A christian couple friend of mine from Queens, New York sent me a forward on gasing up. With the USA experiencing recession and gas prices keep on going up all over the world, it is wise & practical to heed and follow the "SUGGESTIONS" in this email forward. You will save money and use it for some other need(s).
This is sent with love and concern for everyone especially to the household of faith (Galatans 6:9-10).
Subject: Important Gas Tips>
>
> In view of the increasing gas prices, you might want
> to consider the following. Thanks to a thoughtful
> friend who shared.
> Now I'm sharing it with you. Please read and pass
> on.
> TIPS ON PUMPING GAS (Good information)>
> I don't know what you guys are paying for
> gasoline.... but here in
> California we are paying up to $3.50 per gallon.
> My
> line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years
> now, so here are some tricks to get more of your
> money's worth for every gallon.
>
> Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in
> San Jose, CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a
> 24-hour period thru the pipeline.
> One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and
> gasoline, regular and
> premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a
> total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.
>
>
> 1.) Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the
> early morning when the ground temperature is still
> cold.>
WHY: Remember that all service stations have their
> storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the
> ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets
> warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon
> or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a
> gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific
> gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel
> and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products
> plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in
> temperature is a big deal for this business. But the
> service stations do not have temperature
> compensation at the pumps.
>
>
> 2.) When you're filling up do not squeeze the
> trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look
> you will see that the trigger has three
>
> (3) stages: low, middle, and high.>
WHY: In slow mode you should be pumping on low
> speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are
> created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump
> have a vapor return.
If you are pumping on the fast
> rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank
> becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and
> back into the underground storage tank so you're
> getting less worth for your money .
>
> 3.) One of the most important tips is to fill up
> when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY.>
WHY: The reason for this is, the more gas you have
> in your tank the less air occupying its empty space.
> Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine.
> Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating
> roof.
> This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas
> and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.
> Unlike service stations, here where I work, every
> truck that we load is temperature compensated so
> that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
>
> 4.) Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck
> pumping into the
> storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill
> up!>
WHY: Most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as
> the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up
> some of the dirt that normally settles on the
> bottom.
>
> Hope this will help you get the most value for your
> money.
>
> DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS!
Sent in Christ Love,
Ptr. Manny
The Way of the Cross Leads to Heaven
JOHN 14:6 JESUS CHRIST said: I AM THE WAY
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
SECOND ROUND OSTEEN ISSUE
Dear Ptr Manny,
Im not so convence with larry King and the answer of Joel Osteen. Im one of his Listener in his program. He preached more in Grace and not Law. I do Believe that there is now no condemnation those who are in Christ who walk not after the flesh but after yhe spirit.Rom. 8:1. If you are armenian and extreme calvinian you cannot take and accept his preaching. In regard to assurance of salvation in his teaching as i heard is so clear. It is only the Lord Jesus Christ the only way to heaven. We are save by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.Eph.2:8 and not of our good work that no one should boast. Actually im convence that we are eternally secured in Jesus Christ, As i am hearing his preaching i am encouraged energized by the Holy Spirit. Di kaya paninira lang yan ni Larry King? Diko siya kilala. Ptr pls be careful baka magamit kayo ng Kaaway. Sa pakikinig ko sa preaching niya wala akong nakikita pang mali.
Thanks for your info and concern di kasi ako agad naniniwala sa mga negative report specially kung ang tao na tinutukoy ay wonderfully used by God.
This was an email sent to me by a pastor in response to my previous posting here in my blog entitled: JOEL OSTEEN TRUE OR FALSE? The following is my reply which I am posting in this my blog. Like it is written in black & white in my site, you are free to agree or disagree with the writer. It is your prerogative and it is also mine. Have fun and enjoy but NEVER COMPROMISE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Dear Pastor,
Greetings from New York City in the most precious name of our LORD & Saviour Jesus Christ,
whose we are & whom we serve until He comes again!
I do not believe that one who is spiritually discerning won't be able to discern the many flaws,
If I may say so, in the style of any preacher so-called of the Gospel. A couple from Upstate New York
who are members of a Wesleyan Church in Schenectady, NY wrote me the following:
fromNicole Fatato
to"Rev. Emmanuel Salvador",
dateSun, Mar 9, 2008 at 9:44 AM
subjectRe: Fwd: [KnowTheTruth] JOEL OSTEEN: TRUE OR FALSE?
mailed-byyahoo.com
signed-byyahoo.com
hide details Mar 9 (7 days ago) Reply
manny,
amen! john and i always thought that guy was a litle too nice and wishy washy. he never talks baout sin or hell in any of his sermons, he does a quick little- "do u want to accept jesus in your heart" senence at the end of each sermon and thats it. i think he just doesnt have any guts and doesnt want to offend his millions of followers. i dont know how he expects poeple to change their lives if they dont even know theyre sinning- becasue he wont tell them that they are sinners. with out repentance and the holy spirit popele do not change. ok- thanks for the letter- nic
Their pastor Pastor Glenn Bozak of the Schenectady Wesleyan Church (I was an Associate Pastor in this american church for five years)
sent also his feedback as follows:
Re: FW: [KnowTheTruth] JOEL OSTEEN: TRUE OR FALSE?
From: GBZAK@aol.com
Sent: Sun 3/09/08 9:42 PM
To: emmanuelsalvador@hotmail.com
Nice work Brother,
Glenn
In a message dated 3/9/2008 2:48:28 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, emmanuelsalvador@hotmail.com writes:
And my own pastor in Jersey City First Wesleyan Church, Rev. Donavan Shoemaker emailed me and said:
Keep up the good work.
I surely am careful NOT TO BE USED BY BY THE DEVIL FOR HE IS NOT MY LORD RATHER
JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD. On the other hand, I am and will not be ASHAMED OF THE PURE GOSPEL OF MY GOD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. This I have already resolved in my heart more than 3 decades back.
It means that I will never hesitate, but be very straightforward all the time when asked by anyone, much more an unbeliever
a very simple question that can be answered by a simple YES or NO.
I too have listened to Joel Osteen many a times in the past. However, these are the things you will have to consider in analysing and scrutinizing the Larry King episode.
Let me put it step by step AS I GIVE MY ANSWER TO YOUR EMAIL:
1st - The interview with Larry King is LIVE. That MEANS, you are to expect any all questions from said person
and therefore, it CANNOT BE DOCTORED. IT MEANS ALSO THAT, YOU OR ANY PERSON CANNOT SAY THAT
Larry King "doctored" the show and its contents, much less the words that Osteen said. One cannot deny
what has already been said and recorded like his statements;
2nd - OSTEEN WAS GIVEN MANY TIMES IN THE INTERVIEW TO CATEGORICALLY STATE IN UNEQUIVOCAL STATEMENT HIS
BELIEF & STAND ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE: JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY.
If you are the one asked, will you go around the bush to give an answer that is so simple, either Yes or No?
3rd - On Larry King Live, the following very disturbing conversation occurred with Larry King and Joel Osteen:
KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?
OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...
KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God will judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
Pastor, please scrutinize these and the rest of the article and say whether you will do & say what Joel Osteen did & said in that TV interview with Larry King. Your answer will only be YES or NO..
NOW, LET ME STATE MY POSITION, I am neither an Armenian nor a Calvinist. I am first & foremost: a Born Again Christian SAVED BY THE GRACE OF MY LORD JESUS CHRIST; 2nd, My calling from my God & Saviour Jesus Christ is that of an Evangelist and I have been one for the past 30 years; 3rd, I am a STICKLER TO THE BIBLE meaning what the Bible says goes for me regardless of what other believers may say that is inconsistent, contrary and does not agree with the Bible; 4th, I am not a preacher that will leave any DOUBT to anyone who rejects my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ that they are literally going to Hell by their choice: REJECTING the only hope they have (John 3:16-18, 36).
So many so-called preachers just don't have the boldness and the guts to truly & frankly say what the Bible teaches. Many are in truth and in fact giving people false hope and literally bringing men straight to hell.
