Month: March 2015

We Are Falling Behind


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The God that I serve is the Creator, Almighty and All-knowing. He made us out of the dust. He made a whole nation out of one old man and his wife Sarah. He delivered Israel out of the hands of Egypt, who was the most powerful nation at the time. He gave us the example of countless men and women in the Bible as throughout history they did great and might things in His name. Do you agree that there is nothing impossible for God?

 Poor Black

My heart is broken as I see our children falling behind in education; even scoring last in some categories. No other nation spends more money in education, but where are the results? My heart is greatly broken as I see my own people, Blacks and Hispanics, falling even further.

We as Hispanics and Blacks are still the minority, however, when it comes down to poverty, in every single state, we are the first or second, without exception.

Why is that? Why such awful statistics? I can hear many blaming racism; but I can’t blame racism; why? Because, even as racism does exist, we already established at the beginning of this article the greatness and unlimited power of God.

Beloved, our issue is an issue of laziness; we continue waiting on the government or others to do for us, what God can do through us.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 10:4, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (NIV) Our children are wasting their times on their phones texting all day long and submerging in social media. They are reading, but they are reading foolishness; vampires, fornication, demonism, designed to destroy them. Proverbs 6:9-11 tells us,

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?

When will you get up from your sleep?

 

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest—

and poverty will come on you like a thief

and scarcity like an armed man. (NIV)

You may say, well Angel that is Old Testament Stuff. If you are thinking that way that means that you obviously missed 2 Thessalonians 3:10,

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (NKJV)

The Bible tells us that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, (Hebrews 13:8), that means that His power is as available today as it was during the times of the Creation, during the times of Abraham, David and many others.

Poverty is destroying our society. Proverbs 18:9 tell us, “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.”

Beloved, do you believe God? He tells us in Jeremiah 28:11, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (NKJV) This verse applies to us to, my dear black and Hispanic Brother.

I am calling Christians to get ahead; we have no excuse, we have the Almighty God on our side!!!!!

 

 

El Final de las Denominaciones


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¡La Iglesia es una! La Iglesia Católica no se encuentra en la Biblia, tampoco la Bautista, Metodista, Presbiteriana, Pentecostal o ningún otro invento de hombre. La Iglesia primitiva no tenía nombre, ni tampoco buscaba nombre.

En Antioquía fue el primer lugar en donde fuimos reconocidos como Cristianos. Mas no se hizo en forma de reconocimiento positivo y respetuoso como tal. Por el contrario, se nos dio ese nombre en forma de burla.

La Iglesia de Cristo es real y poderosa, mas nunca fue ni será la voluntad de Dios que sigamos con estas divisiones. De igual manera, tampoco es la voluntad de Dios que nos unamos bajo falsas doctrinas. Recalco que hay unidades que no son de Dios, sino del diablo.

Las Iglesias primitivas eran establecidas por los Apóstoles bajo la simpleza del nombre de las ciudades en donde dichos grupos se reunían. Esos nombres no eran de importancia, eran simplemente puntos de referencia, ya que ellos reconocían el nombre que está por encima de todos los nombres, ese es, por si no lo sabes, el nombre de Jesús (Filipenses 2:9).

En su carta a Romanos, Pablo nos dice, “a todos los que estáis en Roma, amados de Dios, llamados a ser santos…” Romanos 1:7 (Reina Valera 1960).

Cuando se refirió a Corintios, Pablo nos dice, “a la iglesia de Dios que está en Corinto, a los santificados en Cristo Jesús, llamados a ser santos con todos los que en cualquier lugar invocan el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo…” 1 Corintios 1:2 (RVR 1960)

En Gálatas se refirió “…A las Iglesias de Galacia” (Gàlatas 1:2) En Efesios 1:1 Pablo los llama, “A los santos que están en Éfeso.” En Filipenses, Colosenses y Tesalonicenses, vemos el mismo patrón sin excepción.

