Month: January 2013

  • THE DENOMINATIONS THAT BELIEVE IN PRO-CHOICE, HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGES & PREACHERS

    I was in a group the other day here in Xanga, and someone asked if I could do a posting on the subject THE DENOMINATIONS THAT BELIEVE IN PRO-CHOICE (ABORTIONS), HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGES & PREACHERS. Of course I said I would and I know I will find people mad at me, but all this is on record, so be mad at them not me.

    First of all I will list those that are Pro-Choice and believe in Abortions, and then Those that believe it is ok to be in a Homosexual Relation, Marriage or Preachers.

    PRO-CHOICE (ABORTIONS)

    American Baptist Church-USA, American Ethical Union, American Friends (Quakers), American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Council of Jewish Federations, Episcopal Church (USA), Federation of Resconstructionist Congregations & Havrots, Moravian Church, Na'Amat USA, National Council of Jewish Women, Presbyterian Church, USA, Religious Coalition of Reproductive Choice, Community of Christ (LDS), Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Unitarian Universalists Assoc., United Church of Christ, United Methodist, United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism.


    THESE ARE THE DENOMINATIONS THAT ALLOW HOMOSEXUALS IN THEIR MEMBERSHIP, IN RELATIONSHIPS, MARRIAGE & AS PREACHERS

    Anglicans, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptist, Community of Christ (LDS), Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lutheran World Fellowship, Mennonite Church USA, United Methodist Church, Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), Moravian Church, New Apostolic Church, Old Catholic Church (Not RCC), Affirming Pentecostal Church, Covenant Network, Global Alliance of Affirming Apostolic Pentecostals, Presbyterian Church (USA), Swedenborgian Church of USA, Protestant Churches in the Netherlands, Presbyterian Church USA, Swiss Reformed Church, Waldensian.

    Now, all I will say on this whole subject is this.

    If you find your Denomination on this list, what will you do next?

    If they are not following the Scripture on these two subjects which condemns these subjects what will you do?

    We need to be following the Scripture and them alone and not man.

    Bro. Doc

  • DEVOTIONAL LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH

     


     
     

    Presumption

    By Paul Chappell

     
     
     
      Sunday, Jan 27, 2013

    "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

    Proverbs 27:1

    Major General John Sedgwick was born into a family with a long and honored military tradition. He was named for his grandfather, who served as a general with George Washington in the Revolutionary War. After graduating from West Point he served with distinction in the Mexican-American War where he received two battlefield promotions. During the Civil War he was twice wounded in battle, and after his recovery he was placed in charge of the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac.

    In May of 1864, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Sedgwick was directing artillery placements for his troops when they came under fire from the Confederate lines. The men began ducking for cover, and Sedgwick scolded them. “What? Men dodging this way for single bullets? What will you do when they open fire along the whole line? I am ashamed of you. They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance.” Those were the last words Sedgwick ever spoke, as just seconds later he was hit in the head and killed by a bullet. Sedgwick was the highest ranking Union officer to die during the entire Civil War.

    Exerting confidence is to be admired, but presuming that we know the future and can control its outcome is the height of folly. In truth, none of us knows what is going to happen tomorrow. We can and should make wise plans for our lives, our families, and our ministries; but behind every plan must be the knowledge that God is ultimately in control of the outcome. Rather than presumptuous boasting we should humbly remember God’s sovereignty. James 4:15 cautions those who would boast of tomorrow, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” Trust God fully, and rely on His wise control of events.

    Today’s Proverbs Precept: 
    All of our plans for the future should be laid in submission to the will of God who determines the outcomes.

    Old Testament Reading
    Exodus 16

    CHAPTER 16

    1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. 2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: 3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. 4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. 5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. 6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: 7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? 8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. 9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings. 10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 11 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.

    13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. 14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. 15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. 16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. 17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. 18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. 19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. 20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them. 21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.

    22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. 25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. 27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. 28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. 30 So the people rested on the seventh day. 31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

    32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt. 33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations. 34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. 35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. 36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.

     

    CHAPTER 17

    1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? 3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? 4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. 5 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

    8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: 16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

     

    CHAPTER 18

    1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; 2 Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back, 3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land: 4 And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh: 5 And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God: 6 And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

    7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent. 8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them. 9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. 10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. 12 And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.

