This was originally written on March, 15th, 2013: but updated and released again as I believe it is still relevant to the church, and even more so as we see the great falling away that scriptures say would happen before the end of the church age comes to a close... 2 Thess. 2:3 ![]() TO ALL WHO LOVE THE TRUTH, THE WORKS OF THE FLESH Galatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Today, I ministered to a group of homeless men in Flint, Michigan at Carriage Town Ministries. After sharing my testimony briefly, and praying with them I taught them about what God hates, what God says will prevent people from going to heaven... they were listening very intently. I told them that they might not hear these words in most churches, and it was my responsibility to share this teaching from God's word so they would be forewarned and without excuse when they stood before God. My many years in the modern church has taught me many things, some good and some bad; but one thing is certain in my experience listening to thousands of preachers and pastors: THEY AVOID MENTIONING THESE VERSES OF SCRIPTURE LIKE THEY WERE AVOIDING THE BUBONIC PLAQUE! Sad, yes - but nonetheless true... when is the last time you heard any teacher/pastor/evangelist teach or preach on these things that God hates - and says will keep people out of heaven? Hmmm, just following these verses are the "fruit of the spirit" listed which I'm sure you've heard more than once... (I'm being sarcastic of course) The question is why? Why do so many pastors and churches avoid these verses? ![]() WHAT GRACE TEACHES US... Titus 2:1-14 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. The above passage from Paul's letter to Titus, reveals in summation, what the whole intent of God was in sending His' son to die for us. He came to not only "redeem" us from our sins, but to purify us and create a "special class of royal citizens" who are zealous, or in other words, outrageous in their display of godly works to the world around them... (my take on that verse) This verse needs to be read over and over again to sink in, as it has that much truth in it - it is dynamite just waiting to explode in our hearts and minds. We are to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts" ... and live godly lives in this present age. We are partners with God in this process, and though we cannot avoid or conquer sin or iniquity in our own strength - we can allow God to work in and through us to overcome evil and the flesh, and all the powers of darkness by agreeing with God and submitting/obeying His' commands to us. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; FINAL THOUGHTS - I knew a Christian who was involved in evangelism outside of the church he was in, and the subject of "fornication" came up and I was surprised to find out that he not only didn't know what the word meant(it signifies all unlawful sexual relations), but he was engaging in acts of fornication and was not aware that it was condemned in the scriptures, and not something a Christian should be doing! I asked him had he ever heard a sermon in his' church or teaching on the subject of sins God hates, or sins that we are not to be doing? His' answer was that he had not heard any messages or sermons against premarital sex, and many other sins we spoke of in our discussion. My eyes were opened that day to the fact that many persons going to church Sunday after Sunday, week after week have never really been taught or warned about the "works of the flesh", and the things God says will send them to hell... you be the judge of whether your' church is preaching the whole counsel of God? I hope so... In the last days, many pastors will refrain from speaking the truth of God word in it's entirety; deliberately picking and choosing what they want to in order to "build their churches up" - not in the faith, but in terms of membership and tithes and offerings. For many pastors it is better to "tickle the ears", than risk offending people with the truth! In the end, all of us will be held to account, and there will be no excuses that will prevail in God's court. Let us all not play God for the fool, or make a pretense of being a Christian - let us rid ourselves of anything and everything that God says is evil and that will keep us out of heaven. Blessings to all/Michael/fool4CHRIST p.s. for more information about our worldwide ministry - or if you would like to find more articles that pertain to biblical truth; or would like to donate to our minstry - visit: lightinthedarkministries.com
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![]() 1 John 4:2-3 (NKJV) By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.(emphasis mine) First, let me begin by stating this is not a message on "who" the Antichrist is, or might be? That, is for others with much more spiritual savvy than I possess to elaborate on. This short admonition, is really a simple reminder to anyone who is familiar with the scriptures, of what "spirit" or manner of operation Lucifer uses to carry out his diabolical schemes within and without the church of Jesus Christ in the earth. Yes, you heard me correctly, I did say "within" and without the church. Sadly, much of what Satan does to oppose God and the kingdom of His son, Jesus Christ - goes on right within the confines of the very church that Jesus Christ has established... 2 Co.11:14-15 THE GENERAL BLUEPRINT OF THE DEVIL Gen.3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” Jn.10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Before we examine the "acid test" that the apostle John gives us as a way(though not the only way), of knowing whether a spirit/person is or isn't of God, let us first acknowledge that before Jesus Christ came in the flesh, Satan had already been opposing God on all fronts, both in heaven and earth; and was aware that "Christ", or the "Anointed One/The Messiah" was to come... Rev.12:7-9 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Isa.14:12 The exact specifics of how, when, Christ would appear were not clear to Lucifer(though he was aware of the prophecies Jesus would be borne in Bethlehem of Judea - Micah 5:2). One thing is certain - Lucifer wanted to kill Jesus even before He was conceived in Mary's womb. We can thank God that Jesus was able to "finish the works" He was sent to accomplish, and one by one Christ fulfilled every single Old Testament prophecy necessary to secure our deliverance from sin, and our eternal redemption through His shed blood. (though there are still prophecies Christ has yet to fulfill, none are remaining that would prevent anyone from being saved from their sins) 2 Pet.1:3 , Jn.19:30 What was clear however, was that at the predetermined time - God's beloved son, Jesus was born (Gal.4:4) , and this son, Jesus - was coming to save His people, and establish a kingdom without end. (Isa.9:7) From the time of Adam's fall in the garden, up to the time of Jesus birth - Lucifer has been trying to thwart God's plan of redemption for mankind, and even now he is on a ruthless campaign of terror to oppose and stop God's plan for mankind from being fulfilled. I honestly believe, the Devil thinks he can eventually win if he just doesn't give up... Pride will do that. Rev.12:9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. STOPPING SCRIPTURES FROM BEING "FULFILLED" Lk.24:44 Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (my emphasis) Mt.1:22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: see also - Mt.4:14, Lk.21:22, Jn.19:36 The principle of Jesus coming so "scripture would be fulfilled" could not be lost on Satan, so it's easy to see Satan's game is to keep scripture from being fulfilled. Thankfully, we know that is not going to happen; but that isn't stopping the devil from trying. He knows if only one prophetic scripture is kept from being fulfilled - the entire "house of cards" figuratively speaking will come crashing to the ground. Because the word of God is true, and cannot be nullified, we know all of the scriptures in the Bible will in fact be fulfilled. Mt.1:22, Mk.14:49, Lk.21:22 It is not presumptuous to think that once a prophecy has been "fulfilled", or successfully accomplished - the Devil would begin to devise his malicious schemes towards stopping any future prophecies from being fulfilled. In a more general sense, Jesus tells us that Satan's three areas of malevolent and evil works are: stealing, killing, and destroying. As we can see from the atrocities and crimes against humanity that fill history's pages, the Devil has not been wasting a moment in his never ending onslaught against God and His creation. Oh - and did I almost forget to mention he is also called the "Father of lies." Jn.8:44 That Satan was trying to kill Christ all during his life here on earth is evident in the scriptures, and we can be sure that while he didn't know all of the plans of God for His son Jesus; he did know that Christ's main objective was to fulfill prophetic scriptures. Which we now know - Christ did, one by one until He uttered the three words that Satan can still hear echoing over and over in his wretched mind: IT IS FINISHED! Jn.19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (my emphasis) So we can conclude Lucifer's main objective is preventing scriptures from being fulfilled, especially those pertaining to Jesus Christ mission to be the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world; the plan of salvation that the Godhead had planned before the earth was even formed. Eph.1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love , (*note - accordingtothescriptures.org estimates that 356 prophecies have already been fulfilled in Jesus Christ) Much of the death, and destruction through the centuries has been what may best described as "collateral damage," such as when Herod slaughtered all the babies in and around Bethlehem in his attempt to kill the Christ child. Mt.2:16 That the "Seed" who is Jesus Christ could not be prevented from