Salute Friend

Ever time I set down to write I always ask God what He wants me to say, for in me is nothing important. My Sermons come from the Inspiration of God. I hear on a daily basis, of many Christians in need, from the poor to the rich. People seeking aid, answers and reasons for their dilemma. I am writing a young lady with an extreme problem, I write Churches that sometimes, but most often, need revival within itself. As for the poor, Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us. There is nothing that we can do, to really help them. The shear magnitude of the problem prevents us from making a difference.

Most times there are government officials that steal the aid before it arrives to those in need. When it does arrive, Warring factions most often steal it away from those that need it and say that, “We are going to Liberate you, so we need the food more than you.” Buying food for a day or two doesn’t help them, even for a year is little to alleviate the persistent problem. We still must continue to aid where and when we can, but we must not feed them only, but address the problems.

Most of the problems around the world are controlled by one factor, mans refusal to accept Jesus as Lord and Christ. God stated that famine will encompass this world and it is coming to pass. There are so many that have been deceived and diluted into believing that there are gods many and lords many, afraid to ask questions for fear of their life, they go as a sheep to the slaughter, their head down and their throat exposed. This darkness grows by the minute and the Spirit of Anti-Christ also grows. If we cant see that the end is growing closer, then we, as the “Light of the World”, are also in darkness. Have you ever tried to look into a mirror, then close your eyes for a minute, and try to remember what you looked like? Its the same way it is with being a light, sometimes we forget what we are all about, our light gets a little softer, not as bright.

We cannot fear the darkness but we must illuminate it. When light and dark comes together, it turns gray, a little less notable, a little less recognizable and a little less helpful. Every country around the world is in the same condition and it gets worse by the minuet. When we go to bed at night some one in their daytime is being killed, starving to death, raped, murdered, sacrificed and recruited into the depth of utter darkness as a suicide bomber. The Apostle Paul stated that, Within Himself there was no good thing. Understanding our relationship with God is of the utmost importance along with the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of His word. I have made mistakes in my Ministry, and I am the first to admit it.

We are not perfect and neither can we be, until the time of Rejoicing with Jesus takes place. Even the Apostle Paul stated that He had not attained perfection but was still striving for it. But even with our faults, we must still be a light. A light in a dark world that is traveling down the road to death and destruction. In Matthew 4:16, we see the effects of being a light in a dark world; “

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” many are on the streets seeking after a good feeling and answers as to their purpose in life. Many have given up on trying to be a citizen of any country and only live for the day, hoping to get a bit of food from somewhere. Multitudes are blinded to the light by problems and situations that they have found themselves in. Others have been taught as a Child to not expect any thing good in this life. In Luke 1:79, we see a reason to give light in a dark world. ” To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

” To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, the darkness of sin and the shadow of eternal death without hope nor escape. A Darkness without the Father. We have read before;” Ye, thou I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;”

The valley spoken of here is the outside world that we step into each and every day. We must be a light, if not, we may have the blood of those that we could have shown the way, on our hands. There is no super Christian, at least I haven’t seen one. We are all the light, shining together as one to open up the darkness and show the way of peace, peace not in this life but rather into the next. Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. If therefore thine eye be single, meaning that ones purpose in life must be to please the Father in Spirit, without any other agenda. We are sent into the world to fulfill the will of our Father.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men (Your Testimony of Jesus.), that they may see your good works (These are the works and actions of not only of the Spirit but also of the flesh.), and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Seeking only to Glorify God and not of ourselves.)

Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. ( Let not your light be one of self glorification. Keeping your mission always to gain souls for Gods kingdom and not trying to set up your own.) John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. The darkness in this world is choking multitudes, killing them from within. The light that we shine is not accepted to many that prefer the darkness and many do not understand the willingness of a Loving God to Save them. Jesus warned us that there will come a time when the darkness of this world will be so great, that no man will be able to work.

Is that time now, or is it near. Let us always be a light, because our work shall soon be over and the night will fall. Is it so hard Being A Light in a Dark World. ars

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Ministries
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

When Herbert W. Armstrong died, Dr. Hoeh declared that the seventh candlestick had been lit. That means Laodicea officially began immediately.

Nearly four years later, Malachi’s Message to God’s Church Today began to sound the alarm: something wasn’t kosher in God’s Church! It exposed a corrupt ministry intent on destroying the Worldwide Church of God’s foundational doctrines, and urged the brethren to hang on for dear life to what God had given us through His end-time Elijah. We were encouraged to get a grip, while others were losing it (Revelation 3:11).

