Personal Thoughts and Ministry

The Burden of Egypt

3/29/2013

Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of Hosts hath purposed upon Egypt. The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof. The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit. (Isaiah 19:12-14)

GOD has proclaimed a judgment on the nation of Egypt. Not only is Egypt a type of 'the world', but it has never gained a prominent position as a world power since they were judged during the Exodus. GOD judged their false religion, their oppressive economic system, and their tyrannical government and they have never, nor will they ever be the same. GOD says He sets up kings and kingdoms and tears them down. It is foolish men that attempt to restore without GOD what GOD has already torn down.

This holds true for America as well. While the Church will remain until GOD takes her home, the countries she is in will come and go as GOD has ordained. When we look at Scripture, America as a nation is not prominent, in fact it may not even be present. For some, that is unthinkable, but for those of us who are of the Church (and America is not the only country) it does not matter for GOD is faithful, and will provide and care for His own even in the midst of political and economic upheaval. Until we are taken out of the way, we are to be salt and light in this dark and sinful world. We are to be a source of healing, expose the darkness for what it is, and through our actions and the Word of GOD cause people to be thirsty for the Salvation that GOD has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ and the Cross of Calvary.

The lost are not so, for they have never received the Spirit of GOD and been born again. You are still at war with GOD and GOD calls you to surrender to Him on His terms. Jesus Christ has already paid for the sIns of the whole world, and He offers you the gift of redemption. He is not willing that any should perish, and calls you to repent, turn from your sIn, and turn to GOD. Trust His Word, and believe He is GOD and will do everything He says He will do.

If you are a child of the King, trust Him to take care of you no matter what is going on around you, and be obedient to His Word that others might see and want to know Jesus.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Our soon coming King

3/28/2013

All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when He lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when He bloweth a trumpet, hear ye. For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, He shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches. (Isaiah 18:3-5)

Before Christ sets up His Millenial Kingdom, He is going to judge the whole earth. He is going to remove His ambassadors (The true Church) from this earth, and pour out His wrath upon the nations and peoples that have rejected Him. Those alive during that time will have the opportunity to repent and receive Christ by faith, and become the 'Tribulation Saints', but the Church will be gone. The influence of the Spirit will be different, for He will no longer dwell within the believer just as it was in the days before Jesus came and walked on this earth.

Jesus will cut down those nations and people who continue to shake their fist at Him, who continue to deny His Name, and curse Him, those who even today seek to change His Law and persecute His Church. It is not revenge, for He is Holy, but justice for their sIn. They have made a choice and there is no neutral position, as He said "He that is not with Me is against Me:" That statement would be ludicrous if Jesus is not exactly who He says He is; GOD in the flesh, Immanuel.

He is Lord, He is GOD, He is King. And all nations, peoples, and tongues will give an account for themselves to Him. You can face Him either as your Saviour, or if you have never been born again, never received His free gift by faith in His finished work on the cross of Calvary, you will face Him as Judge and there will be no payment for your sIn. You will be separated from GOD forever, in udder darkness because He has already condemned your sIn and pronounced you guilty.

Unless you repent, that is surrender to GOD on His terms and allow Him to take your place, you remain in your sIn, and a stranger to GOD. He is not willing that any should perish and calls you to repent, receive Him by faith, and allow Him to work in your life as a child of the King.

I urge you to respond to Jesus Christ today,

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD is in control

3/27/2013

Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but GOD shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us. (Isaiah 17:12-14)

The Church, the body of Christ, the Redeemed, the truly born again must remember that we are the minority (even in this country) and will never have any influence without the Gospel. GOD will rebuke, GOD will judge, He is in control of all nations. We are to b involved, we are to be salt and light; to flavor, to heal, to dispel the darkness while exposing it, but most of all to make the lost thirsty for the Living water of the Word of GOD. That is our calling, that is our commanded commission. It is not a suggestion. While He is making us more like Him, Jesus expects, nay compels us to tell everyone we who are His to tell others of His love, mercy, and grace.

While in this world (but not of it) the Church will have trouble from our enemies (because they hate GOD), but we do so without fear of them. They as we, will pass from this life into the next soon enough, and then the judgment that GOD has already pronounced will come.