finishing His works and divine mission; has not deterred Satan from continuing his furious attacks on the "Seed of Abraham" which is now the Body of Christ. Gal.3:29 (NIV) If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. So from the time of Jesus ascension into heaven, until the time of His reappearing; Satan's wrath and hatred of God - of Jesus - have been directed at all who are members of the Body of Christ. If you are a Christian, and follow the commandments of Jesus, you are on his "hit list." Seriously, the Devil hates all human beings created in God's image, that's part of his corrupted DNA; but his hatred and loathing of all who love Jesus and live to please God - is immeasurable. We cannot begin to comprehend the degree of hatred the Devil has towards all who call themselves Christians. Satan hates the "Christ who lives in us." Gal.2:20, Rom.8:10 So we can see from the scriptures that the "spirit of Antichrist" is specifically directed at the "Seed" - who is Jesus Christ the Messiah; but now that Christ has left the earth physically - the "Seed" are all who are "in Christ." That is to say, the schemes and devices of Satan are directed now at all who are part of the Body of Christ - or the Church of God in the earth. Since Christians are "the body of Jesus" here on earth, it is no surprise to find that Christians are persecuted, martyred, and maligned in every possible manner by the "spirit of Antichrist" that now works through much of the world today. This hostile opposition to God, the Bible, Christians, and all that is holy and godly; can be seen in all areas of human endeavor - education, government, all media - whether print or digitally disseminated, the arts and music in particular, and in literature of all kinds, sports, and in every facet of modern culture. The unfortunate truth is that love of God, the scriptures, and everything once considered sacred is crumbling under the relentless attacks by the powers of darkness and the "god" of this age. 2 Co.4:4, 2 Co.11:3 As much as Satan hates Jesus and Christians, there is one thing that the all the hosts of Satan's kingdom have a laser like focus on - something that poses the greatest threat to the kingdom of darkness, and is the key to understanding how to discern what is and what isn't "the spirit of Antichrist." ![]() ( SATAN'S MAIN TARGET ... 2 Co.4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (my emphasis) If we were to list all the things Satan is opposed to or against - we would have a lengthy list indeed. Prayer, praise and worship, Bible study, the preaching and ministry of the word of God, Christian fellowship, Gospel music,witnessing, regular church attendance, and these are just some of the things that Satan and the demons of darkness hate. But, at the heart - at the very center of what poses the greatest threat to the kingdom of darkness is the very thing that he will do anything to stop, and I mean anything. ANYTHING TO STOP THE GOSPEL ! 1 Co.15:1-4 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. ... (my emphasis) Rom.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (my emphasis) The Devil can tolerate many things here on earth that he does in fact hate, but out of the myriad of things he is opposed to - nothing is more disturbing and threatening to Satan, then the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel is the very thing - the centerpiece of God's plan to save mankind. For it is the story of Jesus dying on the cross, the shedding of His blood for the remission of our sins; and the message of Christ's burial and resurrection from the grave! All in fulfillment of the prophetic scriptures that Jesus fulfilled one by one! THE "ACID TEST" 1 John 4:2-3 (NKJV) By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (my emphasis) At first glance, this sounds like John is simply saying: Ask someone if Jesus has come in the flesh, and if they say "no" - You'll know that they are not of God, that they are of the "spirit of Antichrist". I know today, many Christians use this as a way of testing to see if a person is "demon possessed" or not. That is not a reliable test, I know because I've used it when casting out demons myself, and this is what I've discovered: DEMONS CAN LIE TO YOU! Yes, they can say Jesus has come in the flesh to your face. They(the evil spirits we were attempting to cast out) did that to me, and I learned that just stating "Jesus has come in the flesh" is not what John had in mind as the "Acid Test" for determining if a person/spirit is or isn't of Christ. John had more in mind than just having someone quote or say a few words. Demons will lie to you, they will quote scriptures to you all day long, hey- they reminded me that they knew Jesus long before I did, and know the bible better than most Christians will ever know it... One thing I learned in trying to "test whether a person/spirit" is or isn't of Christ - is this: Don't enter into a conversation, or dialogue with the devil, demons or those under his influence unless you are "being led of the Holy Spirit". The less you say to someone "possessed" or severely oppressed of the devil, the better. You may find to your surprise, that the devil can quote scriptures back to you, and very well I might add(though he is prone to twist them out of context) The "test" John alludes to in 1 JN. 4:3 is a summation or decree that in essence states this: Anyone who denies that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah - the Son of God - the One who came to fulfill the prophecies concerning his life, death, and resurrection - is "antichrist." In essence - this was another way of saying anyone who was against the Gospel being preached by the Apostles was "not of God." Strong words certainly, but when we consider that denying who Christ is, and what He did - is really to reject the truth. I can assure you Christians at that time knew exactly what John was saying, and there could be no room for compromise when it came to preserving the facts concerning who Christ is, and what He had accomplished. 2 Jn.1:9 To reject Jesus as the Messiah meant a person would "die in their sins", and that would prevent them from going to heaven - being present with God after this life. Jn.8:24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Gal.1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. (Paul the apostle speaking...) WHAT IF NO ONE SHARED THE GOSPEL? That Jesus Christ would sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world, and be raised from the dead - only to have that message never told would certainly be the greatest of all failures and tragedies of all time. The Devil knows that keeping that message from people is his number one priority - and if that fails, his next ploy is to try to twist the Gospel message into something perverted or legalistic, or worse yet - void of any mention of the cross or resurrection at all. Yes indeed - we can be certain that since the time of Jesus ascension into heaven - Lucifer has been furiously working to stop the Gospel message from being preached or shared in the earth. 2 Co.4:4, 11:14 The problem lies in the fact that while Lucifer is defeated - that's an absolute indisputable truth of scripture;(Col..1:13,2:15) he knows that many people are ignorant of what really happened when Jesus died on that cross, when He rose triumphant from the grave. That dear friends, is why the Good News - or the account of what happened over 2000 years ago must be told, not once - but over and over again. This is why Jesus told us that before He would return the gospel would have to be published to the ends of the earth: Mk.13:10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. (Jesus speaking...) Someone - somewhere shared the gospel message with you - or with me, or someone else; and they were then faced with the choice of believing or disbelieving, agreeing with or disagreeing with the message of the cross and resurrection. So simple - yes; but in the end profound in that what a person does with the Gospel will determine their eternal destiny. Now that's mind boggling to say the least. 2 Thess. 1:7-8 "and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" In summary, we can state that while Jesus' life, atoning death, and resurrection are for Christians - historical facts that we believe and trust as the basis for our individual faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and as the Son of God... The reality is that unless those facts about Christ's life, death, burial, and resurrections are shared with people they will die in their sins. When Jesus told his disciples to take the Gospel into all the world - it wasn't just a suggestion or good advice; it was a command! Don't be quiet or shy about sharing the Gospel, ask God to help you and He will. to be continued... ( Pt.2 will be about "the spirit of Antichrist" in the church) In Jesus name, Michael/fool4CHRIST p.s. for more information about our worldwide ministry - or if you would like to find more articles that pertain to biblical truth; or would like to donate to our ministry - visit: lightinthedarkministries.com ![]() John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Merriam Webster: Definition of: NOTHING 1: a : something that does not exist, b : the absence of all magnitude or quantity; also : zero 1a , c : nothingness, nonexistence 2: someone or something of no or slight value or size 3: a light, playful, or frivolous remark —usually used in plural <whispered sweet nothings> The above passage from the gospel of John, reveals a startling truth for all of us who are active in our churches today... it deserves our closest scrutiny to be sure. Did you ever wonder why Jesus cursed the fig tree? Why he spit in a man's eyes as part of his' prayer for healing? Or, why Jesus allowed thousands of demons to enter a herd of pigs only to have them rush over a cliff to the dismay and angst of the pig farmer's who were tending these unfortunate swine? I have, and I've wondered