alive to be whole and complete and able to accomplish what our Teacher, our Master asks us to accomplish! HE gives us the strength, our abilities are through Him and Him alone and not of ourselves! We can ONLY do as the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is in Christ and Him alone that our strength and abilities lie.

One other thing; if you haven’t read your Bible recently, I want to challenge you with this question; who were the Apostles and writers of the Epistles writing too, especially? Remember, the Gospels let us know of the Good News and WHO HE, Christ Jesus is. The Epistles are written to those whose spiritual eyes have been “opened” and not to those who don’t have a clue, so when the writers are writing about the continuing practice of sin, just who were they specifically addressing??

I recommend that if you are wondering now, you get back into your Bible, start with Romans and go until you are finished with Revelation. These were all letters addressing concerns in the churches!

28898 Remember, in Christ, we are ambassadors to the world, NOT the judge and jury. You can identify sin as sin, but it is your job as an ambassador to not give in to it but to be an example of the Kingdom we are the ambassadors for. We are to “prescribe” hope, assurance, joy, peace, LOVE, and all the other “fruits” that we are partakers of. The “patients” then have to make the choice for themselves whether they will follow the prescription that saves them from the ravages of the disease that is sin, or to continue living with the disease until it claims them! It is THEIR choice, our choice is to give the knowledge that there is a “prescription, a remedy” and that Jesus Christ and Him crucified is that “prescription!” It is freely given, you don’t have to pay for it, and in fact you can’t pay for it! It is the best universal health plan available to all who call this planet home!

One other thought and those who know me well will recognize my going back to this Scripture time and time again. I know it can be lengthy, but in the light of those “religious leaders” applauding violence against God’s Creation who are only blinded and ignorant as all of us once were, I state these verses from Matthew 7:
1 ¶ “Judge not, that you be not judged. (Don’t pass sentence that you aren’t sentenced.)
2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. (With what sentencing you will be sentenced.)
3 “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
5 “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
7 ¶ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
9 “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
10 “Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 ¶ “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Of which the two great commandments fulfill!)
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
14 “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
wolf-in-sheeps-clothing 15 ¶ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (This takes a form of spiritual judging called DISCERNMENT, a gift of the Holy Spirit to protect the true believers from being deceived.)
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? (You can also apply the Scripture from Luke 6:45 stated above.)
17 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 “Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (You will NOT be ignorant of the false!)
21 ¶ “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (He never KNEW them! They use His name but have no relationship with Him!)
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,
29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (The scribes, teaching the letter of the Law, but NOT the spirit! 2 Corinthians 3:6.)

ALL parenthesis added in the above verses and comments in them mine for clarity. Scriptures from the NKJV.

Finally, Shepherds, Pastors be wary and beware; you may think this just applies to the those over Israel of old, but do NOT be deceived for this is a proclamation against ALL Shepherds who lead the flock of the Lord’s!

Jeremiah 10:21, “For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, And have not sought the LORD; Therefore they shall not prosper, And all their flocks shall be scattered.”

Jeremiah 23:1-2, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the LORD.”

Jeremiah 25:34-36, “Wail, shepherds, and cry! Roll about in the ashes, You leaders of the flock! For the days of your slaughter and your dispersions are fulfilled; You shall fall like a precious vessel. And the shepherds will have no way to flee, Nor the leaders of the flock to escape. A voice of the cry of the shepherds, And a wailing of the leaders to the flock will be heard. For the LORD has plundered their pasture,”

Jeremiah 50:6-7, “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; They have forgotten their resting place. All who found them have devoured them; And their adversaries said, ‘We have not offended, Because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, The LORD, the hope of their fathers.’” (Bold emphasis mine!)

These shepherds in Jeremiah 50, say they have not offended! There excuse is because there has been sin against the Lord and they deem it their duty to devour and destroy because others ( other shepherds) have led them astray! Their actions say, “If you do not teach as I teach then I have a right to devour the sheep the Lord has given you because they have sinned!”

What right do any of us who teach the truth of the Word of God, have to destroy ANY whom the Lord has called to Himself. None of us but Christ is the Great Shepherd. We are His underlings, we are as His sheep and the sheep follow the voice of the Master. Leading is NOT driving. Sheep are led, and the sheep follow the voice of the leader. Cattle are driven and there is nowhere in Scripture where God’s heirs, His children are called cattle!

Shepherds, we need to be sure we are leading the sheep of the Lord as the Lord is leading us, OR the judgements of the early Shepherds will also be ours! I pity those who applaud violence upon our Heavenly Father’s creation/children and all the more so if they claim to follow the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Help us to see with your eyes, those that you died for! Help us to ever love those we don’t agree with and give us the strength to love our enemies and to esteem others above ourselves instead of raising ourselves above those who don’t agree with us! In Jesus’ Name I pray! Amen!

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The Living Word – God is ALL Part I

Posted on June 11, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

Sometimes as Christians, we have a tendency of using “religious” terms at the turn of a hat. Many times, they flow off our tongue without any thought, because as church-goers and religious people, it has become habit, second nature.

“Praise Almighty God,” and one I use a lot, “our Heavenly Father,” and on and on. But how many of us truly know just what we are saying or writing when we use these and so many other terms? Because I write so much about the Lord and His communion with mankind, I think about what these “adjectives” truly mean too me and I know from some of my other Brothers and Sisters who write and teach, it is the same with them. Our words are put forth BECAUSE they have meaning to us, but what about in casual or informal conversations with those around us?

I want to discuss the “Omni” attributes of God and even though this is by far NOT a new teaching, it may bring a new perspective in our casual conversations with others who may not be so “religious” or understanding of such terms.

This is part of our God being, the Living Word, as opposed to just what we read. Too often we read the Bible, the “Word” of God and forget that it is not just letters and words, but the actual Spirit of the Living God. There is a reason why the Bible is referred to as being “Holy!”

Almighty God, or God Almighty are terms that even a lay person is familiar, but what attribute or character of God, lends or proves this term? Omnipotent, Omni-potent, or All Powerful or All Mighty. It means that God, Himself, is ALL incumbent power and might. In other words, there is nothing that our God cannot do! There is nothing outside of His sphere of ability or WILL to do.

Now I qualified that with His Will for a reason and I won’t get into vain speculation that is frivolous and does lend to further understanding of His Character and Nature. So, we won’t talk about the scenario of God creating a rock or boulder too big for Him to pick up! This is what the world would love to discuss or debate in their “blinded” state and it is a trick the enemy, the devil, uses to keep those blind who do not want to see or who refuse to be enlightened by the Spirit.

But, what about God lying, or sinning or violating His Own Word, or denying Himself? There is a simple answer to that for those that truly wish to know the Spirit of Truth; God only WILLS to do that which is consistent with His Nature.

Now Omnipotence also means that God is “All-ruling” or has “All-authority” throughout all creation. When we recognize this we are stating our belief in His authority and rule over all creation, and the Bible is firm in declaring this fact. Even though Satan is now the “god of this age” as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 4:4, it belongs to him only because God Almighty has granted it to him: “And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.’” — Luke 4:6. (Bold & italics added by me for emphasis).

It is God who ultimately reigns and rules in the universe, and all legitimate authority must come through Him. If we let Scripture tell us of God’s authority, we must agree that He has all authority to do all His pleasure as Isaiah 46:9-10 states, “Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’….” (Bold & italics added by me for emphasis). Indeed, we should remember that Christ Himself says clearly that “with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26.

I am unlimited 7777 There are those that would teach that God’s Omnipotence strictly means His authority and rule rather than might and power, but even those words today are pretty much interchangeable. Many teach against using the terms might and power to avoid controversy with the ideas that God won’t sin, or lie or deny Himself etc. They also state that it prevents frivolous debate as stated earlier, but it also puts God in a box of our own making. Just because WE may have a problem with our finite awareness or perspective, doesn’t mean that God isn’t ALL His Word claims Him to be to its fullest extent.

Scriptures Related to God’s Omnipotence

Job 9:4-10, “God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered? He removes the mountains, and they do not know When He overturns them in His anger; He shakes the earth out of its place, And its pillars tremble; He commands the sun, and it does not rise; He seals off the stars; He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea; He made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number.”

Psalm 33:6-11, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.”

Psalm 135:5-7, “For I know that the LORD is great, And our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases He does, In heaven and in earth, In the seas and in all deep places. He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries.”

Psalm 145:3, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.”

Isaiah 40:15-18, 28, “Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing, And they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless. To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?”

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.”

Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

Luke 10:17-19, “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Acts 3:6-8, “Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them–walking, leaping, and praising God.”

Acts 12:5-11, 21-23, “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

“So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.”