For the lost, that judgment means the second death (Separation from GOD in Hell for eternity) because they never experienced the second birth. GOD is not willing that any should perish and commands everyone everywhere to repent. He says to surrender to Him on His terms because you are without excuse. You don't have to die in your sins, for Christ has already taken your place. Receive Him by faith in His Word and have eternal life, not just in the future but now and forever.

How ever GOD is speaking to you today, be obedient to His Word that you might be Blessed.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The Established Kingdom

3/26/2013

And in mercy shall the Throne be established: and He shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. (Isaiah 16:5)

In the midst of GOD's proclamation against Moab, GOD offers here a little snippet of understanding. That even in the midst of Judgment GOD is righteous and just. Despite what earthly kings and kingdoms might do they come and go at GOD's will, but His Kingdom will be established forever; either in our hearts, for the Christian is supposed to be ruled by Jesus as Lord of all, or when His earthly Kingdom is established and all His enemies have been subdued, then He will rule all the nations and peoples and tongues throughout the whole world.

For those in the Church that know Christ, this is not only a point of worship; for He is Holy and Just, but also a promise of our presence in that eternal Kingdom because of His redemption of us. It not something we earned, or deserve; quite the opposite, for we are sinners as well, just forgiven and made righteous in the sight of GOD by the blood of Jesus offered in our place.

For the lost person, who has yet to surrender to GOD on His terms and receive Christ by faith, it should be a point of fear and trembling. While you are still shaking your fist at GOD and blaming Him for your sIn, He loves you and calls you to repent, that is turn from your sIn and turn to Him for righteousness and be born again.

Jesus is Lord and will return someday as King and Judge; choose which side you will be on, for there is no neutral ground.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD is serious about sIn.

3/25/2013

The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off. In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly. (Isaiah 15:1-3)

The destruction of Moab as predicted here was accomplished about three years later and verified that Isaiah was indeed a prophet of GOD. For us, it reminds us that GOD is serious about His people, and about sIn. He will not hold us blameless that practice disbelief while claiming to be believers. He will hold those that attack His people accountable for their actions, and will bring destruction to the nations that ignore Him, or despise Him. When Jesus returns for His own, those nations and religions who opposed GOD and the things of GOD will be judged. And then the people who refused to repent and surrender to GOD on His terms will face judgment. Those that did not put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ will pay for their sIn.

But GOD is not willing that any should perish, and calls everyone everywhere to repent. To turn from your sIn, and turn to a Holy and Righteous GOD who loves you and wants you to be born again.
He loved you enough that He came out of heaven and became a man, that you might have eternal life. Not just a promise of Heaven later, but an eternal and everlasting life with Jesus Christ that begins now as you become more like Him. That is the promise, and as GOD kept His promise to destroy Moab, so He will keep His promise to deliver those that believe Him and trust His Word for Salvation.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Praise to the Almighty, our Saviour

3/22/2013

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, GOD is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. (Isaiah 12:1-6)

Our GOD is indeed an awesome GOD. We praise His Name for our Salvation. We thank Him for all His benefits; for the love and care He gives to His creation, despite the fact that it is broken by sIn; for the grace and peace that He gives to us that know Jesus Christ by faith; for the blessings He gives to His children, not because they deserve it, but because He loves us; and for the promise of Heaven and residence with GOD Himself.

We lift up the Name of Jesus: He is Holy, exalted, eternal GOD who became man for our sakes. We shout to the Lord and proclaim all His Goodness for He has redeemed us unworthy sinners and made us to sit in heavenly places. We don't exalt ourselves, for we are unable to save ourselves, nor can we make ourselves holy before GOD. We don't praise ourselves, for without Him we are nothing and can do nothing.

Without a relationship with GOD the father, through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit; we are lost sinners, most miserable and without hope in this world. That is why Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD; who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life; who loves us so much that He stepped out of Heaven, humbled Himself and became a man and took our place and our sIn.

If you don't have that relationship, and that assurance and forgiveness of your sIns; GOD, who is not willing that any should perish, calls you to repent: to surrender to Him on His terms and be born again. Not of the flesh, or of anything we can do; but from above, by the grace of GOD. Believe His Word, and receive Him by faith today.

