MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." .

Jesus was born to save mankind from sin by giving everlasting Salvation to all who will put their faith and trust in him as seen in Acts Chapter 2. This is the reason Christmas is celebrated; it is not just another paid day off work; or just another get together with family, and friends. The goal shouldn't be to see how much stuff we can get.

Jesus said that He was the way the truth and the life, and that no one could come to the Father but by him. He didn't say that he was a good way, or the easiest way, or the most financially profitable way; he just said that he was, and is the only way to Heaven. According to the Bible: the Gospel (good news) is:" that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures": he offered himself as a sacrifice for every living person. Jesus said in John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." That is exactly what Jesus did. He laid his life down for you, and for me. The bible says that the wages of sin is death, but Jesus never sinned so he didn't have to die, He chose to for our sakes.

The Christmas season should also be about spreading goodwill.

The hundreds of Santa letters written by children are often a sad testament to how we have failed to keep the focus on Jesus during the Christmas season. Most kids believe more in Santa than they do in Jesus. Our society has truly commercialized Christmas. Exchanging gifts, and getting together with loved ones is not a "bad" thing; that is not what I'm trying to say at all. The problem is that all our focus is on presents instead of the presence of Jesus is what Christmas should be about.

Let's not forget that the most important gift that anyone could receive at Christmas time, or any time for that matter is the gift of Salvation. After all that is why Jesus came to the earth in the first place.

Today is a great opportunity to share with someone that comes across your path? If you do then you'll be glad you took the time to think about the real meaning of Christmas.

The Danger of False Doctrine- Eternal Security

I really believe that the most dangerious preachers and teachers are the ones who preach once saved is always saved. You see, Easy Christianity Is dedicated to effortless and carefree religion- and has invented the doctrine of eternal security or "once saved-always saved."

This is false doctrine! The Word of God nowhere teaches that once a man is born again he may give free rein to the lusts of the flesh and be as worldly as he pleases, yet still be sure of getting to heaven. Rather, it teaches, "If you live according to the flesh, you will die" (Romans 8:13). "If anyone does not remain in me," Jesus said, "He is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned" (John 15:6). The Apostle Peter remarks, "It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn their backs...of them the proverbs are true `A dog returns to its vomit,' and, `A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud'" (2 Peter 2:22,23).
Is there no assurance for the Christian that he will make it to glory? Of course there is! But it is found in the Reformation doctrine of the "Perseverance of the Saints." Scripture teaches that all those who are once saved persevere in holiness and are finally saved.

This is great comfort for the true Christian, but none to the one who wants carefree Christianity.

Is Sin still .......Sin?

The Church today is being faced with the challenge to stand against sin in the camp. As a Pastor I have made many hard decisions to stand for what is right.

In my ministry God has used me to minister to thousands in my years of serving him and I have fought hard to keep sin out of the camp. As most of you know I have also paid a high price for holiness.Many sinning saints packed up and left the Church and followed each other to a church that allows sin in their church.

While I might not always be popular the one thing I have a reputation for is standing for what is right and God's word. Now I know that your first thought is that I am upset with these Pastors, The answer is YES!

The ministry suffers when sin enters the camp. The question is this...... Is sin still sin??

Thank you Jesus

This time of the year we begin to focus on the Holidays of both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was looking at these holidays together as is makes them even more special when we realize that our Lord is an ever present help in the time of need.

Our focus first is on Thanksgiving

My worst enemy.... me

I was praying this morning and realized that in order for God to deliver us from afflictions and bless our lives we must be delivered. In Galations 5:7 we read"Ye did run well;who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?".

This scripture is sobering when you really understand that sometimes we look to others fault s and sins but seem to not look at our own weakness and hangups. We seem to blame the Devil and others for our problems when we could be the real problem. The scripture continues in Verse 8 when Paul says "This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you". The problem is that my worst enemy is me. I must remember that the same grace and forgiveness I expect from others must begin with me and my witness before God. We must remember that the enemy works best in the darknes of our minds and the hardness of our hearts. The Bible warns us to "come out from among them and be seperate". If I am doing those things that are unfruitful then the need for deliverance is a must in my own life. So today I began to wage a spiritual war on my worst enemy......me

THE NAME OF JESUS

Preaching and teaching the Bible is paramount to being a Christian and walking in the Light. When you look at the word of God it says in ACTS 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

What’s in a name?

A name means a whole lot when it’s the name of Jesus!

Did you know that your name represents three things?

Your reputation

That’s why we say, "he’s making a name for himself," or "he’s got a good name," or "he’s got a bad name." When we say a name we automatically think of a persons reputation .

