Month: September 2024

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS!

/ readyforafreshstart / Leave a comment

Frankly Speaking,

“13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith.

Be courageous. Be strong.

14 And do everything with love.”

~ I Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT

FINAL INSRUCTIONS! ~ If you weren’t sure you’d ever see someone again what would your final words be to the one whom you love? Paul leaves the Corinthian church with five incredible statements of faith. As you examine them, I am sure you find that each of them applies to you as well. 😊

First, “Be on guard.” The Bible is full of warnings about our hearts. Jesus often warned His disciples to “Be on guard.” John writes, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (I John 5:21) In another passage, the Bible also tells us that, “The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.” (Philippians 4:7) We are told to always keep watch as we walk through this life. Trials and temptation will come our way; we must choose to remain ready!

Second, “Stand firm in the faith.” Regarding the Armor of God, we must we are challenged to “Stand Firm.” (Ephesians 6:11 & 13) Attacks and trouble will come throughout our lives. How we deal with them proves our faith.

Third, “Be courageous” and fourth, “Be strong.” This is what Moses told Joshua as he prepared for death. Moses wanted to be sure Joshua was ready to lead. Later, Joshua repeated it often. Here’s what he said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Fifth and finally, “Do everything with love.” This is Christianity 101. Whatever we do, we do it all with the love of God in our hearts.  In this letter to the church at Corinth, God has told us to love above all else. If we have tongues of angels, knowledge of future events, faith to move mountains, give all our money to the poor, and allow our bodies to be broken, without love we are nothing. People don’t care how much you know: they simply need to know how much you care!

So, let’s love like there may be no tomorrow. 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

PS ~ Be safe, and we hope to see you soon. 🙂

THE MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION

/ readyforafreshstart / Leave a comment

Frankly Speaking,

57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death

through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ I Corinthians 15:57 NLT

THE MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION! ~ We live in a day where conspiracy theories have become the norm! There is a rising number of people who doubt we ever went to the moon. They are convinced that the whole lunar landing was done in the 1960’s using green screen technology (which did not exist yet!). There are so many little things that ought to make us scratch our heads. For instance, most news broadcasts have become talk television to bolster ratings. I still believe we need a new service called JTN (Just the News) with no spin or opinions. So, how did we get here?

21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.       Romans 1:21-23 NLT

Not prepared for some biblical truth today? Well, it’s not too late to change that. Our biggest problem is that we would rather make up stuff rather than simply worship our Creator for Who He is. Did you know that God loves you?  This is not the kind of love we have for food, opinions, or passing fancies. This is an “I created you to be in a personal relationship with Me kind of love.” This kind of love doesn’t give up on you when you blow it. It is an unconditional love that endures, teaches, reproves, and sometimes corrects.

Life does not end when our hearts stop beating. That’s when real life begins for those who have trusted Jesus. The Bible says, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Do you see it? There are two promises. First, living for Christ is awesome, unlike anything else. Second, when we die, we don’t have to be afraid because our lives will be even better. This is not a conspiracy: it’s a biblical truth given to us by our loving God. And yes, we are still awaiting the sound of the trumpet and His return! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY!

/ readyforafreshstart / Leave a comment

Frankly Speaking,

“Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.” ~ I Corinthians 15:43

THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY! ~  The Year was 1978! I remember going to the Royal Palm Theater to watch a film that was narrated by Orson Welles. At the time it was riveting. As I look back, the movie was probably not well produced nor award winning. In fact, this show only received 3.7 stars out of 10 stars on IDMB. NO, it was not War of the Worlds. Bonus for trying. 😊 The flick was called The Late Great Planet Earth. It was based upon Hal Lindsey’s prophetic book proclaiming the return of Christ was to happen very soon.

Prior to this, in 1972, there was a series of movies beginning with A Thief in the Night, followed by A Distant Thunder, Image of the Beast, and The Prodigal Planet. Most of you may have to take my word about these films trying to warn people about the return of Christ and the tribulation. A much more modern series of films started in 2,000, starring Kirk Cameron. This series was called Left Behind.  A few years later in 2014, this series was rebooted with Nicolas Cage as the main character. It appears that many people want to know more about Christ’s return.

The strangest part is that we have neglected to turn to the source of these blockbuster films. I am not talking about the screenplay nor the book the authors wrote. We can find everything we’re looking for in the BIBLE. GOD’S plan is found in the book of the Revelation of JEUS CHRIST. Some Bibles label this book the Apocalypse; however, that is an incorrect description. You see, the whole BIBLE is ALL about JESUS. Yes, it’s ALL about HIM!

The verse at the heading of this post states that although we “are buried in weakness,” those who follow JESUS will be “will be raised in strength.” Whether living or long dead, there is a hope in the return of JESUS for those who trust Him. That’s why the Bible says, “we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” (I Thessalonians 5:13) There is always HOPE in JESUS CHRIST! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15