Jacob The Heel Catcher - Spiritual Adultery
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Your Word for Today
"For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till He come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he who eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s Body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (I Cor. 11:26-30).
The above Scriptures are of immense significance to every Believer, and should be minutely understood. In fact, not properly understanding them causes many Christians to be sick, even “many” to die prematurely. They don’t lose their soul, but their lives are cut short, which is extremely detrimental, not only to families, but also to the Work of God.
So what is the Holy Spirit through Paul saying here?
1. First of all, even though we aren’t told how often we should partake of the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Spirit does say, “As often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup,” specifying something significant. What is so significant is that we understand that the Lord’s Supper is meant to portray “the Lord’s death till He come.” This refers not only to the fact of His Death, but also to the manner in which He died. We are ever to keep the Cross before us.
2. It is possible, and said so by the Holy Spirit, to eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord, “unworthily.” When that happens, we become “guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord.”
What does that mean?
The Lord does not demand sinless perfection for one to partake of the “Supper.” However, He does demand that our Faith be exclusively in Christ and the Cross, as evidenced in Verse 26. If we make anything else the object of our faith, we are eating and drinking unworthily, and the results will not be good. This is, in fact, the reason that so many Christians are sick, even the reason why many Christians die prematurely.
Understanding that, I’m sure we see how important all of this actually is.
3. Before taking the “Supper,” every Believer should “examine himself” as to whether his faith is properly placed in Christ and the Cross.
The idea is this:
If anyone has it in their mind that belonging to a certain Church or Denomination denotes some type of spirituality, then their faith is not properly placed in Christ and the Cross. If one believes that Salvation comes in any manner except by simple Faith in Christ and the Cross, then that person is “guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord.” That person had best not partake of the “Supper.”
4. If a Believer eats and drinks unworthily, which means their faith is placed in something other than Christ and the Cross, such a Believer is actually “eating and drinking damnation to himself,” because he is “not discerning the Lord’s Body.”
We “discern the Lord’s Body” by understanding what the broken bread means and what the cup means. They refer, respectively, to His broken Body and His shed Blood, which both refer to the Cross.
There will be millions of Christians this Sunday morning who will take the Lord’s Supper, whose faith is not properly placed in Christ and the Cross, but something else altogether. If they are true Believers, such action will cause many to be sick, and even to die prematurely. These misfortunes may be ascribed to something else, but if the truth be known, they occurred because of “not discerning the Lord’s Body.”
Simple Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross addresses this perfectly and stops the sickness and the premature death.
It’s obvious we should realize how important all of this actually is."
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
"For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till He come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he who eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s Body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (I Cor. 11:26-30).
The above Scriptures are of immense significance to every Believer, and should be minutely understood. In fact, not properly understanding them causes many Christians to be sick, even “many” to die prematurely. They don’t lose their soul, but their lives are cut short, which is extremely detrimental, not only to families, but also to the Work of God.
So what is the Holy Spirit through Paul saying here?
1. First of all, even though we aren’t told how often we should partake of the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Spirit does say, “As often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup,” specifying something significant. What is so significant is that we understand that the Lord’s Supper is meant to portray “the Lord’s death till He come.” This refers not only to the fact of His Death, but also to the manner in which He died. We are ever to keep the Cross before us.
2. It is possible, and said so by the Holy Spirit, to eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord, “unworthily.” When that happens, we become “guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord.”
What does that mean?
The Lord does not demand sinless perfection for one to partake of the “Supper.” However, He does demand that our Faith be exclusively in Christ and the Cross, as evidenced in Verse 26. If we make anything else the object of our faith, we are eating and drinking unworthily, and the results will not be good. This is, in fact, the reason that so many Christians are sick, even the reason why many Christians die prematurely.
Understanding that, I’m sure we see how important all of this actually is.
3. Before taking the “Supper,” every Believer should “examine himself” as to whether his faith is properly placed in Christ and the Cross.
The idea is this:
If anyone has it in their mind that belonging to a certain Church or Denomination denotes some type of spirituality, then their faith is not properly placed in Christ and the Cross. If one believes that Salvation comes in any manner except by simple Faith in Christ and the Cross, then that person is “guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord.” That person had best not partake of the “Supper.”
4. If a Believer eats and drinks unworthily, which means their faith is placed in something other than Christ and the Cross, such a Believer is actually “eating and drinking damnation to himself,” because he is “not discerning the Lord’s Body.”
We “discern the Lord’s Body” by understanding what the broken bread means and what the cup means. They refer, respectively, to His broken Body and His shed Blood, which both refer to the Cross.
There will be millions of Christians this Sunday morning who will take the Lord’s Supper, whose faith is not properly placed in Christ and the Cross, but something else altogether. If they are true Believers, such action will cause many to be sick, and even to die prematurely. These misfortunes may be ascribed to something else, but if the truth be known, they occurred because of “not discerning the Lord’s Body.”
Simple Faith in Christ and what He did at the Cross addresses this perfectly and stops the sickness and the premature death.
It’s obvious we should realize how important all of this actually is."
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Think on the Good Things”
There will be days in our Christian experience where everything seems to be falling apart, to go wrong, to be impossible, completely frustrating, or is simply devastated. We are creatures of emotion and it is impossible for anyone to entirely escape a sense of being dismayed when a series of events work together to discourage us. It’s at times like these and in days like these that today’s advice should be heeded. That is, to think upon the good things. Think upon the victories that God has already brought into your life. Think about the deliverances that have already been experienced. Think about the tremendous interruptions that God has brought to pass upon other debilitating circumstances. Encourage yourself with the knowledge of experiences past where God has delivered you or set you free. As these historical events come to your mind, the heart and soul will receive encouragement and an ability to believe will begin to rise within the depths of your heart. So if today just happens to be one of those formidable days of opposition, think on the good things! Shout praises for victories past! Let the knowledge of what God has done before be an encouragement to you. And believe that God is about to do the same in your present.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
There will be days in our Christian experience where everything seems to be falling apart, to go wrong, to be impossible, completely frustrating, or is simply devastated. We are creatures of emotion and it is impossible for anyone to entirely escape a sense of being dismayed when a series of events work together to discourage us. It’s at times like these and in days like these that today’s advice should be heeded. That is, to think upon the good things. Think upon the victories that God has already brought into your life. Think about the deliverances that have already been experienced. Think about the tremendous interruptions that God has brought to pass upon other debilitating circumstances. Encourage yourself with the knowledge of experiences past where God has delivered you or set you free. As these historical events come to your mind, the heart and soul will receive encouragement and an ability to believe will begin to rise within the depths of your heart. So if today just happens to be one of those formidable days of opposition, think on the good things! Shout praises for victories past! Let the knowledge of what God has done before be an encouragement to you. And believe that God is about to do the same in your present.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 27:5
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
This scripture of God’s Wisdom allows us to see and to know that IT IS love to rebuke someone openly than to just watch and love from the shadows, and hope everything gets better. God’s people who have moved away from His prescribed order of victory, which is exclusive faith in the Way of Christ and His atoning sacrifice, will surely get mad when they are rebuked concerning the error of their ways, but the Lord says it is better than just sitting in secret and attempting to love them without offering the rebuke they desperately need. We surely will get mad before we get glad when we are found on the wrong road that we for so long have thought was right!
