“How Deep The Fathers Love””… Produced & Directed by John Armes at WCFN Ministry & Studios… Preformed by John Armes… I hope you like it…
01 Sunday Dec 2019
Posted Christian, Christian Video, Uncategorized
in10 Tuesday Sep 2019
Posted Uncategorized
inHere is the new music video Directed by Marcus Ellis and produced by John Armes about the song “It Was Down At The River” sung by Marcus Ellis on his newest album “Been So Good”…
20 Thursday Jun 2019
Posted Christian, Christian Video, General, Promotions, Uncategorized, Video Production
inTags
blues, Bob Daily, Christian, concert, Gospel, John Armes, Marcus Ellis, music, Wade Spencer, WCFN
Don’t miss this great food and concert… At Poe’s Restaurant in Mooresville Indiana on Old State Road 67… Click below for the video… You won’t want to miss this… It’s a great event of friends and fellowship…
Brand New Home Album $12.00
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations
14 Thursday Feb 2019
Posted Uncategorized
inHere is the interview at WCFN with Marcus Ellis about his new album “Been So Good”… His album is now on sale at CD Baby online for $9.99 for the digital download or $15.00 for the CD to be mailed to you… Or you can contact Marcus by his phone number below or by email at Marcus.Ellis @WCFNStudios.org and he can see you get one… We hope you like his album… He has done a really good job…Just click on the link below and go to the WCFN YouTube channel and you can see the interview and other videos we have made…
Reserve your copy by calling Marcus Ellis at 317-366-3783 or John Armes at 317-947-7678 or simply pay using your credit or bank card on the Home Page at WCFNStudios.org and we will send you a copy… Thanks… You will enjoy the album…
“Been So Good” Album by Marcus Ellis
Get Marcus new blues/gospel album only $15.00… Buy it now while supplies last…
$15.00
Get your copy now while supplies last… They are selling fast… Only $15.00 here at WCFN Studios… This is a blues/gospel album and has 10 great songs… You will love them…
13 Saturday Oct 2018
Posted Uncategorized
in
The Bible is our standard by which we compare all things. If the Bible is not totally true and we only believe parts of it, than none of the Bible is true. What parts will we believe and what parts will we not. The Bible is the complete word of God, everything in it is what he wants us to know. It is holy as God is Holy, and we must not change a single thing about it. If we are preaching or teaching it, we have the responsibility to give it in it’s totality just as God has revealed it to us in his word (the Bible). If we do change things differently than what is written, we will suffer the peril of Gods wrath and also be judged for deceiving those we are supposed to be shepherding…
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
As a preacher/teacher of the Word, we must be careful not to say things that aren’t written in the Bible and then to say it was from God. The prophet of God has a big responsibility to rightly divide (interpret) the word of God and he will be judged harshly for teaching false principles. Christ was hardest on the Pharisees and Sadducees who were the religious rulers of that day. In fact, he called them hypocrites. On the other hand, if you reject a prophet that has come in Gods name, than you were also rejecting God himself. Back in the Old Testament God would give his prophets and preachers wonders, miracles and signs so the people knew that he was from God. If the miracles and wonders came true than the people would know that he was from God. The reason God did this is because very few could read during that time and they had no direct access to the Bible. But today the Bible is in nearly every store here in the US and many nations across the world, so it is no longer needed for preacher/teachers to preform miracles.
Deu 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
Deu 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
Deu 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Deu 18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
These words from John in Revelation are a strong reminder of the false teachers that will be encountered in the last days before Christ comes back to claim his church in the second coming. It is also a warning to those who would add or take away anything from the Bible. Their fate could be plagues or they could be taken out of the book of life as John explains below…
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Rev 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
In order to not be led astray by the false prophets of our day, we must read and learn the Bible for ourselves. It is said that when you pray, you speak to God, but when you read the Bible, God talks to you.
Many say they can’t read the Bible because there are parts of it that are confusing and they cannot understand. While that may be true, there are parts of it that are crystal clear. The idea is that the more you read, the more that you will eventually understand. You see, you have to toil and study to show yourself approved. You have to seek to find. Perhaps it is not meant to be easy. God rewards the man who will desperately seek to know him. It is as important as this – at the end of our lives we will hear one of two things as we pass from this world and meet Jesus Christ face to face, He will either say “well done my faithful and obedient servant, enter the gates of Heaven and on to your reward” or “depart from me you worker of iniquity for I never knew you, enter into the place prepared for the Satan and his demons”. So, how can we know Jesus and God ? We must learn about them in the Bible. To learn who they are we must search the scriptures. That is how we get to know him and that prayer is how he gets to know us. Of course God knows who all of us are, he made us, but the Bible is talking about knowing him in the spiritual sense and as being Christs follower. If you are truly a follower of Christ you will be reading your Bible to learn more about him. If you had found that significant “soul mate” here on earth and you were in a romantic relationship, wouldn’t you want to get to know that person and all about them. Same with God, and Christ… If you are truly seeking him, than you will be wanting to read all about him to know what you would be doing as his follower. It is great to go to church and have a good pasture, but it should never take place of you reading your Bible for yourself… Pull it off the shelf, dust it off, and begin at Genesis 1 and don’t stop until you reach the end of Revelation. When you get done, do it again and this time, read the chronological Bible. You may find that you can’t put it down… A journey and a mystery awaits you… Don’t let it pass you by…
26 Wednesday Sep 2018
Posted Uncategorized
in03 Monday Sep 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inIn the studio with Marcus Ellis finishing his 8th song of the album entitled “Been So Good”… Lots of blues and some ballads… I think you are going to love this album… Here is one of his songs we just worked on today… Hope you like it…
17 Tuesday Jul 2018
Hi, we had Marcus Ellis and wife Sharon in the studio today for another of Marcus recording sessions…. The album is coming along at a lightening pace… Garrett Malone has been helping arrange the studio and has helped provide a lot of equipment to WCFN and also been our Technical Engineer as well as backup vocalist on occasion. Kelly Kinser has been helping with backup vocals and playing instruments for sound checks and setup and has also been helping engineer on the large 48 channel board… We had Steve Daniels in the studio a few sessions ago… We are still working on Steve’s album and it is near finish… Other demands have taken Steves time and slowed the progress, but we are dedicated to finishing his album… We musicians all had a great time here at WCFN… Also we had the pleasure of having James Verhines playing drums… Here are some studio shots from the last few sessions…
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Uncategorized
19 Tuesday Jun 2018
Posted Christian, Christian Video, Promotions, Uncategorized
inJust got the 7th song done for Marcus Ellis new album “Been So Good”, coming soon……
Hope you enjoy this video… Those of you who have kept up with WCFN will recognize some of these pictures in “Blast From The Past“… WCFN has come a long way and looks as though it may have a long and prosperous future… God bless you all who have prayed for this ministry and donated to our efforts to spread the gospel… I hope that you will be richly blessed by the articles, music, video, and sermons that have radiated from Worldwide Christian Family Network and hope that you stay tuned to see what will come next… It is my my prayer that you all find an authentic and rewarding relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… Without him our ministry would not exist… I am so thankful that he came to earth so many years ago and showed us through his life what a true Christian life looks like and died on the cross for our sins… Than rose from the dead and appeared to so many people… I am so glad that he is who he said he was and that is the Son of God… He has come to seek and to save those who were lost… I’m a believer… And I hope you are too…. God bless you all……….
