Personal Thoughts and Ministry

Ye must be born again

8/30/2013

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psalms 90:12)

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy GOD? (Micah 6:8)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of GOD. (John 3:3)

Today, I am going to do something different. Today is my Birthday, and as a present I want to hear from you. Tell me, in the comments, or by Email how you experienced the 2nd birth.

You see, I have two birthdays. One, today celebrates the day I was born many years ago. The other is the day I surrendered to GOD on His terms and was born again. Because of that 2nd birth, I will only experience one death. If the Lord tarries, when I pass from this life into the next, I will go immediately into the arms of Jesus, and be with Him forever.

My life up to that point had been pretty normal, but I did not have peace, nor was I content. I sought solace and escape through various means, some of which were not healthy or respectful to those around me, or involved in what I did. GOD showed me several things about His Word, His Character, His Salvation and myself. He brought me to a place where I heard about GOD in a whole new way, the way He is described in the Bible, not just my opinions of Him. I learned that I could not save myself, and that I really needed the salvation He purchased on the Cross of Calvary. I understood my sIn, and what it would cost me, and what it had already cost Jesus. When I understood it all, and saw my need for Him, completely and unconditionally, I repented of my sIns and received Him by faith in His finished work on that Cross.

When I believed, Jesus Christ established a covenant relationship with Him that is real and personal. He called me to a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. My life is not yet what He wants it to be, but it's a whole lot better than I had without Him, and together we will continue on this journey until He returns, or He calls me Home.

I would love to hear your story, and share in your rejoicing and being born again. If you are not yet in Christ and born again, it would be an even greater gift, if you believed your need for Jesus Christ, and received Him on this day. My first birthday will be your 2nd birthday, and that is the best birthday to have.

GOD is not willing that any should perish, and wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. Believe Him today, and let me know so that I can rejoice with you.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD will not forget His own

8/29/2013

The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth. And for them, even for the priests, shall be this holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the Sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof. It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept My charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray. (Ezekiel 48:9-11)

In this last chapter of Ezekiel, as GOD wraps up His message of Judgment and Hope, He outlines the portion of land in Israel that is to be for the priests. Since they work for GOD in the Temple, they are to have a portion from each tribe set aside for them. It is to be worked and managed communally and the fruits thereof given to the priests and to the Lord as an offering. Because GOD's servants are worthy of their hire, here GOD sets up a provision for their needs, through the offerings that are brought to the Temple, and through a land offering.

Notice also, that even here GOD reminds us that there were some of even the priests that did not rebel against GOD and disobey His commands. GOD always has a remnant and He knows who they are, even when we don't. And we can know, that as each of these prophets we have covered knew, GOD is faithful. He will not leave us or forsake us, and while it is in His timing that things are accomplished, He will deliver those that are true to Him and His Word.

Whether it was the faithful Jews of old, or the true believers of GOD's Church today, GOD is still at work, and He will not forget His own. He cannot, for He is GOD, The Almighty; Our Creator, Sustainer, and for those that have a personal relationship with Him by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary, He is our Redeemer and Friend. He is also Judge, Lord, and King. But those that don't know Him, and have never been born again, seeing Him as Judge will mean permanent and everlasting separation from GOD because they chose not to believe His Word and receive Jesus Christ. But, we have Good News for you.

GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He says that you must be born again, and receive Him by Faith, and He wants to give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Surrender to Him on His terms, unconditionally, and accept His free gift of Salvation today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Into the Land in which I will show thee

8/28/2013

Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions. And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: concerning the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance.
So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 47:13-14, 21-23)

GOD sets forth the boundaries and divisions of the nation of Israel when they come into the land for the last time. The descendants of Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh have a portion each, and the tribe of Levi serve and work in the Temple. And because this Israel is at peace, even her neighbors are invited and welcomed to stay. Our Lord will be on the throne of His Kingdom for a 1000 years and all GOD's people will know His blessings. The desert will blossom as a rose, the rivers will be healed, the trees will bloom with fruit all year. All the peoples of the nations will come to Jerusalem to see the great King and worship Immanuel, GOD with us.

GOD has not forgotten His people. He still cares for, and directs the events of this world concerning Israel. All He has said, will come to pass, and in the end Israel will be lifted up, and she will shine greater than all the other nations that opposed her.

