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As Bible believing Christians, we are all in a warfare, a warfare of values. We are in this warfare whether some like it or not; whether we understand it or not, whether we want to be in this warfare or not. We are all either a participant or victim in this warfare of values and worldview.
We, as true born again, Bible believing children of God are likened to defendants on trial; good versus evil, righteousness -v- unrighteousness, right -v- wrong, Light -v- darkness.
We must each make up our minds in this warfare; this soul on trial to testify for the side of Jesus Christ or meet eternal doom as our destiny.
America and this whole world is in a spiritual mess and it looks as if the spirit of the end time day antichrist is rapidly taking over. It seems the name of Jesus is the most hated name ever, and Christianity is the most hated philosophy and teaching there is in the world today.
To illustrate my point, let me share some headlines from sources of the news media.
“Canadian Newborn to Decide Its Own Gender With Blessings Of Government” (GOPUSA News)
“Pastors Could Face Jail Over Mass. Anti-discrimination Law.” (Fox News)
“School Stops Saying, “God Bless America” After ACLU Threats.” (Fox News)
“School Lets Buddhist Coach Chant But Bans Christian Coach From Praying.” (Fox News)
“School Pledges Allegiance to International Flag.” (Fox News)
Many Christians sometimes willfully send their children to the Government schools to be trained and educated, and then wonder why so many children are passive toward God and Country and why we’re in the mess we’re in. It’s like allowing the fox to protect the hen house!

We’re in a mess partly due to a nation, a world, churches, and families becoming so passive toward Jesus and His Word.
The foundation of our nation is being shattered. Our freedoms are being lost one freedom at a time. Morality is at an all time low and clean moral living is hated above most any other attribute that America was founded on. Psalms 11:3 tells us that, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and expression, free exercise of religion, the second amendment right to keep and bear arms, and many times freedom of association are being attacked on an almost daily bases.
There are evil people in this world, seemingly without conscience, who would seek to do others injustice.
We as Christians, as well as the true Church of Jesus Christ, have set back too long making flimsy excuses for passiveness, indecision, cowardness, and laziness. We have allowed Satan to take over that which God has ordained and created. It’s time we stand steadfast and unmovable in the work of the Lord.
Like Hebrews 13:16 says, “But to do good and to communicate, forget not! for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Is he well pleased with us today?
We are commanded to obey authority. However, the highest authority is none other than God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. The Apostle Paul told us that we are to obey God rather than men. We are to obey the laws of the land as long as they do not conflict with the laws and commandments of God. We obey God’s Word FIRST above the laws, rules, or regulations of men.
As I have stated many times before, Psalms 62:11 proclaims, “…power belongeth unto God.” Even Satan himself is known as the prince and power of the air and possesses power on earth to deceive mankind. However, God commands us to resist the Devil. Therefore, we, as Bible believing Christians, have the mandate to resist authority that would cause us to commit sin or violate God’s will or principles. In fact, that is exactly how our country was founded.
When we stand up and say “NO” to officials who are breaking the law, we are not only fulfilling the Constitutional purpose enacted by the Founding Fathers, but we’re fulfilling the Biblical mandate to properly provide for our own and those of our own house. [1 Tim. 5:8]
God commands us, as much as lies within us, to live at peace with all men. However, there comes a time when we must stand our ground by being assertive and, as true citizens of both God’s world and the natural world, proclaim Christ above all.
Each and every one of us will be held accountable at the day of judgment for the deeds done in this body, whether good or bad. We need to make a choice as to whether we hear God say, “Well Done, thou good and faithful servant.”, or “Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angles.”
Deut. 30:19 declares, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
Jesus told the people in Matthew 22:21 these words, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”
We, as true Christians, have a choice to make; Caesar (the state) first or God first. Which choice will it be for YOU?

Don & Debbie Woolett
Secure-Family.net
Bro. Don & Sis. Debbie Woolett are members of the Hodgenville Pentecostal Church where Sis. Debbie is a long time Sunday school teacher and Bro. Don He is a member of the HPC church security & safety team and holds credentials as a minister with the Free Pentecostal Church of God Association, Cincinnati, OH. He is an ordained & licensed Chaplain with Chaplains International, Inc

Old age brings wisdom that is able to help and guide others in need. Older Christian men and women have a duty to help the younger generation.

I have learned a lot from elderly Christians. Sometimes all you want to hear is how God has worked in someone’s life and their different experiences.

Older aged people have been through many different hardship experiences that will help your walk of faith. They have made mistakes and they will help guide you so you don’t make the same mistakes. As seniors, we all have an obligation to use our knowledge and experience in life to help and guide others. Some may not listen but we must give it our best anyway. Remember, back in the day, when someone helped you through a crises or situation that you couldn’t figure out? Be encouraged. You could provide the very answer to their situation that they so desperately needed.

Also, no matter what age Christians should never fear death. We have confidence that we will be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our body may appear older, but our insides are being renewed daily. An elderly Christian never truly gets old. You only get old when you stop seeking the advancement of the kingdom of God. You only get old when you cease building up others in Christ and turn to other things to occupy your time.

Many elders have lost their zeal for Christ. Life will never stop being all about Jesus Christ. Always remember that you’re still alive for a reason.

Let’s hear what the Bible has to say?

Isaiah 46:4 : And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Psalm 71:9: Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Older people carry so much wisdom and they give great advice.

Job 12:12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

Job 32:7 I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’


The godly continue to bear fruit and praise the Lord.
Psalm 92:12-14: 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Flavia Weedn said, “If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.”
“Time heals all wounds.” – Common Saying

Og Mandino said, “Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don’t look back at it too long. Mistakes are life’s way of teaching you. Your capacity for occasional blunders is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals. No one wins them all, and your failures, when they happen, are just part of your growth. Shake off your blunders. How will you know your limits without an occasional failure? Never quit. Your turn will come.”

Joel Osteen said, “You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won’t happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life.”