La Biblia es nuestra guía, es la verdad absoluta y el único libro con completa autoridad divina. Es nuestro trabajo como Cristianos el seguir esa Palabra con la ayuda de Dios. No es que seamos perfectos, pero buscamos, de corazón, el seguir la Palabra. En Juan 17:20-23 Cristo oró en presencia de sus discípulos y dijo,

20 Mas no ruego solamente por éstos, sino también por los que han de creer en mí por la palabra de ellos,

21 para que todos sean uno; como tú, oh Padre, en mí, y yo en ti, que también ellos sean uno en nosotros; para que el mundo crea que tú me enviaste.

22 La gloria que me diste, yo les he dado, para que sean uno, así como nosotros somos uno.

23 Yo en ellos, y tú en mí, para que sean perfectos en unidad, para que el mundo conozca que tú me enviaste, y que los has amado a ellos como también a mí me has amado. (RVR 1960

La unidad del Cuerpo de Cristo no es una recomendación, es un mandato que arde fuertemente en el corazón de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Estas palabras fueron dichas por Jesús momentos antes de ser arrestado y luego crucificado. Son palabras con mucho peso profético y emotivo. Estamos llamados a,

  1. Ser perfectos en unidad: Esto solo puede pasar con almas salvas por Jesús y con la sana doctrina por la cuál los Apóstoles dieron sus vidas.
  2. A hacer obvio el hecho de que le pertenecemos a Jesús: El mundo está confuso, muchos saben que algo les falta, pero ellos no saben que. El mundo no sabe quienes son enviados por Dios, en otras Palabra, quienes son los verdaderos Cristianos, debido a la división en el Cuerpo de Cristo.
  3. A enseñarles, comunicarles y demostrarles al mundo la simpleza de la revelación de que Dios nos ama a todos: He escuchado muchas veces que el mundo no tiene tantos problemas con Dios, el problema principal es el dios que, nosotros la Iglesia, le hemos proyectado al mundo.

Concluyo que ninguna denominación cambiará de adentro para afuera. Por el contrario, las denominaciones se están poniendo peores. Escuchamos en estos días que la denominación Presbiteriana más grande de los Estados Unidos, enmendó su constitución para permitirse el casar a los homosexuales. La famosa denominación Pentecostal, “Church of God In Christ”, rechaza abiertamente el ministerio Apostólico y los sustituye por Obispos y rechaza también el ministerio profético. Como éstos hay muchos ejemplos más.

El cambio solo viene mediante la búsqueda de la verdad. Esa verdad solo viene de Cristo. A través de la historia de la Iglesia muchos hombre y denominaciones han divulgado sus versiones de la verdad; pero no me interesan las versiones de la verdad de hombres, me interesa la verdad de Cristo, firmemente establecida en su Palabra. No en doctrinas de hombres, no en prestigiosos seminarios, no porque lo dijo este o este otro doctor, no porque esta denominación clama estar conectada desde los tiempos de Pedro, o con este o este otro avivamiento, mas porque es confirmada en la preciosa Palabra de Dios. Yo veo, en el nombre de Jesús , que el día llegará cuando veremos el final de todas las denominaciones y veremos a Jesús retornar por una novia pura y perfecta en la doctrina del amor.

 

About the Apostles’ Creed


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The original Apostles were not perfect men; however they were the only men that gave us perfect doctrine. It is not clear who wrote the Apostles’ Creed and when exactly the Apostle’s Creed was written; however, it is clear that, from the beginning, 1) Christian doctrine was under attack, 2) There was a need to teach foundational doctrine, and 3) A creed or creed-like statement was written to point out the foundation of the apostolic teachings.

In 1 Corinthians 15:12-14 Paul is dealing with the foundational issue of our faith, “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” (NKJV) This demonic doctrine of denying Jesus’ resurrection was taught in churches. Can you believe that?

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-7 we see aspects of what could be considered a creed. In verse 3 specifically Paul stated, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received…” From here all the way to verse 7, these verses indeed have creed-like characteristics.