Ephesians 3:14-21, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height– to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Timothy 6:15b-16, “He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.”

Revelation 19:6, “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”

There are so many, many Scriptures that prove God’s Almighty Character and Nature. This is the one “Omni” attribute that has the least controversy other than what has been discussed. We know God’s Character, but how does it affect us as Christian Believers and how can we walk in this knowledge?

Walking in This Knowledge

First, it should cause us to fear (be in awe of) God, not just as our Heavenly Father, but as Almighty God of all creation. An example can be found in Luke 12:4-9, “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Bold added by me for emphasis).

Secondly, we should adore God and everything that adoration entails. The Apostle Paul gives us an example of this when he wrote to the Ephesians, “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” – Ephesians 1:15-21. (Bold added by me for emphasis).

Thirdly, this gives us the power to trust God and all that He says He will and can do for us in the way of service, the way of victory over sin and this world and in the way of provision (also stated in Ephesians above). Paul teaches in his letter to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – 4:13. Also a few verses further on, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – 4:19.

As I stated above, there are so many Living Words that can bring us hope, assurance, and blessing as well as direction in our relationship, communion and walk with the Lord! When we truly get to KNOW who our Heavenly Father is, we no longer remain strangers, or servants but rather as the Apostle John writes, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.” – John 15:14-17.

Friends with the Creator, the Almighty of All things! Friends AND heirs with Christ Jesus; now if that doesn’t make you want to jump and shout, we can always remind you of Jesus’ friend Lazarus! That same power is still alive in the Almighty today!!

END OF PART I

Posted in Pastor's Desk | Tagged 1 Timothy, 2 Corinthians, Acts, Bible, Bible Teaching, Christianity, Encouragement, Ephesians, Faith, God, God's Love, Heavenly Father, Holy Bible, Holy Scripture, Holy Spirit, Holy Word, Hope, Inspiration, Isaiah, Job, John, Lord, Love, Luke, Matthew, Ministry, Philippians, Psalms, Religion, Revelation, Scripture, Scriptures, Spiritual, Spirituality, Teaching, Truth, Word of God | 2 Comments

The Power of Three Little Words

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

power-of-words-31 Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled.

The following three word phrases can enrich every relationship:

I’LL BE THERE – Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. ‘Being there’ is at the very, very core of civility.

I MISS YOU – Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other, “I miss you.” This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.

I RESPECT YOU – Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship.

MAYBE YOU’RE RIGHT – This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of “maybe you’re right” is the humility of admitting “maybe I’m wrong.”

PLEASE FORGIVE ME – Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up to he has been in the wrong, which is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU – Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don’t take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME – “A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.” Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there, indicating “you can count on me.”

LET ME HELP – The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU – People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT – Some of your friends may be non-conformists, have unique projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness – everyone has dreams that no one else has.

I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to be reserved for those who are special; that is, I LOVE YOU.

— Author Unknown —

From emails circulated for some time. If anyone knows the author, please let us know so that proper credit can be given.

P.S. by Pastor Roland;
Though the author is unknown, this is so worth thinking about AND putting into practice.

One change I would make would be to add 3 more words:

I APPRECIATE YOU – We can say I love you and all the others listed, but the sign of true friendship AND love is to truly appreciate what someone else is giving freely and unconditionally. I APPRECIATE YOU is very seldom said anymore and yet it carries a lot of weight in esteeming others above ourselves.

I would also make a change in the description to the last 3 words:

I LOVE YOU is reserved for those special in our lives and yet, when our Heavenly Father sent Jesus to His mission that culminated in our redemption, He was saying I LOVE YOU to the WHOLE world! Can we do any less than to give love to those least expecting it from us?!

Posted in Food For Thought | Tagged 3 Words, Choices, Communication, Communion, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Food For Thought, God's Love, Grace, Hope, Inspiration, Joy, Love, Ministry, Relationship, Service, Spiritual Intimacy, Spirituality, Strength, Truth | 8 Comments

Soldiering in the Spirit Part II

Posted on June 4, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

I first have to apologize for the length of this and yet, I felt the importance of this last part should not be broken up. I truly do feel that this is from the Holy Spirit and He wants us all to consider and pray about what is here. God Bless you all so much — Pastor Roland

Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

We have already established that our fight as Christian Soldiers or Warriors is not against our neighbors, who are, like ourselves, flesh and blood, who, like us, cope with the same trials and temptations, the same choices to make as everybody else. When it comes to sin, because “the god of this world has blinded mankind,” and OUR eyes have been opened by the Spirit of God, we have to truthfully look at the Bible and analyze the examples left by Jesus, and the writings that were inspired by His Spirit to help US in our walk.

This leads me to ask you this; who is the Bible really referring too in reference to sin? Who is the Bible truly targeting, when it comes to teaching about sin? When the Apostles are writing their letters and epistles, who is it that they are addressing, UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

What I am getting at and what I am going to put before you has been that which the Holy Spirit has been revealing to me through the last couple months of alone-time with Him. It IS going to cause you to question and as it did me when it was “opened” to my eyes and it is going to cause some controversy in the church world!

1 Corinthians 2:12-14, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Do you get what the Apostle is saying that I’ve highlighted in bold? The normal man, your neighbor, who has not had the experience of being reborn into the spiritual realm cannot comprehend, totally if at all, what we try and tell them is necessary for entrance into the Kingdom that our Heavenly Father has prepared for ALL His creation! Your words, your explanations are gibberish to that person (unless of course the Holy Spirit reveals to them) but our action of love, our service (ministry) to those around us, is NOT to condemn them, but to LOVE them. To do what it takes to demonstrate that love that is born in us of Christ’s Spirit, by kindness first, by patience (longsuffering) and any of what the Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians is a Fruit of the Spirit! (See Galatians 5:22).

Also, to my point, when you read Galatians 5, consider who the writer is speaking too when he talks about the deeds of the flesh. He is not talking to a group of non-believers; he is writing to a group who are supposed to have been freed from the bonds of sin and flesh already. When you go back and especially analyze the writings of the Apostle Paul, the times that he dwells on sinfulness, is in relation to keeping the church pure and without reproach in front of the world.

The church, the true church of Christendom is supposed to be without spot or blemish and there is a reason for this. We are to be an example to the world that through the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit, walking with one another in Godly Love, we can arise above the sinfulness of the flesh. Yes, we ARE forgiven, but we still “have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling!” — Philippians 2:12.

I challenge you to see that what I tell you is true. Dig back into your Bible, it doesn’t matter what version you rely on, see that who the writers are talking too, are those in the church. We KNOW what sin is because we recognize our freedom FROM it! Mankind as a whole does not have this perspective!

So, proof again, we are not warring against flesh and blood. But then, I know you’re asking, how DO we war in the spirit against those enemies IN the spiritual realm? You already know the answer or at least part of the answer, but I think you are also going to be surprised with the fullness of it.

First, I want to share a concept with you; for as long as any of us know, through study, through hearing preachers and teachers, we have always looked upon our spiritual battles as offensive. Take up the “Sword of Christ” and attack!! That is exactly what the Jewish people were looking for when Jesus came the first time. They wanted a warrior Savior and He gave them a “lamb of sacrifice.” This is one of the main reasons that the Jewish people as a whole, only recognize Jesus as a great prophet and not the Messiah!

Well, I’m sad to say that because of human nature, history is repeating itself, but now with the very redeemed who recognize Christ Jesus as our Messiah, Redeemer! It’s not the truth!! I know what you’re thinking and I’m sad to say it is. Look at the facts; Jesus came, knowing full well that He would be an affront to the people who were expecting Him to be a fighter. That was OUR opportunity as Gentiles to be grafted into the branch of Abraham. It was all in God’s plan.

So, Jesus came in the truth of love for God and others, rather than to attack those that were the oppressors. Today, the organized religious churches who claim Jesus as their leader, are looking at the world system of oppression with blatant sin and what are we doing? We are going on the offensive against those that do not know or understand what true, REAL love is and we are attacking those in the flesh!! It’s like I said in Part I, we are actually accomplishing the devil’s work while he sits back with a big smirk on his face; and we are ALL guilty of it, myself included!

But, Jesus is coming back and when He does it WILL be for war and that is the place that His true followers will take behind His lead! But that is when He does come back. Don’t you wonder why He spent so much intimate time with His disciples and followers before? Don’t you wonder why He confronted those that wanted to react with force as, the Apostle Peter did when He adamantly told Jesus that He wouldn’t die or when the very same Apostle attacked one of the Romans with the sword? What did Jesus tell him in the latter? “If you live by the sword, you will die by the sword.” Jesus was telling Peter and not just Peter, because the disciples were ALL gathered around Him in the garden; He was telling them that He came to show love at this time and they were to do the same and THAT was how the church would grow!