Carl Bard said, “Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle Onassis. How many of you know that Jesus is the light of the world? John 8:12 says,
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

“Just because something isn’t happening for you right now, it doesn’t mean it never will.” – Unknown
“Let your faith be bigger than your fears.” – Unknown
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” The Bible tells us in Proverbs 24:16, For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ― Maya Angelou

Helen Keller once said, “Defeat is simply a signal to press onward.”

I want to encourage you, today, live life to the fullest, starting today and moving forward. Our strength comes from God through Jesus Christ and him alone. No matter what our situation, Christ has the answer and cure. We just need to trust Him and believe. He has proven himself many, many times and He’ll continue until the judgement. So, be encouraged.

I’ll close with this short poem. I hope you’ll take it to heart and apply it to your life.

So, be encouraged. There’s work yet to do.
The harvest is ripe. The workers are few.
Go tell some poor soul that Jesus does care.
Send words of encouragement Christ wants you to share.

God bless in the wonderful name of Jesus!

The Mars Hill Bunch
Acts. 17: 22 – 31

The Mars Hill Bunch, as I call them, are about like many people today:
1. Idolaters
2. Superstitious
3. Religious troublemakers

The Unknown god on Mars Hill is the one Paul preached about. Remember, Mars Hill: was the supreme court of that day.

Some one said, “Finding a god there was easier than finding a man.”
They sacrificed to all kinds of gods because they did not want to offend anybody. they did not know whom they were worshiping. Sincerity and commitment are meaningless without a relationship with the true and living God.
Paul used the “Unknown god” alter to make his defense and declare to them the God they do not know.

We still have the Mars Hill Bunch among us. What about the Mars Hill Bunch (that’s what I call them) of today? What are their characteristics and doctrines?

Here is a little humorous story that could possibly be true nonetheless.

A Sunday school teacher was teaching her fifth grade Sunday school class one day about whales. She said, ” Whales are very large animals with very small throats; incapable of swallowing a man.” A little girl raised her hand. The teacher recognized her. She said, “Well Jonah was swallowed by a whale and he’s in Heaven.” The teacher replied, “Whales are very large animals with very small throats; incapable of swallowing a man.” The little girl replied, “Well, when I get to Heaven I want to ask him about that.” The teacher replied, “Well what if Jonah didn’t go to Heaven but went to Hell?” The little girl replied, “Well, in that case, you ask him.”

There are perpetrated lies being taught from the pulpits of churches today. There is always someone wanting to be affiliated with the Mars Hill Bunch! However, the Bible, in 2 Peter 2:1 tells of their destruction when it says, “ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

First, the Mars Hill Bunch always get their pleasure from wanting to hear or tell some “new thing”. They feel they have the “one upmanship” on every one else.

They feel as if they have “seen the light” and need to educate everyone else about the truth of creation and life. These people are usually very nice and accommodating persons. However, these Mars Hill believers believe all kinds of things the average sensible person doesn’t and shouldn’t fall for. I’ll give you just two examples. One, the theory of a flat earth. And by the way, these are only theories which means “a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.” These people believe that the Earth is not a globe, but instead a flat disc. According to believers, government forces promote a completely fictitious model of the cosmos in order to conceal the true nature of the Earth. (what’s the point? )However, The evidence for a spherical Earth is overwhelming. Most obviously, there are many thousands of images and videos of the Earth from space, including a continually changing live stream view of the globe from the International Space Station—not to mention all the astronauts who have personally seen the Earth from orbit. Flat Earthers, however, claim that all images of the globe are fraudulent inventions, and all testimony from astronauts is false. (I personally think they’ve lost their ever loving mind!)

Isiah 40:22 says, “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers” Circle in this passage clearly means according to a study by famed creationist Dr. Henry Morris, clearly refers to the spherical shape of the earth. Dr. Morris goes on to say,” The Bible says the earth is round, showing that its authors were inspired to understand science beyond their time.” Well, here we are beyond their time and some people still believe that non biblical flat earth nonsense.

Number two. Some also believe that gravity is a hoax or a myth! Stand under a concrete block and let someone drop it on your head and see if it’s a myth. A group called the Anti-Gravity Alliance says gravity is only a theory and not a scientific fact. Those unfortunate souls that jumped from the twin towers as they were being destroyed by terrorists should have known that! They go on to say gravity cannot be seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelt. Well, I walk on this earth everyday and haven’t floated up and out into space yet!

These Mars Hill believers are confused and the god of this world has blinded their minds and spoiled them through philosophy and vain deceit. The Bible calls them the blind leading the blind and they’ll all fall into the ditch together.

When the Apostle Paul preached to the people on Mars Hill, some didn’t like it. Some were furious, livid, and fuming because of what Paul preached. That was one reaction to Paul’s message, but there were other reactions as well. Acts 17:32 goes on to tell us, “…Others said, We will hear thee again on this matter.” This second group wasn’t jumping and shouting, “Amen!” But the fact that they were open-minded and wanted to hear Paul again constituted a significant victory for the Kingdom of God. This means they were interested — and for judges in the highest court of this pagan land to be interested in the Gospel was a huge development!

This was a massive triumph for Paul’s ministry. He also left the door open to tell them more about the one true God. He had enraged one group, interested another group, and had no visible proof that anyone would be saved as a result of his preaching that day. Although the response to his message was very mixed, there was a small group of notable people who not only heard it but were deeply touched by it. Some people believed the truth they heard and desired to know more.

You know, we may not be popular preaching the truth but we must preach it anyway!

I’ve shown you the doctrines and characteristics of the Mars Hill bunch. Now permit me to tell you the characteristics of the one true God just as the apostle Paul did in our text above.


Characteristics of the One True God

A) GOD IS CREATOR:
1. He created the world and everything in it / in six literal days!
God, as the creator, is important. When the enemy has undermined the faith of people in their creator, he has effectively removed their accountability to him! As creator, God is creation’s rightful owner and ruler. God also created this world and everything in it with Jesus himself. John chapter 1, verses 1-3 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” God also said in Genesis 1:26, “Let us (U.S.)make man in our (O.U.R.)image, after our likeness:” So, Jesus was with God the Father from the beginning; not a created being like some of the Mars Hill bunch teach today.

