Jacob The Heel Catcher - Spiritual Adultery

[MessageOfTheCross]

Your Word for Today

“there was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one who feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1).

Job is the oldest Book in the Bible, and thereby the oldest Book in the world. It was written by Moses (Lk. 24:27, 44). It explains the problem of why good men are afflicted. It is in order to bring about their Sanctification. It is interesting that this difficult question should be the first taken up and answered in the Bible. In the Book of Job, the discovery of the worthlessness of self is the first step in Christian experience. Then we discover the worthfulness of Christ, which is the second step. However, the worthfulness of Christ can never be reached until we fully understand the worthlessness of self. The Book of Job does not symbolize an unconverted man, but rather a Believer. It was necessary that one of God’s Children should be chosen for this trial; for the subject of this Book is not the conversion of the sinner, but the consecration of the Saint. It is evident that an unconverted man needs to be brought to the end of himself; but that a man who feared God, who was perfect in his efforts to serve the Lord, and who hated evil, should also need this, such presents itself as a mystery to most Christians. God chose the most consecrated man on the face of the Earth at that time to portray the fact that “self” is a problem, and that it must be dealt with, and that dealing with it is never easy, but always extremely difficult. The effect of all that happened to Job was that he ultimately came to “abhor himself” (Job 42:5-6). This language shows that previously, i.e. before his great trial, he had thought well of himself. His creed was orthodox, for he approached God through Sacrifice, and his conduct was faultless, for he was a just man and hated evil. But these sharp trials, and especially the anger which the unjust accusations of his friends stirred up in his heart, revealed to himself unknown depths of moral ugliness; and, finally, his being challenged to measure himself with God made him conscious that in him, that is, in his “flesh,” there dwelt no good thing. This is a deep and painful experience which all Christian people have not reached, but yet must be reached, if we are to be what we ought to be in Christ (Williams).”

—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)

Donnie Swaggart

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Proverbs 21:13

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

I heard a minister one time refer to this verse and he said that one of the reason’s there are bondages in one’s life is because he was not taking care of the poor. When we hear that and think that we can just go take care of the poor for our prayers to be heard and our bondages to be broken, then we have missed the point, and will only bury ourselves deeper into our misery as we are found working for our deliverance.

The reason one stops his ears from hearing the poor is because there is a problem with their faith. If their faith was true biblical faith, which is faith in Christ and His atoning work at Calvary, then he would have a heart for the poor. It is those who have proper faith who can approach the Lord through faith in the blood to get that which they need, and to have a heart for the poor.

Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!

Pastor Curtis

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Your Word for Today

“now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the Earth, a perfect and an upright man, one who fears God, and hates evil? (Job 1:6, 8)

From the experience of Job we find many truths given to us. Some of them are as follows: 1. Satan is a created being, originally created by God as a righteous Angel, who, sometime in eternity past, fell, and who, in fact, led a revolution against God — a conflict which continues even unto this hour (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:13-19). 2. We learn that Satan must appear before the Lord periodically to give account of himself. 3. We learn from Chapters 2 and 3 of Job that Satan can do only what the Lord allows him to do, and no more! In other words, Satan has to ask permission for whatever he desires to do, and then minutely must follow directions laid down by the Lord. 4. We learn from Job’s three friends the impotence of man and his efforts. With Eliphaz it was “human experience”; with Bildad, “human tradition”; and with Zophar, “human merit.” 5. We learn from all of this that everything that happens to a Believer, irrespective as to what it might be, is either “caused” by the Lord or “allowed” by the Lord. Of course, the Lord never causes any Believer to sin, but He does allow such, that is, if such a Believer is so inclined; however, the penalty is always posted. 6. We learn that the discovery of the deep corruption of the heart is the most painful and humbling that a Believer can make. So the Patriarch had to crucify all his goodness as truly as all his badness, and sit in wood ashes as a public confession that he merited death because of his sin-defiled nature. This moral principle governs the Salvation of the sinner as well as the Sanctification of the Saint. 7. We learn from the narrative of Job that everyone had to change except God! Job had to humble himself, and to pray for God to bless these three “friends” who had so despitefully used him and persecuted him. The three “friends” had to confess themselves worthy of death, and to seek forgiveness from God through the Precious Blood of Christ, as foreshadowed in the Sacrifices of Chapter 42. 8. We also learn that Job’s latter end was better than his beginning. God gave him twice as much as he had before; and such is ever the result in the spiritual life. Increased spiritual wealth results from the death of self, i.e.,the death of bad self and also of good self. So, the subject of this book is not how God justifies a sinner, but how He sanctifies a Saint. Consequently, none but a good man could have been chosen for the process, or have profited by it. It is plain to all that a wicked man should die to self, but that a perfect man should also need to die to self is not so clear. And yet, this is the offense of the Cross. All of the goodness and beauty which men recognize in themselves and in others must be nailed in death to the Cross; and the only Man Who is to live must be the Risen Man, Christ Jesus. True self-abhorrence comes not from self-examination, but in looking away from self to Jesus, the Perfecter and Author of Faith (Williams).”

—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Your Word for Today

“he restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake (Ps. 23:3).

The beauty of the Twenty-third Psalm knows no comparison. It is called “The Shepherd’s Psalm,” and it written from the position of the sheep, who look exclusively to the Shepherd for leading and guiding. The Third Verse is particularly insightful. At times, a sheep would stray from the “correct path.” A sheep, being a sheep, i.e., comparatively dumb, he would soon get lost and find himself in a rocky defile, unable to find his way home; consequently, the sheep would begin to bleat, and then the shepherd would come, taking his crook and lifting the sheep out from the rocky crevice where he had become pinned, and place him back safely with the flock. In fact, this might happen several times, with the shepherd always coming and retrieving the recalcitrant one. But after a period of time, after the sheep has left the “path of righteousness” again, finding himself lost once again, despite his “bleating,” the shepherd doesn’t come. Finally, when his voice is gone, and becoming very fearful that he will be overtaken by a bear or a lion, panic sets in. Why hasn’t the shepherd come, even as he always has? Then, with darkness settling in, the shepherd, who was there all the time, finally reaches down, and, with his crook, retrieves the wayward one. But then the shepherd does something totally different from what has previously been done. He picks up the lamb, stretches out one of its forepaws, takes his staff, and then smartly cracks the forepaw, breaking the bone. That is chastisement! Carefully, he then sets the broken leg and carries the little sheep with him, actually close to his heart, until the leg is healed. The little one then is placed once again on the “path of righteousness.” But now, he is not so quick to desert that path. In a sense, that is the story of the Twenty-third Psalm. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of the LORD forever” (Ps. 23:6)."

—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Bread Crumbs “Learning to Lean”

Learning to rely on God is a most difficult proposition. Just about the time you think that you are, God brings a circumstance into your life that requires a deeper trust, a mightier resolve to believe, and a stronger sense of dependence upon Him. If given half a chance, most of us will rely on our selves, what we know, what we can do, our methods of manipulation, or even our ability to argue our way through to the supposed mastery of a situation. But true victory can only come when we willingly lay down the weapons we have forged and learn to rest quietly for the mighty hand of God to move miraculously on our behalf. When will we realize that our only true help comes from above and not from the tawdry elements we attempt to muster through human talents, will-power, or human mechanics. I am ever learning how to reign by resting. I am still learning how to cast all my cares upon Him. I am even now learning how to wait on His provision. I am still being educated to an escalation of patient endurance. Help me Lord as I learn to release all faith in self and embrace from the heart the process of learning to solely lean upon you!

1 Peter 4:12 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Pastor Loren Larson

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1091199211004069

Evangelist Torrance Nash Ministries

 

[Absolutely]

I think leaving our first love is a natural tendency. If we are honest we can see a contrast in our zeal and love in initial salvation,and in my case BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT as contrasted in our present walk.

Since it happens slowly,it can be like a dirty house that gets "clean enough" when in reality,if all the widow shades are opened ,we gasp at the dust and grime we have been so comfortable with.

It really is not arguable.
We NATURALLY drift.
Nobody is exempt from repenting about loosing our first love.

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

I think leaving our first love is a natural tendency. If we are honest we can see a contrast in our zeal and love in initial salvation,and in my case BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT as contrasted in our present walk.

Since it happens slowly,it can be like a dirty house that gets "clean enough" when in reality,if all the widow shades are opened ,we gasp at the dust and grime we have been so comfortable with.

It really is not arguable.
We NATURALLY drift.
Nobody is exempt from repenting about loosing our first love.

“For you were as sheep going astray (we were like a flock without a shepherd); but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (refers to the Lord Jesus Christ; He Alone is the True “Shepherd,” and He Alone is the True “Bishop” of our souls; if we allow man to take His Place, we spiritually wreck ourselves; man can only serve as an under-shepherd).” 1 Peter 2:25

JSM

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Your Word for Today

“my God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My roaring? (Ps. 22:1).

This Psalm portrays Christ as the Sin Offering, and doing so for all of mankind. Here, at the Cross, He atoned for all sin, past, present and future. There, the altogether righteous justice of a thrice-Holy God was perfectly satisfied, in that the perfect Sacrifice offered up satisfied every requirement.

Four degrees of suffering appear in this Psalm:

1. Suffering from the Hand of God; for, in effect, God smote Christ on the Cross (Vss. 1-6; Isa. 53:4).

2. Suffering from the rejection of Israel, in effect, His Own People (Vss. 7-8).

3. Suffering from the demons who gathered round His Cross in exulting and hellish triumph, or at least that which they thought was triumph (Vss. 12-13).

4. The physical suffering of the Crucifixion, which was one of the most painful forms of death (Vss. 14-18).

Had the Messiah been only Man, He would have put His physical sufferings first and His spiritual sufferings last. But to Him, as the Only Begotten Son of God, there was no anguish so infinite as the hiding of the Father’s Face. His physical sufferings were exquisitely agonizing, but his mental sufferings from the onslaught of demon spirits were even more terrible. The pain of His wounded Heart, however, because of those He loved and came to save, was a depth of agony deeper still; but an agony unspeakable was His being forsaken of God, at least after a fashion, even for a short period of time, i.e., from 12 noon until 3 p.m.

During His Ministry on Earth, Christ spoke of God as His Father and resumed the title after He had triumphantly shouted “Finished.” But while suffering Divine Wrath as the Sin Offering, He addressed Him as “God” (Vss. 1-2, 10). In fact, the price He paid will never fully be understood; consequently, the victory He won in the paying of that price is likewise beyond comprehension.

Those who believe on this atoning Saviour shall be regarded as a new race — a generation of which the Messiah would be the Head (I Cor. 15:22; Isa. 53:10-11). We shall continually serve Him; we shall keep coming and shall keep declaring unto nations yet to be born that God’s Righteous One accomplished this annihilation of sin by the oblation of Himself as the Sin Offering.

The last word in this Chapter in the Hebrew Text is “accomplished,” which corresponds to the word “Finished” in the Greek Text of Jn. 19:30. Let it ever be known: It was at the Cross where it was all “accomplished”!”

—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Bread Crumbs “A Strategy of Silence”

The strategy of silence is a tactic in life that we all must learn to apply. It is nearly impossible to put into practice. Especially when we are so sure that we have the answer to every question, the solution to the current argument, or the cure-all for every conflict. The idea of retreating into the corner and practicing one's “shut ups” is not the direction of the mind for most of us. Sadly, we are usually the last one to realize just how insufficient or lacking some of our counsel can be. Pride has a way of making fools of all of us. As in all things, the Scriptures help guide us if we will but read and implement what lies therein. If not, we are doomed to continually improve upon the art of being pedi-dexterous; that is the astounding ability of putting both feet in the same mouth at the same time, specifically our own. As quickly as possible we must learn to live out our lives experiencing the benefits that can come our way through the implementation of silence and humility. The other option is to express all that we think we know and come away looking like a fool.

Proverbs 29:11 - A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Pastor Loren Larson

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=422096868580902

Evangelist Torrance Nash Ministries

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Proverbs 21:15

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Here we see the confirmation that only the just can do justice. First of all we need to know what it means to be just. This speaks of being justified before God. Being Just in His eyes. There is not one who has ever been Just, but Our God Himself, and He is the Just and the Justifier (Romans 3:26) of all who will believe in Jesus. Doing justice takes place by the Holy Spirit through one’s faith in Christ and His atoning work at Calvary so that the Holy Spirit can lead and guide us to experience that which is right and just in God’s eyes. This, God says is a joy to His children.

The workers of iniquity are only working for the payoff of destruction, and who are they? They are all who refuse to trust in Christ and His Way of the cross, which is His death for their sin debt.

Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!

Pastor Curtis

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Bread Crumbs “Justification by Faith”

Those who truly understand and love justification do not use it as a means to live in sin. The self righteous cry out and say that we who preach righteousness by faith alone are too easy on sin. But the truth is that the self-righteous are failing to see their own need for the ongoing status of justification. They are blind to the faults, sins, evil discrepancies, and hypocrisies that are existing in their own heart. I do not totally understand how a person can become so blind to the imperfections in themselves and be so malevolent toward the imperfections of others around them. The status of justification never justifies living in sin. It is the only basis upon which the true supernatural phenomenon of progressive sanctification can be experienced. When the believer places their faith in Christ and what He did for us at Calvary, the Holy Spirit will constantly be at work regarding the progressive sanctification of the believer. “Thank you, Lord, that despite my imperfections you are still willing to work in me. That is, your never-ending labor of love of conforming me into the image of Jesus, based solely upon my faith in Christ and His finished work.”

Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Proverbs 21:16
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

This scripture without a doubt ties understanding to the Way of Christ and His sacrificial work, because the only Way to be in the congregation of the dead, which are those who have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:1-4), is to have removed one’s faith from the Cross of Christ to something other. It doesn’t speak of the lost but those who have been “In the Way”, yet have wandered out of the way, to another way.

The Bible defines understanding as the knowledge of the Holy (Proverbs 9:10), and the knowledge of the Holy can come exclusively through one’s faith in Christ and His sacrificial work at the Cross. Jesus told Nicodemus that one could not enter, nor see the kingdom without being born again (John 3:3-5). All of God’s people who are out of fellowship with Him but don’t even know it, will never come back until He shows them that what they are trusting in isn’t working and never has. The One Way which God has offered to be found in, to save through and to furnish all things to the believer through is His Son Jesus Christ, and His sacrificial work at the Cross!

Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!

Pastor Curtis

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Your Word for Today

“have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness: according to the multitude of Your tender mercies blot out my transgressions (Ps. 51:1).

The Fifty-first Psalm presents the greatest example of a prayer of Repentance found anywhere in the Bible. It was given by the Holy Spirit to David when, his heart broken and contrite because of his sin against God, he did plead for pardon through the atoning Blood of the Lamb of God, foreshadowed in Exodus, Chapter 12. Thus was David not only fittingly provided with a vehicle of expression regarding Repentance and Faith, but he also was used as a channel of prophetic communication, which we shall see.

Concerning this, Williams says, “David, in his sin, Repentance, and Restoration, is a forepicture of Israel; for as he forsook the Law and was guilty of adultery and murder, so Israel despised the Covenant, turned aside to idolatry, and murdered the Messiah. Thus the scope and structure of the Psalm go far beyond David: they predict the future confession and forgiveness of Israel in the day of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, Israel’s Messiah. They will look upon Him Whom they pierced and they shall mourn and weep (Zech., Chpts. 12-13; Rev. 1:7). The first seventeen Verses are personal to David; the last two are national for Israel.”

Here appears the great principle that only those who have truly experienced forgiveness and pardon themselves can be true messengers of the Gospel. This principle is, in the first part of the Psalm, personally illustrated by David (Vs. 13); and in the latter part nationally illustrated by Israel (Vss. 18-19). These last two Verses, consequently, are not, as some think, a meaningless addition to the Psalm by some later writer. Both Verses belong to the structure and prophetic scope of the Psalm. They refer to that which is spoken of in Amos 9:11-12 and Acts 15:15-17. David’s sin, confession, and Restoration illustrate this future Chapter in Israel’s history. Their idolatry (“adultery”) and murder forgiven, they will go forth as messengers of the Gospel to win other nations to wholehearted faith and service in and for Christ. This concerning Israel will take place in the coming Kingdom Age.”