Is it any wonder that the early church was recognized because of its love for all? Not just the faithful, but any who needed a touch of love from the Spirit of Christ!! Where did we stray? When did we, still in that dispensation of demonstrating Godly Love, decide that it was now time to take up the sword? And, to take it up against the flesh and blood creation of our neighbors who are also loved greatly by God Almighty!

I remember the year-long wooing that my now brother-in-law spent in high school answering all my questions about God, when I was telling him what the Catholic Church was teaching. (I have no animosity against the Catholic Church as the Holy Spirit had something else for me). It was not because he condemned me as a sinner and bound for hell, that I gave my life in surrender to the will of Jesus Christ, but rather it was because of the hope that he made so pleasing and real for those that do accept that Jesus died so we might experience Heaven with Him. My brother-in-law, Ron, demonstrated love and patience and I was blessed because of it for it opened up where my real home lies!

We don’t go out into the world and preach the Kingdom of God is at hand with a club in our hands; but rather, we go out into the world with Godly Love in our hearts AND by actions! It is the church that is cautioned against sins in the flesh since we have been freed from their mastery. What the Bible is telling us is that if we fall into those categories of the flesh that we have been freed from then it is because that is what we CHOOSE to do!! Think about this; when we choose our will and desires over the will of the Lord whom we have surrendered too, what does it say to the world? I’ll tell you; they say, “you’re no different than we are so why should we listen to you?!”

Pray So then, how do we “fight,” “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places?” As I stated earlier, I believe the answer might be a surprise to many. First we know we have to act in love to others and as stated in Part I, we have to follow Jesus’ commands in Matthew 5:43-48. Prayer is our greatest spiritual tool and our greatest weapon. It is the one way in which we can always commune with our Lord and hear what He is willing to tell us. It is the essence of an intimate relationship that He desires from each of us. Prayer has become such a “religious” term that we often forget that our Heavenly Father is aware of our thoughts before we speak them, therefore, prayer is not always verbal for we can be conscious of the Lord’s presence with us at all times. Remember, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24b.

Remember, I was speaking about not being on the offensive? How do you fight spiritually and not be on the offensive? First, remember who I mentioned that the Apostles are writing too; then read 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

“Be sober, be vigilant, resist the enemy, staying steadfast in the faith.” Be aware of what is happening around you, not just in the world, but in the spiritual realm. You have to recognize where attacks come from to be able to resist! You have been awakened to a new existence that has expanded your sphere of influence. Don’t be lazy and just continue as if life hasn’t changed. Remember, the Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17.

I want to reiterate the opening Scripture again, but since there has been so much teaching on it, and teaching that tells us to be offensive, I want to highlight a few things. Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

As I stated, there has been so much teaching on the “armor of God” and what each piece of armor represents. I don’t need to go into that again, EXCEPT for a couple of things. But first, notice what I highlighted in the above verses, “be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might.” We cannot even begin to consider warfare spiritually without the Lord who we first depend on HIS power and second to be empowered by His Spirit. We gain power from Him but we gain power to be STRONG through His might.

Second, we “put on the whole armor of God” not part and this means since we are dealing with spiritual analogies, we have to know what the pieces of armor represent in the spiritual. As I stated, I’m not going to dwell on all that has been taught so many times before, but the point is that you can’t enter into spiritual warfare unless you are also spiritually fit! Now to the real point of this second clue; why do you make sure you are armored spiritually? “That you may be able to STAND AGAINST the wiles of the devil.” Yep, I highlighted to stand against for a reason. The devil is sneaky, cunning and wily. He loves mind games and he’s good at it. Look at what he did in the garden of Eden with Eve and then with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. You think you know your Scriptures? You better know the Spirit behind the words because he’s an expert at twisting the meaning of the words. That is the very reason why the Apostle Paul states that the “letter kills but the Spirit gives life.” – 2 Corinthians 3:6b. The Spirit of the Word is alive and instructive! You can do all the word studies you want, but unless you apply them in the context of the whole Scripture, you can be deceived. The sad truth is that many in the church-world today are because we have relied on others to tell us what to believe.

That we may stand against the cunning of the enemy! Who’s the enemy? Not the flesh and blood creation, for we are the creation that the Heavenly Father loves. But our enemies are the spiritual wickedness that surrounds us in the “heavenlies.” That is why the fight is in the spiritual and as we have so far learned, we are to be, sober, vigilant, steadfast in faith, and to resist the enemy and to be able to stand against its cunning. So far, I’ve only been able to dig up defensive maneuvers for our spiritual fight.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” This is a great example of preparation for the fight. We have to recognize there is a fight, a battle. We have to fight with a plan, not just swinging or swatting the air hoping something will land on the enemy. We discipline our flesh, our bodies, so that when we DO fight in the spirit, the body will not make our fight inconsequential. So, part of our warfare is as stated above concerning our armor. We have to have knowledge, not just of the enemy, but what our spiritual (not fleshly) capabilities are.

Along with this we have to understand the Apostle’s other teaching as well, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

I mentioned the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and the cunning tricks of the enemy with the Scriptures. Paul is telling us exactly how we should fight and again, it is not against the flesh. Our weapons are mighty in God! Our weapons to fight the fight have to come from Him first and foremost, otherwise we might as well be as cavemen using sticks for spears against a ferocious beast of which the Apostle Peter stated the enemy is! Our weapons are spiritual in that it is the Spirit of the Word that can “cast down arguments (against God and His children) and even the high (spiritual) things that exalt themselves against the KNOWLEDGE of God. Not against God Himself because there is no power that can exalt itself against God, Almighty. Remember, I said it before, “the god of this world has blinded men,” and “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14.

This is speaking directly to those that “exalt themselves against the KNOWLEDGE of God.” This is what keeps mankind blind and our warfare against this is found IN the MIGHT OF GOD, himself. Every step of the way, our warfare is spiritual with spiritual weaponry, NOT with pickets and protests, and cursing those that live a life that we ourselves were trapped in before the Spirit renewed our mind and spirit.

Now before I go any further I am going to share one aspect of the armor of God and since I have laid a foundation before you concerning our spiritual fight, I want you to consider what I am going to share next. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:17-18, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—. “

In the light of all that I have laid out before you, I want to talk to you about the ONLY weapon that others have said gives us the “right” to be on the offensive. I want to speak of the sword of the Spirit, or in other words, the Word of God. In the natural, the sword IS an offensive as well as a defensive weapon. But we are talking about in the spiritual. All of the armor to this point is for our protection against the cunning tricks of the enemy. It allows us to stand side to side and back to back with our brothers and sisters in Christ so that the Church can remain strong and upright (to stand!).

The sword, of the whole armor is the only weapon and since it is NOT to be used to tear apart flesh and blood, we can “presume” that it is for spiritual fighting. It is used to fight against the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and against spiritual hosts of wickedness, against spiritual strongholds and against the wiles of the devil! Where is it to be used? On or in the earth? This world? No; the writers of the Living Word tell us we are to take the fight to the “heavenly places of wickedness!”

Two Edged Sword Do you need more proof of this sword’s spiritual significance? The writer of Hebrews says this, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12. He is speaking of the spiritual and not, flesh and blood. This sword is the Word of God to be used to protect yourself, your brothers and sisters AND to fight in the heavenly places of wickedness to protect those who don’t yet have the Light!!

That is where our battlefield lays and for way too long, we have been told and taught that it is at the sites of places where sin in the flesh abounds. As I have laid out, that is the very place we are to demonstrate Christ-like, Godly, Unconditional Love!! We are to pray for those that are trapped in the lives that we have been given a reprieve from, not curse them and cast them aside. They are God’s creation. Our Heavenly Father who loves us above all else and rescued us, loves ALL sinners the same and “desires that NONE should perish.” We as fellow creations should be fighting FOR their salvation where the real battlefield is and NOT fighting against them whom the Father still loves!!

This is where organized religion and the true church truly differ. The one rules by the flesh and the other is governed by the Spirit of Christ! Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” We need to stop listening to man and do what the Apostle Paul instructed those he taught in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

Jesus shared His love with everyone, sinners and followers alike. The only reason He spoke harshly to some, were they were the ones that were supposed to know better because they had the truth in the Word. When He spoke to Peter and the Sons of Thunder and other disciples what seemed to be a bit harsh, it was because they had the Living Word walking with them and they should have known better.