There is so much warning in the Bible, that it is literally found almost on every page, but only those who have found their place back IN THE FAITH, have eyes to see this. Remember, there is only a state of blindness without faith in the cross (John 3:3-5, 2 Peter 1:9), but deception means that I do not know that I do not know, but I think I do. Come back to the cross so that you can clearly see the only path/race the Lord has placed your feet in.
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 27:5
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
This scripture of God’s Wisdom allows us to see and to know that IT IS love to rebuke someone openly than to just watch and love from the shadows, and hope everything gets better. God’s people who have moved away from His prescribed order of victory, which is exclusive faith in the Way of Christ and His atoning sacrifice, will surely get mad when they are rebuked concerning the error of their ways, but the Lord says it is better than just sitting in secret and attempting to love them without offering the rebuke they desperately need. We surely will get mad before we get glad when we are found on the wrong road that we for so long have thought was right!
There is so much warning in the Bible, that it is literally found almost on every page, but only those who have found their place back IN THE FAITH, have eyes to see this. Remember, there is only a state of blindness without faith in the cross (John 3:3-5, 2 Peter 1:9), but deception means that I do not know that I do not know, but I think I do. Come back to the cross so that you can clearly see the only path/race the Lord has placed your feet in.
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
"Now concerning Spiritual Gifts, Brethren, I would not have you ignorant (I Cor. 12:1).
There are nine Gifts of the Spirit listed here by the Apostle Paul. For one or more of these Gifts to be resident in the heart and life of the Believer, one must be baptized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues (Acts 2:4). All Believers who are Spirit-filled should “covet earnestly the best Gifts” (I Cor. 12:31). This speaks of that which the Holy Spirit wants a particular Believer to have.
Every Spirit-filled Believer probably has one or more Gifts of the Spirit, but needs instructions to know how those Gifts are developed.
In brief, the following, hopefully, will present some understanding of the Gifts.
1. “The Word of Wisdom”: This pertains to people, places, and things, as they relate to the future. The Holy Spirit will not give total information concerning the subject, but rather only a “word.”
2. “The Word of Knowledge”: This concerns people, places, and things, as they regard the present or the past. Once again, total knowledge will not be given, but rather just a “word.”
3. “Faith”: This could be translated “Faithfulness.” This Gift probably works in tandem with any of the other Gifts, because faith is required regarding anything done for the Lord.
Several of the Gifts work in tandem, meaning if a person has one, he probably also has the other.
4. “Gifts of Healings”: While any Believer can, and should, pray for the sick in the Name of Jesus, there are those who have this special Gift, and who obviously will see more people healed.
5. “The Working of Miracles”: This Gift constitutes a suspension of natural laws in some manner or way.
6. “Prophecy”: This Gift is not so much in the realm of foretelling as it is in forthtelling. It is mostly for “edification, exhortation, and comfort” (I Cor. 14:3).
7. “Discerning of spirits”: This is not the gift of discernment, as some think, but rather the discerning of spirits, which pertain to evils spirits, even Angels, and, at times, even human spirits. The person with such a Gift understands more readily the type of spirit in operation and its purpose. Oftentimes, this Gift works in tandem with the “Word of Knowledge” and even “Gifts of Healings.”
8. “Kinds of Tongues”: This does not pertain to one’s prayer language of worship, but rather to utterances given in a public assembly, which are meant for interpretation. (Tongues, which every Spirit-baptized person has, and which are used for prayer and worship, do not fall into this category. In other words, no interpretation is required.)
9. “Interpretation of Tongues”: At times, the person with the Gift of Tongues, referring to this Gift of the Spirit, will also have the Gift of “Interpretation of Tongues.” But at other times, one person will exercise the Gift of Tongues and another person will exercise the Gift of “Interpretation of Tongues.”
In every Church, there should be some Believers who have these Gifts, and their operation (done in order, of course) should be encouraged."
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
"Now concerning Spiritual Gifts, Brethren, I would not have you ignorant (I Cor. 12:1).
There are nine Gifts of the Spirit listed here by the Apostle Paul. For one or more of these Gifts to be resident in the heart and life of the Believer, one must be baptized with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues (Acts 2:4). All Believers who are Spirit-filled should “covet earnestly the best Gifts” (I Cor. 12:31). This speaks of that which the Holy Spirit wants a particular Believer to have.
Every Spirit-filled Believer probably has one or more Gifts of the Spirit, but needs instructions to know how those Gifts are developed.
In brief, the following, hopefully, will present some understanding of the Gifts.
1. “The Word of Wisdom”: This pertains to people, places, and things, as they relate to the future. The Holy Spirit will not give total information concerning the subject, but rather only a “word.”
2. “The Word of Knowledge”: This concerns people, places, and things, as they regard the present or the past. Once again, total knowledge will not be given, but rather just a “word.”
3. “Faith”: This could be translated “Faithfulness.” This Gift probably works in tandem with any of the other Gifts, because faith is required regarding anything done for the Lord.
Several of the Gifts work in tandem, meaning if a person has one, he probably also has the other.
4. “Gifts of Healings”: While any Believer can, and should, pray for the sick in the Name of Jesus, there are those who have this special Gift, and who obviously will see more people healed.
5. “The Working of Miracles”: This Gift constitutes a suspension of natural laws in some manner or way.