—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2274019059528346

Evangelist Torrance Nash Ministries

 

[Dino246]

MessageoftheCross,
I'm curious as to your intent with this thread. It received very little attention from others over the last month, and when someone did post, you responded with another quotation. You don't seem very interested in actually discussing anything in this Discussion forum.

Are you paid to promote Jimmy Swaggart Ministries? The dearth of responses from others suggests that there isn't much interest in what he/they have to say.

If you do respond to me at all, please use your own words, not a quotation from JSM, which I won't read.

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ (Gal. 1:10). Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth (Gal. 4:16)?

II Corinthians 5:18-20 says that every Christian has been given the Ministry of Reconciliation as Ambassadors for Christ, empowered to deliver a message as though Jesus were performing the task.

Which scripture do you live in, Philippians 1:21 or Philippians 2:21? Are you living for Christ or are you living for self?

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Your Word for Today

“surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence (Ps. 91:3).

Moses wrote the Ninetieth Psalm and it is believed that He very well may have written the Ninety-first Psalm also.

The Psalm comforts and encourages the most timid Believer, for it assures him that what God was to His dearly beloved Son in His journey through the wilderness of this world, He will be to the weakest of His Children. We can prove Him to be what Christ proved Him to be.

In the earthly sojourn of Christ, for this is what this Psalm is all about, we find that the Messiah’s path through the desert of this world was one of dependence upon God. Satan’s effort in the temptation was to move Him to the place of independence; but he failed. Jesus walked a path of perfect submission, obedience, and dependence, all as a perfect example for us.

As the Evil One, however, repeatedly came against Christ, he will do the same to the Believer. Satan means to “steal, kill, and destroy” (Jn. 10:10). As Peter said, he goes about “seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8).

And yet, we have this great Promise, illustrated in this Chapter, that whatever type of “snare” that Satan, here called the “fowler,” may lay for us, the Lord has stated, “Surely He shall deliver us.” It is not merely, “He shall deliver,” but rather “Surely He shall deliver.” This also refers to the “noisome pestilence,” which refers to “extreme wickedness.”

All deliverance, without exception, is effected through the Cross. There Jesus defeated Satan and all his minions of darkness, doing so by atoning for all sin (Col. 2:14-15). To effect victory and to maintain victory, therefore, the Saint must ever make the Cross of Christ, where the victory was accomplished, ever the Object of his Faith. That being done, the Holy Spirit, Who is God, will work mightily in one’s life. To be sure, Satan can easily stand up to us, but in no way can he stand up to the Holy Spirit.

Remember: When faith is properly placed, the Lord has said, “Surely”! Not “Maybe,” but “Surely”! (I Cor. 1:17-18, 23, 2:2; Gal. 6:14).”

—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Bread Crumbs “Remember His Works!”

There is a mindset that will greatly aid the believer in a time of trial. That is the activity of remembering the many and varied ways that God has brought about victories for you in the past. Are you facing a financial crisis? Perhaps you can recall how God resolved a similar issue? Are you sick in your body and cannot locate either the problem, much less the cure? Then perhaps it's time to remember how God healed your body under almost identical circumstances. Do you have a relationship problem, a broken heart, a tormented mind? What has God done for you each time these issues have previously surfaced? The idea here is a simple one. Whenever you face an enemy that seems too daunting, too horrific, or too overwhelming, do this. Remind yourself of all the times that God has proven Himself faithful in dealing with your difficult circumstances. There is probably not one problem that you were facing last year at this time that you are facing today. I declare to you that God is faithful! He knows right where you are and He has not forgotten you. So put yourself in remembrance of what God has done in your past and it will help secure the steps of your future!

Psalm 106:13 - They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries