Sin Stained or Blood Washed?

Posted on January 3, 2000 by Denise
“Sin Stained or Blood Washed?”

I John 3: 6-9 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

The Body of Christ is faced with an important decision. It is to decide, whether you are sin stained or blood washed! The majority of “believers” today believe and make statements that are contrary to the word of God. They say, we are born again, or saved, but we sin everyday. A statement in direct contrast to the word of God! Yes, if we say that we have never sinned, we are calling God a liar… but most are not saying that… they are saying that they sinned, and continue to sin! Without having the understanding first of all to know what God considers sin!

I John 5: 18, We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not, but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Since the word of God says that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not… then most professing to be born again either are not born again, or they are willfully going against the Word of God, which as we all know is blasphemy of His Holy Spirit.

It is time for the “believers” of God to hear God and believe the word of God! There is much debate right now, on this topic, because for years the main stream church has taught that we sin everyday and therefore must repent, however the Word of God plainly shows that Jesus Christ, was the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Further, the Word says it was done one time for all! Therefore if you continue to sin, there is no more sacrifice for remission of sin. Either Jesus did what He said He did on the cross, or He didn’t. Everyone must decide!

In John 8: 34-36,”Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin….. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”… Free from what… SIN and the wages of SIN which is death.

Whether one believes it or accepts it as being truth, Jesus Christ was the sacrifice for sin for the whole world, past, present, and future! The bible says that He came to take away the sin of the world. Either God took away the sin of the world, and then put it back, and therefore Jesus must pay the price again, or it’s done and the Holy Spirit of God provides the power to remain free from sin and no longer is mankind dominated by sin. The problem in most refuse to believe the Word of GOD, and don’t know what SIN is!

From God word, we see clearly what SIN is! Sin goes further than just breaking a commandment of God.. it is the same Sin that Adam did in the beginning… not hearkening (listening in obedience) to voice of GOD! The definition of sin is living independent of God! Calling God the Lord of your life, and yet not doing HIS will!

Remember, as in Adam’s time, there was no written word of God for him to have to read and obey, there were no pastors, teachers, evangelistic, prophets, or apostles, to teach the word of God… so it goes beyond obedience to the written word… It is listening and being obedient to God! God is very serious about this for all that have been born into the world since Jesus Christ…why? Because He sent us many, many prophets, HIS ONLY Begotten Son, and then further, provided to us some inspired words to be as a GUIDE, therefore there is no further excuse for disobedience!

It is easy for a person to believe that he cannot resist sin, to believe that we all sin daily… but the Word of God says differently.. Hebrews 10: 26-27, For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins…” which means that we have the power through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ to sin no more! Jesus spoke those words to people who encountered Him, “go and sin no more”…. Would He possibly tell someone something that was IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO DO?

It is important for those that are professing with their mouths that they are “born again” to hear the Word of God! God said it best when He said, (speaking of Jesus) “this is my beloved Son, HEAR HIM!” Speaking contrary to the WORD OF GOD is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit! Hearkening to the voice of another instead of hearing God is the ultimate sin of blasphemy! It says that you call God and His Holy Spirit a liar! Stop speaking damnation on yourselves… by speaking words from your mouths that are contrary to the word of God! God’s people must know the truth, and to live by the word of GOD! Not what is limited to the confines of the bible, but as Jesus said, “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”… there is only one provision for truth, it comes directly from the mouth of God into the ears that He gives hearing to and to the heart that He writes in, and nothing short of that can or ever will be truth!!

For if we say that we are in Christ, and sin, then we are saying that there is SIN IN CHRIST, and we make the Word God a lie, and the TRUTH (Jesus) is not in us!

To be “sin stained” today after what Christ has done, for those that claim to believe in Christ is to deny that Jesus came … for if Adam could transgress and make all men sinners, surely the perfect sinless Son of God could make all men righteous!! Think about it and ask God, “After you sent Jesus here, and He did what the bible says that He did… am I still a sin stained sinner, with no hope for you hearing my prayers, and accepting me into your kingdom, or by what Jesus done, was I born righteous and blood washed?” He will be glad to share it all with you!! Just ask Him!!

For More on this topic see: Did Adam’s Transgressions make all men sinners!!

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What is Sin?

Posted on January 3, 2000 by Denise

What is Sin?

What is sin? The definition for sin is missing the mark, missing the ideal, or making a mistake, and you do not earn a wage for sinning, actually you earn nothing for sin, Now the ration given for sin, and that ration is dying or death, and we all die or dying, are we not?

That is the definition that some use… and there is a wage or what you get for your sin. To me death and dying in the physical has nothing to do with the “sin” that one does or does not do.

To me, and what I see from the bible… knowing what to do and not doing that is what is a sin.. and that is relative to me and me only.. and yet I know that what I do or do not do knowing that I should or shouldn’t… does cause me issues and consequences as it does with us all.

If I know I am diabetic and eat something that I know I shouldn’t.. then I am going to pay the price for it.. no one else. Me! However .. if I am a diabetic.. and cannot eat something does not mean that the rest of the world must refrain from those things or face the same situations that I do. Likewise.. knowing that I am.. and refraining from eating things that I shouldn’t.. results in me not having issues with my health that I would being diabetic and eating what I know is not good for me.