6. “Prophecy”: This Gift is not so much in the realm of foretelling as it is in forthtelling. It is mostly for “edification, exhortation, and comfort” (I Cor. 14:3).
7. “Discerning of spirits”: This is not the gift of discernment, as some think, but rather the discerning of spirits, which pertain to evils spirits, even Angels, and, at times, even human spirits. The person with such a Gift understands more readily the type of spirit in operation and its purpose. Oftentimes, this Gift works in tandem with the “Word of Knowledge” and even “Gifts of Healings.”
8. “Kinds of Tongues”: This does not pertain to one’s prayer language of worship, but rather to utterances given in a public assembly, which are meant for interpretation. (Tongues, which every Spirit-baptized person has, and which are used for prayer and worship, do not fall into this category. In other words, no interpretation is required.)
9. “Interpretation of Tongues”: At times, the person with the Gift of Tongues, referring to this Gift of the Spirit, will also have the Gift of “Interpretation of Tongues.” But at other times, one person will exercise the Gift of Tongues and another person will exercise the Gift of “Interpretation of Tongues.”
In every Church, there should be some Believers who have these Gifts, and their operation (done in order, of course) should be encouraged."
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Access to God”
When Jesus Christ died on Calvary, He made available everything that the human race would ever require to experience life and life more abundant. His sacrifice became the means by which God would be able to bestow unending benefits and privileges to man. As well, the event of Calvary opened the door through which man could access God for every benefit of his inheritance. We have the eternal assurance of having every prayer heard. Therefore, the cross became the means to the source. When we have a need, a prayer request, a supplication, or a desperate plea that we require God to answer, we can be confident as believers that God has received them and that the answers we need are on the way. If we rely upon anything other than the event of Calvary, the work of Christ on the cross, to give us access to the Almighty, then we are attempting to bypass the prescribed order of God. We are like a thief attempting to climb over a wall while a door has already been established. This door allows those who have needs to access God. Therefore, maintain proper faith in Christ and Him crucified and have confidence that your answer is on the way.
Ephesians 2:18 - For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
When Jesus Christ died on Calvary, He made available everything that the human race would ever require to experience life and life more abundant. His sacrifice became the means by which God would be able to bestow unending benefits and privileges to man. As well, the event of Calvary opened the door through which man could access God for every benefit of his inheritance. We have the eternal assurance of having every prayer heard. Therefore, the cross became the means to the source. When we have a need, a prayer request, a supplication, or a desperate plea that we require God to answer, we can be confident as believers that God has received them and that the answers we need are on the way. If we rely upon anything other than the event of Calvary, the work of Christ on the cross, to give us access to the Almighty, then we are attempting to bypass the prescribed order of God. We are like a thief attempting to climb over a wall while a door has already been established. This door allows those who have needs to access God. Therefore, maintain proper faith in Christ and Him crucified and have confidence that your answer is on the way.
Ephesians 2:18 - For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
It is the friend who openly rebukes us causing us to feel wounded, but these wounds are faithful to direct us to repentance and back to the proper Way, which is the Way of the cross. The enemy will attempt to deceive us with his outward show of love, rather than directing us back to the Way of the cross, and this God calls deceitful. Jesus calls Peter, “Satan” (Matthew 16:23), but only does so because He loves him and is his friend even though the words would wound Peter, they would also help him. On the other hand, we see Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus with a deceitful kiss (Luke 22:27-28).
This is seen in almost all pulpits today as ministers attempt to show outward acts of love, and to love God’s people secretly (v.5) rather than to preach the message of the cross and to warn against all that is not faith. This is the only message which reveals God’s love (1
John 4:9-10). We preach, warn, and teach all men of the wisdom of God so that all may have the opportunity to be presented perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
It is the friend who openly rebukes us causing us to feel wounded, but these wounds are faithful to direct us to repentance and back to the proper Way, which is the Way of the cross. The enemy will attempt to deceive us with his outward show of love, rather than directing us back to the Way of the cross, and this God calls deceitful. Jesus calls Peter, “Satan” (Matthew 16:23), but only does so because He loves him and is his friend even though the words would wound Peter, they would also help him. On the other hand, we see Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus with a deceitful kiss (Luke 22:27-28).
This is seen in almost all pulpits today as ministers attempt to show outward acts of love, and to love God’s people secretly (v.5) rather than to preach the message of the cross and to warn against all that is not faith. This is the only message which reveals God’s love (1
John 4:9-10). We preach, warn, and teach all men of the wisdom of God so that all may have the opportunity to be presented perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbol (I Cor. 13:1).
In the Twelfth Chapter of I Corinthians, the Gifts of the Spirit are listed, while in the Fourteenth Chapter of I Corinthians, the three vocal Gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues are regulated, so to speak. Between these two Chapters is the Chapter on love, exactly where Holy Spirit wanted it to be placed.
Paul is not demeaning tongues here, as some claim, but is merely stating the fact that irrespective of how many Gifts one might have, or however one is used by the Lord in other ways, still, love must be present, or else the other things will ultimately be invalidated.
Incidentally, the word “charity,” as used here, should have been translated “love,” because the Greek word “agape” used here means “love,” i.e., “the God-kind of love.”
One cannot develop love in one’s heart by the means of the flesh. It has to be developed by the Holy Spirit. Love is actually one of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Due to the fact that the Holy Spirit works exclusively in the heart and life of the Believer by and through the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ (Rom. 8:2), such demands that the Believer also have his Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross. The very epitome of the Cross is “love.”
“For God so loved the world, that He gave . . .” (Jn. 3:16).
There is no greater expression of love than the Cross of Christ.
So, when the Believer has his Faith anchored solely in Christ and the Cross, then the Holy Spirit can begin to work within such a heart and life, developing this Fruit, which is the only way it can be done. Unfortunately, many Believers read this Thirteenth Chapter of I Corinthians and conclude that they “need more love.” While that is certainly true of all of us, for one to set about to try to bring it to pass within one’s own machinations, such cannot be.
The Believer doesn’t have to fret himself about this wonderful ingredient of love, or any of the Fruit of the Spirit, for that matter, providing the Believer has his faith properly placed. Properly placed, such faith will guarantee the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart and life of such a person, and these things will automatically be developed.