18 Monday Jun 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inWe are here at WCFN Studios recording Marcus Ellis 6th song… This is the video live studio performance and the album audio track will be laid later……. Having fun in the studio and God is blessing us…
Musicians in the video are Marcus Ellis, Steve Daniel, and James Verhines…
Engineer is John Armes…
31 Thursday May 2018
In view of the recent decision of the Trump administration to move the US Embassy from it’s current position to Jerusalem, I would like to present the following praise from the Bible for Jerusalem, found in Psalms 122 :
“Praise for Jerusalem and the House of the Lord…”
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel. There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.”
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.”
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Uncategorized
13 Sunday May 2018
Posted Promotions, Uncategorized
inIf you are in the market for buying or selling a home than contact Jeff Percifield at 317-717-5753 or jeff46219@gmail.com… He is truly a specialist in the real estate and mortgage field and wither you are a buyer or seller he can help you secure a mortgage loan if you are buying or he can help you with selling too…. He may even help you with foreclosure, and bankruptcy depending on the circumstances… He has a very high success rate… He is trained by HUD and knows real estate law and you may want to call him…
03 Thursday May 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inThere is a gate in Israel that God has protected through history and even today. Though governments and armies have tried to destroy it, it still stands today. For some reason or another they always fail. It is as though evil itself has tried to tear it down but has never succeeded. It is called the Golden gate, or Eastern Gate and is the eastern wall of the temple in Jerusalem. It is the same wall that Jesus will come thru at the second coming. It seems though evil and darkness is alive and well in this world, but so is God. The age old fight between good and evil still rages on, and it seems that evil may be winning the war, but it is not over. Even God allows evil, but for his purpose, and God will never relinquish his throne. He is forever and forever. Amen….
Isn’t it great that this same big, all powerful and incredible God that created the stars and planets in the sky, and created a solar system so far beyond our imagination that we have barely touched the surface of it, not only created it, but manages it in all it’s rotations, and movements and keeps them from running into each other and us, but the most spectacular observation of this is that even thou he has done all this and continues to do so, he knows us all by name down to the very number of the hairs on our heads. He knew this before our existence and before the world was created. When asked by man, “who are we God that you are even mindful of us, why do you love us”? Gods reply was “I love you because I choose to love you”. God needs nothing from us, but he does want our love and our devotion. We were made to praise him and to give him glory, and in the end we the church will be a gift to the Son from the Father. Christ died for us and ultimately we become a gift from the Father to the Son. What a good God we serve. We don’t deserve a god as good as this. We live by faith thru grace which are a gift from God. There is nothing we can do to be saved. We are only saved by accepting God’s free gift of salvation by Christ’s death and resurrection, and it is only our belief in Jesus and that God has raised him from the dead that truly frees us from the wages of sin which is death. We can have victory over the grave because Christ overcame death. It all began for us when Christ said “it is finished”. If man was half as smart as he thinks he is, than we would all be kneeling at the foot of the cross… Now, click on the link below and learn about the Golden Gate in Jerusalem by Israel Prophecies…
02 Wednesday May 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inWorldwide Christian Family Network & Ministries…
Thanks for your donation to WCFN Ministries. Be assured that your donation will go to WCFN Ministries and nothing else. Thank you for sharing in our ministry and God Bless You for your time and donation…
$20.00
The deadline is drawing near and they need $350.00 to start the year… Can you please help them out just this one time….
02 Wednesday May 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inHere us the Brand New Home song off of Steve Daniels new album that is finally going to pre-sale… Reserve your copy while supplies last… Don’t miss out on Steve’s first album…
Brand New Home Album
The Steve Daniel Band – Brand New Home Album $12.00
$12.00
Brand New Home Album
The Steve Daniel Band – Brand New Home Album $12.00
$12.00
29 Sunday Apr 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inWorldwide Christian Family Network & Ministries…
Thanks for your donation to WCFN Ministries. Be assured that your donation will go to WCFN Ministries and nothing else. Thank you for sharing in our ministry and God Bless You for your time and donation…
$20.00
Please help Caleb & Chloe get their wings at Heritage Christian School… They only need a start… You can donate at WCFNStudios.org, there are instructions at the website on the main page and the donation page… 100% of your donation to the children will go to their education… Thank you for giving to a worthy cause… It will greatly be appreciated…
26 Thursday Apr 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inYou can now preorder Steve Daniel’s new album “Brand New Home” produced at WCFN Studios Indianapolis… You can preorder it from the website…
Steve Daniel Band Pre-order of “Brand New Home” album ($12.00) – If you are pre-ordering Steve’s new album than go to wcfnstudios.org, click on “Donation” at the top, click on the “Make A Donation” and than put the price of the album in and click on “Special instructions to seller” and type “Brand New Home“. That way we will know that you are paying for the album… The album is only $12.00. If we can get enough pre-orders, then we could have the cd’s as soon as next month… You will have to check out this album… We are now making arrangements for a second album… Thanks to all fans who purchase Steve’s first album… The second is going to be even better………….
Brand New Home Album
The Steve Daniel Band – Brand New Home Album $12.00
$12.00
08 Sunday Apr 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inWhen I lost my brother, I not only lost my only brother, but I also lost my best friend who will always be missed… Love you Lex and one day we will meet in Heaven and continue our plans we started here on earth. Your loss is deeply felt by me and your mother… Here are the pictures I took of Lex this last Christmas 2017… At the time I didn’t know it would be the last pictures that would be taken of him here on earth…
Funeral is Tuesday 4/17/2018 showing Lex Armes showing will be at Forest Lawn 1977 S. State Road 135, Greenwood In 46143, Tuesday 4/17/2018 between 5 and 7 pm, and the service will be at 7 pm and led by Pastor Pete Helland… The burial will be Wednesday 4/18/2018 at 11 am if anyone would like to attend… Thank you Facebook friends for your prayers and encouragement…
11 Sunday Mar 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inThe one free book offered to prisoners before entering lockup is the Holy Bible. Why don’t we offer that to school students early on before they start committing crimes. I don’t know if it would totally stop school shootings, but I think it would drastically reduce them. We made this mistake years ago when we decided to ban God from our public schools. Think about it. Removing God makes us Godless and sin, killing, and crime is what Godless people do. Sinners sin. We brought it on ourselves and no one has changed it. Without Gods morality, we have no morals. Men love darkness rather than light. The answer to the growing criminally of society and student shootings is to teach moral values in our public schools, and the way to do that is bring back God and the Bible… Because you always reap what you sow. The reaper is upon us…
27 Tuesday Feb 2018
Posted Uncategorized
inJesus Christ – God’s gift of love and righteousness…
I graduated from Heritage Christian School in 1974… The Bible verses I learned, the personal attention I was given by attentive and caring teachers, the Godly inspiration I received as a student helped form my Christian world view I have now… Thru my life’s struggle between right and wrong even to today, what I learned at Heritage has been a benefit to me because God has been ground into my thoughts, actions, and my world view… Bible verses that I learned at Heritage seem to come back to me at times when I need them throughout my life… At times I was very rebellious, but the values I learned at Heritage help pull me back into submission to Christ… Why am I saying all this… You just can’t say enough about a Christian education in a world of school shootings, immorality, and rebellious students… At a school like Heritage there is a lot less of it there… If you want your kids to grow up with Christian values and a Christian worldview than look no further than Heritage… My biggest review to Heritage is perhaps my life. A school like Heritage doesn’t just teach kids about math, english, and science. It teaches kids how to think logically, morally, and Godly… It’s schools like Heritage that teaches kids how to survive in a increasingly rebellious and permissive society, and that changes lives for the better… You learn things in Christian school that you won’t learn in public school… I’ll stake my life on it…..