Until that day, we in the Church are to bless and support Israel and the Jews without compromising what the Bible teaches about Him, ourselves, the affairs of men, and this world. Our primary mission, commanded by GOD, until He returns and takes us Home to Him, is to preach the Gospel. Tell everyone the Good News of the love and justice of our Almighty GOD, who created them and loves them, but will punish them for their sIn if they choose not to accept His finished work on the Cross of Calvary in their place. But, GOD is not willing that any should perish but wants all people everywhere to repent, that is, turn from their sIn and turn to Him for Salvation. (That Salvation and forgiveness is not a license to sIn, but Liberty to

Jesus loves you so much, that He willingly and humbly stepped out of Heaven, put aside some of His attributes and perogatives as GOD the Son who is the Son of GOD, and went obediently to that cross, that you might live and be made righteous before GOD. If you believe His Word, and receive Him by Faith, surrender to Him on His terms, unconditionally, He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. He desires that you choose to be born again, and let Him establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

We are to reflect our Lord and GOD

8/27/2013

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from My people, saith the Lord GOD. Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath. The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of an homer, and the ephah the tenth part of an homer: the measure thereof shall be after the homer. (Ezekiel 45:9-11)

GOD now gives Ezekiel several instructions for the Temple, the land, and the rulers of Israel. These are to be followed by the people of Israel when they return to the land, and in the future nation and kingdom. GOD is a just GOD, and He expects His people to be just and equitable. Those in positions of leadership especially are to treat those they lead equally, and according to GOD's standard. Rulers and governors are particularly reminded of their role in servant leadership and unselfishness. Pride and self-aggrandizement have no place in the ministry or heart of a Godly leader.

GOD's rules in this section of Ezekiel's message reflect the Holiness and character of GOD. His House is to be a place of prayer and worship. His people are to be set apart and unspotted by the world. All peoples, nations, and tongues who claim His Name are to be vessels of Honour not only reflecting Him, but sharing Him in Word and deeds. He alone is worthy of our worship, praise and devotion.

When we put anything in our lives as more important than GOD and His commands that is Idolatry. It is sIn, and it leads to more visible sins like violence and theft, injustice and evil both in the heart and actual actions on our part. GOD tells us to separate ourselves from these and to be just and holy, set apart and obedient to His commands. Those of us in Christ, know that the Law cannot save us, and our righteousness cannot bring us to GOD. But, we also know that our faith is lived out in our obedience, through Christ, to His Word and our reflection of His life in us.

Those that do not yet have a relationship with Christ are not capable of obedience to GOD's Word. You must first repent, that is, turn away from your sIn, and surrender to GOD on His terms, unconditionally. Jesus loves you and desires to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He declares that you must be born again, and receive Him by Faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary. Believe His Word, and let Him give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. He is the only way to the Father, and He is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to Him and be made a new creature, in, through and for Jesus Christ. Choose you this day whom you will serve.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

I AM the Holy One of Israel

8/26/2013

Then brought He me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the Glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face. And the LORD said unto me, son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.
And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
And in the day that he goeth into the sanctuary, unto the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, saith the Lord GOD. And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I AM their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I AM their possession. (Ezekiel 44:4-5, 23, 27-28)

The Glory of the Lord filled this final temple in Ezekiel's vision of the future restoration of Israel and the Kingdom. GOD is doing a mighty work, and shares it with Ezekiel so he can comfort and assure the Jews in captivity that GOD has not forgotten His people, and He will restore them to the land of their fathers. And while we know from history, that that restoration was not complete or in the lifetime of most of the captive Jews (GOD had said it would be for 70 years), we also know that GOD will accomplish all that He has said He will do. Not one word of His prophecy will fail. His Word is complete and perfect, and He will fulfill all things in His time.

Since His Word is complete, all peoples, nations, and tongues can now learn from GOD what GOD expects of them. They learn who GOD is first from His general revelation in nature and His creation, then through the preaching of His Word they can discover the nature and character of our Holy GOD. That is the purpose, calling, and command to the Church: To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News of Salvation to everyone. And there is coming a day when the Church is no longer here, that GOD will teach all mankind by and through His people Israel, and from His holy city, Jerusalem.

Until that day, we keep sharing the message of Hope in Christ to this lost and dying world, so that those with no hope in this life or the next can be born again and have a new life of discipleship and fellowship with Jesus through faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary.

