Personal Thoughts and Ministry

Sing the song of the redeemed

4/16/2014

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of GOD. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of GOD, and the Song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord GOD Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints. Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy Name? for Thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest. And after that I looked, and, behold, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven was opened: (Rev 15:2-5)

The song of Moses is victory and deliverance and the hand of GOD. The Song of the Lamb is forgiveness and Liberty through His shed blood. Indeed, great are His works and deeds even for those that hate Him. He cares for His creation, even in the midst of judgment. He gives us all blessings, though many call them 'natural', whether one is a believer or not. But, most wonderful of all, is what He does on behalf of those who know Him and love Him. He shed His blood for all, but for those that have received Him by faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, He gives us forgiveness of our sIn, and Salvation in His Name.

And He, as the Judge of the whole earth is just and true to do so, for we are all guilty before Him, and dead in our trespasses and sIn. He alone can forgive and save. He alone is the only Way to Heaven. He alone gives us eternal life when we are born again. He alone is Truth and has revealed Himself in His Word, the Bible.

The Testimony of GOD is sure, all His Precepts are Holy and Righteous altogether, and not one Word of the Bible will fail. We must take the whole Word to this lost and dying world that they might hear and believe, and believing have life in His Name. We are to minister to the hurting as GOD gives the increase, comforting them with His promises; we are to disciple one another with His teaching and commands, and we are to preach the Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ to all who will hear.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and trust His Word and work on your behalf for Salvation and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Join the fellowship of believers by faith in what He has already done for your Salvation on that cruel Roman cross and you will be able to sing the song of the redeemed in worship of the Lord.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel

4/15/2014

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's Name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from Heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the Throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto GOD and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the Throne of GOD. (Rev 14:1-5)

144000 Jewish male virgins spreading the everlasting Gospel throughout the world during the Tribulation so that those that will hear, repent and believe will be saved from the wrath of GOD against our sIn and rebellion. The Gospel of Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, and what He has done on the Cross of Calvary has never changed. From those that looked ahead to the coming of the Messiah, to those that experience His grace today, to the saints of the future that endure to the end, faith in Christ (Jesus the Messiah) has always been GOD's plan to redeem His creation from the penalty, power, and presence of sIn.

These faithful messengers and witnesses take His Gospel to the corners of the earth and to every person so that they may hear and believe. We are commanded and commissioned to do the same while we are here. We are to go, and as we go, we are to spread the Good News that Jesus is alive and has conquered sIn, death, and the grave. We are to make disciples by faith in Him, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them ALL things whatsoever He commanded us. It is not an option for us for we must be about our Father's business of reaching this lost and dying world.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Trust Him and what He did for you on that cruel Roman Cross and surrender to Him on His terms. Receive Him by faith in His forgiveness and Salvation and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and His free offer of Redemption from your sIn.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The Lord shall consume him whose coming is after the working of Satan

4/14/2014

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. (Rev 13:1-5)

This world leader who derives his temporary power from the god of this world will have limited authority over this world for a time. He will think himself in control of all things, and demand both obedience and worship. The false prophet who will follow him will direct all religions into worship of the beast. Only those who believe GOD and remain faithful to the Lamb who was slain will reject this blasphemy. The anti-Christ will make war against the saints of GOD because of his hatred of GOD and those who will not bow before him and his image. But GOD will triumph, and the saints will overcome by their faith in Jesus Christ, enduring until the end.

Even today we see shadows of this as religions come together, politics are working toward a world government, false utopian thinking is leading this world to a world leader. We must remain faithful to Jesus Christ and His Gospel, to live the Cross we believe in, and share the Good News of Salvation through faith in the finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary so that others might believe and believing have life in His Name. That is our mission, our calling, and His command for His people until He comes again to take His Church Home and rule and reign on this earth.