We are not only responsible but ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD even the LORD JESUS CHRIST for the souls of people that we try to reach with the Pure Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9 speaks of a perverted gospel). Remember Ezekiel 3 & 33's "The Blood will be required at thy hand".
I endeavor not to be in such a position. Everytime I share, preached the Gospel, my goal is to bring anyone to know beyond a shadow of doubt where they are in the sight of God CONDEMNED or UNCONDEMNED (John 3:18) on the basis of their response/choice.
In defense of the Pure Gospel of my God & Saviour Jesus Christ without apologies, the one who redeemed me, saved me to the uttermost and justified me by His Blood.
Ptr. Manny
P. S. Suggest that you consider the following Scriptures:
Matthew 7:21-23 (King James Version)
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Timothy 4:2-4 (King James Version)
2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Peter 2:1-3 (King James Version)
1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Im not so convence with larry King and the answer of Joel Osteen. Im one of his Listener in his program. He preached more in Grace and not Law. I do Believe that there is now no condemnation those who are in Christ who walk not after the flesh but after yhe spirit.Rom. 8:1. If you are armenian and extreme calvinian you cannot take and accept his preaching. In regard to assurance of salvation in his teaching as i heard is so clear. It is only the Lord Jesus Christ the only way to heaven. We are save by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.Eph.2:8 and not of our good work that no one should boast. Actually im convence that we are eternally secured in Jesus Christ, As i am hearing his preaching i am encouraged energized by the Holy Spirit. Di kaya paninira lang yan ni Larry King? Diko siya kilala. Ptr pls be careful baka magamit kayo ng Kaaway. Sa pakikinig ko sa preaching niya wala akong nakikita pang mali.
Thanks for your info and concern di kasi ako agad naniniwala sa mga negative report specially kung ang tao na tinutukoy ay wonderfully used by God.
This was an email sent to me by a pastor in response to my previous posting here in my blog entitled: JOEL OSTEEN TRUE OR FALSE? The following is my reply which I am posting in this my blog. Like it is written in black & white in my site, you are free to agree or disagree with the writer. It is your prerogative and it is also mine. Have fun and enjoy but NEVER COMPROMISE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Dear Pastor,
Greetings from New York City in the most precious name of our LORD & Saviour Jesus Christ,
whose we are & whom we serve until He comes again!
I do not believe that one who is spiritually discerning won't be able to discern the many flaws,
If I may say so, in the style of any preacher so-called of the Gospel. A couple from Upstate New York
who are members of a Wesleyan Church in Schenectady, NY wrote me the following:
fromNicole Fatato
to"Rev. Emmanuel Salvador"
dateSun, Mar 9, 2008 at 9:44 AM
subjectRe: Fwd: [KnowTheTruth] JOEL OSTEEN: TRUE OR FALSE?
mailed-byyahoo.com
signed-byyahoo.com
hide details Mar 9 (7 days ago) Reply
manny,
amen! john and i always thought that guy was a litle too nice and wishy washy. he never talks baout sin or hell in any of his sermons, he does a quick little- "do u want to accept jesus in your heart" senence at the end of each sermon and thats it. i think he just doesnt have any guts and doesnt want to offend his millions of followers. i dont know how he expects poeple to change their lives if they dont even know theyre sinning- becasue he wont tell them that they are sinners. with out repentance and the holy spirit popele do not change. ok- thanks for the letter- nic
Their pastor Pastor Glenn Bozak of the Schenectady Wesleyan Church (I was an Associate Pastor in this american church for five years)
sent also his feedback as follows:
Re: FW: [KnowTheTruth] JOEL OSTEEN: TRUE OR FALSE?
From: GBZAK@aol.com
Sent: Sun 3/09/08 9:42 PM
To: emmanuelsalvador@hotmail.com
Nice work Brother,
Glenn
In a message dated 3/9/2008 2:48:28 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, emmanuelsalvador@hotmail.com writes:
And my own pastor in Jersey City First Wesleyan Church, Rev. Donavan Shoemaker emailed me and said:
Keep up the good work.
I surely am careful NOT TO BE USED BY BY THE DEVIL FOR HE IS NOT MY LORD RATHER
JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD. On the other hand, I am and will not be ASHAMED OF THE PURE GOSPEL OF MY GOD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. This I have already resolved in my heart more than 3 decades back.
It means that I will never hesitate, but be very straightforward all the time when asked by anyone, much more an unbeliever
a very simple question that can be answered by a simple YES or NO.
I too have listened to Joel Osteen many a times in the past. However, these are the things you will have to consider in analysing and scrutinizing the Larry King episode.
Let me put it step by step AS I GIVE MY ANSWER TO YOUR EMAIL:
1st - The interview with Larry King is LIVE. That MEANS, you are to expect any all questions from said person
and therefore, it CANNOT BE DOCTORED. IT MEANS ALSO THAT, YOU OR ANY PERSON CANNOT SAY THAT
Larry King "doctored" the show and its contents, much less the words that Osteen said. One cannot deny
what has already been said and recorded like his statements;
2nd - OSTEEN WAS GIVEN MANY TIMES IN THE INTERVIEW TO CATEGORICALLY STATE IN UNEQUIVOCAL STATEMENT HIS
BELIEF & STAND ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE: JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY.
If you are the one asked, will you go around the bush to give an answer that is so simple, either Yes or No?
3rd - On Larry King Live, the following very disturbing conversation occurred with Larry King and Joel Osteen:
KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?
OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...
KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God will judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
Pastor, please scrutinize these and the rest of the article and say whether you will do & say what Joel Osteen did & said in that TV interview with Larry King. Your answer will only be YES or NO..
NOW, LET ME STATE MY POSITION, I am neither an Armenian nor a Calvinist. I am first & foremost: a Born Again Christian SAVED BY THE GRACE OF MY LORD JESUS CHRIST; 2nd, My calling from my God & Saviour Jesus Christ is that of an Evangelist and I have been one for the past 30 years; 3rd, I am a STICKLER TO THE BIBLE meaning what the Bible says goes for me regardless of what other believers may say that is inconsistent, contrary and does not agree with the Bible; 4th, I am not a preacher that will leave any DOUBT to anyone who rejects my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ that they are literally going to Hell by their choice: REJECTING the only hope they have (John 3:16-18, 36).
So many so-called preachers just don't have the boldness and the guts to truly & frankly say what the Bible teaches. Many are in truth and in fact giving people false hope and literally bringing men straight to hell.
We are not only responsible but ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD even the LORD JESUS CHRIST for the souls of people that we try to reach with the Pure Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9 speaks of a perverted gospel). Remember Ezekiel 3 & 33's "The Blood will be required at thy hand".
I endeavor not to be in such a position. Everytime I share, preached the Gospel, my goal is to bring anyone to know beyond a shadow of doubt where they are in the sight of God CONDEMNED or UNCONDEMNED (John 3:18) on the basis of their response/choice.
In defense of the Pure Gospel of my God & Saviour Jesus Christ without apologies, the one who redeemed me, saved me to the uttermost and justified me by His Blood.
Ptr. Manny
P. S. Suggest that you consider the following Scriptures:
Matthew 7:21-23 (King James Version)
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Timothy 4:2-4 (King James Version)
2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Peter 2:1-3 (King James Version)
1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
JOEL OSTEEN: TRUE OR FALSE?
Dear Brethren,
Tonight, as I found time to read and study from a number of very good christian websites, my attention was specially caught by an article at www.biblebelievers.com about one of the best known and liked TV preacher, Joel Osteen. As I begun to read, my curiosity was deeply aroused. I for one, as a preacher & evangelist, have never hesitated nor wavered in declaring to anyone without apologies that Jesus Christ ALONE is The Way when confronted with the question of how a person gets saved.
I have always been straightforward, uncompromising, even confrontational when it comes to how a person is saved. This is because of my deep personal conviction & my unwavering belief in the fact of Holy Scriptures that Jesus Christ ALONE is The Way, The Truth & The Life (John 14:6).
