by Carter Conlon
The Bible says that in the last days, everything that can be shaken will be shaken (see Hebrews 12:27). There is going to be a separating even within what has professed to be the church of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul describes it as a great falling away—not only in society, but for those who attend the house of God without fully embracing the life that Christ offers His people. Something will enter their heart and mind that will draw them away, which the apostle James addresses.
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not:
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Favor Ain't Fancy Always
by Josh Helm | 6/30/2010
This is a subject that hits a nerve with me due to the current minutia of teaching that has been broadcasted across the airwaves. There is such a diversion in the pulpit, many Pastors are not accountable to anyone, nor is their message weighed against the truth by the majority. So now we have an infusion of nonsense that distracts people from finding their true purpose as a christian and what the will of God is for their life. We need to realign ourselves to the council of God and weigh our lives agains scripture. Favor has been preached and misused in a manor to try and obtain things ( land, houses, cars, jewelry, money ). You name it whatever your self desires it can have with favor. The problem with this message in short is just that God does not favor you to get what you want, He favors you to accomplish His will. So the
question that should be asked is, "What is the will of God for my life?" Now here is where people will answer this question and not really look totally at what God demands or commands in scripture for their life. Shockingly, I think people will be generally surprised to know that following Christ doesn't always lead you to a life of luxury in the flesh. We have a mandate to please the Father. What is His will for our life? I am going to sum it all up for you, the essence of what God wants from you. Are you ready? Now when I tell you this you will be accountable for knowing it, so are you ready again? Here it is. God's will is that the son be glorified. His desire from you is to bring glory to His son.
"He shall build the temple of the Lord, and he shall bear the glory." - Zechariah 6:13
Then we see the desire of the son is to please the Father.
"I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" - John 14:12-13
What a beautiful love story we see throughout scripture between the Father and His son Christ Jesus. Understand this is the essence of our walk and obedience to God by way of the Spirit of Truth. May we yield to the mission of the Holy Spirit and live the desired will of the Father.
This is a subject that hits a nerve with me due to the current minutia of teaching that has been broadcasted across the airwaves. There is such a diversion in the pulpit, many Pastors are not accountable to anyone, nor is their message weighed against the truth by the majority. So now we have an infusion of nonsense that distracts people from finding their true purpose as a christian and what the will of God is for their life. We need to realign ourselves to the council of God and weigh our lives agains scripture. Favor has been preached and misused in a manor to try and obtain things ( land, houses, cars, jewelry, money ). You name it whatever your self desires it can have with favor. The problem with this message in short is just that God does not favor you to get what you want, He favors you to accomplish His will. So the
question that should be asked is, "What is the will of God for my life?" Now here is where people will answer this question and not really look totally at what God demands or commands in scripture for their life. Shockingly, I think people will be generally surprised to know that following Christ doesn't always lead you to a life of luxury in the flesh. We have a mandate to please the Father. What is His will for our life? I am going to sum it all up for you, the essence of what God wants from you. Are you ready? Now when I tell you this you will be accountable for knowing it, so are you ready again? Here it is. God's will is that the son be glorified. His desire from you is to bring glory to His son.
"He shall build the temple of the Lord, and he shall bear the glory." - Zechariah 6:13
Then we see the desire of the son is to please the Father.
"I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" - John 14:12-13
What a beautiful love story we see throughout scripture between the Father and His son Christ Jesus. Understand this is the essence of our walk and obedience to God by way of the Spirit of Truth. May we yield to the mission of the Holy Spirit and live the desired will of the Father.
Qualifications for Leadership (Pastors) in the Church
1 Timothy 3
1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8Likewise must the deacons
1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8Likewise must the deacons
Monday, June 28, 2010
Don't Run From Suffering: Embrace It
Luke 9:23 (The Message)
Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God."
Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God."
"Church Growth & Marketing"
by Josh Helm | 6/28/2010
The question is asked "What can we do because the economy is down we don't have money to advertise to draw people into our programs at our church?" "How will we ever compete with these big mega churches who have all that money?"
Now I realize that this might not be the popular opinion obviously because the majority of preachers are continuing with the same rhetoric as we have been hearing for quite some time. Besides that popular opinion does not mean immunity from error. They continue building programs and pushing church growth schemes down the throats of God's people trying to manipulate what they have in order to turn it into more numbers and ultimately glory for them. There is a sense that it is not an agenda influenced by God almighty but an agenda filled with self ambition, absorption and self promotion. You see it is sad to say but "america church" today has
The question is asked "What can we do because the economy is down we don't have money to advertise to draw people into our programs at our church?" "How will we ever compete with these big mega churches who have all that money?"
Now I realize that this might not be the popular opinion obviously because the majority of preachers are continuing with the same rhetoric as we have been hearing for quite some time. Besides that popular opinion does not mean immunity from error. They continue building programs and pushing church growth schemes down the throats of God's people trying to manipulate what they have in order to turn it into more numbers and ultimately glory for them. There is a sense that it is not an agenda influenced by God almighty but an agenda filled with self ambition, absorption and self promotion. You see it is sad to say but "america church" today has
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
How Should We Walk To Please God?
