Category Archives: A Form of godliness?

The Hirelings??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #113

26 Wednesday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Faithful Pastor's, Hirelings, Pretend Shepherds, Showers Of Blessing, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Good Shepherd, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, Wolves in sheep's clothing!

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The Hirelings??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #113

I want to start this article that I had already planned to write with a story from life; but first one of my favorite scripture passages; and I’m sitting here writing and listening to an “old” Cathedrals song, “I Know My Savior IS There”!  How great is our God!!!  And I’m smiling.

“And he that searcheth the hearts

 knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

 to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

 that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.” Romans 8:27-29

This verse came to me as I smiled in the midst of total chaos!  I was about to take a walk before the heat made that imprudent, but I heard the sound of water (not any usual sound) and realized that the drain hose on the running washing machine had popped out (again) but this time I was a bit slow getting it stopped and it not only ran over in the laundry room (which is tile) but it ran into the hall which is wood plank flooring!  So I got the hose back in and started grabbing towels and got the water out of the hall, then kind of kept scooping it back into the laundry room, picking up the soaked towels and getting dry ones!  Well, I got it mostly cleaned up and just kept smiling to myself and thinking about how good our God is!  He knew I didn’t need to take that walk at that particular moment, and because HE was watching over me, I was home to stop the flow and clean up the mess!  How often, I think, we are so busy looking for a great “miracle” that we miss the work of God in our every step!  Yes, I believe in great miracles, but I also have observed that some people are so busy running around looking for “miracles” that they miss the daily, everyday miracles of God’s sweet, timely and growth producing work in the lives of His own (and just FYI, God doesn’t need Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat to do HIS work–in fact I think we often miss HIS work with our obsession over social media of all kinds).  And that is what I want us to consider today–God’s own, and God’s own work in HIS own–as well as the ‘hirelings’ who appear to tend the flock but run at the first sign of danger.  Jesus talked about this!

“Then said Jesus unto them again,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me

are thieves and robbers:

but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling,

and not the shepherd,

whose own the sheep are not,

seeth the wolf coming,

and leaveth the sheep,

and fleeth:

and the wolf catcheth them,

and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth,

because he is an hireling,

and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life

for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have,

which are not of this fold:

them also I must bring,

and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold,

and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me,

 because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received of my Father.”  John 10:7-18

Jesus wants us to understand that HE IS the “good shepherd” who cares for the sheep–doing always what is best for them; yet there is a ‘hireling’ who will only want to take advantage of the flock!  So much so, that when he sees the “wolf” coming he runs away, leaving the sheep defenseless, because he didn’t care for them!  Oh how much we see this today, hirelings who aren’t real ‘under-shepherds’ of The Lord Jesus Christ, just those who want to live on the sheep, not care for them.  Jesus was The One who would lay down HIS life for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in His Substitutionary, Atoning Sacrifice!  The ultimate love for HIS own sheep, those who will hear His voice and heed to HIS call, HIS care, and HIS glory!

The Old Testament prophets said a good bit about this same scenario of “the hireling”, so I’d like us to peruse a couple of these passages and take them to heart!  May we examine our own heart and soul and be sure that we are one of HIS sheep, and that we are walking close enough to Jesus so that we know HIS voice and learn to run from the “wolves”!  Jesus warned us of these:

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”  Matthew 7:15

Ezekiel received a message from The Lord which succinctly describes the “hirelings”!  I know this is a bit lengthy, but I think we need to hear it, and ponder what God says about these ‘hirelings’!

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man,

prophesy against the shepherds of Israel,

prophesy, and say unto them,

Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds;

Woe be to the shepherds of Israel

 that do feed themselves!

should not the shepherds

feed the flocks?

3 Ye eat the fat,

and ye clothe you with the wool,

ye kill them that are fed:

but ye feed not the flock.

4 The diseased

have ye not strengthened,

neither have ye healed

that which was sick,

neither have ye bound up

that which was broken,

neither have ye brought again

that which was driven away,

neither have ye sought

that which was lost;

but with force and with cruelty

have ye ruled them.

5 And they were scattered,

because there is no shepherd:

and they became meat

to all the beasts of the field,

when they were scattered.

6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains,

and upon every high hill:

yea, my flock was scattered

upon all the face of the earth,

and none did search or seek after them.