This means that this particular scripture is an ALL INCLUSIVE DECLARATION of Who & What Jesus Christ Is and therefore EXCLUDES all other "supposed," "hope so" human-made possibilities of trying to reach heaven other than through GOD's ONLY WAY JESUS CHRIST. To say it in plain simple english: ALL OTHER WAYS (OTHER THAN THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST) CONCOCTED BY MEN WILL LITERALLY BRING MEN TO THE LAKE of FIRE of Revelations 21:8 & Rev. 20:10.
It also means that "All Other Ways" like most religions are bringing men straight to hell. No amount of so-called sincerity can right something that is wrong from the very beginning. What you and I need is to be "sincerely right" because you can be so sincere in believing something that is False and therefore be "sincerely wrong."
I can never understand why a preacher "so-called" of the Pure Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot categorically declare, say and answer either Yes or No when asked a simple direct question by anyone.
Could it be that said preacher is afraid or fearful of offending people who would probably be generous contributors to his cause? If this is the case, then such a preacher is just out to make money. Why do I say this? It is because when a preacher is not afraid or fearful of men, not out to raise millions of dollars, he will be preaching the Pure Word of God, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ without compromise. He will not be a preacher who is out to tickle the ears of men.
I encourage and urge you to patiently prayerfully read the following posting and give your own "judgment."
Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
"As Bible Believers, we can disagree on certain doctrinal issues, but never the redemptive work and person of the Lord Jesus Christ. God forbid! God help us to never cease from exposing serious doctrinal errors, and make no mistake about it ? several of Joel Osteen?s statements on Larry King Live were serious. Very serious. . . "
The first very alarming portrait of Osteen?s heart (Matthew 12:34) deals with the most important subject in the Bible?salvation is only through the redemptive blood of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. Nothing is more important. Nothing is more evident in the scriptures. The following scriptures (among many) loudly and boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as the ONE and ONLY way of salvation, without any room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding. The Bible makes this crystal-clear. Other doctrines may have opportunity for argument, but not this one.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
1 Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
On Larry King Live, the following very disturbing conversation occurred with Larry King and Joel Osteen:
KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?
OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...
At this point, even Larry King appears surprised by Osteen?s answer. Then Larry tosses Osteen a "soft-ball" to explain his previous answer. And again Osteen openly denies that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation.
KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God will judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
Again Osteen denies the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice, he praises the pagan, false-religion of India as "I know they love God." Unbelievable. . .
I?m sure some reading this are thinking, "Well, maybe Larry caught Joel Osteen flat footed. Maybe Osteen wasn?t prepared." If Osteen only had been given another chance to testify of the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ, he?d get it straightened out.
Osteen did get another chance. . .
After Larry King opened the phone lines, a concerned Christian asks Joel to clarify his previous statement (which we just viewed). Again Osteen could easily clear this up.
CALLER: Hello, Larry. You're the best, and thank you, Joe -- Joel -- for your positive messages and your book. I'm wondering, though, why you side-stepped Larry's earlier question about how we get to heaven? The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the light and the only way to the father is through him. That's not really a message of condemnation but of truth.
OSTEEN: Yes, I would agree with her. I believe that. . .
KING: So then a Jew is not going to heaven?
OSTEEN: No. Here's my thing, Larry, is I can't judge somebody's heart. You know? Only God can look at somebody's heart, and so -- I don't know. To me, it's not my business to say, you know, this one is or this one isn't. I just say, here's what the Bible teaches and I'm going to put my faith in Christ. And I just I think it's wrong when you go around saying, you're saying you're not going, you're not going, you're not going, because it's not exactly my way. I'm just...
KING: But you believe your way.
OSTEEN: I believe my way. I believe my way with all my heart.
KING: But for someone who doesn't share it is wrong, isn't he?
OSTEEN: Well, yes. Well, I don't know if I look at it like that. I would present my way, but I'm just going to let God be the judge of that. I don't know. I don't know.
KING: So you make no judgment on anyone?
OSTEEN: No. But I...
And here Larry really tosses Joel a soft-ball. How about a God-defying atheist? And again, Osteen will not confess that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation.
KING: What about atheists?
OSTEEN: You know what, I'm going to let someone -- I'm going to let God be the judge of who goes to heaven and hell. I just -- again, I present the truth, and I say it every week. You know, I believe it's a relationship with Jesus. But you know what? I'm not going to go around telling everybody else if they don't want to believe that that's going to be their choice. God's got to look at your own heart. God's got to look at your heart, and only God knows that.
Friend, the Bible is clear. There is one, and only one way out of an eternal hell and that is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not simply "a relationship with Jesus Christ." Judas Iscariot had a "relationship" with Jesus Christ, walking and talking with the Lord, and even "kissing" the Lord (Luke 22:47), but Judas went to hell (Acts 1:25). Revelation 2:15 reads, "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"
What can wash away my sins ? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!
The teaching professed by Osteen that ". . . God?s got to look at your heart. . ." for salvation is wrong. It is grossly wrong. It is deadly wrong. God has already "looked at you heart." In Jeremiah 17:9, the Lord says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Proverbs 28:26, says, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. . ." The Lord Jesus says, in Matthew 15 "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:"
Osteen?s refusal to confess the sole redemptive salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ sent shock waves among many of Osteen?s followers. Because of the amount of email and letters questioning his statements, Osteen issued an apology on his web site, stating:
Dear Friend,
Many of you have called, written or e-mailed regarding my recent appearance on Larry King Live. I appreciate your comments and value your words of correction and encouragement.
It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve. I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life.
Jesus declared in John 14; I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me. I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn?t until I had the opportunity to review the transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. It?s about the individual?s choice to follow Him.
God has given me a platform to present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so precious.
I will use this as a learning experience and believe that God will ultimately use it for my good and His glory. I am comforted by the fact that He sees my heart and knows my intentions. I am so thankful that I have friends, like you, who are willing to share their concerns with me.
Thank you again to those who have written. I hope that you accept my deepest apology and see it in your heart to extend to me grace and forgiveness.
As always, I covet your prayers and I am believing for God?s best in your life,
(http://www.joelosteen.com/site/PageServer?pagename=LarryKingLetter)
I find it ironic and demeaning that Osteen "was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life." He was not UNCLEAR. He was crystal clear. He consistently and clearly rejected that the Lord Jesus Christ was the ONLY way of salvation! We're not talking about a "babe in Christ." We are talking about the pastor of the largest church in the nation! Here he is as an ambassador for the Lord Jesus on a very popular television show and refuses to acknowledge the very thing he supposedly has "dedicated his life"? Something's seriously wrong with this picture. . .
Osteen?s glossing, or apologizing for his serious statements, does not negate his repeatedly refusal to confess that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. If his answers were not so clear, nor given several chances to clarify, his apology might be appropriate. But the heart and soul of the Christian faith is the sole redemptive blood of the Lord Jesus. Without that, there exists no Christian faith. For a preacher to repeatedly refuse to confess that Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation is without excuse, nor apology. 1 Peter 3:15 admonishes the Christian: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Many other statements from Osteen during the Larry King interview were blatantly in opposition to the Word of God.
KING: But you're not fire and brimstone, right? You're not pound the decks and hell and damnation?
OSTEEN: No. That's not me. It's never been me. I've always been an encourager at heart. And when I took over from my father he came from the Southern Baptist background and back 40, 50 years ago there was a lot more of that. But, you know, I just -- I don't believe in that. I don't believe -- maybe it was for a time. But I don't have it in my heart to condemn people. I'm there to encourage them. I see myself more as a coach, as a motivator to help them experience the life God has for us.
Friend, the greatest "fire and brimstone" preacher that ever lived was the Lord Jesus! He preached about hell more than any other subject. If you don?t believe in proclaiming "fire and brimstone, as Osteen openly confesses, you do not believe the Bible! It?s that simple.
