2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. [4] We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. [5] We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”

If you’re in the habit of speaking God’s word (especially to those who profess to be believers) you’ve noticed a trend; some wholeheartedly agree with God’s word, and others put up resistance to what it says. Often the latter prove they are not Christians at all. How can a person be a born again believer when they so viciously oppose the word of God? Others are just weak in their faith and need help.

Jude 1:22‭-‬23 NET “And have mercy on those who waver; save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh.”

Galatians 6:1‭-‬2 NET “Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

As we let the word of God dwell in us richly it has no choice but to come out of our mouths. Jesus said out of the mouth the overflow of the heart speaks. (Luke 6:45) So it’s normal for us to freely talk about and read God’s word among each other. Sometimes though during these moments people go berserk. They become so offended at what God’s word says there’s no way they can be born again Christians. They even start quoting scriptures back to you, angrily twisting them to mean what they want them to say. Usually this is done to justify their right to do something evil, like commit sexual immorality, get revenge (including murder), hold a grudge against someone, etcetera. I recently had a guy who professed to be a believer tell me, “You know how the Bible says some have entertained strangers and were entertaining angels without knowing it? The way I see it, if demons are shape-shifting and giving people in the music industry millions of dollars to sell their souls, an angel of God can come to me and give me millions of dollars not to sell my soul. God told me through a prophet I would be a billionaire. I’m waiting on my angel. I’m believing it!” Wow! Listen to what the guy said he would do once he obtains the money: “This is how I will use the money: I will make sure that when the mark of the beast goes out Christians will have enough food and water and guns so they can fight back. My God is not a punk! I will go and get my daughter back by force. It’s not kidnapping. That judge took her from me. They kidnapped her from me! They had no right to take away my legal rights to see my daughter while I was in prison. Also I’ll make sure my daughter has enough money so she’s set for life, then I’m gonna go and kill that judge who who took my daughter from me. And if anybody gets in my way they’ll die too. This is what God told me to do.” At this point I’m thinking, “Hmmm, this is a real nut case. Is he serious or just talking? Either way I don’t need to be around him.” Then he said he would use the rest of his wealth to make sure there are no more homeless people. So let’s get this straight: after he alters Bible prophecy by making sure no Christians suffers for not taking the mark of the beast, and starts his own holy war with guns, he will then kidnap his daughter, then murder the judge that gave the child’s mother sole parental rights while he was in prison. Hmmmm, I wonder why the judge did that? Then after he gets his revenge on the judge He’s going to feed and care for the homeless. Wow, is all I can say. And while this man was telling me all this he was quoting and twisting Bible verses to support everything he said.

I tried to reason with the fella from the scriptures regarding his plans. But every time I tried to show him what God says about murder, vengeance, forgiveness, and following our emotions verses following what the Bible says, he angrily resisted. So I did what Jesus said and kept my pearls to myself.

Matthew 7:6 NET “Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs; otherwise they will trample them under their feet and turn around and tear you to pieces.”

This man’s evil plans displayed in his rant just came out of nowhere while we were discussing the scriptures. And yes, he did profess to be a Christian. A sword fight was taking place.

Ephesians 6:17 NET “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Hebrews 4:12 NLT “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. IT EXPOSES OUR INNERMOST THOUGHTS AND DESIRES.”

No other words in all creation have the same effect that God’s word the Bible has on people. If the Bible is just the words of men why does it elicit such a phenomenal response from those who hear it? Because it is not the words of mere men. It is the inspired words of Almighty God! It exposes or judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing encourages people more, or upsets folks more than the Bible. That’s power!

2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 NET “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.”

Of course we wish that everyone would accept God’s word, but that won’t happen. God Himself says it won’t. Let’s thank God that we accept it. Thank Him for opening our eyes to His truth. And pray for those who do not yet see.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

It takes an act of God; a miracle, for someone to accept and believe the good news about Christ. And as we’ve already shown there are many who claim to believe it but do not. So don’t be surprised when you’re discussing the scriptures even with those who profess to be Christians and suddenly they go berserk. The word of God has that effect on people. It judges; reveals, exposes, the true thoughts and intentions of the heart. No other book in all creation does this. Which proves the Bible is not the creation of mere men. It is the word of Almighty God.

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Hebrews 11:6 KJV “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

When anyone does what you just read, heaven opens wide to that person. When we personally come to God we must believe He exist and causes everything to have it’s being. If we do not believe God we are lost puppies. We do not know where we are, or how to get where we need to go.

