Who is giving you advice?

 "Happy is the one who has not walked in the advice of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the scoffers." Psalm 1:1 TLV

In today's world there are many voices attempting to give advice on how to live to people today. Christians rather than remaining as salt and light allow these voices to give us advice on the Bible, and how we should live and respond in a "woke" world. That however is not how scripture views the topic. The psalmist says that a person is happy or blessed by NOT walking in the advice of the wicked. People with a secular world view cannot understand the things in scripture because they are blind in spite of their protests of being awake. For a believer our source of advice should come through scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Everything we need to live and be successful is found in scripture and through a relationship with God. 

While I will recognize this is not a popular or even desired idea, but it is true nonetheless. As a member of God's Kingdom my opinion on any topic is not relevant as the King (Yehovah) has already has settled the matter on a variety of topics. The psalmist goes on to show the progression of following the wrong advice. 

You move from listening to them, to standing with them in agreement. We do the world no favors by agreeing with their lifestyles and their desires to follow the flesh. Once we begin to agree with their lifestyles and decisions we move into the only other conclusion to seat in the seat of the scoffers. This means we no longer are worshipping God, but mocking Him and His kingdom. 

The remainder of the psalm tells us how to avoid this, our source of pleasure should be the Word of God and His presence. So just as the children's church song said, "be careful little ears what you hear."

SHALOM

What Fire are you near?

 In Isaiah 50:11 God tells His people that those who "kindle a fire, Who encircle themselves with flaming arrows, WALK IN THE LIGHT OF YOUR OWN FIRE..... This will you have from MY hand: You will lie down in torment." This past election season, COVID 19, and other issues has only served to illustrate that the church itself is too busy walking in its own power and authority. 

God NEVER called the church or any prophet to take political sides but to call all to repentance and to proclaim God's Word. Many made prophecies that did not come to pass, while other churches support organizations and movements that believe and do things in direct opposition to the Word of God and now we are all wondering what comes next. 

In Leviticus 10,  Abihu and Nadab played with strange fire and it killed them, are we in the church doing the same today, and have perhaps brought judgment to the church and by extension the rest of our planet? The Lord spoke to me clearly Tuesday January 19, 2021 at 3:00 A.M. that the church has been complacent in their walk, not really believing judgment can come and that all is well. As the nation changed the church moved into the compliant mode, not wanting to "rock the boat" but pursue a path of no resistance as America moved closer and closer to her own demise. 

Now we have become complicit in the disloyalty to the Kingdom of God, by bringing in strange fire into the church. Allowing new age teachings and practices to live freely in our midst. To adopt the world's idea of gimmicks to build up the church, and not impact the Kingdom of God. We should walk in His power and not ours, His wisdom, and seek His glory leaving our filthy rags behind!

It is time for the church to repent, and return to our first love before He judges us and removes many of us out of our place, before He is forced to vomit us out of His mouth in disgust. It is time to rekindle His fire in our soul and spirit, to become the might army marching to the gates of hell, and taking back our families before the world sinks into the foretold end of the age, and the great tribulation. It is time to be a voice crying prepare ye the way of the Lord, repent for the KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND!!!

Becoming a believer of authority

https://youtu.be/yIIgNurTQf0

1 Peter 1:1-2

Peter, an apostle (a special messenger) of Jesus Christ, [writing] to the elect exiles of the dispersion scattered (sowed) abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia 2 Who were chosen and foreknown by God the Father and consecrated (sanctified, made holy) by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and to be sprinkled with [His] blood: May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance [that spiritual peace to be realized in and through Christ, freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts]. (AMPC)

I am going to do a simple Bible Study in the book of First Peter to help all of us to grow in the knowledge of the word. I hope this is of value to you and you are willing to share.  

In verse 1 the author of the letter is clearly identified as the Apostle Peter who was part of the inner circle of Christ's disciples. There was the 70, then the 12, then the inner circle with James and John. He had private time with Christ and we all know the times, Peter would be a spiritual giant, then other times a coward yet at all times he loved Christ. 