B) GOD IS SELF SUFFICIENT.
1. God made man / one blood.
2. He’s involved with man’s history, with the world’s situation, and he has his way in the rise and fall of nations.

C) GOD IS WHAT MAN DESIRES.
1. God places a desire in man so that he would seek the Lord.
Jer. 29:13: “And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all ;your heart.” The Mars Hill bunch really doesn’t know what that means.

D) GOD IS EVERY WHERE PRESENT.
1. Acts 17:27: “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from everyone of us.”) God is not someone that you had to take a journey to visit. He did not just live in some temple or reside in a statue but was near to all of them (as well as all of us if we’ve been born again)
Paul even quotes from a couple of their own authors to back up his statement. “In Him we live” refers to our continuance of life being owed completely to God. If it were not for Him we could not go about our daily activities, nor be in existence. These all demand an Omnipresent God. If He were not near us, we could not do or be anything.

E) GOD HAS PROVEN HIMSELF!
1. God has proven himself to be just exactly who he says he is. Mark 12:22 states, “And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:”

Acts 4:12 states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.“

1 Cor. 8:4 states, “…and that there is none other God but one.

In the book of John it says, “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
One must either believe God’s Word or deny it altogether. God’s word is not mixed up or half truths. I believe the King James Version of the scriptures is God’s perfect design for mankind to live by and learn from today.

The book of first John tells it like it is in verses 4 – 6 when it says, “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
This was the unknown god Paul preached about to the Mars hill bunch that day on Mars hill. He said, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; For in him we live, and move, and have our being; …he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness…”

The truths of God’s work and word are still under attack today. We still have the Mars Hill bunch running around and spreading their superstition, lies and poison today. We still have those who profess salvation through Jesus Christ but don’t possess salvation.

We must study to protect these foundational doctrines from crumbling in our society. We must do what Timothy said and Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

I suppose some of the Mars Hill bunch will always be with us as long as we are still on this earth. But when I leave here, I want to know that the Mars Hill bunch has had no effect on me nor swayed me from the simple truth of the Gospel. How about you?

Gen. 39:7-18
The life of Joseph is one of the most remarkable stories found in the Bible. His life is a mixture of sadness and glory, of pain and of success. As a result, Joseph’s life contains many lessons from which we all can learn. One of those lessons is found in this passage, Gen. 39:7-18.

In these verses, we find Joseph at one of the lowest moments of his young life. We find him as a young man, having been sold into slavery into Egypt. There, he is purchased by a man named Potipher, and in Potipher’s house, Joseph quickly rises to a place of authority and prominence. However, Potipher’s wife has eyes for Joseph and attempts to get him to commit adultery with her. He refuses and actually has to run away from her, leaving his garment in her hand, Gen. 39:7-13. His coat had gotten him into trouble again. After she has been spurned by Joseph, Potipher’s wife accuses Joseph of attempting to rape her. Her husband, who is a high ranking Egyptian official, has Joseph thrown into the King’s prison.
Now I know it sounds like Joseph was “set up” and wrongfully sent to jail or prison. But, through it all, God allowed Joseph to learn some valuable lessons in life to make him a better person.

Now, Joseph wasn’t alone in having to go through a prison experience. In fact, many of the great men of the Bible found themselves in one prison or another. For instance, there is Samson, Daniel, Jeremiah, Hosea, John the Baptist, John, Peter, Paul, and Silas. Many of the Lord’s greatest servants had to go through the prison from time to time. In each of these prisons, the Lord revealed His power and providence on behalf of His servants.

We all find ourselves in prison from time to time. The prisons of life may not always be a physical jail experience but sometimes a spiritual one. Often, the trials, valleys and troubles of life can be compared to a prison experience. These times can cause us great problems, but they can also be the means to great success for the Lord. However, the prisons of life do not have to defeat you! God often leads us into the prison experiences of life so that we might thrive in His work and to His glory.

What I want to briefly show you through the experience of Joseph, is, if you’re a born again, converted Christian, that no matter what may come your way, you can have victory and become a great witness for God.
Let’s look at some facts about Joseph and his prison experience. There are some truths taught here that teach us How To Thrive In The Prisons Of Life.

PRISON IS A PLACE OF OPPRESSION. The Bible tells us that Joseph was “bound” in the prison. He had lost his liberty and was held against his will. It was a place of harshness and suffering that brought pain into the life of Joseph. However, Joseph was going to learn the powerful lesson that a person who’s life is lined up with the will of God is abundantly free despite the walls that surround him!

You see, the difference in a true born again child of God and the rest of the world is while they struggle through their difficulties, the child of God can rest in the sure knowledge that God has us where we are for His own purposes and that when we are walking in His ways, we are free despite the prison we find ourselves in at that moment.

Next, PRISON IS A PLACE OF OBSCURITY. When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and then when he was locked up in the prison house, it must have seemed to him that all those dreams he dreamed as a younger man had really meant nothing, Gen. 37:7-10.

He had dreamed that God was going to make something special out of his life, but here he is going nowhere fast. It must have seemed like God had forgotten all about Joseph. Surely, Joseph felt alone, deserted and defeated by the trials and problems he faced.

The prisons of life can leave us all feeling that way. When the problems of life mount up against us, it is easy to feel like we have been deserted by the Lord. When we are thrown into one of life’s prisons we tend to feel forgotten and overlooked by the Lord. The devil uses those times to whisper his lies to us and he says, “Well, if God really cares about you then why are you going through this valley?” Or, “You trusted God, and what did it get you but trouble. let me remind you that God does care! Others may forget about us, but God knows exactly where we are and what we’re facing. In fact, we have His promise concerning this matter in Luke 12:6-7; Heb. 4:15.

PRISON IS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY. In prison, Joseph had the great privilege of learning some valuable lessons about God. He learns about God’s Presence, God’s Providence, God’s Purposes and God’s Power. He learned lessons that could not have been learned under more pleasant circumstances.