The same is true for “sin” or that which one knows to do and does it not concerning ones life with God. Death and dying in the physical was never a part of the equation and I find no place in the bible where men were told they would live forever in the physical if they did not sin.

The hell that we live in each day is when we know we are to do something and we don’t do it.. or when we know that we shouldn’t do something and we go ahead and do it. It is an eternal torment within the soul of a person that often cannot be escaped even with the promised forgiveness of a Savior.

The heaven that we live in each day is when we know what we are to do and we do it.. and don’t do those things that we know better than doing.. and have no torment in the soul but peace of mind and heart.. and having that eternal.

Once again the “knowing” is the criteria for it.. and even though there are times we do things not knowing that they are wrong for us… they are not will full and intention… but the result of lack of understanding and knowledge.. or “knowing” and those things even when they have consequences that we face.. we know and so does God that they were not done with willful intention or from the heart… so as forgiveness is available…the knowing which results from that remains… and “hell” is the result of doing it again even if you are forgiven for doing it the first time without knowing it was wrong.

Within each of us is an internal knowing that we all have. It guides us from the time we are born and those things that we know within us to do and do them not.. cause us to have great struggles in life and “hell” in our lives.

When we allow that knowing within us to be usurped by traditions of men.. religious mandates… etc.. then we are still going against the “knowing” that is within us… and it will end up being “hell” for us.. and we end up being tormented by those things for life… until or unless we turn from them and turn back to the “knowing” that is within us from the beginning.

That is what I see being “born again” that Jesus spoke of. Not going against what you know in your heart for no reason.. not for your religious mandates… or your understanding or acceptance of some mandate of traditions over you.

It is the “kingdom of God” that is within you… that Jesus speaks of. It is about getting back to the “original” knowing that is within us all.. that is there even as children… as in Jesus’ reference to “coming as one of these little children” not entering into the kingdom.

We see that as what was going on in the days of Jesus.. that.. men and women were following the traditions of their fathers.. and their religious mandates and were not following what was within them.. the knowing.. that they were equipped with by the Creator… God… that was the kingdom that was within them. They were preferring that a man’s withered hand remain withered rather than have him healed on the wrong day. They were taking issues with the healing of sick people on the wrong day.. or men that were hungry eating from the wrong place.. or not washing their hands before eating.. all religious tradition rather than from their heart… or the knowing that was within them.

So when we go against what we know to do… to us it is “sin”.. and in doing that we do face the consequences of it.. and the guilt and condemnation of soul .. whether another person on the planet knows about it or not… and yet also doing what one knows to do and not going against that.. no matter what .. also brings peace.. and the ‘heaven” where there is no tears.. no fear.. and no pain.. and we can have that eternally as much as we can live in “hell” eternally for going against the things we know in our heart to find acceptance of men.. to follow traditions.. or some religious mandate… and that’s the theme of the bible from cover to cover.

To follow-up on this topic a bit… I’d like to have you take a look at something with me.

The “missing the mark” as a definition of sin has been and is used as the meaning of sin.. however without much consideration.

If a person misses the mark… the person must first know there is a mark to be hit. Without knowing there is a mark, one surely cannot be considered to have missed it if there was no idea of a mark or that one was required to hit the mark to begin with.

If a person knows there is a mark to be hit and it’s a requirement to hit the mark.. then and only then would a person be considered to have missed the mark, having first made an effort to hit the mark, knowing it was there to be hit.

If a person knows the mark is there… knows what the mark is.. and makes the effort to hit the mark, then how is it that the person can miss the mark or be considered to have missed it on the first attempt?

So when the mark is known… and the effort is put forth to meet the mark… is it a sin to miss the mark? Is it an intentional act to miss the mark? Is the heart’s attitude to “miss the mark” or sin? No…. God is the judge of the heart of a man.. and most of us know well that it never was or has been our intention and willful act to go against God in anything that we have done!

However, what we also have to consider is that God does let us know what the mark is.. and when it is known… then it is up to us to make the effort not to miss the mark.

It is what Jesus spoke of in his teachings to his followers… that if your hand causes us to sin to cut it off or if your eye causes us to sin to pluck it out. Jesus knew that with sin in their lives they would not be able to enter the kingdom of God. He taught that sin was to be eradicated in the lives of each of his followers and that whatever it was that caused them to go against the knowing that is within them was to be cut off, plucked out, for it would be better to be without those things than to miss out on the kingdom of God.

What we do against what we know in our hearts is a sin to us… and it is up to each of us as Jesus said to cut those things out of our lives… and to take whatever measures necessary not to let them remain and stop us from the peace that comes from a content heart… from the kingdom of God that is to be entered into right now!

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Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin??

Posted on March 3, 1999 by Denise
Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin

We hear this statement so much today trying to justify the love of a person, while yet hating sin. But one must look at the statement and see what it really says and what unbelief it demonstrates!