Only God can cut through any circumstance and answer the prayers of them that earnestly seek Him. Without this trust in His ability, this belief that God can do whatever we ask, our prayers are weak, they have no power, they are, “impossible.” Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” Just think about this: someone asks you to do something for them, then they tell you, “By the way, I don’t really believe you, or that you exist.” How would you respond?

The phrase, “diligently seek,” God in Hebrews 11:6 means to investigate Him, to search Him out, to seek out for one’s self, to even beg, and crave God. When someone does this they’re serious. They really want to know our Father. This reminds me of another verse:

Jeremiah 29:13 NIV “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Heaven Opens Wide when a person does this! God promises to let Himself be found only by those who SEEK HIM WITH ALL THEIR HEART. A haphazard seeker will never find God. They do not value the treasure He is.

Psalm 73:25 NIV “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

Matthew 13:44‭-‬46 NET “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field, that a person found and hid. Then because of joy he went and sold all that he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.”

A SERIOUS DISEASE

The person who obeys Hebrews 11:6 seeks God His way and thus finds Him. This also proves that he/she is not infected with the, “I’m My Own God,” disease. People who think they’re gods aren’t looking to almighty God to reward them. Only someone who humbles themselves; who has taken true stock of themselves, can come to God in the way that pleases Him. Believing Satan’s lie that you’re a god or can become one puts us at odds with the one true God. Because worship of self and desiring worship from others is idolatry.

Revelation 21:8 NIV “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

To those who seek God the way He desires Heaven Opens Wide. A direct connection is made with the Father. And one day soon we will be right there in his presence, and we will never leave.

Revelation 3:12 NET “The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never depart from it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God), and my new name as well.”

This article would not be complete without mentioning the chief person; the chief connection, or portal that opens up heaven to all of us. That person is none other than Jesus Christ. Listen to what He says:

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.”

Heaven Opens Wide when we come to God through the right way: His son Jesus Christ.

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1 John 5:11-13 KJV “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. [13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

When Jesus reveals himself to someone they know He is real. Those who follow Him have eternal life. They’re not waiting for eternal life they already have it. To have Jesus is to have life. To not have Him is to not have life.

God wants us; His children, to know for certain that we have eternal life. He is so kind and generous to give us this gift. He didn’t have to do this. He is the creator of all things. He can do whatever He wants. And He chose to give us eternal life at a very high cost to Himself: the life, the pain, and suffering of His only begotten son. Jesus’ death on the cross established eternal life for us. People will either accept His sacrifice or not. We can’t make them receive it. We can only be hopeful and willing to share God’s message of salvation with those who want to hear it.

John 3:16-18 KJV “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.”

John 14:6 NLT “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Some say Jesus is not the only way to be saved. Some also teach that man can become his own god. Others preach if you’re basically a good person that’s all that’s needed to get to heaven. It’s all rubbish and contradicts God’s word.

Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Another Bible put it this way:

“God has saved you only because he himself is so very kind. He has saved you because you believe him. You could not save yourselves, but it is God’s gift to you. 9 He has not saved you as a result of any good thing that you yourselves have done. So, nobody has any reason to say how good they themselves are!” (EEB)

People who choose not to believe God cannot be saved. Because faith is a requirement for salvation. But firstly we are saved by God’s grace; because He is so kind! Then comes the faith or belief in His saving work done by Jesus on the cross. Being a so-called, “Good Person,” doesn’t cut it. “God knows my heart,” doesn’t cut it either. The truth is no matter how good we think we are we all have sinned. And SIN DISQUALIFIES US FROM ETERNAL LIFE. Sin only earns death:

Romans 6:23 KJV “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

ETERNAL LIFE FROM GOD IS A GIFT, because no one can earn it.  All have sinned. To earn eternal life one would have to be sinless. Jesus Christ is the only person who did that (lived a sinless life). Which is why eternal life for the human race can only come through Him.

Romans 3:23-24 KJV “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

There it is again; we’re all guilty of sin. But believers in Jesus the Messiah are set free, acquitted, justified freely from their sins, by God’s gracious kindness, “through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.” Believers have been given Jesus’ righteousness. They are born again into Jesus’ eternal life. This is a spiritual rebirth. Only the Spirit can give life. Everything from the flesh produces death. What a wonderful free gift we have been given! We have a righteous standing in the presence of God through Jesus Christ. Indeed we are saved by God’s gracious kindness through faith, and this is not something from ourselves or something we’ve earned, so that no one can boast about how good they are.