“…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 by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 (NKJV)

 

The Apostles’ Creed

(About 50 years after the completion of the New Testament)

  1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
  2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
  3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
  4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
  5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
  6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
  7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
  8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
  9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
  10. The forgiveness of sins:

1l. The resurrection of the body:

  1. And the life everlasting. Amen.

I am sure that, for a protestant, everything on this creed looks Biblically sound, however, the mention of the “catholic church” could lead to disagreement. However, the term “Catholic” simply means “Universal”. The first person to use this term was a Bishop by the name of Ignatius of Antioch. Ignatius was a direct disciple of the Apostle John and the third Bishop of Antioch. Ignatius was not referring to a denomination. At that time, one hundred or so years after Christ, there was still one church. It was indeed his desire to keep it that way. Obviously, his letters, the creeds and everything else that have happened through church history were not enough to keep us as one.

We should not be following denominations and doctrines of men; we should be following the truth. I conclude that regardless of who wrote the creed and regardless of all the details we do not know, the creed is Biblically sound; it is indeed a powerful list of our belief as Christians.

 

The Cancer of Dependency


disable man

Many people will love and care for you. Some may even love you more than you love yourself. A good example of this love is the love that we get from our mothers. However, No one, not even our moms, can care for us or help us beyond the level we care and help ourselves.

We all need help at one point or another, but make no mistake about it; God created us with the healthy ability of providing for ourselves. Ultimately, we must remember, He is our provider.

If you are one who finds pleasure in being dependent and do not want to seek the freedom of doing things on your own; you have a moral cancer that will eventually destroy you and the society around you. You may say, what about the disabled and the elderly? Some are doing extraordinary things without arms, without legs and even without the ability to speak or see.

Laziness and dependency is that cancer that is deteriorating the morals that sustained our elders and the morals and job-ethics that at one point made us great! It is a sad day when people define how good or bad things are based on what they can or cannot get from the government. This is my advice for you,

  • Highschooler, are you a hardworking person? Are you good with your hands, then expand in your vocational training.
  • Are you an entrepreneur? Get a business degree, study and grow in your skill.
  • Are you intellectually smart? A Bachelor’s Degree is not enough; go for your Masters. Perhaps, believe God for your Doctoral Degree.
  • Can’t find a job in your town…MOVE!

Trust God and He will guide you and give you true prosperity!

Watch this video so can see a kid with only one leg doing extraordinary things, https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152574499456451&set=vb.70101646450&type=2&theater

Leviticus? Yes, Leviticus Part V


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“Symbolisms of The Grain Offering, Dealing With the Yeast”

It is important to remember that in the Old Testament the Levites were specifically assigned as priest. However, in the New Testament we are all priests. First Peter 2:9-10 tells us,

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (NKJV)

 

The first symbolism that we see here is that with this offering we are the priests who will enjoy a meal with the Lord. However, that meal will take place on His terms and not ours. There are many symbolisms here, many that perhaps I am not qualify at the time to explain, but there are some that are obvious and insightful.

The grain offering was presented in three possible ways,

  • Baked (Leviticus 2:4)
  • On a Griddle (Grill) (Leviticus 2:5)
  • On a Pan (Leviticus 2:7)

Again, no matter what your financial situation may be, God was open for everybody to present his offerings. The grain was to be presented without yeast (Leviticus 2:4) and without honey (Leviticus 2:11)

The yeast symbolizes many things. Amongst these symbolism the most commons are:

  • False Teachings (Matthew 16:6-12)
  • Hypocrisy (Luke 12:1)
  • Pride and immorality (Galatians 5:9)

To make the connection of yeast/leaven with evil it is not difficult, it very clear through Scripture. So we must understand that the Grain Offering is teaching us that we most make sure that we allow God to burn false teachings out of our brain.

Do not follow denominations so blindly that you forget about the yeast of false teachings. Your offering will not be accepted that way. Many of us know that much of what is coming out of the pulpits of America today is filled with terrible doctrine. But we say nothing about it and we continue to support such foolishness.

We do not have any excuse; if you are a born again Christian you have the Holy Ghost in the inside of you and He is teaching you Himself (John 14:26). That is not for you to be an island and reject the teaching ministries in the church, but is for you to have a supernatural mechanism to know that certain teachings are not right and you most get rid of such.

Nothing makes Jesus more upset than hypocrisy. Beloved, we most be honest before the Lord. He already knows EVERYTHING about us. That realization that He knows everything will also help us to get rid of any pride in us. We are nothing without God. The only good thing in you and in me is GOD.