again and again as I've read the scriptures why Jesus did so many things that today most churches and denominations would find offensive, and certainly puzzling by our present day standards of religious norms... No doubt. The answers to "why" Jesus did so many seeming strange things as we follow Him through the pages of the New Testament are found in His' very own words - words that are also found in the gospel of John. Here we find the "key" to not only understanding why Jesus did the amazing - and often strange things that were common to His' daily ministry; but also reveals the meaning of what Jesus meant when He said the words, "APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING." John 8:28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. JN.5:19-20 19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. RELATIONSHIP TO JESUS/THE 'KEY' Jesus, reveals a "key" principle by which all of His' disciples for all ages should take heed of: HE ONLY SAID, AND DID WHAT THE FATHER WANTED HIM TO DO. If you examine the above verses, and there are many others that make this truth clear; whatever Jesus did, it was not on His' own that He ventured out, nor was He going it alone, and checking in with God the Father later, after doing something(excuse the sarcasm please). Nope, Jesus didn't do anything, without being in one accord or without His' Father's approval. Now, that doesn't mean we "understand" the reasons why The Father and Jesus did some of the things they did; but it does mean that we know "how" Jesus made the choices He did - and why He did things the way He did them. Is no small matter, it means to us that just as Jesus did nothing apart from the Father's involvement - neither should we. Now, with that in mind, look again at JN.15:5 - and read it again: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Obviously, we can do things, many things, religious things - in the church, even in His' name, but Jesus says, if they are done "apart from me" they are zero, a big fat NOTHING! (These "dead works" are to be repented of/Heb.6:1) Ouchhhhhh, them there words are sure to step on some "shoes" in many of our churches today. Jesus, considers anything done apart from Him, even if it's done in the church, in His' name, or with the greatest of religious fervor - NOTHING. Just doing things in Jesus' name doesn't mean it is okay in God's sight. I've seen people "claim things" in Jesus' name, that was nothing more than coveting someone else's home or car.(which besides being witchcraft, is using' God's name in vain). I've even witnessed people "cursing" people using the name of the Lord and calling for "death and judgment" to fall upon them - which is most definitely a "dead work" . What is and what isn't "legitimate fruit" that springs forth from Jesus - and then to, and through us is found in the words, "IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND I IN YOU". There we have it. RELATIONSHIP!! Any of our works down here, no matter how noble, no matter how scriptural - if they are to be found acceptable and worthwhile in God's estimation are - TO BE BORNE OUT OF OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS HIMSELF. That is simply a spiritual truth that deserves our deepest attention, and most heartfelt contemplation. Knowing the difference between a "religious work" that is good on the face, but not borne out of our relationship and oneness with Jesus - from works that are truly commissioned and that issue forth from union and communion with Jesus is to God - a matter of great relevance. Works are either "Good Fruit", or "Nothing" - though on the surface they may look quite the same... this is a phenomenon that many persons in the modern church have yet to distinguish - one from the other. Not good. Let me repeat this again: Works that are done apart from Jesus may look the same on the outside as works done in Christ or through Jesus - but, and this is important: GOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE EVEN IF OTHERS DON'T, EVEN IF WE DON'T. The point of all this discussion: Don't be hasty making decisions, make sure you've prayed about things first, don't act unless you are in one accord with Jesus - Just running off with a scripture does not mean God wants you to do a thing - get alone with God until His' will for you is made known to you - Yes, He will confirm it with His' word -but timing and other things are worth seeking God for and waiting for God to reveal to you, and HE WILL! (1 CO.3:10-14) And above all, MAKE SURE JESUS IS THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING YOU DO. Mt. 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ WHEN BEING "BUSY IN THE CHURCH" IS A BAD THING... Let me state first, being "busy in the church" - is not synonymous with "being busy for God". Or, put another way, just because someone is very active in their church doing good and wonderful things, even in the name of Jesus - does not in itself mean that God has sanctioned or approves of that person's works... hard words, perhaps - but, than again God hates religious works that are in truth - DEAD WORKS! The mere fact that someone is part of a church, and doing things in the bible like, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, driving the church bus, or even casting out demons, or doing the work of an evangelist is no guarantee that the individuals involved with these religious activities are even saved! Churches are full of people who are faithful to their churches in terms of service and attendance - but, have yet to repent of their own sins. Thousands of "nominal Christians", those in name only - fill churches today and are on the outside very upstanding and moral people by society's standards and mores. However, when placed under the scrutiny of Jesus' standards - are found wanting, and in the eyes of God: NOT READY FOR HEAVEN! Making sure our own hearts and lives are above reproach and that we ourselves are in right standing before God - should be first and foremost before we start trying to "save the world" or becoming busy in the church... (Heb.10:22) CLOSING THOUGHTS: It's a wonderful thing to serve in the local church, the Body of Christ - it is something that every believer is supposed to do. The problem is this, many Christians simply do not know how to say "no" to the pastor, or church leaders when they are asked to do something in the church - they feel guilty saying no, or they think that it's somehow wrong or a sin to turn down someones request to fill a position or do something that is needed. The world is filled with many persons who have long ago left the church because they felt they were taken advantage of, or overworked, and in many case - they were. (though not all, some simply use this as an excuse for backsliding). This happens often with new Christians, or members who somehow fill that they want to be "used" by God - some end up being"used up" by the church... Our first priority, is not being busy in the church, or busy for God - that is perhaps the most deadly and lethal trap the devil has laid in the Body of Christ - and has destroyed countless Christians who began their spiritual journey with great passion and zeal - only to find themselves burnt out - and tired of the frantic/activity oriented pace that is all too common in many local churches today. Quality time with God in prayer, study of the scriptures, and our own personal devotion should be at the top of every Christians priorities - especially those in leadership positions in the church. If you find yourself too busy for personal/private times of devotion, study, reflection and prayer and worship - YOU ARE TOO BUSY! Religious works borne out of a life of haste, guilt, competitiveness, or even professionalmotives(money/prestige/power) - are sure signs that one's works are suspect - and may be "nothing" in God's sight. Remember, the very first principle of Christ is: REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS! God hates sin, and all iniquity - but, He despises religious works that do not spring forth from our abiding our residing in Him. ( Heb.6:1-3) A man obessed with the truth, Michael D'Aigle/fool4christ ![]() THE "NICE CHURCH" I recently asked a powerful man of God, Apostle Roy Castro, what he thought of the modern church? What his opinion is of where he thinks we are today? He mentioned the church of Laodicea in the Book of Revelations.... If you recall, this is the same church that Jesus rebuked, for being LUKEWARM! This man is in his seventies and has started numerous churches, still travels extensively preaching the gospel, and has an anointing that brings healing and deliverance to those in attendance. So, his' opinion carries a lot of weight with me, as it should to anyone else who knows this man's ministry and integrity. I received a message from God a while back, that came to me as more of a "conversation with Jesus" than that of a vision or dream... I share it with you in the hope that it may stir you to examine your own walk with God, and also to see if the church you are in is hot, cold, or lukewarm? That is a question, that all of us should ask ourselves if we want to be where God wants us to grow. REV. 3:18-19 To the Church in Laodicea 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. THE "NICE CHURCH" One day, I was conversing with God... I don't remember what sparked the topic that came up, but I think God initiated it and here is what I remember of that discussion, with me mostly listening to God as He shared these things with me. It went something like this: Michael? Yes Lord. I want to talk to you about this "Nice Thing". What do You mean by Nice Thing? I mean this obsession, this preoccupation by so many in my church who are really into this "nice thing". People today, want to live in a nice country, and have a nice job, they want to live in a nice neighborhood, in a nice home. And, they want to go to a nice church, and have nice pastor, who preaches nice sermons. They want to have a nice time in church, and when they are finished with having a nice time there, than it's off to enjoy a nice meal, and have a nice day... Michael, what people are after is a "nice life". Wow! Those weren't the exact words, but they are very close to what I heard God speak to my spirit... it shook me to the core of my being. I mean on it's face, having a nice anything, isn't really bad - is it? Wanting a nice sermon, a nice church service, and - well, the idea of "nice" being a bad thing, that never entered my mind. But, spoken to me as it was - from the soft voice of the Holy Spirit to my inner man, now - that's a different thing entirely. So, I asked the Lord for clarification, and He spoke to me these words, at least as best as I can recall them: Michael, I did not come to give people a "nice life", I did not die and raise from the dead to make things "nice" for those following me. This attitude, and mindset are not of me - it is fleshly, and borne of a earthly and carnal/sensual mind... This "nice thing" has swept through much of much church, and is like a veil over the spiritual eyes of my people. It has many people in a stupor, and living lives that are not dead to sin, or dead to this fallen world. In a word, being comfortable, cozy, and blessed has come to be more important than "taking up one's cross, denying oneself, and following me". Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. That was the basically the point of this short, yet piercing message God gave to me for this generation. I share it with you knowing that it may shake some of us from being lethargic and spiritually asleep. Jesus does not leave the Laodicean church without a prescription for remedying/curing this spiritual sickness of "being lukewarm"; he commands them, and us if the shoe fits - TO REPENT. Jesus longs to be the fire in our hearts, the passion of our lives... REPENT! 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. FINAL THOUGHTS: I believe that many of the churches today are spiritually in a deep, deep slumber. Little or no passion for God, the Bible, or the things of Jesus Christ that He loves, namely "lost souls". When our lives and our churches become more like "country clubs" for pampered and spoiled Christians looking for their next "blessing" - WE ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE!!! It is not for me to say who or who isn't on fire for God, or what person or church is "lukewarm", but I do know we should at the very least, examine ourselves regularly, in light of God's word to see if we are "burning brightly" for Jesus? I pray, you - me, all of us who name the name of Jesus, who claim to be Christians and followers of Christ - look closely to see what our spiritual temperature is. Here are few things that will give you an idea of where you are in that regard. Do I pray? Do I fellowship regularly with God's people? Do I give my time and money to God, and to His' work - to those who labor for Him? Do I spend time in regular bible study? Do I have a set time of devotion to and with God? Do I witness my faith in Christ to other when I have opportunity? These are just a few of the basic things that should be "earmarks" of a passionate and fired up disciple of Jesus. Let's go out and let the fire and passion of Jesus in our lives, homes, and churches/families be evident to all near and far. Blessings to all/michael/FOOL4CHRIST ![]() Proverbs 18:21 (ERV) The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings. SEVEN THINGS CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEVER SAY... 1. O MY GOD / MY GOD - This is so commonly used that even Christians are guilty of using this expression without flinching... to dishonor God by uttering the name GOD for any and all reasons from mild disappointment, to fleeting feelings of happiness - IS TO PROFANE AND TAKE THE NAME OF GOD IN VAIN! This dear friends, is not a good thing, especially for those who consider themselves to be Christians. (Also, using the name: JESUS CHRIST, in anger or as an empty expression of intense rage or disgust) is again, taking the Lord's name in vain... Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Leviticus 19:12 “‘Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. 2. DAMN IT or (#*!#+ DAMN IT) - This is perhaps one of the most deadly and harmful things one can ever say! To damn someone or something, is in effect - TO CURSE IT OR THEM! To damn - is to curse. To damn someone or something is to pronounce death upon it or them... in it's strongest sense, it means to: WISH SOMEONE WOULD GO TO HELL! Yes, Jesus "cursed" the fig tree, and we know He only did that because His' heavenly Father wanted Him to teach the disciples a valuable lesson about being "fruitful"; but cursing is to be used rarely - and not upon individuals directly... and than, only when we are surely under the direction of the Holy Spirit. MERRIAM WEBSTER DICT: damn verb \ˈdam\damneddamn·ing Definition of DAMN transitive verb 1 : to condemn to a punishment or fate; especially : to condemn to hell Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 3. I HATE YOU (or other words designed to hurt another) Here again, we find words being spoken in direct contradiction to what the bible teaches, what Jesus and the apostles taught on the subject of how we are to treat our fellow man - whether that be, family, friend, or foe... As Christians, we can hate "sinful behavior", and ungodly conduct whenever we witness it; but we are never allowed to "express hatred" towards an individual personally or directly. To do that, is to abandon all that Jesus taught us on love: LOVE EVERYONE, NOT JUST THOSE WHO WE FIND LOVELY. We are to love the unlovely, the worst that society has among us. There is no one that we are taught to avoid "loving"... and that includes those who hate us, and those who are enemies who oppose everything we stand for. We love them to. Matthew 5:43-44 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV) Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 1 Thessalonians 3:12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 4. I WON'T FORGIVE YOU (or I can't forgive you) There can be no more disturbing or unsettling words in the hearing of God, than these: I WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU. or I CANNOT OR WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU. There are very few "absolutes" in the bible, but this axiom or unalterable principle of forgiveness, which is found in the whole of scriptures is this: IF WE DO NOT FORGIVE OTHERS, NEITHER WILL GOD FORGIVE US! God does not force us to forgive those who have hurt us, who have offended us; but He does make it clear throughout the bible, in numerous parables that Jesus Himself taught: IF YOU DON'T FORGIVE OTHERS WHO HAVE SINNED AGAINST YOU - THAN YOU WON'T BE FORGIVEN BY GOD EITHER. Not much of a choice when it comes down on that line is it? I strongly suggest you let go of any grudges you may be holding on to, or anyone who you have yet to release from your "unforgiving heart"... when you forgive others, you free yourself from bitterness, pent-up resentment, and many other harmful emotions that we were never designed to keep inside of us... do yourself a favor - forgive anyone and everyone who you have been hurt by, offended by... and let them know if possible. Dying with unforgiveness in your' heart - will send you to hell as surely as if you were an unrepentant murderer or habitual liar or drunkard. Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 5. I CAN'T DO THAT... It's truly amazing how many Christians go around saying the most negative, and unfaithful things imaginable... "I can't do that.", or "I could never do that." Talk about unbelief, dead words coming out of some one's mouth! No wonder Jesus said, when He returns, "will He find faith?". (Lk.18:8) If you think you can't, you wont. If you think you aren't - than you never will be... No time to teach on that here, but suffice to say, we either agree with what God says in His' word, the bible - or we don't. Of course, if you aren't studying it, if you're not putting it in your mind and heart, than maybe the world's way of seeing things has you conformed to it's image; which by the way is not Jesus Christ. If you're around negative people, and they are rubbing off on you, on the way you live and think, the way you talk - hmmm, try putting some distance between you and them - and close the gap on you and the word, on you and the Lord. Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 6. I DON'T BELIEVE IN MIRACLES OR SIGNS AND WONDERS... What bible are these folks reading anyway? Okay, I know there are those who believe God did these things in the past, but doesn't anymore - not today anyways; but what can we say to those who don't believe God ever did the things reported in the Bible? The wonders God performed in Egypt in freeing His' people from bondage - the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the numerous miracles that Jesus Himself performed when He walked among us. Healing the blind, the deaf, and the lepers - raising the dead back to life, and too many other amazing acts of divine power over nature to name here... When all is said and done, to be someone claiming to be a Christian, and not believe in the supernatural intervention of God in our lives through miracles, signs and wonders - is an oxymoron: AN UNBELIEVING BELIEVER (go ahead and laugh out loud/LOL) Problem is, God doesn't think that's funny... Mt.13:55-58 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Jude 1:5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. Matthew 11:23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 7. ASKING FOR THINGS THAT ARE NOT GOD'S WILL... - This covers a lot of ground. Praying and asking God for things that are not His' will for us, or for anyone else for that matter - are "things" that should never come out of a Christian's mouth - but they do! Asking God to help you win the lottery, or to get even