ETERNAL LIFE IS A FREE GIFT FROM GOD. AND IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE SON YOU HAVE IT!

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Romans 8:37-39 NIV “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

All that matters is that we remain in God’s love. And isn’t it good to know that NOTHING can separate us from it? Nothing overpowers God’s love for us, nothing! That’s what Romans 8:37-39 is saying. It doesn’t matter what is going on. It doesn’t matter how tough times get. God is still there. And His love guides us, comforts us, and protects us. The world wants us to believe other things are more important. Pressures will continue to mount. One thing after the next. Let’s be careful to stay in God’s love above all else.

FELL AMONG THORNS

Luke 8:14 KJV “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”

I know there are things we must do in this life to take care of our physical needs, and the needs of our families. But if we’re not anchored in our relationship with God we will become what’s described in Luke 8:14. By not growing to spiritual maturity we remain babes in the faith or worse. The worries of this life, riches, and pleasure seeking will choke the word of God from us. We will even find ourselves justifying chasing things of this world. How many folks spend eons of time running after such things and never take time to study their Bibles? Many.

REMAIN

Listen to what Jesus says it takes for Him to remain in us and for us to remain in Him:

John 15:4-7 NLT “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. [5] “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. [6] Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. [7] But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”

Jesus’ words must be IN and remain IN us for Him to be IN and remain IN us. How can this happen if we do not study His words in the Bible? How can we apply his teachings in our lives if we don’t study what the Bible says?

WANT BOLDNESS ON JUDGMENT DAY?

1 John 4:17-18 NLT “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. [18] Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”

Wow! You read it right: those who remain in God’s love to the end will confidently stand before their heavenly Father on Judgment Day with absolutely no fear! Living a life in imitation of Jesus Christ is perfect love, and there is no fear in it, no dread of punishment. Only bold confidence before Almighty God awaits those who deny themselves, take up their crosses daily, and follow Jesus. (Luke 9:23) God grants His servants this awesome boldness. What a gift! All that matters is that we grow in and remain in God’s love. 😁

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Galatians 6:1-2 NLT “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. [2] Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

Jude 1:22-23 NLT “And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. [23] Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”

Helping others in the faith is work. A good work. Some folks seem like naturals at it. For others it seems like a harder task. Let me say this: it’s hard for the one who seems natural at it too because we all are affected by our fallen flesh. There is nothing natural about giving timely spiritual encouragement. Prophesying is a gift of the Holy Spirit:

1 Corinthians 14:3 NIV “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”

Romans 12:6 NIV “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”

Strengthening, encouraging, and comforting people is a work of God. Like anything that comes from God it is opposite of our sinful nature. Hence there will be struggles to operate only in the Spirit verses speaking from human emotions when exercising the gift of prophecy. This is why I said even those who seem to be naturals at upbuilding others have it tough too. If not careful they may start relying on themselves and their perceived natural abilities, forgetting where the gift of prophecy comes from. This is a divine work and spiritual gift that comes from Almighty God.

CONSIDER THYSELF

Galatians 6:1 KJV “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

I love the way the King James Bible says to, ‘Consider thyself,’ when reproving someone else. It means to take a look at one’s own faults and weaknesses when counseling others. This will keep us from being too harsh. And it also reminds us that we can fall into the same sins and temptations if we’re not careful. Hence our message should have a gentle, meek tone to it when encouraging a brother or sister who has taken a false step. This makes counsel much easier to digest.

BE QUICK TO COMMEND

Just as we are used by God to tell someone they’re going down a wrong path be used by Him to tell them when they’re doing what is commendable:

1 Peter 2:19-21 NIV “For it is COMMENDABLE if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. [20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is COMMENDABLE before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

By sincerely commending one another we encourage each other. Think about it, would you like being around someone who only points out your faults? Don’t we all like sincere compliments now and then? Then, ‘Do to others as you want them to do to you,’ Jesus says. Get in the habit of giving sincere commendation. Let your brothers and sisters know the good you see in them. It is proper to express praise and approval for one another:

Proverbs 27:2 NLT “Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth-a stranger, not your own lips.”

