Category: Christianity
Unconditional Love
About 41 years ago I fell in love with a beautiful Island woman; but it was not just her looks that I loved it was also her mannerism. She was very well spoken of and treated her family, her friend & herself with a deep respect for everyone. At that time I was working in the oilfield off shore of Venice Louisiana, I was just 17 teen at the time but was soon to be 18. I would leave for 6 or more months at a time and she was always there waiting for me to return. One day I asked her to marry me and she said not until I ask her Father first. What I said ask your Father first but why I am not marrying him I want to marry you, not until I ask her Father.
Asking someone Father for the right to marry their daughter, no way am I going to do that, or at least I said that to myself. You see asking someone Father for the right to marry their daughter was a way of respect and that was one of the things about her that made her stand out from all the other woman that I dated. Now 41 years later she is still my beautiful Island woman, we have both made a lot of changes because time is no body’s friend. But is it not what is on the outside that matters it is what is on the inside because unconditional Love overlooks the faults in each of our characters and says I love you, I love you, I love you.
But what about God’s unconditional love for man, come take a trip with me in the Bible and let’s see what it says about God love for mankind.
Let us Pray!
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Let’s look at John: 3:16-17
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
The scriptures have a beautiful way to describe how God feels about His creation. Can you imagine the creator God stooping down from His eternal glory and becoming His creation in order to save them from a bad mistake they made.
Well that is exactly what happened!
Gen. 1:27. God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
All heaven took a deep and joyful interest in the creation of the world and of man. Human beings were a new and distinct order. They were made “in the image of God,” and it was the Creator’s design that they should populate the earth. They were to live in close communion with heaven, receiving power from the Source of all power. Upheld by God, they were to live sinless lives.
The holy pair were not only children under the fatherly care of God, but students receiving instruction from the all-wise Creator. They were visited by angels, and were granted communion with their Maker, with no obscuring veil between. . . . The mysteries of the visible universe–“the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge”–afforded them an exhaustless source of instruction and delight. The laws and operations of nature, which have engaged men’s study for six thousand years, were opened to their minds by the infinite Framer and Upholder of all. They held converse with leaf and flower and tree, gathering from each the secrets of its life. With every living creature, from the mighty leviathan that playeth among the waters, to the insect mote that floats in the sunbeam, Adam was familiar. He had given to each its name, and he was acquainted with the nature and habits of all. God’s glory in the heavens, the innumerable worlds in their orderly revolutions, “the balancings of the clouds,” the mysteries of light and sound, of day and night,–all were open to the study of our first parents.
God created man a superior being; he alone is formed in the image of God, and is capable of partaking of the divine nature, of cooperating with his Creator and executing His plans.
. 1 John 3:1. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not; because it knew him not
As John thought of the love of Christ, he was led to exclaim, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”
People think that it is a privilege to see a royal personage, and thousands go great distances to see one. How much greater privilege it is to be sons and daughters of the Most High. What greater privilege could be conferred on us than to be given entrance into the royal family in Heaven?
In order to become the sons and daughters of God, we must separate from the world. 2 Corinthians 6: 17: Come out from among them, and be ye separate,” the Lord says, “and I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.” . . .
There is a heaven before us, a crown of life to win. But to the over comer only is the reward given. He who gains heaven must be clothed with the robe of righteousness. “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” In the character of Christ there was no discord of any kind. And this must be our experience. Our lives must be controlled by the principles that controlled His life.
Through the perfection of the sacrifice given for the guilty race, those who believe in Christ, coming unto Him, may be saved from eternal ruin. . .
Let no one be so deluded by the enemy as to think that it is a condescension for any man, however talented or learned or honored, to accept Christ. Every human being should look to heaven with reverence and gratitude, and exclaim with amazement, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” That when Christ appears we shall be Like Him
1 John 3:2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
We are not to settle down, expecting that a change of character will come to us by some miraculous work, when Jesus shall appear in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Listen my young friends, we are judgment-bound right now, and probation is granted to us here in this life, in order that we may form characters for the future, immortal life.
Let none imagine that selfishness, self-esteem, and self-indulgence are compatible with the Spirit of Christ. Upon every truly converted man or woman there rests a responsibility that we cannot rightly estimate. The maxims and ways of the world are not to be adopted by the sons and daughters of the heavenly King.
In separating from the world, we shall encounter difficulties on every hand. But here is what the servant comfort for us: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
We should show by our words and works that we recognize the great responsibility laid upon us. Our light should shine so clearly that others can see that we glorify the Father in our daily lives; that we are connected with heaven and are joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
To have fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ is to be ennobled and elevated, and made a partaker of joys unspeakable and full of glory. Food, clothing, station, and wealth may have their value; but to have a connection with God . . . is of priceless value. . . . And although it “doth not yet appear what we shall be,” “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear,” “we shall be like him.”
1 John 3:3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure
Christ would elevate and refine man’s mind, purifying it from all dross, that man may appreciate the love that is without a parallel.
Through repentance, faith, and good works he may perfect a righteous character, and claim, through the merits of Christ, the privileges of the sons of God. The principles of divine truth, received and cherished in the heart, will carry us to a height of moral excellence that we had not deemed it possible for us to reach. . . . “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
Holiness of heart and purity of life were the great subjects of the teachings of Christ. In His sermon on the mount, after specifying what must be done in order to be blessed, and what must not be done, He says, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Perfection, holiness,–nothing short of this would give them success in carrying out the principles He had given them. Without this holiness, the human heart is selfish, sinful, and vicious. Holiness will lead its possessor to be fruitful, and abound in all good works. He will never become weary in well-doing; neither look for promotion in this world; but he will look forward to be promoted by the Majesty of heaven when He shall exalt His sanctified and holy ones to His throne. . . . Holiness of heart will produce right actions.
As God is pure in His sphere, so man is to be pure in his. And he will be pure if Christ is formed within, the hope of glory; for he will imitate Christ’s life and reflect His character.
The princely dignity of the Christian character will shine forth as the sun, and the beams of light from the face of Christ will be reflected upon those who have purified themselves even as He is pure.
1 John 4:10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
In redemption God has revealed His love in sacrifice, a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. John: 3: 16: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.
When Adam’s sin plunged the race into hopeless misery, God might have cut Himself loose from fallen beings. He might have treated them as sinners deserved to be treated. He might have commanded the angels of heaven to pour out upon our world the vials of His wrath. He might have removed this dark blot from His universe.
But He did not do this. Instead of banishing them from His presence, He came still nearer to the fallen race. He gave His Son to become bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. John: 1: 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Christ by His human relationship to men drew them close to God. He clothed His divine nature with the garb of humanity, and demonstrated before the heavenly universe, before the un-fallen worlds, how much God loves the children of men.
The gift of God to man is beyond all computation. Nothing was withheld. God would not permit it to be said that He could have done more or revealed to humanity a greater measure of love. In the gift of Christ He gave all heaven.
The Highest, who was with the Father before the world was, submitted to humiliation, that He might uplift humanity. Prophecy withdraws the veil, that we may behold the throne of heaven, that we may see upon that throne, high and lifted up, One who in human form, came to our world to suffer, to be lacerated with stripes, and bruised for our iniquities.
Thus God showed His love for man. With Christ the Father gave all of heaven, that the moral image of God might be restored in man. . . . His grace in all its vastness is provided for all.
John 1:12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
Divine son ship is not something that we gain of ourselves. Only to those who receive Christ as their Saviour is given the power to become sons and daughters of God. The sinner cannot, by any power of his own, rid himself of sin. For the accomplishment of this result, he must look to a higher Power. John exclaimed, John: 1: 29: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Christ alone has power to cleanse the heart. He who is seeking for forgiveness and acceptance can say only,–
“Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling.” But the promise of sonship is made to all who “believe on his name.” Everyone who comes to Jesus in faith will receive pardon.