09 Friday Feb 2018
Posted Uncategorized
in1 aListen to my words, LORD, consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
23 Tuesday Jan 2018
Posted Uncategorized
in22 Monday Jan 2018
Posted Uncategorized
in
28 Monday Aug 2017
Posted Uncategorized
in16 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted Christian, Christian Video, Uncategorized
in03 Monday Oct 2016
Posted Uncategorized
inI ran across “Fathers Love Letter” from visiting one of my followers on WCFN who has a website named “Hidden Manna” and thought it was a great presentation… Although I had nothing to do with this presentation I would like to do something like this as this is really an inspiration to me… I hope you like it as much as I did…
19 Friday Aug 2016
Posted Christian, Christian Video, Uncategorized
inCountry recording artist Steve Daniel is back in the studio again to finish his album… He was temporarily disposed due to surgery on his arm, but he is back again with Mark Ellis to finish recording his album “Brand New Home” beginning August 15, 2016 …
20 Monday Jun 2016
Posted Christian, Christian Video, General, Uncategorized, Video Production
inTags
Bible, Christ, Christian, friends, God, Gospel, grace, Heaven, HiVision, Independent Filmmaking, King, ministry, New Dream Media, video production, WCFN
10 Thursday Mar 2016
Posted Christian, Christian Video, General, Uncategorized, Video Production
inTags
Armes & Associates, Armesassociates.com, Christian, HiVision, ministry, music, New Dream Media, Recording, studio, WCFN, WCFNStudios.org, Worldwide Christian Family Network
We are still looking for a home for WCFN… It has taken us longer than we had originally expected… We have to find enough space for HiVision Entertainment (video studio) and New Dream Media (audio studio) that comprise WCFN Studio’s and we have to find it at the right price… Do not give up on us because we have big plans for WCFN Ministries… Once we are settled we plan on providing much more consistent and interesting content… Here is an update on our progress and plans to all you faithful viewers and associates from WCFN Manager John Armes…
16 Saturday Jan 2016
Posted Christian, Christian Video, Uncategorized
inArmes & Associates and Worldwide Christian Family Network would like to present the Steve Daniel Band with the title song of the new album “Brand New Home” … It was recorded here at WCFN Studio’s… Hope you like it…
John Armes
14 Thursday Jan 2016
Posted General, Uncategorized
inWe must support the bills that are before the senate and house here in Indiana because there are some who want to open up the women’s restrooms to men. We need to protect our mothers, daughters, and children… Please click on the following link and check out this video at Advance America… Call your senator and spread the word to everyone… Senate Bill 35 and House Bill 1031 will protect girls in the public schools, at rest areas, and wherever there is a public girls restroom here in Indiana!… We must all act now… Check out advanceamreica.com…
Advance-America-Legislative-Alert-010516
04 Wednesday Nov 2015
Tags
Armesassociates.com, Christian, Christian community, Christian faith, HiVision, ministry, New Dream Media, WCFN, WCFNStudios.org
We are back to looking for property for WCFN studio’s… Worldwide Christian Family Network will be moving into a new office at the beginning of 2016 and we will be planning a space to house the audio/video studio’s … New studio’s will be built in the summer of 2016… We are planning space to house HiVision Entertainment video studio and New Dream Media audio studio… When we purchase the property and close we will be providing pictures on Armes & Associates web site, of the new WCFN office… We may have a manager/PR/studio musician for New Dream Media and also a studio manager and engineer… There may also be a guest writer for WCFN who will carry on the story phase of the ministry… These people will be added to the “About ” page on the Armes & Associates website after the move and when they formally accept the positions… Once we are set up at the new building we will continue to record Christian artists on our New Dream Media record label and seek to expand HiVision Entertainment to provide interesting and compelling audio/video presentations… We are looking for a director, producer, crew members, and actors… If you are around the Indianapolis Indiana area and would like to volunteer to help with video or audio presentations, send me an email at john.armes@armesassociates.com…
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Uncategorized
02 Friday Oct 2015
Posted Christian, Christian Video, General, Uncategorized, Video Production
inTags
Armesassociates.com, Brand New Home, Christian Country, music, New Dream Media, recording artist, Steve Daniel Band, WCFN, WCFNStudios.org
WCFN Studios, Worldwide Christian Family Network and New Dream Media is proud to announce the new Christian Country recording Artist Steve Daniel in the studio recording his new album “Brand New Home”. Accompanied by the amazing and talented Mark Ellis and the legendary Charles Ellis we have all worked hard to craft and record an outstanding country album… The album is being produced by John Armes of WCFN Studios on the “New Dream Media” label and should be released to the public early next month… Below you will see a montage of our combined efforts in the form of a slide show… Our effort is characterized by hard work, and lots of fun… Click on the video and you will see…
24 Friday Jul 2015
Posted Christian, Christian Video, Uncategorized
inWe are all called out upon the water… Peter was called out upon the water when he was crossing the Sea of Galilee with the other disciples to meet with Jesus on the other shore. As they neared the middle of the sea a storm began to rage and they saw a figure from afar off coming toward them. They became frightened, but as the figure came closer, they realized that it was Jesus walking on the water toward them. When Jesus came near to the boat he told Peter to come meet him out on the water. Peter stepped out of the boat and was on the water when he looked back and sank, because he had taken his eyes off Jesus…. But this is exactly what the disciples needed to see, Christ doing a miracle to help their doubting minds… God gives us opportunity to reach beyond what we think we can do… So he sets the goal out a little further than we think we can reach… And in doing so he teaches us to be more productive in him than we could ever be in ourselves… It is then that we are blessed and he is glorified… God can take just plain old me and make me more than I could ever be alone… Alone I am nothing, but in him, I am a new creäture and he gives me strength and guides me on to his perfect plan… “For I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me”…
As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus and our mind on the tasks he gives us to do we can reach beyond our mortal boundaries and succeed where we should have failed. It doesn’t mean we will succeed the first time always, but we must be persistent in our search for answers. We must “labor to produce” and that doesn’t always come easy. God sometimes treats us like the spiritual children that we are and lets us scrape our knees and get a few bruises in order to learn a lesson but he doesn’t leave us hanging. He promises “seek and ye shall find” … As a loving father, he is there to help us but we must seek… We have to put out the effort and do our part. He has sent us a help mate who is the Holy Spirit … And our King and Savior Jesus Christ who talks to the Father in our behalf. God has given Jesus all power and we cannot come to God except thru him… We get strength thru Jesus who is our example and our leader… He will help us as we weather the trials and minister unto others of his truth and righteousness… He is the Son of God… Therefor, Jesus, I am and always will be, forever yours… Amen…
05 Sunday Jul 2015
Tags
blood of Christ, change, Christ, church, cross, Father, God, Gospel, Jesus Christ, judgement, redeemed, religion, repent, Salvation, sin
By John Armes