I Thessalonians 4:1-8
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Monday, June 21, 2010
WHILE THE FOUNDATIONS ARE SHAKING
by David Wilkerson | June 21, 2010
While all the foundations of the world are shaking and Satan roars like a maddened lion, and everywhere there is confusion, violence, and uncertainty, those who trust in the Lord, confident in him, will stand still to see God's salvation with hearts and minds at peace. They can enjoy rest and sleep sweetly, unafraid of conditions around them.
I give you some glorious promises of God for all who trust in
While all the foundations of the world are shaking and Satan roars like a maddened lion, and everywhere there is confusion, violence, and uncertainty, those who trust in the Lord, confident in him, will stand still to see God's salvation with hearts and minds at peace. They can enjoy rest and sleep sweetly, unafraid of conditions around them.
I give you some glorious promises of God for all who trust in
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Chastening of the Lord
Hebrews 12
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author [1] and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after [2] their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author [1] and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after [2] their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sudden Calamity For The Wicked
Proverbs 6:12-35
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; 14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. 16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Warning against Adultery
20 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest,
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; 14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. 16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Warning against Adultery
20 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest,
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Removing the Head of the Serpent
By: Kay Winters
Recently I had a prophetic experience that clearly portrayed the condition of the church in America. My husband and I take evening walks that sometimes bring us through affluent neighborhoods. We enjoy viewing luxury homes with their beautiful waterfalls and fountains. Sometimes I venture to curiously peer into the backyards of these homes, finding exquisite pools, sports courts, fireplaces, and landscaping that reminds me of a Thomas Kincaid painting.
As we were enjoying our walk one evening,
Recently I had a prophetic experience that clearly portrayed the condition of the church in America. My husband and I take evening walks that sometimes bring us through affluent neighborhoods. We enjoy viewing luxury homes with their beautiful waterfalls and fountains. Sometimes I venture to curiously peer into the backyards of these homes, finding exquisite pools, sports courts, fireplaces, and landscaping that reminds me of a Thomas Kincaid painting.
As we were enjoying our walk one evening,
The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly
The Reproach of The Solemn Assembly
by David Wilkerson
Zephaniah 3:18 – “I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. “
This is a dual prophecy by Zephaniah. It has to do with the children of Israel . . and also with spiritual Zion (which is the church of Jesus Christ of the last day). First of all, he was speaking to Jews – that God was going to gather together the dispersed . . . but He was only going to bring back those who had a broken heart for the sad condition of Israel. . . . . He would remember all who carried the reproach. . . all of the horrible things that were going on in God’s House. Those who carried the burden of it, He said, “I am going to gather you”. He made great promises to these. . .
This prophecy is also to the Church of Jesus Christ in
by David Wilkerson
Zephaniah 3:18 – “I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. “
This is a dual prophecy by Zephaniah. It has to do with the children of Israel . . and also with spiritual Zion (which is the church of Jesus Christ of the last day). First of all, he was speaking to Jews – that God was going to gather together the dispersed . . . but He was only going to bring back those who had a broken heart for the sad condition of Israel. . . . . He would remember all who carried the reproach. . . all of the horrible things that were going on in God’s House. Those who carried the burden of it, He said, “I am going to gather you”. He made great promises to these. . .
This prophecy is also to the Church of Jesus Christ in
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
To Forgive or To Condone?
You will never have a problem finding people to condone sin, But finding the those that refuse to tolerate it in they're lives, are few and far between. I believe it is very important for people to forgive but not condone. You see to forgive is to let go. To Condone means this...
Condone
verb [ trans. ]
accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue : the college cannot condone any behavior that involves illicit drugs.
• approve or sanction
When we condone sin, we give place to
Condone
verb [ trans. ]
accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue : the college cannot condone any behavior that involves illicit drugs.
• approve or sanction
When we condone sin, we give place to
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Think On These Things...
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, [1] whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Christ Comes First...
Matthew 10:34-39
Perhaps we should look at this scripture in light of anything that we may put before God. So many times people put they're Church or Pastor before God. We refuse to listen to the discerning voice of the Spirit that is trying to communicate. If you are
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Perhaps we should look at this scripture in light of anything that we may put before God. So many times people put they're Church or Pastor before God. We refuse to listen to the discerning voice of the Spirit that is trying to communicate. If you are
Monday, June 7, 2010
Are You fit for the Kingdom?
When's the last time you just cried out to God and said "Lord, it's not in my ability, I need you"? Seriously, where is your heart today in regard to the Kingdom of God? Christ demands your constant attention to the work that pleases the Father.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Are you a fit? Do you match the qualifications for the Kingdom
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Are you a fit? Do you match the qualifications for the Kingdom
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Preach The Word
2 Timothy 4:1-8
1 I CHARGE [you] in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by (in the light of) His coming and His kingdom:
2 Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.
3 For the time is coming when [people] will not
1 I CHARGE [you] in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by (in the light of) His coming and His kingdom:
2 Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.
3 For the time is coming when [people] will not
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