Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Nov 1st, 2014 A Walk Through Hell – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Luke 14 – 16 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalm 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes…” (Luke 16:19-23)

Good morning! Here we have the true story of a rich man who is in Hell as you read this. He has been there for around 2000 years. In the book of Ezekiel God warns us twice…

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4)

And…

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die…” (Ezekiel 18:20)

Twice in the same chapter: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. This goes right along with what Psalm 9:17 says…

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17)

George Washington said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God… to be greatful for His benefits…”

(If you want to know what’s wrong with America, read Leviticus chapter 18.)

The Soul that sinneth, it shal die…

“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” (Isaiah 5:14)

But here in Luke chapter 16 we have the story of a certain rich man, and a beggar. The beggar was named Lazarus, and his body was full of sores. Someone would always lay Lazarus at the rich man’s gate. He could see the rich man through the window, and would have loved to eat the crumbs that fell from the table. And the rich man could probably see Lazarus also. The rich man may have said, “What!? Who’s that lying by my gate? It’s that beggar again. He’s gonna drive my property value way down. Look at him – disgusting! Sores all over his body. Torn, ragged clothing; looks like a reject from The Goodwill Store. I’ll bet he hasn’t showered, or taken a bath, in several years. I can smell him all the way over here! I’ll fix him. Release the dogs!”

And the dogs ran to Lazarus. But God had compassion on Lazarus: instead of biting him and tearing him apart, the dogs licked his sores, giving him some relief from his pain. But then…

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:22-24)

We can see from these few verses, as we take a walk through Hell, is that it is a place of torment: extreme suffering. Hell has flames, and Hell is hot. Sulfur, or Brimstone, burns with black smoke: Hell is pitch black. At one time, though, there was light in Hell. That light came from across the great gulf, far away, in a place called Abraham’s Bosom. All those who believed God, and put their trust in the coming Messiah, were all there. The light that God gave them shown bright enough to give light to those in Hell. The rich man could see Abraham, holding Lazarus, and comforting him. This also would torment him, remembering all those things he said about Lazarus. But shortly after Jesus told the people about this rich man and Lazarus, they nailed Him to a cross, and crucified Jesus. As the rich man looked over to Abraham’s Bosom, he may have seen a brighter light come down, and a voice ringing out…

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1:18)

And suddenly, before he had a chance to fall on his knees before God, there was darkness: the light was gone. All those in Abraham’s Bosom were with Jesus in Paradise. He was left in the dark flames of Hell. When sulfur is on fire, it melts like wax: it starts dripping. As the rich man felt his way around, every place he touched, the burning sulfur would stick to his skin. At this point, it was aaround 250 degrees. Reaching out his hand, he touches something. It feels like a crown. Instantly, he feels sharp teeth dig into his arm holding him fast. He cries out in pain, as he feels the stinger pierce his flesh. It felt like a wasp, and he could feel the pain travel up his free arm. He had just encountered one of the creatures who will be released to attack those who do not have God’s mark on them during the Great Tribulation period. (see Revelation chapter 9)

Time is running out for the rich man. He has been tormented for over 2000 years. Suddenly he is out of the Hell he was in. This is what he saw…

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

And the Lord commanded the books to be opened. “Does the rich man’s name appear?”

“No Lord.”

And then the rich man hears those final words: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…”

Sulfur boils at 832 degrees. He stares at the Lake of Fire realizing that this will be his new home forever. Then an angel picks him up by the arm and flings him into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone. Tossed out like garbage. It didn’t have to be that way. He had Moses and the prophets telling him about the coming Messiah. He had what little time he spent in the temple and the synagogue. He may even had had a friend speak to him. Once he died, it was too late. The Bible says, in the book of Jude…

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:17-23)

God knows who will receive, and who will reject Jesus as their Saviour. We don’t. That’s why He commands us to go into ALL the world, and preach the gospel to EVERY creature. It’s not up to us to save them, they have to make that choice. Our job is to give them the gospel so they can choose. Remember, God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Help pull them out of the fire. Tell them about Jesus, and how to avoid Hell. It’s up to them to avoid the fire, the torment, the burning, and the stinging that hides in the blackness of Hell; but we need to tell them.