Immorality is rampant in our churches today; everybody is following their feelings, picking and choosing what to respect out of the Bible. It seems like today’s days the only thing important is what you can get from the Lord. Nobody wants to talk about sin for fear of offending. The politically correct spirit has taken over our society and our churches and, it is common for preachers to imply that there is other ways of making it to heaven.

What about the honey?

To be continued…

Leviticus? Yes, Leviticus Part IV


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“Introduction to The Grain Offering”

I believe that, indeed, the first mistake we make when approaching Leviticus is to think that nothing in this book is applicable to us today. The only thing that is not applicable is the fact that we do not have to sacrifice animals, bring any special food before the Lord or follow laws that were specific of those days. I am speaking mostly, of the sanitary laws. However, this book is significant, crucial and meaningful in our pursue of growing in our knowledge of Christ.

The second mistake that we make when approaching Leviticus is to simply generalize and state, “Well, all of these offerings point to Jesus.” Even as the statement is true, it becomes a lazy justification for us not going any deeper in the study of this fascinating book. 2 Peter 3:17-18 tells us,

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (NKJV)

We are called to grow in grace, but also to grow in our knowledge of Christ Jesus. That knowledge will come by super natural revelation, but also by taking the time to study and showing ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15)

These sacrifices are mention all through the Old Testament and, if you look closely, you will quickly notice that Leviticus is not ignored in the New Testament either. As a matter of fact, there are constant references to Leviticus.

 Introduction

As we enter the discussion on the Grain Offering, I quickly realize that there is so much to understand here. Honestly, there is so much I don’t understand yet. I feel like I have been closing my eyes to something I should have looked at, long time ago.

The Grain Offering was described as a memorial, as an aroma pleasing to the Lord and as most holy. It is not to be taken lightly. Leviticus 2:1-3 tells us,

‘When anyone offers a grain offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it. 2 He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense. And the priest shall burn it as a memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord. 3 The rest of the grain offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is most holy of the offerings to the Lord made by fire. (NKJV)

 Purpose of the Grain Offering

A memorial is basically something that has been established with the intentions of being remembered for generations to come.  It is fair to say that every time somebody presented this offering before the Lord it was a way of saying, remember this. There is nothing that indicated that this offering was mandatory.

Offerings are an act of worship; the grain offering was not the exception. The Burnt Offering, The Sin and the Trespass Offerings were related to sin; either our nature as sinners or sins committed. The Grain Offering, however, was different in nature. The Grain Offering was the only one that did not required the shedding of blood. Many view this offering as an act of thanksgiving to the Lord. This was also an offering were the sacrifice was shared with the priests.

To be continued…

Leviticus? Yes, Leviticus Part III


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“The Burnt Offering”

Have you seen any children’s pastor starting his children ministry’s first semester with the book of Leviticus? I think that many parents will probably be extremely upset if their babies come back home talking about blood and killing animals. It is said that the book of Leviticus was “the first book studied by a Jewish child” (F. Duane Lindsey, “Leviticus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, ed. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1985), 163. – See more at: http://www.insight.org/resources/bible/leviticus.html#sthash.o4TJVA1q.dpuf) I go further, how many sermons have you heard your pastor preach on Leviticus?

As I said before, it is not my intention to go through the whole book of Leviticus; I will focus this series on the first seven chapters, that is, the discussion of the offerings or sacrifice. Lets start with the Burnt Offering.

Introduction

The burnt offering was the foundation of all the rest of the offerings. It was a symbol of total surrender to God (Leviticus 1:10). The whole animal was burned on the fire. You will see that was not the case for other offerings. Each person was responsible for presenting this offering. However, it is important to point out that this offering was voluntary (Leviticus 1:3). If it was not given with a willing heart it was not acceptable before the Lord. They were responsible for doing all the work, from killing the animal, to cleaning certain organs and other parts of the animal, etc. The priest was only responsible for the fire for the sacrifice.

 Purpose of the Burnt Offering

 Then he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. Leviticus 1:4 (NKJV)

The purpose of this offering was to make atonement. Other words for atonement are, apology, amends, reparation, penance and others. The Hebrew word here is the word, kāp̱ar: A verb meaning to cover, to forgive, to expiate, to reconcile.[1]

Even as we see that it was a voluntary offering it was crucial and in reality, nobody was exempt from this offerings. Is there anybody perfect?

 Symbolism of the Burnt Offering

The voluntary status of this offering speaks to the fact that God will not force anybody to be saved. It is His will that we all be saved (I Timothy 2:4) and everybody will have a chance to make a decision for Christ, but at the end, it is up to each one of us to accept His invitation. He will give us all the tools to be saved. To start with, He gave us Jesus; He is that Young Bull, or that Sheep, or that Goat, or that Dove or Pigeon that took the punishment that we deserved, as they were kill for our sins. God will give us the faith to believe and the grace to receive the Gospel, but you and I still have the option of rejecting HIM. It should not be new news for you and I to know that people reject God every day!

 Important Things to Point Out Regarding the Burnt Offering

Notice that nobody could use the excuse that they could not afford this offering. God made it affordable for everybody, from the rich to the poor. Leviticus 1:3 speak of using a young bull; that was probably the most expensive animal. In Leviticus 1:10 the Israelites were able to use a sheep or a goat for the same sacrifice. Finally, in Leviticus 1:14 it is clear that either a dove or a pigeon were also allowed for this same offering. Meaning that God is not excluding anybody; everybody is welcome, everybody has access to His forgiveness. It was true then and it is true now.

 Conclusion

Leviticus chapter one describes the burnt offering. Notice that the children of Israel did not have the freedom to do this offering in whatever way they wanted. There was a protocol to follow, a specific way to do it and a specific place to offer this and the other offerings for that matter. This is symbolism that God has already established His ways and we are call to follow Him, not the other way around. This idea that we can follow God our way is not only unbiblical, but also demonic and is leading many to hell.

Today is a much simpler process, if you repent of your sins, confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord and receive Him with an honest heart you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10) But Romans also made reference to this concept of total surrender to God. In Romans 12:1-2 the Apostle Paul tells us,

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)

The idea that we can be saved just because we repeated a prayer, but insist in living our lives according to the pattern of the world, is a false teaching and, perhaps the reason why many seated in our churches on Sunday mornings are lost.

Leviticus is a part of the Old Testament, therefore a shadow of our reality in our relationship with God today (Hebrews 10:1). We don’t have to kill any animals today in order to receive atonement; we have all the sacrifice we need in Jesus (Hebrews 10:18). However, what we should consider is this, should our commitment to God be less than our Old Testament brothers and sisters? We are operating in a better Covenant according to Hebrews 8:7-12, so why are we not found even more faithful than the Levites? Hebrews 11:39-40 tells us,

 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. (NKJV)

Beloved, our Old Testament brothers and sister did not receive Jesus as we did. Jesus became flesh for us and started a New Covenant. Our Old Testament brothers and sisters did not have the Holy Ghost inside of them as we do. If a Levite is outdoing us in their commitment to God, perhaps it is time to seriously get into the Word, embrace discipleship, learn sound doctrine, or even check your own salvation.

To be continued…

Next, the Grain Offering!

[1] Baker, W., & Carpenter, E. E. (2003). The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament (521). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

Leviticus? Yes, Leviticus Part II


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“Giving the Best to the Best”

The word Leviticus is commonly defined as, pertaining to the Levites; it is the job description of the Levites. The book of Leviticus could be seen as a physical, spiritual, moral and, even as a sanitary law manual of operation. The God that we serve is concerned with every aspect of our lives, even those things that we do not consider spiritual.

 In this series I will only deal with the first seven chapters of Leviticus. Those chapters were dedicated exclusively to deal with the five offerings or sacrifices.

  1. Burnt Offering
  2. Meat or Grain Offering
  3. Fellowship or Peace Offering
  4. Sin Offering
  5. Guilt or Trespass Offering

A study concerning these offerings or sacrifices will help us attain a deeper understanding of the work of Christ in our lives. I will expand on each of these offerings later, but for now, let’s focus on the meaning of giving the best to the best. Leviticus 1:2 tells us,

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. (NKJV)

It is very important that we do not overlook what “Herd” and “Flock” means. This is significant because a great deal of these five offerings were given either out of the herd or the flock.