Believers must learn that anything pertaining to the Lord can never be developed by the flesh, i.e., “our own ability, strength, and power.” Anything and everything which pertains to the Lord can only be developed by the Holy Spirit, including “love.”'
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbol (I Cor. 13:1).
In the Twelfth Chapter of I Corinthians, the Gifts of the Spirit are listed, while in the Fourteenth Chapter of I Corinthians, the three vocal Gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues are regulated, so to speak. Between these two Chapters is the Chapter on love, exactly where Holy Spirit wanted it to be placed.
Paul is not demeaning tongues here, as some claim, but is merely stating the fact that irrespective of how many Gifts one might have, or however one is used by the Lord in other ways, still, love must be present, or else the other things will ultimately be invalidated.
Incidentally, the word “charity,” as used here, should have been translated “love,” because the Greek word “agape” used here means “love,” i.e., “the God-kind of love.”
One cannot develop love in one’s heart by the means of the flesh. It has to be developed by the Holy Spirit. Love is actually one of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Due to the fact that the Holy Spirit works exclusively in the heart and life of the Believer by and through the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ (Rom. 8:2), such demands that the Believer also have his Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross. The very epitome of the Cross is “love.”
“For God so loved the world, that He gave . . .” (Jn. 3:16).
There is no greater expression of love than the Cross of Christ.
So, when the Believer has his Faith anchored solely in Christ and the Cross, then the Holy Spirit can begin to work within such a heart and life, developing this Fruit, which is the only way it can be done. Unfortunately, many Believers read this Thirteenth Chapter of I Corinthians and conclude that they “need more love.” While that is certainly true of all of us, for one to set about to try to bring it to pass within one’s own machinations, such cannot be.
The Believer doesn’t have to fret himself about this wonderful ingredient of love, or any of the Fruit of the Spirit, for that matter, providing the Believer has his faith properly placed. Properly placed, such faith will guarantee the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart and life of such a person, and these things will automatically be developed.
Believers must learn that anything pertaining to the Lord can never be developed by the flesh, i.e., “our own ability, strength, and power.” Anything and everything which pertains to the Lord can only be developed by the Holy Spirit, including “love.”'
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Giving to God”
Giving to God on a consistent basis ought not to be a difficult concept for any truly born-again believer to comprehend. Giving to the work of God is the responsibility of every Christian. Giving is an act of worship. We should be grateful for what God has already accomplished in our own lives. We are debtors to bring the knowledge of Christ to those who have not experienced the joys of abundant and eternal life. God does not “need” our financial support. Yet He asks us to show the sincerity of our love by giving up a portion of our income so that there might be provision for the gospel message to go forward. The concept of giving consistently is a principle of scripture that exists to bring blessings to the giver. Why would any believer fail to desire to give consistently to the true work of God? It is declared in scripture that God intends to open up the windows of heaven and pour out abundant blessings upon those who will worship Him with consistent gifts to His work. If you have failed to comprehend and adhere to this truth, repent of your scriptural disobedience and begin to honor God with gifts that aid in spreading the gospel message.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Giving to God on a consistent basis ought not to be a difficult concept for any truly born-again believer to comprehend. Giving to the work of God is the responsibility of every Christian. Giving is an act of worship. We should be grateful for what God has already accomplished in our own lives. We are debtors to bring the knowledge of Christ to those who have not experienced the joys of abundant and eternal life. God does not “need” our financial support. Yet He asks us to show the sincerity of our love by giving up a portion of our income so that there might be provision for the gospel message to go forward. The concept of giving consistently is a principle of scripture that exists to bring blessings to the giver. Why would any believer fail to desire to give consistently to the true work of God? It is declared in scripture that God intends to open up the windows of heaven and pour out abundant blessings upon those who will worship Him with consistent gifts to His work. If you have failed to comprehend and adhere to this truth, repent of your scriptural disobedience and begin to honor God with gifts that aid in spreading the gospel message.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 27:7
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
In context this verse of scripture is speaking of those who are actually full of themselves which is always the case when our faith is not in the cross of Christ, for it is either His Righteousness, or ours. Through faith in the cross, we experience His Righteousness, while through faith in ANYTHING other we experience only that which is self righteousness in the eyes of the Lord!
Those who are full of themselves hate that which could be sweet to the ears and the heart, which is a rebuke to return to the cross, but to those who hunger and thirst after God’s Righteousness, even the rebuke that comes openly, and seems bitter, becomes sweet to them. If God cannot disturb us, He cannot move us. If He cannot move us, He cannot save us. If He cannot get us concerned about the things of God, He cannot do anything at all for us. The flesh will never submit to the Spirit without faith in the work of Christ at Calvary!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 27:7
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
In context this verse of scripture is speaking of those who are actually full of themselves which is always the case when our faith is not in the cross of Christ, for it is either His Righteousness, or ours. Through faith in the cross, we experience His Righteousness, while through faith in ANYTHING other we experience only that which is self righteousness in the eyes of the Lord!
Those who are full of themselves hate that which could be sweet to the ears and the heart, which is a rebuke to return to the cross, but to those who hunger and thirst after God’s Righteousness, even the rebuke that comes openly, and seems bitter, becomes sweet to them. If God cannot disturb us, He cannot move us. If He cannot move us, He cannot save us. If He cannot get us concerned about the things of God, He cannot do anything at all for us. The flesh will never submit to the Spirit without faith in the work of Christ at Calvary!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
"I thank my God, I speak with Tongues more than you all (I Cor. 14:18).
In this Chapter, the Holy Spirit through Paul regulates, of a sort, the vocal Gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues; the greatest degree of instruction is given regarding the Gift of Tongues.
Let us say first that it is the Gift of Tongues, i.e., one of the nine Gifts of the Spirit, and which is meant to be interpreted, which is mostly addressed. Tongues as a prayer language and as an instrument of worship, which every Spirit-filled Believer has and should use constantly, are not the topic of discussion here, except only in passing.
So what is the Apostle saying regarding the Gift of Tongues?
1. When it is time to give truth to the public, it would do no good to get up and speak in tongues, for no one would know what you were talking about. When it’s time for the Word to be preached, Paul says, “Five words with my understanding” is of more value than “ten thousand words in an unknown Tongue,” which no one can understand (I Cor. 14:6-11, 19).
