FALLING ASLEEP

We have been fed the idea that affiliating ourselves with Jesus will result in a cushy life full of happy, smiling, benevolent, brothers and sisters in Christ. Especially around this time of year, we don't want to be reminded of anything unpleasant. What will happen to those who have nestled down deep in this comfortable ideology and fallen asleep, when affiliating ourselves with Jesus is no longer comfortable or pleasant? The Scripture says that there will be a great falling away. Rev 3:16-18, " So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 BECAUSE THOU SAYEST, I AM RICH, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold TRIED IN THE FIRE, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 AS MANY AS I LOVE, I REBUKE AND CHASTEN: be zealous therefore, and repent. "Hebrews 12:1-17, " Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; WHO FOR THE JOY that was set before him ENDURED THE CROSS, DESPISING THE SHAME, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 YE HAVE NOT YET RESISTED UNTO BLOOD, STRIVING AGAINST SIN. 5 AND YE HAVE FORGOTTEN the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 for WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH, and scourgeth EVERY son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit,THAT WE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS. 11 Now NO CHASTENING FOR THE PRESENT SEEMETH TO BE JOYOUS, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."

WAR

There's been lots of chatter on the web today regarding WWIII. Tensions are ratcheting up within Nations and between Nations. There's also, the usual resistance. No one wants to acknowledge that something of this magnitude could happen, but it seems to me that a proverbial 'perfect storm' is brewing. I've posted several articles to this effect elsewhere...http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/569300/20141013/nuclear-war-russia-over-ukraine-vladimir-putin.htm#.VIxUhdFOePJ.google_plusone_share and http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/risks-of-nuclear-war-is-rising-because-of-global-tensions-and-insecure-stockpiles-warn-experts-9909379.html
there are more. Plus, re the perfect storm...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmcBu1E5vuM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKkNzRCwTWs and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvfzrFGCXos 
The first three seals in Revelation 6 speak about the power to conquer, peace being taken from the earth/people killing one another, and what looks like an economic collapse...how close are we? Revelation 6, "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and HE WENT FORTH conquering, and TO CONQUER. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to TAKE PEACE FROM THE EARTH, and THAT THEY SHOULD KILL ONE ANOTHER: and there was given unto him a great sword.

And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine." I wondered about the last verses, as 'a penny' seems awfully cheap to me, which should be good, right? But, turns out, when the prices drop the commodities purchased with credit, result in a great loss for the producers...hence, a collapse as they lose their investment. Multiply this event across the 89 (ish) small oil producers in our country and it wipes them out creating a global cascade effect, as the oil cartels (OPEC) apparently no longer have the ability to shore up prices as they've always done.

The Schoolmaster

Listening to Richard Rives video, this morning, alluded to, and gave credence to, the rising crescendo of voices insinuating that Christians are to obey the Law. The Law, as the Scripture says in Romans 7:12, "...is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good...". That will never change. But, it can never do anything than to convince us of our need for Christ.  Romans 9:31, "but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal...". Galatians 3:23-25, "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." I do not know how much clearer the Scripture can be. Romans 6:15-18, "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." Paul wrote about a more excellent way...that of Love. Now the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. The spirit of the law is Love. Faith works by Love. Love does no ill to its neighbor. Love is the fulfillment of the Law. The instrument that our Lord chose to answer these questions was the 'Hebrew of Hebrews' Paul. If you notice much of his writings are for the express purpose of answering the question as to whether or not Christians need to obey the Law. The Book of Romans answers the question for Gentile believers, the Book of Hebrews answers the question for Jewish believers (with dire warnings), and there is much information to be found in other epistles, especially Galatians. Notice Paul's arguments about this subject with the other apostles...especially Peter. Note that Paul did NOT TEACH the TORAH. As we submit ourselves to God, HE leads us and guides us into all truth. HE sanctifies us and corrects us. Romans 5:20-21, "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Tim 1:5-7, " Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." Galatians 3:2-3, "This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?". Many are influenced by people that are in the public eye...you are responsible for what you preach and will stand to give account before the Judgement seat of Christ. I suggest you give diligent heed to the writings of Paul and ask the Lord you claim to serve (as did the Pharisees and Sadducees) to search your heart and mind and to correct you if need be. I say "if need be" because I know that in your heart you believe yourself to be serving God. Woe to them that go in the way of Cain...who gave his best to God, but was rejected because he refused to acknowledge what God said He actually required. Our best, our understanding, our opinions are as dung. Compare Scripture with Scripture and as you heart is prostrate before God, He will do the work and as the Scripture says, will lead you and guide you into all truth.