Proverbs 31:30-31 NLT “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. [31] Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

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Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”

Man’s inventions has him feeling pretty smart these days. In fact the name SMART is included in many of them. Smartphones, smart cities, smart houses, just to name a few. I even hear there’s smart water now. Does drinking it make you smarter?

Humans believe they are more advanced now than ever. But is that really true? Could they be dumber now than any time in human history?

Proverbs 16:18 NIV “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

First comes pride then comes destruction. First comes a haughty spirit then comes the fall. This is why mankind is falling:

Revelation 12:9 NIV “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

1 John 5:19 NIV “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

Mankind is under the control (a spell) of Satan the Devil and his demon cohorts. They hate all humans and are literally destroying them. They have tricked people into thinking they are progressing to a great new future, an age of utopia, when in reality they are leading them straight to hell. There is one particular group that really gets Satan’s attention: Christians.

Revelation 12:17 NLT “And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children-all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.”

The people who keep God’s commandments and hold to the true testimony of Jesus Christ are public enemy number one. They will be hunted, hounded, and pursued until Christ returns. This is written. But through it all they will still be empowered to get God’s work done while here on earth. Satan can’t stop this. But it doesn’t mean he won’t try. He knows how his story (history) ends. And that his time is very short. Hence he’s pulling out all the stops:

Revelation 12:12 KJV “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

The god of this world knows time is ticking. He’s solicited the support of human sympathizers to do his bidding, even tricking them into believing they can achieve eternal life through him apart from God. He told Eve this same tricky lie in the Garden of Eden. Through science, false spirituality (metaphysics), and technology, mankind believes they have found the keys to immortality and eternal bliss. Some of them are even going so far as to attempt to change times and events (time travel) in order to achieve their goals. I know this sounds like the stuff of Hollywood movies, right? Which is why it’s so easily dismissive whenever someone begins to talk about such things. “Ahh, you’ve been watching too many Hollywood movies,” is what we’ve been conditioned to say to those who shine the light on the truth. But let me ask you, who runs Hollywood? Satanist do. Don’t believe me? Good. Then don’t take my word for it, do your own research. Through movies they are telling people right to their faces what they are doing and are planning to do to them. And we eat it up like spaghetti. They’ve brainwashed us into believing that these movies aren’t their sick prophecies, they’re just entertainment. So I ask you, “Is mankind really smarter now than any time in human history?” Or has the one eyed monster called TV help make man a whole lot dumber? Are terms like smart phone, smart house, smart city, etcetera, thrown around like flattery to make us feel we are smarter? Very clever indeed.

A SEVERE OOPS!!!

Mankind is about to find out they have been duped. And there will be no turning back from their detrimental decision to follow the god of this world; the Devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Just as Eve was deceived so the majority are and will be. Eve knew right from wrong, she quoted to the Serpent what she should and should not do. (Genesis 3:2-3) So how was she deceived if she knew right from wrong? She began to desire what she knew to be wrong so strongly that desire grew and led her to go against what she knew. Satan through his beast system will cause people to make a similar choice. It will look appealing just like it did to Eve. Like Eve they will be sold a lie and tricked to desire something more than pleasing God. This wrong choice will be irreversibly detrimental to them. Just like it was for Adam and Eve:

Revelation 13:16-18 KJV “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. [18] Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”

Revelation 14:9-11 KJV “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, [10] The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [11] And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

Whoever receives the mark of Satan’s beast either in his right hand or in his forehead is doomed! It will be impossible to repent afterwards. They will be tormented in the lake of fire forever! They will experience God’s wrath poured out at full strength (“without mixture”), not watered down, the Bible says. No rest forever day or night, only unimaginable pain and suffering is their lot. Woe! Believing Satan’s lies; lying to oneself, has a hefty price. May we never become so desperate and sell out.

WE’RE NOT SMARTER DO YOUR RESEARCH

Ecclesiastes 3:15 KJV “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.”

Again, we are being tricked by the Devil into believing we are so advanced, when in actuality we are the most primitive of all human beings. Don’t take my word for it do your own research. “But man has learned how to harness nuclear energy in our day,” some would say. Really? So, does being able to split atoms that cause nuclear explosions (nuclear bombs) that can wipe out all life on earth many times over mean we are smarter? We have a weapon that can kill us all, and that makes us smarter, right? If you really want to go there World War 2 is not the first time such a weapon was used. It’s happened before. There are ancient writings that attest to this fact, and archaeological evidence that prove it! Don’t believe me? Good. Do your own research don’t take my word for it. We’re not smarter guys. We’re just participating in the Devil’s diabolical plot to destroy all of us.