GOD is not willing that any should perish, but wants all people to repent, that is, turn away from your sIn, and surrender to GOD on His terms. Believe Jesus Christ paid your sIn debt, and receive Him by Faith and He will forgive your sIn, and establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Jesus loves you and wants you to understand you cannot save yourself, and your sIn will keep you from experiencing the full, abundant and everlasting life He has for you. Trust Him today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David

8/23/2013

And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces; So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about. From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple. (Ezekiel 41:18-20)

The depictions given here of the new Temple show a curious image of an angel with two faces; one of a man, and one of a lion. The imagery is of our Lord, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, who became a man and put on flesh and yet remains GOD. Immanuel, GOD with us. The only intermediary between GOD and man is the only begotten Son who stepped out of Heaven, willingly and humbly, in order to pay the sIn debt we could not pay, and give us, through the blood that was shed on Calvary, peace with GOD. What a glorious celebration of His redemption and praise of Jesus Christ will be seen every time His people go into this final temple.

What a mystery our Triune GOD is. GOD the Father, GOD the Son, and GOD the Holy Spirit and yet GOD is One (think multiplication.) And our Lord put aside some of His Godly attributes (for a season) and put on flesh which He sacrificed for us, and when resurrected and glorified forever remains the GOD-man (again, multiplication) who intercedes for repentant sinners, and suffering saints. Jesus Christ ever lives and reigns as Creator, Redeemer, and King. He is worthy of all of our praise.

The message of the Church is to be reconciliation with GOD through Jesus Christ. All our programs, efforts, policies and practices are to be in support of the Gospel message of Love and Mercy from GOD to mankind that cannot save themselves, nor can they come to GOD any other way but by Jesus Christ. We alone have the Good News of Salvation, and it is only through the regeneration that comes from GOD that people can be made new, and communities and cities, and countries can be changed. We must not seek a political solution for a spiritual problem.

That problem, sIn, separates us from GOD, and GOD has already condemned us for our sIn. Only those that have surrendered to GOD on His terms and believed in Him are born again. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to receive Him by Faith and a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Repent, that is, turn away from your sIn, and trust GOD and His Word for your Salvation today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Go and tell what thou has seen and heard

8/22/2013

In the visions of GOD brought He me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south. And He brought me thither, and, behold, there was a Man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in His hand, and a measuring reed; and He stood in the gate. And the Man said unto me, son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel. (Ezekiel 40:2-4)

The Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, Jesus Christ comes to Ezekiel in a vision to show him the things which He will do, so Ezekiel can remember and tell it forth to His people. His vision from GOD will not only record the measurements of the old temple which the Babylonians destroyed, so the Jews can rebuild when they are restored to Jerusalem, it also contains information about the new glorious temple for the last days. While that final temple has yet to be built, rest assured that it will be just as the Jews rebuilt the temple after the captivity. GOD's prophecies come to pass. He cannot lie, and knows all things. That which He chooses to tell us will occur just as He says.

He reveals His Word to us so we can know more about Him, and be restored to a right relationship with Him by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary. All Scripture speaks of Jesus Christ; as Creator, Redeemer, and Judge. We see throughout the Scripture that He is Lord of all the Universe because He created it. He is King over His subjects because He has paid our sIn debt. He is righteous and just to condemn those that reject Him as the only true GOD, with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

We in the Church, the bride of Christ are to go and tell of our Saviour and His love and mercy to those that are without. Just as Ezekiel had to share the vision to the Jews, we are to share what we have seen and heard from GOD through His Word to all peoples, nations, and tongues. GOD is not willing that any should perish, and commands us to tell them the Truth from His Word that they might know Jesus and be saved.

If you don't yet know Jesus Christ, having never surrendered to Him on His terms, GOD calls you to repent. Believe Jesus Christ and receive Him for eternal life. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He desires to forgive your sIn and give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Trust His Word and be born again today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

I AM the Lord, the Holy One of Israel

8/21/2013

And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I AM the LORD. So will I make My Holy Name known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let them pollute My Holy Name any more: and the heathen shall know that I AM the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken. (Ezekiel 39:6-8)

GOD will bring His vengeance down on the enemies of Israel. This passage references the complete destruction of those that come against GOD's people in the latter days. Israel has always been at the center of History, and GOD will never forget His people. After the Church age is over, and the time of the gentiles is complete, GOD will again turn His full attention to Israel, and those that seek its destruction. He has allowed some events to take place, but will when Gog comes down against Israel make an example of that heathen nation. GOD will make Himself know amongst the people of Israel once again, and the Jews will begin to turn back to Him, not only for national salvation, but also individual and personal salvation as well.