Your character

What you are cannot be separated from what your name is once your name and charater are identified together.In the Bible, when somebody changed their character, God often gave them a new name.

Your authority

When a police officer stops you, he says, "Stop in the name of the law" – it’s the law’s authority that stops you, not the man.

When you misuse God’s name, you defame His reputation, His character and His authority, because you are using His name wrong.

And there are many other ways to misuse His name besides just swearing!

Colossians 1:14-19 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Every year the question arises when Halloween arrives. Most Churches and society embrace this holiday as a harmless event for kids. but,what does the Bible say about Halloween?

The answer is nothing. But it does speak throughout it concerning witches, the occult, and paganism.

Deut. 18:10-12, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…"

The Bible definitely speaks against occultic practices, spirits, and witches and condemns not only the practice but also the people who are involved in it.

As Christians, we are to have nothing to do with the occult. Tarot Cards, contacting the dead, séances, lucky charms, etc., are all unbiblical and can harm a Christian's fellowship with God and open the Christian to demonic oppression. Most Christians know this and avoid these activities. But, the question still remains. Since there are ancient pagan connections and present occultic connections. I really believe that this pagan holiday is by it's celebration is antichrist and should not be participated by any Holy Ghost filled saint of God.

Thank you so much

I am so blessed by the month long show of appreciation from the members of the Church. I must confess that I love the gifts and food baskets and dinners that have blessed our family during this time. As a Pastor I am humbled and deeply moved when the problems we experience are overcome with the love of God's people. My heart was broken a few months ago but with your help and prayers I now feel the power of God more now than ever in my life. A special thanks again to all who have made this time in my life to be full of joy and fellowship.

Why I do not fellowship with the UPC Churches

In 1993 decided to leave the UPC fellowship without controversy or even out of dislike of the Pastors and members I have grown to love over the years. I do have somewhat of a problem with the UPC in that the Pastors cannot seem to agree on even the basics of the teachings of the Church and Bible. For example many Pastors and members have Televisions in their homes and while they do keep them in closets I feel that if you are a part of this group and have a license you should follow the rules. Last year they had a split in the UPC over just that issue. In addition the outward standards are not followed in unison. Some Churches allow beards and cutting of hair while others do not. Here is the UPC Ministers affirmation

Then if it is not enough some churches are now teaching that the Jews had their chance and cannot be saved. This is a false and dangerous teaching. Another problem is the I am better than you attitude exhibited by both leadership and members of these churches.

It is amazing that this cult is so well known on the internet. Google searches bring a lot of information regarding problems with this group Bad Pastors in UPC and here are more blogs exposing this group Blogs . As you see even though we are Apostolic in our beliefs we are not a UPC Church.

Signs of the times

Dear Brothers and Sisters I believe without a doubt that we are living in the last days. I recently read this in II Tim. 3:1-5, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” So we can really feel that the last days are upon us, just look at Israel and mankind. They both point to the end of this world as we know it.

I believe that what we are seeing today is a defection from the truth of God's word. The churches and pastors are no longer contending for the faith but are pretending to have faith. They are no longer standing on the promises of the God. Becoming lukewarm is a slow step by step process; there is no doubt a pattern.First of all it begins with a departure from standards. The word standards means, “that which is established by sovereign power as a rule or measure by which others are to be adjusted.” The root word stand means, “to remain upright, in a moral sense; not to fall.” Remember the word falling in our text speaks of a defection from the truth, and with that in mind look at Eph. 6:13-14, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” When you have an unspiritual congregation with an unspiritual book you end up with an unconverted church and a complete departure from the faith.

To the Churches that are at the brink of apostasy found in Rev. 2:5, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

To my Brothers and Sisters that are still in the battle keep on standing as recorded in II Tim. 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine,” and Jude 24, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”

Bishop David Gardner

Pastor's are people too!

This morning started out like any other day I was sitting at the table eating breakfast with my family when suddenly there was a loud knock on the patio door. I walked over and looked out only to find a container on the patio. We brought the items inside and found it filled with cards foods and gifts from some of the ladies in our Church. The items were marked to me and also my wife and son also. I cannot tell you in words how blessed we are today by the love shown by God's people. I am truly humbled by their actions. Galations 6:22

Jesus is still the only way to God

"Many roads lead to Heaven" is a statement that tries to bring all religions together and open the door wide open to everyone to enter heaven. Sounds good.... but, there is a huge problem with that teaching. Heaven is a place that Jesus is in total control of (Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.") If Jesus is in control and has ALL power in Heaven and Earth then we must assume that he is the way to salvation.

In John Chapter 3

[1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
[2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
[4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Jesus said it best...

John.14

[1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
[2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
[4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Jesus Christ is the only true and living God.... He is the Way!