He is writing to the believers who were living in pagan towns as exiles, tying the language many Jews would recognize as the Diaspora in their own history. Why exiles, because our home is not this earthly kingdom controlled by the principalities and powers of this present darkness. We are members of the Kingdom of Heaven and are traveling here toward our homeland. 

He writes to the chosen believers who are living in a world where Yeshua is rejected. Thus they will not fit in with the world, and its thinking. Many get confused about the term chosen meaning they are selected, meaning others are not. Nothing could be farther than the truth, the Gospel is preached to all, but not everyone chooses to follow Christ. 

Then throwing more into the mix, Peter says to we are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God. Some have taken this to mean that some are "predestined" to follow Christ and others are not. Please don't let that get into your thinking. The phrase simply means God before the foundation of the world provided the plan for man to return to the place they would fall from and become His sons and daughters. Nothing catches God off guard, He already had a plan in place. 

Peter says we are set apart for obedience by the Spirit, meaning we are set apart, sanctified by the sealing of the Holy Spirit as our earnest or downpayment for all the promises of God. Christ's Blood is the means of this purification and not our works or our own efforts. We like to think we play a part in being Chrisitan. We try to work outside to the inside, whereas Christ wants to work from the inside to the outside. 

To these people living in this foreign land, Peter wants grace and peace multiplied to these believers in their present circumstances. This means in spite of where we live, and what is going on around us, we all need peace and grace expanding in our lives. 

In this day of disease, fear, and other problems be comforted that this world is not the home of the believer. God has a plan for all our lives and will bring us through this current storm and prepare us for His soon return. Let me be clear JESUS IS COMING SOON, it is time to wake up and look up so that we are looking for Him. 

Grace and peace be multiplied in your life see you as we walk through 1 Peter.  

Walking in the wilderness part 1

https://youtu.be/AjIQW4D6OHs

Sharing my introductory video on prophecy.
https://youtu.be/oJO_BzTmdyc

Who were the Nicolatians?

Revelation 2:6
6 But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice—practices I also hate.
(NET)

Revelation 2:15
15 In the same way, there are also some among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (NET)

Recently, I have begun to wonder about this group of people Jesus actually uses the word hate with. Growing up in the church I was always taught that they were a group that wanted to dominate the laity and was part of the early church placing the minister in power over the laity. Of course, this was taught from churches that had power structures very similar to that of the one they preached against. This brings me to the question that has been plaguing me the past few days, who were these people and what did they teach?

I first thought the idea I was taught came down from the early church fathers but was shocked to find it came from the work of C.I. Scoffield in the early 20th century. He wrote that the Nicolaitans were the earliest notion of a priestly order or clergy which later divided into the clergy and the laity. This seems like an odd thing to hate as Paul talked about leadership in the church, and its related offices.

Of course, I do understand that abuse of power happens and that for some the idea of ministry is not to shepherd a flock but to be the boss and run the church. Let's be honest there are several denominations that are as political as the world and some of its leaders have agendas that are suspect, but is that what Christ is refferring to?

So I began to dig back into the early church writing seeking clues to this group and their teachings. Some attribute the beginning of this group to the deacon Nicolas from Acts 6:5  a "Gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch." So he was a pagan who became a Jew who then became a Christian.  He had changed his belief structure 3 times and was now serving in leadership. On that point everyone agrees, but then the early writers divide. Some defend Nicolas saying the Nicolaitans falsely connected themselves with him, while others say that he led men to live lives of "unrestrained indulgence."

The truth about this group is easily understood when you look at the complete picture and remove our western mindset and remember the original audience. The early church started out as an offshoot of Judaism, and the majority of the early members were Jews who accepted Christ as the Messiah. The Gentiles (non-Jews) who came from pagan practices, came in with varying customs and ideas that had to be changed in order for them to truly accept Christ. As the church grew, the leadership had to deal with the two groups and establish some sort of baseline of behavior so the church could function. Eventually, they settled on the Gentiles did not have to become Jews to be Christians, but that it would be advisable that they abstain from eating meat sacrificed to idols and fornication.

This would separate them from their pagan roots and help them live lives separated to the Gospel of Christ. This is where the deeds and doctrine of the Nicolaitans begin to take hold. The new converts were told that they could still keep their pagan roots because they really didn't mean anything and still serve Christ. The flesh did not impact the spirit, in reality, they were preaching compromise.