I am one… I am one man.. I am one man, a voice crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight. For there is one who comes after me that I am unworthy to unlatch His shoes. “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” The gospel message is that the people should repent (change their minds and forsake their sins) in order to receive the remission of sins. Otherwise they would be in no position to receive the Lord. Only holy people are able to appreciate the Holy Son of God. Repent and be holy and you will see the glory of God. Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago in love and peace, and gave His life a ransom for many. He is coming again, but this time He will set on the judgment seat and will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. He will send the righteous on to their reward and the unrighteous on to eternal damnation. And Jesus spoke to his disciples and the multitudes in Matthew 23:33… “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” So, in this day and age is this considered “hate speech”, or is it just a warning of impending doom for those who reject the one true Christ, the Son of God. Do we hate our fellow man by telling him that there is a large open pit which he cannot see and he is walking right into it, and he will be consumed in it. That he is heading to a place of pain and torment and there will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth” it is so terrible. Or, do we tell him he is doing ok and there is no problem… Everything is fine. You will have great riches, good health, miracles and never have to worry about anything ever again. What happens when he falls in that pit. When he looks at us and screams “why didn’t you tell me that pit was there”?… The gospel tells us that it is because we have sinned against God and we are heading for hell that we need to accept Christ as savior. It is because of our wicked fallen state, our blatant disregard of Gods law, and an uncontrollable urge to sin that we need redemption. That is the time old message, not promises of wealth and prosperity.
Our world is slowly deteriorating into a world where good is becoming bad and bad is becoming good. To be “politically correct” simply means to be incorrect and act as though it is correct. Where it is easier to do evil than good. Are these not signs of the end times. Christ will come back and judge man when man is no longer redeemable. When man no longer tolerates the gospel of Christ. When man revels in his sin and wants to cease the words of truth that condemn him. We Christians are a reminder of that truth and the world will grow to hate us because of it. But I am one man crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord. One man with a message for the world. Not a new message, but the same old message that was presented to my father, and his father, and his father before him. Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me. Make straight the way of the Lord. Repent and be baptized. The message has not changed, yet in churches today it is watered down, made more “tolerable” , changed “according to our liking”, into something less than it was originally intended. Today in some churches, there is more emphasis on entertainment than learning, evangelism, and salvation, and we think that we have to look and act like the world to convince the world of their need for a savior. The way we dress, our words, and even our music has been formed in such a way that it mimics the world. It even seems like the church has lost it’s way. We went from “black and white” to simply “shades of gray”. What was wrong in our parents generation is still wrong today, because God, His truth, and His law never changes. It always stays the same.
No wonder the world is confused. When they look at us do they see a people “set apart” or are we just a mirror image of them and not any different than what they are. How can you convince someone of a change if they see no change in you. It is true we have all sinned and no man is better than the other, we have all sinned in Gods eyes, but when the world sees us Christians they should see a repentant sinner, no better than them, but redeemed by the blood of the lamb and saved only because of the grace of God. Someone that God has reached down and picked up out of the miry clay, brushed off and set on the rock. Someone who God has drastically changed, cleaned up their lives, and set them on a new journey, shaping them into the person that God intended us to be. Someone who will go back and stand outside the pit and help pull others out so they too can experience the awesome grace and salvation that our risen savior has offered to mankind for the past 2000 years. We don’t need a new gospel, we just have to follow the original message. Anything different than Christ’s original gospel and his true message, becomes a false gospel. To follow the true Christ you have to know who He is. If you are following anything other than the Jesus of the Bible, you are following a false God.
“Study to show thy self approved.” If you don’t have a Bible, get one and read it. If you do have a Bible, take it off the shelf, dust it off and begin reading. Don’t let someone else tell you, let God speak to you thru His word. When you read your Bible, God talks to you. When you pray, you talk to God. Keep the communication lines open. Stay connected with God, He wants to connect with you. And when you have read and learned the Bible you will begin to see the error of false doctrine and be able to tell the true from false. You will be able to see when someone is trying to lead you astray. For there will be many false teachers and false religions in the last days and you need to be able to spot them. The Bible may be your only guide to keep you from falling in this pit. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Do not be led astray. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Trust in the Lord and He will guide all your paths.
God will lead you and work with you but you must take that first step. You must put your trust in the Lord and have faith that he will deliver. How many times do we pray about something and ask God to “make it happen”, and than continuously worry about it. It’s like God is saying “I will take care of it”, and we keep worrying and doubting and than when he does do something about our request we act surprised that everything worked out. What does that tell God about our faith? Could God be saying to us “oh thou of little faith” as Jesus said to Peter. Do we have the faith of a mustard seed, the smallest seed there is? Jesus said that if we had just a little faith we could move mountains. How much faith do we really have?
God is so wonderful that if someone could see where God has worked in my life they would think that there is a lot of “coincidences” where things worked out for me, but I know better. I can see the hand of God working with me as I look back on my life as I am sure some of you can. It doesn’t mean that everything goes my way all the time. It doesn’t mean that I don’t have any rough spots in my life. It just means that when the storms rage, and the heartaches come, that Jesus is there with me, beside me, leading me out of the storm, but sometimes I have to go thru the storm to see God better. To see where he is working in my life and reminding me that he is still there… He wants us to go to him with all our needs. You see, we fail him… He doesn’t fail us. He is always there to pick us up when we fall, and to brush us off and set us on our feet. But, just as we do with our kids when they are growing up, he has to let us fall so he can pick us up. He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, which means that he is all knowing, all seeing, and able to be everywhere at the same time. So when we think we know better than him, that is when we fall. But when he picks us up he shows us that he knows better than us. As a patient and loving father to his kids. Not saying “I told you so”, or pointing an accusing finger at us, but holding us in his arms of love. Someone who is great doesn’t have to tell anyone they are great, they don’t have to prove anything or defend themselves because people already know they are great. And often great people have a respect and compassion for all people. Christ did, and as we become more mature Christians than God changes us over time to be more like Christ.