    13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. 14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? 15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: 16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. 17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. 18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. 19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: 20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. 23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. 24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said. 25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. 27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

    New Testament Reading
    Matthew 18:1

    1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

    7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

    15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

    Proverb of the Day
    Proverbs 27

    1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself. 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. 19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? 25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. 27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

     
           
       
     

  • T&M 1-28-13 YOU'RE NOT A SPIRITUAL ORPHAN!

    I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you Jn 14:18

    Have you ever felt isolated or alone in this world? If you have, just remember--you are never alone! Imagine how alone the disciples felt when Yahvahosha informed them that He would soon ascend to Heaven and leave them behind on the earth!

    What do you think the disciples felt when Yahvahosha told them this? They must have wondered, What will life be like without Yahvahosha? How will we continue without the Master walking right alongside of us? But it was time for Yahvahosha to ascend to the Father and to take His place as our Great High Priest.

    It was natural for the disciples to feel sorrowful. to them, it must have seemed like the end of their wonderful encounter with the Saviour and with the power of Yahvah. Living and walking with Yahvahosha was more than they had ever hoped for in this world. With Yahvahosha at their side, their lives had been filled with adventure, excitement, joy, victory, power, healings, and miracles.

    Feelings of insecurity and uncertainty would have been normal for any human being who found themselves in the disciples' position. They had grown dependent upon the physical, visble presence of Yahvahosha--something we've never experienced and therefore cannot fully comprehend. The thought of Yahvahosha leaving this earth probably made the disciples feel spiritually forsaken and abandoned.

    In the midst of these fears, Yahvahosha promised His disciples, "I will not leave you comfortless..." (Jn 14:18). Today I want us to look at the word "comfortless" in this verse. It is taken from the Greek orphanos, which is where we get the word orphan.

    In Restored Covenant times, the word orphanos described children left without a father or mother. In today's world, the word orphan has exactly the same meaning. It refers to a child who is abandoned due to the death or desertion of a father or mother. Once orphaned, the child is deprived of parental care supervision and protection--unless that child is placed in the custody of a blood relative or a new guardian who assumes a parental role in that child's life.

    However, in Restored Covenant times the word orphanos was also used in a broader sense to describe students who had been abandoned by their teacher. Just as children are dependent on their parents, those students were reliant on their teacher to teach them, to guide them, and to prepare them for life. But once the teachers abandoned them, they felt deserted, forsaken, discarded, and thrown away.

    In both cases, the word orphanos is used to carry the same idea, whether it refers to children abandoned by their parents or students discarded by their teacher. It gives the picture of younger, less, educated, less knowledgeable people feeling deserted by those they trusted and looked to for guidance.

    Yahvahosha was a spiritual father to the disciples. He knew they were completely reliant upon Him. They couldn't make it on their own in the world without Him. This is why He promised them, "I will not leave you like orphans.

    Yahvahosha's words could be translated to express this idea: "I will not leave you behind like orphans who have been deserted by their parents, nor will I desert you like an unfaithful teacher who walks out on his students and leaves them with no supervision or help..."

    Yahvahosha knew the disciples couldn't make it on their own in the world. That's why He sent the Holy Ghost into the world to be their Guardian and Teacher.

    You can't make it on your own in this world either--but you don't have to, because Yahvahosha did not abandon you! He did not desert you, walk out on you, or throw you away. When He ascended to the Father, He sent the Holy Ghost to care for you, to guide you, and to teach you. Yahvahosha did not leave you as an orphan in this world!

    So meditate on this truth today, and let it sink deep into your heart: I'm not alone! I'm not a spiritual orphan. Yahvahosha has given me the Holy Ghost to comfort, guide, counsel, and strengthen me in every situation of life!

    PRAYER: YAHVAH, I THANK YOU THAT I AM NOT A SPIRITUAL ORPHAN IN THIS WORLD. YOU DIDN'T ABANDON ME OR LEAVE ME TO FIGURE OUT EVERYTHING ON MY OWN. YOU SENT THE HOLY GHOST, SO HE CAN BE THE HELPER YOU SENT HIM TO BR IN MY LIFE. I GIVE YOU THANKS FOR SENDING THIS DIVINE HELPER, AND I ASK YOU TO TEACH ME HOW TO LEAN UPON HIM MORE AND MORE IN THE COURSE OF MY LIFE. I PRAY THIS IN YAHVAHOSHA'S NAME!

    MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

    I boldly declare that the Holy Ghost is my Helper, my Teacher, and my Guide. Everything Yahvahosha did for the disciples, the Holy Ghost now does for me. He leads me, He teaches me, and He shows me everything the Father wants me to know. I am not a spiritual orphan! I am a child of Yahvah who is fully befriended, indwelt, empowered, and led by the Spirit of Yahvah. I declare this by faith in Yahvahosha's name!

    QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

    1.Can you think of a critical moment in your life when you felt abandoned and alone and turned to Yahvah for comfort and support?

    2.What are some of the ways the Father has comforted you in the past?

    3.Are you allowing the Holy Ghost to be your Comforter, Strengthener and Guide? Bro. Doc

     

  • SABBATH SERMON PREACHED 1/26/13 ABOUT THE TWO WITNESSES Rev 11

    About the Two Witnesses

    Revelation 11

    Revelation 11:3-14 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before Yahvah of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power  to shut heaven, then it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over the waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Saviour was impaled. And they of the people and kindred and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from Yahvah entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them, which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave honor to Yahvah of heaven. The second woe is past; and behold, the third woe cometh quickly, (the first Resurrection takes place.)

    (See 1 Thessalonians 4 :16)

    Revelation 11:15-18 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdom of this word are become the kingdoms of our  Yahvah, and of his Messiah; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before Yahvah on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped Yahvah. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Yahvah Eternal Almighty, which art, and wast and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants and prophets, and to the chosen, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

    Some Observations:

    1. The 2 witnesses prophesy for 3.5 years.(v.3)

    2. They prophesy, (v.3) and deliver a testimony.(Messages)(v 7)

    3. They have immense power.(v.5 & v.6)

    4. Like dragons, they can spit/emit fire from their mouths.(v.5)

    5. Eventually, they are killed (v,7) 3.5 days before the Messiah returns.

    6. They are resurrected 3.5 days later (v.11 & 12) when the 7th Trumpet is blown,

    which indicates the 1st resurrection.

    Some Questions:

    (1). Has Yahvah ever entrusted this type of incredible power over the entire Earth to any physical person(s) before? (v. 5 & 6). According to their “desire” their use of this power kills millions of people through plagues, thirst, droughts, etc. (v.6).

    (Moshe is a type, and he had power to do miracles, and Eliyah also did many

    miracles like commanding fire twice from heaven to destroy the 50 troops sent

    to capture him; burn the offering at the altar of Baal; etc; BUT even they NEVER

    had anything near the world-encompassing Power the 2 Witnesses command)

    Can you come up with 2 names of ANY of our present Assembly leaders that Yahvah could entrust with such power, which they can use as they desire?

    Their use and abuse of their power in the leadership positions that they

    have over Yahvah’s sheep is well known in most cases, and the results are documented by Messiah in Ezekiel 34. Enough said!

    (2). Do any of our present Assembly Leaders know the Scriptures and the Mind of

    The Eternal to the extent that these 2 Witnesses will have to know the Scriptures and Yahvah’s Mind, so that they are 100% accurate in everything they are talkingabout? These Witnesses cannot make even one small mistake over a 3.5 year period while under constant Media/Press scrutiny; they will have to be word

    perfect – in short - they will have to be perfect in all respects, so that their Messages cannot be discredited in any way.

    (3). Furthermore, these 2 Witnesses will be exposed to the full force of the World

    Press – if they have any type of spotted/checkered past, this will be dug up and

    shown world wide to discredit them. Most Assembly leaders have pasts that will not bear too close scrutiny, (because they are all human, and humans make

    mistakes) and the exposure of which would seriously detract from the Messages

    they have been sent to bring to the world from Yahvah.

    The world will definitely not like the Messages (v.10), therefore they will try and

    kill the messengers, and when they can’t physically kill them (v.5), they will try

    character assassination to discredit the messengers instead. If, however, the

    Witnesses are the 2 Archangels, then of course it becomes impossible to

    discredit them in this fashion, and the Messages will remain as the main focus.

    The main argument many of the Chosen hearing and reading this sermon will try and bring in against these Witnesses being the 2 Archangels, is definitely the fact that theyare killed, and the traditional understanding (which is incorrect) is that angels as spirit beings cannot be killed, as they have eternal life.

    Explanation 1: Messiah did it!

    BUT, another Spirit Being, the One  (Colossians 2:9) who became Yahvahosha of Nazareth, took on the substance of flesh, and was killed, and rose again

    after 3 days. He came fully in the flesh, so it was possible for Him to sin; but he

    was prior to His human birth fully Yahvah (Philippians 2:6), so that His life was worth more as a sacrifice for sin than the collective lives of all mankind combined.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His majesty, the

    majesty as of the only begotten of the Father, full of favour and of truth (See also 2 John 1:7).

    Would it therefore be such a strange thing if these Archangels also took on the

    form of flesh, and are killed - to rise again after 3.5 days and take up their

    previous state of existence as spirit beings?

    It’s been done before; it can certainly be done again!

    No problem for Yahvah!

    Explanation 2: Angels have done it:

    Remember also that angels throughout the Hebrew and Restored Covenant Times have manifested themselves in human shape and substance (flesh). Read Genesis 18& 19, where Messiah and the 2 angels are perceived to be men. These angels could also eat food, just like men. Angels are therefore “shape-shifters”, to use our science fiction (sci-fi) terminology, which means that they can change form and substance (from spirit to flesh and back again).

    Examples:

    (1).Genesis 18:1-4   And YAHVAH appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; and he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, there men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground. And said, My Sir, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not aways, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash Your feet, and rest (so, as men they

    needed rest in flesh form) yourselves under the tree (so, as men their feet were dusty).

    [Remember that Abra

    Avraham before this incident had had previous experience of angels

    (and Yahvah) coming in the flesh, so he seemed to know what they needed]

    Ge 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said

    (2).Genesis 19:1 And there came two (notice, again we have 2) angels to Sodom at evening.

    And Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. And Lot rose up to meet them when he saw them. And he bowed

    himself with his face toward the ground,

    Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them………….(So they looked exactly like men).

    (3). Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to enterain strangers: for thereby some have enterained angels unawares.

    (4).Daniel 10:5 -10 When angels appear to humans in their spirit natural state, as

    Gabriel appeared to Daniel, the effect is overwhelming. Therefore when they

    appear to humans, they generally have to shape-shift into flesh form and

    substance so as not to frighten the human(s). This angels have constantly and

    consistently done throughout the Bible when appearing to people.

    Daniel 10:5,6,10  Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose lions were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightening, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And, behold, an had couched me, which set me upon  my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

    (5). 1Samuel 28 Remember the “shape-shifting” demon who appeared as

    Samuel when the Witch of Endor divined this at King Saul’s request? This is

    conclusive proof that the demons are capable of “shape-shifting” into any

    shape and substance they wish.

    1 Samuel 28:7,11,14,15 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And  his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit of Endor. Then said the woman, whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams; therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

    (Isaiah 26:14 Dead ones do not live; departed spirits do not rise)

    (6). Genesis: Remember how Satan shape-shifted into the form of a snake when

    he spoke to Eve!

    (7). These two witnesses-angels can show themselves in the form of men

    which is how the prophet Ezekiel described the cherubim he saw, “Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.” (Ezekiel 1:5).

    (8). Those who were with Messiah when he ascended saw two men, or

    angelic beings manifested as men, “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;” (Acts 1:10).

    Conclusion

    Taking into consideration the ability of angels to “shape-shift” into the shape and

    substance of flesh, it would appear from the above examples that it would not

    be a “big deal” for the 2 Archangels to change their spirit bodies into flesh

    (though maintaining their angelic powers), and to “die” for 3.5 days, and to be

    made alive again at the 1st Resurrection.S

  • DEVOTIONAL LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH



     
     

    Unfit Honor

    By Paul Chappell

     
     
     
      Saturday, Jan 26, 2013

    "As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool."

    Proverbs 26:1

    On April 21, 1980, the record time for a female winner of the Boston Marathon was smashed when a twenty-seven year old Cuban-born runner named Rosie Ruiz crossed the finish line in just over two and half hours—more than three minutes ahead of the second place finisher. Onlookers were surprised that she was not soaked with sweat and did not appear to even be out of breath as is normal for someone who finishes the grueling twenty-six mile race.

    Soon, however, evidence began to surface that Ruiz had not actually run the entire event. Photos taken at various checkpoints and stations along the course did not show her, and she could not remember any details of the various landmarks passed along the route. Two witnesses came forward to report they had seen Ruiz break out of the crowd just a half a mile from the finish line and run only that distance to “complete” the race. The evidence of cheating mounted, and after three days Ruiz was stripped of the title and disqualified from the competition. She was found unworthy of the honor she had received. Since then, races have instituted stringent tracking systems to ensure that such a scheme cannot succeed again.

    There are many people who are not worthy of honor and yet receive it anyway. Our society holds up as heroes those who are famous for athletic, financial, or musical achievements without regard to whether or not they have received their success through honesty and character. Often these who are held up as role models prove to be poor examples for others to follow. It is important for us to ensure that ours heroes are not simply famous fools but rather men and women of godly character who are worthy of applause and emulation.

    Today’s Proverbs Precept: 
    Make your heroes those who are wise in God’s eyes, and you will not endow fools with your respect.

    Old Testament Reading
    Exodus 14

    CHAPTER 14

    1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. 4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. 5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? 6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: 7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. 8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. 9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

    10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. 13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

    15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

    21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. 26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

     

    CHAPTER 15

    1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. 3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. 4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. 5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. 6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. 7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. 8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. 10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. 11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? 12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. 13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. 14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. 15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. 16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. 17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. 18 The LORD shall reign for ever and ever. 19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. 20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

    22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. 23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, 26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. 27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

    New Testament Reading
    Matthew 17

    CHAPTER 17

    1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. 10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? 11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. 13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

    14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

    22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: 23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

    24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

    Proverb of the Day
    Proverbs 26

    1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. 15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. 17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? 20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. 24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. 27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

     
           
       
     

  • T&M 1-27-13 IT IS TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT?

    Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us...Heb 12:1

    Your biggest potential enemy in life (besides your own wrong thinking and the devil himself) is the environment in which you live. For instance, if you constantly live in an atmosphere of doubt and unbelief, it's just a fact that you'll have much more difficult time maintaining a walk of strong faith. That doubt filled environment will try to rub off on you!

    It's just a fact that your environment tends to affect you and the way you think. For example, if you used to smoke or if you used to have a drinking problem, it's obviously not a smart idea for you to hang around smokers or drinkers--unless, that is, you want to be influenced to return to your old habits. Hanging around people who still do these things may lure you to pick up a cigarette to take a smoke or to allow yourself one more small drink.

    However, those little allowances may possibly be the very hook that the devil uses to drag you back into the bondage from which Yahvahosha Messiah already delivered you. That's why it's vital for you to understand that the environment surrounding you is very important!

    With this in mind, look at the phrase "...the sin which doth so easily beset us..." What kind of sin is this verse talking about? The words "so easily beset us" are from the Greek word euperistatos, a compound of three words: eu, peri, and statos. Let's look at all three of these words.

    The word eu usually means well, but in this case it carries the idea of something that feels well or something that is comfortable. The Greek word peri means around or being completely surrounded. The statos is from the root istimi, meaning to stand. When these three words are compounded, the new word describes something that comfortably stgands all around you, such as a comfortable environment.

    So this phrase in Heb 12:1 could be understood to say: "...Lay aside the sin and the environment that so comfortably envelops you..."

    Sometimes in order to make necessary changes in your life, you must physically remove yourself from an unprofitable situation. if you're not strong enough in your faith to stay there without being affected, you need to get up and get out of that unbelieving, negative enivronment--the one you've been comfortably living in for a long. long time. If you're not strong enough to overcome it, it will unquestionably try to reach out and drag you back into your old behavior again.

    If Yahvah admonition to lay aside ever weight applies to you, then obey Him and make a break from that unhealthy environment! Perhaps old friends, old places, or wrong believing are trying to exert a bad influence on you and you're not resisting that influence not well. If that's the case, get out of there! For you, that environment is sin if it keeps you from fulfilling your potential in Yahvahosha Messiah.

    Be honest as you consider your workplace, your friends, and your living conditions. Ask yourself, Is this environment conducive to my walk in Messiah, or is it dragging me back down into the mire I was delivered from?

    Your friends and your job are not so important that you should let them destroy your spiritual life. If you cannot successfully handle the environment you're in, get out of there. Then watch Yahvah provide a better job and better friends than you've ever had in your life!

    Your Religious life is serious business. Don't let your environment fill you with doubt and knock you out of your spiritual race! If you can't handle your environment victoriously, initiate a plan of action to change it today!

    PRAYER: YAHVAH, I WANT TO STAY IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL KEEP MY FAITH ALIVE AND STRONG. HELP ME RECOGNIZE THOSE RELATIONSHIP AND PLACES I SHOULD AVOID TO KEEP MY FAITH FROM BEING NEGATIVELY AFFECTED. AS YOU SHOWS ME PLACES, PEOPLE, AND THINGS I SHOULD AVOID, GIVE ME THE STRENGTH I NEED TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT--AND GIVE ME THE WISDOM I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO AVOID THOSE PLACES AND PEOPLE! I PRAY THIS IN YAHVAHOSHA'S NAME!

    MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

    I CONFESS THAT I WILL PHYSICALLY REMOVE MYSELF FROM UNPROFITABLE SITUATIONS THAT ARE NOT POSITIVE FOR MY FAITH. I MAKE THE CHOICE TO GET UP AND GET OUT OF UNBELIEVING, NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTS THAT TEND TO PULL ME DOWN. I AM LAYING ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, AND I AM MAKING A BREAK FROM ALL UNHEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS! WITH YAHVAH'S HELP, I MAKE RIGHT CHOICES AND RIGHT FRIENDS. I DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO STAY IN ENVIRONMENTS THAT HELP ME KEEP MY FAITH ALIVE AND WELL. I DECLARE THIS BY FAITH IN YAHVAHOSHA'S NAME!

    QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

    1.Have you been in any relationships or environment that you should have avoided? How did they affect your walk with Yahvah?

    2.Are there any unprofitable situation or relationships that you need to remove yourself from now?

    3.What steps can you take to start making better choices of friends and environments? What do you thing Yahvah wants you to do with your current relationships and places that you frequent? Bro. Doc

  • T&M SABBATH 1/26/13 A FIGHT ALWAYS FOLLOWS ILLUMINATION

    But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions...Heb. 10:32

    Have you ever received a word from Yahvah that gave you the exact direction you needed? If so, let me guess what happened next...Suddenly--BOOM! It seemed like all hell broke loose! The craziest circumstances erupted, seeming to directly challenge and assault that word you had just received from Yahvah!

    If I've just described what you've gone through or what you are going through right now, be encouraged! You might be right on track! A spiritual fight usually does occur when you've been specially illuminated to the plan Yahvah has for your life.

    In Hebrews 10:32, the Scripture says, "But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions..." Today I want us to look at three key words in this verse: "great," "fight," and "afflictions." These words describe what you and I might experience after Yahvah has given us a word of instruction to illuminate us regarding His plan for our lives.

    First, let's look at the word "great." In the Greek, it's the word mega, and it describes something very big. For instance, the word mega is where we get the word megaphone, and instrument for making a very big noise. This word mega is used by people when they speak of mega-bills, mega-problems, mega-works, and so on. by using this word, the writer of Hebrews tell us that spiritual conflicts accompanying a word of divine direction are normally not small--they're usually mega! They're BIG!

    The second word I want you to see is the word "fight". It comes from the Greek word athlesis and refers to a committed athlete. This undoubtedly tells you that when you receive a word from Yahvah, it may throw you into one of the greatest challenges of your entire life! You'll feel like you've just entered the ring and are competing for the prize!

    Finally we come to the third word "affliction." It is the Greek word pathema and usually refers to mental pressure or to suffering that affects the mind. this isn't talking about mental sickness, rather, it points to a war in your soul or an attack on your mind.

    Heb 10:32 could thus be taken to mean: "After you were illuminated, you endured a mega-size ordeal that threw you into the biggest fight you ever faced in you life. But the most critical part of the struggle resulted from the unremitting assaults that literally battered your mind..."

    You can be sure that if you take a stance of faith in response to a word you received from Yahvah. every possible negative thought will come against your mind. Not only will the devil try to use people and circumstances to thwart the plan, but he will also affect your mind with all kinds of negative thoughts and accusations. He'll do everything he can to talk you out of doing what Yahvah has called you to do.

    Don't be surprised by this! You must remember that Yahvahosha experienced this type of attack as He hung on the Stake. As He selflessly laid down His own life on the Stake, the soldiers and other  criminals hurled their horrible, slanderous statements at Him. But Yahvahosha pushed aside all the assaults that came against His soul and endured, committing His life and destiny into the Father's hands.

    If you haven't received a true word from Yahvah, there would be nothing for the devil to challenge! The fight you face is the greatest evidence you're right on track! Just hand on, and don't give up! You've clearly headed in the right direction!

    PRAYER: YAHVAH, AS I TAKE A STAND OF FAITH IN RESPONSE TO THAT WORD I HAVE RECEIVED FROM YOU FOR MY LIFE, I REALIZE THAT SATAN MAY TRY TO USE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS TO WAR AGAINST MY MIND. THAN YOU FOR ALERTING ME TO THE FACT THAT THE DEVIL MAY EVEN TRY TO USE PEOPLE AND CIRCUMSTANCES TO THWART YOUR PLAN FOR MY LIFE. BUT I ALSO THANK YOU THAT SATAN CANNOT STOP YOUR PLAN FROM COMING TO PASS! WITH YOUR SPIRIT ILLUMINATING MY MIND, I KNOW I WILL BER ABLE TO DISCERN THE ATTACKS OF THE ENEMY AND SUCCESSFULLY RESIST EACH AND EVERY ATTACK! I PRAY THIS IN YAHVAHOSHA'S NAME!

    Bro. Doc

  • MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE 1/27/13

    AY, EVERY INCH A KING. SHAKESPEARE, KING LEAR, IV, 6 BRO. DOC

  • MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES SABBATH 1/26/13

    A king of shreds and patches Shakespeare, Hamlet, III,4

  • JOKES

    An Engineer, Physicist and Mathematician in a hotel

    An engineer, a physicist and a mathematician are staying in a hotel.

    The engineer wakes up and smells smoke. He goes out into the hallway and sees a fire, so he fills a trash can from his room with water and douses the fire. He goes back to bed.

    Later, the physicist wakes up and smells smoke. He opens his door and sees a fire in the hallway. He walks down the hall to a fire hose and after calculating the flame velocity, distance, water pressure, trajectory, etc. extinguishes the fire with the minimum amount of water and energy needed.

    Later, the mathematician wakes up and smells smoke. He goes to the hall, sees the fire and then the fire hose. He thinks for a moment and then exclaims, "Ah, a solution exists!" and then goes back to bed.

    Life's Observations

    1. Marriage changes passion; suddenly you're in bed with a relative.

    2. Sign in a Chinese Pet Store: "Buy one dog, get one flea."

    3. I have my own little world. But it's OK, they know me here.

    4. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

    5. If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

    6. I don't approve of political jokes. I've seen too many of them get elected.

    7. The most precious thing we have is life. Yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.

    8. I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.

    9. Shopping tip: You can get shoes for a couple of bucks at the bowling alley.

    10. I am a nobody, and nobody is perfect; therefore I am perfect.

    11. How come we choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?

    12. Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant like having a peeing section in a swimming pool?

    Top Secret Communications Center

    When my son was in the Air Force, my wife and I visited quite often. On our first visit, we were allowed inside this top secret Communications Center, but everything in sight was covered up so we could look around everywhere -- Heck, even the toilet paper in the Men's room was disguised.

    Anyway, at the exit, there's a sign above the door, which reads: "You have been exposed to Top Secret Material. Please destroy yourself before leaving the building."

    Aspirin Overdose

    Jane calls the doctor in a panic. "Doctor, doctor! My little Jimmy swallowed a dozen aspirin. What should I do?"

    The doctor asked Jane, "Are you sure it was a dozen?"

    The frantic mother says, "Absolutely! Doctor, I'm scared to death!"

    The doctor tells the mother, "Calm down. Is little Jimmy crying?"

    Jane says "No."

    "Is he sleeping?" asks the doctor.

    "No." says Jimmy's mom.

    The doctor goes on with routine questions, "Is his color funny?"

    Again Jane says "No."

    "Did Jimmy throw up?" asks the methodical doctor.

    "No." says the worried mom. "But I'm so scared. All that aspirin...shouldn't I do something?"

    To which the doctor says, "Try giving him a headache."