The trials of life teach us lessons about God that cannot be learned any other way. Think about it, Daniel could not have learned of God’s power over the lions unless he was first cast into the lion’s den. The 3 Hebrew boys could not have learned that God was able to deliver them from the fire until they had been cast into the furnace. The Disciples would never have known that Jesus could still the storm until they found themselves in the midst of it. When we go through the prisons of life, we learn that God is with us, that He is able to sustain us, that He is greater than our problems. We learn the truth that the prisons of life are not designed to stop us, but to strengthen us!

PRISON IS A PLACE OF OBEDIENCE. Notice that even in the prison, Joseph remained faithful. For him, it was just another place of service. Joseph was a man of integrity, who was going to remain faithful to the Lord despite his circumstances. We don’t find Joseph sitting in his cell whining about how unfair everything is. We find him being a man of God, even when nothing is going his way! We can be in submission to God’s will for our lives, or we can be in rebellion to His will. The whole idea here is summed up in one word “faithfulness”. God’s desire for each of our lives is that we be faithful to Him and His will every minute of every day, regardless of what we are going through.

Finally, THE PRISON IS A PLACE OF OVERCOMING. Joseph remained in this prison for at least two years, probably for a while longer. However, while he was there, God greatly used him. Joseph glorified God while he was there and that the Lord used him to touch the lives of the other prisoners. Eventually, the day came when Joseph was delivered from the prison. In less than an hour, Joseph went from being a prisoner to being the Prime Minister of Egypt, Gen. 41:38-45. His life changed in an instant of time!

As we pass through the prisons of life, God is merely training us. God uses the difficulties of life to grow and teach us so that He might use our lives in a more wonderful way than would otherwise be possible. We must learn to yield to the Lord’s work in our lives and trust Him to have His way in us and through us. He knows where He wants us and He knows what He would have us do. We need to learn to trust Him and experience the best He has to offer us!

The Scriptures tell us to “repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out…” And, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” If we want to be victorious in the prisons of life, we have to truly know Jesus and what his will is for our lives.

Do you really know who Jesus is?  He’s not some demeaning words written on the bathroom walls, used as a bi-word, or spoken in slander by some reprobate.

Jesus didn’t belittle people or bully them, or call them names, except in the case of the religious pretenders of his day when he called them “Pharisees,, hypocrites. like unto whited sepulchres, (or tombs) which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”  Jesus wasn’t a bully nor a pushover.  He was kind to people, even if he didn’t agree with them.  He didn’t shun people even if he didn’t agree with them or agree with how they appeared or were dressed.  Jesus didn’t even teach us that we need to demonstrate how spiritual we are by how high we jump, how fast we run, how loud we shout or even how much we speak in tongues. Jesus gave us an example that we should be like him in every respect.

Jesus was the type of person who would walk up to Buddha or Mahammad or any other religious leader of the day (and today as well) and say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No man can come to the Father but by me.”  He would walk up to the average religious zealot of the day and say, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Jesus wasn’t a wimp or sissy, or a pushover either.  He went into the temple And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money (extortioners), and overthrew the tables.  He even stood in their way so they would not bring any more contraband into the temple to blaspheme and shame his Father’s house.  Jesus was a man who withstood beatings and physical abuse like no other has ever done, yes lived through it all only to be nailed to a cross and live for at least 3 hours until he died.  And he did it all just to save you and me from an eternal punishment in a lake of fire. Yet Jesus, today, is probably the most hated name in our nation and the world all because he preached against evil and sin and against racism and evil government officials and anyone else or anything else that was and is unlike the Holy nature of the one true God.

In the Book of John, chapter 6, verses 35, 41, and 50, Jesus spoke these words, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” “ I am the bread which came down from heaven.”  “This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.”

Many think they know who Jesus is. The King James Bible describes who Jesus is The Holy Scriptures refer to Him by many names: Alpha and Omega, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, The Good Shepherd, Chief Corner Stone, Bread of Life, Savior of the World, The Light of the World, The Way, The Truth and the Life, Messiah, Wonderful Councilor, Anointed One, The Lord of Glory, The Holy and Righteous One, The Express Image of the Father, The Word Of God, just to name a few!

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.  Jesus loves us so much that through His death and resurrection has given us his peace. He has put his peace in us. He is our Salvation that came to save us from the troubles of this world. In this world, there is so much going on but as we fix our eyes on Jesus his peace that is in us will help us to be overcomers.

Jesus said in John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Luke 4:41 lets us know that even the devils know who Jesus really is.  It explains it like this. “And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.”

In Matthew 16: 13 -17 we know that the Apostle Peter knew who Jesus was. “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Peter knew who Jesus was!

In the Upper Room, after Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus told doubting Thomas to put his hands in the nail scared hands and side.  What did Thomas say? “My Lord and my God!.  Thomas knew who Jesus was!

Even Muhammad recognized Jesus for who he was though he didn’t follow him.  Muhammad, Islam’s Prophet, believed Jesus was sent by Allah to be the Messiah, miraculously born of the Virgin Mary, who brought the Gospel, who died, and raised from the dead, then ascended into heaven to be with Allah.  Jesus would become an everlasting blessing to all mankind! Muhammad even said that “Jesus is a messenger of Allah, who is to be believed” (4:171). He even said, “Allah gave to the world Jesus, exalted him above all others, and supported him with the Holy Spirit as proof of his sovereignty” (2: 253*).

 Remember, however, Muhammad is dead and buried in the ground in Medina.  Jesus is alive in Heaven with God, our loving Father.

Islam’s prophet, Muhammad, believed Jesus was the Messiah, Allah’s anointed messenger.  Allah’s people (Muslims) are told to listen to Allah’s messengers (Koran, 4.171; 5. 111*)..

If Muhammad’s followers really listened to their prophet, studied the Gospels, and gave their heart to Jesus, they would know who Jesus really is.

We need to have a revelation of Jesus Christ! A revelation of Him will transform a person, a family, a marriage, and even a CHURCH! If your church needs to be changed, focus on revealing Jesus Christ! Seeing Him will transform the lives of those that behold Him!