Jesus Christ took hell very serious. In Mark 9:43-47 the Lord says,
43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Jesus Christ took hell so serious ? He could say without the slightest hesitation ? to remove your eye, cut off your hand or foot, if that would keep you out of hell!
If hell is not real ? Jesus Christ was the most deceived man that ever lived!
Osteen may sound pious and sweet to say, ". . . I don't have it in my heart to condemn people," but according to the Lord Jesus, they are already condemned. The Lord says in John 3:18, "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." The Christian?s message is not condemnation, but the way out of ALREADY condemnation. If there is no "hell fire and brimstone"?there is no reason for Jesus dieing on the cross. It was a waste. Hell is as much a part of the gospel, as the blood of Jesus Christ. No hell. No blood. No heaven. No gospel. . .
Friend, if we believe the Bible it is our duty and decency to warn people about hell! Warning someone of the fires of eternal hell is not condemning them - it is just the opposite - we are trying to keep them from being condemned in hell!
Because of Osteen's vague and confusing answers, Larry King point-blank asks Osteen if he believed the Bible. (What a strange question to ask the pastor of the largest church in Amerca?)
KING: You believe in the Bible literally?
OSTEEN: I do, I do.
There is a problem here - a very, very serious problem. Here is a man that claims to believe the Bible literally. And the Bible over and over and over, warns of a place of called hell, a place of eternal fire and torments where the majority of people will suffer in torments for all eternity.
Matthew 13:49-50
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Revelation 14:10-11
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night,
Revelation 20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
How can Mr. Osteen, or anyone, claim to believe the Bible and deliberately refuse to warn people about hell? Is anyone that mean or hateful or so depraved that they willingly refuse to warn others? I'm reminded of a gut-wrenching illustration in Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill:
Charlie Peace was a criminal. Laws of God or man curbed him not. Finally the law caught up with him, and he was condemned to death. On the fatal morning in Armley Jail, Leeds, England, he was taken on the death-walk. Before him went the prison chaplain, routinely and sleepily reading some Bible verses. The criminal touched the preacher and asked what he was reading. "The Consolations of Religion," was the replay. Charlie Peace was shocked at the way he professionally read about hell. Could a man be so unmoved under the very shadow of the scaffold as to lead a fellow-human there and yet, dry-eyed, read of a pit that has no bottom into which this fellow must fall? Could this preacher believe the words that there is an eternal fire that never consumes its victims, and yet slide over the phrase with a tremor? Is a man human at all who can say with no tears, "You will be eternally dying and yet never know the relief that death brings"? All this was too much for Charlie Peace. So he preached. Listen to his on-the-eve-of-hell sermon.
"Sir" addressing the preacher, "if I believed what you and the church of God say that you believe, even if England were covered with broken glass from coast to coast, I would walk over it, if need be, on hands and knees and think it worth while living, just to save one soul from an eternal hell like that!" (Ravenhill, Leonard, Why Revival Tarries, Fires of Revival Publishers, Zachary, LA, 1973, p. 19)
Is it possible that a man could be so cruel and so criminal to actually believe in hell and steadfastly refuse to warn fellow human beings?
Recently, a local TV station interviewed a man that rescued a sleeping family from a burning house. He was riding by the house, saw the raging fire and at the danger of his own life, ran inside the flaming house, screamming and yelling for the family to wake up and get out! The newscaster asked him, "How does it feel to be a hero?" His reply was simply, "I'm no hero; I just did what any decent human being would have done."."
Here me and here me well - a man that professes to believe the Bible and refuses to warn people about hell; either does not really believe that Bible, or they are the worse criminal and villain on this earth! And I don't care how big a church they have, or how nice, sweet, loving, compassionate or pious they may sound - they are a wicked devil in disguise!
Will you go and speak to the sinners blind
And who walk in the midnight gloom?
Will you bear some light to their darkened mind?
Will you tell them their coming doom?
Will you seek them now, Will you seek them now?
Will you show them the way? Will you show them the way?
Some one may be lost, That you might lead home, To that bright land of perfect day.
- Seeking the Lost, A. J. Bu苞han苔n, 1889
In the interview, Larry King tossed Osteen another "soft-ball," asking Osteen about the wicked and vile sins of abortion and homosexuality. Even lost people take a stand on these blatant "sins."
KING: How about issues that the church has feelings about? Abortion? Same-sex marriages?
OSTEEN: Yeah. You know what, Larry? I don't go there. I just ...
KING: You have thoughts, though.
OSTEEN: I have thoughts. I just, you know, I don't think that a same-sex marriage is the way God intended it to be. I don't think abortion is the best. I think there are other, you know, a better way to live your life. But I'm not going to condemn those people. I tell them all the time our church is open for everybody.
Again, Larry appears surprised at Osteen?s waffling. Larry allows Osteen to clarify his confusing position. And again Osteen blatantly contradicts the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
KING: You don't call them sinners?
OSTEEN: I don't.
KING: Is that a word you don't use?
OSTEEN: I don't use it. I never thought about it. But I probably don't. But most people already know what they're doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change. There can be a difference in your life. So I don't go down the road of condemning.
The word "sin" occurs in the King James Bible over 830 times!
After the previous surprising answers, Larry then asks Osteen the obvious question: Do you believe the Bible?
KING: You believe in the Bible literally?
OSTEEN: I do, I do.
The following conversation during King?s interview displays how far Osteen and the Bible differ.
KING: Is it hard to lead a Christian life?
OSTEEN: I don't think it's that hard. To me it's fun. We have joy and happiness. Our family -- I don't feel like that at all. I'm not trying to follow a set of rules and stuff. I'm just living my life.
KING: But you have rules, don't you?
OSTEEN: We do have rules. But the main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To live a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that's really the essence of the Christian faith.
The "essence of Osteen?s Christian faith" is to "help others." (And along the way make a few million$.)
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the apostle Paul gives us the "essence" of the Christian faith:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Stay away from Joel Osteen and his no condemnation, self-esteem, false-gospel. Warn others. Stay away! There is too much at stake ? your eternal soul.
Tonight, as I found time to read and study from a number of very good christian websites, my attention was specially caught by an article at www.biblebelievers.com about one of the best known and liked TV preacher, Joel Osteen. As I begun to read, my curiosity was deeply aroused. I for one, as a preacher & evangelist, have never hesitated nor wavered in declaring to anyone without apologies that Jesus Christ ALONE is The Way when confronted with the question of how a person gets saved.
I have always been straightforward, uncompromising, even confrontational when it comes to how a person is saved. This is because of my deep personal conviction & my unwavering belief in the fact of Holy Scriptures that Jesus Christ ALONE is The Way, The Truth & The Life (John 14:6).
This means that this particular scripture is an ALL INCLUSIVE DECLARATION of Who & What Jesus Christ Is and therefore EXCLUDES all other "supposed," "hope so" human-made possibilities of trying to reach heaven other than through GOD's ONLY WAY JESUS CHRIST. To say it in plain simple english: ALL OTHER WAYS (OTHER THAN THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST) CONCOCTED BY MEN WILL LITERALLY BRING MEN TO THE LAKE of FIRE of Revelations 21:8 & Rev. 20:10.
It also means that "All Other Ways" like most religions are bringing men straight to hell. No amount of so-called sincerity can right something that is wrong from the very beginning. What you and I need is to be "sincerely right" because you can be so sincere in believing something that is False and therefore be "sincerely wrong."
I can never understand why a preacher "so-called" of the Pure Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot categorically declare, say and answer either Yes or No when asked a simple direct question by anyone.
Could it be that said preacher is afraid or fearful of offending people who would probably be generous contributors to his cause? If this is the case, then such a preacher is just out to make money. Why do I say this? It is because when a preacher is not afraid or fearful of men, not out to raise millions of dollars, he will be preaching the Pure Word of God, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ without compromise. He will not be a preacher who is out to tickle the ears of men.