7 Therefore, ye shepherds,

hear the word of the LORD;

8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD,

surely because my flock became a prey,

and my flock became meat to every beast

of the field,

because there was no shepherd,

neither did my shepherds

search for my flock,

but the shepherds

fed themselves,

and fed not my flock;

9 Therefore, O ye shepherds,

hear the word of the LORD;

10 Thus saith the Lord GOD;

Behold, I am against the shepherds;

and I will require my flock at their hand,

and cause them to cease from feeding the flock;

neither shall the shepherds

feed themselves any more;

for I will deliver my flock

from their mouth,

that they may not be meat for them.

11 For thus saith the Lord GOD;

Behold, I,

even I,

will both search my sheep,

and seek them out.” Ezekiel 34:1-11

And just a few words in this same regard from the ‘weeping Prophet’, Jeremiah; one who heeded the word and work of The Lord but was NOT heeded by his people!

“Heal me, O LORD,

and I shall be healed;

save me,

and I shall be saved:

for thou art my praise.

15 Behold, they say unto me,

Where is the word of the LORD?

let it come now.

16 As for me,

I have not hastened from being a pastor

 to follow thee:

neither have I desired the woeful day;

thou knowest:

that which came out of my lips

was right before thee.”  Jeremiah 17:14-16

And another warning from God through Jeremiah to the “pastors” who were ‘hirelings’, oh that we might heed this reminder that in this world “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  But when God speaks, we better. Heed The Word, and go right back to what Jesus said in John 10–sound familiar!  The Word will interpret The Word if we will but read it, study it, and be willing to heed it in our own lives each day!

“Woe be unto the pastors

that destroy

and scatter the sheep

of my pasture! saith the LORD.

2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel

against the pastors that feed my people;

Ye have scattered my flock,

and driven them away,

and have not visited them:

behold, I will visit upon you

the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock

out of all countries

whither I have driven them,

and will bring them again to their folds;

and they shall be fruitful and increase.

4 And I will set up shepherds over them

which shall feed them:

and they shall fear no more,

nor be dismayed,

neither shall they be lacking,

saith the LORD.

5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD,

that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch,

and a King shall reign and prosper,

and shall execute judgment

and justice in the earth.

6 In his days Judah shall be saved,

and Israel shall dwell safely:

and this is his name whereby he shall be called,

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jeremiah 23:1-6                         (See 2 Corinthians 5:21)

And Jesus’ message to the church.  May we consider our ways!  Our King is coming soon–will HE find me faithful?

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ,

which God gave unto him,

to shew unto his servants

things which must shortly come to pass;

and he sent and signified it

by his angel

unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record

of the word of God,

and of the testimony of Jesus Christ,

and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that readeth,

and they that hear the words

of this prophecy,

and keep those things which are written therein:

for the time is at hand.”  Revelation 1:1-3

Yet remember Jesus’ own words–we won’t always be popular when we speak truth.  If people are applauding you, watch out!

“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.”  John 15:19-21

Are you listening to Jesus, your shepherd, or the ‘hirelings’?  Open up the true standard–The Bible–and heed what it says to you; then speak the truth “in love”!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Do YOU ‘SAY’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #111

23 Sunday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Come out of her, Come to Jesus, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!

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What Do YOU ‘SAY’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #111

 

I hope we can take a few minutes together today to consider our ‘words’, how we use them, which ones we use, how they come out, and most importantly what are they doing to, for, or against those around us.  Do our words reflect the Lord Jesus that we Christian’s claim to follow, or have we allowed our words to reflect the oft-inappropriate language of the world around us.  Jesus had some strong things to say to the religious leaders of His day, may they speak to our heart and call us to the holiness that we ought to pursue.

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

 bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37

There is a call in the book of The Revelation, that I think is pertinent to us today–whether you and I heed it or not is our call.  But choose wisely, there is a test coming!

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,

Come out of her,

my people,

that ye be not partakers

of her sins,

and that ye receive not

of her plagues.”  Revelation 18:4

Paul also gives us a warning to watch the life that we live, the companions we choose, and the words that come out of our mouths–which Jesus said come out of our heart.  What’s in your heart?