First, if you take the sin away from a sinner, he no longer is a sinner. As with a criminal, if the crime is removed from the charge, he no longer is a criminal. We don’t say, he’s a criminal even when he’s done no crime, or when the crime has been vacated. We proclaim his innocence in that there is no crime. If the criminal is a criminal, then it means that the person has been found guilty of a crime and has been proven to be responsible for the crime. Yet when it comes to sin, we don’t take the same approach. We don’t wait until a sinner is found guilty of the sin, then call them a sinner, we proclaim that so many are sinners because of what someone else did, “the transgression of Adam”. (which is addressed in another article) We don’t call a person a criminal because of what someone else has done, nor should we call a person a sinner for what someone else has done, and for which a sinner has not been found guilty of , or of which there is no proof that they are responsible for.

It’s time for those that want to speak of “sinners” to know that if you take the sin away from a sinner, he no longer is a sinner. If he hasn’t ever been convicted of the sin, then he’s not a sinner either. If he is a sinner, and has been found guilty of the sin, the Judge is the one that will and is the only one in authority to issue the punishment for that sin in the first place. So with that… if one beliefs the bible is the word of God.. it stands to reason that one would believe that Jesus came to take away the sins of the world, and that anyone that’s in the world has had the sin of the world taken … so therefore they are not sinners. If one should believe that the bible is not the word of God, then it would stand to reason that by that admission that there is also no foundation for calling someone a sinner, which usually never occurs.

Those that believe the bible is the word of God must also believe what’s in it or by their own admission say that they believe God lied and didn’t send a sinless perfect son to take away the sin of the world. It cannot be both ways.. and if Jesus came to take away the sins of the world, then there are no sinners, and if everyone is still a sinner, then why did God send Jesus in the first place? If all are sinners, and God doesn’t hear the prayers of sinners, why are so many fighting for the right to pray when God’s not listening in the first place.

It’s time for those that profess to be believers in the bible, the “word of God”, to believe. You either believe it’s the word of God.. and you believe what’s in it, or you’re a non believer and shouldn’t be using the bible as the foundational basis of any of your convictions. You can’t have convictions about what you don’t believe and you can’t believe in what you have no convictions in! It’s simply not possible! Jesus either has done what the bible claims He did… and there is no more sin, or God lied and all are eternally lost, with no further remission for sin, rendering Jesus’ life and death worthless! Think about it!

The truth, wonderful as it is, is simple. There are no sinners! The sin of the world has been removed! It’s time to believe!!

There are some of you that will read this article and claim it to be heresy, which is fine, it’s not your opinion that matters. The one thing that anyone professing to believe should be reminded of is, if God saved you, then it’s possible for ALL MANKIND! If you can’t have enough FAITH in GOD to believe that if HE saved YOU… He has done it for all mankind, since the bible says that God is no respecter of any man’s person, and if He made mercy and grace available to you, then no one is exempt! Think about it… how could the blood that took away the sins of the world, have missed anyone then, or since??

See “Universal Salvation” for more on this topic!

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We are without sin…

Posted on February 3, 1999 by Denise
We are without sin, we have no further fear of hell, death, or the grave!

Many today are going out to do what they call “evangelism”, which is to tell others they are sinners and are going to die and go to hell unless they repent, say a “sinner’s prayer”, be baptized and join a church membership to be taught of God, but that’s NOT God’s word. God has not changed, and for God to call you a sinner today would mean that He would have to declare Jesus Christ the sacrificial lamb unacceptable as the price for all sin, and declare Him worthless!

It doesn’t take very much effort to realize that if you’re going to believe that God sent Jesus to this earth over 2000 years ago and John the Baptist seeing Him, proclaimed, “Behold, here cometh the Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world”, that we must therefore believe it was done. How could John have proclaimed that He “taketh” away the sin of the world, if God was just going to put it back on the world, and leave us all in the same sinful condition as before He sent Jesus. Think about it?

We know that the world in which we live today was not part of the world that existed at that moment.. but we know that if God took away the sin of the world then, then surely He didn’t put the sin back on the world. If He did, then God would make the sending of His only begotten Son of no value, worthless.. to leave the world in the same “sinful” condition as men taught that it was before Jesus was sent. Why would He?

The bible says that Jesus came not to call the righteous to repentance, but the sinners! One must first know who and what a sinner was so that one can understand without question who Jesus came bringing the message of repentance.. and to whom Jesus came to bring the message that the Kingdom of God had come and likewise that in doing the will of God and delivering the message, that we are now without sin!

God kept His word.. He is faithful.. and will continue to be Faithful. It’s only when you hear the voice of God.. and know God.. that you can see and clearly understand who the “sinners” were during Jesus day.. and understand likewise who they are today! They are the ones that hearken to the voice of another, instead of God, and claim to be sinners, while yet in the same breath proclaiming that Jesus came and paid the price for our sins! How could He pay the price and yet not pay it all? Hearken not to the voice of those that will change the word of God, and the Christ that He sent to justify their own understanding, and the traditions and teachings of men. Hear God and Him alone. Ask God, “Should I still be in fear of death, hell and the grave, after what Jesus did on the cross?” “How can I be in fear of death, hell, or the grave if you did what Isaiah and many others said you would do by sending your son?” Ask God the questions, and hear Him!!