Why are there ancient hieroglyphics thousands of years old of what appears to be airplanes, submarines, and helicopters? Hmmmm. Why are there ancient hieroglyphics and evidence of electricity being used by human beings thousands of years ago? And why is such knowledge hidden from the public today? Don’t believe me? I hope not. Do your own research. And do you really think tampering with (manipulating) human genes is something new? (Genesis 6:1-6) Do your research. You’ll be amazed at what you will find. I warn, you might even become very upset once you realize you have been lied to about everything all your life. NOTHING is what you have been told it is. But this is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of, right? Oh, how the mind can be trained to dismiss the truth. Don’t be stupid. And don’t take my word for any of this. Do your own research. And you will find that we are not as smart as we think we are, and there is nothing new under the sun.

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I was talking with a guy. He admitted he didn’t read the Bible like he should but that he was a Christian. He seemed so appreciative for the encouragement shared with him about studying God’s word. The man repeatedly thanked me. The next day he, I, and another guy were talking about God. Me and the other guy started discussing same sex marriage. I said, “Jesus said marriage is between a man and a woman.” (Matthew 19:4-6) The guy who seemed so appreciative the day before and said he was a Christian looked noticably disturbed. He then said, “Man, some of these relationships between a man and a man are real.” I said, “I never said they weren’t real. All I said was JESUS SAID that marriage is between a man and a woman.” He then said, “Jesus also said don’t judge!” I then told him, “If I say that JESUS SAID marriage is between a man and a woman does that mean that I am judging you? Does me simply quoting Jesus mean that I am judging you? I didn’t say, HERE IS MY OPINION, and then started telling you everything I think about the matter. I simply said, “JESUS SAID”–the one we claim to be serving said–that marriage is between a man and a woman.” “Well it sounded like you were judging.” he told me. I then mentioned to the man that if we have a problem with something JESUS SAYS we have a problem with Jesus. He didn’t like that too much either.

Next the man said, “You’re gonna hate me for what I’m about to tell you.” He then said, “The Bible has been changed by man!” Ahh, now the truth is coming out as to why he told me he doesn’t read the Bible much. He doesn’t agree with what it says (like God’s view on sex and marriage). I agreed with him that attempts have been made to destroy God’s word but that God’s truth is still here despite all man’s efforts to change it. How can a mere man thwart the purposes of Almighty God? I tried to reason this with him. But he wasn’t hearing it. I avoided an argument with the guy and pointed out that on judgment day when we all stand before God, the only thing that’s gonna matter is did we do what God wants us to do (John 6:28-29), not others tampering with His words, etcetera. He wasn’t hearing that either, so I encouraged the man to seek God and ended the conversation.

Isn’t it interesting how the truth came out as to why this man doesn’t read the Bible? And where he stands on God’s view of sex and marriage? And the truth regarding His true (or should I say false) belief in Jesus Christ? It was all uncovered. Here’s why:

Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; IT JUDGES THE THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

That’s what judged the man: God’s word. It does that to all of us. Whenever God’s words are heard emotions will be felt, and reactions will occur, either for or against it. There’s nothing in all creation that does this to human beings like God’s word. The Bible is indeed the word of God! It is the same word that created the heavens and the earth. To say God’s word is powerful is an understatement.

So the next time someone tries to lay a guilt trip on you for simply saying something JESUS SAYS know in your heart that this is rubbish. You are not judging them, but God’s word is. It judges all of us. Some of us though agree with what His words say even when they go against us; our sinful flesh, our evil desires, etcetera. This is why we are not offended at God’s word. But instead we confess and repent when it corrects us.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

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Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 ESV “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

A guy told me he had a dream. In his dream he saw everybody going into this warehouse. Crowds of people kept going into the warehouse but nobody was coming out. He wondered why so many people were going into this place. So he curiously followed the crowds and walked in. Once he got inside an elevator door opened. So he stepped inside. Then the elevator door closed and started going down. After descending suddenly a trap door opened beneath his feet. He looked down and saw nothing but a sea of firey flames. Somehow he was able to hold on to the elevator walls with his hands and feet extended to keep from falling into the flames. He said he didn’t know where he got the strength to do that. The next thing he remembered in his dream was running out of that warehouse scared out of his wits.