I encourage and urge you to patiently prayerfully read the following posting and give your own "judgment."
Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
"As Bible Believers, we can disagree on certain doctrinal issues, but never the redemptive work and person of the Lord Jesus Christ. God forbid! God help us to never cease from exposing serious doctrinal errors, and make no mistake about it ? several of Joel Osteen?s statements on Larry King Live were serious. Very serious. . . "
The first very alarming portrait of Osteen?s heart (Matthew 12:34) deals with the most important subject in the Bible?salvation is only through the redemptive blood of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. Nothing is more important. Nothing is more evident in the scriptures. The following scriptures (among many) loudly and boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as the ONE and ONLY way of salvation, without any room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding. The Bible makes this crystal-clear. Other doctrines may have opportunity for argument, but not this one.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
1 Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
On Larry King Live, the following very disturbing conversation occurred with Larry King and Joel Osteen:
KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?
OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...
At this point, even Larry King appears surprised by Osteen?s answer. Then Larry tosses Osteen a "soft-ball" to explain his previous answer. And again Osteen openly denies that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation.
KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God will judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
Again Osteen denies the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice, he praises the pagan, false-religion of India as "I know they love God." Unbelievable. . .
I?m sure some reading this are thinking, "Well, maybe Larry caught Joel Osteen flat footed. Maybe Osteen wasn?t prepared." If Osteen only had been given another chance to testify of the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ, he?d get it straightened out.
Osteen did get another chance. . .
After Larry King opened the phone lines, a concerned Christian asks Joel to clarify his previous statement (which we just viewed). Again Osteen could easily clear this up.
CALLER: Hello, Larry. You're the best, and thank you, Joe -- Joel -- for your positive messages and your book. I'm wondering, though, why you side-stepped Larry's earlier question about how we get to heaven? The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the light and the only way to the father is through him. That's not really a message of condemnation but of truth.
OSTEEN: Yes, I would agree with her. I believe that. . .
KING: So then a Jew is not going to heaven?
OSTEEN: No. Here's my thing, Larry, is I can't judge somebody's heart. You know? Only God can look at somebody's heart, and so -- I don't know. To me, it's not my business to say, you know, this one is or this one isn't. I just say, here's what the Bible teaches and I'm going to put my faith in Christ. And I just I think it's wrong when you go around saying, you're saying you're not going, you're not going, you're not going, because it's not exactly my way. I'm just...
KING: But you believe your way.
OSTEEN: I believe my way. I believe my way with all my heart.
KING: But for someone who doesn't share it is wrong, isn't he?
OSTEEN: Well, yes. Well, I don't know if I look at it like that. I would present my way, but I'm just going to let God be the judge of that. I don't know. I don't know.
KING: So you make no judgment on anyone?
OSTEEN: No. But I...
And here Larry really tosses Joel a soft-ball. How about a God-defying atheist? And again, Osteen will not confess that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation.
KING: What about atheists?
OSTEEN: You know what, I'm going to let someone -- I'm going to let God be the judge of who goes to heaven and hell. I just -- again, I present the truth, and I say it every week. You know, I believe it's a relationship with Jesus. But you know what? I'm not going to go around telling everybody else if they don't want to believe that that's going to be their choice. God's got to look at your own heart. God's got to look at your heart, and only God knows that.
Friend, the Bible is clear. There is one, and only one way out of an eternal hell and that is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not simply "a relationship with Jesus Christ." Judas Iscariot had a "relationship" with Jesus Christ, walking and talking with the Lord, and even "kissing" the Lord (Luke 22:47), but Judas went to hell (Acts 1:25). Revelation 2:15 reads, "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"
What can wash away my sins ? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!
The teaching professed by Osteen that ". . . God?s got to look at your heart. . ." for salvation is wrong. It is grossly wrong. It is deadly wrong. God has already "looked at you heart." In Jeremiah 17:9, the Lord says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Proverbs 28:26, says, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. . ." The Lord Jesus says, in Matthew 15 "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:"
Osteen?s refusal to confess the sole redemptive salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ sent shock waves among many of Osteen?s followers. Because of the amount of email and letters questioning his statements, Osteen issued an apology on his web site, stating:
Dear Friend,
Many of you have called, written or e-mailed regarding my recent appearance on Larry King Live. I appreciate your comments and value your words of correction and encouragement.
It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve. I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life.
Jesus declared in John 14; I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me. I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn?t until I had the opportunity to review the transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. It?s about the individual?s choice to follow Him.
God has given me a platform to present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so precious.
I will use this as a learning experience and believe that God will ultimately use it for my good and His glory. I am comforted by the fact that He sees my heart and knows my intentions. I am so thankful that I have friends, like you, who are willing to share their concerns with me.
Thank you again to those who have written. I hope that you accept my deepest apology and see it in your heart to extend to me grace and forgiveness.
As always, I covet your prayers and I am believing for God?s best in your life,
(http://www.joelosteen.com/site/PageServer?pagename=LarryKingLetter)
I find it ironic and demeaning that Osteen "was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life." He was not UNCLEAR. He was crystal clear. He consistently and clearly rejected that the Lord Jesus Christ was the ONLY way of salvation! We're not talking about a "babe in Christ." We are talking about the pastor of the largest church in the nation! Here he is as an ambassador for the Lord Jesus on a very popular television show and refuses to acknowledge the very thing he supposedly has "dedicated his life"? Something's seriously wrong with this picture. . .
Osteen?s glossing, or apologizing for his serious statements, does not negate his repeatedly refusal to confess that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. If his answers were not so clear, nor given several chances to clarify, his apology might be appropriate. But the heart and soul of the Christian faith is the sole redemptive blood of the Lord Jesus. Without that, there exists no Christian faith. For a preacher to repeatedly refuse to confess that Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation is without excuse, nor apology. 1 Peter 3:15 admonishes the Christian: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Many other statements from Osteen during the Larry King interview were blatantly in opposition to the Word of God.
KING: But you're not fire and brimstone, right? You're not pound the decks and hell and damnation?
OSTEEN: No. That's not me. It's never been me. I've always been an encourager at heart. And when I took over from my father he came from the Southern Baptist background and back 40, 50 years ago there was a lot more of that. But, you know, I just -- I don't believe in that. I don't believe -- maybe it was for a time. But I don't have it in my heart to condemn people. I'm there to encourage them. I see myself more as a coach, as a motivator to help them experience the life God has for us.
Friend, the greatest "fire and brimstone" preacher that ever lived was the Lord Jesus! He preached about hell more than any other subject. If you don?t believe in proclaiming "fire and brimstone, as Osteen openly confesses, you do not believe the Bible! It?s that simple.
Jesus Christ took hell very serious. In Mark 9:43-47 the Lord says,
43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Jesus Christ took hell so serious ? He could say without the slightest hesitation ? to remove your eye, cut off your hand or foot, if that would keep you out of hell!
If hell is not real ? Jesus Christ was the most deceived man that ever lived!
Osteen may sound pious and sweet to say, ". . . I don't have it in my heart to condemn people," but according to the Lord Jesus, they are already condemned. The Lord says in John 3:18, "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." The Christian?s message is not condemnation, but the way out of ALREADY condemnation. If there is no "hell fire and brimstone"?there is no reason for Jesus dieing on the cross. It was a waste. Hell is as much a part of the gospel, as the blood of Jesus Christ. No hell. No blood. No heaven. No gospel. . .
Friend, if we believe the Bible it is our duty and decency to warn people about hell! Warning someone of the fires of eternal hell is not condemning them - it is just the opposite - we are trying to keep them from being condemned in hell!
Because of Osteen's vague and confusing answers, Larry King point-blank asks Osteen if he believed the Bible. (What a strange question to ask the pastor of the largest church in Amerca?)
KING: You believe in the Bible literally?
OSTEEN: I do, I do.
There is a problem here - a very, very serious problem. Here is a man that claims to believe the Bible literally. And the Bible over and over and over, warns of a place of called hell, a place of eternal fire and torments where the majority of people will suffer in torments for all eternity.