If you are one of His, praise His Name and proclaim His works to the children of men that they might be saved.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The Restoration of all things

3/21/2013

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my Holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:6-9)

During the Millenial Kingdom, all things shall be restored as they once were in the Garden of Eden before Adam sinned, and all mankind died. All the animals will be vegetarians once again, and those animals that fear us, and are dangerous to us will be tame as they were. Even the dragons and serpents will be playful pets for us. Because of Jesus Christ, the Creator of all things will recreate His Creation and return it to the wonderful place it was meant to be. All those in Christ through the ages will be there, either in glorified bodies as He is, or in restored and rejuvenated bodies that will last the 1000 years. What a promise awaits those that believe, for Christ Himself who is GOD in the flesh, will be the ruler of all during this reign, and we will be with Him.

But those that don't know Him, who don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ by faith don't have this promise of redemption and restoration. Your future is much different, and while GOD is not willing that any should perish, we are not promised tomorrow. Surrender to GOD on His terms and be born again, that you may see the Kingdom of GOD. GOD loves you and wants you to be made new in Christ, and become a child of the King.

Trust His Word, and believe His promises for He cannot lie.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Without Excuse

3/20/2013

Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? Without Me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 10:1-4)

GOD declares a clear condemnation to those that violate His Law and trample on His people for greedy gain; whether they are Jews during Isaiah's day, or the Church today; regardless of whether they are unscrupulous businessmen, hypocritical religious leaders, or self-righteous politicians. It doesn't matter whether it is politics, religion, or business GOD holds us all accountable for our actions, and our obedience to His Word. We in the Church, who have experienced the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ, are not condemned for our sIn, but we are without excuse for our behavior and disobedience to Him. He calls us to the Standard of His Word, and His Son; and we are to be set apart, and different from the World as He conforms us to the Image of Jesus Christ.

But, those outside of the Church, who have never received Him and are still at war with GOD are condemned already. GOD is not willing that any should perish and calls everyone everywhere to repent. We shall all face judgment, and if you die without Christ the blood He shed for you will not pardon you and your sIn. Believe His Word, and trust Him today.

If you are one of His, be obedient to His Word and let Him accomplish what He wants in you.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The King is Coming

3/19/2013

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

One of the more famous prophecies about the birth of Jesus Christ, this passage also has significance for the future. Isaiah's prophecy speaks of the coming Kingdom where Christ will rule from David's throne with perfect judgment, everlasting justice, and eternal peace. Isaiah also identifies our Lord with several titles that both individually and as a whole belong to God. Since Jesus Christ is God, and the Son of God, this identity is perfectly applicable. He is wonderful, for He is our Savior. Through His Word, and the Holy Spirit, He is our Counselor. He is mighty, for He is our Creator, our Redeemer, and King of kings and Lord of lords.

And in the future He will be the Father of all nations, for not only is He the Author and Finisher of our faith now, but He will be the ruler over the Millennial Kingdom. And while He gives us the peace that passes all understanding, He will also will rule in peace in this future kingdom.

But for those that don't know Him, who have never experienced the new birth that He offers; there is no peace. Since you do not know GOD as your Heavenly Father, you are still at war with GOD. But, He is not willing that any should perish and calls everyone everywhere to repent, that is surrender to Him on His terms. Receive Jesus Christ by faith today, and let the counsel of His Word rule in your heart, as He gives you eternal life, real peace, and everlasting joy.

If you are one of His, with GOD as your Heavenly Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit share the love of Jesus Christ with those that you meet.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Our Sanctuary

3/18/2013

Sanctify the LORD of Hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the Law among My disciples. And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him. (Isaiah 8:13-17)

God through Isaiah gives us a choice: we can either fear God and run to Him for safety; or we can fear God and run away from Him. The first fear, is a healthy reverence for who He is and what He has said in His Word. The second fear, is an unhealthy trembling and destruction, but in disbelief. The first fear involves faith, the second fear is doubt. As Christians, those of us in the Church, since we came to God for salvation involving the first fear, or reverence for God and did so in faith we are secure in Him. Some may have come initially because of the second fear, but you did come to Christ which leads to reverence for Him.

Those that have not yet come to GOD and surrendered to Him on His terms, are either seeking GOD with a reverence for who He is, but not yet born again from above; or you have rejected Jesus Christ and GOD has already passed sentence on you because of your sIn. While there is still life, there is still hope. GOD is not willing that anyone should perish, and calls everyone everywhere to repent and be saved.

Respond to GOD and His call to fear Him, reverently and in love for His mercy today.

In Christ
Jefferson Sweet

<<Previous