Those who were of God heard what the Spirit said to the Churches through Malachi’s Message. Those who weren’t of God quickly lost it (God’s truth) and slipped further and further into darkness. That darkness was disguised as a “new light of understanding” (II Cor. 11:14). The true members of God’s Church responded to His call and came out of that decadent organization. Those who remained behind became the SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN.

They were no longer God’s Church! You can’t reject God’s truth for demonic doctrines without becoming a part of “Mystery Babylon” (I Cor. 10:21; II Cor 6:14-18). All this has been quite revealing (I Cor. 11:19)!

Knowing the Truth

God knows the end from the beginning (Acts 15:18). He prophesied a great falling away that would leave few standing. The BIG ONE has hit and shaken God’s Church to its core! But isn’t it possible to know the truth without knowing the Truth (II Tim 3:7). God’s calling us to a deeper love and conversion (I John 3:18). Isn’t God’s truth a means to an end? Didn’t Mr. Armstrong fear some just “DON’T GET IT?” That too many were only converted to our doctrines? The doctrines are meant to help bring us closer to God by having a better understanding of His Will, but only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will save us! We need Christ’s teachings, but we need God the Father and Jesus Christ even more! Only they can establish us and secure our salvation (II Thess. 2:13-17). You can have all the understanding in the world and still fall short (I Cor. 13:2).

Remember Solomon? Just because you know God’s truth, doesn’t mean you know Him! (Job 42:5; I John 2:4) You’re not going to be judged by how much you know, but by HOW MUCH YOU GROW! By how much you apply what you know, becoming more Christ-like, more Godly, more representative of God’s Kingdom, here and now (James 1:22; John 13:35). A system can’t save you and ritual is no substitute for a relationship! (II Tim 3:5)

Malachi’s Message Still Applies!

Whereas Worldwide was physically rich, aren’t we in danger of feeling spiritually rich and self-complacent (Amos 6:1)? Ancient Israel had God’s holy days; didn’t eat pork, etc. But it didn’t keep them from going into captivity! (Amos 5:21). It wasn’t enough! Worldwide doesn’t feel sufficient, they feel so impoverished they go to Babylon for help! We’re the ones who feel safe and secure! Who said we can let our guard down? We’re commanded to REMAIN ON HIGH ALERT until Christ comes! (Luke 21:34) Yet some are failing to continue to apply Malachi’s Message (Rom. 2:17-21). God’s refining process isn’t over! (Dan. 12:10; Isa. 48:10)

Let’s see to it that Philadelphia Church of God (Judah) doesn’t go the way of the Worldwide Church of God (Israel)! These biblical principles still apply: don’t put undue trust in men; work out your own salvation, it’s not a group affair; beware the scholarly approach that demands you rely on men - not God’s Spirit or personal Bible study. And God help us to look past Petra (though it’s important), to focus on His Kingdom (Luke 21:36; Isa. 33:17) To survive the Holocaust is one thing, to enter God’s Kingdom is everything! (II Pet. 1:10-11).

Beware of Emperor Worship!

What’s the greatest false doctrine to come out of Babylon? The nefarious idea of a DIVINE EMPEROR! Nimrod had put himself in God’s place! He had people depending on him for all their answers and protection. Today, we have such MEN “playing God” in the Church! (Nahum 1:11; II Thess 2:3) There’s nothing new under the sun. Unlike Moses, who wished that all God’s people were prophets (Num. 11:29), Nimrod felt threatened by any “competition.” He dealt cruelly, in a jealous rage, with those who opposed his haughty position. God used Shem to put him back in his place! Leaders are ordained of God; they do have a definite place, but it’s NOT in the Holy of Holies (II Chron. 26:18)! They’re intruding in God’s business, and trespassing on His sacred ground, when they get out of line and overstep their bounds (Zeph. 1:9; Exodus 19:12; Col. 2:18). Away with emperor worship! It’s soon to sweep Europe, but we don’t need it in God’s Church. Not if we want to remain God’s Church!

Didn’t Mr. Flurry warn that we were slipping into a Laodicean attitude when he had his unfortunate incident with alcohol? Didn’t he say, after prayerfully wracking his brains to understand why God had allowed that to happen, that we have to be careful not to get proud due to our abundance of revelation (II Cor. 12:6-7)? Have we learned that lesson? Has he? With his preoccupation with all his religious titles and self-promotion, we really have to wonder and be most concerned!