Peace. (Mark 16:15)

Oct 25th, 2014 Mary: Not For Ladies Only – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage –Luke 1 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:26-30)

Good morning. And no this isn’t my wife’s Tuesday morning blog: ‘For Ladies Only’. I just borrowed, and modified the title a bit. So this is not for ladies only, it’s for men too. The Bible is clear, that a woman should not usurp authority over a man. But we men can learn from women (you understand this principle, especially if you are married to one!). Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Elliot, and other ladies who have been through the mill have a story we can all learn a lesson from. This woman who we read about in chapter was chosen by God to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. If she found favour with God, I would want to know how, wouldn’t you? Here are three characteristics that we can gleen from Luke chapter 1 about Mary.

1) Mary Was A Woman Of Faith

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:30)

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Is this one of your characteristics? Do you believe that God is? Do you believe that God really does answer prayers? Do you diligently seek Him? Mary did. Mary was a woman of faith.

2) Mary Kept Herself Pure

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (luke 1:30-35)

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:24-25)

Mary kept herself pure: she was true to her espouced husband, Joseph.

“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” (Titus 1:15)

I want to borrow something else here. If you have ever been to a Reformers Unanimous meeting, you know that ‘Principle #3’ would fit in good with this…

“It is easier to keep the heart clean than to clean it after it has been defiled.” (Steven Curington RUI Founder)

Mary was a woman of faith.

Mary kept herself pure.

And…

3) Mary Gave Praise To God

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” (Luke 1:46-55)

Mary praised God for all the He had done for her. She also praised God for everything He had done for Israel. Have you praised God lately…for anything? Have you defiled your heart? Remember what the Word of God says…

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)

Now there’s something we can all praise God for, and He’ll take care of the ‘clean-up’.

Peace! (Luke 1:37)

Oct 18th, 2014 Be Not Afraid Only Believe – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Mark 4 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)

“And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.” (Mark 5:21-24)

“While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.” (Mark 5:35-42)

Good morning. A ruler of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came to ask the Lord to help his daughter who was near death. And as they went to the house. certain people came from Jairus’s house, and told him, “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?”

I know how I felt when our daughter Melissa died. And Jairus was about to learn more about the God he served in the synagogue.

1) Notice that when Jairus was in need, he went straight to the Lord. Jesus said…

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

2) Notice that Jesus and Jairus walked together, and that Jesus was with Jairus when he received the news of his daughter’s death…

“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” (Mark 5:36)

Jesus was there to give Jairus words of comfort, hope, and faith: Be not afraid, only believe. And Jairus continued on walking with Jesus in faith: believing.

3) Notice that when you walk in the truth, people will criticize.

“And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn…” (Mark 5:38-40)

People criticize because they don’t understand. They don’t know what the only True, Living God can do. They need to know…

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

They need to hear…

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

They need to be born again…

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John3:3-7)

And…

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Corinthians 5:17)

Then they will understand. And that brings us to the last thing Jairus learned from being with Jesus…

Jesus took…

“…the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.” (Mark 5:40-42)

4) Notice that where Jesus is, there is Life!

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John10:10)

“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. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

So, when problems arise, go to Jesus. He will never leave you nor forsake you. People will criticize you for your stand on the Lord. But in the end, He gives you life. Be not afraid, only believe.