The Nicolaitans created churches that were powerless, and weak, where there was no need for repentance, and sin is winked at as a necessary part of human existence.   I will give you 4 hallmarks of this doctrine as it appears today in our churches. This list is in no way inclusive, but these stand out to me.

1. The need for inclusiveness. Everyone needs to come regardless of their beliefs because there isn't one truth but many. These disregard the teachings of the Bible in favor of large crowds and no conflict with the world.

2. No emphasis on doctrine- They preach a social gospel using the Bible as a reference and book of illustrations and stories. Many believers today do not know the doctrines taught in the Bible as many churches no longer have Sunday School, new convert classes, Bible study that uses the Bible or any medium to teach doctrine. Is it any wonder why so many are easily deceived!

3. There are no absolutes- Truth is relative, there are many right answers. All religions are the same, so why worry about them. This is like saying there are many definitions of a mile when all over the world the accepted measurement has been standardized. There are absolutes and without them, society as a whole will crumble.

4. Everyone gets to go to heaven, regardless of their acceptance of Christ.- This is the doctrine of universalism and it is again rearing its head in the mainstream media. This is in stark contrast to the very words of Christ.

Whether you believe it or not, Jesus is coming back after His bride, the only question is will you be in that group. Repentance is key, it is turning away from your old life and living the new life He gives you through the power of the Spirit. I pray that as you have read my brain musing at 4:40 am in the morning will cause you to think, pray, repent, and walk with Christ in a way that will lead you to His kingdom.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For this cause

The Church at Ephesus

Revelation 1:9 20

Revelation Ch 1: 4-8

Revelation 1:1-3

Who Am I?

We are at War Pt 3

We are at War Part 2

We are at War Part 1

Imitating God

What is missing in today's church!

I can hear all the comments you are thinking. Brother power is missing, or holiness, or commitment, or _____________, and on all of those levels you are correct. However, may I interject that perhaps the one thing that is preventing those things is as simple as 1 thing? I have been studying the book of Proverbs and want to share something that I feel is missing not only in the church but in society as a whole. Proverbs 13 starts with the idea that a wise son (child) accepts discipline, but a scoffer does not learn from his errors. 

The first thing that is missing in all areas of society is discipline, not sit in the corner and think about what you have done, but the ability to control one's self and live according to a moral code. As a believer I should DESIRE God's Spirit to teach me through His word, correct when necessary, bless when appropriate, and teach me how to Walk as His child, not after my own flesh. If each believer found this place where we aren't living for ourselves, but living IN Him, how different would the world, the home, our government, and YES even the church be? I wish I could say I walk in this daily, but I can say I am learning to listen and grow, and He is ever ready to teach.

Secondly verse 20 tells us to keep company with others who are walking after wisdom. We should seek others who walk WITH God and have that testimony so we can grow and learn. Unfortunately the world at large glorifies and holds up people who revel in their lack of discipline and brag about being born this way, and I have heard some even say, "God knows I'll sin a little each day", rather than I want to know Him. Paul said "that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;" Philippians 3:10. Notice he doesn't say that I may know about Him, or have some distant idea about who He is, but that I might KNOW HIM! This should be my goal, and the goal of the people I choose to surround myself with as friends. 

Thirdly, verse 24 lets me know that even when God is correcting me, and allowing me to walk through deserts, and valleys, its not to destroy but to help me grow. He desires to teach and give us EVERY opportunity to grow, and lets be honest, trials and valleys grow us more than sunshine and roses. :)So allow those opportunities to help you mature and become ALL God desires you to become, so you can be a light and a blessing to another person. 

Grace and peace be multiplied to you!!!
Eric 

3 Simple Truths

Psalms 117:1-3 “Praise the Lord, all nations;Laud Him, all peoples! For His loving kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!

Three simple verses, yet the truth they communicate is powerful, yet in our world filled with a cacophony of noise and confusion that prevents many people including those who say they are Christians to miss it.