“So I tell you to make straight the way of the Lord. Believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, for we are in the business of saving men’s souls, and we should be about our fathers business. God’s kingdom is at hand. Repent and be baptized, for now is the season of harvest, now is the day of salvation, and the fields are plenteous, but the laborers are few. Brothers and sisters, now is the time to take up your cross and follow Him. The end time is drawing nigh, this day will never pass this way again and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Yes, you are only one, but you are not alone. You and God make a majority. What you have to do for the Lord, do now. Be that one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord. Be set apart from the world, for we are in this world but not of this world. Lean on God’s understanding and not your own because he can do far better than we can. I am one, but we are one in the spirit, together redeemed by the blood of Christ, and saved by the grace of God. So now there is you, me, and God and together we can be strong. Together we have true purpose. Together we can help change lives. And together, me you and God can change the world. The world is waiting.. Now is the time, today is that day… What are we waiting for?……..
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Christian, General, Uncategorized
13 Saturday Jun 2015
Tags
abandoned, Adam, addict, alone, castaway, dispised, God, helpless, Holy Spirit, homeless, Jesus, neglected, poor, pray, shunned, sin
By John Armes
Sometimes I feel like John on the Island of Patmos… Alone, abandoned and mostly on my own. It seems like the whole world is moving one way and I am moving in the opposite direction. I no longer join in on the worldly amusements, the concerts, the libations, or the distractions that the world has to offer, but live out my life in a different way than I used to. I can be in a crowd of people and still feel alone. Alone in ideas, alone in purpose and just alone. My doctor even put me on a diet so I can’t have some of the indulgences that I used to have to brighten my day so even my diet of food is limited now. I used to have ice cream, and pies, but no more. I go to a job every day where I see lots of people and say “hello” and they say “hello” back. I am there 8+ hours a day for 5 days a week. While not at work or taking my parents to places where they need to go, I am at home here in my “castle”. I spend a lot of time in these walls that surround me. Television, computer and radio seem to be my only friends. Oh, I have lots to do so I am not short on work and I do have a mission that fills my head with ideas and tasks. My television and my dvd player provide access to learning thru the learning dvd’s that I have purchased. My radio gives me access to Moody Bible Radio which I listen to religiously (no pun intended). My computer gives me access to you, my website, my Facebook page, my email, and many other learning experiences thru software and the internet. My library provides reading materials to ponder over and things to learn. It is my intent to live out the rest of my life on this Island of Patmos doing the work of the Lord to the best of my ability. I am resigned to that. Just like John in the Bible I mean to be a faithful follower of the one who made me and to give my life back to the one who gave me life many years ago when my parents were starting their own family. I am alone, but for a reason.
Yes, I am alone, but not alone. I am alone to spend time with God, which I do more and more each day. My thoughts are on Him most of the time. He speaks to me thru radio programs on Moody, and things I read in the Bible and also thru other people. Being alone He gives me time to compose these stories for my readers and new friends who might read this print and gain an insight on who God is and how to get closer to Him. If my readers take away a more clear idea of God, His Christ, and the Holy Spirit, than I have done my job. I haven’t got the direct distractions that most have because my kids are grown and even though I make contact with them whenever I can, they are raising their own families. I love my parents, kids and my grand kids very deeply and appreciate every one of them. I spend time with them every chance I get. But I must stay on topic here, because when I get started talking about my kids, and grand kids, well that is another book entirely. I know my work mates have herd from time to time about how wonderful my mom and dad, kids and grand kids are and how blessed I am because of it. But, I am alone so God can speak to me thru my Bible as I read it again. I don’t know why I don’t have holes in my knees as often as I neal to pray for my own impending problems and situations as well as for family, friends, this ministry, my homeland and to thank God for the life and opportunities that He has given me. Opportunities that I would not have if I were caught up in the things of this world. Opportunities I have because I am alone and not distracted. We must all seek to be good stewards of what God has given us and find ways to spread Him to others who may not know of Him. We all must take up our crosses and follow Him, no matter what burdens we are given to bare. We should go about as lights in a dark and dying world, praying for those who do not know Christ or can’t see him because they are blinded by the things of this world and are distracted by it’s follies. Grasping the opportunities that God sends us to be a light in someone’s dark world of despair, and there are people we know who are in despair, though we might now know all the details. We must always remember that Christ came to save those who are lost, and to find that one who has wondered away and not the one who is found. Christ came for the drug addict, the one lost in pornography, those lost in a sinful and adulterous lifestyles, the drunk at the bar, the widow alone and afraid, the young child with abusive parents, the mistreated, the shunned and neglected, the hated and despised, the afflicted and oppressed. He came to set the captive free and to heal the sick. In the Bible, when Christ was here on earth, these were the type of people that were drawn to Christ because he was their only hope and He healed them and set them free. He is still doing the same today. God never slumbers nor does he sleep, but He is on the job 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. He is so moved with compassion by those who are downtrodden that He wants to help them. He wants to help us…
So, if we are the eyes and ears of God here on earth, than we should let Him work thru us. My heart goes out the those churches that have missions to help those in addictions and chains as well as those who are helpless, poor and homeless. If that was Christ’s ministry when He was here on earth, than shouldn’t that be our mission too? As we get closer and closer to God we become more like Christ. Have you ever noticed people distancing themselves from you when they find out that you are Christian or because of something you said that is close to the word of God. We are supposed to be a peculiar people. Our ideas and world view is not the same as others who do not share our appreciation of God and the Bible. If I tell everyone how I talk to God every day and He answers me thru the Christian radio and thru his word the Bible and how I am trying to be a good steward with what God has given me and how I am an ambassador for Christ, don’t you think they would think I am peculiar. I am peculiar because I am not spending my time at the bar, or trying to seduce every female that walks by. Peculiar because I don’t cuss or tell dirty stories like the rest of the guys. Perhaps I am a little more humble because I realize that Gods grace extends to me and others who don’t deserve it. Perhaps I remember that I came out of the same slimy hole that they are in now, and I did the same things they are doing before Christ changed my life. We have to realize that sinners sin, but God loves the sinner and hates the sin… Why, because sin robs us of our rightful place that God intended for us to be. Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden were sinless until they did what God told them not to do. When Adam ate of the apple from the tree of good and evil, the curse of sin entered the world. If Adam had chosen to obey God, than we would be enjoying a closer relationship with God. But because Adam sinned, than Christ, God’s only Son had to come to earth to right that wrong that Adam did, by giving His life as a sacrifice. Christ became the second Adam and made it possible for us to be saved thru Gods grace. Christ was Gods gift of love and righteousness to us, a world cursed and dying in sin. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes on Him should not parish but have everlasting life. That is our promise that we can hold on to…
Wide is the way to destruction and narrow is the gate to salvation and there are very few that find it. So if we look around and are alone, perhaps that doesn’t mean we are on the wrong road. The Christian life is often called the road less traveled and we must toil to find it. We must be actively searching to find it and studying (the Bible) to show ourselves approved. When we enter thru the gate and onto that road we have to leave everything behind. God may take us in a direction altogether different from the one we think we should be on and others may not understand. We have to take up our cross and follow Jesus wherever he leads us. We must not lean onto our own understanding but take up the cause of the word of God and follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we read the Bible and pray to God we develop a mindset more like that of Christ and closer to the will of God. We also develop a thirst for righteousness and realize the need to win souls for God’s kingdom. Sin begins to bother us more and more and we begin to realize just how sinful a state this world is in and how black our own sin is. Like Paul said, “that which I should do, I do not, and that which I do, I should not “and ” I am the chief of sinners”. Jesus was preaching in a nearby city when a man caught up with Him and asked to follow Him, Jesus replied “the foxes have holes, and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no where to lay His head”… I don’t necessarily think we should give everything we have to the poor, but I do think we should give to the poor and use everything that God has given us for His advantage and to further His kingdom.
Taking that road less traveled is not easy, but it is more fulfilling and rewarding. It takes sacrifice and courage but the rewards are many. It may seem like you are alone, but Jesus is right there with you. You are actually never alone because Christ sticks to you closer than a brother, and He intercedes for us before Heaven and His Father God. And there seems to be a satisfaction in doing things right. There is just something right and Godly about it. After all, we have a righteous God. But He is also a loving and graceful God. We all fall short of God’s expectations, so God gives us grace where we fail. Just as a father wants a son or daughter to make it thru life and find the right way, He wants us to succeed too, and we can thru His grace. God’s grace stretches out to those who do not deserve it and who otherwise would not make it in this world. But we have to accept what Christ did on the cross and that He died for our sins. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on should not parish, but have everlasting life with Him…
So here on the Island of Patmos, I live out my life. Alone but not alone. And from this island I send out my stories, the stories God has entrusted me with. I will plant the seeds of how He has changed my life and the lives of countless others who have found Him while walking on that road less traveled. Although I may not see the results of this work, it is up to Him to send water so the seeds may grow. There are many dangerous obstacles to overcome along the way, but if I keep my eyes and mind on Jesus than perhaps I won’t be dashed against the rocks or fall into a pit. His rod and staff protects and comforts me along the way as He can see things that I can’t. When I am weary He leads me besides the still waters, replenishes my spirit and there is rest for my soul. When I am walking along the path and grow tired as though I can’t take another step, He picks me up and carries me along the way. He gives me strength to make it thru another day. And when life seems to overwhelm me to the point where I seem like I can’t go on, my Lord and King that died for me in my place will never let me down and He will take up my battle for me when I cannot fight it. And though I am alone here on this Island of Patmos, and about my Fathers business, I am alone but not alone. I know He is with me and I know that victory is mine thru Christ who selflessly gave Himself for me. Though I am alone on this Island of Patmos, I’m right where I need to be. And if this is the lot that God intends for me, I will live it to the fullest, never looking back, and always looking ahead. And when I am at the end of my journey and all is said and done, I will ask Him one more time “Lord, what do you wish me to do” and after that, I will be with Him…
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Christian, Uncategorized
27 Friday Feb 2015
Tags
dark streets of new york, fight, gang members, gangs of new york, New York City, Nicky Cruz, Run baby run, son of satan, switchblade, The Cross and the Switchblade, warlord
A true story told by John Armes…
In the mid 1950’s New York City was a cesspool of drugs, prostitution, and crime. The streets were ruled by vicious gangs and gang wars rose up all over the city. Rival gangs would fight for “turf” (land) to expand their gangs physical presence and to prove who was the toughest. The law of the fight was the only law these gangs understood and when two gangs went out to face each other, some did not return. Only the toughest would survive on the streets and don’t be caught on a rival gangs turf or you may be beat up, knifed, or shot. The weapon of choice was the switchblade, although they would use whatever they could find including pipes, baseball bats, zip guns, whips and chains, etc.
It was during this time that a young man named Nicky was sent from Las Piedras, Puerto Rico to live with his brother in New York City to begin a new life. His old neighborhood was the worst in Puerto Rico yet they were happy to see him go because he was always getting into trouble and fighting. When Nicky arrived in New York City and stepped off the plane, he felt a new found freedom and decided to run the streets. However, not having a coat and it being winter he decided to go to his brother’s after 3 days. Shortly after, Nicky was walking down the street when he had his first encounter with a gang. Someone pushed Nicky up against a wall and pulled a switchblade knife on him. Even though this gang member was bigger, Nicky put up a good fight but got beat up in the end. It took a few weeks for him to recuperate. Than he went out to find his attacker and beat him with a baseball bat and drug him down the sidewalk. The word on the streets was “don’t mess with Nicky, he’s crazy”. Already Nicky began to create a reputation on the streets as a tough guy.
As time went by, Nicky made a friend with the member of a gang and decided it was time for him to join a gang. He asked his friend to introduce him to the gang leader and he did. The friend brought Nicky to the gang clubhouse of the most notorious gang in New York City, the Mau-Mau’s. Nicky waited to be introduced to the leader. When they came and got him and took him into the room where the leader was, the leader ignored Nicky. Nicky finally asked “what do I have to do to join the Mau-Mau’s”? The leader said “there are two ways to join the Mau-Mau’s. The first way is to stand against a wall and I will take 20 steps from where you are, turn and throw a knife at you. If the knife sticks somewhere in your body and you survive, than you will be a member.” Nicky says ” I don’t like that way, what is the next”. The leader says “the second way is for you to stand against a wall and 5 of the toughest Mau-Mau’s will beat you all over your body until you are unconscious and if you survive, than you will be a member.” Nicky says “I’ll take the second one”. The leader says, “Nicky, you can’t fight back”. Nicky says “that’s not fair”… Nicky was beat from head to toe and when they got done, he couldn’t stand and laid there for almost an hour. It took Nicky a few weeks to recuperate, but at least he was a member of a gang. For once he had backup when he needed it. Nicky quickly rose in the gang to the position of “warlord” after six months, and then later he became leader of the Mau-Mau’s. Nicky’s reputation preceded him wherever he went, and his name brought fear to everyone who heard it. He had gone from running the streets to ruling the streets.
In 1958 a young preacher named Dave heard about the rough gangs in New York and after much prayer decided to go and approach these gangs and tell them about Jesus Christ. He got a little money from his church and it was enough to get him there but didn’t last long. He ended up living in his car on the streets. During the day he would preach on the streets to those passing by and that was the first time that Nicky met him. He was the leader of the Mau Mau’s then and had his war lord with him. Pastor Dave told Nicky that “Jesus loved him and would never stop loving him”. Nicky responded by slapping Dave and threatening to kill him. Dave realized that if he could get to Nicky, he could get to anyone, so he set out as his mission to win Nicky to Jesus. Later, Pastor Dave came to a place where the gang was hanging out and asked to talk with Nicky. Nicky told Dave to leave or he would shoot Dave with his 32 pistol if he came any closer . Dave just kept on coming, so Nicky pushed him and hit him. His fellow gang members held Nicky back and said “you can’t beat him up, he is a preacher”. Pastor Dave told Nicky again how God lived him and Nicky was becoming more and more convicted. The only religion that Nicky knew was that of his mother and father who practiced spiritism and voodoo. His parents had mentally abused him and called him “Son of Satan”. Nicky wanted no part of religion, but somehow this was different. No one had ever told him that God loved him. Pastor Dave was interested in reaching others for Jesus too. He arranged to get all the gangs together at an arena in New York so he could preach to them and try and reach them. Little did he know that the Mau Mau’s and a rival gang had decided to have a gang fight at the arena the night of the crusade to settle once and for all who was the toughest gang and who would control the streets.
The night of the crusade came and arrangements for busses were made to transport gang members to the arena. The Mau Mau’s sat on one side and the rival gang set on the other. When Dave started preaching, he could feel the spirit of the Lord move across the arena. The gangs were rowdy and frightened a young girl singer off the platform. The gangs were taunting each other, but Nicky was feeling conviction for the things he had done. Dave asked the leaders of both gangs to come up front and take the collection plates and collect money for the service. Nicky and the other leader and a few other gang members collected the offering and Nicky talked them out of taking the money and leaving. After they went back to their seats, Pastor Dave started preaching. He told them that they didn’t have to live the way they are living and that there is a better way. He told them about how tough Christ was to die on a cross for their sins, and how God loves each and every one of them. All of the sudden the rival gang member jumped up and made a run at Nicky. The other gang members prepared to fight but all eyes were on the two gang members. Nicky had the other gang leader down on the floor with his switchblade engaged and ready for action. But Nicky was overcome with conviction. He let the gang leader go and the fighting stopped. It was at that point that Pastor Dave began preaching again. At the end of the service Pastor Dave gave an altar call and many gang members were saved that night including Nicky. After it was all over, the gang members took their weapons and turned them in at the police station. The police said that if they would have seen them coming, they would have opened fire and shot them down thinking they were trying to take them over.
It just shows that when people hear the real gospel of Christ under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, than God works and people are saved. The Holy Spirit helps to convince the hearer of the truth that is being said. There is no other religion that promises what the God of the Bible promises, and non other can deliver as He does. Those of us who have been lifted out of the deep sinful hole that we came out of remember what it was like and we don’t want to go back, and as we grow in Christ, we are more and more compelled to reach the souls that are down there where we came from. The same grace that we received is also available to them. God can lift us out of that situation that clouds our minds where we don’t see the light, and he can bring that light down on us so we can finally see our situation, our sin, our need for a savior. As we grow closer to Christ we begin to change and become more Christ like and like the song goes “the things of this world will grow strangely dim” because we are spending more time looking at things above than things below. Our sights are on God and Heaven and others and less on ourselves. We no longer have to manipulate others to get what we want. God supplies all our needs.
You can see the movie about Nicky Cruz’s life and Pastor Dave Wilkerson. It is called “The Cross And The Switchblade”, and visit his website online. He has a few more video’s out. Another movie about Nicky Cruz is “Run Baby Run”… Nicky went to Bible college, studied the Bible and is a pastor now and has gone back to New York and recruited gang members for Christ. He talks to gang members all the time. Pastor Dave Wilkerson went on and kept preaching too.
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Christian, General, Uncategorized
20 Tuesday Jan 2015
Tags
crusified, God's plan, God's power, Hell, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Plan Of Salvation, risen savior, scriptural
From the desk of John Armes…
Friends and readers… It is my wish that you come to know Jesus as your savior… Why? Because at anytime, anyone of us could die and if we are lost in our sin we will go to hell… There is no other way to say it and I would be misrepresenting my faith and God by telling you anything different. The Bible says that in hell there is constant torment and “gnashing of teeth” and eternal separation from God. It also mentions it as a “lake of fire” reserved for the devil and his demons… Gods judgment will come and those who remain in sin will be judged and sent to hell and those who have repented and accepted Christ as their savior will go to heaven. I have provided the following information from a gospel tract entitled “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation”, from Lifegate Incorporated in hopes that you will see the need to accept Christ and live a Christian life… All my stories lead to this conclusion. The road to salvation is narrow and few find it, but the way to destruction is broad and many go that way. Don’t go the way to destruction, but join me on the journey to salvation. It doesn’t mean that everything will be perfect from now on… There will still be trials and temptation. I am not going to promise you miracles… You may not gain riches, good health, or go around happy all the time, but you will begin a relationship with Him that made you, and He can provide you with a victorious Christian life. A life riddled with true purpose and meaning…He doesn’t want anyone to parish, but promises life more abundantly. Many try and make God into someone he is not, but read your Bible and see who God really is. He wrote it for you. And He wishes you to come to salvation in Christ… I made that decision and am happy I did. You will too… Don’t put it off… Do it now…
Gods Simple Plan Of Salvation
From Lifegate Incorporated…
My Friend : I am asking you the most important question of life. Your joy or your sorrow for all eternity depends upon your answer. The question is : Are you saved? It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are a church member, but are you saved? Are you sure you will go to to Heaven when you die?
God says that in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. In John 3:7, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” In the Bible God gives us the plan of how to be born again which means to be saved. His plan is simple! You can be saved today. How?
First, my friend, you must realize that you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. “For the wages [payment] of sin is death (Romans 6:23). This includes eternal separation from God in Hell. “… it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
But God loved you so much He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to bear your sin and die in your place. “… He hath made Him [Jesus, Who knew no sin] to be sin for us… that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus had to shed His blood and die. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). “… without shedding of blood is no remission [pardon]” (Hebrews 9:22). “… God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Although we cannot understand how, God said my sins and your sins were laid upon Jesus and He died in our place. He became our substitute. It is true. God cannot lie.
My friend, “God … commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). This repentance is a change of mind that agrees with God that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what Jesus did for us on the Cross. In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas: “… Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved… .’ ” Simply believe on Him as the one who bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and whom God resurrected. His resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim everlasting life when Jesus is received as Savior. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Whosoever includes you. Shall be saved means not maybe, nor can, but shall be saved. Surely, you realize you are a sinner. Right now, wherever you are, repenting, lift your heart to God in prayer. In Luke 18:13, the sinner prayed : “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Just pray : “Oh God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus was my substitute when He died on the Cross. I believe His shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection were for me. I now receive Him as my Savior. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins, the gift of salvation and everlasting life, because of your merciful grace. Amen.”
Just take God at His word and claim His salvation by faith. Believe, and you will be saved. No church, no lodge, no good works can save you. Remember, God does the saving. All of it! God’s simple plan of salvation is : You are a sinner. Therefor, unless you believe on Jesus Who died in your place, you will spend eternity in Hell. If you believe on Him as your crucified, buried, and risen Savior, you receive forgiveness for all your sins and His gift of eternal salvation by faith. You say, “Surely, it cannot be that simple.” Yes, that simple! It is scriptural. It is God’s plan. My friend, believe on Jesus and receive Him as Savior today. If His plan is not perfectly clear, read this message over and over, without laying it down until you understand it. Your soul is worth more than all the world.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Be sure you are saved. If you lose your soul, you miss Heaven and lose all. Please! Let God save you this very moment. God’s power will save you, keep you saved, and enable you to live a victorious Christian life. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Do not trust your feelings. They change. Stand on God’s promises. They never change. After you are saved, there are three things to practice daily for spiritual growth: Pray – you talk to God. Read your Bible – God talks to you. Witness – you talk for God. You should be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ as a public testimony of your salvation, and then unite with a Bible-believing church without delay. “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” (2 Timothy 1:8). “Whosoever therefore shall confess [testify of] Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).
