Good morning friends and welcome to the J and L Ministries Paltalk room. We're hoping Paltak behaves itself today, as there seems to be many issues the past few months.
For those who may have looked for last Sundays message and couldn't find it, you're not going crazy. When I started to render it to add to u-tube, there was no sound. The platform I'm using to put those together switched to the wrong microphone. Today’s message is going to touch on many topics. For those who follow the news, you probably have noticed that there seems to be more trouble in every part of the world, including here in the United States. Before we get started, I want to remind everyone that God still sits on His throne and He's still in control and does what He pleases. Those who have been with us for a while should remember the verses where we found this. Psalms 115:3 KJV But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. I've found where many non-believers, and sadly even those professing Jesus as Lord, if you can believe, say that if there truly is a God that He would not have allowed the tornadoes in different parts of the US to happen. He would not have allowed all the soldiers to be shot and the bombings to have happened. Shootings all over the world wouldn't have happened if there was really a God that loves us. Have you heard these things? It's hard to explain these things to those who don’t believe in Christ. If God loves everyone, then why the millions upon millions of babies that have been brutally aborted? What about the Christians that are being killed? Where was their God? It’s hard to explain to some who doesn’t believe in Christ. We do have choices, and you don’t have to look very hard to find that this country has made many wrong choices against God’s will. Yes? Also, the Bible tells us that we will be persecuted. John 15:18-21 KJV If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (20) Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (21) But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. Today we're going to look at some of the things that Jesus said would come in the last days. Now, we read this, but it's not to create fear in you my brothers and sisters, but to strengthen your faith. These things are already happening and they will get worse, but you know what? I'm ready. I will not worry about tomorrow. Please turn in your Bibles to John 16 and we are going to start with verses 1-16. We read in chapter 15 where Jesus warns us about being a follower of Him. The hatred of the world. “If the world hates you, you must realize that it hated me before it hated you." When we're saved, we're then called to live in a way that's much different than that of society. We're told not to live like the world, but that can be a very hard thing to do when we're right smack dab in the middle of it. We're to look toward heavenly things and be the reflection of Jesus in the things we say and do. Let's see what Jesus said in Matthew 16:24. Matthew 16:24-25 KJV Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. I think of the rich man who asked Jesus what must he do to be saved, and after Jesus said to obey all the commandments, which this man claimed he had done. Then he was told to sell all he had and give to the poor and he walked away sad. This is why when a Christian is very much praised by the power of this world and is exalted as a model for everyone by mass-media, it's good not to trust too much. Jesus said, “If you belong to the world, the world will love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice of you has drawn you out of the world, that is why the world hates you." We have two choices: the world or the Gospel. Which of these two will you choose? John 16:1-16 KJV These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. (2) They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. (3) And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. (4) But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. (5) But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? (6) But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. (7) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (8) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (9) Of sin, because they believe not on me; (10) Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (11) Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (12) I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (15) All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (16) A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. When we look through these verses and then look through the history of the church, we find that believers have been persecuted all along. The first disciples of Jesus were persecuted. Doesn’t it seem strange that through all these centuries people would hate people who love God and who are to share their love and their God with the world? It does until you think about the Gospel message. Here's what the late David Wilkerson had to say about why the world hates the true church, its pastors and the parishioners. A true Christian is loving, peaceful, forgiving and caring. Those who obey Jesus’ words are self-sacrificing, meek and kind. Now, common wisdom tells us it’s not natural to hate those who love you, bless you and pray for you. Rather, people hate only those who abuse, rob and curse them. So, why are Christians so hated? Jesus says simply, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you…. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:18, 20). Why is this so? The church, and every minister and believer in it, is hated because of its mission. You see, our mission is much more than telling lost people, “Jesus loves you.” It’s more than trying to accommodate and appease people. You may draw back in surprise when I remind you of what our mission is. Simply put, our mission as Christians is to take back from the ungodly what's most precious to them: self-righteousness. It's to translate them into a freedom they think is slavery. It's to separate them from damning sins, a blessing they see as only ending in boredom and sadness. Church, the most precious thing to a worldly person is his self-righteousness. Think about it: he's spent his whole life forming a good opinion of himself. He’s built an idol to his good works. He praises himself that he’s really good at heart and kind to others. Simply put, he’s built his own Tower of Babel, a monument to his own goodness. He's sure that he’s good enough for heaven, and too good for hell. This ungodly man has spent years beating down his conscience and searing it. He's taught himself to still every voice of conviction that comes to him. And now he enjoys a false peace. He's become so deceived that he actually believes God admires him! This is truth my friends. And now, just when he's shut down the voice of his conscience, you, a Christian, come along. And the truth you bring speaks more loudly than his dead conscience: “Unless you’re born again, you can’t enter the kingdom of heaven.” Suddenly you’re a threat in this person's mind. You’re someone who wants to deprive him of his assurance that all is well with his soul. All this time, he has thought he is okay. But now you’re telling him that all his good works are as filthy rags. I tell you, this man doesn’t see you as someone who’s bringing good news. No, in his eyes you’re a tormentor, someone who’s out to take away his peaceful sleep at night. Sound familiar to before you came to know Jesus as your Savior? Maybe some of you still feel like, "Man, I wish I still could do the same things I did before." You might be thinking, "I sure miss the bar scene," or maybe thinking, "I miss the movies I used to watch. Why is it so bad to hang out with drug buddies?" Friends, you need to stay away from these things. When the enemy starts putting these thoughts of one more drink won’t hurt you, one little joint I smoke, or a pill to get high isn’t going to bother you. You’d better not fall for that lie. "I just want to go to one porn site, just this one time." Get it out of your mind, because once you have that thought, you're hooked again. Lust of the flesh. Church, God will reveal Himself to anyone who seeks Him. We can look in the book of acts with Cornelius, who feared God. Acts 10:1-5 KJV There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, (2) A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. (3) He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. (4) And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (5) And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: Skip down to verse 34. Acts 10:34-48 KJV Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (35) But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (36) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (37) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; (38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (39) And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: (40) Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; (41) Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. (42) And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. (43) To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Beloved, there are Muslims who have prayed for the true God to reveal Himself to them and they've had angels appear and they've come to the saving grace of Jesus. Glory to God! Church, we're to be different than the world and in the name of Jesus, that's what I pray for all who attend these services each week, those who will be joining in the near future. And for the ones who read these messages every week, we'll be different. We'll fear God. We'll seek God’s face and want to be all that He has planned for us and be in obedience to that plan. We'll be His disciples. We'll be world changers. We'll be His light in this dark and dying world. We'll be the ones who share the Gospel with the world. We'll be the ones who pray for the sick. And church, here's, as pastor Jeff of A Far From Normal Faith Ministry, the boom, boom. Here are the words of Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20 KJV And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20 AMP Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This is where I think the church has gone wrong. We share the gospel on salvation, but do we teach them discipleship? Friends, we've read scripture of who we need to be in Christ. We have a choice. Yes, I said we have a choice. God doesn't force us to call on Him. We can accept Jesus as Lord, or we can deny Him. And friends, God is a good God and He is a just God. Psalms 7:11 KJV God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. Now quickly I want to show you a few verses about seeking God and while we read them, we have to remember that God cannot lie, and He is not a respecter of persons. Jeremiah 29:11-14 KJV For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (12) Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (13) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (14) And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. Now, I'm going to share a few scriptures showing where we are to seek God, and while I read them, I want you to catch what the verse means, but I also want to show you something that separates Christianity from any other religion. And for the record, I hate using the word religion when talking about Christianity (Christ like), but that's how it's classified. James 1:5 KJV If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Acts 17:26-27 KJV And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; (27) That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Matthew 7:7-8 KJV Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. You search the in-corrupt seed of Muslim faith, it's not for all. The same with Buddhism or any of the religions. The only True Living God of the world is where you will see that every man and woman has that chance to make a choice. John 3:15-18 KJV That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. It's your choice, my friend. For those who say God isn't fair, how much fairer can He be? You have to remember He's a just God. God does hate sin, but He was willing to send His Son to earth. He that knew no sin to die to cleanse you and me of all our unrighteousness and remember it no more. Praise God. But you need to make that choice to receive Jesus or not. And that choice has consequences. We can receive Christ and have the hope of eternal life, or we can deny Him and lose that hope and spend eternity in the lake of fire. To me, it's a no-brainer. And my friends, when you call on Jesus to be Lord and Savior and you live your life for Him, wow, you see just how good God is. So now friends,make it personal. I will in the name of Jesus change from the wicked ways that have not pleased God. I'll sow GOOD seed into my son, daughter, grandchildren, husband, wife, niece, nephews, uncles Grandparents and friend’s lives who don’t know Jesus as Lord. I'll start from this day to do all things as if I were doing it for the Lord. I will read my Bible every day, from this day forward because I want to know God, His ways and what He has planned for me. I'll read my Bible because I want to strengthen my faith….faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God. I will read God’s Word and meditate on it so I know how to be a witness to those who God puts on my heart, who don’t know Him. Is God speaking to anyone? I'll read and meditate on it because Proverbs 4:20-23 KJV My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Halleluiah!! Glory to God!! I'll be the husband that the Bible speaks of. I'll be the wife that I was called to be. I'll have the love and compassion of Christ to my neighbor, coworker schoolmates and everyone that I might have had problems dealing with. I'll be more forgiving to those who have hurt me in words and actions. I can do all these things and more because of Christ in my life who strengthens me. Glory be to God!!! Romans 8:35-39 KJV Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) 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. Philippians 4:4-8 KJV Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 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. These are the things I want for my life and for yours brothers and sisters in Christ. And church, we all can have them when we let the Holy Spirit be our guide. Thank You, Jesus! Jesus said this to Satan when He was tempted in the desert, and we can do the same thing whenever we are tempted against God’s word. Luke 4:4 KJV And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Church, the next time your heart fails you with fear, hurt, loss, loneliness, or a wound, apply the medicine of the LORD. It’s only the well-fed hearts and souls that are healthy. John 6:63 KJV It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. God’s word has never been more available than it is today. Friends, you can go to Wal-Mart or most book stores and pick up a Bible. You can get a used one at a Salvation Army or thrift store. You can even download Bibles free from many sources online. I prefer e-Sword and have had it for years now and friends, it is free. There are so many translations, dictionaries, commentaries, maps and so much more. Friends, for those who say they don’t have time to spend in God’s Word, you don’t fool me and don’t think for a minute you're fooling God. I was at that place once before. Make time. Soon you'll desire to be in it. Get into God’s Word and God’s Word will get into you and bring His life into your existence and bless you. Jeremiah 15:15-17 KJV O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. (16) Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. (17) I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. If we don’t daily and often read His words, we have no one to blame but ourselves for not ingesting them, devouring them, and receiving of their inherent and divine medicinal properties. When we do, healing, joy, rejoicing, restoration, and wholeness will result. Praise God. God’s Word is so powerful and living. I'm amazed at how often scripture that I've read over and over and over teaches me something new. The Bible is alive. Friends, I am about to close but I urge everyone this week who's hearing this message, reading it at another time online, please, please, please, if you haven't been in God’s Word daily, please start today. Don’t let the devil talk you out of it, because he will try. I guarantee it. Satan is the father of lies and he comes to steel, kill and destroy your life. When we get God’s Word in us, we learn how to sense the enemy when he sneaks in and how to get rid of him. Don’t let pride get in the way of asking God for needs in your life, don’t let doubt rob you of a miracle. Acts 20:20-32 KJV And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, (21) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (22) And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: (23) Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. (24) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (25) And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. (26) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (31) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (32) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Beloved, Jesus said in John 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Friends, there are those who don't like that verse very much, but you know what? That verse excites me. I praise God that there is a way. Praise Jesus. And we read earlier, that invitation is to all people throughout the world. It isn't for just those who can afford it. You don't have to belong to a special club. It isn't for just the smartest of people. No, it's for all who will seek Him and repent of their sins and follow Him. Glory to the name of Jesus! Jesus is the only way. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Psalms 34:8 KJV O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Friends, we thank you all of you who have joined in us in the J and L Ministries room here on Paltalk, we thank those who have read the sermon notes on the various sites and those who have been following our sermon videos on u-tube and again on the many sites. Leanna and I love you and to all our brothers and sisters, till next week, Psalms 34:3 KJV O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
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8/2/2018 03:54:01
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