2. Those to whom the Lord has blessed with “Spiritual Gifts” should “seek that you may excel to the edifying of the Church” (I Cor. 14:12). These Gifts are not for personal edification, but rather for the edifying of the entirety of the Body of Christ; consequently, this should ever be kept in view, meaning an individual should never stand out or show out, but seek to be used to bless the entirety of the congregation.
When an utterance in tongues is properly given in the Church, and it is interpreted, the Holy Spirit will always use such to “edify, exhort, and comfort” the entirety of the congregation.
Many times I have personally been strengthened and blessed by an utterance in Tongues, as the interpretation came forth! And so have millions!
3. If Lord has given a person the “Gift of Tongues,” that person should pray that the Lord will also give him the Gift of “Interpretation of Tongues.” And if the Lord spelled it out as He did in this fashion, it should be obvious that this is a prayer that He definitely will answer, that is, if the person is sincere before the Lord, and seeks to edify the entirety of the Body of Christ instead of edifying only himself.
4. Paul tells us that it is proper to pray in Tongues along with praying in our regular language. The same can be said for singing (I Cor. 14:15). Some have claimed that their praying in the Spirit should also be interpreted. I see nothing in the Scriptures which validates such a conclusion. Paul certainly does not give credence to such here. Furthermore, if one attempts to interpret one’s own tongue while praying in private, there is no place for such to be judged; therefore, checks and balances provided by the Holy Spirit cannot be put into play (I Cor. 14:29).
5. In the company of unbelievers, if one is asked to pray, it would not be wise, for all the obvious reasons, to pray in Tongues (I Cor. 14:16-17).
6. Paul said, “I thank my God I speak with Tongues more than you all,” which proves that he was not ridiculing tongues, but, by the Holy Spirit, was regulating them. The Apostle also was not speaking of his linguistic abilities, but rather of the subject at hand (I Cor. 14:18).
7. The Apostle quotes the Prophet Isaiah, demonstrating that Tongues did not break upon the Church unannounced. Tongues had been predicted approximately 750 years earlier (I Cor. 14:21; Isa. 28:11).
8. We are told that “Tongues are for a sign, not to them who believe, but to them who believe not” (I Cor. 14:22).
What did Paul mean by that?
He is saying that these Gifts breaking forth upon the world, especially in the latter days, serve as a sign to an unbelieving world that time has about run out. In other words, the Church Age is about to end, and the great Prophecies of Daniel and John are about to be fulfilled.
9. Paul regulates the number of Messages or utterances which are to be given and meant to be interpreted. There should be no more than two or three, “and that by course,” meaning at the proper time.
If the person doing the speaking doesn’t have the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues, and there is no other Interpreter in the service, then the individual should “keep silent” (I Cor. 14:27-28).
10. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle says that no Believer should claim that he had to speak out in Church, and that he had no choice, thereby interrupting what the Lord was doing, as many have done.
The reason?
“The spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets,” which means that the Holy Spirit will never override a person’s spirit to force him to do something.
So, if someone claims they had to do such, it means they were operating in the flesh, and not according to the Holy Spirit. Plainly and clearly, the Apostle says, “God is not the Author of confusion” (I Cor. 14:32-33).
The Holy Spirit will never interrupt Himself. If He is anointing the Preacher to preach, He will not, at the same time, anoint someone to blurt out a message in Tongues, thereby interrupting what He is anointing someone else to do. As Stated, the Lord doesn't cause confusion.
Many people sense the Presence of God as the Spirit of God is moving; because of that, they think they have to give an utterance in tongues.
But let us say it again:
The Holy Spirit also will never interrupt Himself. The Holy Spirit also will never override the spirit of the individual, forcing that person to do anything. The holy Spirit doesn't work that way.
If a person makes a mistake, honestly believing they should have given a messagein tongues and didn't, they should not be discouraged, for the holy Spirit will provide another opportunity.
11. in 1 Corinthians 14:34, the Holy Spirit through Paul is not saying that it's wrong for a woman to say something in Church,or to give an utterance in tongues, as some have claimed, etc. The following is actually what Paul is addressing.
In those days, when people gathered together for Church, wherever it was, the men sat on one side, and the women sat on the other. At times, women were calling out to their husbands across the way, asking what certain things meant. As one can easily imagine, this was causing confusion and disorder. The Apostle is merely saying, "If they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home."
The Holy Spirit through the Prophet Joel, and quoted by Simon Peter, plainly stated, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall Prophesy in those days of My Spirit; and they shall Prophesy" (Acts 2:17-19). This includes women.
12. The Holy Spirit through Paul is here regulating the vocal Gifts. He is quick to say, when closing this section, "Forbid not to speak with Tongues" (1Cor. 14:39). His final word then is, "Let all things be done decently and in order," which is what this Chapter is all about (1 Cor. 14:40).
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
"I thank my God, I speak with Tongues more than you all (I Cor. 14:18).
In this Chapter, the Holy Spirit through Paul regulates, of a sort, the vocal Gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues; the greatest degree of instruction is given regarding the Gift of Tongues.
Let us say first that it is the Gift of Tongues, i.e., one of the nine Gifts of the Spirit, and which is meant to be interpreted, which is mostly addressed. Tongues as a prayer language and as an instrument of worship, which every Spirit-filled Believer has and should use constantly, are not the topic of discussion here, except only in passing.
So what is the Apostle saying regarding the Gift of Tongues?
1. When it is time to give truth to the public, it would do no good to get up and speak in tongues, for no one would know what you were talking about. When it’s time for the Word to be preached, Paul says, “Five words with my understanding” is of more value than “ten thousand words in an unknown Tongue,” which no one can understand (I Cor. 14:6-11, 19).
2. Those to whom the Lord has blessed with “Spiritual Gifts” should “seek that you may excel to the edifying of the Church” (I Cor. 14:12). These Gifts are not for personal edification, but rather for the edifying of the entirety of the Body of Christ; consequently, this should ever be kept in view, meaning an individual should never stand out or show out, but seek to be used to bless the entirety of the congregation.
When an utterance in tongues is properly given in the Church, and it is interpreted, the Holy Spirit will always use such to “edify, exhort, and comfort” the entirety of the congregation.
Many times I have personally been strengthened and blessed by an utterance in Tongues, as the interpretation came forth! And so have millions!