TOO MANY ARE MISSING THE MARK

As I read today's 'Christian' news, I keep hearing the same message. It all sounds good...pastors gathering together to preach against homosexuality, bloggers urging people to wake up. What's wrong with that? Well, firstly, pastors need to be prostrate before God and listening to Him. They need to preach what He wants them to preach. Instead, reacting to political pressures, they gather together and decide what they need to do to maintain religious freedom in their State and in America. It IS hard to see why that's a problem. You know, the Children of God ARE FREE say what He wants us to say, no matter if we are in a church or in jail. The first century apostles and pastors were constantly opposed by the powers of the State. We should expect it. So, it's not a matter of figuring out how to maintain the status quo. It's not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, sayeth the Lord,(Zechariah 4:6). He says He is opposed to what these pastors are doing in His Name! Jeremiah 23:30-31, "Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith". Give it up! Lay it down! Wait, I say, on the LORD. The people in these congregations need to hear from Him...not from you! His desire should be our desire, His passion, our passion. We are so steeped in religiosity and methodology, that when we think we are serving God, we are ourselves the victims of our own vain imaginations. And we have set up the traditions of men above the Word of God, while using that same Word to justify it. Sound familiar? That's exactly what the Sadducees and Pharisees were doing. Who were the only people Jesus got angry with? The religious elite. It's not that they didn't have the Word of God, or know the Word of God...they did. But, they missed the point and that is what I see happening here.
Secondly, the bloggers crying Wake UP! Yes!!! Wake up! But, you won't be awake if you think that you are 'hot' (vs lukewarm) because you are in church on Sunday. Nothing's wrong with going to church per se...but, as already stated, look who's preaching! Look at what is being preached. 
Jeremiah 23:26-32, "How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord".
2 Peter 2, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire". Wow.  If you refuse to believe these things about your pastor, I totally understand, but just look at the recent news stories of preachers sleeping with the women in the congregation, advocating homosexuality, being more concerned for numbers and building funds than hearing from the God they presume to speak for, etc... One is following another and they are leading their congregations into the ditch. When a man hears from God, you will hear from Him too. Romans 11:22, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off"...what He says will cut across our natural thinking, it will not always be nice, politically correct, happy, or make you feel good. Who cares! As long as He speaks! Where can we go but to the Lord? Is there any other refuge?

Every one that has been made to drink of that Holy Spirit of God...every one that has believed in his heart the Lord Jesus and that God has raised Him from the dead. Every one that confesses with His mouth that He is Lord, needs to seek His face, in secret, just you and Him. Matthew 6:6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly". Read the Scriptures for yourself, check what you hear by the Scriptures and don't just read the citations given, compare Scripture with Scripture...it interprets itself. The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you into all truth. The brightness of His life and love will burn in you and teach you to discern between good and evil. You will be 'hot' for Him. Rev 3:14-22, " And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I WOULD THOU WERT COLD OR HOT.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." This generation is the church of Laodicea (meaning 'the voice of the people). God's desire for us is that we are hot for Him! Do you KNOW HIM? Will He say, in that day, that He knows you? Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity". So, how can we be sure? First, as I stated already have you believed in your heart and confessed with your mouth, the Lord Jesus? Romans 10:8-13, "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". So, it's not about church, methodologies, works, conduct, devotions, tithing or anything else. Jesus is the Door that leadeth unto life...you must go through the Door! John 14:5-7, "...how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." Matthew 7:13-15, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." If you have this assurance then you need no man to teach you, but the Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you into all truth, 1 John 2:27, "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him". Now, that same Spirit has given the church pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth, but you will be able, as you grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus to 'hear' whether or not these entities are speaking the truth of the Scriptures, or if they are off. My sheep know my Voice and another they will not follow, John 10:27-28, " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand". Especially, in these last days, you must run to the Lord and ask Him always to search your heart that you may be able to walk in the truth and not be afraid. I always emphasis this point, because our hearts are desperately wicked and deceitful above all things...who can know it? but the Spirit of God searches the heart and mind. He uses the circumstances of our lives to try us and to reveal to us what it actually in us, (Psalm 139). And, He will verify what He is speaking in the mouth of two or three witnesses, 2 Corinthians 13:1, "...In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established". You will learn to recognize that. Hold what you 'know' as you are growing and learning with an open hand, waiting and watching only for Him. He has promised to correct us if we are 'in anything otherwise minded', Philippians 3:15, "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you". 

Matthew 24:33, "...so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors". 

Matthew 25:10, "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut".

TIME IS SHORT...THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!