The religion of Christ transforms the heart. It makes the worldly-minded man heavenly-minded. Under its influence the selfish man becomes unselfish, because this is the character of Christ. The dishonest, scheming man becomes upright, so that it is second nature to him to do to others as he would have others do to him. The profligate is changed from impurity to purity. He forms correct habits; for the gospel of Christ has become to him a savor of life unto life.
God was to be manifest in Christ, “reconciling the world unto himself.” Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. But Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impart divine power, to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance toward God and faith in Christ, the fallen children of Adam might once more become “sons of God.” When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the life of Christ.
Eph. 5:27: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish..
The church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit. Will we, as members of His church, allow Him to impress our minds and to work through us to His glory?
Christ loves His church. He will give all needed help to those who call upon Him for strength for the development of Christlike character. But His love is not weakness. He will not serve with their sins or give them prosperity while they continue to follow a wrong course of action. Only by faithful repentance will their sins be forgiven; for God will not cover evil with the robe of His righteousness. He will honor faithful service. He will abundantly bless those who reveal to their fellowmen His justice, mercy, and love. Let those who are engaged in His service walk before Him in true humility, following faithfully in His footsteps, cherishing the holy principles which will live through the eternal ages. Let them in word and action show that they obey the laws which are obeyed in heaven.
The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to “the principalities and powers in heavenly places,” the final and full display of the love of God…. The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world…. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts.
God’s love for His church is infinite. His care over His heritage is unceasing.
2 Cor. 6:17, 18. I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The Creator of the universe addresses you as an affectionate Father…. Your heavenly Father proposes to make you a member of the royal family, that through His exceeding great and precious promises you may be a partaker of the divine nature…. The more you partake of the character of the pure, sinless angels, and of Christ your Redeemer, the more vividly will you bear the impress of the divine, and the more faint will be the resemblance to the world.
“I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters….” What a promise is here made upon condition of obedience!…. He promises to be a Father unto you. Oh, what a relationship is this! higher and holier than any earthly tie. If you make the sacrifice, if you have to forsake father, mother, sisters, brothers, wife, and children for Christ’s sake, you will not be friendless. God adopts you into His family; you become members of the royal household, sons and daughters of the King who rules in the heaven of heavens.
If you call God your Father, you acknowledge yourselves His children, to be guided by His wisdom, and to be obedient in all things, knowing that His love is changeless. You will accept His plan for your life. As children of God, you will hold His honor, His character, His family, His work, as the objects of your highest interest. It will be your joy to recognize and honor your relation to your Father, and to every member of His family.
God is our Father, a tender parent, solicitous for His spiritual children. He is pledged to be the protector, counselor, guide, and friend, of all who are obedient to Him.
Rom. 8:17: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
All who enter into a covenant with Jesus Christ become by adoption the children of God. They are cleansed by the regenerating power of the Word, and angels are commissioned to minister unto them. They are baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. They pledge themselves to become active members of His church in the earth. They are to be dead to all the allurements of worldly desires; but in conversation and godliness, they are, through sanctification of the Spirit to exert a living influence for God.
“Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ,”–what an exalted, dignified position! Separate and distinct from the world, secure from the wily snares of Satan! By their baptismal vows, God’s professed followers have pledged themselves to stand in opposition to evil. The enemy of souls will work with all craft to corrupt their minds. He will seek to introduce his methods into their service for the Master. But there is safety for them if they will heed the injunction: “… be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” .
To what greater honor could we aspire than to be called the children of God? What greater rank could we hold, what greater inheritance could we find, than that which comes to those who are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ?
God so loved the world, what a blessing to this sin lost world that its creator would step in and pay the penalty for the law that mankind broke. Then to give the very best that heaven could give, the gift of His Son; the Father gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John: 3: 16:
My friend, God love you, no matter where you are in life, no matter what you done in life there is hope in the Fathers Son Jesus Christ. Pray He will always hear a prayer coming from a repented heart reaching out to Him for forgiveness. Always remember God loves you with unconditional love.
Elder Tim McNab
Restoring Gods Truth Ministry
Would we Crucify Jesus again!
The Bible is a book all about love and the Earth is a story about creatures made in the very image of their creator who rejected His love.
But God the Father loved them still so much that He sent His Son to show them the Father and that all who by faith in Him would have ever lasting life. Jesus is our example of what true love is all about, how could we have crucified someone so full of love. How can men be so full of hate to kill the only Son of the creator Father God.
Acts:20:
28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29: For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30: Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
I want to share something very important with you; something that I have been preaching in almost all of my sermons, and that is about our Churches and our Religious Leaders today. Are we as Christians truly following the word of God or that of man?
Everyone wants to defend what they believe as being the truth, but the question is what is truth? The Bible must define to us what truth is in order for us to know if we are keeping it or not. So what does the Bible say is truth John:17:17: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. So according to the Bible truth is Gods word.
2 Timothy:3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So now we know what truth is and we know that all scripture is giving by inspiration of God, so that we might check and see if what we are being told by our Church is or is not truth.
STOP; and think about this; if Jesus came back to our world today would we try and crucify Him again. Come with me on a journey through the Old and New Testament and let’s find out the reason our Religious Leader 2000 years ago rejected His teaching and put Him to death. Then answer the question if Jesus came again today would He find the Church, His Bride as described in the book of Revelation ready for him to take home or to Crucify Him again.
Let’s look first in the Gospel of John: and start in chapter 15
9: As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12: This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
This is a very important subject so I will be using a lot of scripture from both the New & Old Testament, why because to understand the New we need to understand the Old and to understand the Old we need the New. Rv:11:3: And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Jesus said that His life on this Earth was to show us the Father love Jn:5:20: For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
What was Jesus model here on Earth, to be like His Father in Heaven. Many people even today have a misconception of God the Father; they believe Him to be some tyrant overbearing God who if you don’t serve Him He will burn you up in hell for ever and ever.
But that is not the Father God that Jesus came to show us, Jesus is showing us a Father God who loves and loves us so much that He sent His Son His only Son to show us the Father love. Our first parent sinned and separated us from the love of God by Sin, but it is through the work that Jesus did that give man forgiveness and reconciliation to bring us back to the Father.
John: 14
6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7: If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8: Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9: Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
10: Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11: Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Jesus was soon to leave and He wanted to make sure those that He left behind would not feel helpless or lost. He knew there mind was on becoming great and number one in this life, there were not fully prepared to endue the trial coming before them. He wanted them to understand that when He left another would come to open there minds to everything He taught them and that they would have faith and know that God the Father and Jesus were one in the same.
23: Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24: He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
Hi disciples were to teach others as Jesus taught them, and that was to worship God the Father. Jesus showed the Father love in His life on this earth, He walk and did the things His Father gave Him to do. The Leaders of the Church who were to be the ones showing the common people about God, the very God who gave them His laws and commandments were so far off of true worship they did not recognize the Fathers Son when He came to them.
They rejected Him and His teaching. Why because it was different from what they were teaching. How could this be, how could they get so far off from the truth about God, they were the Religious Leaders they were the very ones people looked to for help and guidance.
Stop and ask yourself this question, why are there so many different Christian Churches in our world today. There was only one back in Jesus time the one He started with 12 disciples so why so many now. Funny but we all like to play games and the most command game is follow the leader. Sad but true if someone does not like something in a church he will just leave and start a church of his own. If he is a good speaker and tells the people what they want to hear before long you will have another Christian Denomination.
If Jesus came back today what Church would He go too, I am sure it will be the one following His Commandants all Ten of them. Why I say that because when He was here the first time that is the one He went too..