So what am I say as far as being a soldier in the Spirit? Who is a soldier called to protect? What is a soldier’s mission? Is it not to fight for what is right and against that which is false? Is it not to protect the innocent and defend the rights of the country or Kingdom for which he has been called to defend?

Why not follow the example of Jesus Christ in Spirit, by loving ALL sinners, for we were ALL there at one time and save the preaching of sin for those who are supposed to know better, the people who have been freed from the bonds of slavery and yet still make choices that are counter-productive to a free and blessed life? Look at the Scriptures, it is there in black and white and in SPIRIT. Think for yourselves as the Holy Spirit leads you. Our battle is to protect those that don’t know the truth so that they might realize the truth. If we turn them away, who’s the one responsible for THEIR souls?

We have all been called to be warriors or soldiers in the Spirit whether we necessarily like it or not. It’s part of “working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.” Let’s make sure we are taking the battle to the RIGHT battlefield!! Let me use the Scriptures to make this point even more valid, as found in the latter part of Ephesians 6 and verse 18, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—. “ Can it be any clearer where our fight should be as Christians? When Jesus comes back is He going to be able to say, “Well done though good and faithful servant,” or will He ask us why we destroyed the hopes of so many that He died on the cross for, because we fought them instead of the real enemy?

The world we live in today does not make it easy when sin is so blatantly in your face. But think of it this way; we were also blind once and we might have known what right and wrong was, but just knowing it didn’t pave the way for our redemption. The world today is where it is, because for too long, we have not spent the time to learn intimately from the Living Word, but have allowed others to tell us what we should know. We have not cross-checked their teachings as the Bereans did with the Apostle Paul’s teachings and so today, the spiritual wickedness that is over this world is much more rampant. Well, the church of our Lord is finally waking up and it is time to take the battle where the real fight is before it is too late for so many who need to know the truth. Let’s get back to wooing those in the dark, with the true Light of Love!!!

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Soldiering in the Spirit Part I

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

Those of you who know or have known me for a while know that I love the Epistle of 1 John and most especially chapter four. My whole ministry for the most part, ever since I was much younger has been based on his writings about our Love relationship with God our Father. Combined with what Jesus stated with authority are the two greatest commandments, these have been the foundation of the work and service I have tried accomplish in my calling from the Lord.

I haven’t always been successful, after all, I’m a man! (Meaning still flawed!) But, I am a forgiven man and a man who recognizes from where my redemption lies and though it has taken a willingness to surrender my will to His Greater Will, it has taken practice, and more practice, of faith.

The Apostle stated it best in Romans 7:18-25, 8:1-2, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God–through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

But still, within me is the desire to love all of Almighty God’s creation with a Godly love, impossible in the flesh, but fully possible in the Spirit. EXCEPT, the spirit of man can cause the flesh of man to act and true love, real loving of others is revealed not in the spirit of man at the seat of emotion, but in the flesh of man in his actions. You have seen me teach along these lines so many times before. God loved mankind through His actions on our behalf. Jesus was the most perfect example of that!

So with Godly love being the main foundation of my ministry I have not given a lot of time to the teaching of spiritual warfare in the offensive. From time to time I hear or read of others who seem to teach spiritual warfare as a way of life. I have given it much thought as of late and mainly because of the way that the world “system” seems to be going; which of course has been prophesied from the beginning.

The thing with a lot of teachings on spiritual warfare, though it starts out attempting to be spiritual, it always seems to descend to the flesh for how can we war in the spirit when we ARE flesh? Usually those that become the brunt of our spiritual battle plans are flesh themselves and they rarely if ever experience the Godly love that Christ Jesus commands to be shown to our “neighbors.”

If you have been serving the Lord for any length of time, you all know these familiar Scriptures;
Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,” is the major key. A lot of teachers rely on the first part about a Christian’s armor. I am not saying it isn’t important, for it is and we will get into that, but you have to know who or what your enemy is before you can even begin to fight.
But you might be saying, “I know what it is, it’s easy, it’s SIN!”

Well, yes, but remember, if we are Christians, we have been baptized in the Blood of Christ Jesus and have died to self with Him. We are dead to sin. So then, even though temptations are ever present, sin is not the real enemy. If we sin, it is because despite our freedom from it, we choose to act on the temptation. But, we still have a Living Advocate who stands before the Father on our behalf.

You see, when we attack sin, we are attacking the person who is sinning, whether it be ourselves with guilt (a tool of the enemy) rather than remorse or another who may have either fallen into temptation or one who has not been “baptized in Jesus’ death and resurrection.” We don’t mean to attack the person, but as a common theme is often stated to justify attacks, you can’t get away from it; “you hate the sin, but love the sinner!” We have all heard it time and time again. But how do you “attack” the sin without wounding the Creator’s creation? Believe me when I tell you that I have asked the Lord this question over and over and over again. I have heard many who are much smarter than I who have exhorted this theme. Yet I have still witnessed hurt and even more importantly the lost attention of the one being “witnessed” too!

Yet, true again, we have to acknowledge sin as the cause of our initial fallen nature and we have to acknowledge that God, our Heavenly Father in truth hates sin. But we have the Bible and we have so many examples of how Jesus taught on sin from the Biblical accounts that there should be no problem. Jesus dealt with the hopes of Heaven and what it takes to get there and it all starts with relationship. Even when He invited sinners to dine with Him, He didn’t condemn them of their sin first, tell them to stop sinning, repent and then we’ll eat!!

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.” Jesus demonstrated, by example, His love for others by His actions. He let His presence, His demeanor and love for the lives of others do the talking. When He did address sin, He addressed it in a group situation rather than point it out in individuals so that individuals could look inward and search their own hearts. Jesus used Godly wisdom when speaking and yet His teaching was always upbeat and positive. Even when He had to be firm and authoritative, He always used the formula, “speak the truth, let the individual reflect, end with hope!”

The very same thing, what I call the formula can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

This example is the Lord speaking to Solomon; the same God who speaks through the writer of Hebrews and says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8. When in John 14:9-10, “Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.”

There are so many examples in the Gospel accounts of how Jesus dealt with the subject of sin. If His examples aren’t enough, we also have the writers of the Epistles, the Apostle Paul foremost among them who wrote, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.”

We have examples given by Paul of how to deal with sin in the church. Like Christ Jesus, one of the Apostle’s greatest examples of dealing with sin is found in the Second letter to the Corinthians. You may have to deal with one who sins, who knows better, but then you bring them back into the fold in love lest they be lost completely. Paul also, for the most part in his letters, speaks of sin to ALL the congregation. Except in just a couple of instances as I indicated concerning 2 Corinthians, does he point out an individual, but it is an example of the ultimate LOVE on an eternal scale! Paul cared deeply for a person’s eternal well-being even if it means them suffering chastisement or admonishment for but a moment. It’s a matter of the heart and not the Law.

onward-christian-soldiers So, if not flesh and blood, and yet we have been called to stand, resist and fight, then what or who? The Apostle says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12.

We fight in spiritual places against spiritual forces! You might be asking why this is so important. Think about this; when we accepted the new life in Christ Jesus, it opened up a “doorway” which had been closed due to sin and the corruption sin did in our flesh. We were “barred” from the spiritual realm of which we were actually born from. We were created by God, our Father, Who is Spirit and He breathed into us part of that Spirit and we became a living creation. (Genesis 2). This is one of the reasons why mankind has such a yearning for something just beyond their reach. It is an indication that the spirit of man, given life by the Spirit of God is trying to get back to that relationship. Just as original sin has been inherited, so also, is a yearning for a relationship with our Creator! The problem with most is that those, “whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” – 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Once we were no longer bound by the chains of sin and the flesh, our real home, not in the natural but in the spiritual calls to us. We have become citizens of a new Kingdom, but one not made with human hands. Paul stated it this way a few verses later in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Our new home is in the eternal. If we truly follow the two Greatest Commandments found Matthew 22:37-40, as stated by Jesus, our love for God, our Heavenly Father AND for our neighbors (those we come in contact with) then demands that we do what we can to let them also know of the eternal hope that awaits all who are willing to opened eyes blinded by the god of this world! You do NOT accomplish that by first condemning people and then trying to “woo” them to the Lord!!

This is one of the reasons why I have been upset for so long when churches and other “religious” organizations decide to picket and protest those that engage in activities that we either know for sure or believe is sin. All you end up doing is the devil’s work for him and instead of gaining a relationship with those that NEED the truth, you ostracize them and turn them completely against ever wanting to listen to anything you have to say.