We are to be about our Father's business, sharing the Word of GOD to all we meet so the unbelieving in this lost and dying world may be saved. GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Believe His Word and place your faith and trust in what He has already done for you on that cruel Roman Cross. Surrender to Him on His terms and be born again, and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Receive His forgiveness by faith in His Salvation today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The dragon fought and his angels and prevailed not

4/11/2014

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our GOD, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our GOD day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Rev 12:9-12)

The accuser of the brethren is a defeated foe. Death, sIn, and the grave were conquered at the Cross, and those of us who are born again are no longer subjects of the god of this world, but children of our Heavenly King. We do not need to live defeated lifestyles, or in bondage to that which Christ has freed us from. He has overcome this world, the power of the enemy, and we are no longer what we were because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Even though GOD is pulling back His hand of restraint, and allowing evil in this world more latitude as we approach the end, we have no fear for GOD is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us, we have victory in Christ, and can live a triumphant and victorious life through the power of GOD within us. That does not mean we can claim everything we want, or do earthly things we want to do, but it does mean we can wait on Him, serving Christ with the presence and guidance of His Spirit, and being in obedience to His Word. Then we will accomplish His will while we minister to others, disciple one another, and spread The Good News of the Gospel of grace to this lost and dying world that is still under the power and dominion of the devil and his demons.

But they can be delivered from sIn, from the kingdoms of this world, and from the one who stands in opposition to GOD but cannot win. For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus, who has already paid for your sIn on that cruel Roman cross, loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with Him that is real and personal. Believe His Word and receive Him by faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Trust Jesus Christ for Salvation and deliverance from the evil one today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

You shall be My witnesses

4/10/2014

And I will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the GOD of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. (Rev 11:3-6)

The preaching of the Cross is foolishness to them that perish, but to those of us who are saved, it is the power of GOD unto Salvation. Even during the times of greatest trial GOD always has His witnesses who declare His message of hope, preach His commands and judgments, and are obedient to His will. These witnesses, Moses and Elijah, are doing the work of GOD and will command His power because they are His servants and He will protect and empower them. Just as GOD does, they will give grace to the humble, but punish the prideful who come against them and against GOD.

We in this age of grace, do not call down judgment for we want all men everywhere to repent and be saved, but we can defend the weak and helpless. GOD can intervene if He chooses, for His glory and His good, but He is not compelled to do so by our commands. We pray for protection and for peace, and leave the results to our Sovereign GOD who already knows the beginning from the end, trusting Him to provide in His time and in His will.

We proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, despite the cost, because of the Love of GOD shed abroad in our hearts and the command of Christ to speak His message of mercy to those who will hear and believe. We cannot but speak of that which we have seen and heard so others might also believe and believing have life in His Name.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms, trusting in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Receive Him by faith in what He did for you on that cruel Roman cross and let Him give you His free gift of Salvation.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

There is a Book

4/9/2014

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by Him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of GOD should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets. And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. (Rev 10:5-8)

We are to be people of that Book, and not just in name only, but living the Gospel we believe. The Creator of all the universe has revealed Himself in that Book and we are to keep, hear, read, study, memorize, meditate, and share His Word because it speaks of Him. Whether it is recorded historical narratives, His revealed wisdom, the trials and errors of the nation of Israel, the prophecies and judgments of GOD, or the accounts of His time on this earth and the time to come, The Spirit speaks to us through His Son and through the Scriptures.

Some of what The Spirit has to say to us is not pleasant at the moment, for GOD is revealing to us things that are not pleasing to Him. Some are not agreeable, for they tell of judgements, that while just and deserved, we don't feel they are fair. Our fallen human nature continues to argue and rebel against our Creator. We forget that it is because of His mercy that we are not all consumed, for we are all guilty before our righteous and Holy GOD. We have a command and a mission to tell this lost and dying world of the grace that GOD extends to those who are under condemnation for their sIn, to be forgiven and receive the only true Salvation that will reconcile us to GOD through the finished and perfect work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. That is the Good News of the Gospel that we must proclaim while there is still time and we are still here.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. While agreeing with GOD and acknowledging our sIn can be a bitter realization, if you forsake it and turn to Him, surrendering to Him on His terms, He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and receive Him by faith, not to continue in sIn, but a pardon that frees us to live and serve Him for He is worthy.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Except ye repent, you shall likewise perish

4/8/2014

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. (Rev 9:4,6,20-21)

Great judgments against those who will not surrender to GOD on His terms are sent, not because GOD is evil, but because man is not good and only those that place their trust in Him receive the righteousness of GOD. Repentance and faith in the finished and perfect work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary is the only way to come to GOD, and to receive Him. Any other works, or beliefs, even in 'ignorance', that is opposed to GOD and His Word will be judged, and cast out of His presence. Those who want to trust themselves instead of Christ, or those who put their trust in some system or someone else will, since they are already guilty of sIn and under condemnation, see that only GOD can save and forgive.