What is bad about all of this is when the Religious Leaders are following the wrong way everyone else who are following them are also going the wrong way. If Jesus came back today what Church would He be going too, I am sure it will be the one following His Comandents
Jesus came to show His disciples the truth and to follow the commandments of God the Father the same ones He followed while He was here on the Earth. Men love to intrepid the Bible and tell others what is means. But the Bible does not need anyone to intrepid it 2Tm:2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. If we will just take time and study the word of God, His word, the Bible will intrepid itself, that is the gift of the Holy Spirit, to lead us into all truth.
31: But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.
Today there are many Christians and Religious Leaders telling us that we no longer need to keep all those old Commandments of God, or it is OK to keep them a different way. But was that what Jesus were teaching, or was that the problem with the Religious Leaders then, they were good men “sometimes”. But little by little they compromised the true teaching of God and put into place the teaching of men. Look at what the Bible is telling you in the book of revelation in the end time there will be a small group of true follower who will be keeping the commandments of God not the commandments of the Church.
Look at Matthew: 7: 21: 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.
22: 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?
As you reading this, can you understand it; Jesus is telling this to men and women who called themselves Christians who profess to be keeping His truth
23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
They are the Religious Leaders and there followers; so called Christians that Jesus is talking to, the question is why, why is Jesus saying I never knew you. Could it be for the same reason the Religious Leaders in His time wanted to kill Him.
We need to go back into history and look at some prophecy about the times we live in, turn with me to the Book of Daniel
God gave a King by the name of Nebuchadnezzar a dream, his dreams was about all the major kingdoms that would come up and rule this Earth. Those kingdoms were Babylon, Medes and Persians, Greek, and the very last Roam.
Daniel: 2:
36: This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.
37: Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
38: And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.
39: And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.
40: And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
41: And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
42: And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
43: And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
44: And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
OK now let’s look at these kingdoms
Gold = Babylon: The head of gold represented Babylon, which was the ruling world power from 612-539 B.C.
Silver = Medo-Persia: The chest of silver represented Medo-Persia, the ruling world empire from 539-331 B.C.
Bronze = Greece: The thighs of bronze represented Greece, the dominant world ruler from 331-168 B.C.
Iron = Rome: The legs of iron represented Rome, which enjoyed world supremacy from 168 B.C.-A.D. 476. Jesus was born when Rome was in power
Iron and Clay = the Divided Empire: The feet that were partly iron and partly clay represented a divided empire that would not cleave together. No single power has ruled the world since A.D. 476, and it will remain divided until Christ’s return. But note that the legs of Iron representing Roam extend all the way into the very toes of the image, right down to the time we are living in.
Stone = Christ’s Eternal Kingdom, His Word, and His Law
We are living in the very toes of this image where soon Jesus is to return. Question is where will you be, on what side will you be standing. On the side of your Church or on the side of God Truth; the choice my friend is your
Now let’s go to the Old Testament and see some of prophecy about the Church that we find will come out of the Iron and Clay of the legs and feet
Dan:7:25: 23: Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
What makes this fourth beat or kingdom so different from all the rest, after the fall of the Roman kingdom When the Roman Empire began to crumble in A.D. 476, it was not overtaken by another world power. Instead, barbarian tribes conquered the Roman Empire and divided it just as Daniel prophesied. Ten of these tribes evolved into modern Europe. They were the Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Alemannians, Sueves, Anglo-Saxons, Heruls, Lombards, and Burgundians. Seven of them still exist today in Europe. For example, the Anglo-Saxons became the English, the Franks became the French, the Alemannians became the Germans, and the Lombards became the Italians.
24: And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
Note; Roam never fell to another world power it was divided and change from a world empire to a religious empire. It is the same today in our time we are the feet of this great image that Daniel seen, and for many years the only church that ruled the world was the church of Roam, the legs of that great image.
25: And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they
Is there on Earth today a Religious power that claims it has power to make and change Gods Law and His Commandments? It is sad to say but it is true that the Church of Roam claims to have that power on Earth to do just that. And they changed who’s time and who’s Law. Look at the 4th commandments, Gods day of worship and His time to come and abide with His people the Sabbath to Sunday.
How log would this corrupt Religious power rule, look at the book of Revelations
Reveluation: 11:
2: But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
3: And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
During these times of persecution where would the true Church be Rv:12:6: And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Gods true Church would go into hiding because of the persecution of the corrupt Roam church. Read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs if you have any drought of how corrupt a church can become when lead under the power of an evil devil and not a loving God.
God has always had a people who kept the truth of His word even to death. Why because they follow the true teaching of Jesus and refused to follow the corrupt teaching of the church.
Mk:13:13: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mt:24:9: Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
During the dark-ages the Church of Roam killed many of good Christians, have you ever asked yourself why. Because they stood up against the corrupt teaching of the Church and paid the price with there very own life. They knew that they would be killed for telling others the truth about God the Father and His Son Jesus. But they would not compromise the truth even if it meant dyeing; they love Gods more then life itself.
John:15:
24: If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
25: But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
Jesus told us that if they would do these things to Him Gods Son, they would do it to us as well who followed His true teaching.
We are told that they will hate us, why because we are different because we keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ
Rv:14:12: Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Rv:19:10: And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
We are to worship God and God only; we are not to bow down and give any man or image the reverence that belongs to God alone.
Look at how the Bible describes the last kingdom, Jesus kingdom
The stone that was cut without human hands represents God’s kingdom. It will not be a conglomeration of earthly kingdoms, but a total replacement Revelation 21:1. The Scriptures declare that when Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will completely consume all the kingdoms of earth and establish an everlasting kingdom Daniel 2:44. What exciting news! Jesus Christ is coming again! All history is moving toward this climactic conclusion of when the Son of God shall return in majesty to bring in the kingdom of everlasting righteousness.
The Angle came to Daniel to show him what will happened in the latter days (End Time)
Dan 10: 14: Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
Dan:7: 45: Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
Look at what Paul said to the Church of Thessalonians: 4:
13: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14: For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Here Paul is preaching about the follower of Jesus who had died and sleeping in there graves. They wanted to know what is going too happened to them. They knew that when someone died they did not go to heaven or hell, that they were right there in the grave. So Paul told them not to worry that when Jesus came back all who are in the grave would rise first and then we who are still alive will go up to meet Jesus in the air
15: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Jesus when He is coming back will call with a shout and the trump of God and all who died in the hope and faith of Jesus will come alive never to die again. How could this be; because they died in Faith what Jesus told His followers to do, that if He goes He would come back and take them with Him. Remember the story of Lazarus in the book of John (John:11:43) Jesus had to call for him by name so that all dead who was in the grave would not come back to life.
17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18: Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Jesus is the Stone that was cut out of the rock with out hands and is coming back for all who by faith in Him believed and did the work He told them to do not what the Church tell you to do.
People need to study the word of God the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and let the Bible intrepid itself and go by Gods word not mans.
So what do you think, now some 2000 years after Jesus died if He was to come back as a man like He did to the Jews would they crucify Him again? There are so many different religions in our world today, how do you tell which is the true Church, Remember in the book of revelations it said that they will be a remnant a very small group compared to the Great mega Churches of the world.
Rv:12:17: And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Who is satan mad with and will do all he can to destroy and kill them, that is right the ones who will be keeping the commandments of God. Remember keeping the commandments will not save you, we are not saved by keeping the commandments or the Law, we are saved by the grace of God. But we keep the commandments because Jesus told us by keeping them it will show to the world who we love; His true Church.
Jesus Himself kept His Father Commandments; the ones He gave Moses, for His commandments are the very character of God Himself
If you are in drought as to what the Truth is just do this: WWJD What Would Jesus Do
Jesus kept His Fathers Commandments all Ten of them
This is Elder Tim McNab for Restoring Gods Truth Ministries, Don’t be one of them that Jesus will say sorry but I never knew you.
Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds you!