with someone who has hurt you, or asking God for things that He knows will hurt you spiritually like: riches, fame, or worldly success; are just a few examples of how out of step our "words" can be . Father knows best, and for our own good, He often does not give us what we want, or what we are after... Boasting about what we "want to do" for God, may sound great, but if God isn't consulted or involved in that desire or plan - IT IS DOOMED TO FAIL. Bottom line here, be slow to speak presumptuously, or foolishly; and take the time to "find out God's will" for whatever it is you think He may want you to do. It's okay to move out in faith, but take the time to get with God, hear His' voice, get confirmation in His' written word, and when possible get godly counsel... (though sometimes you may have to stand alone). James 4:3 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Luke 9:54-57 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. James 4:13-16 (NIV) 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. CLOSING THOUGHTS: The Bible is replete, with numerous examples of speaking things that most definitely were not God's will. Peter, attempting to dissuade Jesus from going to Jerusalem to suffer and die on the cross; for which - the Lord sternly rebuked Peter, and said, " “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Mt.16:23) Or where we find James and John asking Jesus if they could both sit in seats of prominence beside Him in heaven, one on the left and the other on His' right? To which the Lord, responded, "You know not what you asking?" (Mk.10:34-44) Truth be told, many of us "do not know what we are asking, or saying" sometimes. One thing is for certain, how we speak, and what words we choose to speak with, is very important to God, and to our own spiritual lives. James makes it absolutely clear that "no man can tame the tongue" , and goes on to tell us that it is set on fire of hell itself. James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. That being said, it would seem hopeless - IT IS NOT! Jesus warns us that we will give an account of every idle word we speak, or put another way, of every "useless word." Now, that should give us all a "timeout" - to examine what comes out of our mouths, amen? Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! The good news, is that God has made available to all His' children, all who are born again, and who desire to walk in holiness - the power and the way to tame not only our tongues - but our very human nature from top to bottom. When you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and to come into your' life, and to cleanse you from all your past, all your sins - GOD GIVES YOU AND ME A NEW NATURE - HIS. Only the Holy Spirit living inside of us can overcome the old nature that most surely will try to rear it's ugly head again... remember, we are being changed day by day as our minds are renewed, and as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ask God to fill you with His' Holy Spirit, study the Bible everyday, pray to God as often as you are able to, and remove from your life anything that is keeping you from being close to God. Old friends, you may have to break away from. Old music and old hangouts, yep - you are best to cut yourself off from those "old" things as well. Watch what you look at, what you hear, and who you associate with, just as a general spiritual rule to live by. And, finally spend time alone with God. Have a time of personal devotion, and don't let anything or anyone keep you from that appointment. Your appointment with God each day is your' lifeline to heaven. Protect that, fight for it, and maintain that - and, you will find yourself growing into the man and/or woman that God desires for each of us to be. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Blessings to all, Michael/fool4CHRIST p.s. This short message, was taken from my book: Pearls of Wisdom; available in both print and kindle format at: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pearls+of+wisdom+michael+daigle&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apearls+of+wisdom+michael+daigle ![]() WHY GOD GAVE MANKIND THE NEW COVENANT IT'S MORE HIM, THAN US... It is surprising to learn just "why" God gave mankind the New Covenant... I say this only because most Christians, and the lost for that matter think it was pure altruism or sympathy on God's part as the basis for "why" we now live under a New Covenant, or a New Testament as it may also be called. Yes, John 3:16 reminds all of us that it is God's love for us that sent Jesus to die for our sins - that is a fact. Ah, but that is only part of the narrative of this beautiful love song of our God. We find that while it was love that sent Jesus to die for all of us, it was something else that moved God to commission what we now call the: NEW COVENANT. This may come as a surprise to many people today, Christians and non -Christians alike. The New Covenant was really not centered on us (though we've been led to think that); but rather it's God's way of ensuring that His name would be honored and glorified in all of heaven and earth. By stopping the vicious power of evil through sin, Jesus Christ secured the right, the privilege, and ability for all of us to truly "honor" God's name. HALLOWED BE THE NAME... Matthew 6:9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. As we shall see, this being first and foremost in Jesus instructions on how we are to pray, is not to be taken lightly... it is the key to understanding why we were given the New Covenant. It's worth noting that Jesus our Lord began this prayer with clear instructions to: Reverence and honor our Heavenly Father's name! That dear friends, was intentional, and by design for us to take note of... as we dig deeper and deeper into God's holy word; we find that "honoring God's name" is at the heart of all Jesus did, and all we are to do as well. hal·lowed adj \ˈha-(ˌ)lōd, ˈha-ləd, in the Lord's Prayer often ˈha-lə-wəd\ Definition of HALLOWED 1: holy, consecrated <the church stands on hallowed ground> 2: sacred, revered <the university's hallowed halls> <hallowed customs> See hallowed defined for English-language learners » GOD'S NAME IS PROFANED... If you are impatient or in a hurry this is not for you... but if you really want to understand why you and I were given this wonderful New Covenant/Testament by God - take a few precious minutes, and discover how important God views "honoring" His' name. IT IS A BIG DEAL! Ezekiel 36:16-21 (NKJV) The Renewal of Israel 16 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds; to Me their way was like the uncleanness of a woman in her customary impurity. 18 Therefore I poured out My fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it. 19 So I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed throughout the countries; I judged them according to their ways and their deeds. 20 When they came to the nations, wherever they went, they profaned My holy name—when they said of them, ‘These are the people of the Lord, and yet they have gone out of His land.’ 21 But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations wherever they went. (my emphasis) ![]() A "NEW HEART & A NEW SPIRIT" Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. We find that God states emphatically, 3 times - that He is going to put an end to this trampling of His' holy name by His' people among the nations where they were scattered... and the solution will be drastic and thorough - from the inside out: A NEW COVENANT! And here is the kicker: IT WON'T BE FOR OUR SAKES, IT WILL BE FOR HIS' HOLY NAME SAKE!! I repeat, God gave us the New Covenant so His' holy name would be HONORED/HALLOWED. The Lord is quick to point out that it is not for "our sakes", but for His holy name's sake - that He has given a New Covenant to His people... read it for yourself. Ezekiel 36:22-27 Amplified Bible (AMP) 22. Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: I do not do this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations to which you went. (emphasis mine) 23And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name and separate it for its holy purpose from all that defiles it--My name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them--and the nations will know, understand, and realize that I am the Lord [the Sovereign Ruler, Who calls forth loyalty and obedient service], when I shall be set apart by you and My holiness vindicated in you before their eyes and yours. 24. For I will [a]take you from among the nations and gather you out of all countries and bring you into your own land. 25. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness; and from all your idols will I cleanse you. 26.A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall heed My ordinances and do them. A "HEAVENLY ASSIST" What the law/Old Covenant could not do, never do - was enable us to consistently honor and glorify God's name in the earth. That dear friends was all about to end. Jesus was coming to establish a better covenant, based upon "better promises"... Now we would all be rendered "excuse less" - we now have been given everything we need to "do the will of God" - to walk in holiness and revere and honor God's holy name as He intended from the beginning. Let us realize that while it was love that sent Jesus to the cross to die for our sins, it was anger, yes I said anger that moved God to initiate and establish what we now call: THE NEW COVENANT. God does not take lightly those who claim to be His' people and then live unholy and ungodly lives before others... NO SMALL MATTER FRIENDS. It was God's holy fury that drove Him to expel the people of Israel throughout the nations - and it was God' righteous anger that drove Him to provide the "heavenly assist" they would need if they were to truly live holy lives... Thank God this was for us as well. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” The Lord knows those who "honor" His' holy name by godly lives, and those who are mere pretenders or hypocrites... we show we are Christians truly when our lives and conduct bring honor to God's holy name... Let us all honor Jesus by living holy lives that show forth His' love and holy character... Final Thoughts... yes God so loved the world that He gave Jesus for all of us, to die for us. But, as the scriptures declare "honoring His' name" is at the very heart of "why" we have been given the New Covenant. Without it we would be trampling God's holy name in the mud, and taking ourselves to hell in the process. You see, by saving us, God not only "saves His' name from being disgraced and dishonored; but God also allows us to honor His' name through what Christ has done for us. Now we can glorify God's name in all the earth and "hallow" God's name as Jesus taught us... Let us live to bring "honor" to God, to His' holy name, and to the name of His' son, Jesus Christ. Blessings to all/michael/fool4CHRIST ![]() Mt. 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and Have you ever wondered what a soul is worth? Not to you, or anyone down here on our planet, not the devil, but God? I do, it is something that I've thought about off and on quite a bit... I hope the above scripture from the bible, which are the words of Jesus Christ answers this question, or at least sheds some light on how much we are worth to God. Before we examine what God has to say about our “souls” worth; let us first look at what our body is worth in and of itself... Ask me, and I'll give you a price that only a few people could afford to pay me for my body, really! Bill Gates comes to mind, or the world renown investment tycoon, Warren Buffet – they just might be able to pay me what I think I'm worth... lol. But, getting serious, if we are to truly be objective; let us look at what experts in these kind of things have to say about what a human body is worth in today's economy. * When we total the monetary value of the elements in our bodies and the value of the average person's skin, we arrive at a net worth of $4.50! This value is, however, subject to change, due to stock market fluctuations. Since the studies leading to this conclusion were conducted by the U.S. and by Japan respectively, it might be wise to consult the New York Stock Exchange and the Nikkei Index before deciding when to sell! The U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils invested many a hard-earned tax dollar in calculating the chemical and mineral composition of the human body, which breaks down as follows: 65% Oxygen , 8% Carbon , 10% Hydrogen , 3% Nitrogen , 1.5% Calcium, 1% Phosphorous, 0.35% Potassium , 0.25% Sulfur , 0.15% Sodium, Additionally, it was discovered that our bodies contain trace quantities of fluorine, silicon, manganese, zinc, copper, aluminum, and arsenic. Together, all of the above amounts to less than one dollar! Our most valuable asset is our skin, which the Japanese invested their time and money in measuring. The method the Imperial State Institute for Nutrition at Tokyo developed for measuring the amount of a person's skin is to take a naked person, and to apply a strong, thin paper to every surface of his body. After the paper dries, they carefully remove it, cut it into small pieces, and painstakingly total the person's measurements. Cut and dried, the average person is the proud owner of fourteen to eighteen square feet of skin, with the variables in this figure being height, weight, and breast size. Basing the skin's value on the selling price of cowhide, which is approximately $.25 per square foot, the value of an average person's skin is about $3.50. To be perfectly honest, only God really knows the answer to that... really. But, having said that, there are some clear indica- tions from the scriptures as to what a "soul" is worth. We know that as a collective, that meaning as the entire human race is concerned, God thought we (at least as a whole), were worth sending His' beloved son, Jesus to die for us. And, not just die, we are talking about the most horrific and gruesome of deaths imaginable to be sure. That is quite clear from to many scriptures for me to list in this short email. Perhaps the most quoted and beloved of all the bible is this familiar passage which reminds us all of what we are worth in God's estimation: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Rom.8:31-32 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32.He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Also, we find in the Old Testament that God derives no pleasure in the death of the wicked - He has done everything in His' power to prevent the lost from going to hell... Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ The above passages from the scriptures, reveal an obvious truth: We were worth having the Father send His' own son, Jesus – to die the most horrible and cruel death imaginable. And if there were any other way of atoning for our sins, for paying the price to redeem mankind – other than Jesus having to go to the cross – it would have happened. MT.26: 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” JESUS - REVEALS OUR WORTH... Matthew 16:25-26 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (emphasis mine) Here lies the "key" to understanding what Jesus considers our soul to be worth, or at least a good idea for us to grasp. Jesus is talking about "saving our soul" - or in His' words "finding it". Interesting way of putting it, is it not? Have you ever found yourself in trouble? Or in a bad way? Or have you found yourself in need of a Savior? That is what He is talking about here friends... Now, Jesus goes on to tell us further in explaining what our "life" or soul is worth, that even if we were to gain the entire world(that is beyond our human capacity to fathom), what would it really matter if in the end you were to find yourself in hell - and without God or hope of any kind for all eternity? He goes on to tell ask us this simple yet profound question that really reveals the true worth of our "soul" or life in the eyes of God: WHAT WILL A PERSON GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR THEIR' SOUL? Put in a way we can all understand, Jesus is asking this question, "What will a person be able to give God to keep them out of hell?" or put still another way: WHAT CAN WE POSSIBLY GIVE GOD THAT WILL CONVINCE HIM TO LET US INTO HEAVEN WITHOUT JESUS? the answer: NOTHING! FINAL THOUGHTS... The devil thinks a soul is worth fighting for. He will do almost anything to take one soul to hell... that is his' game. God thinks a soul is worth enough to send His' very own son to die for us - you and me. That is beyond anything I can understand , but I believe it is so. What do you think a soul is worth? That person you work next to everyday? That person you despise because they rub you the wrong way? Remember, every soul is precious to God, and when you look at a human being created in God's image, just remember how valuable he or she is to God. That will serve you well in all your' relationships. I close with the following story: GOD'S GLORY REVEALED A man died and went to heaven. He was escorted through the corridors of heaven, and was shown the glory and splendor of heaven and was speechless. He finally turned to the angel showing him around and said, "Will you show me the glory of God?" The angel smiled, and said, "Surely, follow me". As they walked along, the man saw the heavenly city and the mansions and the streets of gold, and he turned to the angel and asked, "Is this God's glory". The angel just smiled and continued on. The man then saw thousands upon thousands of angels singing and praising God with shouts of joy and loud hallelujahs. Again, the man asked the angel, "Is this God's glory?". The angel seemed to ignore the man, and just walked on. Finally, after a short journey, they stopped - There in front of the man was a sea of people, men and women, boys and girls all dressed in white robes as far as the eye could see... He could see smiling faces filled with joy, and he saw them singing and with hands raised singing: Blessing, and honor, and glory and power be to Him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb Who was slain before the foundation of the earth. (Rev. 5:13) The angel stopped, and looked at the man, who was now staring in utter amazement and wonder at the sight of this sea of humanity before him, and said, “Dear soul, this you see before you, THIS IS THE GLORY OF GOD.” Of all God's riches, possessions - His' glory - nothing is more valuable to him than you and I. That should cause you and me to stop, and thank God for the unspeakable gift of His son, Jesus to all of us. EPH. 1: 11-12 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. THE END This short story, is just one of many stories God allowed me to share with readers in my first book, PEARLS of WISDOM. I hope you enjoyed the small pearl of wisdom contained in this amusing, yet inspiring story. You may read more of these stories, and other things God gave me to write about by simply going to Amazon.com. The book is available in paperback or in a Kindle format... Thanks for stopping by/Michael D'Aigle Just type in: Pearls of Wisdom/Michael D'Aigle ![]() Through the centuries, many renown artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo DaVinci, and Rembrandt, just to name a few have attempted to paint how Jesus might have looked... soft features and long flowing hair, often with delicate features, others depicting Jesus as a rough, rugged carpenter from the town of Nazareth. Every culture has a picture or image that seems to shape and conform "their image" of Jesus to their race, culture, and ethnic background - a black Jesus, a white Jesus, Chinese, Indian, Hispanic; almost every conceivable portrait or image of Jesus imaginable. It is only fitting and reasonable to understand how everyone wants to "paint Jesus" through the lens of their own culture, race, background, as well