Peace! (John 10:11-18)

Oct 11th, 2014 But Whom Say Ye That I Am? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Matthew 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)

Good morning. The World knows who Jesus Christ is. Exodus chapter 20 contains God’s Ten Commandments. In verse 7 we find the third commandment…

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

I have never heard someone say Buddah darnit. Or somebody stub there toe and start chanting: Harri-Krishner, Harri-Lama, while holding his foot and dancing around on one leg. Jehovah False Witnesses know Him as Michael the archangel. The Mormons know Him as the product of physical intercourse between God the Father, and the virgin Mary. Hulk Hogan calls Him the Man Upstairs. The Beatles thought they were more popular than Him. Islam recognizes Him as a great prophet, but not as God in the flesh. He is Ian Anderson’s buddy (Jethro Tull): who says they will both put on their cordaroy pants, go down to the mall, and overturn the tables of bluegenes. But whom say ye that I am?

He is the Creator – John 1:3.

He is the Living Word of God – John 1:1-2, 14.

He is God – John 1:1; 10:30.

He is the image of the invisible God – Colossians 1:15.

He is the Alpha and Omega: the Beginning and the End: the First and the Last – Revelation 22:13.

And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6.

He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords – 1Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16.

He is Christ the Lord – Luke 2:11

Peace! (1John 4:10)

Oct 4th, 2014 Stubble – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage –Malachi 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalm 16 – 20; Proverbs 4)

“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 4:1-3)

Good morning. Did you ever see stubble burn? Stubble burns very quickly and we use it to get a campfire going. And if you look at the definition of the word ‘stubble’, it means, “The short stalks left in a field after the crops have been harvested.”

The wicked are as stubble. Solomon warned his son to stay away from the wicked in Proverbs 4…

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” (Proverbs 4:14-17)

There is going to be a great harvest someday. All that is left on the earth will be stubble. But, did you know that a seed can be planted directly into the stubble, and it will bring forth a new plant?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Corinthians 5:17)

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2Peter 3:9-13)

Peace. (Revelation 7:13-17)

Sep 27th, 2014 The Window To The Soul – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Nahum 1 – 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio –click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 10 – 12; Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 27)

“God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.” (Nahum 1:2-8)

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23)

Good morning. I get chills whenever I think about some of the things my eyes have seen. What do people see when they look me in the eye? I would hope they see light. Sometimes you can see the evil in a person. You can see the darkness, the demonic possesion in the eyes of Bin Laden as he watches the World Trade Center come crashing down on 9/11. You can see the darkness in the eyes of Charles Manson while being interviewed about the Sharron/Tate murders. You can see it in the eyes of Adolf Hitler, as he gloates over his conquest of Europe. You may be able to see it in the eyes of the ISIS Executioner. I haven’t been able to find a clear enough picture yet, but I’m sure the darkness is there. As long as they continue the way they are going. the darkness will pursue them.

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

A tear comes to my eye as I think about the darkness that is pursuing our nation. And we have nobody to run to for protection. Our nation has rejected God, and God is allowing the devil to reign terror, and destruction on our nation. Romans 1 gives a complete description of our trouble…

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 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: 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. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 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. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 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. 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: 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 recompence of their error which was meet. 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; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 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.” (Romans 1:18-32)

A good description of America today. You can’t even trust your government leaders to tell the truth. There is only one solution…

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelations 22:7. 12-13, 20-21)

Peace! (2Chronicles 7:14)

Sep 20th, 2014 God Is Still On The Throne – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Hosea 8 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – 1 Peter 1 – 5; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)

“For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.” (Hosea 8:14)

Good morning. God is still on the throne, and prayer changes things. I always wanted to use that opening line from South West Radio Church. In our verse, we find that Israel has forgotten God, but God is still on the throne. Judah thinks having a large amount of fenced cities will protect him from the God he to has forgotten about. But God is still on the throne. God is till on the throne, and in complete control. And God is getting ready to send fire upon the temples of Israel, and the fenced cities of Judah. God IS still on the throne, but also: prayer changes things.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)

Because God is still on the throne, and prayer still changes things.