I am not saying that we are to condone sin. God Almighty as I’ve stated HATES sin; but, that is why He sent His Son into the world. You don’t see people protesting other places that people congregate because some people lie, do you? Why not instead do as the Bible says we are to do in Matthew 5:43-48, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.“

Because it tends to be pride and ego that drives man to want to PUSH his righteousness on others. It is the curse of the Law, coming from those who claim to be walking in Grace! It is because we are hoping for our “kingdom” to be here, cursed in the natural, then where our Heavenly Father says our real Home lies. We are wanting life to be easy and carefree. All men want that, but we have been loosed from the chains that bound us and we so willingly want to put them back on! Our HOME IS NOT HERE! We are only pilgrims here; just traveling through.

What we are supposed to be doing is trying, by actionable love, to help others to see past the blindness that the “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” has placed over the eyes of mankind. Love, real love, not the syrupy, sickening sweet, emotional lie that is thought to be love, but true Agape, unconditional love is the greatest spiritual tool and weapon that transcends the natural and still operates in the spiritual! The thing is, it is not always easy, it is not always pleasant and though we are commanded to love, it is not within our power to dictate the outcome! Our service to others is to be obedient to the Lord and His Spirit and then it is up to the Spirit to get results; just remember, the Holy Spirit is a gentleman and He will never go against a person’s freedom to choose. That is REAL love!

That is where the real battle comes; can we be obedient to the Spirit of the Lord, despite the natural difficulties and never knowing the ultimate outcome? Love of God above all else has to say, “I will be obedient.” The Love of our neighbors demands that we at least be obedient to the Spirit of God and leave the outcome of us acting with love, to Him.

END OF PART I

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The Church – My Church; Part III

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

John 14:10-27, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.”

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.”

“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Have you ever looked at the verses I repeated above and wondered to yourself, “why can’t I see these things taking place?” Have you ever wondered why it seems that the church that we have come to know today, seems to be without any spiritual power that was promised to us? I have thought of these things a lot over the last few decades and more so, much more so recently. I have questioned the Lord and I look for answers but it seems that what I get in return is the Lord questioning me back.

I have come to the conclusion since the Lord keeps asking me questions back, that it isn’t the Holy Spirit who has “let the ball drop,” so to speak, but rather, those of us who say and proclaim that we love Him. Noticed that I included myself by saying “we.”

opinion vs truth You see, the Word of God is not just some historical manual as you who read this well know. It is a Book, a Living Book about relationship. The relationship between Father and Son and His sons and daughters! It is about the establishment AND relationship with the CHURCH He created and is continually creating!

I know there are a lot of denominations whose teachings are such that Jesus Christ and then the promised Holy Spirit accomplished those works to establish the early church and once established, “left us to our own devices,” more or less. That goes against everything the Bible teaches us in relationship to Christ Jesus and our relationship to the Father THROUGH Christ! It makes the actual words that Jesus spoke to the disciples, just before His death a lie! If that teaching were the case and true, then there would be no reason to continue on with the Apostle’s teachings either.

You see, it comes down to this; we either believe the WHOLE Bible as the inspired Word of God, or we believe none of it. You see, truth is all we have. We believe it to be completely, unequivocally the WHOLE authority on God, our Heavenly Father and His relationship with us or we believe none of it. There is no such a thing as a partial truth. It is like saying that it’s only a partial lie! Well even a partial lie is a whole lie and a partial truth might as well be a whole lie!!

There are two churches in the world today and I am not talking about denominations though denominations are a part of both churches. First, there is no denomination that is perfect. A good pastor friend of mine once told me that if there were any perfect denominations, as soon as any one person stepped in the door, it wouldn’t be perfect anymore! Man is flawed, he is corrupt, he is arrogant and prideful and without the Spirit of God to lead Him, he can only twist and deform what God intended!

The Apostle Paul made that clear when he stated in Romans 12:16a, “Be of the same mind toward one another.” Then again when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

When many of the Godly men of yesteryear put forth their teachings, it wasn’t with the intent of starting new denominations, but rather of furthering the truth of the Gospel to all men (many people were not exposed to the truth intentionally) for in reality the truth DOES set men free. I think many if alive today would be unpleasantly surprised to see what was done with their teachings.

Today, one church the man-made church that espouses religion is a grotesque caricature of what our Heavenly Father meant it to be. It is deformed with none of its members where they should be thus unable to meet the needs in service to others, but rather due to pride and ego is more concerned with just how big they can get and how much treasure they can amass! After all, they are the King’s Kids and their Father owns the cattle on a hundred hills and all the gold and silver under them!

This church calls to it people of like-mindedness. Why, you may ask? Because any worldly organization soon becomes a reflection of its leadership. You can find this in the business world, with both big and small businesses and you can find it in the churches that are scattered throughout the land, both big and small!

If you have leadership that exemplifies Christ’s teachings as written in the Holy Book and taught through the first disciples, you will experience a church that is interested in teaching others to do the work of the Lord in service to others so that others might grow and be edified or uplifted. These types of teachers are not afraid that someone might rise from the ranks of their teaching to go on to be used of the Holy Spirit in ways that may over-shadow themselves, their hearts are toward the Lord and to His children who need to be witness to the truth.

Sadly, there are leaders and more leading everyday who are concerned about their legacy and how growth and leadership make them look. Don’t doubt that this is true for in my years of learning, growing and serving I have had a couple, yes only a couple of leaders that I could honestly look back on and recognize the love they shared with me through their leadership and their hearts were more concerned for my growth than how many people they could count each Sunday Service.

You see, the principle that Christ taught is to teach a few and send them out and when each one of them teaches a few, the church will exponentially grow into what the Holy Spirit does concerning the giving of individual ministry and spiritual gifts. This is the concept behind the second church. The second church is created and “activated” by those members listening to the Head, which is Christ Jesus and His Holy Spirit!

This is why relationship with Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, through the Son, Christ Jesus, our Redeemer and empowered by His Holy Spirit that He Himself promised to leave with all of us, is so important.

There are so many today who claim to know the Lord simply by believing and accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and proclaiming their belief as if it’s like some magic incantation that mysteriously changes you from a sinner to a saint (or believer). Yes, it is true that the Apostle wrote in Romans 10:8-9, “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” But there’s more to this Scripture than just repeating words, AND you can’t base your WHOLE WALK on this for Paul also wrote in Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

I am however NOT saying that those who baptize themselves in the Blood of Jesus Christ that was spilled for us, as well as dying to themselves with Christ are not saved, I am only saying that is where the relationship with our Heavenly Father THROUGH Christ Jesus begins! As the Apostle is stating, you are saved for the will of the Heavenly Father and FOR His good pleasure; in other words, you are saved, redeemed to be a vessel of service for God Almighty!

Those who belong to the man-made church believe that all their good works, whether in the Name of Christ or not, is the showing of their faith. As James states, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” — James 2:14-24. (Paragraphs added by me for emphasis.)

Works are important, but the reverse can also be stated with James teaching, if “faith without works is dead,” then it stands to reason that works without faith also means nothing! It all comes back to relationship with our Lord and doing His will, NOT what we think is His will! James drives home the importance of relationship in verse 19, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble!” The demons believe in God, but that does not make them saved or redeemed for they have turned their backs on a loving relationship with God, Almighty!

I have used the next Scripture before to emphasize the importance of relationship and I have to bring it forth here again to stress the magnitude of having a relationship with Christ Jesus and especially to the point of serving according to HIS will.

From Matthew chapter 7, one of the most misunderstood chapters concerning judging, Jesus tells us this, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” – Matthew 7:21-27.

Jesus didn’t cast them away because they weren’t doing good, but rather they were using His Name to accomplish what they wanted too without having the authority based on an intimately personal relationship with the One whose Name they were using!! These are those who are members of the man-made church.

You might be asking why I am teaching on subjects that I have definitely taught on before and it would be a good question. As I have been trying to cope with my chronic pain the last couple of months, trying to do research into natural things that might help give some modicum of relief and finding through my research that a lot of the major problems I suffered along with the pain, such as severe insomnia as well as other things, I found I was suffering in actuality due to the medications that were supposed to be helping with the problem! This in turn led me into checking on things (believe it or not) that is happening right now within the earth itself.

I was born and raised in Washington State and of course we get a lot of family updates and such and some of these are curious. All along the lower Alaskan coast, on to the Pacific Northwest past Oregon and into California and even the Baja area, the seismic activity is increasing almost exponentially. Mount Saint Helens which my wife and I lived through when it initially blew is active again and so is Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and even more. Mount Shasta has also been recording seismic activity. Much of this is cyclical reoccurring over many centuries, but usually individually and not grouped like it is.

Australia and New Zealand and upward toward the eastern coastline of India is also experiencing major seismic activity as is Sri Lanka and many other countries northward. I am not being an alarmist by any means, just observing and reading my Bible. The signs of upheaval in the earth is becoming more noticeable with tectonic plate movements, but the greatest signs of impending problems are the world conditions of mankind in general.

I believe with my whole heart that many of the signs predicted in the Bible for the end time and especially as it applies to the “man-made” church and the Church of Christ Jesus known as His Bride! I believe I am not the only one who feels the time is getting extremely short and yet it is evident the man-made church is asleep.

I do not, nor should any of you, trust in the world’s organizations to make things better for you. Our trust and our hope is and always has been in the Lord. It does not matter what takes place around us for the Lord has promised that nothing can pluck those that are truly His from His hands!

proverbs-19-21 But, if we belong to the Bride of Christ, the true church, we must steel ourselves for service and we must trust that the Holy Spirit will make it known to us who have a relationship with Christ Jesus and our Heavenly Father through Him, what it is that His WILL is and proceed to do in FAITH that He will equip us to accomplish the tasks He sets before us.

There will be a lot who question and want to have proof, but as the Apostles taught in word and example, inspired by our Guide and Counselor, the Holy Spirit, He will accomplish the works necessary to lend authority to His Word for those who are seriously searching and questioning.

The time is now for the church of Christ Jesus, the Lord’s created true church, to come alive!!

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The Church – My Church; Part II

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

After hearing the voice of the Lord speak the words of the Apostle Paul, all I can remember is my eyes closing for a second (or my mind going blank!) then realizing that I was back in the same starting point I was before.

But – I wasn’t. It seemed at first that I was, because the verdant forest, with the beautiful and brilliantly colored flowers were everywhere about me, just as before. The rising sun was behind, just as before. But, there was a difference. In the confusion I hadn’t noticed the difference but it was so obvious now as my mind cleared from the traces of the previous horror.

There all about me was the beauty, wonder and amazement from the initial “get-go.” But unlike my other “awakening” there was a brightness, a pureness as it were, where before was color and contrast, here before me was a brilliance of the hues and contrasts in the colors that I didn’t see before. It is hard to explain something that someone has never seen before.

It reminded me again of my trip to Mount Rainier I told you about earlier. As I was standing on a bridge spanning a ravine and looking downward away from the ravine towards civilization I knew was miles and miles away, the colors of the forest trees, the greens, subdued and in shadow, contrasting with one another lent an other-worldly beauty. It literally (as I stated) took my breath away. My brother-in-law, whom I was with at the time noticed my reaction and he stood by me for a moment as we looked on together. “Just remember, Roland, all this beauty is tainted by man’s sin! It’s not half what the Lord wanted for us!”

I will never, I have never forgotten that statement and that was said, decades ago! I have always loved the scenic things that our Heavenly Father has created for us. Most of my pictures taken over the years, if not of family and friends, are predominately scenery of all types. Maybe, just maybe, this is why I felt “planted” in this spot.

Again, though I was aware of a gently glide along what appeared to be the same path. The sun was NOT glaring, nor was it uncomfortable as before, but the light it shone on everything was so different. Everything was awash with brilliant colors, colors I could easily recognize and see the beauty in, but what I can only describe as “perfect.” Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t like what you might see in a picture where the brightness actually washes out the colors of the subject and all you see is the blurry glare of what you took a picture of. This brightness, this brilliance in no way washed out colors around me, it made them more vivid, sharp and true. Yet at the same time, nothing looked like a caricature of what it was meant to be. In all actuality, all I can say is that it was MORE beautiful.

While my eyes were noticing things, something else that was different was imprinted upon my thoughts. I wasn’t being followed by all the “beautiful” people. No, rather I was being followed by countless upon countless of people of all races, backgrounds and none of them, at least by their clothing or appearance was anything like the ones I had seen before. I can say that the one thing in common that these people had with the others, was a look of expectation and of hope. Many looked sorrowful, some actually pitiful. There were those that were sickly in appearance, while others were disabled or otherwise maimed. The word that comes to mind (and I mean no disrespect) was the “dregs” of life, of which I felt I fit right in.

Yet there was an air about them, which is the only way I can describe it. Like I stated, they seemed expectant but there seemed to be a strong air of hope. None of whom I was able to see clearly, was frowning or grimacing but rather, if not a chin to chin smile, there was a tinge of joy to their visage, despite what appeared as apparent hardships.

The other thing I noticed, looking forward again, was the path laid out straight before me and I could see many more multitudes of people on this path in front just as there were behind me. The thing I didn’t notice was converging paths from the sides, breaking the beauty of the trees and flowers as before. As far ahead as my eyes could see, I witnessed the un-breaking lushness of that most glorious forest.

Another thought that intrigued me was no glint or gleam of precious metals or jewels reflected by the sun as before, but rather, there was a brilliance of purest white radiance as I have never seen that seemed to form a dome far up ahead in the direction we were traveling. My curiosity was peaked and yet I was on my guard, ready to steel myself against what must surely be ahead of me!

It’s amazing what the unfettered human mind can and will think of when unrestrained. In my “vision” before, I was being followed by all these beautiful and presumably successful types of people and before me appeared as hideous a monstrosity as my mind can imagine or I can relate. I was then taken aback because of all the royal trappings and treasure that appeared to be all around this, “creature.” Yet here I was approaching an area in the same exact way surrounded by, not beautiful people, in the least, but rather those who in appearances seemed to be the down and out and unlucky of the world! I can only imagine what even more horrors must be awaiting the destination to which I was slowly gliding!!

If I could have slowed the glide of my platform even more, I most assuredly would, but alas I was only a spectator. There was something my Lord wanted me to see, for whatever reason, He alone knew.

As I approached closer and closer to the brilliance of what appeared to be a radiant dome (or halo?) I saw throngs upon throngs of people and unlike before, I was reminded of what our Lord Jesus Christ had said on the mountain when He stated, “the poor shall always be among you.”

The thing that struck me here though was that even though there were multitudes of people, instead of pushing and shoving to move forward, these people were actually – mingling with one another. Those with disabilities and ailments of a noticeable kind were given preference and allowed AND helped toward the front, which still appeared to me a long way off. As I watched this curious scene unfold a sound came to me then, quite clear, quite melodious and not what I had experienced before of what I described as a “din” of noise. This was singing and beautiful singing at that. As I listened closely, I also became aware of intermittent strumming of some stringed instrument, not like a guitar would make but rather like a harp or harpsicord might produce. Each note, was sharp, not piercing, but very pronounced and yet ever so harmonious with the other notes as well as with the singing.

If I could have imagined what an angel sang like, I guess I would have said it was angelic singing. It was incredibly and yet indescribably beautiful. Then I heard humming and softer singing joining in together making a beautiful chorus and I realized that all those around me where joining in if not with words, then with the humming that coalesced with main melody. As before when I heard the horns and drums, I tried to make out the song or the music, but here I realized was no hymn nor song of written lyrics; on the contrary here was praises and exaltations to God above as well as glory and hosannas to the King of Kings. In the song, you could sense the yearning and the longing for the Bridegroom, and yes, this made the very hairs on the back of my neck stand on end but for very different reasons than I experienced before.

The music came in waves it seemed and as each stanza or chorus or phrase of praise washed over me, I could sense the awe and mystery, the peace and joy that the Word of God says is without understanding and a deep calm settled my soul and spirit! Maybe, I thought this is Heaven, God’s Heaven our future home; yet, I knew deep down this wasn’t so.

It was then that I realized my little platform was moving forward straight through the middle of the mingling throng of people, people still praising in song, some with lifted hands, some with bowed heads. I was coming ever closer to what I could only describe as a brilliant white and radiant glow and then I got the first look at the banner way, way above the multitudes heads. It said in letters so big, you couldn’t miss what it stated, “Come, Let Me Serve You.”

“Come Let Me Serve You.” That was a far cry or twist on what the other banner had stated. I remember it still, “Come and Serve Me.” There were truly some astounding differences as I was beginning to recognize and yes, the initial fear that this would present itself even more hideous than the first “vision” had rapidly melted away in the wash of peace and joy that emanated from the beautiful singing of praise.

Then something else changed from the initial “vision” as well. I remember being so far back in that first one, that it was the only way I could make out any of the hideous detail in perspective. This time, there was no giant monstrosity and in fact all I could see was the multitude of people passing to and fro near the radiant dome that I had come to consider it to be.

My platform started to rise. At first it was disconcerting because it was really only big enough for me and the chair with which I rode to this destination. As I started to rise above the people though, I became more at ease as I was beginning to see the throngs of people surrounding what I considered to be a dome. I finally got my first good look and realized that no, it wasn’t a dome, but just more of that radiant, brilliant light that was not unlike the light from the sun that was giving such a clean and beautiful perspective on everything. But this light did not come from the morning sun, rather, this light was emanating from the most beautiful woman I could ever have imagined.

Now there is female (and male) beauty in the natural world and as the saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” but there could be no doubt in anyone’s mind that this was a beauty that could only be imagined by the very creative of imaginations. Again, I have to revert to something I stated earlier; how do you describe something you have never seen the likes of before?

This lady, and I mean lady in the most chivalrous sense, was perfect in form AND presence. She wore the whitest, brightest, purest gown I could ever imagine. But the radiance was emanating from her. Her skin was fair and appeared delicate, yet not fragile. As I watched trying to take in and evaluate what made her appear beautiful, I noticed that not only was she singing in such a clear and sweet tone of voice, but she was walking among those that had made their way towards the front where she was. She was going along and caressing furrowed brows, holding hand after hand, and more than once I saw her place a kiss upon the cheek of what some would call a lowly soul.

the-bride-of-christ1 As she moved back and forth among the people in the front, those that had been touched by her, move back and let others move forward. She continued her ministrations and I was witness to real miracles as some of the disabled and obvious those that were ill, regained either their abilities or their health and it was all instantaneous and all without fanfare. Rather, the songs of praise and exaltation increased in tenor the more that she moved among the people. There was no one too dirty, or too disheveled that she did not reach out a hand too or lean to give a kiss on the cheek or forehead.

This Lady appeared tireless yet every once in a while she would step back to a plain wooden harp and gently pluck a few strings as she sang of the glories of the King and of God His Father! Instantly you could see the crowd straighten and join in the chorus of praises and it was evident that peace would wash over those still waiting to be ministered too.

Then just as it looked as if she would return to minister to those new souls thronged around her she spoke. Oh what strength, oh what authority came from her lips. She spoke simply, she spoke firmly and with conviction. The throngs would cry out “Amen” and “Hallelujah” and “Praise be to God and to His Son our Lord and Redeemer.” It was a far cry from the cries and chants I heard before that monstrosity I witnessed. There was sincerity, love, and conviction in each praise put forth. This Lady, unlike the sweet, syrupy gibberish that flowed from the monster spoke TRUTH, with simplicity and conviction and that is where I realized the real authority derived from!

There were words of encouragement, words of comfort and kindness and at the same time, words of admonishment, yet given in a gentle and loving way, firmly yet with compassion. This Lady spoke living words to the throngs and multitudes, she spoke what I finally recognized as genuine LOVE. Not the honey-laced, what you want to hear speeches, but the loving, compassionate, what you NEEDED to hear words!

As she went back to individual ministry to each and every person their I was awakened to the beauty of each hand gesture, the way each finger touched the heart of the person being ministered too. I noticed each head tilt, each smile given just at the right moment in the right amount to just who needed that. Not every person was healed I noticed, yet every person was ministered too in exactly what they needed in exactly the way they needed. There was no one, not one that I could see who walked back with a look of disappointment on their faces. Rather, there were smiles of joy and wonderment on each and every one that received a word or a touch or a healing!

I noticed that she didn’t trod about from person to person, but was lithe, graceful and tender. She was in control of every movement, every activity and directed that activity to whomever needed it most. As I was watching and pondering, it was then that she looked directly at me! For just a moment I was taken aback, but her eyes, beautiful and captivating took me in and I recognized something I never would have without the look she directed my way. They say, “the eyes are the window of the soul,” and in this case, I knew what the Lord wanted me to see.

This Lady’s eyes were soft and beautiful, beguiling almost, but not in any lurid way. For that brief moment I saw compassion, kindness, gentleness and definitely Godly love. But that wasn’t all, there was also conviction, authority and determination. It was as if she knew what she was meant to do and she would do it no matter the cost to herself. This Lady embodied in every sense, Godly love.

It took only a moment yet I knew her for who she was and then just to take away any sense of fragility or lack of strength, she motioned those closest to her to sit and repose, to rest as it were, but before she made way for them, she cleared a path for the people for they were not in some glorious temple made with hands, they were still in a part of the forest, a garden spot that had been cleared for their presence. While the people waited, she cleared a path of rocks and stones, patted the ground to make it smooth and she did this with her bare hands. The hands that were gentle enough to pluck the strings of a harp or weave fine thread into tapestries, could also reach down into the earth and remove rocks and debris so that others might find comfort! She was not fragile in the least and she was not afraid to get her hands dirty! I was absolutely in awe and wonder.

The songs of praise rose again and while the people sat and sang or hummed, she moved amongst them with grace and poise and continued to minister to each and every one. She spread hope and encouragement to every person there and not one was left without. As I watched, from somewhere, she produced some simple food with bread. Just as Jesus did by the banks of the Galilee, she broke bread and blessed it and passed it out among those who were there.

It was then that I again heard that which I knew to be the voice of the Lord speak, whether to me alone or to all those gathered there I really can’t say, but again, He quoted the WORDS penned by man and yet inspired by His Holy Spirit:

1 Corinthians 12:12-31, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free–and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.”

“If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?”

“But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” (Paragraph breaks in 1 Corinthians 12 added by me for emphasis.)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

END OF PART II

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The Church – My Church; Part I

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Roland Ledoux

I have something to share with you that I feel the Lord has given to me to share. I would like to say that it was a vision, or a dream, though I definitely believe it was inspired; to some though you may think it was a nightmare! Nevertheless, I have spent a lot of time praying over this.

I have given a lot of time to prayer and meditation partly due to the condition I find the world heading into and the upheavals that are happening in the earth itself. All signs, that we as God’s children need to be alert and ready.

You may consider this a hallucination from the pain I have been through, or you can pray about it and ask the Lord if there is something in this for you. As always, our Heavenly Father gives YOU the choice.

I awoke, or arrived somewhere, not sure just where, was, but it was beautiful. I found myself surrounded by a forest of verdant trees, lush and bountiful. Flowers of all kinds and colors, surrounded the lower trunks of these magnificent trees. It was to me at the time, a beauty indescribable. I have experienced a beauty similar to that many, many years ago while visiting Mount Rainier National Park, and I told those with me at the time, it literally took my breath away. This was even greater!

I found myself on a small platform with a chair or seat of some kind. As I looked to the sides and front of me, I could see the forest was cut in two, by a wide path that stretched out in front of me for a distance I couldn’t gauge. The early morning sun was just rising behind me and it was neither hot nor uncomfortable, but it produced a brilliant ray of light towards what lay in front of me in the distance. It was then that I realized the platform I was on was slowly moving forward.

To this point I had not looked back and as the platform was gently gliding forward, I stole a look backwards behind me. To my amazement, I saw hundreds of well-dressed and very beautiful looking people. Fancy suits, dresses, polished shoes and even expensive watches and rings seemed to adorn their wrists and fingers. They didn’t seem to even know I was there but were looking almost expectantly towards the direction of our slow glide.

Of course, why would they even acknowledge me, as I was dressed in my usual blue-jeans and thin button-down shirt. I was nothing, if not commonplace! Turning back around I was watching towards the front again. In the distance, the far distance, I could see that the beauty of the forest was thinning and that many more paths such as I was on was converging from the sides towards the center.

While I was contemplating this it was then that I had my first glean of something glistening, gleaming in the rays of the morning sun, still shining from directly behind me. It was a brilliant, yellowish gold that glowed, shimmered and sparkled. I could also make out glints of blue and green as well as a prismatic wave of colors, all sparkling as the rays shimmered in reflection to the sun.

I was still traveling, gliding slowly forward, but I was beginning to see something in the distance start to appear and I had to strain my eyes to determine what it was I was seeing. Whatever it was, it was huge and the closer I got, the larger I could see that it was looming ever larger and bigger than the few sparse trees that was close to it. I could make out that the closer to this thing I got, the more paths or lanes there was and the less of the forest beauty remained. Even the beautiful flowers of amazing colors were disappearing.

I still had no idea how far from this new enigma was, but I could tell that it was enormous in size; actually very much beyond my comprehension to ascertain its size. But, the closer I did get, I could start to make out a crown, a crown of precious materials and jewels from which the brilliance of the suns reflection was streaming forward. I could also start to make out deep, lush colors of magenta and purple and what appeared to be gold threaded tapestry. The picture from this distance was one of great beauty and brilliance and it dawned on me that this must be someone or something of royalty!

I glided forth ever slowly, but I was beginning to make out more distinct features and I saw that this person or creature was actually sitting. At first I thought it was a throne, mainly because of all that appeared to be royal trappings that surrounded it. I soon realized that what it was sitting on was a type of wooden bench. Now, don’t get me wrong, this was no ordinary wooden bench, but rather a bench of some dark wood that looked as polished mahogany or walnut. The bench (or pew) itself had a brilliance that was amazing to behold as the polish was to such a degree that it also glinted in the sun’s rays.

I knew I was still some great distance away and yet I could make out what appeared at this creature’s feet (as yet I could determine if it was a person) as boxes and casks of treasure full of gold and silver and I could see even the gleam of even more jewels mixed within. His feet were surrounded by untold treasure and wealth, the likes of which most men could only dream and imagine! It was no wonder there was such a brilliance of reflection at such a great distance as when I first saw that glint of brilliance!

But, even though I still couldn’t make out any distinct features because of the royal coverings and the brilliance of the sunlight reflected all around, I still began to feel an unease as if something was not right; almost as if something was out of place. I was pondering this very thing, when my eyes were drawn to a banner above this creature’s head. I hadn’t noticed the banner before, but maybe it was because it blended so well with the background of the sky.

It had to have been enormous for I could make out the lettering and the words perfectly. “Come and Serve Me,” it stated. Also, as if almost on cue, I became aware of a sound. I would like to describe it as a “din” in the distance, but I could tell that there was rhythm and melody, but at this distance it still just kind of blended together. But, I was still gliding slowly forward. By this time, I had long past the beauty of the trees and flowers and all I saw was lane after lane of other platforms, all filled with the beautiful people I described beforehand. They were all merging to this one single track the closer we moved toward this creature or person. It seemed though that no matter how many platforms merged, I was always in front, for whatever reason.

Again I must tell you, there is no way I can describe the immense enormity of this creature as it towered so far above us and yet I was only just beginning to see detail, all the while the unease with which I had started to feel was increasing. Something was not right, something was askew, is the only way I can describe my inner feeling.

The music as I can definitely tell you now that it was, began to become so much clearer and you could hear the distinct quality of the trumpets and horns of various kinds. You could hear the beat of the drums lending the rhythm to the music. I became so engrossed in the music, trying to remember the song, that it took me a minute to realize that the gently glide forward had stopped.

Suddenly the memory came flooding back as the words came to me;

“Let the Church be the Church, let the people rejoice.
Oh, we’ve settled the question,
We’ve made our choice.
Let the anthems ring out, Songs of victory swell
For the Church triumphant is alive and well.” 1

I remembered it as a beautiful anthem of the Church’s victory over the world and over our inherent fallen condition. Yet, for some reason, that feeling of unease was beginning to flood over me, like a tidal rush of anxiousness and despair.

Just then, all those beautiful people behind me, let out a roar of seeming delight and the clapping and yelling started. I was startled and taken out of my thoughts of the music, I looked up and the creature that had been sitting, had arisen, with his arms in the air and then the music ceased.

I looked upon a sight that even now makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. As this creature, this person rose up from his pew, the royal robes fell from his shoulders to lay on the pew that he had arisen from and before us stood the most hideous creature (person) I had ever seen! I was aghast and sickened at the same time and yet all around me people were shouting and clapping and chanting “Hallelujah” and so forth. I was beside myself.

In front of me, (I’m still a distance back) was a person, if that can be said truthfully that was so grotesque and hideous as to defy description. The crown of gold embedded with the beautiful gems and stones still adorned its head, but what a head.

Its head was misshapen and huge, too big and too out of proportion for its body. Its eyes were not symmetrical upon its face but rather one eye was more to the right of its face and looking to the right as well as up and down and the left eye was almost touching the nose, which in fact was closer to the hairline at the forehead than where the nose should be; and the nose itself looked like some hooked claw that didn’t even belong on its face!

The mouth was abnormally large, the upper lip, more plump as if someone had punched it in the face and had given it a swollen lip and the lower lip curled in almost a snakelike manner from left to right that caused the mouth to look like it was in a perpetual grimace! But the teeth are what caught my eyes even more so than the lips or the mouth as a whole. For each of the teeth looked like they were either gold or silver tombstones, but brilliant in reflection except – each tooth had what looked to be commandments written upon each one. The upper teeth had what I assumed where the first five commandments given to the Prophet Moses, and the lower teeth had the second set of five. To me it was a gross abomination of Law that the Lord had given to His children Israel.

false-teachings I was so taken aback by the appearance that it took me a minute to realize this “thing” had started to speak! What I heard came forth like honey or syrup. Thickly, sugary sweet and the people that were gathered again set up a cheer and you could hear, “Hallelujahs” and “Amens” ring out as far back behind me as the people were congregated! I felt a buzzing in my ears, or a tickling as it were and it brought to mind what the Holy Book says in 2Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

As I continued to ponder this, I continued to observe this monstrosity. Its arms were not equal for on the right side, his one arm reached down almost to its knees and the hands were small with fingers (or digits) that were not proportional to the hand or to one another. On the left side, the left arm didn’t even look like it had an elbow for it stood straight with no bend. The arm itself didn’t appear to have any musculature to speak of and the left hand, though more proportioned to the arm, had fingers that seemed to go in every direction, but the proper one. The left-hand thumb didn’t even look like it could touch the other fingers to grasp or to serve its purpose!

The same could almost be said for the legs. One side, the leg looked muscular and fit, but the foot looked way too small to hold up the body and the toes looked more like claws digging into the floor than actual toes. The other leg, just like the arm looked almost atrophied and yet the foot had to have been twice as big as the foot on the other side!! It was obvious this creature/person was supporting its weight on this leg, but only because of the width and length of the foot! Nothing seemed to be capable of what it was meant to do and yet, around these very same monstrous feet, lay worldly treasure unlike anything that anybody could imagine!

One other thing I noticed and I am a bit hesitant to mention it, and yet I know when the Holy Spirit is prodding and convicting (convincing) me to be obedient; this creature’s backside was enormous! The gluteus maximus muscle is located in the buttocks and is regarded as one of the strongest muscles in the human body as it is used to help in locomotion of the legs as well as flexibility for rising and sitting etc. This creature didn’t look like it had anything but fat in place of muscle and the thought came to me that about the ONLY thing its backside was good for, was making the pew it sat in, more comfortable!

I want to tell you that I was in no way humored by anything that I had seen and even while I was considering what it was the Lord was trying to show me, I was aware that all those around me, all the wealthy and beautiful and I presumed successful people, those who thought well of themselves and their “obligations” were streaming forward leaving even more worldly treasure at the feet of this, thing!

While watching this unfold I then heard a thundering, authoritative yet very audible voice speaks WORDS that were written by the hand of man, yet inspired by the Holy Spirit:

1 Corinthians 1:10-13, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

Romans 12:1-18, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Paragraph breaks in Romans added by me for emphasis.)

END OF PART I

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FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Giving Thanks in ALL Things

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS CONTINUE TO ENRICH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR LIVES!!

Doppelgänger

My Prayer for YOU Today!

The Word of God, Eternal Life & The Eye of the Needle

Just the Right Amount of Sting

Whence Comes Division?

WHAT A PROMISE TO THOSE WHO ARE A PART OF THIS BODY!!

Law + Grace = Mercy

Jigsaw Puzzle Unity – Redux

The Living Word – God is ALL Part 2

END OF PART 2

One Body, Many Members

What’s in a Name?

Preach the GOSPEL

Kill the Patient! Destroy the Disease?

The Living Word – God is ALL Part I

Scriptures Related to God’s Omnipotence

Walking in This Knowledge

END OF PART I

The Power of Three Little Words

From emails circulated for some time. If anyone knows the author, please let us know so that proper credit can be given.

Soldiering in the Spirit Part II

Soldiering in the Spirit Part I

END OF PART I

The Church – My Church; Part III

The Church – My Church; Part II

END OF PART II

The Church – My Church; Part I

END OF PART I

1 ©1973 William J. Gaither
All Rights Reserved Used by Permission

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS CONTINUE TO ENRICH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR LIVES!!

WHAT A PROMISE TO THOSE WHO ARE A PART OF THIS BODY!!

END OF PART 2

Scriptures Related to God’s Omnipotence

Walking in This Knowledge

END OF PART I

From emails circulated for some time. If anyone knows the author, please let us know so that proper credit can be given.

END OF PART I

END OF PART II

END OF PART I

1 ©1973 William J. Gaither All Rights Reserved Used by Permission

Category Titles

Recent Posts

Archives

* Disclaimer *

Faithlife – Logos

Bible Gateway Plus

Got Questions.Org

Meta

1 ©1973 William J. Gaither
All Rights Reserved Used by Permission