as their own preferences and interpretation of how Jesus probably looked. I say probably, because as any bible scholar well knows, the bible has very little to say about "how Jesus really looked"; at least not in terms that an artist or sculptor could use as a blue- print or schematic for drawing or painting Jesus with any degree of accuracy or certainty. What color were Jesus' eyes? Hair? Was He a big man, or was He thin and of sleight build? These questions, and thousands of others like it are not found in the pages of scripture; in fact; the silence is deafening! The glaring absence of detail concerning the outward appear- ance of Jesus Christ throughout the bible should cause any serious student of the bible, any Christian for that matter to ask the obvious question: Why is the bible silent on the details of how Jesus looked? Why did the apostles, Peter, James, and John; who knew Christ so intimately not mention the way Jesus looked? Why is the bible silent on such an obvious matter as to "how Jesus looked"? There may be more than one reason(there usually is), but if we believe the bible is the "inspired word of God"; than we may rightly conclude that whatever the reason - it was by design, and no accident. Could it be that our Heavenly Father in His' sublime wisdom knew that it was in our best interests, to keep the details and specifics surrounding Jesus' outward appearance out of the Bible? Knowing that God is the true author of the Holy Bible, we may answer in the affirmative; but that still doesn't answer the real question of "why God deliberately chose to leave Christ's physical appearance as a mystery and enigma for those of us who would eventually read and study the works and life of Christ through the pages of the Bible. Adding to this riddle concerning Jesus appearance is the fact that no secular or historical records exist which would shed light on how Christ really looked... mere coincidence? I think not. How is it that the most influential and written about person of all time could leave so little evidence or clues as to what He looked like? Surely, if God had desired, we would know exactly how Jesus looked, in minute detail - down to His' height, weight, and shoe size. Clearly, God thought such particulars were not necessary for us to be privy to; and again we must ask ourselves the obvious Why did God leave the details of “what Jesus looked like” out of the scriptures - out of the archives and pages of recorded history? I offer you the reader, the following explanation as to "why" God would leave us to wonder and try to "imagine" what Jesus looked like... keep in mind, this is only my opinion; but I think it makes sense - and will let you the reader decide. Simply stated, I believe that had God left us with a vivid, description of how Jesus really looked; from His' classic Jewish features(the nose, olive skin, etc), to His' hair color and length; along with a myriad of other human characteristics; the inevitable would follow: As surely as day follows night: the rush to "look like" Jesus would sweep through the Church faster than you can say, " I want to be like Jesus". Yes, dear friends we are that carnal, that quick to take the path of least resistance... hey, "looking like Jesus" has got to be easier than "acting like Jesus"... right? And while many denominations and churches today have tried to figure out "how" Jesus would dress and look today(man's idea of holiness); the results are just another example of "modern day Pharisism". As silly as it may sound, if we knew what Jesus looked like, many of us would do anything and everything to look just like Him! Can't you just see thousands, no - millions of Christians running to and fro like clones or mirror images of the King... Yes, looking like Jesus would replace the goal of "being and acting like Jesus"! Most would agree that acting like Christ, being gentle, kind, loving, compassionate,etc; is far more important than trying to look like Jesus, even if we did know what He really looked like (which we don't). So it is no small wonder that God in His' loving providence saw fit to spare us the problems we humans would be faced with if given the choice between looking like Jesus, or acting like Him. God chose to give us a picture of Himself through the person of Christ that demonstrated His holy divine attributes and char- acter... but, disallowed the details of how He looked while here as a man among men. God's deliberate portrayal of Jesus in terms of His' divine nature and holy character, while leaving us few clues as to how He looked after the flesh was for our own good. The way Jesus acted was the picture God left us with... God wants us to act holy, and to be holy, to be like Him in every way... to be conformed to His very image. Looking like God is an impossibility, a foolish and unobtainable thing for any of us to achieve; ah - but acting or being like Him, well God has made that possible. We may never truly know this side of Heaven what God actually looks like, until we see Jesus face to face in glory, but we can "see" God through the eyes of faith, and see Him in our brothers and sisters in Christ! Hallelujah... Amen. The greatest compliment you can pay another Christian is to tell them that you "see Jesus in them". Let us remember the words of Paul the apostle to the To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 Something to consider... One day while I was driving in my truck, I noticed a bumper sticker on the vehicle directly in front of me; I pulled up close so I could read the message - it had these words: I don't have a problem with Christianity, it's Christians I can't stand! It hit me like a ton of bricks... I had to admit that there was a lot of truth to that simple, yet biting message about Christians. I have often said that, "A bad testimony is worse than no testimony!" The painful truth is that many of us who claim to be Christians, really shouldn't be carrying that Jesus banner so high, if our walk is so low... we're not talking about perfection here friends - I'm just saying Christians should "walk the talk", and live our lives above reproach. There is another bumper sticker that reads: I'm not perfect, just forgiven! I agree wholeheartedly... but, that is no excuse for those who refuse to live holy lives, who live "like the devil", and yet claim to be Christians. There is something wrong with that picture friends, and there isn't a bumper sticker or slogan in the world that can justify or defend such ungodly behavior. As Christians we are called to follow Christ, to be Christlike; and while we may stumble and even fall at times in our journey, we are always to be striving and pressing toward the mark - that is to be like Jesus in every way. Perhaps the greatest compliment we can ever receive, is simply having someone tell us, "I see Jesus in you"... For the world "looking like Christ" is not about how we look on the outside, our hair length, or what Bible translation we may use(the Church debates these issues); but rather how we act towards them, our love, compassion, kindness - in a word: our "character". In the end, the most important question we as Christians should be asking is not " Do I look like Jesus”, but rather this: “Do people see Jesus in me?” When the world looks at the Church, at Christians - they should see Jesus, which only makes sense when you think about it... after all, we are His' body. THE END ![]() This short story, is just one of many stories God allowed me to share with readers in my first book, PEARLS of WISDOM. I hope you enjoyed the small pearl of wisdom contained in this amusing, yet inspiring story. You may read more of these stories, and other things God gave me to write about by simply going to Amazon.com. The book is available in paperback or in a Kindle format... Thanks for stopping by/Michael D'Aigle Just type in: Pearls of Wisdom/Michael D'Aigle ![]() A Professor of Philosophy, at a small town Midwest community college; put forth the following assignment to his students just prior to their start of Spring break. "Class, in 1500 words or less, please answer the following question: "What is the worst thing that can happen to a person? " He went on to say, " Please defend your position with credible examples,and a reasonable defense to support your thesis." The students, were expected to have the assignment finished, and on the professor's desk upon their return from Spring break. After returning from Spring break, the professor began the lengthy and arduous task of reading and grading the student's papers. The professor was amused, astonished, and in a few cases aghast at the horrible and unspeakable stories presented by his students. As one might expect, he read of ghastly accounts of torture(being skinned alive, electrocuted and beaten to death, raped(every possible scenario), and other loathsome descriptions of various human suffering that each student felt was in their minds: The "worst" possible thing that could happen to a person. Having to watch your family murdered right before your very eyes, being forced to destroy a whole bus full of people by blowing it up, and one student's gory depiction of being eaten alive by insects , with only your head being exposed above the hot desert sand... On and on, the professor read with disgust and ever growing disdain, the detailed and gruesome stories of "worst case" scenarios. The professor was looking forward to the end of this assignment, it was turning out to be a very unpleasant task... and thankfully, he was almost finished . He only had three papers left to review. The professor waded through the first two papers, and breathed a deep sigh of relief as he eyed the last paper he would have to read... he winced as he noticed the name at the top of the paper; Mary Harding, the one student the professor truly disliked. Mary was a devout, uncompromising Christian, who openly challenged the professor, whenever he began to promote his "atheistic" and "humanistic" beliefs in