God’s Glory will change the crack addict, the junkie, the pusher, the pimp, the prostitute – and it will transform the believer into an ever increasing image of Jesus Christ! Husbands, wives, and kids need to see it! Our government needs to see it. Our nation needs to see it! And we, the Church, really need to see it! preachers need to see it, teachers need to see it. We all need to see the glory of God – God in His holiness and splendor! Then we can really know who Jesus really is.

That’s the answer to the dilemmas facing the world and the Church. It’s not our preaching, It’s not our our shouting, It’s not our dancing in the Spirit, and it’s not even our speaking in tongues or prophesy. All these things are good if ordered by the Holy Ghost. What we all really need is a supernatural manifestation of the Power and Presence of Almighty God through Jesus Christ!  That changes lives.

Jesus is to be worshiped above all others; revered above others. The world is always trying to put others above Jesus; politicians, religious figures such as Mohammed, Bhudia, entertainers and movie stars, the Pope, even many times the Pastor.  But when all is said and done, they will all be dead and gone.  There’ll be nobody left but Jesus.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

We can also know who Jesus is NOT.  Since Jesus is the express image of God the Father, and He came to do the will of the Father, we can know that He did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it.  He did not come to condemn but to save.  John 3:17 says, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

So, how do you get to know The Way, The Truth, and The Life? The Holy Scriptures tell us in Ephesians 2:8 & 9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Acts 2:38 says, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 3:19 tell us, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

Kentucky Castle Doctrine (Use Of Force)
503.020 Justification — A defense. In any prosecution for an offense, justification, as defined in this chapter, is a defense. Effective: January 1, 1975 History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 27, effective January 1, 1975
503.050 Use of physical force in self-protection — Admissibility of evidence of prior acts of domestic violence and abuse. (1) The use of physical force by a defendant upon another person is justifiable when the defendant believes that such force is necessary to protect himself against the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by the other person. (2) The use of deadly physical force by a defendant upon another person is justifiable under subsection (1) only when the defendant believes that such force is necessary to protect himself against death, serious physical injury, kidnapping, sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat, felony involving the use of force, or under those circumstances permitted pursuant to KRS 503.055. (3) Any evidence presented by the defendant to establish the existence of a prior act or acts of domestic violence and abuse as defined in KRS 403.720 by the person against whom the defendant is charged with employing physical force shall be admissible under this section. (4) A person does not have a duty to retreat prior to the use of deadly physical force. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 192, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006. — Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992. — Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 30, effective January 1, 1975.
503.055 Use of defensive force regarding dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle — Exceptions. (1) A person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another when using defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another if: (a) The person against whom the defensive force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcibly entering or had unlawfully and forcibly entered a dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle, or if that person had removed or was attempting to remove another against that person’s will from the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle; and (b) The person who uses defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred. (2) The presumption set forth in subsection (1) of this section does not apply if: (a) The person against whom the defensive force is used has the right to be in or is a lawful resident of the dwelling, residence, or vehicle, such as an owner, lessee, or titleholder, and there is not an injunction for protection from domestic violence or a written pretrial supervision order of no contact against that person; (b) The person sought to be removed is a child or grandchild, or is otherwise in the lawful custody or under the lawful guardianship of the person against whom the defensive force is used; (c) The person who uses defensive force is engaged in an unlawful activity or is using the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle to further an unlawful activity; or (d) The person against whom the defensive force is used is a peace officer, as defined in KRS 446.010, who enters or attempts to enter a dwelling, residence, or vehicle in the performance of his or her official duties, and the officer identified himself or herself in accordance with any applicable law or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known that the person entering or attempting to enter was a peace officer. (3) A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a felony involving the use of force. (4) A person who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter a person’s dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle is presumed to be doing so with the intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 192, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006.
503.080 Protection of property. (1) The use of physical force by a defendant upon another person is justifiable when the defendant believes that such force is immediately necessary to prevent: (a) The commission of criminal trespass, robbery, burglary, or other felony involving the use of force, or under those circumstances permitted pursuant to KRS 503.055, in a dwelling, building or upon real property in his possession or in the possession of another person for whose protection he acts; or (b) Theft, criminal mischief, or any trespassory taking of tangible, movable property in his possession or in the possession of another person for whose protection he acts. (2) The use of deadly physical force by a defendant upon another person is justifiable under subsection (1) only when the defendant believes that the person against whom such force is used is: (a) Attempting to dispossess him of his dwelling otherwise than under a claim of right to its possession; or (b) Committing or attempting to commit a burglary, robbery, or other felony involving the use of force, or under those circumstances permitted pursuant to KRS 503.055, of such dwelling; or (c) Committing or attempting to commit arson of a dwelling or other building in his possession. (3) A person does not have a duty to retreat if the person is in a place where he or she has a right to be. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 192, sec. 5, effective July 12, 2006. — Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 33, effective January 1, 1975.
503.085 Justification and criminal and civil immunity for use of permitted force — Exceptions. (1) A person who uses force as permitted in KRS 503.050, 503.055, 503.070, and 503.080 is justified in using such force and is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force, unless the person against whom the force was used is a peace officer, as defined in KRS 446.010, who was acting in the performance of his or her official duties and the officer identified himself or herself in accordance with any applicable law, or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known that the person was a peace officer. As used in this subsection, the term “criminal prosecution” includes arresting, detaining in custody, and charging or prosecuting the defendant. (2) A law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use of force as described in subsection (1) of this section, but the agency may not arrest the person for using force unless it determines that there is probable cause that the force that was used was unlawful. (3) The court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, compensation for loss of income, and all expenses incurred by the defendant in defense of any civil action brought by a plaintiff, if the court finds that the defendant is immune from prosecution as provided in subsection (1) of this section. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 192, sec. 6, effective July 12, 2006.
Kentucky Gun Laws & Right to Carry https://www.handgunlaw.us/states/kentucky.pdf