From Jesus:

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart

proceed evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:...”  Matthew 15:14-18

“But let your communication be,

Yea, yea;

Nay, nay:

for whatsoever is more than these

cometh of evil.”  Matthew 5:37

From Paul:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together

with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness?

and what communion hath light

with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ

with Belial?

or what part hath he that believeth

with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God

with idols?

for ye are the temple of the living God;

as God hath said,

I will dwell in them,

and walk in them;

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be

my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

We are called to be holy in all our ways, and that includes our speech; are we willing to hear the voice of our Lord and order our steps (and our words, and some of us go around with ‘my foot in my mouth’ instead of on God’s path.) in HIS ways?

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

James is a bit stronger in his call to us:

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth

blessing

and cursing.

My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain

both yield salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge among you?

let him shew

out of a good conversation

his works

with meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:11-13

Paul gives us a great word of encouragement, telling us that we can be what God wants us to be; yet we must do our part, seeking Jesus in all our ways, through prayer, His Word, and the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit!

“I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

And in closing, a word from one of my favorite Psalms which will remind each of us of the focus that we are to pursue, and God’s work, words and love will be seen in us.

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.”  Psalm 37:1-8

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

Let’s go forward trusting Jesus, delighting in HIM, committing everything to Him, and resting in HIM (and that doesn’t mean quitting, but running in HIS strength not our own)by relying on HIS sufficiency–even to control our tongue!  Blessings on your week.  I’ll see you at Bible Ballistics locations from now on!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Saved YOU??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #110

20 Thursday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Born Again, By His Grace, Cross, God Who Sees, Gospel, Grace, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin

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What Saved YOU??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #110

Just a few reminders of the basics today!  There is so much false teaching/preaching going on today, I just thought we’d take some time today to see what God’s Word says about salvation, where do we get it, how, is it me or something/someone else that provides and imparts it to you and me.  Let’s dive in!

What do YOU think ‘saved’ (saves) you?

If you think it’s ‘works’, you’re wrong:

“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.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-9

(walking in the good works that come out of salvation, not

 saved by them!)

If you think it’s ‘family’, you’re wrong:

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:12-13

(It’s being “born again” into the family of God by the blood of Jesus Christ The Lord!)

If you think it’s religion or ‘spiritual prestige’, you’re wrong:

“There was a man of the Pharisees,

named Nicodemus,

a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus

by night…

… 3 Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

 he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:1-7

And some of Jesus’ greatest words to us all–

“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 3:16-18

There’s only One Way and Jesus IS HIM!!!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

 no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

(Jesus gives new birth to all who will come to HIM–in   repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for YOU and ME!

If you think it’s ‘the church’ that saves, you’re wrong:

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

(Not man, not institution, not relation, not salvation in “any other”, but in Jesus’ name, work, death, burial, and resurrection, all for sin…”according to the scripture”!)

“For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

(The GOSPEL in a nutshell!)

If you think it’s ‘riches’, ‘success’, ‘fame’ or ‘popularity’–even within the church, you’re wrong:

“Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth

the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied

in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:20-23

What are you counting on?  I pray that you will ask God to reveal truth to you, so you know “redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (See Colossians 1:14!).

Amen!!!

Persecution Will Come??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #105

07 Friday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Persecution, Perseverance, Presumption, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Persecution Will Come???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #105

Just a brief word from the Apostle Paul to remind us to stand fast in the evil day! It’s here!

“ Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,                                                                                 and being deceived.

14 But continue thou

in the things which thou hast learned                                            and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them.

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 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.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17

Have a blessed Friday!

Amen and Amen!!!

Are You Vexed By The World??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #97

11 Sunday Jun 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, False Lives, Let You Light So Shine, Liars, Lies, Lies That Defeat Us, Life or Death?, Vexation, Victory IN Jesus!

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Are You Vexed By The World??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #97

Vexed: irritated, annoyed… much discussed or disputed….tossed about, as waves….

I know ‘vexed’ is an old and seldom used word today, but it fits the thoughts of my heart today; and scripture is replete with lessons about being vexed–both good and bad, so let’s see what we can learn and discern from God’s Word today.

Job is the picture that we often refer to when we think of suffering, yet we find so much truth in the book of Job, as we see this man of integrity stand for righteousness, truth, and his Savior-Redeemer, we can learn so much; and one of the things that encourages me so is Job’s so-called friends, ever telling Job if ‘he hadn’t sinned’ then none of these things would have happened, and calling him to confess and repent.  All the while Job declares his confidence in his GOD and his integrity before HIM!