Matthew 13:49-50
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Revelation 14:10-11
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night,
Revelation 20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
How can Mr. Osteen, or anyone, claim to believe the Bible and deliberately refuse to warn people about hell? Is anyone that mean or hateful or so depraved that they willingly refuse to warn others? I'm reminded of a gut-wrenching illustration in Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill:
Charlie Peace was a criminal. Laws of God or man curbed him not. Finally the law caught up with him, and he was condemned to death. On the fatal morning in Armley Jail, Leeds, England, he was taken on the death-walk. Before him went the prison chaplain, routinely and sleepily reading some Bible verses. The criminal touched the preacher and asked what he was reading. "The Consolations of Religion," was the replay. Charlie Peace was shocked at the way he professionally read about hell. Could a man be so unmoved under the very shadow of the scaffold as to lead a fellow-human there and yet, dry-eyed, read of a pit that has no bottom into which this fellow must fall? Could this preacher believe the words that there is an eternal fire that never consumes its victims, and yet slide over the phrase with a tremor? Is a man human at all who can say with no tears, "You will be eternally dying and yet never know the relief that death brings"? All this was too much for Charlie Peace. So he preached. Listen to his on-the-eve-of-hell sermon.
"Sir" addressing the preacher, "if I believed what you and the church of God say that you believe, even if England were covered with broken glass from coast to coast, I would walk over it, if need be, on hands and knees and think it worth while living, just to save one soul from an eternal hell like that!" (Ravenhill, Leonard, Why Revival Tarries, Fires of Revival Publishers, Zachary, LA, 1973, p. 19)
Is it possible that a man could be so cruel and so criminal to actually believe in hell and steadfastly refuse to warn fellow human beings?
Recently, a local TV station interviewed a man that rescued a sleeping family from a burning house. He was riding by the house, saw the raging fire and at the danger of his own life, ran inside the flaming house, screamming and yelling for the family to wake up and get out! The newscaster asked him, "How does it feel to be a hero?" His reply was simply, "I'm no hero; I just did what any decent human being would have done."."
Here me and here me well - a man that professes to believe the Bible and refuses to warn people about hell; either does not really believe that Bible, or they are the worse criminal and villain on this earth! And I don't care how big a church they have, or how nice, sweet, loving, compassionate or pious they may sound - they are a wicked devil in disguise!
Will you go and speak to the sinners blind
And who walk in the midnight gloom?
Will you bear some light to their darkened mind?
Will you tell them their coming doom?
Will you seek them now, Will you seek them now?
Will you show them the way? Will you show them the way?
Some one may be lost, That you might lead home, To that bright land of perfect day.
- Seeking the Lost, A. J. Bu苞han苔n, 1889
In the interview, Larry King tossed Osteen another "soft-ball," asking Osteen about the wicked and vile sins of abortion and homosexuality. Even lost people take a stand on these blatant "sins."
KING: How about issues that the church has feelings about? Abortion? Same-sex marriages?
OSTEEN: Yeah. You know what, Larry? I don't go there. I just ...
KING: You have thoughts, though.
OSTEEN: I have thoughts. I just, you know, I don't think that a same-sex marriage is the way God intended it to be. I don't think abortion is the best. I think there are other, you know, a better way to live your life. But I'm not going to condemn those people. I tell them all the time our church is open for everybody.
Again, Larry appears surprised at Osteen?s waffling. Larry allows Osteen to clarify his confusing position. And again Osteen blatantly contradicts the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
KING: You don't call them sinners?
OSTEEN: I don't.
KING: Is that a word you don't use?
OSTEEN: I don't use it. I never thought about it. But I probably don't. But most people already know what they're doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change. There can be a difference in your life. So I don't go down the road of condemning.
The word "sin" occurs in the King James Bible over 830 times!
After the previous surprising answers, Larry then asks Osteen the obvious question: Do you believe the Bible?
KING: You believe in the Bible literally?
OSTEEN: I do, I do.
The following conversation during King?s interview displays how far Osteen and the Bible differ.
KING: Is it hard to lead a Christian life?
OSTEEN: I don't think it's that hard. To me it's fun. We have joy and happiness. Our family -- I don't feel like that at all. I'm not trying to follow a set of rules and stuff. I'm just living my life.
KING: But you have rules, don't you?
OSTEEN: We do have rules. But the main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To live a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that's really the essence of the Christian faith.
The "essence of Osteen?s Christian faith" is to "help others." (And along the way make a few million$.)
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the apostle Paul gives us the "essence" of the Christian faith:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Stay away from Joel Osteen and his no condemnation, self-esteem, false-gospel. Warn others. Stay away! There is too much at stake ? your eternal soul.
Monday, March 3, 2008
THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD
Sunday night at the All For Jesus Fellowship (AG) of Pastor Meynard Ermita in Jersey City, New Jersey, a Filipino Pastor based in Hongkong for many years with his wife & children was the guest speaker. His name is Pastor Eddie Canon. He was the spiritual son of Pastor Meynard whom he led to Christ in the 1980's in Caloocan City. Physically speaking, Pastor Ed is older than Pastor Meynard.
Pastor Ed preached a Biblically based and powerful message last night that once again confirmed in my heart that the words that need only come out of my lips and my tongue are in truth and in fact MUST Only BE God's Words. In other words, I need to be very careful with the words that I allow to flow out of my lips and tongue every time I open my mouth.
What again became so clear to me was the fact that God's Words together/coupled with God the Holy Spirit, becomes powerful & effective in our lives as believers in our LORD & Saviour Jesus Christ! Only when it is such that we will experience the power of God in our lives and in the lives of those who are within our concentric circle of influence.
The following is basically the message delivered with some additions in terms of additional scriptures that further reinforces the content of the message. This is posted in this my ministry blog to encourage and challenge God's people even His servants to continually be a conscientious student of the Word for there is no such thing as arriving in the knowledge of Scriptures. Rather, we can continue to be teachable and go on to learn more and add to our knowledge of Holy Scriptures THAT WILL ENABLE US TO BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE IN MINISTRY. (2 TIMOTHY 2:15).
Monday, March 03, 2008
Jersey City, New Jersey
THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORDS (Text: Proverbs 18:21; Job 22:28)
Proverbs 18:21 King James Version (KJV);
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
I. MAN IS THE ONLY CREATION OF GOD THAT GOD HAS GIVEN THE POWER/ABILITY TO CREATE BY THE SPOKEN WORD. THIS IS TRUE FOR GOOD OR FOR EVIL/BAD!
Matthew 12:36-38
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
John 1:1-4; 14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Then in verse
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
And His Name is Jesus, our God and Saviour!
We are called to reign in this life NOW!
Romans 5:17
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
HOW? Through the Spoken Word by & in Our LORD Jesus CHRIST All Powerful Name!
Mark 11:22-24
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
THE SAME PRINCIPLE IS TAUGHT BY THE APOSTLE PAUL IN :
Romans 10:8-13
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
TO CONFESS IN THIS SCRIPTURE MEANS: Declare, Proclaim, Say or Speak, or Verbalize.
WHAT ARE WE TO CONFESS, DECLARE, PROCLAIM, SAY, SPEAK OR VERBALIZE WITH OUR MOUTHS?
GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES WRITTEN IN THE PAGES OF HOLY SCRIPTURES. THEREFORE, GOD’S POWERFUL WORDS.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
II. NOW, LET US TIE THESE WITH our text. Go back to:
Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
TO DECREE MEANS TO GIVE AN OFFICIAL ORDER.
TO DECLARE OR TO PROCLAIM A THING!
Job 22:21-28
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
III. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO FOLLOW:
1st – Get To Know God More. Develop your relationship with Him. Verse 21.
John 14:16-24
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
This was the promise given by the Lord after His resurrection & before He ascended back into heaven.