Since all are under condemnation without Christ, we as His children are to share His message of hope, love and grace to this lost and dying world. We are to love and disciple one another as the body of Christ, in fellowship and worship of our Heavenly Father, so others may see, hear, and believe. We are to minister to the hurting and needy around us, not to earn our Salvation, for it has already been paid for, but because of what Christ has done for us, and as GOD gives the increase to us. We are to preach and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to a world of lost sinners, who desperately need the grace and Salvation of the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He freely offers you Salvation and forgiveness, and if you will surrender to Him on His terms and place your faith and trust in what He did for you on that cruel Roman cross, He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. He has already done the work and paid the price for your sIn, receive Him and His forgiveness today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

For then shall be great Tribulation

4/7/2014

And I saw the seven angels which stood before GOD; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the Throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before GOD out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. (Rev 8:2-5)

The first wave of judgments by GOD on this sinful and broken world, as recorded by John, is about to begin. Whether you view the chronology of the judgments as consecutive, intertwined, or concurrent, here we have the beginning of the judgements of GOD during the Tribulation. The wars have begun, the rulers of this world are consolidating their little kingdoms and preparing for the arrival of the one world ruler, and the peoples of this earth will have to choose whom they will serve. But, even during these judgments on this sinful world, and the people who have rejected Him, GOD is drawing those that will believe to Himself. His Spirit is at work, and His witnesses are proclaiming His message of mercy and grace to those that are lost.

For those that experience this time it will be just the beginning of what GOD is doing, as He judges and cleanses this world of sIn and all peoples who refuse to repent and instead remain at war with Him. His wrath is full, and He will pour out all of it on all those that reject Him, while still imploring those that will hear what the Spirit says to come to Him and surrender to Jesus Christ on His terms.

Until that day, those of us who are born again, blood bought children of the Most High GOD, are commanded and commissioned to go and tell all the nations of His love, His judgments, His mercy and His grace for their rebellion and sIn against Him. We must preach and proclaim the Word of GOD, without compromise, without dissimulation, and without fear of those who oppose us in this world. We are to be about our Father's business and proclaim the Salvation that only comes from Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Believe His Word and receive Him by faith in who He is and what He has already done for you on that cruel Roman cross and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Surrender to Him on His terms and be born again to a new life of forgiveness in Christ and service to GOD.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth

4/4/2014

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living GOD: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our GOD in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our GOD which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb. (Rev 7:2-4, 9-10)

Specific servants for a specific time. GOD always has a plan, and nothing surprises Him for He knows all things. His servants are sealed because of their faith, and protected because they are already saved and redeemed. Whether it is the 144000 Jewish male virgins who are witnesses for GOD, or the multitudes of Gentile saints who are faithful and believe, GOD cares for His own and He will keep them and save them to the uttermost by His power.

We today, who are secured by our faith in Him and His Holy Spirit that indwells us and sealed us when we believed and were saved, are also called to serve Him. Until He takes us Home to be with Him, we are His witnesses and servants of the most High GOD. We are to minister to the hurting as GOD gives the increase. We are to disciple one another in the grace and knowledge of our Lord that we may grow thereby. We are to preach and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world. We share GOD's love so they may see Christ in us the hope of Glory. We conform to Him through His Word so we show His grace to others. We share the Gospel of mercy to sinners so they may repent and believe.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with Him that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and receive Him by faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and trust His free offer of forgiveness and the only true Salvation from your sIn.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

No hiding place down here

4/3/2014

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Rev 6:14-17)

As the final judgment upon this earth, and those who have rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, begins GOD will allow the leaders of this world a free hand to 'rule' and He will pour out His judgments in the natural realm on this creation that we broke with our sIn. During that time even these judgments will not bring those who have hardened their hearts against their Creator to a saving faith in Him.

Until that day comes, GOD's Church is to be about our Father's business. We are to disciple one another in grace and the knowledge of our Lord, so we can grow in Christ and be more like Him. We are to provoke one another to good works, not for Salvation, but to further His Kingdom and give Him the glory. We are to proclaim His Good News of the Gospel to everyone we meet, so they can hear and believe, and believing have life in His Name.

For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Receive Him by faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Trust Him for forgiveness of your sIn and the Salvation He freely offers you today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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