https://youtu.be/gDzGZk1ELVM

Hypocrites
Words & Music: Don Woolett
I saw an old friend the other day And struck up a conversation.
Then, I felt the Spirit move on me To offer him an invitation.
I said, “How about going to church with me. Our preacher preaches great!”
He said, “No thanks. I haven’t got the time. It’s those hypocrites I hate.”
He said, “There’s too many hypocrites in church, so I’ll stay home and pray,
Or maybe I’ll run down to the lake To fish and relax that day.”
I said, “OK. I see what you mean, But let me tell you this;
All the hypocrites aren’t in church. Some are right there where you fish.”
You can go to Wal Mart, target, Or McDonalds anytime
And shop or eat with hypocrites. There’s always some in line.
You can find them at the ball game. Ride with one in a car.
They’re at the movies and the social club And drinking at the local bar.
So, no matter where you go You’ll probably find a hypocrite.
But, I’d rather sit with one in church Than in the bottomless pit!
So, come and go to church with me. Get on your knees and pray,
Then there may be one less hypocrite To deal with every day.
(CH) I’d rather go to church with a hypocrite Than to go to hell with one.
At least in church I can find relief But in hell, they’re overrun.
Yes, there may be hypocrites in church But when all is said and done,
I’d still rather go to church with a hypocrite Than to go to hell with one.
This story has a moral. It’s plain as it can be;
Hypocrites are everywhere, I’m sure you will agree.
So, don’t fall victim to the line They’ll throw you everyday.
Just stand up tall, look them in the eye, And smile and say,

(CH) I’d rather go to church with a hypocrite Than to go to hell with one.
At least in church I can find relief But in hell, they’re overrun.
Yes, there may be hypocrites in church But when all is said and done,
I’d still rather go to church with a hypocrite Than to go to hell with one.

© 2010 Don Woolett,/DewCrest Publishing, P.O. Box 337, Hodgenville, KY 42748
270-723-5184

“And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness,….” (Genesis 36:24, KJV)

Down through history, mules have had a bad rap in life mostly because of their long ears, big nose, loudmouth and stubbornness. Actually, mules are some of the most intelligent animals on the planet. Unlike their human counterpart, mules are very smart. They are thinkers. They instinctively size up a situation and take the most direct path. They are wary as they use their ears to listen and scope out what is going on around them. They are rarely deterred once a decision is made. They either plant their feet, refusing to move, or go in the direction they choose. They are strong and can carry a lot of weight. Their bray is like a funky sort of yodel. The markings around their eyes can make them look surprised and ridiculous. Their ears go up like a bunny rabbit. They are just a crazy looking cross between a horse and a donkey. The skin of mules is thick and highly resistant to heat and rain. To defend itself from predators, a mule kicks with its hind legs, and it can do so from all directions.

President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed October 26th as the date of National Mule Day; the day a Spanish donkey arrived in America in 1785.
Mules can either be driven by beating them with a stick, or by dangling a carrot in front of them on the end of a long stick just out of their reach. They keep moving forward thinking they are going to reach and eat the carrot. Sometimes they do get hold of enough of that carrot to further whet their appetite for more. So, they keep moving forward. That old mule is unsatisfied and wanting more. So, they keep moving forward even if they are headed to a cliff.

The “mules” in the church are the same way. They’re people with a mule’s mentality. Their stubbornness overrides their common sense. Their big ears hear just enough information to want to spread it around, with their big mouth, to anyone and everyone who they can find to listen, even if it slanders or destroys some body’s reputation. But they don’t care because they want to hear and to tell some new thing. They don’t care if the information they heard is not the full story or if it’s even true. They spread it anyway even if they must add a little bit to what they heard. It gives them the feeling of superiority. It gives them the feeling of power. They think they know something no one else knows. They feel like it’s their civic duty to catch someone doing something they think is wrong or not to their petty specifications. Then, they’ll stand up in the congregation and pray a pious prayer or lay on the alter and speak in tongues (?) so everyone can hear. They want to show everyone how spiritual they are.

When I was a boy growing up on a small farm, my daddy had a pair of mules he used to plow with. There were many times my dad would try to get those mules to move or work and they would just stand there, firmly planted, not seeming to listen to anything he had to say. I’ve seen him take a tobacco stick or a board and beat those old mules until they decided to move. He’d beat them trying to get them to move until big whelps would rise on their posterior.

You usually didn’t want to get too close to a mule’s posterior either. If you did, that old mule would show you what the meaning of the saying “kick like a mule” really meant. An old mule, however, will kick anything and everything they can even if it meant hurting someone who was trying to help them.

Many times, dad would let the mules out to pasture. When it came time to put them back into the barn, or catch them to do some work, they would run from him and not let him near them. Dad would go into the house and get the old sixteen gauge with number six shot and cut down on them out in the field. He could then walk right up to them and catch them. Many times, those mules would run into the barn after their experience. Dad would rake the shot out of their anatomy, harness them up and go to work. I’ve seen the phrase “Stubborn as a mule” come to life many times down on the farm. I look back and I can feel sorry for those old mules knowing what I know now.

As stated before, a mule is mostly known for their stubbornness. A mule’s stubbornness is actually caused by confusion and cautiousness. However, because of the characteristics and looks of a mule, as you can see, they can be compared to the characteristics of many people in the church world today.

Now, let’s go back and look at something. Anah found mules in the wilderness. Spiritually speaking, there are still mules in the wilderness today! And, that is where they belong.

The wilderness, by the way, is a waste place. I don’t believe God’s true church is a waste place or a dry place or a desert. Through all the ridicule, all the talk and putting down, I still feel our Holiness churches are right. I’m for the Holiness brethren that take a stand and live for God. I’m for the Holiness sisters that live right, walk right and dress right and do right. I’m for the Holiness young people that will walk right and do right and separate themselves from the world and give their heart and life to Jesus. If we’ll do that, we’ll not have a waste place or a dry place; we’ll have a glorious place.

I believe the Bible says there will always be wolves invading the sheep; dressed like a sheep; trying to look like a sheep; acting like a sheep. But the wolf cannot dress good enough to pass himself off as a sheep. No matter how you dress a wolf, that wolf has some characteristics that a sheep does not have. If you look closely, you’ll find you can’t pass a wolf off as a sheep. So are the ways of a mule.