The End.
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Christian, Uncategorized
09 Friday Jan 2015
Tags
alcohol, Billy Graham, Christ Jesus, drugs, his plan for my life, Jesus Christ, journey to god, plant seeds, prodigal son, sex
A story by John Armes…
The year was 1968, and the place was downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. A young 13 year old boy and his 16 year old brother were attending a meeting to hear a special speaker. The older boy had just gotten his drivers license and had driven them to the meeting. To the younger boy, Market Square Arena was the largest building he had ever been in. As he looked around at the sea of people his anticipation grew and he thought to himself that this must be a very good speaker to bring so many people. Finally the speaker appeared at the podium in front of the arena. The boy carefully listened to every word. At the end of the meeting, the speaker offered an invitation for whoever wanted to come and join, to come up front. What this man was offering, the young boy wanted. As he made his way to the front, he was wondering if he could find his way back to his brother in this large packed auditorium. It seemed to take forever to get there. As he got to the front there were several men there and began asking him questions which the young boy answered and than the men began to gather around him and pray for him. The boy accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on that night, and as the boy rose from the altar he was filled with a new purpose, bigger than anything he had ever done. He had a thirst to learn more. When the two boys got home to their parents the young boy said nothing. The older boy later began to tell his parents what had happened. The older boy was my brother Lex, I was the younger boy, and the speaker was Billy Graham. That was the start of my long and bumpy journet to God, and the beginning of his plan for my life. Billy had planted a seed…
As I began to grow, I became involved in my church. I played bass guitar for church choir and church ensemble and also played bass for my school choir and a school ensemble. I remember the little old ladies and older gentleman who would greet me after the church service and tell me how they enjoyed my guitar playing in the service. You see they were planting seeds. All thru high school I was required to learn bible verses that stuck with me thru life. There, my teachers were planting seeds.
As I graduated from high school and got closer to college, I began getting into things I should not have. I tended to give in to temptation and find trouble. I had picked up drugs and drinking as I veered off course and slipped away from the path I should have taken and into a rock-n-roll lifestyle. It is a good thing that my mother didn’t know because it would have broken her heart. Even though I went to Christian universities, I managed to find the wrong friends and the wrong things to do as I was in a rebellious state. Drugs and alcohol followed me thru school until the day I got married and than I semi-mended my ways and straightened up a little. The real life changer was when my first daughter was born. Her name is Rachael, and when she was born and I held that little innocent child in my arms, I then decided to mend my ways to an even straighter path and began to truly reform. I wasn’t going to influence her in the wrong direction. Little eyes are watching. Than later we had her precious sister. Her name is Stephanie. Rachael became a mother hen to Stephanie when she was a baby. She loved her sister. Consequently I became a “chip off the old block”. When I was a child my mom would get me and my brother up to go to church every Sunday. One Sunday when she woke me up for church, I told her that I am not going to church today. When she asked my why I told her that if my dad was going to sleep in, I was too. When my mom told my dad what I had said, he never missed a day of church after that. My dad began to plant a seed. If it weren’t for the seeds my parents planted in me and the constant prayers they prayed for a prodigal son, I don’t think I could have survived the stormy parts of my life. But, because of my parents I believe that even though I strayed off my path, that God had his hand on me all thru my life. So, me and my dad both changed our ways because of our children. As countless other fathers and mothers have done in the past and will do in the future. Having kids is a life changer. However, it was not enough to keep mine and their mothers marriage together and after 15 years of being married, their mother and I got a divorce because of irreconcilable differences.
After my divorce I picked up drinking again and went from woman to woman slipping back into my previous state and trying to fill the hole that was left in my life from my divorce. I never seemed to find the right woman. Later on I found that it was God who would fill that hole in my life and as he, over time took away my desire for drugs, than drinking, than sleeping around, than smoking, and finally rock music, he has continued to mold my life to be more Christ like. As the song goes, “the things of this world will grow strangely dim” , as it has for me. My goals and outlook on life has been changed from what it used to be into a better and more responsible purpose in life, yet I fall back on that phrase that we used to say in church when I was young “be patient with me, God is not thru with me yet”… I finally found the true meaning of those words and how true they are. And so the Christian life has been a lifetime journey. Now Jesus is not my co-pilot, but my pilot. Where he leads I will follow. I have found that all the experiences of my life add up to one thing. The most important cause worth fighting for is the cause of Christ, and all the other things will fall into place when my life is surrendered to him. He is the only one that deserves my praise. And as we live day to day life in our small world, there is a whole big world out there and God’s plan is unfolding all around us. A much bigger purpose and meaning than all of us put together. And, we all have a chance to be part of it. As I get older, the importance of my place in family has increased with aging parents and now grand kids. My kids are having kids. They are and always will be family and God commands us to care for our families. My two little grandchildren now two and three years old now regenerated that need for me to be there and lend a hand whenever needed. However, spending time and cash on the little ones becomes more of a blessing than a responsibility. I am the classic grandpa and tend to go overboard on my grandkids. I can’t help it, I just get carried away. I love my two daughters and my mom and dad because they are easy to love, as well as my grand kids.
As with my family, I want to be like “Johnny Appleseed” and plant seeds. Billy Graham planted a seed in me when I was a boy, the elder people at my church when I was growing up planted a seed as well with their encouragement, my teachers in high school planted a seed thru having me learn bible verses, my mom and dad planted a seed in having me attend church regularly as a young boy, I in turn plant seeds in my kids and now grand kids, and with these stories I intend to plant a seed in you. Many people planted seeds in my life and it became obvious to me that God was the origin of the good seeds. He continues to plant seeds in me and I will in turn plant good seeds in others. Never pass up a chance to plant a good seed in those you come in contact with during your day to day life. You may never know how far that seed will go. I hope that my life as an example to you shows you how seeds planted in someone’s life grow up with them. People will stray, but those seeds can come back and influence them in the right direction. It has happened to me countless times. Memories can help shape our lives. There are countless times that a bible verse has come to me out of nowhere that has shaped a decision I was pondering or given me encouragement along the way. God uses seeds to plant in your life because he loves you. Let God use you to plant seeds. You may not be there to see the seed grow, but if you plant the seed, God will send the rain. Billy Graham has planted lots of seeds around the world, and you can too. Now plant that seed. Let God use you. Always encourage others of all ages to do good. Good should be rewarded and can be with just a little encouragement. The greatest cause you could ever encounter is to be used for the purpose of God thru Christ Jesus. Can I hear an “amen”…
Posted by musicman986560 | Filed under Christian, Uncategorized
30 Tuesday Dec 2014
Posted Uncategorized
inThe WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 840 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 14 trips to carry that many people.