3. If Lord has given a person the “Gift of Tongues,” that person should pray that the Lord will also give him the Gift of “Interpretation of Tongues.” And if the Lord spelled it out as He did in this fashion, it should be obvious that this is a prayer that He definitely will answer, that is, if the person is sincere before the Lord, and seeks to edify the entirety of the Body of Christ instead of edifying only himself.
4. Paul tells us that it is proper to pray in Tongues along with praying in our regular language. The same can be said for singing (I Cor. 14:15). Some have claimed that their praying in the Spirit should also be interpreted. I see nothing in the Scriptures which validates such a conclusion. Paul certainly does not give credence to such here. Furthermore, if one attempts to interpret one’s own tongue while praying in private, there is no place for such to be judged; therefore, checks and balances provided by the Holy Spirit cannot be put into play (I Cor. 14:29).
5. In the company of unbelievers, if one is asked to pray, it would not be wise, for all the obvious reasons, to pray in Tongues (I Cor. 14:16-17).
6. Paul said, “I thank my God I speak with Tongues more than you all,” which proves that he was not ridiculing tongues, but, by the Holy Spirit, was regulating them. The Apostle also was not speaking of his linguistic abilities, but rather of the subject at hand (I Cor. 14:18).
7. The Apostle quotes the Prophet Isaiah, demonstrating that Tongues did not break upon the Church unannounced. Tongues had been predicted approximately 750 years earlier (I Cor. 14:21; Isa. 28:11).
8. We are told that “Tongues are for a sign, not to them who believe, but to them who believe not” (I Cor. 14:22).
What did Paul mean by that?
He is saying that these Gifts breaking forth upon the world, especially in the latter days, serve as a sign to an unbelieving world that time has about run out. In other words, the Church Age is about to end, and the great Prophecies of Daniel and John are about to be fulfilled.
9. Paul regulates the number of Messages or utterances which are to be given and meant to be interpreted. There should be no more than two or three, “and that by course,” meaning at the proper time.
If the person doing the speaking doesn’t have the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues, and there is no other Interpreter in the service, then the individual should “keep silent” (I Cor. 14:27-28).
10. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle says that no Believer should claim that he had to speak out in Church, and that he had no choice, thereby interrupting what the Lord was doing, as many have done.
The reason?
“The spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets,” which means that the Holy Spirit will never override a person’s spirit to force him to do something.
So, if someone claims they had to do such, it means they were operating in the flesh, and not according to the Holy Spirit. Plainly and clearly, the Apostle says, “God is not the Author of confusion” (I Cor. 14:32-33).
The Holy Spirit will never interrupt Himself. If He is anointing the Preacher to preach, He will not, at the same time, anoint someone to blurt out a message in Tongues, thereby interrupting what He is anointing someone else to do. As Stated, the Lord doesn't cause confusion.
Many people sense the Presence of God as the Spirit of God is moving; because of that, they think they have to give an utterance in tongues.
But let us say it again:
The Holy Spirit also will never interrupt Himself. The Holy Spirit also will never override the spirit of the individual, forcing that person to do anything. The holy Spirit doesn't work that way.
If a person makes a mistake, honestly believing they should have given a messagein tongues and didn't, they should not be discouraged, for the holy Spirit will provide another opportunity.
11. in 1 Corinthians 14:34, the Holy Spirit through Paul is not saying that it's wrong for a woman to say something in Church,or to give an utterance in tongues, as some have claimed, etc. The following is actually what Paul is addressing.
In those days, when people gathered together for Church, wherever it was, the men sat on one side, and the women sat on the other. At times, women were calling out to their husbands across the way, asking what certain things meant. As one can easily imagine, this was causing confusion and disorder. The Apostle is merely saying, "If they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home."
The Holy Spirit through the Prophet Joel, and quoted by Simon Peter, plainly stated, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall Prophesy in those days of My Spirit; and they shall Prophesy" (Acts 2:17-19). This includes women.
12. The Holy Spirit through Paul is here regulating the vocal Gifts. He is quick to say, when closing this section, "Forbid not to speak with Tongues" (1Cor. 14:39). His final word then is, "Let all things be done decently and in order," which is what this Chapter is all about (1 Cor. 14:40).
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “God’s Overriding Influence”
Have you ever found yourself planning to do one thing, but when the time came in which you were to announce your decision, you surprised even yourself by answering contrary to your original plan. It soon becomes apparent that the unexpected answer given to the decision in question was the best answer or decision that could have been made regarding the circumstances. The choice opened us up to blessings that we could not have foreseen. There were many things we didn't see and we soon experience benefits that we never knew were even a potential. While God does not override the will of any man, there are times when God will influence the heart of a person and that influence turns them in a way that brings blessings to all involved. Again, it is important to understand that man, in the obstinacy of his heart, can silence or quench this influence. But for the believer, this gentle leading of the Holy Spirit can so often protect us from moving in a direction that is contrary to God's purpose and contrary to God's will. We must ever remain pliable in His hands for only then can the clay be adequately shaped by the divine potter. There is an unseen hand guiding my vessel. Hallelujah!
Proverbs 16:1 - The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Have you ever found yourself planning to do one thing, but when the time came in which you were to announce your decision, you surprised even yourself by answering contrary to your original plan. It soon becomes apparent that the unexpected answer given to the decision in question was the best answer or decision that could have been made regarding the circumstances. The choice opened us up to blessings that we could not have foreseen. There were many things we didn't see and we soon experience benefits that we never knew were even a potential. While God does not override the will of any man, there are times when God will influence the heart of a person and that influence turns them in a way that brings blessings to all involved. Again, it is important to understand that man, in the obstinacy of his heart, can silence or quench this influence. But for the believer, this gentle leading of the Holy Spirit can so often protect us from moving in a direction that is contrary to God's purpose and contrary to God's will. We must ever remain pliable in His hands for only then can the clay be adequately shaped by the divine potter. There is an unseen hand guiding my vessel. Hallelujah!
Proverbs 16:1 - The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 27:8
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Just as a bird that wanders from her nest becomes a wanderer, so does the man that wanders from his place become a wanderer. The Child of God’s place is ‘In Christ”, and we are told to walk “In Christ” in the same way in which we received Him (Colossians 2:6), which was by exclusive faith in His work on the cross. If we have been seduced by all the things the creepers have brought into the church (Jude 1:4) such as the Purpose Driven, The Government of 12, The Covering Principle, and any other thing that our flesh has gone a lusting after, which is not simple faith in Christ and Him crucified, we can return today through faith and begin to experience the biblical grace God offers to all who do!