AND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS TRUE TO HIS WORD/PROMISE BECAUSE GOD THE FATHER SENT GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT AS HIS & THE LORD JESUS CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVE TO LIVE AND DWELL IN THE BELIEVER’S HEART, YES FOREVER. HALLELUJAH!
SO, GET TO KNOW GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO DWELLS/LIVES IN THE HEART OF EVERY AUTHENTIC, GENUINE, TRUE BELIEVER IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
GET ACQUIANTED WITH HIM DAILY MOMENT BY MOMENT. TALK & SPEAK TO HIM. CONVERSE WITH HIM FOR HE IS A PERSON TOO. TELL HIM EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE, YOUR PROBLEMS, CONCERNS, LONGINGS AND DESIRES IN LIFE. HE IS GOD ALMIGHTY LIVING IN THE INSIDE OF YOUR HEART.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM OUGHT TO BE PROGRESSIVE. A GROWING, LIVING, MATURING, INTIMATE FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, WHO IS THE SOURCE OF WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING DAY BY DAY & MOMENT BY MOMENT.
2ND - Receive & Lay up God’s Words in your heart. Verse 22.
This means DEPOSIT God’s Words in your heart/spirit. Fill your heart to overflowing with God’s Great & Precious Promises found Only in the pages of Holy Scriptures.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
IF YOU HAVE MUCH MONEY DEPOSITED IN YOUR BANK, THEN, YOU HAVE MUCH AVAILABLE TO WITHDRAW WHEN A NEED ARISES. THIS IS TRUE EVEN IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES.
IF YOU HAVE DEPOSITED/LAID UP MUCH OF GOD’S WORDS IN YOUR HEART, THEN, WHEN PROBLEMS/DIFFICULTIES ARISE IN YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE MUCH TO WITHDRAW FROM YOUR HEART THAT IS OVERFLOWING WITH GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES IN HIS WORD, THE BIBLE.
THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE ALSO. IF YOU ARE BANKRUPT, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DRAW FROM. PEOPLE WHO LACK FINANCES ARE SELF-CONSCIOUS. THEY HAVE A FEELING OF INFERIORITY. THEIR ATTITUDE IN LIFE IS SELF-DEFEATING. It need not be for the BELIEVER.
King David said in:
Psalm 39: 1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
DON’T EMPLOY THE DEVIL BY SPEAKING WORDS OF DEATH. FOR WHEN YOU DO,
YOU GIVE EMPLOYMENT TO DEMON SPIRITS WHO HEEDS AND HEARKEN TO SUCH WORDS.
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
IN THE SAME MANNER, WHEN YOU AS A BELIEVER SPEAKS WORDS THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD’S WORDS, NOT CONTRARY OR AGAINST GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES, THEN, GOD’S ANGELS HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF YOUR MOUTH AND YOUR WORDS WILL MANIFEST, THAT IS, COME TO PASS IN YOUR LIFE TO MEET EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OR NEED YOU HAVE.
THIS IS BACKED UP BY Scriptures in:
Psalm 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
3rd – NEVER COUNTENANCE SIN IN YOUR LIFE. RETURN TO GOD. VERSE 23.
DON’T HOLD LONG ACCOUNTS OF SIN(S) WITH GOD. DEAL WITH SIN(S) IN YOUR LIFE DAILY. GET RID OF THEM. FLEE FROM SIN. SIN WILL SHORT-CIRCUIT GOD’S POWER IN YOUR LIFE.
Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
RATHER LIVE FOR GOD.
GALATIANS 5:16 WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND YE SHALL NOT FULFILL THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH.
LIVE UNDER THE CONTROL OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. LET HIM BE THE ONE SITTING IN THE THRONE OF YOUR LIFE. ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL THINGS IN YOUR LIFE. BE COMPLETELY/TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON HIM ALONE IN EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE.
THEN, YOUR FAITH WILL BE ESTABLISHED FOR:
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
DON’T LIVE YOUR LIFE DEPENDENT ON HOW YOU FEEL OR THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CONFRONT YOU. DON’T LIVE BY YOUR FIVE SENSES (Living in the flesh);
“I AM NOT MOVED BY WHAT I FEEL OR SEE. I AM ONLY MOVED BY WHAT I BELIEVE AND I BELIEVE THE WORD OF GOD!” Smith Wigglesworth.
LIVE BY FAITH FOR THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (Romans 1:17b; Galatians 3:11b; Habakkuk 2:4b).
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
DON’T JUST BELIEVE THAT GOD EXISTS, FOR EVEN THE DEVIL AND HIS DEMONS BELIEVE AND THEY TREMBLE;
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
INSTEAD, BE A SEEKER OF GOD. GO AND KNOW HIM FOR YOURSELF.
BECOME INTIMATELY CONNECTED/RELATED WITH HIM.
HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD BY KNOWING WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1).
IV. WHAT THEN WILL BE THE RESULTS OR THE MANIFESTATIONS IN THE LIFE OF SUCH A BELIEVER?
Verse 24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
Opportunities will open up to you. God the Holy Spirit will give you ideas even a Word on how to succeed and prosper in this life NOW.
You will experience success and prosperity NOW in THIS life as God’s Word promises in Joshua 1:8 & Psalm 1:2-3 & Psalm 112.
Verse 25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
God Almighty becomes your DEFENDER. He will fight your battles in this life for and on your behalf. And you are sure to win. You will always come out the Victor and not the Victim.
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
AND GOD WILL SURELY BE JEHOVAH-JIREH, YOUR PROVIDER. THEREFORE, YOUR NEEDS ARE MET IN JESUS NAME. FULL, RICH, ABUNDANT SUPPLY IS YOURS BECAUSE YOU LIVE BY THE PRINCIPLES OF GOD’S WORD.
Verse 26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
FIND YOUR DELIGHT, YOUR JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. DEVELOP AND PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE DAY BY DAY MOMENT BY MOMENT.
Verse 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
WHEN YOU PRAY, GOD WILL HEAR & ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS FOR YOURSELF AND FOR OTHERS FOR THE POWER OF GOD RESTS ON YOU.
And because of answers to prayers even in finances, then, you are in a position to bless the work of the Kingdom and give to those who are in need/the poor.
Giving then becomes a joy and a pleasure. There is no pressure and stress because such a Believer (who is a Child of God) is overflowing even in financial & material blessings.
Verse 28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
Therefore, be bold in opening your mouth to declare, proclaim & say the things that you desire to come to pass in your life, the lives of your loved ones and people within your concentric circle of influence that are FULLY IN AGREEMENT, IN LINE WITH GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES, HIS POWERFUL WORDS!
Pastor Ed preached a Biblically based and powerful message last night that once again confirmed in my heart that the words that need only come out of my lips and my tongue are in truth and in fact MUST Only BE God's Words. In other words, I need to be very careful with the words that I allow to flow out of my lips and tongue every time I open my mouth.
What again became so clear to me was the fact that God's Words together/coupled with God the Holy Spirit, becomes powerful & effective in our lives as believers in our LORD & Saviour Jesus Christ! Only when it is such that we will experience the power of God in our lives and in the lives of those who are within our concentric circle of influence.
The following is basically the message delivered with some additions in terms of additional scriptures that further reinforces the content of the message. This is posted in this my ministry blog to encourage and challenge God's people even His servants to continually be a conscientious student of the Word for there is no such thing as arriving in the knowledge of Scriptures. Rather, we can continue to be teachable and go on to learn more and add to our knowledge of Holy Scriptures THAT WILL ENABLE US TO BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE IN MINISTRY. (2 TIMOTHY 2:15).
Monday, March 03, 2008
Jersey City, New Jersey
THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORDS (Text: Proverbs 18:21; Job 22:28)
Proverbs 18:21 King James Version (KJV);
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
I. MAN IS THE ONLY CREATION OF GOD THAT GOD HAS GIVEN THE POWER/ABILITY TO CREATE BY THE SPOKEN WORD. THIS IS TRUE FOR GOOD OR FOR EVIL/BAD!