Holy, righteous CHARACTER is more important to God than all the revelation in the world! We definitely need the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but God says we should want the FRUITS of his Holy Spirit even more! GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT! (I Cor. 14:1) I’m convinced God’s about to empower His people like never before, but wants us to be spiritually ready (having learned from the Corinthians’ mistakes), and our ministers mature enough not to get in the way! (Joel 2:28; I Thes. 5:19)

As far as revelations go, God can inspire unconverted men like Caiphas and speak through donkeys! All truth is from and belongs to God, so why should some become puffed up with pride that they’re something special rather than just an instrument serving God’s purpose? And why get bloated with self-importance when God can quickly pop that balloon? (I Cor. 4:6-7).

Warnings from History

If what happened in the Church during the 70’s was a warning of what could happen in the 80’s what about the 90’s? Having survived our Worldwide ordeal, are we now home safe (Jude 5)? Let us pray and examine ourselves this new century: Do we love God or fear men (Acts 5:29)?

God has an ordained government for His Church, but it can graduallly fall to Satan - made over in some man’s image - if we blindly follow it and forget that it’s also a means to an end, and not and end in itself! Isn’t that how God’s Church got off track? The Mother spoon fed the brain-dead! We need the Father! When Church government stops directing us to God and substitutes doctrines or a personality cult instead (III John 9), and refuses correction, God’s glory has left such a bankrupt administration! Will God destroy the very government He’s installed because we’ve failed to use it properly? Some are actually worshipping the government rather than the Governor!

Didn’t God level His Temple, stop the sacrifices, and disband the priesthood? Didn’t he empty the House of Israel and scatter Judah? Wasn’t Jerusalem-headquarters forcibly shut down? Even Hezekiah had to destroy the brass serpent God told Moses to make, because they had perverted its purpose (II Kings 18:4). Too often, that which God had intended to become a blessing, became a curse! Such historical warnings don’t curry favor with “the top brass, ” but it’s evident God would rather work through a very faithful few than let many misrepresent Him! (Jer. 26:18; Eze. 5:3-4)

What have we learned from our WCG experience? Haven’t some since scrambled for positions of power, while others claim we’re all equal? (Num. 16:3; I Tim. 1:7; James 3:1) God isn’t an anarchist, and neither should we be. We mustn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater, just because of abuses of power! Proper leadership encourages us to “be all we can be,” within God’s law; it encourages us to think and become like our leaders, and able to teach what we’ve been taught—after all we’re PRIEST-KINGS IN TRAINING. (Matt. 10:25; Heb. 5:12; 2 Tim. 2:2, 15).

The proper use of God’s government never plays politics or acts jealous, but truly has everyones’ best interests at heart. (I Cor. 14:26) We’re all members of God’s Royal Family, therefore we ought to respect each others’ part in God’s plan and place in God’s Church. (I Cor. 12:18)

I truly believe in GOVERNMENT FROM THE TOP DOWN—and it starts with GOD THE FATHER! That’s why we must always OBEY GOD, even if it means we must disobey men! Wasn’t it ministers who told you to throw Malachi’s Message away? Wasn’t it Church leaders who threw out the faithful? Didn’t we just take their word for it, rather than check out what GOD had to say? Don’t be fooled again! Do you now CONSULT CHRIST, or are you still playing “follow the leader”? Which is truly learning how to follow God’s government? Have you finally learned this lesson? Or did you ask your minister for permission to read Beyond Babylon? Worldwide all over again? Not if you continue to read and apply Malachi’s Message to yourself! That’s the only way to prevent a “repeat performance”. Hopefully, once was enough!

About the Author

David Ben-Ariel, an American author who has travelled widely and who has lived throughout Israel, shares a special focus on the Middle East and great interest in Jerusalem, reflected in hard-hitting articles that help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out www.benariel.com

Cast Thy Bread Upon The Waters?

Ecclesiastes 11 verse 1 “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for
thou shalt find it after many days.”

What is God telling us through this passage of scripture?

Sowing of spiritual seeds that will one day yield a harvest?
Giving to others (not necessarily money but time, giving of
ourselves, helping those in need, praying for others, helping
our neighbors, our communities). I know when I plant corn seed
in my garden, I plant in faith that the seed will sprout, will
grow, and I will soon reap a harvest of golden ripe sweet corn.
The LORD tells us we reap what we sow. Have faith in Him who has
said “give, and it shall be given unto you”.

I threw a rock in a pond. It hit one spot, but the ripples of
the disturbed water spread out and eventually reached the shore.
I believe the LORD is telling us to keep on working for
Him..that our labor is not in vain.

Rev. Irvin L. Rozier aka walkin2e

There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

As for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

For the Lord is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel. That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant.

As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

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.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, Greet one another with an holy kiss.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering … He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. (Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.) Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Glimpses of God © by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.

About the Author

Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries “Heavenly Inspirations” http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and “Share a Smile” http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce’s writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.