Lately, there has been a disturbing trend going on in the Christian world. Is it new? No. But does it seem to be happening at a much quicker pace? Yes. The Bible says, we must be very careful that we are not deceived in these last days. Yet, we are being deceived.
Just last week, another Christian artist “confesses”. Homosexuality. He, after 33 years of marriage, decides to appease his flesh. He “feels” better now. Am I judging harshly? No. I’m just stating the facts that he so proudly exploited on the national news – stunning the Christian world.
Over the last several years, we’ve read and heard the news of well-known Christian pastors, preachers, teachers, and singers “confessing” their apologies to congregations, family members, and business constituents. Most seem to apologize after getting “caught”. Not all.
Even within my own broad circle of fellowship, I have watched ministers, wives, and congregations decide that this way we have been living and teaching is too demanding. I’ve watched as such decisions have molded new thought patterns and the very foundation that some churches were built on – crumble away. Gay Pentecostals? I’m sorry – that’s an oxi-moron. Open Marriages within the church – I’m sorry, you’ll not find that in the Bible. Lives who are self-indulgent, selfish, and worldly – nope, you’ll not find that either. Pornography? – just because it can be found on the internet doesn’t give the Christian the right to indulge. It’s ravaging our Christian famlies and communities! Oh, for just a little self-fulfillment, many are walking away from this great walk with Jesus Christ.
The scriptures say that we should have 2 or more scriptures to establish the Word of God. Let’s have a look at these….
1. Matthew 16:24 -Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
2. Mark 8:34 -And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
3. Luke 9:23 -And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
4. Romans 12:1 -I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
JESUS - endured 40 days of fasting in the wilderness to overcome anything satan could tempt Him with.. He overcame to give us power to be overcomers. Do we really think Jesus bore the cross of Calvary and willingly allowed nails to be driven into His feet and hands because He wanted to feel that pain? He bore the pain as any human did. His flesh bled, His body shook with pain. But He did it so that through His suffering, death, and resurrection – we (whom He bore the pain for) would realize His great love, and give our hearts to Him. He made a way for us – through His journey of pain and suffering. Now, HE offers us power through the Holy Ghost to stand against the very flesh that covers our bones. Our flesh will lead us into all unrighteousness if we aren't conscientiously aware of the tricks of the enemy. Paul said that he had to “die daily” to overcome his flesh.
NOW – is NOT the time to decide to quit fighting your flesh. It doesn't matter what your struggle is. It’s time to quit looking for ways AROUND the WORD – and start embracing the WORD. There is a very clear word within the Bible about lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. There is a very clear word about fornication, adultery, self-indulgence, pride, drunkenness, liars, despisers of good, etc. There is a clear word that urges us to be a Holy people – called out – different – peculiar – not conformed to the world. Now is not the time to feel “odd” about the eyes that follow you when you are different from the rest of the crowd. Jesus was peculiar. If we are fully immersed in HIS Word, and fully in love with JESUS – we will be peculiar too.
It’s time to quit wondering what you can get by with. It’s time to figure out what else you can give up for the cause of Christ. “A living sacrifice” .. means, giving up something we might want or like – or want to do. “Taking up our cross” means – choosing to load the flesh on our backs and not succumb to it’s lustful calls.
So, I say – Christians … let’s take up our temptations and every weight of sin which holds us down; deny ourselves and follow Jesus. HE IS WORTH IT!!!
I really believe time is of an essence ....
God bless!
Sis. Cheryl Thompson
Greetings in Jesus name!
If you visit this site very often, you might have noticed some changes. Bro. Arbry Wall has diligently been working on the website and has intentions of making it a friendly website for visitors, and a resourceful website for Certified Chaplains of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ! We are thankful for Bro. Wall's work!
The other evening I received an email from Sis. Plate. Sis. Plate is a Certified Chaplain and awesome prayer warrior. She reported that another 4 ladies received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in the jail where she ministers - bringing the total to 8 for the month. God is so good! I talked by phone with Sis. Click who, along with her husband is just getting started in the Certified Chaplain program. She has been an out-reach director, and knows how to reach souls. She expressed her excitement in serving the Lord and visiting the incarcerated with this precious Gospel.
I ask that you would keep the family of Bro. Mickey Powell in your prayers. His mother passed away after a fight with cancer I believe, and Bro. Mickey particularly requested prayer for his dad. I would ask though, that you would include Bro. Mickey and his wife and family in your prayers.
There is much good work going on in all areas of the prison and jail ministry. We are so grateful for each lady and man of God who have united themselves with this ministry for a common purpose of seeing souls won to Jesus Christ.
Bro. and Sis. Bob Koonce (the founders of The Prisoner's Friend Ministries) just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary August 24. I am the 5th of their 6 children, and I am so proud that my parents made a commitment before God to be there for one another until death parts them. They don't move as fast as they used to, their hearing is diminished, and their hair has turned gray - but they are still the hardest working 2 people I've ever seen. They believe in the work of the Lord and they believe in The Prisoner's Friend Ministries. Please pray for them daily as they diligently work the work and seek ways to spread this Gospel as far and wide as possible.
Thank you for your friendship; for your care of this ministry. If you are ever in Illinois - please look us up and spend a day with us... we'll put you to work! Seriously, please pray that the Lord would provide another dedicated worker to help us with some of the daily work. The ministry is growing - and we just need the office staff to grow a little too!
Chaplains - please keep the testimonies coming! You are in our prayers.
May God bless you as you walk with HIM!