Anah found the mules in the wilderness and that’s where they’re supposed to be, not In God’s house, around God’s alters except when they’re trying to get straightened out, repent, and really get right with God.

The Bible tells us that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Witches are servants of Satin, not Almighty God. It looks like God would let a rebellious person into Heaven just as quickly as he would a witch. Also, stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. With that in mind, let me tell you how to spot a mule in the church among you.

When I drive down the road and look out in a field and spot Tennessee Walkers, or an Appaloosa, or palominos, and then amongst them see one with ears stuck up about four inches above the rest, something says to me, that’s a mule.

We can look around in the church and see them there. Those big ears are just listening for everybody else’s faults and failures. They want to be the first one to tell the newest thing that Bro. So, and So slipped and fell or done. They’re the first to grab the phone and gossip to everyone who’ll listen. But usually, the faults they have are worse than the faults they were talking about and spreading rumors about. Those old mules can knock someone down then kick them when they’re down and feel good about it.
Let me tell you this. I do not believe there is any place of the world or anyone in the world anywhere authorized to straighten out the Church’s problems.

The next way you can tell a mule is by its big mouth. You can hear him bray farther than you could hear a freight train whistle in the hills on a frosty morning. Remember Mars Hill in the book of Acts? All those people wanted to do is to hear and tell some new thing. I call them the Mars Hill Bunch. There are a few in our churches that probably could have lived there and done right well. I’ve known of some preachers that could have pastored the Mars Hill bunch because they would fit right in.

Number three. A mule’s face doesn’t even look like a horse’s face. Those old mules have a Big sad, long face. You would think they just came from a funeral every time they came to church. They never have anything good to say about anything. Aw, but they’re so “humble”, you know. But you never hear them brag on the preacher or his sermon. Nothing ever excites them. When the preacher starts preaching Bible Holiness, they usually look at some other person and say, “Boy that preacher really stepped on your toes, didn’t he?” Never looking at themselves in a spiritual mirror. Long faces. Always putting things down that the church is doing. Not satisfied with anything. Forever finding fault with almost everything. A continuous negative attitude.

Number four. Mules have big noses. They can sniff out gossip then blow it back out on anyone they can just to see how much poison they can spread.

Psalms 32:9 has something very interesting to say about mules. It says, “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.”

The Navy branch of the service called the “Seabees” had a unique slogan during World War II, “If it’s difficult, it will take a day or two. If it’s impossible, it will take a little longer.” We can pray those old mules out of the church, or, pray until they turn into a palomino or a Tennessee Walker or anything other than a mule. We don’t need mules in the church. Mules belong in the wilderness not the house of God. It may seem impossible or take a little longer, but the church can successfully deal with those ole mules; those gossipers, and complainers, constant troublemakers and their negativism. And, if they won’t change, pray them back into the wilderness where they belong.

You know, we can enjoy our salvation. We should not come to church just to put on a show or be above everybody else. We don’t need clicks in the congregation, superior attitudes or performers in our pulpits. But one thing about it, we should enjoy our salvation regardless of how many mules there are in the wilderness, or regardless of how many mules invade the good land of the glorious church.

God has instituted the church to be a glorious place; a place where we can come to worship and fellowship with one another in peace and harmony. The church should be a place where we can escape the worries and miseries of the world. The local church assembly should be a place where we can come together, sing songs of Zion, be able to pray the prayer of faith with other likeminded Brothers and Sisters, hear the word of God taught and preached under the anointing of the Holy Ghost; and have joy.

There will be a judgement day after a while. That old mule, along with that wolf I was talking about earlier, will never see the gates of Heaven unless they’re converted and changed by the blood of Jesus Christ and God’s Holy Ghost. The Scriptures says “ye must be born again” to see the kingdom of God. Except you repent, ye shall all likewise perish. God must get hold of that old mule and change that old long face, those long ears, and big mouth.

Are you a mule wondering around in the wilderness? Are you following a carrot on a long stick dangling in front of you? Are you a gossiper and a tale bearer or are you a prayer warrior? Are you someone who, although you may not agree with everything, will pray about a situation and have faith that God will work it out?

Jesus said, in Matthew 7:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest.”

If you’re a mule in the congregation, call on God, in true repentance, and ask Him to help you make the right choice to change before it’s too late. Hitch yourself to the alter and pray through.
Send those old mules back into the wilderness where they belong.

Bro. Don Woolett 03/2020 (Adapted from a message by Bro. Roger O’Quin)