  • Herd: These animals were used as beasts of burden or for farming; plowing, etc.[1] These were essentially the animals used for work.
  • Flock: The flock was important for food, clothing materials; drink, milk; and as a major part of a person’s wealth.[2]

The children of Israel could have easily developed a separate group of animals dedicated for these diverse offerings and sacrifices, animals that meant nothing to them. They could have gone out and hunted the particular animal needed for the sacrifice and called it a day, but that was not the way things worked. God wanted these animals to come out of the person’s herd or flock. That is because it needed to be something valuable, something that was a part of their lives, something that meant something special and something that clearly showed that God was first above everything else. That is why it was called sacrifices.

The herd represented the working animals and the flock represented the animals that benefit the people for food and clothing. You have to think that when you had the best male goat, for example, this goat had the ability to spread his greatness and produce other great goats, however that was the goat that became ideal for sacrifice, that was the goat that actually meant something to you. Wow!

Think about how close we get to our pets today. Imagine how easy it was to draw closer to those real good working animals; the hours they spend with them and the great benefit that animal had when it came to doing the job well. These were special animals indeed; they needed to be the best of the best for any sacrifice. But ultimately, it was not that animal doing such great work; it was God’s grace releasing the blessing for that animal to work as effective as he did. These sacrifices were designed to keep the focus on God.

 We some times placed such emphasis in our jobs and our material things that we forget that it was indeed God who gave us those things; He is the provider and the one worthy to be worshipped, revered and praised.

Thank God that we don’t have to kill any animal for sacrifices today. Thank God that Jesus became and is the ultimate sacrifice; but the question remains, are we giving God our best? Are we giving Him our tithes and offerings? Are we giving Him our prime time? Or, Do we just wait to the end of the day, when we are exhausted to give him a few moments and fall asleep on top of our Bibles?

[1] Baker, W., & Carpenter, E. E. (2003). The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament (159). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

[2] Baker, W., & Carpenter, E. E. (2003). The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament (933). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

8 THINGS SMITH WIGGLESWORTH SAID ABOUT TODAY


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BY MARIO MURILLO

ON AUGUST 11, 1927 SMITH WIGGLESWORTH STOOD IN ANGELUS TEMPLE TO PREACH ON PREPARING FOR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.  HE TOLD THE AUDIENCE THAT LIQUID FIRE WAS CONSUMING HIM.

Then Smith made this Opening statement:  But there will be things that will happen prior to his coming that we shall know. You can tell. I am like one this morning that is moving with a liquid, holy, indispensable, real fire in my bosom, and I know it is burning and the body is not consumed. It is real fire from heaven that is making my utterances come to you to know that He is coming. He is on the way God is going to help me tell you why you will know. You that have the breath of the Spirit, there is something now moving as I speak As I speak, this breath of mighty, quickening, moving, changing, desirable power is making you know and it is this alone that is making you know that you will be ready.

  1. There must be special preparation for the return of Christ and at least half of all believers will be totally unprepared.

We have to see that these days have to come before the Lord can come. There has to be ,a falling away.

I want to speak to you very exactly. All the people which are pressing into and getting ready for this glorious attained place where they shall not be found naked, where they shall be blameless, where they shall be immovable, where they shall be purified by the power of the Word of God, have within them a consciousness of the very presence of God within, changing their very nature and preparing them for a greater thing, and causing them to be ready for translation.

This is the day of purifying. This is the day of holiness. This is the day of separation. This is the day of waking. O God, let us wake today! Let the inner spirit wake into consciousness that God is calling us.

There are in the world two classes of believers. There are believers which are disobedient, or I ought to say there are children which are saved by the power of God which are disobedient children. And there are children which are just the same saved by the power of God who all the time are longing to be more obedient.

And we heard the word come rushing, through all over, “new theology” that damnable, devilish, evil power that lived in some of these disobedient children, which in these last days opened the door to the next thing.