I listened to the man tell his dream to others. Some immediately understood God’s warning of Judgment in the firey flames:

Hebrews 10:26-27 NLT “Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. [27] There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the RAGING FIRE that will consume his enemies.”

I also heard the man say something else prior to telling his dream and wondered could there be a connection. Right before telling his dream he was talking about something he was in the process of doing that had him very excited. This thing he was doing is something that so MANY others are doing, or have done. It reminded me of his dream, the part where he was following the crowd and went into the warehouse just because everyone else was doing it. I wondered could there be a connection.

Anyways, I prayed to God for understanding of this man’s dream to be used to encourage him. Aside from the obvious warning to avoid the lake of fire I felt the need to encourage him not to follow the crowd as well. That’s what he did in his dream that got him into such a terrible situation. In his dream he was doing something popular just because everyone else was doing it. But it lead to death in the lake of fire. And this is why anyone who went inside that warehouse in his dream never came out. Because the Bible says that those who are consigned to the lake of fire spend eternity there and never leave. There they are tormented forever. (Revelation 14:10-11 21:8) This man’s dream was definitely a warning from God.

And something else God showed me: though he said no one came out of that warehouse someone did come out, he did, after being frightened out of his mind. He was snatched from the flames as it were. And that reminded me of this passage:

Jude 1:22-23 KJV “And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

Job 33:14-18 KJV “For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. [15] In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; [16] Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, [17] That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. [18] He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.”

Before I was about to speak to the man regarding his dream I asked him his name. He said, “I’m the stoned one.” I asked him what does that mean. He said in a condescending tone, “You need to up your learning. The Bible says, with all thy getting get understanding.” He continued, “You need to become like a Berean. You know who the Bereans are? I said, “Yeah, at Acts chapter 17 verse 11.” He looked at me, and then just walked away.

I didn’t get to encourage him. But who knows maybe I’ll see him again later. It appears the man assumed I didn’t know about God or the Bible because I couldn’t answer his riddle; “The Stoned One.” Later I thought about what he said, “The stoned one,” and Stephen came to mind. Stephen was a devout servant of the Lord who was stoned for his faith. (Acts 6:8-7:60) Maybe he meant that or something else. Who knows?

Anyways, though I didn’t get to speak in depth with this guy about his dream he was used by God to encourage me. His dream was a reminder for me not to follow the crowd. Not to jump on the bandwagon and do stuff just because it’s popular. Not to accept everything people offer you, especially when they say, “It’s free.” Not to walk through every door just because it’s open to you, like he did in his dream when he went inside the elevator because the door was opened.

As Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14, the way to destruction is wide, it looks easy, and MANY enter in that way. But the real way to life is sometimes hard, that path is narrow and cramped, and only a FEW ever find it. Based on that I believe that nine out of ten times when we follow the crowd we’re going down the wrong path. And I heard a wise man say, “There’s always free cheese in a mouse trap.”

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A Letter To The Ex Jehovah’s Witness Community

Congratulations on coming out of that cult!!! 😁 I know, we could all write a book a best seller about the atrocities committed in the name of Jehovah. But guess what? Jesus has even bigger plans for you and me; yes us, not just those elite Jehovah’s Witnesses who claim to be the 144,000. As we continue to seek God through Jesus Christ; the real way, THE REAL TRUTH, and the real eternal life (John 14:6) He will guide and reveal to us many things. I left the Witnesses 25 years ago because of falsehoods I seen. I was raised in it from a child like many of you. 2 years after I came out God showed me how to become a real Christian; a believer in Him through Jesus Christ, without belonging to any man made cult. All I did was ask. And He answered big time! This journey has been an awesome one. Jesus has and still is revealing Himself and who the Father really is to me, just as He has and is to many of you. Why do I say, “He has and is to many of you?” Because everyone who is an Ex Jehovah’s Witness have not found the true God through Jesus Christ yet. But He’s there, nearer than we think. All we have to do is sincerely ask Him to show us the true way to serve Him. He will answer, and in ways you may never have expected.