I have a dog that can’t understand love; it is a good little dog and likes to lick me when we are playing. She also likes for me to rub her back, her head, and more then any rub behind her ears. My daughter had the dog for about a year but could not take care of her because she was always working, so like a good daughter she dropped the dog off on her parents, don’t you just love children.
The dog is a pretty little dog all most still a puppy and wants to play all the time; Well I am an old man and my play days are over. But we manage so like I said she is a good little dog, but she has one very bad problem, when it comes time to feed her.
If I stick my hand too close to her mouth while eating she will growl and even bits me. All I can say is where is the love you had for me just a little while ago. I am the one who give you a place to sleep, and place to live, I keep you warm in the winter time, and cool in the summer time, I take you to the vet when you get sick, and feed you when you get hungry
No matter what I do or what I try I can never get her to learn that I am the Hand that feeds you. I sometimes wonder if that is not the same thing we do to God everyday, He is the one that give us everything we have and everything we need, and all we do it too bite the hand of the one who gives us our very life. Forgive us dear Lord.Hosea:4: 6: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:
Let’s take a walk through the Bible and see what God has to say about this.
Let us Pray!
My Brother Son:
My brother die about 10 years ago and I want to do anything I can to help his children. One of his sons was in jail at the time of his death; we wanted him to be there at the funeral but they would not let him out of jail.
I wanted to help him as much as I could so I took on the task to visit him and try to keep in communicating with him. Well he got out about a year later and went back to New Orleans, but it was not long before he got back into trouble and they put him back in Prison again this time for 7 years.
Jn:10:10: 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.
I went to visit him when I could, just had a lot on my table at the time, but I felt I owed it to my brother to help his son. When it came time for him to be released none of his family wanted him because all he was is trouble.
Well I sad that is not right, he is my brother son, he got into trouble when he was younger but he is now a changed man. When I would visit him in prison he would tell me all his planes and that was to keep out of trouble and make a new life for himself. Well I decided to have him stay with me so we would be able to help him a lot better. I heard all the bad things about him but pushed all that in the back of my head, I was going to help and that was all it was to it. I gave him his own room and I paid for gas in his car, it was like when my children was at home, Dad did and paid for everything.
Ps:81:12: So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
Well my wife was in Tampa at the time so the first day that he was in my house he was there all day by himself. I always keep my room door locked because I don’t want anyone to be in there when I am not home. So after I got home from work, I notice that the number on my safe was wrong. I always leave it on 90 but when I check it, it was on 50, how did that get there, and then I thought. Someone had to have opened my safe but who my door was locked. Then I said oh no that boy opened my door and was rooting around in my room to see what I have.
I did not say anything that night but decided to leave my safe on a different number the next day, and sure enough when I got home it was changed. Well my wife was coming back from Tamps that same night and she will be at home everyday now, so I said nothing to him again. I wanted him to know that I trust him I love him I will do everything I can do to help him.
Mt:15:19: For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
He told me he found a job and everyday he would leave to go to work, but he was always getting off early. I figured something not right with that; no one gets to take off when they want when they just start a new job. Well I did all I could do to treat him like a son and let him know we trust and loved him. That week we had a camp meeting and so my wife and I went, I asked him to come with us but he say no someone was coming to pick him up to go to work, well ok I said.
We drove to the camp meeting about the time we got there a guy I know called me on my cell phone to let me know someone was driving my work truck. I said what, he said that boy who is staying with you took off in your work truck and he is calling me because he knows that no one drives that truck except me.
I could not believe it; he broke in my room to get the keys and then stole my truck. I drove home right away and when I got there sure enough my work truck was gone. About that time he shows up with my truck telling me that he had an emergency and needed to use my truck.
But this time I said no, no more and told him to pack his bag and get out of my house. He had a friend pick him who was a known drug head, what he was doing was stealing from me to pay for drugs. After he left I found a lot of my tools were missing my wife rings were missing; even my next door neighbor was missing tools from his shop.
Why! was all I could say, I did all I could for him, I took him in when no one else wanted him, I feed him and gave him a warm place to live. I loved him as my own son and would have done anything for him, but to him I was only someone else to abuse. That is why none of his family wanted him, they knew him better then I did. But I was praying that love would change him but he turned and walked away from my love because he wanted what was in the world.
Ps:14:1: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Sometime I wonder are we not the same way with God? God has giving us everything we have everything we need and we spit it back at Him saying thanks but no thanks.
Open your Bible with me to the book of Hosea and let’s read about God people Israel and see how God has viewed them.
Hosea:2:5: For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.
God picked a man by the name of Abraham and from him he would make a nation of people who would love Him God for all He would do for them, they were to be called Gods holy people. Did it turn out that way; no, all that God did for them they were anything expect God people.
Hosea: 2:
8: For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.
9: Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.
10: And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.
Gods love and mercy is right there for all who by faith accept what He did in our behalf, forgiveness is free by the blood of Jesus but it was not cheep.
Hosea:4:
6: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
God wants a people who will love Him; He has provided everything we need and gives His blessing to us everyday. But look at what God is saying about His people
11: Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
12: My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their
We are Gods people, yet God is saying that we have turned away from following Him we have committed whoedom by following false teaching. The Bible and the Bible alone must be the standard of all truth in our life, nothing should be more importance to us but to follow what God has told us to do.
Isa:8:20: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
God has blessed mankind by giving us His commandments that if a man will do them he will be blessed. Look at the Gospel of John and what is it saying.
John:7:
16: Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18: He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
19: Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?
Jesus plainly told the Religious Leaders in His day that He came not to do His will but the will of His Father. He also told them that God gave them His Law and His Commandments that If any man will do God’s will, he shall know of the doctrine that Jesus was teaching, whether it be of God, or of man.
Think about this, Jesus was speaking to the Religious Leaders the men who were put in charged of doing what God told them to do. They had a copy of everything God gave to Moses to pass down to them, but were they doing it.
This was the Religious Leaders who were supposed to be teaching the people Gods word, but they themselves were not keeping it. They had made other laws to help them keep God laws, but by the time Jesus came they were keeping there Laws and not the Laws or Commandments God gave to them.
Now I ask you is it possible that we today are doing the same thing.
Jesus came almost 2000 years ago; he left behind 12 disciples who were to teach us what Jesus gave them. They with the power of Gods Holy Spirit lead many people to know the only true God who has created everything. They did not teach others to break any of God Laws or Commandments but His disciples were examples to the world of how to live by them.
Look at what the Bible is saying about the time we are living in, go to the book of Daniel
7:25: And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Daniel was not talking about his time but of future events that were to come. Look at what happened to the Church during the dark ages. The Church compromised the truth of God word for pagan belief’s durian the rule of Constantine. But true believes kept the words of God and separated them selves from the corrupt church of Roam.
Rome taught that all who did not acknowledge the pope as God’s representative on earth and the Roman Catholic Church as the only true church were damned. Salvation was confined within the teachings of the Roman Church. Every person who disagreed with the Roman Church was in line for a heresy trial and perhaps excommunication. Excommunication meant the loss of one’s soul and being condemned to death.
Look at what Daniel is saying about the future of this corrupt Religion
Daniel:7:
1. He shall speak great words against the most High: Making her own laws and saying she and she alone can forgive sin
2. He shall wear out the saints of the most High: Look at Fox’s book of Martyrs, all these Men & Women died because they would not except the teaching of this corrupt church. What gives any church the right to put someone to death for refusing to believe what they teach?
3. He will think to change times and laws:
Believe it or not but the Roman Church changed the 4th Commandment from the Seventh Sabbath day to the firth day of worship. God’s holy day a day we were to all come together and worship God and Him only; to a day to worship the Sun. Sun worship is Pagan and all who worship on that day are worshiping the Pagan Sun god.
The Bible tells us; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
God is a God of love a God of mercy and long suffering, but there will come a day when sin and sinners must have an end. We can’t continue to bite the hand that feeds us and expect to live forever.