  1. There will be many Christians who believe that they can do whatever they want and God will look the other way.

People are tremendously afraid of this position because they have heard so much on this line: “Oh, you know you are the elect of God! You are sure to be all right.” There have been in England great churches which were laid out upon these things. I thank God that they are all withered. You will find if you go to England those strong people that used to hold all these things are almost withered out. Why? Because they went on to say whatever you did, if you were elect, you were right. That is wrong.

The elect of God are those that are pressing forward.

  1. It will be common for preachers to deny the existence of hell. Denying hell prepares the way for antichrist.

What? No hell The devil has always said that What does Christian Science say? No hell, no devil They are ready for him. The devil has always said no hell, no evil. And these people are preparing, and they do not know it, for the Man of Sin.

  1.  It is offensive to talk about the Blood of Christ

When I spoke about the blood and when I spoke about this infernal thing, the whole place was upset. You be careful when anybody comes to you with a sugar-coated pill or with a slimy tongue. They are always of the devil. The Spirit of the Lord will always deal with truth. These people never deal with truth. They always cover up the truth.

Do you believe it? Who can do it? THE BLOOD CAN DO IT! The blood, the blood, oh the blood! The blood of the Lamb! The blood of Jesus can do it. Spotless, clean, preserved for God.

Give the devil the biggest chase of his life and say these words, “The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all unrighteousness.

  1. The world will look to worship a man and will overlook his faults to get him into power. These people are determined to have a man. They know someone has to come. We know Who He is that is coming. They begin to make a man. So they find a man in India, they polish him up as much as they can, and they make him as — well, in appearance, but you know we are told by the Lord that there is soft clothing goes onto wolves’ backs.
  2. That people believe that certain preachers are of God simply because of their crowds and their buildings.

A person said to me, “You see, the Christian Scientists must be right — look at the beautiful buildings. Look at all the people following them.”

Yes, everybody can belong to it. You can go to any brother you like, you can go to any theater you like, you can go to any race course you like, you can be mixed up with the rest of the people in your life and still be a Christian Scientist. You can have the devil right and left and anywhere, and still belong to Christian Science.

  1. As Churches turn away from the Holy Spirit many believers to go to false teachers.

The secret of many people going into Christian Science is a barren church that had not the Holy Ghost. Christian Science exists because the churches have a barren place because they haven’t the Holy Ghost. There would be no room for Christian Science if the churches were filled with the Holy Ghost.

8, The last days are a time for the true people of God to engage in extravagant asking.

Up to this present time the Lord’s word is for us, “Hitherto ye have asked nothing.” Surely you people that have been asking great things from God for a long time would be amazed if you entered into it with clear knowledge that it is the Master, it is Jesus, who has such knowledge .of the mightiness of the power of the Father, of the joint union with Him,, that nothing is impossible for you to ask. Surely it is He only Who could say “Hitherto you have asked nothing.”

So God means me to press you another step forward. Begin to’ believe on extravagant asking, believing that God is pleased when you ask large things.

Leviticus? Yes, Leviticus


leviticus1

How many of you guys have set goals to read the Bible in a year and got stuck in the Book of Leviticus? I have taking the time to read the Bible in a year a few times, but going through Leviticus has mess up my one-year-reading-plan more than once. It is hard to go through that book!

The great British Bible scholar and author David Pawson offered three reasons why the book of Leviticus is so difficult. 1) It is boring; 2) It is totally unfamiliar to our culture. 3) It seems to be irrelevant.

I am one who will stop in a verse and stay there as long as I feel I am receiving revelation from the Lord. This year, however, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to go through the whole Bible in a year. Using a Chronological Bible my dear wife bought for me, I started my plan.

Sure enough, I started very excited, but I saw the book of Leviticus approaching and I said to myself, here we go again! In my almost 18 years of preaching the Gospel, I must admit, that I have never preached anything out of the book of Leviticus.

Even before going into Leviticus, I asked the Lord to show me mysteries out of this book, to make it interesting and to make it fun. I know this book is part of the Bible, therefor there most be something for me to learn. I am now beyond Leviticus on my personal one-year-reading-plan. However, I am engaging in an exciting personal study of this book that is just blowing my mind. The Lord answered my prayer!

I hope you visit our blog during this time and enjoy the study of Leviticus as much as we are.

To be continued…