I know the pain associated with being duped for many years by the JWs religion. I know the pains of losing family members over it. And there are other things I am suffering to this day because of my decision to join the JWs (got baptized at age 16). But if I constantly brood on what they did to me, or make a career out of bashing Jehovah’s Witnesses, it wouldn’t change a thing. In fact my heart would become bitter. And Satan would have not only duped me once but twice. Let’s be honest; that’s exactly what some are doing who say they are part of the ex Jehovah’s Witnesses community. They have taken exposing the JWs to another level. A level that Jesus never commanded. Don’t get me wrong; yes you should expose the Jehovah’s Witnesses cover up of pedophilia (even among their leaders). Yes you should expose how this cult rips families apart. You should expose all the works of darkness they do the Bible says. (Ephesians 5:11) But IF THAT IS ALL YOU DO, and you do not promote the love of Jesus Christ, the one who opened your eyes to all of this, and gave you your new freedom, you have missed it.

Allow me to explain please: Let’s take for example the apostle Paul. When Paul had his eyes opened by Jesus Christ what did he immediately do after that? Join another cult? Spend most of his time bashing the Pharisees, the false religion he belonged to? No. Let’s get the answer from Paul’s own words:

Galatians 1:15-17 NIV “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased [16] to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. [17] I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.”

What did Paul do while in Arabia and Damascus? The Bible book of Acts tells us that he preached the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. We don’t read anywhere in the New Testament where he focusses his attention on the Pharisees (the false religion he had left). He mentions his past experience as one of them at times, but not much. Paul’s main objective after he had received the true light was spreading that light (Jesus) to others. This was his mission. We’d do well to follow his example. In fact the Holy Spirit says through Paul the apostle at 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” So it is God who is saying we should follow the example of our dear brother and true elder Paul.

ANGER IS NORMAL BUT IT CAN BE DEADLY

Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 ESV “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

If we’re not careful we can become so angry at what the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion did to us that we give the Devil opportunity to work in our lives. He’s the real culprit behind what we went through. Why let him get us twice?

It is normal to be angy after finding out for many years you’ve been duped. But if we’re not careful that anger can be directed at the wrong people, or expressed in wrong ways. I’ll use myself as an example: For years after leaving the religion whenever I’d see the Witnesses or they’d knock on my door my skin would crawl. I despised them. God showed me I was wrong! When he first opened my eyes years earlier he showed me in a miraculous way that my anger didn’t matter, just get in the race and follow him is what He told me. But I didn’t listen. How dare I get mad at somebody who is just as misled as I was. The average JW doesn’t know they’re in a false religion. They are just as blind as we were. Instead of being angry at them we should have great pity on them. We should be earnestly praying to God, asking Him to open their eyes too. Making jokes about how misled they are is not becoming either. There’s nothing funny about somebody one day learning there is a real place called hell because they were sent there. JWs teach folks that hell doesn’t exist. Let’s pray that their awakening comes sooner not later.

I know, JWs can be a hard bunch to talk to. But isn’t anyone who’s been brainwashed that their way is right? Pray to God on how to witness to them just as you would pray for His Spirit to help you talk to anyone. And remember, our well crafted words are not what brings people to God. We have the privilege of sharing God’s message with all people, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit that saves them and wakes them up. So don’t worry about what to say to JWs, just be willing to speak, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Of course some of them will call you an apostate. So what? They called Jesus worse than that. A slave is not greater than his/her master, are they? (Matthew 10:24-38)

You and I will be showing love for God as we seek to help those who have been misled by the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion, or any false religion for that matter.

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When I encourage people to study God’s word I’m amazed at how often they boast about praying to Him, as if these two were the same. Yes, God wants us to pray to Him, but He also wants us to study His word. (2 Timothy 2:15 Joshua 1:8 Acts 17:11 1 Timothy 4:13 2 Timothy 3:6 Ephesians 6:17) Then we will find the truth about God, ourselves, our world, and the world to come. This spiritual treasure hunt will unearth the finest jewels, nuggets of truth that give eternal life. (Proverbs 2:1-6 John 17:3) That’s what this series called, “Jewels,” is all about.

‘THE DRAGONS SHALL HONOR ME?’

In the passage below God is telling Isaiah that he is going to do something new: make a way out of no way. But notice He says the Dragons will honor Him for it too, along with the owls and other creatures. This further proves Dragons–whose name was changed to DINOSAUR in 1842–existed along with other creatures and man. Why would God tell Isaiah a few thousand years ago that Dragons (dinosaurs) would honor Him along with the owls if they were extinct?

And let’s not miss another point while reading the passage below: that God makes a way where there is none. That’s what He does. Be encouraged in that.

Isaiah 43:18-21 KJV “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. [19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. [20] The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. [21] This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.”

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