Remember that it was hearkening to the voice of another in the garden of Eden that got Adam and Eve into their “fallen” state with God, and got them put outside the garden. We encourage you to HEAR GOD.. to know what He is saying.. and to put out of your minds the teachings of men.. and the traditions of men that have since the foundation of the world been the downfall of mankind! Hearkening to the voice of another is and has always been the sin that results in the “fallen state of man”… just as it was in the beginning.

How could God send His only begotten, sinless Son as the sacrifice for the sins of the world, and yet put the sin back on us so that we have to live in fear of death, hell and the grave, those things which Jesus overcame so that we wouldn’t have to. Think about it?? Is there some conveyor belt that takes away our sin, then puts it back, only to require Jesus to go through a brutal death on the cross again so we can have it taken away, for the conveyor belt to bring it right back?? Come on people, Hear God! Think about what you’ve been saying that you believe… it’s time to BELIEVE it!!

Before you discount what has been said thus far, read on and allow God to speak to you, and show you the truth in His message. Don’t simply reject what’s here, without asking God about it and allowing Him to share with you whose words these really are. “for if you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives to all men liberally”…

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The “Reconciliation” Ministry!

Posted on January 2, 1999 by Denise

We have been discussing with many about the “Reconciliation Ministry” of God. What is that you might ask? A ministry that supports the reconciliation of mankind to God.

Most ministries would say, as we did once, that it’s the objective of all ministries to reconcile mankind to God, and to have people realize what one must do to be reconciled, but it that possible? If there is anything that any of us have to do to be reconciled to God then there isn’t any way possible that God is God, much less that Jesus Christ came to “reconcile mankind unto God”. Then we have the issue that if Jesus didn’t accomplish that, then what was the reason to have sent him and have him go through what He did?? Was He the Messiah, or not? The question is not posed to those that don’t believe in Christ, or the redemptive work of God through Christ, but I am posing the question to those that are “believers”. That believe He was, and that He did the will of God, and fulfilled His mission, believing and taking His words on the cross, “it is finished”!

We have to realize that for us to say that Christ was the Messiah, then it is US that must realize, that despite what we see and hear, that God has in fact through Jesus Christ reconciled mankind unto Himself. If not, then Christ wasn’t the Messiah, nor was He the son of God, sent to reconcile mankind unto God! If WE are going to claim the redemptive work of God in Christ was done over 2000 years ago, then it is going to be up to us to live that, and to change our traditions and teachings to support that, instead of continuing to support the traditions and teachings to the contrary.

You might ask what teachings and traditions to the contrary is there? That is simple! The tradition and teachings that support or proclaim that mankind still needs reconcilation to God, that mankind still has the possibility of being eternally separated from God, and therefore must do and live a certain way to obtain that “reconciliation”. Either it was done in Christ, or it wasn’t… and it’s up to those of US that say that it has been done… to believe it and live accordingly. Let me give you a couple of examples of things to consider:

If a person is here on the earth today, then they are reconciled to God. They are covered by what Jesus did more than 2000 years ago whether they beleive it or not, or whether they accept it or not. A person’s belief or acceptance has no power to change what God has done, in Christ, or God simply isn’t God. So to tell a person that they are separated from God by some action or unbelief is for you yourself to deny what you claim God did. It’s not the unbeliever that’s really the unbeliever… it’s the one claiming to believe what God has done, and yet doesn’t believe it themselves.

If we believe that God would allow a man to sin in the first place, and would send Christ to be the “price for sin” once and for all, then how is it that any of US could tell a person today, more than 200 years after what WE claim to believe about CHRIST, that they are some how able to go to hell and avoid the payment that the ALMIGHTY GOD gave for sin once and for all! See once again, it’s saying we believe God did something…and then telling others information to the contrary that makes us the UNBELIEVERS… not others.

Some of you might at this point be having a bit of difficulty understanding this and might even be saying it’s not possible that this has happened because I look around and see things going on to the contrary! So for those of you that are in that position, (I was myself at one time) let me ask you this, if you can believe God is the Almighty, that He is not a liar, that He has done what He said He has done, does it depend on you seeing it before you’re going to believe it… or could it be possible that when you “believe” it…and live as you claim to believe that then you will begin to see it?

We are so determined to tell people they need Jesus…God..and that they must believe…to avoid hell, and the consequences of their actions…but I have to ask you this…. why are WE the ones that aren’t believing what WE say that God did… and the redemptive work of CHRIST??

God either reconciled mankind unto Himself through the redemptive work of Christ, or He didn’t? If He didn’t, then the entire mission and life of Christ was a worthless cause, and God and His word is a lie! If that is the case, then there is no reason for anyone to know Jesus, or God in the first place. If this is so difficulty for the “believers” to get a hold of and believe… then how is it that we’d call anyone else an ‘unbeliever” without first realized that the reflection we see in them is just our own being mirrored back to us!

I challenge each of you that believe… to believe. To realize that God is not continguent on what His creation believes or doesn’t… He’s God..and if He said it was done…then it was and nothing including unbelief will change it!! It is time for those that say WE BELIEVE that He did what He said He did to believe it, and live accordingly, or count ourselves among the numbers of UNBELIEVERS!!

Ask God, Hear Him, and Know Him!!

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Most Professing to be Christian …are not!

Posted on July 2, 1998 by Denise

The world is looking for Christ.. in people, in material possessions and in everyday life. They are looking for something real, dependable, trustworthy, and faithful. Are they finding it? No! Why, you might ask? The answer is simple.. there are very few “Christians” in the world today. You ask, why would you say that.. there are many, many “Christians” in the world today… No, sorry, I must disagree. If the bible is the only source we have for what a Christian is, or did, then according to the bible’s example, most professing to be Christian, simply aren’t. There are many, many that are professing to be “Christians”, but don’t understand what the people in Antioch so long ago saw which resulted in them calling the disciples “Christians”. “Christian” was not what the disciples or Jesus ever referred to those men by, and many referred to them as “followers of the Way”, yet it was those in Antioch, that first called the disciples “Christian”, so let’s see why?

You see, those people in Antioch saw a demonstration of Jesus Christ and his teachings. They saw men following what Jesus taught them regardless of the fact that he was hung on a cross as a criminal. They saw Jesus in the things which the disciples witnessed of, and demonstrated… did they all follow Christ in what they saw, no, but they were at least seeing something that was real and was recognized as being of CHRIST! They had heard at this time about Jesus Christ, and what He was teaching had caused a great stir in the region. They knew that also this Jesus Christ had been crucified on a cross as a common criminal, yet they encountered men, well after that event happened, not only following and doing what Jesus told them to do, but teaching others to follow Jesus’ instruction to them. They saw men with such passion, and such confidence, going throughout the region, sharing the message that the Kingdom of God had come, and teaching men to observe what this Christ had commanded that those that love Him must follow!

Today we have so many that profess to be “christian”, yet are not even slightly following the teachings of Jesus Christ. They have taken the name to themselves as a way of exalting themselves above others, and have failed miserably at living the life of Christ before men. It is so amazing to me that we as a body of believers would even call ourselves “christian”, when none of the disciples before us ever did. They did as Jesus taught and didn’t take titles and names for themselves… yet we so honorably state to anyone that will listen that we are a “christian”, yet when they look at our walk, and our talk, they see everything but Christ. If we will truly look at ourselves we’ll see the reason that many looking for Christ haven’t found him. It’s simple. Those professing to know Him, don’t look or live anything like Christ! Therefore, we are deceiving ourselves and the world. For that reason it must stop!

We must align ourselves with the word of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ! Is is easy? Absolutely not! It requires the crucifixion of the flesh…. Going through “hell” while your flesh is being crucified.. and being resurrected in CHRIST and his teachings. Is it possible… Absolutely YES! The greatest part of it all is that it is available to “whomsoever will” and “required of those that shall enter the Kingdom of God”! Taking up the cross is simply that, doing now what is your will, but what the will of God is, and knowing as Christ did, that doing what the Father directs, and saying only what the Father speaks is critical for the Christian walk!

We encounter people everywhere in every walk of life that say, “if what most “”christians”” have is what God has to offer, I am better off without God”. They are right! Most “”christians”” are sick, broke, miserable and living in so much bondage, that those that don’t know God don’t want any part of Him. They soon realize those professing to be “”christians”” are in a worse condition than most of them, and don’t want their lives more miserable than it is already.

Why is it that most “christians” have lives that are more miserable than an unbeliever? Simple.. God’s word says that it is better to have never known me than to know me and turn from me. What does that mean? Simple.. it is better that you never come to know God than to come to know him and refuse to follow his SON and his teachings. Especially when you’re claiming to believe that Jesus is the perfect Sinless Son of God, and refusing to follow what He taught. You say, that is harsh, and God is not harsh… well if that is the case.. Why was there a flood? Why was there a Son of God sent to redeem men in the first place?

God is not harsh.. God is JUST! He will not tolerate people professing one thing and doing another, that’s the truest form of being a hypocrite that there ever was. It is just those people that Jesus said not to be like, the hypocrites!

Just look at the Pharisees of old, Jesus said.. “they worship me with their lips but their heart is far from me”. What happened to the Pharisees? They hung Jesus on the cross. What is happening with those today that are professing with their mouths that they are “christian” but their heart is far from Jesus and his teachings… they are once again hanging Jesus on the cross… and what will be the results… greater damnation than those that do not even know GOD!

It is time for believers to be like Christ! He said “if ye wilt have life, be perfect, lay down your life and everything in it, give to the poor and come follow me”! Have you done that? Will you do that? Will you be as Christ taught His disciple? “Have faith in God!” Hear Him and only Him? Stop taking the name in vain! Now is the time!!!

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How many lives do we have to give??

Posted on May 3, 1998 by Denise

How Many Lives do we have to Give?

We all face daily decisions and need answers. We pray and pray and ask God for answers, but we don’t hearing anything… Why? I want you to understand why things are not going like you want them to! It is not because of God! You see, God does not fail us… we fail Him. You ask, how am I failing God! You fail to surrender your life to Him.

We think that as Christians, we are like cats and have “nine” lives. We get into trouble or have a trial or temptation come into our lives, and we go to the altar and lay it on the altar. We may get some solution to that need, but we still have no total peace in our lives. We repeat this over and over and each time we “rededicate” our lives to God! But that is not possible!!

Why do we do this? How can we “rededicate” a life that was never dedicated? We only have ONE life to give! Have you truly given your life to God? If so, you have no need for “rededication”… You can not redo (Do over) something truly done right the first time, with the one life you were given. We are not cats with “nine” lives to give over and over.

God gave us one life and a directive to do HIS will! Once you lay down your life to Him, there is nothing else in your life that matters! You’re total life is dedicated to doing whatever it is that God directs you to do! You Hear Him, and do HIS WILL! That is the true test of salvation.

If you have laid your life down, you have no life other than what God has for you! You are what God says you are and have what God says you have! Think about this! He requires that we give our life to Him. Just as Jesus did! How can we call Him God, and then not do His Will? To let Him have complete control of your LIFE and all that you are! You must give the only thing that God is interested in… Your LIFE!

Jesus said, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and come follow me, or you will in NOWISE ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD! That is what is required to Enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus gave HIS LIFE that we might have life, and have it more abundantly! That life is HIS LIFE!

Like Jesus, we only have one life and we must be willing to lay it down, die to “self” daily, and be resurrected into the life of Jesus Christ. That is what being a “Christian” is all about! It’s following the teachings and instructions of Christ. This is the only way that we can have the benefits of the covenant sealed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Examine yourselves today and your life. Is it totally in the hands of God? Are you hearing God’s direction for you, and doing HIS WILL, or are you still doing YOUR WILL? Are you using your LIFE to consume it on your own lusts, or are you committed to doing the will of God no matter what? Are you listening to other people tell you what you need to do to be “laying your life down” or “taking up your cross” and rejecting the word of God, from HIM directly? Are you trying to lay down bits and pieces of your “nine” lives and fitting God into YOUR Life?

Examine yourselves… look deep inside your soul and see who is really Lord of your Life! Knowing that a Lord, is in full control of all that is HIS, and gives instruction that is the only instruction that is followed by those that call HIM LORD!

You can’t enter the Kingdom of God without first laying down your LIFE! Forsaking all, and Come follow JESUS. It is the WAY to the blessings of the God! It might not be an easy journey… but it is the requirement of the God, if you desire is to spend eternity with Him!

“I Beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your REASONABLE service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”
Romans 12: 1-2 (KJV)

ASK GOD… HEAR HIM.. Hear what He is saying to you.. and follow what He tells you…”hearken not unto another”… remember that’s what Adam did in the beginning… It wasn’t the fruit of the tree that was the problem, it was that Adam listened to someone other than God!!

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Sheep’s Clothing….??

Posted on February 2, 1998 by Denise

There are numerous verses in the bible referring to “sheep”, but we want to look at one of the warnings that Jesus gave to the disciples. Matthew 7:15 reads, ” Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”. The New Living Translation of the bible reads “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart“. So who is wearing “sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves”?

A false prophet by definition is one who, acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet, utters falsehoods under the name of divine prophecies. We see that it is first one that is “acting the part”, not having the role or position as a prophet, but only acting as one. Then we see that they consider themselves divinely inspired, yet they utter falsehoods under the name of the divine! So who is it that is wearing the “sheep’s clothing”?

Look around you and ask yourself this question, “who is it that is dressing in “sheep’s clothing”? Sheep clothing being that which outwardly appears to be harmless, loving and kind. The clothing that resembles the “sheep” mentioned in the bible?

Is it the drunk in the tavern that is dressing outwardly in sheep’s clothing? Is it the whore on the street corners that are wearing “sheep’s clothing”? Is it those that are homeless and addicted to drugs that are in “sheep’s clothing”? Who is it that is appearing outwardly to be “sheep” but are really wolves that will tear you apart? The answer is clear! It is those that call themselves “Christians” and are following the religious traditions of men!

They appear on the outside to be so kind, and nice. They will tell you quickly they are “Christian” and that they love God! That they go to church, and that they are servants of God. They will tell you that they love you and want you to be “saved” and “go to heaven”! They will tell you that you need a Shepherd and recommend you attend their church and come under the authority of their Shepherd, but when you ask them any questions, or you decline, they quickly turn to the ravening wolves and start tearing you apart!

They try to convince you that you’re a sinner and need a Savior, even when Jesus has reconciled us all unto God over 2000 years ago. They will tell you that they are sinners, but are saved by grace, but they continue to sin, but you, however must “go and sin no more”! They will tell you all that you must do to be acceptable to God, in the face of the word of God saying that He created all things, and if He created it, surely it was acceptable to Him upon creation! Then if all that doesn’t convince you to believe as they do, the “sheep’s clothing” comes off, and they begin to call you names, and speak all manner of evil against you… and call it “contending for the gospel”, rebuking and reproaching, but isn’t that God’s job?

God is very clear on the matter! The warning was for our protection, as well as to let us easily recognize the difference in those that are “sheep” and those that just “dress the part”. Jesus let’s us know about the real sheep, He says in John 10:27,”My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”.