I want you to read what Jesus was telling the people in the Book of Matthew
Matthew: 21:
33: Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
34: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
35: And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
36: Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
37: But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
38: But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
39: And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
40: When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
41: They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
42: Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43: Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
This was not the people Jesus was talking to in this parable; Jesus was talking to the High Priest and the Religious Leaders of His day. By rejecting Jesus they were rejecting the very God who gave them His Commandments. Jesus told them that His father will take away His blessing and give it to another people, who by faith will believe in Him and what He came to do to save them.
But even then Jesus knew that His new Church would become corrupt with false teaching because of evil men. Look at Matthew:7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Satan would stop at nothing to keep people from hearing the truth. Remember back in Genesis the lie he told to Eve, God said in the day you eat of this fruit you will surely die, Satan said you will not surely die. One little word changed the meaning of what was and was not truth.
John:16:2: They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Look at the Church of the Dark Ages and what she did to Christians who would not worship her as the true Church. Read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and see how many Thousands maybe Millions of good Christian Men and Women even Children she put to death all in the name of God. The Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, she killed more people then all the World Wars put together could number.
Evil men pretending to serve God just like the Religious Leaders that put Jesus to death, all because He the Son of God would not except the traditions of the Church in place of God’s Commandments.
Even Paul knew that after his death evil men would come into the Church, look what he told the Christians there in Thessalonica
Thessalonians: 2:
7: For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
The mystery of iniquity (Evil Men) are already creeping into the Church The condition of the world under the Romish power presented a fearful and striking fulfillment of the words of the prophet Hosea:4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee: . . . seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” “There is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.” Hosea 4:6, 1, 2. Such were the results of banishing the word of God.
We are not left in darkness because Jesus told us what will happen, what to expect. The dragon or Satan will persecute or go after God people just like in the Dark Ages once more Read the Book of Revelation and Daniel together.
Rv:12:17: And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
A remnant is a very small amount, at the time of the end there will be only a few doing what God told us to do. The Religious Leaders of the end-time will be telling everyone not to worry everything is OK
So here we are 2000 years after the death of our Lord Jesus, as we come upon the end-times of this world and the soon return of Jesus, we again find the Churches Corrupt teaching the documents of men rather then God truth.
Look at the fearful warning giving by Jesus Himself to the Church of the end-times
Matthew:7: 21: 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.
22: 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?
23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Many of the so called great Religious Leaders of our day will not make it into heaven, why because they studied the word of God, they knew what they should do and say, but they did it not. Why many of these Religious Leaders sell religion for money and wealth, in there sermons they tell the people all is well just love each other and all will be well.
Turn with me now to the book of Revelation: 14: 12: Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
The Angle was telling John there will be a people in the end times who will be doing what God said to do and not man.
Revelation:12:17: And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Please remember we don’t keep Gods commandments to be saved, we keep them because we are saved. We are saved by the death Jesus gave; He paid the price of sin to save all who by faith loved Him
John:14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments.
I hope that someday I will be able to teach my little dog it is ok, I am not going to take your food away from you. I am the one who loves you and will provide for you all the days of your life.
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
Elder Tim McNab
Restoring Gods Truth Ministry
Who’s on first
Mark 10: 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Who’s on first in your life?
There was an old man who one day had a dream!
In his dream the Holy Spirit told him to prepare himself for tomorrow the Lord would come and visit him in his house.
The old man got up very early and cleaned his house and made sure everything was dusted and put into its right place. He re-arranged his furnisher so that his special guess would have the best place to sit in his home. The last thing he did was to make some very special cookies just for his guess.
As the day slowly passed the old man notices that his special guess was late.
Soon the door bell rang and the old man jumped up and said at last. But wend he opened the door there was a little boy there. The young boy said hi Mr. I am collecting money to help feed the poor can you please help.
The old man looked at the boy and said sure, please come in and wait right here. The old man went to his room and got some money and gave it to the boy and said I hope this will help son. The boy could not help but notice the cookies on the plate, he said sir would you mind if I have a cookie. The old man said I made them for a very special guess who will be coming to see me today, I am sure he would not notices if a few cookie was missing. The young boy thanked the old man and went his way.
An hour went by and the door bell rang again. The old man rush to open it and see his special guess, but there was only a poor man in old rags standing there who said sir could you spare some food. The old man invited him in and gave him a nice meal and a cookie for dessert; he even found some clothes to keep him warm. And so this baggier went away full and with moor then he asked for.
The old man notices that the day was far spent and his special guess had not come. Just then there was a gentle knock at the door. That must be him the old man said as he rusted to open the door, only to find a little old lady standing their. Sir she said, could you please spare an old lady a place to sit and rest awhile.
So he invited her in, and she found a nice place to rest her tired old legs. The old man got her a cool glass of water as she ate the last of the cookies he made for his special guess. She thanks him for being so kind as she got up to leave.
The old man looked outside as the Sun was now setting the days was over and his special guess had not come. Did he misunderstand something or maybe he done something wrong, he just did not know why.
The old man cleaned up his kitchen and slowly made his way up to his bedroom. Disappointed that his special guess had not come, as he knelt by his bedside he prayed
O Lord, why “why did you not come today.
I waited for you all day long, I prepared my home as you asked me to do, but you did not come, did I do something wrong, O Lord I just don’t understand!
Then he heard a still small voice saying.
My dear friend!
Three times today my shadow passed over your threshold, and three times to day I did visited with you.
I was the young boy collecting money for the poor.
I was the bagger you let in your door.
I was the old lady who sat a rest in your chair.
Each time I knock you let me in and each time you treated me like your special friend. Do we do the same or do we sometime forget to treat others like we would treat Jesus.
Matt 25: 35-40
35: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
40: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Let us pray!
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Who is Jesus: Why would God the Father send His Son to a place like this, a place full of hate, war, and bloodshed?
The Bible tells us that God so loved this world (John: 3:16). The story of redemption is a mystery not only to mankind but unto the Heavenly host and the Billions and Billions of other worlds that God and His Son created. {John: 3:17} For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Jesus the Father only Son came to show us what the Father is like and to show us that He God loves and wants us to all be a part of His Kingdom forever. But in order for us to have eternal life we must believe by faith in what God the Son did in our behalf, and we must do the things God the Son told us to do. John:14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments. This will show the world who you really love and who is first in your life.
We are not only to love God but also the people all around us, why because God kingdom is a kingdom of love for one another.
Luke 10:
25: And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
No matter where you go in life you will always have a challenge before you. There are always people who believe in God but want to do it there way. This Lawyer believed but not in Jesus, he believed in God but not in Gods Son.
Many believe today in the Son but not in what the Son said to do. I am not a bad person so Jesus will just have to take me as I am. I don’t feel I am doing anything wrong, I go to Church sometimes, and I do pay tithes now and then, I even give a donations to the poor once a year. So you see I am not a bad person at all, I am really good on the inside.
What does Gods word say about this?
Prov:16:25:
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
OK So here we are back to our Lawyer, what did Jesus say unto him
Luke:10
26: He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27: And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28: And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
Our Lawyer did well for himself did he not, but because he was a Lawyer he did not stop there. He though he could our smart Jesus because he felt pride in his heart.
29: But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Friends do this and live, never question the Lord. Take him at his word, for in his word is life and that life is the life of all mankind.
30: And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
The best way to get peoples attention is with a story: You will find all through the Bible stories that Jesus told, always to illustrate a lesson or to bring home a meaning.
31: And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Now Jesus was not using the characters in this story just to be mean, Jesus knew there hearts and told the fact as there were. God does not like pride, “Why” because pride started in the heart of Lucifer and was passed on to all mankind at the fall in the Garden.
32: And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Who was the Levites; they were a people specially chosen by God to bare the Ark of God when Israel was on there way to the promise land. God did set them aside, surely if a Levite saw a man fallen in need of help he would stop and give a hand, but he did not.
33: But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
Who was the Samaritan, they were the outcast, because they were not full blooded Israelite. So these people were looked upon as the low class. Not having part of the promise that God gave to Abraham but yet Jesus said that this “Samaritan had compassion”
34: And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
The Samaritan did not only take care of this mans physical needs just then. He went even further in making sure the needs would be meet after he left. He made arrangements that if the bill would be more then the money left behind, he would pay the balance when he returned.
35: And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Now let’s look at what reaction the Lawyer had to the question Jesus had for him.
36: Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
The Lawyer had no choice but to answer the question correctly for now he seen clearly his responsibility, not just to his own family, or people living in the same subdivision that he live in, but his responsibility to all mankind.
37: And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Listen to what Jesus said in the book of
1John 4:20:
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Have you talked to Jesus lately, did he talk back to you, maybe you were too busy to hear
As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life”. Mark 10:17
This young man had fabulous wealth. He was the Bill Gates of 2000 years ago. A young, physically fit, aristocrat. Imagine this wealthy man Kneeling at the feet of Jesus, the penniless prophet from Galilee.
This physically fit young aristocrat had just happened to be watching earlier when Jesus tenderly took the children on his lap and lovingly received and blessed them. He watched as Jesus took these little children and blessed them and he thought, if Jesus can do that for them, He can do that for me. He could bless me. In the meantime, Jesus had moved on. Finally he decided: I’m going to chase after Him. I’ll see if HE will bless me. This mans heart was deeply touched. He felt a love for Jesus and desired to be one of His disciples. He was sincere and earnest. If Jesus could bless the little children He could bless him.
He was a ruler-( Luke 18:18) He was an official of the honored council of the Jews – he was in a high position for his young age. This important ruler kneels before the lowly Jesus, who never held any office or position.
It is a rare event when a young man has the best things this earthly life can offer early in his life. He had youth with its accompanying health. He had position or authority. He was a ruler. He had great wealth.
However he lacked eternal life which is a greater asset than all others combined. If you don’t have eternal life, it doesn’t matter what car you drive, it doesn’t matter where you live. Eternal life is the greatest thing that you can possess.
Jesus looked deeply into the face of this young man, and He recognized that this man was sincere. He read his character. Jesus saw that the man had qualifications which, if united with Jesus, Himself, would result in tremendous success for God.
He could be a fantastic disciple. Look at the qualifications he brought. He also saw that his supreme love of self must be totally eradicated. There was the problem. It must be surrendered.
So Jesus gave the man a test. Notice
(Mark 10:18 NIV) “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone.
Then Jesus proceeded to list six of the commandments that prohibit wrong actions against our neighbors. Obviously Jesus believed in all Ten Commandments. He only listed six of them. These six were chosen for a divine test.
He proceeds to list all those that have to do with wrong actions against people. These were the six that the rich young ruler was lacking in. Jesus knew that, and so He listed all of them: 19:”You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'”
20: “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jewish boys, at the age of thirteen and onward were considered men, and so they were responsible, they were taught to love the law of God.. He said, “I’ve kept them all. I haven’t lacked on one.
The rich young man was saying: In all my short life not once have I ever hurt anyone. But Jesus was talking more than avoiding evil. Jesus is asking if the man is willing to do some positive good to others.
There are millions of good people in this world. They have never hurt anyone. Have you seen this type of people? They sometimes sit in the pews of every Church; They avoid breaking the law and live a decent life. But they are lost. That’s the rich young ruler’s case.
Respectability involves a prohibition against doing wrong but not includes doing something positive or right. Christianity not only avoids evil but it performs a positive good. The rich young ruler had never stolen anything, but he had never been sacrificially generous. He had never killed anyone, but he hadn’t gone out saving any lives, either. He had avoided doing the wrong, but he really wasn’t involved in doing anything good, except accumulation wealth.
Now, he claimed to have kept all six of these commandments. Did he? No, he did not. It wasn’t true that he kept all six. Actually you can’t keep the second six commandments unless you have kept the first 4 commandments.
You have to keep them all. The world and its riches had become his idol. He loved wealth. God was not first in his heart. Therefore you can’t put people ahead unless God is first. You cannot unselfishly love people unless you have experienced the depth of the love of God.
Jesus listed the commandments that deal with our relationship to our fellow human beings. This was the rich mans downfall. He loved money more God, more than all else.
I think it’s true sometimes that America is headed toward a cashless society. You’ve heard this. We’re going to do away with all cash, just going to have debit cards, and have a national identity. If it is true that America is heading towards a cashless system, some of us are ahead of the times.
Some of us are already in a cashless society: we don’t have any money. But not this rich man; he had all kinds of money. Was money his problem? No, money was not his problem. I’ll tell you what his problem was in a minute.
Look at verse 21:- Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
” Give all your money to the poor, the ones that are standing beside the road. Do you ever see them holding up signs that says, “I am homeless. I’m starved to death. I will work for food and money. What is he basically saying to you? “I want your money.” Do you give to those people? Well, this man was told, “you sell everything you’ve got. Go out and find the poor people and you give all of your money to these poor people. Then you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
No-one can serve God and Money at the same time. It doesn’t work. You have to choose, and so Jesus imposed this test to detect covetousness. The man was a covetous person.
Many of the examinations of life come to test our allegiance to God. Like Zacchaeus, the central issue here is not money. The central test was not selling everything.
Salvation does not come through having an empty bank account. Every time your check bounces, you say, “That proves that I’m saved.” Not at all!! If that’s the case a lot of people are saved because they’re out there bouncing checks.
The issue here is not getting rid of all your assets and selling everything and giving it away. The true Christian places his trust completely in Jesus. That’s the issue. He places his trust completely in Jesus and not in his wealth or his money.
God the Father and God the Son showed what true love was at the Cross in Calvary. Not just to this world but to all of Creation. He showed us how to live in peace by putting God First and loving our neighbor
God is love and God expect from all of His created being love in return, but the love God wants is a love that is unconditional a total surrender of oneself into the hands of his creator God. In the book of (Genesis: 3:) is the story of how man fell away from his creator God.
God gave to man the same as He gives to all being whether spirit or flesh; the freedom of choice. For Adam and Eve it was a test of obedience, you see if you truly love someone you will do what they ask with out questions. The serpent made Eve believe that God was holding something back from them and so her love for God became distrust.
When she went to her husband Adam right away he knew it was the evil one that they have been told about. But here Adam sin was not only is eating of the forbidding tree, he sinned because he did not total trust God. He knew that God said “for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17)
Adam could not see how God could fix this problem; he could not see being separated from his wife Eve. Adam loved God but here he loved his Wife Eve more then he loved his creator God, Adam broke the first commandment.
We must learn to love God first above everything else in life. We must love God more then our Earthly Mothers and Fathers, more then our Brothers and Sisters, more then our Wife and Children, we must learn to love God more then our own life. God must be number one in your life; it is a total surrender into the hands of God by faith.
Look at {Exodus: 20: 3} Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Do you understand what God is saying, we are to put nothing before our love to God. God must be first in our life, look at (Rev: 12: 11) and they loved not their lives unto the death.
When you learn to love God first in your life you will begin to understand how true Christian in the passed would rather die then to dishonor the God they love.
Understand God must be first in your life, God must be first, God must be first, God must be first. Holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty is what the angle is crying (Rv:4:8:)
Everything in this world must come second. Do you know how and why Jesus could do miracle, yes He was also God but He did not use His Godly power, He used His love to and through His Father to do all miracles.
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.
Look at the prayer Jesus said in John 11:
41: And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42: And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43: And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44: And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Jesus had already prayed to His father to preformed this miracle, why look at the scriptures. So that the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Jesus wanted us to know with out a drought that the Father God has sent His Son to show us the love that the Father, Son, and Spirit God has for all His creation.