Until that day, the Church is to be about our Father's business. We are to tell the nations, Jews and Gentiles, of the love of GOD in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Holy One of Israel, put on flesh, and went humbly and willingly to the Cross of Calvary for our sIn debt. We are to warn them that while GOD is love, He is also just. His mercy is renewed every morning, but His wrath and judgment will be forthcoming. Without the Blood of Jesus Christ shed for our sIn we are all unclean, and all our righteousness is as filthy rags. But, thanks be to GOD who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Those of us who are truly born again have the forgiveness of sIn through Jesus Christ, but those without remain in their sIn, and are still under condemnation. But, GOD is not willing that you should perish. He wants you to know the Truth and believe that you may receive Him and a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship that is real and personal. He loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and receive His free gift of Salvation today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

They shall know that I AM the LORD

8/20/2013

And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that My fury shall come up in My face. For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at My presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. (Ezekiel 38:18-20)

In the last days, Gog is stirred up to come against Israel. He comes from the north with a great army with the desire to crush Israel and spoil the land. But, GOD is going to use this attack against Israel for His glory. Gog and his invading hordes will be destroyed in a mighty way, and all of Israel will know is of GOD. This is just one of the many instances in which GOD is turning His people back to Him and drawing them to Himself as a nation and people.

Many of the gentiles during this time will also come to know the Lord. They will see the miraculous deliverance of the nation and people of Israel and their hearts will be opened to the work of GOD which confirms the Word of GOD, and they will believe Him. It is all for the Glory of GOD, who is Holy and Righteous, and deserving of our praise for all His marvellous works.

And as long as His Church is here, we are to proclaim His mighty works, and His great Salvation to all. Some will hear and believe, and some will not. Those that do will enter into eternal life, and those that don't will remain condemned in their sIn.

But, GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that you would come to the knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that Jesus is GOD, and that He loves you and went willingly as a man to the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He wants you to receive Him and join Him in a covenant relationship that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and be born again into a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Repent and believe in His finished work on your behalf today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Now hear the Word of the Lord

8/19/2013

And He said unto me, son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the Word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I AM the LORD. (Ezekiel 37:3-6)

Ezekiel is taken up to a valley of dry bones in a vision. The bones represent the scattered nation of Israel. The Jews are dispersed in all directions and away from their land. They seem, in this world, to be without hope or future, and GOD asks Ezekiel if the 'bones' can yet live. It is a rhetorical question, for with GOD all things are possible. GOD is telling the Jews that they indeed will return to the land, and they will be a nation again, and eventually, in GOD's timing, they will not only be animated, but live and know GOD as Lord and Messiah.

When Jesus came unto His own, after the fashion of a man He was a Jew, they were in the land of Israel, but they rejected their Messiah. GOD had His perfect timing, and the bones will yet live. When this prophecy is finally fulfilled, Israel will indeed be in the land and as a nation will be hated by the entire world, but GOD will raise up this final nation to be a shining light and will protect it from all those that oppose Israel and GOD.

Until that day, the Church as the Body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of GOD is to be His witnesses to this lost and dying world. The Church does not replace Israel, for it has its part to play in GOD's timeline, but during this time of the Gentiles, we are to be salt and light here in this dark world. We are to shine the Word of GOD into the darkness, and flood our communities with the Living Water of the Good News that Jesus is the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, who became a man and willingly and humbly went to the Cross of Calvary for our sIn.

Those that believe His Word and receive Him by Faith in His finished work on that Cross are forgiven and born again, those that reject Christ and refuse to surrender to Him on His terms stand separated from GOD already condemned for their sIn. But, GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Repent, that is, turn away from your sIn, and turn to a Holy and Righteous GOD, and let Him give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship that is abundant and everlasting. It is your choice, there is no middle ground or neutrality. Remain as you are, or choose Life in, through, and with GOD.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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