Cain became a wanderer simply because he refused to subject himself to God’s Way through simple faith in the sacrifice, which would point him to a Redeemer. He opted out, as many are today. Come back to the cross while there’s time, for there is no other way to have oil in your lamps, and when the Master returns, the only one’s going with Him are the ones who have oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:8-12). Jesus is the Light, but His sacrifice is the switch through which His Light is allowed to shine in and through us! It is not faith in the cross and something, but faith in the cross of Christ, and our boast found only there (Galatians 6:14).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 27:8
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Just as a bird that wanders from her nest becomes a wanderer, so does the man that wanders from his place become a wanderer. The Child of God’s place is ‘In Christ”, and we are told to walk “In Christ” in the same way in which we received Him (Colossians 2:6), which was by exclusive faith in His work on the cross. If we have been seduced by all the things the creepers have brought into the church (Jude 1:4) such as the Purpose Driven, The Government of 12, The Covering Principle, and any other thing that our flesh has gone a lusting after, which is not simple faith in Christ and Him crucified, we can return today through faith and begin to experience the biblical grace God offers to all who do!
Cain became a wanderer simply because he refused to subject himself to God’s Way through simple faith in the sacrifice, which would point him to a Redeemer. He opted out, as many are today. Come back to the cross while there’s time, for there is no other way to have oil in your lamps, and when the Master returns, the only one’s going with Him are the ones who have oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:8-12). Jesus is the Light, but His sacrifice is the switch through which His Light is allowed to shine in and through us! It is not faith in the cross and something, but faith in the cross of Christ, and our boast found only there (Galatians 6:14).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on in corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality (I Cor. 15:51-53).
In this Fifteenth Chapter of I Corinthians, the Apostle proclaims in detail the certitude of the Resurrection.
The question may be asked, “What is the Gospel?” The answer is found in Verses 3 and 4 of this Fifteenth Chapter of I Corinthians. It is the Atonement and the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. These Doctrines are the two great foundation stones of the Gospel. If either of them be denied, then the Gospel ceases to exist. For if Christ did not die as an atoning Sacrifice for sins, then sin has never been put away, nor God’s eternal claims satisfied, and there is consequently no deliverance from its power and doom. And if the Resurrection be denied, then Christ failed to accomplish what He purposed to perform, for He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself as a Sin Offering (Heb. 9:26).
These two great foundation Doctrines are based upon the Scriptures of the Old Testament; those writings being from God, their Testimony silenced all discussion and controversy. The Apostle proclaims the fact that the Scriptures and more than 500 human witnesses established the Resurrection. But he subordinates human testimony to the witness of the Bible. The latter was conclusive because it was Divinely inspired.
Much modern religious teaching reverses this order. It puts human testimony first and Bible testimony second, if at all, and for two reasons — to gratify man’s high opinion of himself and to belittle God’s Word.
For the benefit of the Bible student, the “Rapture” and the “Resurrection” are one and the same. They are just two names for the same glorious act. In I Thessalonians 4:1318, the Holy Spirit through Paul states the fact or certitude of the Rapture or Resurrection. In I Corinthians, Chapter 15, he gives details as it regards this coming momentous event. The former states that it will happen; the latter states how it will happen.
Incidentally, I Thessalonians is probably the first Epistle written by Paul. It was probably written in A.D. 54. I Corinthians was written approximately five years later, in A.D. 59.
First of all, the Apostle proclaims the fact that if Christ did not actually rise from the dead, then “preaching and faith” are vain, i.e., “useless.” And if Christ did not actually rise from the dead, then there is no such thing as sins being washed and cleansed. In other words, all are still in their sins. Further, if Christ did not rise from the dead, then every Believer who trusted Him and has died has “perished.”
However, the great Apostle then dogmatically says, “But now is Christ risen from the dead.” Christ having risen from the dead guarantees the Resurrection of all Saints (I Cor. 15:20). Some were belittling this great Doctrine, asking “How are the dead raised up? With what body do they come?”
The human body, after death, quickly goes back to dust. So the detractors, with sarcasm, were ridiculing the Doctrine of the Resurrection. Paul quickly answered by saying, “You fool . . . God gives it a body as it has pleased Him, and to every seed his own body” (I Cor. 15:35-36, 38).
This latter phrase tells us that the colors will remain the same in the Resurrection: black, white, red, yellow, and brown. The Glorified Body will also come in the male and female varieties. However, babies, although retaining their gender, will not remain babies, but, at some point in time, whether instantly or gradually, will develop into full maturity — “God gives it a body” (I Cor. 15:38).
At the Resurrection, the glory of some Saints will be greater than others because of their consecration and work for the Lord (I Cor. 15:41-42). And the Glorified Body will have no sin nature; considering other things, it will be impossible to sin (I Cor. 15: 53-54).
The coming Resurrection, or Rapture, will be one of the most cataclysmic events the world has ever known. It most certainly will take place, and it’s going to happen very soon."
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on in corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality (I Cor. 15:51-53).
In this Fifteenth Chapter of I Corinthians, the Apostle proclaims in detail the certitude of the Resurrection.
The question may be asked, “What is the Gospel?” The answer is found in Verses 3 and 4 of this Fifteenth Chapter of I Corinthians. It is the Atonement and the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. These Doctrines are the two great foundation stones of the Gospel. If either of them be denied, then the Gospel ceases to exist. For if Christ did not die as an atoning Sacrifice for sins, then sin has never been put away, nor God’s eternal claims satisfied, and there is consequently no deliverance from its power and doom. And if the Resurrection be denied, then Christ failed to accomplish what He purposed to perform, for He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself as a Sin Offering (Heb. 9:26).
These two great foundation Doctrines are based upon the Scriptures of the Old Testament; those writings being from God, their Testimony silenced all discussion and controversy. The Apostle proclaims the fact that the Scriptures and more than 500 human witnesses established the Resurrection. But he subordinates human testimony to the witness of the Bible. The latter was conclusive because it was Divinely inspired.
Much modern religious teaching reverses this order. It puts human testimony first and Bible testimony second, if at all, and for two reasons — to gratify man’s high opinion of himself and to belittle God’s Word.