Can you understand what is going on, God the almighty Father Loves us with a Godly love that is passed mankind’s understanding. God loves us so much that His did not even spare His Son His only Son but gave Him as a ransom for the payment of the law that man broke in the garden(Ezek:18:4:) the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Can you understand that the death that Jesus went through on the Cross was Godly love was being ripped away from Gods Son Jesus who new no sin so that He could pay the price of sin for all who by faith would believe in Him.
Our understanding is so limited of the cost that the Father& Son paid in order to save man
All God wanted from man was his love in return for all the good things and blessing that God gave to us, but what did man do. We spit on His blessing as if they were nothing, to our creator we became angry because we wanted everything our way.
Mt:7:12: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Jesus never gave up; by His life and His death He made a way for Mankind to be reconnected to our heavenly Father, why because of Love. We can’t change ourselves we are born of sin, but by giving our life to God the Father He will do the changing in our life through His Holy Spirit that He gives to all who believe in Him.
John: 14:
13: And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14: If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15: If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Everything is possible to someone who believe and has made God first in there lives.
Mt:21:22: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Mk:9:23: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Put your life and faith in the hands of a God that Loves you and died to show you what true love is about.
May God be with you and continue to send blessing upon you.
Elder Tim McNab
Restoring Gods Truth Ministries
Sitting on the Fence
Sitting on the Fence, Middle Ground, The best of both worlds
As our scripture today reads in Mt:6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
For a long time I was happy just sitting on the fence. It was what I thought was the best of both worlds. I did what I wanted to during the week and on Sabbaths I went to church. Went out Friday and Saturday nights, but I went to church on Sabbath. It was easy and I was happy or so I thought.
I believe I was twelve when I told my dad, and I told him with attitude, because that was what I was full of when I was twelve. I told my dad to stop pushing his religion on me. The weird thing after that was that my dad then gave me the choice. And of course being the rebellious child that I was I stopped going to church.
I always believed that there was a God and I always believed that Jesus existed.
I got married, two years later got pregnant. I was getting better after that. Starting going to church more. I wanted to give my life to God. But I would be giving up so much. I didn’t want to stop going out, drinking, partying, what would people think of me, they would call me a holy rolly. I made fun of people like that.
But God knew my heart and he knew that I wanted to give my life to him, and he knew of someone dear to me that would help him.
I was seven months pregnant when we found out that my dad had cancer. Suddenly my whole world turned upside down, how could this happen. I didn’t know what to do. I turned to God, begged him to help my dad. He was a good man and always did everything for everyone else and expected nothing in return. I started going to church more, prayed every night. But then my dad got better and I began to go back to the life I had before. I went back to sitting on the fence.
But I wanted to change; I wanted to be a better person, a better mother, a better wife a better daughter. And I tried, but I had to just give up so much.
It was two years later, two weeks before x-mas when my dad came to my house unexpected. I had to hear that horrible news THE CANCER WAS BACK.
WHAT, WHY WAS THIS HAPPENING, HE IS SUCH A GOOD PERSON, HE DID SO MUCH, during his first treatment he never missed a beat. He only missed one day of work, he held up all of his duties with the church and at the time he was head elder so he had a lot of responsibility. I didn’t understand why this was happening.
I knew my life was not going the way I wanted it to. But I didn’t think God wanted me. I knew better, I was raised better than that, I didn’t think I had a chance. But how could I expect God to help me when I wasn’t willing to help myself. How could I ask God to help me when I wasn’t willing to give him anything in return?
I was frantic this time, searching everywhere for the answers. I would get my Bible out looking for something. I wanted my dad’s faith, but I was so far gone. One late night, I was searching for an answer. I was talking to God, asking him to help me. I picked up my bible, the first page I turned to, had one verse that seemed to stick out of the page, as if it were the only thing written on that page, it was:
Matthew14:31: And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
I felt as if God were talking to me. Saying you know me better than that, why do you doubt me, why would you doubt that I would not help you, why would you doubt that I would not want you?
I started to read more and ran across a different scriptures that read:
Mt:17:20: And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mt:6:8: Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Mt:21:22: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Mt:7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Mt:7:8: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Lk:12:28: If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
I had heard these verses over and over growing up but only now did I understand what they meant.
Was that me, but I believed there was a God, I believed that Jesus was the son of God.
But you know you see so may people theses days that go to church or get involved with certain things in church just to say that they paid their dues.
They act like serving God is a chore and something that they rather not do. But they have to do it.
There is a difference between believing that Jesus exists and believing in Jesus.
Jn:3:16: reads. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Believeth IN HIM. You can believe something but not believe in something. Believing in Jesus is what transforms you. Believing in, trusting in, having faith in, accepting him. That is our acceptance of Jesus.
When we are sitting on the fence are we really believing in Jesus, are we really believing in God.
Or are we just doing what we believe is required of us.
Believing in Jesus is what will give us eternal life, not just believing that there is a Jesus.
When you believe in Jesus, when you accept him into your life, the Holy Spirit takes over and you become a different person. The things that you thought were so hard to give up, you wonder why you thought you could not live with out it
I don’t know if that is why my dad got cancer. But sometimes I wonder.
I can almost see God telling satan to try to turn me. Make my dad sick, it will only send her straight to me.
Like in the book of Job, God’s humble servant. That is who I think of when I see my dad. He praised God through everything.
Some times God has to knock you on your knees.
1Pt:1:7: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
God knew that my dads faith was untouchable, and he knew that I needed just needed to be pushed off of the fence that I was already facing in his direction.
My dad and I were talking about everything one evening. About him getting sick and maybe he got sick because God knew it would bring me back. My dad said that he would go threw it a thousand times if it would bring all of his children back to God.
These days I speak with God every few hours as opposed to every few days.
My life isn’t perfect in fact sometimes it is harder than it was before. But I know that I am not alone, God is always with me and I try to make sure that I include him in every aspect of my life.
For me it is so much more than just paying my dues, making sure that I go to church of Sabbath, going to church is only a small part of my relationship with God. It is allowing him control of my life, to put things in his hands, He never said that it would be easy, but he said that he would see me through the storm.
And I no longer consider myself sitting on the fence.
By Patricia Vincent
Restoring Gods Truth
Gone Fishing!
If you are going to go Fishing what equipment will you need to bring.
- Fishing Line if outside of the US or Fishing Pole if you live in the USA.
- Hook
- Some type of Bate or Lure something to attract what you are trying to catch.
- It would help to have Water or a Place to Fish of course
Ever wonder what does satin uses to fish with?
I found that he has many different types of Lures for catching people fish.
What does God use to fish with? The only thing that God has that He can fish with is Truth
Try the water a little and see if you will catch anything
Jesus was about to start his Ministry one day and went looking for Men who would make good students.
Now I have to question this, because if you are going to look for people to start your business or ministry; would you knot go and look for the best people to have.
You know the smart one’s with a lot of schooling “I think they call them well educated” They know how to get things done, even if it is not the correct way so log as they meet their quota at the end of the day.
Jesus did not do it this way; why?
Well let take a look at where he found most of his disciples.
Matthew 4: 17-22
17: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Now we know that Jesus had just started because the scriptures say he began to preach.
The Jewish leaders thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ.
The Savior turned away from them to entrust to others the privileges they had abused and the work they had slighted.
God’s glory must be revealed, His word established.
Christ’s kingdom must be set up in the world.
The salvation of God must be made known in the cities and in the wilderness. The disciples of Jesus were called to do the work that the Jewish leaders & well educated men who clamed they had the truth had failed to do.
18: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
These people were fishermen because they were unlearned men all they could do is fish to make a living.