Romans 8:35-39

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“

A story is told of baby elephants in the circus world coming under the “chain of control”. Immediately after birth, the baby elephant’s leg is chained to a stake. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot tug free. Soon the young elephant stops pulling against the stake. He accepts as fact that he has no power to become free. Over time, the elephant matures in his body, but not in his mind. Although he possesses the physical power to free himself with ease, he continues to remain close to that stake that had him bound even though he could be free if only he would try.
Most people in one form or another have been a victim. A victim usually lives in fear & unbelief. They relive over & over what happened to them constantly trying to figure out how to fix their situation wishing that it had never happened. Without realizing it they become just like that baby elephant in the circus; trapped in the past. Never trying to move forward from the stake in which they were chained. Always reliving the past in their heart & mind.
The deep secret of victims living in the past is they want to see those that have caused their pain, to suffer as they have.
You don’t even have to have a crime committed against you to find yourself living in the “victim mentality”. In John chapter 5:1-9, (read it) Jesus found a man by a pool, where he & many others lay sick & diseased in various ways. The location was Bethesda, a supernatural site where an angel would come down & stir up the waters. When this angel would swoop down & touch the waters, the first person to get in was healed of whatever disease they had. Talk about an amazing opportunity for instant healing! Jesus walked up to a man who had been afflicted with an infirmity for 38 years & asked this question, (verse 6) “Wilt thou be made whole?” or as we would put it, “Do you want to be healed?” Jesus gets right to the heart of the matter.
Anybody in their right mind would quickly say, “YES!” But we don’t see that, instead the man starts giving an excuse explaining why he’s been in this condition for so many years, 38 to be exact. John 5:7 says, “The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”
Jesus’ question did not ask for the man’s story. He only ask for a “yes” or “no”. Why would he not say “yes”? Instead, he gives a list of reasons why he hasn’t been able to get into the pool.
Think about it, if he desperately wanted to be healed he could have found someone to help get him to that water! After all, he found someone to get him to a porch near the pool of water. The Bible doesn’t really say what was truly in his heart, but many times even without realizing it we tend to live as a victim even when help is within reach.
Jesus ask the man the question & rather than giving a direct answer the man gave his long reason/excuse. Let’s take a look at (verse 8) to see what Jesus did at this point. “Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”
In spite of the man’s lack of understanding the delivering opportunity that was before him, Jesus was still willing to reach out to him with an offer of complete deliverance. I know Jesus reaches out to those who trust him. Is spite of the reasons we give for not surrendering to God’s will in our life, Jesus wants to offer us the same opportunity of deliverance. This man needed a physical healing, but the greatest healing/deliverance any of us could ever get is ‘spiritual’ deliverance. We must be saved! We cannot make it out of this world safe without Jesus. Let’s look at how this man responded to Jesus’ invitation to healing.
(verse 9), ” And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.” Praise the Lord this man realized he had met the master of deliverance! What about you?
God is actually interested in all around wholeness. For most, we think the story is over & we move on to the next event, but Jesus actually runs into him at the temple & gives him very interesting instructions. (verse 14), ” Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” Jesus was making sure he understood that he was healed, but that if he didn’t watch out the sin issue could rise up again, & he would be sicker than before. After this the man went out & told all he could about Jesus & how he had been delivered. Not only did he tell about it, he lived it. Now that is real deliverance!
It appears to me that one of the sin issues this man carried was that he saw all of life as a victim, which gave no room for love, hope & faith to operate fully in his life. When we live as victims, we carry unbelief, which denies the possibility of our situation being changed. We lose hope & believe the lie that we have no more options. Just like the man who was healed, we need to understand that we need to live as a “Victor”, not as a “Victim”. Oftentimes, part of our healing process involves renouncing the sin of the “Victim Mindset”.
What about you? Are you ready to get rid of that “Victim Mentality” that keeps you bound in sin? Which will it be for you?

Debbie Woolett

1. Eternal Life and freedom Through Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus, in his great intercessory prayer to the Father, tells us the key to eternal life. In John 17 verse 3, he prays, “And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

But, how can man come to know the only true God and obtain eternal life? The only way we and all mankind can come unto our Heavenly Father and know Him, and thus obtain eternal life, is to come unto the Lord Jesus Christ and know Him. “[Jesus Christ] was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. …

“… He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. …

“… He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

“He bodily rose from the grave to ‘become the firstfruits of them that slept’ (1 Cor. 15:20).

“… He will someday return to earth … [and] rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords. … Each of us will stand to be judged of Him. …

Let me share some more verses about eternal life through Jesus. John 5:39-40, ” Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” 1 John 5: 11-12, ” And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. “ Hebrews 5:9=, ” And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” John 3:36, ” He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life…”

2. Daily benefits

Ps. 68:19 tells us, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” This is the very thing I’m talking about today; God’s benefits to us as true converted children of God. His benefits are unending.

3. Peace

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. In Phil 4:7 we read, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Again in Rom. 1:7 the Bible tells us, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus is our true source of peace; peace of mind, peace in our spirit, peace in time of trouble and adversity. He is the only true peace that can be found anywhere.

4. Safety

Jesus provides protection and defense in time of trouble. Ps. 91:, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. … “

5. Protection and shelter

Just like providing safety, Christ is a shelter in the time of storm. The Bible teaches that he is our advocate or lawyer and will protect us from danger and harm if one has truly been born again.

The Scriptures tell us in Psalm 62 verse six, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense;…” Then again in Proverbs 24: 29, the Scripture says, “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.” Jesus is our ultimate protection.

6. A personal relationship with the Creator and designer of the Universe.

I’m glad that I have a personal relationship with the grand Creator and designer of the universe. Every born again, saved Christian, can have that same relationship. That is one of the greatest advantages of being a born-again Christian; that personal relationship with the Saviour. Another advantage, here, is the privilege of being able to talk to God the Father directly and one on one in the name of Jesus. Jesus Christ is our mediator and if we pray in the name of Jesus, we can have our requests answered. (Mark 11:24)

7. Healing for body and mind

Exodus 15:26 tells us, ” If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Again in Ps. 147:3 we read “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

To sum up, there are many more benefits of being a born again Christian that I haven’t already mentioned.

The first, and foremost, benefit of being a Christian, however, is that we belong to Jesus. In Him, we have eternal life, and in this world, we have a peace and joy that is beyond anything the world can offer. In Jesus we have hope, and we have the strength to face whatever comes our way.

The list of benefits is endless. The Lord has given us so much. He pours out blessings every day. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), and with His sufficient grace (2 Cor 12:9) and His power living in us (Col 1:27), we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Again, Psalm 103 goes on to list the many benefits we are to remember:

He forgives our iniquities (vs 3)
He heals our diseases (vs 3)
He redeems our lives from destruction (vs 4)
He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies (vs 4)
He satisfies our mouth with good things (vs 5)
He renews our youth (vs 5)
He executes righteousness and judgment for the oppressed (vs 6)
He is merciful, gracious, and slow to anger… (vs 8)
He is forgiving and forgetting of our sins (vs 9, 12)
Psa 103:12, ” As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

When we truly understand and believe that our sins are forgiven, “as far as the east is from the west,” we find rest.

God tells us that we:

have been washed clean by the blood (Rev 1:5)
are clothed in the righteousness of Christ ( 2 Cor 5:20)
are sealed (Eph 4:30) by the indwelling Holy Spirit
are taught and directed (John 14:26, John 16:13) by the Holy Spirit’s power
are promised eternal glory (John 10:28, John 17:22)
In closing, the benefits of being a Christian out-weigh any benefits of living a life of sin. God changes your perspective and outlook on life itself. And, no matter what, God has your back!

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