For the benefit of the Bible student, the “Rapture” and the “Resurrection” are one and the same. They are just two names for the same glorious act. In I Thessalonians 4:1318, the Holy Spirit through Paul states the fact or certitude of the Rapture or Resurrection. In I Corinthians, Chapter 15, he gives details as it regards this coming momentous event. The former states that it will happen; the latter states how it will happen.
Incidentally, I Thessalonians is probably the first Epistle written by Paul. It was probably written in A.D. 54. I Corinthians was written approximately five years later, in A.D. 59.
First of all, the Apostle proclaims the fact that if Christ did not actually rise from the dead, then “preaching and faith” are vain, i.e., “useless.” And if Christ did not actually rise from the dead, then there is no such thing as sins being washed and cleansed. In other words, all are still in their sins. Further, if Christ did not rise from the dead, then every Believer who trusted Him and has died has “perished.”
However, the great Apostle then dogmatically says, “But now is Christ risen from the dead.” Christ having risen from the dead guarantees the Resurrection of all Saints (I Cor. 15:20). Some were belittling this great Doctrine, asking “How are the dead raised up? With what body do they come?”
The human body, after death, quickly goes back to dust. So the detractors, with sarcasm, were ridiculing the Doctrine of the Resurrection. Paul quickly answered by saying, “You fool . . . God gives it a body as it has pleased Him, and to every seed his own body” (I Cor. 15:35-36, 38).
This latter phrase tells us that the colors will remain the same in the Resurrection: black, white, red, yellow, and brown. The Glorified Body will also come in the male and female varieties. However, babies, although retaining their gender, will not remain babies, but, at some point in time, whether instantly or gradually, will develop into full maturity — “God gives it a body” (I Cor. 15:38).
At the Resurrection, the glory of some Saints will be greater than others because of their consecration and work for the Lord (I Cor. 15:41-42). And the Glorified Body will have no sin nature; considering other things, it will be impossible to sin (I Cor. 15: 53-54).
The coming Resurrection, or Rapture, will be one of the most cataclysmic events the world has ever known. It most certainly will take place, and it’s going to happen very soon."
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Overflowing Grace”
Just about the time that I begin to think that life with Christ couldn't get better, God does something so stupendous, so marvelous, so outstanding, that He somehow surpasses what I thought could never be surpassed. When I least deserve it, when my consecration has dropped to its lowest ebb, just when my faith seems to have deserted me, God steps in and performs the miraculous. When I find myself dismayed, discouraged, and despondent, God arrives on the scene and provides help that I haven't worked for, earned, or deserved. All of this I have experienced and I must declare that neither the blessings nor the timely deliverance came as a result of something I had done. I do not attribute the blessings of God to my effort, my consecration, or my consistency. To be perfectly honest, God has exhibited compassion and taken pity upon my situations far more times than He has responded to my feeble efforts. I attribute His intentions to the wonder of His grace. Grace that saved me from sin, delivers me from self, and provides for my inadequacies. Grace that is amazing, marvelous, and wondrous in it's outstanding reach, width, and depth. I give all the glory to Christ who has kept me by His overflowing Grace.
1 Timothy 1:14 - And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Just about the time that I begin to think that life with Christ couldn't get better, God does something so stupendous, so marvelous, so outstanding, that He somehow surpasses what I thought could never be surpassed. When I least deserve it, when my consecration has dropped to its lowest ebb, just when my faith seems to have deserted me, God steps in and performs the miraculous. When I find myself dismayed, discouraged, and despondent, God arrives on the scene and provides help that I haven't worked for, earned, or deserved. All of this I have experienced and I must declare that neither the blessings nor the timely deliverance came as a result of something I had done. I do not attribute the blessings of God to my effort, my consecration, or my consistency. To be perfectly honest, God has exhibited compassion and taken pity upon my situations far more times than He has responded to my feeble efforts. I attribute His intentions to the wonder of His grace. Grace that saved me from sin, delivers me from self, and provides for my inadequacies. Grace that is amazing, marvelous, and wondrous in it's outstanding reach, width, and depth. I give all the glory to Christ who has kept me by His overflowing Grace.
1 Timothy 1:14 - And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 27:9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
The natural related to the spiritual is seen in this verse of God’s wisdom as He shows us that hearty counsel, which is Godly counsel, to the soul of man is sweet to the soul as ointment and perfume are pleasant to man's senses. Jesus Christ is our Counsellor, and His counsel can only be seen and experienced through faith in Him as our sacrificial Lamb (John 3:3-5).
Many have placed the gospel of Jesus Christ, the message of the cross, on the shelf with many other messages, but there is a remnant today that does not preach the message of the cross AND the full counsel of God, but rather the message of the cross AS the full counsel of God. Without the gospel touching every Word that we see in God’s Word, it will be powerless to us. Under the Old Covenant God’s people were told not to imitate the anointing oil which was to represent the Holy Spirit (Exodus 30:31-32), but many are doing this today as they minister God’s Word without the context of Christ and Him crucified. To the natural man, or the Child of God who has gone out of the Way, it may seem sweet, but it will kill (2 Corinthians 3:6). The heart of man is only established with grace (Hebrews 13:9), and God’s Grace only flows into our hearts through faith in Calvary’s cross!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 27:9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
The natural related to the spiritual is seen in this verse of God’s wisdom as He shows us that hearty counsel, which is Godly counsel, to the soul of man is sweet to the soul as ointment and perfume are pleasant to man's senses. Jesus Christ is our Counsellor, and His counsel can only be seen and experienced through faith in Him as our sacrificial Lamb (John 3:3-5).
Many have placed the gospel of Jesus Christ, the message of the cross, on the shelf with many other messages, but there is a remnant today that does not preach the message of the cross AND the full counsel of God, but rather the message of the cross AS the full counsel of God. Without the gospel touching every Word that we see in God’s Word, it will be powerless to us. Under the Old Covenant God’s people were told not to imitate the anointing oil which was to represent the Holy Spirit (Exodus 30:31-32), but many are doing this today as they minister God’s Word without the context of Christ and Him crucified. To the natural man, or the Child of God who has gone out of the Way, it may seem sweet, but it will kill (2 Corinthians 3:6). The heart of man is only established with grace (Hebrews 13:9), and God’s Grace only flows into our hearts through faith in Calvary’s cross!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis