So many times throughout history, God’s chosen people, the Jews, and His chosen nation, Israel, have fallen into deception, disobedience, rebellion and played the “harlot” by going after and serving gods of this world. They clearly understood that they were to forsake the world and serve God only. In obedience, they would live and prosper, and in disobedience they would reap death and despair. They were told to destroy their enemies but often chose to live with them and even adopt and worship their gods — “they did not destroy the peoples, as the Lord commanded them, but they mingled with the nations, and learned their practices, and served their idols, which became a snare to them. They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted, with the blood. Thus they became unclean in their practices and played the harlot in their deeds.” To mingle here means to join in with, share with, undertake; to be surety for someone, meaning to be contracted to be responsible for another. John also cautions all of God’s people not to mingle with the world and says, “Do not love the world nor 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 and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” We, as God’s priests, must not mingle nor touch the things of this world but rather commune with God by entering the Holy of Holies through the blood of Jesus. We are not to be conformed to this world but rather “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Paul said, “'Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,’ says the Lord almighty.” References: Psalm 106:34-39; Isaiah Chapter 5; I John 2:15-17; Hebrews 3:12-14; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2 (Hear the entire message below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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The Tampa Tribune printed an article on September 23, 2013, regarding Pope Francis’ remarks on gays, abortion, and contraception. The Pope remarked that, “the church has become too focused on ‘small-minded rules’” regarding these issues of today. Many applauded what they heard as a “message of inclusion.” One elderly Catholic lady said that the Pope was “spot on.” She went on to say, “As Catholic Christians, we do need to be more welcoming.” No one has been more welcoming to a lost and sinful world than Jesus Christ who gave His life as a ransom for all and said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) That’s pretty inclusive IF one chooses to put His yoke on and learn from the Holy Spirit His way, His truth, and His life! Not all will enter the Kingdom of Heaven as illustrated in the parable of the marriage feast as told by Jesus in Matthew 22:1-14. Jesus also said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) Yes, there are rules, ancient boundaries, established by God Himself and most assuredly they are not “small-minded rules.” God’s words are words of sober truth and need to be obeyed in the strength of the Holy Spirit. When we come to Jesus and receive Him as Lord and Savior, He will equip us and enable us to overcome all of our ungodly ways and habits and transform us into His glorious image. (Romans 12:2) Remember, there is inclusion for the faithful and obedient and exclusion for the unfaithful and disobedient. If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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It is becoming more apparent every day that Christians and their godly values have been given the “cold shoulder” by many leaders in Washington. The truth that our great nation was founded on biblical principles by God-fearing men and women, is being shunned, scorned, and marginalized by those with an anti-Christ agenda and Spirit. Recently, Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk Action, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Concerned Women for America, and the Tea Party have been targeted and attacked by the I.R.S. Dr. Dobson writes, “Are you aware that religious liberties cherished by millions of Americans, are being attacked viciously and relentlessly, by various departments of the federal government? These agencies are being led by appointees of President Obama, who gives them their marching orders. His policies are intended to implement what he refers to as the “transformation” of America. This is his word for it. We call it “unconstitutional.” Our nation is on a collision course with disaster without the rule of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. There is hope for revival but only in repentance and dependence on God. The church at Laodicea was in serious trouble for their lukewarmness and indifference to God’s ways. However, Jesus reached out to them (and America today) and said, “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) (Message originally recorded: 6/9/13) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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As we reflect on this July 4, 2013, I want us to think on the greatness of this nation. We have done so much and it has been so successful. But I think we are slipping a bit. As our country has slowly removed God, references to Him, prayer and Bible from the public square, has anyone noticed the precipitous decline of our military might, our standing in the world, our academic achievements, our financial strength and the overall health of our country? Whoa…I think we’re cruisin’ for a bruisin’! A long time ago, it was said that America was great because her people were great, but that it would remain so only as long as her people remain great. We have gone from laws against abortion, homosexuality and pornography to laws for those issues. We have gone from laws for prayer and Bible reading in public school to laws against them. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is looking mighty pertinent right now! If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. © http://www.creationswap.com/media/5963 When Paul journeyed to Athens he observed a city of Greeks who were religious and lost in idolatry. (See Acts 17:16-34) “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the creator who is blessed forever.” It was “normal” to them. (See Romans 1:25.) In like manner, this godless and idolatrous mentality is upon us in our world today. Children are being born (multitudes out of wedlock and commitment to God) into a family/home environment where dysfunction, chaos, rebellion, and disobedience seem to be the “new normal”—that is all they know. God’s plan for a future of hope, peace, and eternal life through Jesus His son are being mocked and discarded for temporary pleasures, lusts and selfish ambitions in serving the god of this world. It all seems so “normal.” This mentality puts the child first, mother second, father (if in the home at all) third, and then last and least, the living God—the perfect equation for failure and despair. THERE IS HOPE, but only on God’s terms. Paul made it clear to those in Athens that all everywhere should repent, for God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world THROUGH JESUS His Son, whom He raised from the dead. (Sermon originally recorded on 3/11/12.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. Oh, how the times are changing on how Americans think and live. Speaking of changing times, Paul said, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3,4) We are now living in an unprecedented time in America’s history when the president of the United States, our commander-in-chief, has openly announced that he favors state recognition of same-sex marriages. Wow! And he was elected by the American people who full well knew his position on this vital moral issue. He also is an ally of those who favor and promote abortion—the murder of the unborn. Things are definitely different today when the majority of Americans support same-sex marriage. The once unthinkable has happened. Moral erosion begins immediately when any person or nation turns their ears from the truth—Jesus Christ—to seek teachings from the god of this world (Satan) to satisfy their own desires. If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
This is a defining time in history! It is a time to choose whom you will serve, and here is your choice: No Jesus, no life! —OR— Know Jesus, know life! LISTEN TO AUDIOPERSONAL TESTIMONIESPastor Mark and others share their personal testimonies with us prior to the morning's message. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Listen to the personal testimonies and/or download file. We are living in an age of spiritual complacency. Many theologians and pastors have compromised the Word of God and have accepted degrading moral practices that are clearly outside the ancient boundaries of God. Many believe they are not setting aside God’s Word in support of their community standards. In regards to military chaplains, many believe they are responding professionally, positively and responsibly in the nine months since the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was repealed and gays could serve openly. Lowering God’s standards definitely makes many people feel accepted and included as heirs of all of God’s promises and blessings. We know that the god of this world, Satan himself, is behind this philosophy and has been the archenemy of God since his rebellion in heaven. He has been relentless in his pursuit to destroy God’s Word and plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. In Psalm 74:3-5 Asaph writes, “Turn thy footsteps toward the perpetual ruins: the enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary. Thine adversaries have roared in the midst of thy meeting place; they have set up their own standards for signs. It seems as if one had lifted up his ax in a forest of trees.” However, there is good news. It is Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, the Risen Savior, who will have the final roar in delivering His church from the evil fangs of Satan. Joel 3:16, Revelation 5:5 LISTEN TO AUDIOPERSONAL TESTIMONIESPastor Mark shares a personal testimony with us prior to the morning's message. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Listen to the personal testimonies and/or download file. |
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