REBUTTAL - Homosexuality is not OK 'according to the Bible'.

A disturbing broadcast today made a distinction between Paul's condemnation of homosexuality and being lustful...stating that it was only a condemnation of lustful relationships but not loving relationships between two men or two women.

Several things need to be pointed out. Firstly, there needs to be an understanding of several things:

1. The Scriptural definition and depiction of marriage.
2. Cultural differences between the present time and the Biblical era and how our understanding is skewed by the present culture.
3. Exactness of the meaning of different languages (being Hebrew in the OT and Greek in the NT).

1. Long before the Mosaic Law was established, marriage was defined in Genesis 2:18-24, " And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. 21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Understanding this passage is key to our understanding of this entire matter. First, Adam is made in the image of God and so represents God. He is God's living analogy of Himself for the human race.

As such, He, not wanting to be alone, creates mankind and begins to tell a sacred Story using the pictures of their lives. Adam, as the first man is also alone. Although there are many other living creatures, none meet his need for a companion. So, God brings a bride out of Adam's side. This is a foreshadowing of what God is about to do using His Creature…He is going to bring about a companion for Himself that is compatible for Him…His Bride. So, marriage, as defined here in Gen 2, is between a man and a woman. This pattern is repeated throughout the Scriptures, never varying. Men, even God's men, pushed the envelope by marrying more than one woman, but, although they were not remanded for this, the Spiritual Bride is always spoken of as being One Bride, not many brides.

2. The Word of God is clear in the NT as well. Putting the emphasis on the idea of lust vs "love", does not change the fact that the Scripture clearly condemns men laying with men. Romans 1:26-32, " For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.". There is no such thing as a sexual, long-term relationship between men that is not condemned by the living God. He concludes that matter as a lustful situation, not as a loving situation. Let us remember the 'victim' in this scenario. The person assuming the female role…who bends over to present his body to another man, is being hurt physically. Both are subject to the diseases resulting from anal sex, but he alone is also subject to the physical pain of the encounter. Why would someone take such a position? It could be compared with any other abusive action. For whatever reason a man puts himself in such a situation, it should not be overlooked and subsequently receive the blessing of a blissfully ignorant and removed society. We don't blissfully, and ignorantly, let girls and women be subjugated by an abusive relationship if we know what is happening! Subjugation of weaker people, and hateful abuse is rampant in human history. Why do we tolerate this particular arrangement when we KNOW what the health consequences are?

Anything and everything can be justified by using Scripture. If the intent of the heart is to justify one's self a Scripture can certainly be found to do so. That is why the Scripture says to rightly  divide the Word of Truth. A heart that is willing to go God's way is required to see clearly…any other bent will skew the meaning. So, I say to every soul…are you as willing to go right as you are to go left? Or to go up as you are to go down? Will you insist that God's answer agree with your desires, or will you insist only to hear what He actually has to say?

Many will say Lord, Lord, in that Day of Judgment, citing 'godly' deeds and actions, but He will not acknowledge them. This is the 'way of Cain'. Cain did it his way. He knew what God required of him, but did not agree with Him. He would have had to go to his younger brother to procure a blood sacrifice, and he would not. So, he reasoned within himself that he would give God the best of his produce. When God did not acknowledge his sacrifice he became extremely angry and ultimately gave God the blood sacrifice, didn't he? You want blood, here's Abel's blood…here ya go. That is what is revealed in the heart of those who subtly want their own way…they justify it by any means available, and if anyone says anything to the contrary they're gonna get real angry. Hate is murder. Romans 1:18-25, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." I John 3:11-17, "11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?".

If you feel like you were 'born that way', you are invited to be born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible. Remember too, that we all, being born sinners were born as thieves, liars, cheaters, whatever the case may be. If you can use 'I was born that way' as an excuse, so can everyone else.

3. Please read the Companion Bible preface in order to understand this material.

http://www.companionbiblecondensed.com/PREFACE.htm

Then, armed with a newfound understanding you did not possess before, look at Romans the first chapter.

http://www.companionbiblecondensed.com/NT/Romans.pdf

A Study on 'Works'

Light shines out through works. Works are the 'rays'. Like the sun...true faith must shine forth in the form of good works.
Works generated by the flesh instead of the Spirit are dead..."even our good works are as filthy rags before Him"
All of the works done by Jesus were, as He said, 'not of Himself, but done as He heard from the Father'. Works do not please God, Faith pleases God. Our works will be judged. Matthew 16:27, "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works". Our works were prepared for us before the foundation of the Earth, just like Jesus'. Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
John 5:36, "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me". John 6:28&29, "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.".
Good News! John 6:37-40, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.". John 14:12, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.".
In Acts 2, it is revealed that the Arabs received the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and yet, it was the Arabs that spread Islam to so much of the world, having rejected that glorious gospel received on the day of Pentecost.
Romans 3:27, "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith".
Romans 4:1-8, "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin".
Romans 9:30-33, "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed".
Romans 13:7-14, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof". Mary is our example...she and Martha were with Jesus, but Martha attended to her perceived responsibilities, and Mary simply attended to Jesus. She was absorbed in His presence and sat, waiting, at His feet, just as we should do. Let us forget our perceived responsibilities...they will get done in His time. We do not have to fret about them, but remember Mary in all her simplicity. II Cor 11:3&4, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him".
Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
Galatians 3:2, "This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
Galatians 3:5, "He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
Galatians 3:10, "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them".
Galatians 5: 1-5, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith."
Galatians 5: 13-25, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
Titus 3:8&9, "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain". So, whatever we do, we do it to the Lord...waiting on Him, resting in Him, trusting in Him, and knowing that even when our heart condemns us, that He is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. For all things are of Him, through Him, and to Him. Therefore, we present our bodies unto Him as a living sacrifice that we may prove what is that good, aceptable, and perfect will of God.
Hebrews 4:10, "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his".
Revelation 2:23, "And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works". Oh that we might work the works of God, not of ourselves. That we may not be presumptuous, but walk humbly with our God, listening and watching for His lead, resting in the knowledge that He is ever with us and that He promised to guide us with His eye as we acknowledge Him in all our ways! This is what the Book of James refers to...the works that are born of faith. Works that result because of faith. Good works are easily imitated, so we must examine ourselves to see whether we be in the faith and God will then judge. Remember that those who stand before Him in the Judgement will be befuddled because they did good works in His Name, but He did not know who they were! While those whom He praised said, 'when did we do these things?'. Make your calling and foundation sure. Search the Scriptures asking God to give you discernment that you may rightly divide them. He that is of full age has his senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Bones

 I have spent a great deal of time watching a fictional TV series called "Bones", which is a story about a forensic scientist's (Bones) adventures in solving crimes using her skill in studying the evidence inscribed in the bones of the victims. This is exactly the answer to questions about God and the Bible. In the stories, the evidence surrounding the case can be interpreted in many ways, but Bones gathers her evidence from studying the bones of the victim. Such evidence is brought before a judge and jury along with the many theories of the defense for the purpose of finding and exposing the murderer. It is only because of Bones' great skill and ability to see and hear what the bones are saying that the truth is eventually discovered. The truth is always beyond reproach because the evidence in the bones is empirical. So it is in life. All of us can have our opinions, philosophies, and probabilities based on the evidence as we see it, but there is only one Truth. Developing the skill and ability to look at the empirical evidence and to rightly decipher it only comes by much study and experience along with the motivation to want to know for sure, and the desire to be willing to look, to study, and to keep looking, thinking and considering what the bones might be saying. In the story, Bones is the only  one with such qualifications. There are others that are learning, (her interns), and there are experts in surrounding disciplines which must often be consulted in order to get to the bottom of the mystery. I see the bones as the Word of God. The truth is inscribed there, but we must develop the ability and the skill to master the discipline. To be able to look at the Word of God for evidence of the truth as is stated. Too often, those handling the bones have already come to a conclusion using their own opinions or the opinions of others, then they try to use the bones support their conclusion. The evidence in the bones has not changed, but the ones looking at them refuse to see it. In order to walk humbly with our God, we must acknowledge that the truth is there in the evidence He has given to us. We must look at it honestly. In so doing we will find the empirical evidence we need to support our position no matter what other opinions fly about. We will all eventually stand in the courtroom, before the judge; we must be sure of our position. If our conclusions are based on the opinions of others we will not be able to stand…another will win the case.

John 5:39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me".

Acts 17:11, "…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so".

Demons Manifesting as Alien Extraterrestrials

http://endtimeheadlines.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/%E2%80%8Bif-we-down-at-least-one-ufo-well-be-facing-an-interstellar-war-former-defense-minister-of-canada/

If you listen to this video, please be aware...a search for "tall whites" (TW) leads to the page, 'Charles Hall and the Tall Whites' who makes a connection between the TW and the Sumerian deities, the Anunnaki, "They are not the famous "Anunnaki." In fact they long ago lost a war against the Anunnaki for the mastery of this system", which leads me to believe that we are talking about manifestations of demons here. Wikipedia - "... the term Anunnakku (Anuna) was later used to refer to the gods of the underworld." Mark 13:22, "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect." Don't believe the extraterrestrial bull...Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." and Colossians 1:16, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him".

False Prophets

Hebrews 5:14, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Jeremiah 23:16-32, "16 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.

17 They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?

19 Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.

20 The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

23 Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?

24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.

25 I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.

28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord.

29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord."

A Mockery

Trinity Broadcasting Network came to my attention a few months ago, when it's founder, Paul Crouch died on November 30, 2013. I came across a video wherein a 'prophetess' was rebuking Paul Crouch, Jr.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ZXdrrg8b8&feature=youtu.be). I wouldn't ordinarily just say someone is, or isn't, a prophet...I watched it in order to see what this woman had to say, but what caught my attention was that the man currently serving as the Director of Project Development for The Word Network, and best known for his long association with the Trinity Broadcasting Network, the man she was rebuking, has no grasp of the Word of God. None! This is shocking! The person at the helm of these huge organizations supposedly designed to reach the world with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the LOGOS...the WORD made flesh, does not know the Scripture. What???!!! Last night I came upon the newest iteration of this organization "The Holy Land Experience" in Orlando, Fl. Apparently, this theme park is a mock up of all of the most popular imagery of Christendom, where you can see it all happen, just the way that the producers imagine it did. Mock up = Mockery people! Our Lord Jesus warned against the leaven of the Sadducees and the Pharisees...that state of mind wherein one thinks himself to be all that. Mat 16:11-12, "How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees". The Pharisees and Sadducees were all about the show. They loved to pray on the street corners, wearing their long robes. They loved the chief seats at the Synagogue, they loved to anoint their heads with oil and put on a long face when they fasted, so that everybody would know and understand, that they were the religious elite, the religious rulers whom all should revere. Mat 23:1-8, "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." Jesus did not put on a show. He often told those He touched NOT to tell anyone about it. When he raised the dead He did it behind closed doors. He didn't go around lifting up Himself, instead He humbled Himself, (Matthew 8:4, Matthew 16:20, Matthew 17:9, Mark 7:36, Mark 8:30, Mark 9:9, Luke 5:14). Especially egregious is the Communion show at this 'park'. Paul said that "...he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. FOR THIS CAUSE many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep," (1 Cor 11:29-30). MANY sleep. This word is from the Strong's Concordance #G2837 and means DIE. So much is wrong with this disgraceful display! Yet, that is not to say that God does not use it. He uses everything! When Paul was in prison he wrote that there were those who "indeed preach(ed) Christ even of envy and strife...not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to (his) bonds....". Paul was thankful anyway, that the gospel was preached, (Phil 1:15-18). But, just because God is able to use burnt toast, do we then offer Him burnt toast? Hebrews 5:11-14, "...we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." This verse describes the people behind the Theme Park as well as those who go there, who are content with the superficial, who do not realize the power of the Word of God, 2 Tim 3:5, "...having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof...". Many, many are being deceived. The 'faithful' who sit in church year after year, who can regurgitate what the preacher has said and who dearly believe it, but who have never searched the Scriptures for themselves, or relied on the strong arm of God, but only on the platitudes and second-hand information that they recite amongst themselves. They know ABOUT God, they believe what they've been told ABOUT God, they heap up teachers, having itching ears, but they do not know HIM. They are apt to follow anyone whose speech falls within their 'zone', but they cannot discern the Spirit of God. Many preachers and teachers are presumptuous believing that they are obeying God, and run to do His 'will' when they have not heard from Him. They will not WAIT on Him. They lean to their own understanding and they totally miss Him.
LOOK at the parable of the 10 virgins, Mat 25:1-12, "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not". The five foolish virgins are without oil in their lamps, (Romans 8:9, "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his", 1 Sam 16:13 shows how that the Holy Spirit is likened to oil). So, instead of going to God, who alone can give the gift of the Holy Spirit, they went to those who sell. Who sells the spirit?? TBN for one? and they were shut out.
LOOK at the Scriptures wherein we stand at the Judgment. 2 Timothy 4:1-4, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom...For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables". So many in that day will say these words, "Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?" They THOUGHT they had done God's will; but the righteous said, 'when did we do that?' One was for show, the other was without thought for the show, but only for the person. 
Acts 17:11

"These were more noble...in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so". Amen.
**Here is a video that I came upon today speaking to the same subject...if I could delete the commercials I would, but it is worth listening to! http://www.wnd.com/2013/12/could-this-be-the-great-end-times-deception/