America has forgotten it’s Maker. America has forgotten God. They teach that there is no God. And they build fenced cities, but Homeland Security will not protect them because God is still on the throne, but prayer changes things. America has all of it’s idols on TV. But God is still on the throne, and prayer changes things.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)

Peace. (Jeremiah 18:8)

Sep 13th, 2014 America, America – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 44 – 46 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – 1 Timothy 4 – 6; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” (Proverbs 13:24)

Good morning. America, where is the brotherhood from sea to shining sea? When a child in a wheelchair (12 years old with cerebral palsy) is attacked by two others (they could also be as young as 12) and robbed, I have to say something. An EMT was indicted for stealing the victim’s credit card during an emergency call. Or how about the dad accused of killing his five children. There is a reflection on the parants of the young muggers, the theif, and the accused murderer that is not good. The Bible says…

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15)

Did they drop the ball? Did you know it is LEGAL to spank you children in New Jersey? Just remember, you are trying to train up your child, not kill him or her. Did you ever see the Handicap Parking Only sign? There is usually a sign below it that reads Penalty $250-First Offence. Subsequence Offences $250 Minimum And/Or Up To 90 Days Community Service. Tow Away Zone. Now you know what the penalties are. Now you need to descide if you will pay the price for breaking the law. Train up a child in the way he should go. So…

1) Get a paddle and a Sharpie, or other permanent marker.

2) Sit down with your better half and discuss what offences your child is commiting, and what the penalties should be.

3) Write on the back of the paddle: CRIME……….PUNISHMENT

4) Write the list you made also…

Stealing………………….2 swats

Liing……………………..2 swats

Fighting………………….2 swats

Bad Language………….2 swats

Tantrums……………….4 swats, etc.

5) Sit down with you child and explain that this is what you will get if you do this. He now knows the price he will have to pay if he is disobedient, and SO DO YOU. You need to train your child, you need to follow through with the punishment. The judge is not going to say to you, “Well, I understand it was raining, and you didn’t want to ruin your new hairdo. And that you were only going to be in the store for a minute. Case dismissed.” No. The judge will say, “First offence: $250. Pay the bailief.” If you don’t follow through, your child will think he can get away with anything.

6) After the first offence and punishment, explain to your child that the penalty for that offence is going up one swat: from two to three. Also explain that you are doing this for his own good; to keep him out of the detention center, and maybe, even jail.

7) Tell him that you love him, and he will always be your baby.

That’s what an earthly father or mother should do. What do you think your Heavenly Father should do when He hears His name spoken in vain. His laws removed from the government He put together through His Word. Inocent babies sacrificed to Baal in discuise as abortions. What would you think your Heavenly Father would do when His churches bring false teachings and false doctrines in the form of other bibles: other than the King James Bible into English speaking churches…

“And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations, In that ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations. And ye have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves. Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel. And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.” (Ezekiel 44:6-10)

Look around, America, it is not a pretty site. And the solution is right in front of us. Run to God. Confess that we have done wrong. Ask the LORD for His forgiveness and help…

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)

Peace. (Hosea 13:4)

Sep 6th, 2014 The New King James Version – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 22 – 23 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Ephesians 1 – 3; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 22:23-31)

Good morning. Lately I have been delving into other bibles. There is a book called ‘Things That Are Different Are Not The Same.’ This title is 100% correct. Around 130 pastors, thealogians, and a host of others with capitol letters after their names, were selected to translate the New King James Version. Let me show you a paragraph from The General Editor’s Acknowledgements from a NKJV study bible…

“The New King James Version of the Bible preserves the precise scholarship of the original King James Version while updating the literary form of the text. The most noticeable change is the deletion of seventeenth-century pronouns (thee, thou) and verb endings (lovest). The NKJV is a dependable version of the classic text in language that make sense for today’s readers.”

Really?!