the classroom. What really irked the professor, is that Mary was a true intellectual, and was more than a match for his intimidating assaults on religion, but especially - Christianity. On more than one occasion, he had been embarrassed by Mary's forceful display of history, religion, and philosophy; he had to admit - Mary was probably the smartest student he had ever seen... this only made him disdain her all the more. To say the professor was curious as to how Mary would answer this question, would be a gross understatement - he hesitated for a brief time, and then quickly turned the cover page to read the following ... There in the middle of the page were these words in large bold type: “TO DIE IN YOUR SINS” The professor was flooded with a sea of emotions... anger, amazement, bewilderment - how dare Mary make such a radical assertion! Of all the answers the professor had read, he was not prepared for this. Cursing aloud, and jumping to his feet, the professor tossed Mary's paper into the air, and screamed, "Mary - this time you've crossed the line!!!" The professor refused to read Mary's paper any further, his seething anger now a boiling rage; he sat at his desk and just stared at the wall mumbling: "How dare she... how dare she... how dare she..." As is the case with human curiosity, it got the best of the professor, and within days he decided he would quickly skim through Mary's paper - if for no other reason than to ridicule and discredit her "religious fanaticism" - make no mistake, this is one paper that the professor intended to fill with red ink . Mary's paper would receive the full wrath of the professor, and she would pay for her obvious desire to once again push her religious dogma on the world - her fate was all but certain. Turning his attention once again to Mary's paper, the professor was surprised to find that there wert only a few paragraphs for him to read... and much to his displeasure - they weren't even Mary's words, they were "scriptures" from the bible. There below the bold type: TO DIE IN ONE'S SINS, were three passages that the professor slowly began to read aloud: JOHN 8:23-24/Jesus speaking - And He said to them, " You are from beneath; I am from above, You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. " (NKJ) JOHN 3:13-18/Jesus speaking - No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. REV 20:11-14/John the Apostle speaking - Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades deliver- ed up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Then the professor lowered his eyes slowly and began to read Mary's closing statement: "It is clearly evident from the words of Jesus Christ, and other Bible passages, that the worst thing that can happen to a person is - to die in their sins! " Any person who rejects God's free gift of eternal life, offered to all who will put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior - is doomed to an eternity in Hell - banished forever from the presence of God. And while it is true, there are a myriad of various torments and suffering that human beings can experience while here on earth... they simply cannot compare with the unspeakable horrors and anguish that await those who reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and choose rather to die in their sins. Really, what could be worse than that? The professor was speechless, numb, and just sat at his desk staring down at Mary's paper - stone faced - showing no emotion... The professor disagreed with every facet of Mary's thesis, but was left with no other choice than to do what his conscience was telling him he must do. With great reluctance, the professor slowly reached for his black pen, paused for what seemed like an eternity - and put an A in the upper right hand corner of Mary's paper. This was one paper that he would never forget. the end ![]() This short story, is just one of many stories God allowed me to share with readers in my first book, PEARLS of WISDOM. I hope you enjoyed the small pearl of wisdom contained in this amusing, yet inspiring story. You may read more of these stories, and other things God gave me to write about by simply going to Amazon.com. The book is available in paperback or in a Kindle format... Just type in: Pearls of Wisdom/Michael D'Aigle ![]() Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, Has he removed our transgressions from us. There was a man who went to a certain church where he was not really appreciated. He was thought to be someone who was a little strange - a little "off" in the things he did and experienced. He told the men in his congregation, that he was having dreams each night, and in his' dreams Jesus would come and meet with him, and talk to him. This irked the men he had fellow-shipped with, and they doubted these so called "dreams" of his, and did not really take him seriously... the man's name who was having these dreams, was Frank. It bothered one of the elders so much, that he decided to put an end to the endless stories and testimonies of this man claiming to have "dreams" from God - where Jesus actually appeared to him. This man's name was Lester. He set up a plan to expose this man, and to humiliate him. His' hope was that when he was through with this man and his' silly dreams - he would never again boast or bring up such nonsense ever again. The next time he ran into Frank, he would put an end to these foolish dreams that no one really believed anyway - and set this man back unto solid ground. Dreams, visions, miracles, signs & wonders - all are fine in there place, but today we have the complete bible now - I MEAN - WE DON'T NEED THAT KIND OF THING ANYMORE!!! Frank's private revelations were going to come to an end, and soon. Sure enough, at midweek's service, there was Frank, the "dreamer"... and once again, he began to share how he had dreamed again, and in his' dream Jesus had come to him and talked with him. That was it. Lester, jumped to his' feet and walked slowly over to Frank, and with his face only inches away from his - began to question Frank about this latest dream of his. Finally, after being frustrated by the calm and measured answers from Frank to every question - He had had enough! Okay, Mr. spiritual - if you really are having dreams where Jesus comes to you, than next time you have a dream where you see Jesus ask Him something for me would you? With a smile on his' face, Frank just nodded in the affirmative... "What is the question?", Frank asked Lester. When you see Jesus, ask Him this: "When I asked You to forgive me of my sins last time I came to You Lord, what sins did I ask You to forgive me for?" Frank, gently nodded, and softly replied, "I will do just that Lester" That was the end of that, at least for the time being. They didn't bring up the subject of dreams again until the next time they saw each other. A week later, they were in church again, and Lester could hardly constrain himself, he finally went over to Frank and said in a loud voice for all to hear, "Well, Mr. Dreamer - did you have another dream where Jesus came to you?" With everyone in the sanctuary, as quiet as church mice, Frank smiled and said, "Yep, sure did". Well then, Lester motioned up and down with his' hands, "Let's have it, let's hear the great one, share his' latest dream or vision, whatever... with every head now focused on Frank. Lester broke the silence with this quip, "So did you ask Jesus what I asked you to ask him?" "Did you ask Him what sins I asked Him to forgive me for, the last time I came to Him for forgiveness?" After a moment of silence, Frank slowly answered Lester, and all who were now listening intently: "Yes, Lester - I asked Jesus that. Well then, Lester now becoming indignant and impatient - demanding Frank to get on with it, "Tell me now, tell all of us Frank - what did Jesus tell you - what was His' response to my question?" Frank looked Lester square in the eyes, and then at all those staring at him, and opened his' mouth and quietly said these words: When I asked the Lord what sins He forgave you when you last asked Him to forgive you, He shrugged His' shoulders, and told me, "I don't remember". With a few tears in some of the mens' eyes, there was not another word said that evening. There wasn't even a sermon, a song, or a prayer. God had delivered a message that to this day they have never forgotten... Now the question is, will you? Psalm 103:8-12 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Our past sins, that we have repented of, that we have asked God to forgive us of, are gone forever! Under this New Covenant, the blood of Jesus Christ, that was shed for the remission of our sins and iniquities, is sufficient to cleanse us completely, thoroughly, from top to bottom, from the inside - out. PRAISE GOD! The reason Jesus came was to take care of our sin problem once and for all... I leave you the reader with my favorite scripture on the subject of sin, I pray you find deliverance and freedom in the truth it contains: 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. The blood of animals could never take away our sins, or cleanse our conscience... we are privileged to live under this New Covenant - where the blood of Jesus washes away ALL OUR SINS. Take a few moments to examine yourself, and if you have anything that needs to be removed, forgiven or cleansed... Simply ask Jesus to forgive you, and HE WILL. Ask God to give you a hatred for the things He hates, and HE WILL. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to turn your eyes away from looking upon things that are evil, from listening to things that God hates. HE WILL. Remember – sins forgiven – are remembered no more! Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” I WILL SEPARATE YOU FROM YOUR SIN, AS FAR AS THE EAST is to the WEST - GOD * note – this story was taken from a sermon I heard in church by Pastor Kevin Harbin, it is a “modern day parable” - author unknown...
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