Jeremiah makes some pretty clear statements as well! Jeremiah 23:1, “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. ” Chapter 50, verse 6 reads, ” My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.”

So who is it that God warns us about! Those that are dressed outwardly in the clothing of a sheep! Those that outwardly claim to hear the voice of Jesus, but don’t follow Him or what He taught! Those that outwardly claim to be divinely inspired prophets, but tell you that you have any “Shepherd” other than God! Those that act as if they care for you until you will not follow them, then they turn on you and yet call themselves “of God”. Those that are acting as “shepherds” and causing the creation of God to go astray from the ONE TRUE SHEPHERD and the resting place of God!

Who is it that you should BEWARE OF!! It’s pretty clear!!

Ask God, Hear Him and Know Him!!

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Tithes & Offerings

Posted on February 2, 1998 by Denise

First off, let me start this section by asking the question, aren’t we tired of arguing over things that have been debated for years? It would seem that by now, more people would be asking God, the Almighty, about these things and going with what they know God has said to them, instead of continuing to seek the instruction of men and the understanding of men about such matters which many claim to be of such importance to God. I say to you again, ASK GOD!!

We’ve all heard many sermons, and instruction on tithing, and the giving of offerings, and we hear it more and more each day as the economy of our nation is on the downward turn. It’s clear to see that many that claim to have such great faith in God, and teach on giving and paying of tithes, and the rewards that come from it either aren’t practicing it themselves, or God has lied. Which is precisely how God started instructing me on “tithing and the giving of offerings”, that I am going to share with you now.

See, like many of you, the teachings and traditions of men taught me that tithing was a requirement of God, and that the giving of offerings was also. There were all types of offerings, for so many causes that to try to recall them all, would only be a distraction from the point we are here to consider. Yet in all of it, the scriptures in Malachi, other verses from the the bible, definitions and explanations, all resounding from the pulpits of the church, television screens, and the conference stages, as did the condemnation and guilt associated with not giving. Yet there were words such as, “you’ll get some 30, 60, and 100 fold return on your giving”, that God would “open the window of heaven and pour out on you a blessing that you could not contain”, to say only a few, being the rewards for giving, and likewise there were as many curses for not “giving”. Then we had to be “cheerful givers”… and it went on and on… But had that happened? Was that happening? Was it going to happen?

Well being determined in my heart do to what I felt was the will of God, even though I’ll admit that during this point in my walk, I hadn’t ever simply ask God about it, but went on to do what those around me that were supposed to know God told me, and what they said that the words in the bible meant. I tithed, and did it whether I had food on the table, bills paid or not. I was faithful. I would give to all the “causes” that I heard about and went on to teach my children the same thing. I had many debates with others over it, and insisted that they should be tithing as well. But the fact remained, I never asked God!. I simply didn’t ask Him about tithing, or offerings, nor did I question when the “windows of heaven were to be opened to pour out what I could not contain”.

Then one day, while standing in my office preparing my tithe envelope, God asked me a question. He simply ask me, “have you gotten a 30, 60 or 100 fold return on your giving?” I paused for a moment, to consider the question, then responded, “I don’t know”.

Thinking for sure that it was some “trick” question that I was going to answer incorrectly, I did the only logical thing, claimd not to know. Then He said to me, “how much have you given this year?” I hestiated again only to be informed that He knew how much I had given and likewise so did I, so I replied. He then said, “well have you gotten a 30,60, or 100 fold return on that giving”? I knew that I had not, so I simply said, “No”. Then it occurred to me, immediately, without hesitation that neither had the windows of heaven been thrown open and poured out on me what I could not contain, so I quickly reminded God of that.

Well much to my surprise, He gave a little chuckle, and then asked me, “well do you think that I lied?” I knew that answer without any hesitation, I had heard it for years, God is not a man that He should lie, so I said, “Nope, you can’t lie”.

Then He began to share with me why it was that even though I was being faithful to give and doing what I thought in my heart was the right thing to do to be acceptable to Him, I had not ASKED HIM! I had failed to take counsel from God, the one to whom my “tithing and offerings” were deemed for. Knowing God the way that I do, I knew that this was the catalyst for new understanding and wisdom, for me. It was time for me to HEAR HIM, and what He had to say, not from the bible, (what He told others before my time) but for me, for today, for right now. So I began to listen, and as I did, and referred yes, back to the bible, it was clear to see, that the giving of tithes and offerings was not God’s idea for “acceptance” to Him. In fact it didn’t take very much research at all to see that offerings were given for SINS… and tithes were for the “work of the tabernacle” and yet I knew with confidence that God no longer was dwelling in those tabernacles, built with men’s hands, but was right there in my heart. I knew that I was not a Levitical priest and neither was those that I had been giving my tithes to, and so with that I took the time to sit with God and let Him tell me about HIS will in tithing and offerings.

One particular group of verses stood out … Hebrews 13: 7-10, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.”