“As God liveth,

who hath taken away my judgment;

and the Almighty,

who hath vexed my soul;

3 All the while

my breath

is in me,

and the spirit of God

is in my nostrils;

4 My lips

shall not speak wickedness,

nor my tongue

utter deceit.

5 God forbid that I should justify you:

till I die

I will not remove mine integrity from me.

6 My righteousness

I hold fast,

and will not let it go:

my heart

 shall not reproach me so long as I live.”   Job 27:2-6

Job wasn’t bragging on himself, but rather bragging on his God–the Almighty God of the universe–the One in whom he believed and trusted for salvation and deliverance.

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body,

yet in my flesh shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed within me.”  Job 19:25-27

And again:

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation:

for an hypocrite

shall not come before him.”  Job 13:15-16

Unlike Job, we often let our friends and acquaintances influence our walk with God and our outlook on our circumstances–we must make sure that like Job, our faith is in God and His Word–Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, knowing that whatever may come our way or come around us, we can truly say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him”!  What does all this have to do with ‘vexation’?  Well that’s a good question, for much like Job’s friends, who had a skewed view of God, many around us have that same skewed view of God and worse.  We have come to be a culture that treats God’s Word, God’s ways, and God’s people with disdain, and like another man of faith who lost his influence due to the culture he chose to be in (and he had a choice, just like we do).  It breaks my heart that our once godly, Christian nation now boldly, blatantly clings to the things of the enemy of our souls.

But, my friends, this is nothing new, just as Solomon once wrote, “there is no new thing under the sun” (See Ecclesiastes 1:9); and while we are taken aback by all the ‘new’ things absorbing our culture–it’s not new at all!  It goes back to Eden, where man chose sin instead of God!  Same story, just new titles, and names!  Peter in his second recorded letter makes this abundantly clear, for there have always been false teachers–liars, betrayers, deceivers–and we must choose whether we will dig into The Word of God and know truth or be deceived by those who desire to steal our soul, our life, our children, and our culture.  I AM VEXED!!!  When will we wake up and measure our own lives by God’s standard rather than man’s?  Lot chose to get accustomed to the sin, filth, and degradation around him, and it cost him his family; his testimony had become worthless to those around him because he had chosen to “go along to get along”!  How about you and me?  What comes out of our mouth is from the heart; what’s in your heart?  What does the world see in your lifestyle; kindness with no truth, vile and filthy language to get along because we allow ourselves to absorb the filth around us?  I’ll let Peter make the case.

“But there were false prophets

also among the people,

even as there shall be false teachers

among you,

who privily shall bring in

damnable heresies,

even denying the Lord that bought them,

and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways;

by reason of whom the way of truth

shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness

shall they with feigned words

make merchandise of you:

whose judgment now of a long time

lingereth not,

and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned,

but cast them down to hell,

and delivered them into chains of darkness,

to be reserved unto judgment;

5 And spared not the old world,

but saved Noah the eighth person,

a preacher of righteousness,

bringing in the flood

upon the world of the ungodly;

6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha

into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,

making them an ensample

unto those that after should live ungodly;

7 And delivered just Lot,

vexed with the filthy conversation

of the wicked:

8 (For that righteous man

dwelling among them,

in seeing

and hearing,

vexed his righteous soul

from day to day

with their unlawful deeds😉

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly

out of temptations,

and to reserve the unjust

unto the day of judgment

to be punished:

10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh

in the lust of uncleanness,

and despise government.

Presumptuous are they,

selfwilled,

they are not afraid

to speak evil of dignities.”  2 Peter 2:1-10

My friends, judgment is coming–for believers and unbelievers–the judgment seat of Jesus (as described in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10) for believers, those who have been born again by the blood of The Lamb, where all will “give an account of himself to God”!  The lost (those who have failed/refused to bow before Jesus in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin–your sin and mine– for “all have sinned”!) will stand before God at the Great White Throne with no recourse or payment for their sin, but to be cast into the “lake of fire” (Rev. 20)!  You can live the way you want; you can talk the way you want, you can accept and promote immorality, wickedness, and the vile things of this world, and while it vexes my heart and soul to ‘see and hear’ it, everyone will give an account to God!  I pray that you will hear the voice of the savior if you don’t know Him yet and come to His cross for salvation.  If you are a believer who has compromised, I pray that you will come to that same cross in repentance and call on your Master Jesus for forgiveness, cleansing and restoration–HE is still changing hearts and lives.

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

 

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!