Plus they were known to be violent men who sometimes could not control there temper. More then likely they drank and cursed and did a lot of fighting. But when Jesus saw them he knew they were just what he needed for the carrying on of His work, Christ did not choose the learning or eloquence of the Jewish Sanhedrin or the power of Rome.
Passing by the self-righteous Jewish teachers, the Master worker chose humble, unlearned men to proclaim the truths that were to move the world.
These men He purposed to train and educate as the leaders of His church. They in turn were to educate others and send them out with the gospel message. That they might have success in their work they were to be given the power of the Holy Spirit.
Not by human might or human wisdom was the gospel to be proclaimed, but by the power of God.
19: And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20: And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Mark 1: 19-22
19: And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
20: And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
For three years and a half the disciples were under the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. By personal contact and association, Christ trained them for His service.
Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the manifestation of His power in behalf of the sick and the afflicted.
Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea or walking by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command the disciples to do this or that, but said, “Follow Me.
21: And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
22: And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes
The mission that Jesus had here on this Earth was to show us how much our Father in heaven loves each and every one of us.
Its was not the Father plan that Man should die; that came into play only after Man prove to be disobedience to God command
Jesus came that all Men may be saved, “All Men”! And that means there is no one on this Earth whom can’t be saved as long as they want to be saved.
Jesus will never force his way on you, you must freely choose to be lost..
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Story:
When Patrick was about three or four years old he always wanted to go fishing. He would be after me all the time lets go fishing dad, come on lets go fishing, sometimes that is all I could hear from him.
So we would go to a pond and I would get out his little fishing pole and get him all set-up and he would just stay there for hours fishing. I would go and find a place to rest and read a book or do something that I been needing to do, and at the same time keep and eye on him.
This worked very well for a few years till he discovered I would never put any bate on the end of his line. When he learned what bate was for, my happy days of fishing with him were over.
I remember one time wend he was just about 3 years old and by accident a little fish got court on his hook and he had a ball pulling it in, it was no bigger then a quarter. So after he pulled Moby-dick in I said hey puppy look you got your first fish, he was so happy.
So I through the little fish back into the water and played like I put bate back on his line and through it back in to the water and told him here you go puppy. But he just looked at me and said I want to go home.
Well I was not finish reading my book so I said no man, come on lets finish fishing, here is your pole. All he would do was to look at me with a sad look on his face and about to cry. So I said what’s the problem puppy why don’t you want to fish anymore, I am not ready to leave yet!
He looked at me and said I court a fish and wanted to show my Mama and you through my fish back in the water, I want to go home!
What could I do?
**** I learned a very good lesson that day that I will never forget. No matter what size the fish, it has a value to someone.
**** All of God’s people have a Value even the little ones, He “Jesus” wants to bring them home to show his Father.
Why because greater love has no Man then this that he lay down his life for his friend. Brothers and Sisters that is what Jesus did. He was the greatest fishers of men and he wanted all of us to live forever with him in his paradise home.
*** The Bible said that they forsook all and followed Jesus
It was at the ordination of the Twelve that the first step was taken in the organization of the church that after Christ’s departure was to carry on His work on the earth.
Of this ordination the record says, “He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” Mark 3:13, 14.
Look upon the touching scene. Behold the Majesty of heaven surrounded by the Twelve whom He has chosen. He is about to set them apart for their work. By these feeble agencies, through His word and Spirit, He designs to place salvation within the reach of all.
With gladness and rejoicing, God and the angels beheld this scene. The Father knew that from these men the light of heaven would shine forth; that the words spoken by them as they witnessed for His Son, would echo from generation to generation till the close of time.
The disciples were to go forth as Christ’s witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever been called, second only to that of Christ Himself.
They were to be workers together with God for the saving of men. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand as representatives of the gospel church.
There would be many of others who were to follow in the foot step of these first fishers of men. Men who loved the Lord Jesus with all their might so that they would let nothing stand in there way of tell other about Jesus.
********** *********** ***********
Mission Story: Captain Mc Lean: Captain Mc Lean and his group of missionary were fishers of Men.
From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world.
To the ancient Egyptian nation God made Joseph a fountain of life. Through the integrity of Joseph the life of that whole people was preserved.
Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise men of Babylon. And these deliverances are as object lessons; they illustrate the spiritual blessings offered to the world through connection with the God whom Joseph and Daniel worshiped.
Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity
God chose Israel to reveal His character to men. He desired them to be as wells of salvation in the world. To them were committed the oracles of heaven, the revelation of God’s will.
In the early days of Israel the nations of the world, through corrupt practices, had lost the knowledge of God. They had once known Him; but because “they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, . . . their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1:21.
Yet in His mercy God did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them an opportunity of again becoming acquainted with Him through His chosen people.
Through the teachings of the sacrificial service, Christ was to be uplifted before all nations, and all who would look to Him should live.
Christ was the foundation of the Jewish economy. The whole system of types and symbols was a compacted prophecy of the gospel, a presentation in which were bound up the promises of redemption.
But the people of Israel lost sight of their high privileges as God’s representatives.
They forgot God and failed to fulfill their holy mission. The blessings they received brought no blessing to the world. All their advantages they appropriated for their own glorification.
They shut themselves away from the world in order to escape temptation. The restrictions that God had placed upon their association with idolaters as a means of preventing them from conforming to the practices of the heathen, they used to build up a wall of separation between themselves and all other nations.
Until at last they forgot what they were called to do! They forgot that they were to be the Light to this world, the fishers of men. That hold nation was to be a nation of men and woman who would show other and tell others of a God of love.
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There was another time when Patrick and I were Diving in Honduras and there was a big Barracuda following us. So when we came up I told Patrick to get in the boat and hook the little jimmy hind fish we had to the big hook and line. Then through it as far as he could so that the Barracuda would go after it, all I could think is man what a good meal he is going to make.
So Patrick did as I told him and the fish went after the bate and took it, so I told Patrick give him a lot of slack so he has time to swallow the bate and then yank on the line to set the hook.
So he got all excited just knowing that there was a really big fish on the other end of the line. But he never fished like an Islander before so the hand line got tango and all he could do was to let it come tight. Now he was in a real fight, he was pulling in and then the fish would pull out he would pull in some more then the fish again, till at last the fish was right up against the side of the boat. I was still in the water looking at the hold thing trying to keep out of the way. Patrick then tried to pull the big Fish in the boat, but the Fish jump out of the water and spit the hook out at him and got away.
If he had just a little more time the fish would have swallowed the bate good, and would have never got off the hook. He had a really good time that day anyway.
**** People are just like that, and thanks to Jesus if we don’t swallow satin lie all the way we can with the help of the Holy Spirit we can get off of satin hook and spit it back at him, but only in the power and strength of the name of Jesus.
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satin is also a fisher of man looking for that big catch of the day. He does not care how he catches his fish, he doesn’t mind if he steeled them or hooks them or catches them in a net.
He just wants to do one thing, and that is to keep you away from Jesus and tuck you away in his cooler.
Have you ever watch what happens after the fishermen catch their fish, they put them into what they call a live well.
The only kinds of fish I have ever seen in a live well are dead fish. So why call it a live well.
Brothers satin want us in his live well where he knows we will all die.
Jesus wants us in heaven where we would live for ever. He will take all who has accepted his grace and reel you in. Very tenderly he will pull you out of the polluted waters of this sinful place. He will wash away all the traces of sin that has fill you life using his own cleaning blood and then place you into that Heavenly stream to live forever more.
John 21:
3: Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4: But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5: Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
6: And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
As Christians when we obey our Lord by doing the work he gave us to do, by going where he told us to go and by telling others the words he told of to tell, we can’t help but to fill the net of God love for mankind to overfull.
There will be many of people in heaven, because of what we said even tho we thought they were not listening. Many because of how we lived our life’s even tho we though they were not looking. They will be there because someone cared enough to tell them about Jesus.
God Bless
Elder Tim McNab