For me it was abundantly clear. God is the one that has rule over me, who is the only one that is able to speak to me HIS WORD, whose Faith follows Him, and I considered the end of His conversation, Jesus Christ, the High Priest, the only Priest, and His body the sacrifice for all sin, the same always. That no longer could I follow the various doctrines of men, for it was good that my heart be established with grace, not with meats, (offerings), which have not been of any profit to them that have been occupied with them. That now, we have an altar, the place where the Lamb of God was sacrificed, and that I would have no right to partake of it if I continued to serve the tabernacle. My tithing days were over, as were my offering days. Nothing more than the mere words of God, and the revelation from God that if I continued to serve the tabernacle, I had no place at the feast of the Lamb of God!

Ask God about this, and do some research, you’ll quickly see that tithing and offerings were never about money, and I’m sure that if you revert to the tithing and offerings that those that gave to the work of the tabernacle in bible times offered and brought, your pastors, ministers, church, and other associations will not to very pleased! Why? Read the bible and see what it was that Abraham, Noah, Moses, and many others accepted as “offerings”! Most of us don’t even have those things today to be giving in the first place…. but you ASK GOD!! Hear what it is that He has to say about it.. and do what you hear HIM say!!

In closing, let me share this with you from Malachi 3:8-12. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.”

I will be the first to remind you to go back to the bible and see who it was that Malachi was bringing this message to in the first place, that will help you to understand the wording and why it was said. But let me show you something that many have missed? The “tithe” was the “tenth part”, I think on that we all will agree! So how is it that God says that those people Malachi was speaking to had robbed Him? In tithes and offerings? So what does God say next, (key point) “bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse”…. bring all the tenths… ALL that you have… God wasn’t looking for a “tenth” nor is He today, not for any work of the tabernacle or for the Kingdom, with God it’s all or nothing. Now you can see how God was robbed? HEAR GOD… and only GOD!! Prove Him!!

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Water Baptism

Posted on February 2, 1998 by Denise

Before we address Water Baptism, we remind you that God is the source of all your answers, and you should ask God and follow whatever it is that God directs you! Hear Him, and only the words that proceed from His mouth!

Water Baptism continues to be at the helm of doctrines today, based on the fact that the bible records that Jesus was baptized with water, and that He spoke to Nicodemus that you must be born of water and the Spirit, but I ask you what is the reason that Jesus was baptized?

Some today claim that baptism is the washing away of the sins of a man, but could that be the reason that Jesus was baptized? Did Jesus need to have His sins washed away? Why did Jesus not baptize men? If it was necessary for the remission of sins, why didn’t Jesus, who came to take away the sin of the world, baptize all that came to him? Why was it that some that came to John to be baptized were turn away? Why does the bible not state clearly that all men were baptized? It doesn’t, but why?

Then there are some that claim that it’s just an outward symbol for the inward cleansing that the Holy Spirit of God has done in the life of those that have been “saved”. Why would there need to be an outward symbol for what was an inward cleansing? If Jesus took away the sins of the world, and that was done over 2000 years ago, and the price was paid, then why have to do anything to have our “sins” washed away, or to make an outward symbol for what was done for all of us years before we were born? Wouldn’t that be like saying that each of us individual must fight the World Wars of days gone by to have freedom and the benefits as Americans? Do we have to repeat with great detail all that was done in the past, to have the benefits of them today, I think not. In fact to do so, isn’t that simply denying that it was already done?? Think about it….

Many of us have been water baptized! We were baptized into membership in churches, confirming the teachings of men, and the doctrines of denominations, and for reasons other than those that are mentioned in this article, but I ask you, how is it that if you believe God did what He did through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, that you could consider doing anything more than just simply living your life knowing that it was DONE FOR YOU! What outward symbol are you required to give to others, or in front of others to prove that you’re “saved”, or free from your sins? How can you being submersed in water, and have a man say that he is baptizing you prove to anyone what has been done already, or what you believe was done within you? Wasn’t the blood that flowed down the cross over 2000 years ago enough? What else could water, any water, whether it be in the finest baptismal pools in the grandest of cathedrals, or in the muddy waters of a river, wash away that the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God couldn’t ???

Most of us at some point in life have followed the traditions of men, and what men said that we must do to be “saved” without even bothering for one moment to ask God. We continue to this very moment seeking the doctrines of men, and the traditions of men instead of simply asking the God for whom we claim to serve, and who created us all.

Were there people in the bible that were baptized? Yes, it’s clear. Were they baptized in water? Yes, Absolutely. But I ask you, were not those men already here when Jesus came, and before the cross? Yet not all of them were water baptized either, so why was it that it was only required of some, and not all?

Jesus said, “I come not to call the righteous to repentance, but the sinners”. There were some in HIS day that were righteous and didn’t need to have water wash away their sins, and surely if there were some that were righteous then, and were not baptized, then after all that He did on that cross… surely all are righteous now! But was it part of righteousness? Did the water have any effect on the righteousness of Christ, or of those that were submersed in it?

ASK GOD.. Ask him if there is any need for water, after the blood of HIS SINLESS SON? Ask God if there is any reason for an outward symbol before men of what He done through the work of Jesus Christ? Ask Him, Hear Him, and realize that to take anyone’s word for it other than God, is to deny HIM!!

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