Matthew 12:36-38
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
John 1:1-4; 14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Then in verse
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
And His Name is Jesus, our God and Saviour!
We are called to reign in this life NOW!
Romans 5:17
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
HOW? Through the Spoken Word by & in Our LORD Jesus CHRIST All Powerful Name!
Mark 11:22-24
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
THE SAME PRINCIPLE IS TAUGHT BY THE APOSTLE PAUL IN :
Romans 10:8-13
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
TO CONFESS IN THIS SCRIPTURE MEANS: Declare, Proclaim, Say or Speak, or Verbalize.
WHAT ARE WE TO CONFESS, DECLARE, PROCLAIM, SAY, SPEAK OR VERBALIZE WITH OUR MOUTHS?
GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES WRITTEN IN THE PAGES OF HOLY SCRIPTURES. THEREFORE, GOD’S POWERFUL WORDS.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
II. NOW, LET US TIE THESE WITH our text. Go back to:
Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
TO DECREE MEANS TO GIVE AN OFFICIAL ORDER.
TO DECLARE OR TO PROCLAIM A THING!
Job 22:21-28
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
III. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO FOLLOW:
1st – Get To Know God More. Develop your relationship with Him. Verse 21.
John 14:16-24
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
This was the promise given by the Lord after His resurrection & before He ascended back into heaven.
AND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS TRUE TO HIS WORD/PROMISE BECAUSE GOD THE FATHER SENT GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT AS HIS & THE LORD JESUS CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVE TO LIVE AND DWELL IN THE BELIEVER’S HEART, YES FOREVER. HALLELUJAH!
SO, GET TO KNOW GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO DWELLS/LIVES IN THE HEART OF EVERY AUTHENTIC, GENUINE, TRUE BELIEVER IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
GET ACQUIANTED WITH HIM DAILY MOMENT BY MOMENT. TALK & SPEAK TO HIM. CONVERSE WITH HIM FOR HE IS A PERSON TOO. TELL HIM EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE, YOUR PROBLEMS, CONCERNS, LONGINGS AND DESIRES IN LIFE. HE IS GOD ALMIGHTY LIVING IN THE INSIDE OF YOUR HEART.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM OUGHT TO BE PROGRESSIVE. A GROWING, LIVING, MATURING, INTIMATE FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, WHO IS THE SOURCE OF WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING DAY BY DAY & MOMENT BY MOMENT.
2ND - Receive & Lay up God’s Words in your heart. Verse 22.
This means DEPOSIT God’s Words in your heart/spirit. Fill your heart to overflowing with God’s Great & Precious Promises found Only in the pages of Holy Scriptures.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
IF YOU HAVE MUCH MONEY DEPOSITED IN YOUR BANK, THEN, YOU HAVE MUCH AVAILABLE TO WITHDRAW WHEN A NEED ARISES. THIS IS TRUE EVEN IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES.
IF YOU HAVE DEPOSITED/LAID UP MUCH OF GOD’S WORDS IN YOUR HEART, THEN, WHEN PROBLEMS/DIFFICULTIES ARISE IN YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE MUCH TO WITHDRAW FROM YOUR HEART THAT IS OVERFLOWING WITH GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES IN HIS WORD, THE BIBLE.
THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE ALSO. IF YOU ARE BANKRUPT, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DRAW FROM. PEOPLE WHO LACK FINANCES ARE SELF-CONSCIOUS. THEY HAVE A FEELING OF INFERIORITY. THEIR ATTITUDE IN LIFE IS SELF-DEFEATING. It need not be for the BELIEVER.
King David said in:
Psalm 39: 1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
DON’T EMPLOY THE DEVIL BY SPEAKING WORDS OF DEATH. FOR WHEN YOU DO,
YOU GIVE EMPLOYMENT TO DEMON SPIRITS WHO HEEDS AND HEARKEN TO SUCH WORDS.
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
IN THE SAME MANNER, WHEN YOU AS A BELIEVER SPEAKS WORDS THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD’S WORDS, NOT CONTRARY OR AGAINST GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES, THEN, GOD’S ANGELS HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF YOUR MOUTH AND YOUR WORDS WILL MANIFEST, THAT IS, COME TO PASS IN YOUR LIFE TO MEET EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OR NEED YOU HAVE.
THIS IS BACKED UP BY Scriptures in:
Psalm 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
3rd – NEVER COUNTENANCE SIN IN YOUR LIFE. RETURN TO GOD. VERSE 23.
DON’T HOLD LONG ACCOUNTS OF SIN(S) WITH GOD. DEAL WITH SIN(S) IN YOUR LIFE DAILY. GET RID OF THEM. FLEE FROM SIN. SIN WILL SHORT-CIRCUIT GOD’S POWER IN YOUR LIFE.
Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
RATHER LIVE FOR GOD.
GALATIANS 5:16 WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND YE SHALL NOT FULFILL THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH.
LIVE UNDER THE CONTROL OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. LET HIM BE THE ONE SITTING IN THE THRONE OF YOUR LIFE. ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL THINGS IN YOUR LIFE. BE COMPLETELY/TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON HIM ALONE IN EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE.
THEN, YOUR FAITH WILL BE ESTABLISHED FOR:
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
DON’T LIVE YOUR LIFE DEPENDENT ON HOW YOU FEEL OR THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CONFRONT YOU. DON’T LIVE BY YOUR FIVE SENSES (Living in the flesh);
“I AM NOT MOVED BY WHAT I FEEL OR SEE. I AM ONLY MOVED BY WHAT I BELIEVE AND I BELIEVE THE WORD OF GOD!” Smith Wigglesworth.
LIVE BY FAITH FOR THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (Romans 1:17b; Galatians 3:11b; Habakkuk 2:4b).
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
DON’T JUST BELIEVE THAT GOD EXISTS, FOR EVEN THE DEVIL AND HIS DEMONS BELIEVE AND THEY TREMBLE;
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
INSTEAD, BE A SEEKER OF GOD. GO AND KNOW HIM FOR YOURSELF.
BECOME INTIMATELY CONNECTED/RELATED WITH HIM.
HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD BY KNOWING WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1).
IV. WHAT THEN WILL BE THE RESULTS OR THE MANIFESTATIONS IN THE LIFE OF SUCH A BELIEVER?
Verse 24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
Opportunities will open up to you. God the Holy Spirit will give you ideas even a Word on how to succeed and prosper in this life NOW.
You will experience success and prosperity NOW in THIS life as God’s Word promises in Joshua 1:8 & Psalm 1:2-3 & Psalm 112.
Verse 25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
God Almighty becomes your DEFENDER. He will fight your battles in this life for and on your behalf. And you are sure to win. You will always come out the Victor and not the Victim.
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
AND GOD WILL SURELY BE JEHOVAH-JIREH, YOUR PROVIDER. THEREFORE, YOUR NEEDS ARE MET IN JESUS NAME. FULL, RICH, ABUNDANT SUPPLY IS YOURS BECAUSE YOU LIVE BY THE PRINCIPLES OF GOD’S WORD.
Verse 26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
FIND YOUR DELIGHT, YOUR JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. DEVELOP AND PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE DAY BY DAY MOMENT BY MOMENT.
Verse 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
WHEN YOU PRAY, GOD WILL HEAR & ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS FOR YOURSELF AND FOR OTHERS FOR THE POWER OF GOD RESTS ON YOU.
And because of answers to prayers even in finances, then, you are in a position to bless the work of the Kingdom and give to those who are in need/the poor.
Giving then becomes a joy and a pleasure. There is no pressure and stress because such a Believer (who is a Child of God) is overflowing even in financial & material blessings.
Verse 28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
Therefore, be bold in opening your mouth to declare, proclaim & say the things that you desire to come to pass in your life, the lives of your loved ones and people within your concentric circle of influence that are FULLY IN AGREEMENT, IN LINE WITH GOD’S GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES, HIS POWERFUL WORDS!
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