First all people should praise the Lord! In our churches, our homes and our private times we should focus on praising Him. We are always in a hurry at church we zip through worship, rush the preacher so we can get back to our lives, or our homes have everything else going on but no time for praise. Heaven takes time to praise the Lord, creation takes time to praise the Lord and we should too. Slow down, tell your Heavenly Father thank you for all He has already done in and through your life. Be grateful and take the time to actually say it and in some cases sing it!

Secondly, the Psalmist says God’s loving kindness is always focused on His people. Everything God does in our lives including discipline is because He loves us and wants us to be what He has designed and destined us to be. If we haven’t been born again, we will never see that happen, again His love and kindness sent Christ to die on the Cross for us that we might find life and find it abundantly. Our culture can’t distinguish between discipline and punishment. When I was a child and my dad would spank me, (I can see the eye rolls now, you were spanked? Yes I was and looking back I am glad he did.) That being said, as a child I thought I was being punished for whatever rule or expectation I had broken, but looking back I can see he was steering me for my adult life to make better decisions. When I have gotten off the path God has set for me, He sometimes gently other times not, helps get me on the right path. Why does He do this? It’s because He loves me and wants nothing but the best for me here and in eternity. He just loves me and here’s something you need to understand, He loves you too!!!

Lastly the psalmist lays a BIG stone in the foundation of life, God’s truth never changes. In a world where right and wrong are now being redefined and what used to be black is now white and vice versa, we need a sure start to guide our lives by and God’s truth is that star. The enemy has done all he can to get us to redefine words to take the sting out of sin. He did this in the garden and even tried it on Jesus in the wilderness, and he is having a field day with it now. The Bible’s view on so many topics will never change despite what society says or thinks, He loves those held in the bondage of sin, but hates the sin that has marred their lives. Since God’s truth never changes we must focus on them and let them guide our decisions, our lives and the lives of those around us. Proverbs 12:3 tells us the wicked has no firm foundation, but the righteous have firm foundations. That foundation for the believer is Jesus Christ the Word of God made flesh, who gave us the Holy Spirit to keep us on the right track.

So what are we to do? The answer is simple, praise Him, and stand on His truth. The world may rage and get mad, but in the end God is still the victor and we are still more than conquerors. Grace and Peace be multiplied to you. Shalom

Eric

Sitting by the river

This morning in my devotional time, I read the 137th Psalm. This Psalm was written by the Jews living in the Babylonian captivity, far from the temple and home. The Psalm opens with a scene familiar to any one who has lived anytime on this earth.

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion” (NASB) Have you ever been in a situation that basically you just cried when you remembered the “good times” and now feel as if you are in a captivity of dark depression? To be walking in a deep valley and have the enemy of your soul taunt you to sing the songs of praise now! To remind you of the times you walked in great faith, and joy and felt the favor of Almighty God, only to now be in a place where victory doesn’t seem possible. It is in these “crying times” that we need to change our focus.

Stop focusing on where you have been, or even on all the battles fought won, or lost, and remember where our journey ends. We have so many examples in the Bible but my favorite is the story of Paul and Silas in prison. Talk about a crying time, there to help, cast out one little demon, now you are beaten, and put into a dark prison to await trial. Rather than crying, allowing the enemy to convince them that they are done, defeated, and forgotten, they begin to pray and sing. You know how the story ends with a “jailhouse rock” (forgive me there my Elvis nerdism is showing.) The lesson is to remember our captivity ends, our run on the earth is going to end for the believer with death and graduation to heaven, or rapture. Focus on the joy we have in Christ, for we are more than conquerors, and have the power to walk on top of our enemy.

The next thing to remember is God will turn it around. He has made us great and might promises and He will keep His word. He has defeated the enemy and one day according to the Book of Revelation we will stand, around and cheer as our enemy is bound and cast into torment forever. He will never again trouble God’s people and we shall live in the presence of God forever. If that don’t make you smile then nothing will.

So today take the time to praise God and remember your restoration is coming if you hold on to Christ and the power of Cross. As a friend of mine loves to sing, “Victory is mine, victory today is mine, I told Satan to Get thee behind VICTORY today is mine.” So keep singing. Grace and peace be multiplied to you and may you live today blessed and highly favored.

Eric