Do you know what Keveh is? It’s a place, a region in southeastern Anatolia, named Cilicia by the Greeks. In the NKJV the verse reads…

“Also Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh; the king’s merchants bought them in Keveh at the current price.” 1Kings 10:28

The NKJV tells us that Solomon imported horses from Egypt and Keveh and he must have got a better deal from the Egyptians: he paid the current price in Keveh. Now, if you look at the King James Bible…

“And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.” (1Kings 10:28)

The King James Bible tells us that Solomon received horses, and linen yarn from Egypt, but had to pay for the linen yarn. So what does Keveh have to do with this? The New King James Version was copyrighted in 1979. In order to copyright something, it must be an original work. Unless Thomas Nelson Publishers made enough changes to the King James Bible, they would not be able to copyright theirs. Let’s look at another word…

Ezekiel 31:14 says in the NKJV…

“The waters made it grow; Underground waters gave it height, With their rivers running around the place where it was planted, And sent out rivulets to all the trees of the field.” Ezekiel 31:14

What are rivulets? The dictionary says it is a small brook or stream. But what does that have to do with what the King James Bible says…

“To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit. (Ezekiel 31:14)

Which one is right? The NKJV indicates life, The Holy Bible indicates death. Which one is right? Things that are different are not the same. Here is another one for you: Acts chapter 12. The King James Bible reads…

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (Acts 12:1-4)

The New King James Version says…

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.” Acts 12:1-4

All your other bibles translate Easter as Passover. Which is right? Let’s see what God’s Word says…

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.” (Acts 12:1-15)

This passage is God’s instruction for the Passover and the Feast of Unleaven Bread. But to make things a little clearer…

“And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD. And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.” (Numbers 28:16-17)

What did the Bible say in Acts 12:3?

“And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)” (Acts 12:3)

The Passover was past, they were in the days of unleavened bread. In order for the translators to be true to God’s Holy Word, they needed to use the pagan holiday: Easter. If they wolud have used Passover, they would have been wrong: passover was over. All bibles that say passover are worng. Things that are different are not the same.

These are only a handful of the differences in a bible that was only going to change the thee’s and the thou’s. There have even been changes that cause the New King James Version to agree with the New World Translation (Jehovah false Witnesses’ bible). Search it out yourself, and you will find that the King James Bible IS the inspired, preserved Word of God for the English speaking people.

Peace! (Psalm 119:160)

Aug 30th, 2014 How Far Has America Fallen? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Jeremiah 33 – 36 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Acts 25 – 28; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)

NOTE ON PHOTO: As far as I can see the McDonald’s Happy Meal Ouija Board is not being offered by McDonald’s. It is the work of artist Newt Clements from Los Angeles, CA, who works with a multitude of media to create art.

“Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows. We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us. Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest. We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities. Servants have ruled over us: there is none that doth deliver us out of their hand. We gat our bread with the peril of our lives because of the sword of the wilderness. Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine. They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah. Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured. They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood. The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick. The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning. The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it. Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation. Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time? Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. But thou hast utterly rejected us; thou art very wroth against us.” (Lamentations 5)

Good morning. My wife showed me that picture, and I said, “You have to be kidding me! How far has America fallen?” When I read Lamentations chapter 5, I could see the parallel between Israel and the United States. When our forefathers built this nation, they wanted it to be “one nation under God.” But gradually we have pushed God out of the way, to make room for other gods. We did not listen to the preachers of old when they preached against radio, TV, movies, sex outside of marriage, sodomy, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Our Fathers did not listen, and neither did we. Now we are paying the price: same sex marriages, loss of freedom, lack of truth, and loss of family values. Our forefathers are probably rolling over in their graves.” Or, they cry out as the souls in Revelation 6:9-10…

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10)

How far has America fallen, and what can we do about it?

1) Realize that we have sinned. Think about the church at Ephesus who lost their first love, and needed to do the first works again. Think about what David said in Psalm 51…

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” (Psalm 51:1-4)

We failed to pass on our forefathers warnings, and give those around us the gospel message. We have sinned in not doing the first works: getting the gospel out and fulfilling the Great Commission. Do the first works.

2) Pray and confess that we have sinned.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1John 1:7-10)

3) Ask God for His mercy which endureth forever because He knows that we have sinned.

“Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.” (Lamentations 5:21)

Then do the first works.

Peace. (2Chronicles 7:14)