Personal Thoughts and Ministry

Praise to the Lord the Almighty

12/31/2013

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy Truth's sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, "Where is now their god?" But our GOD is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath He given to the children of men. The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD. (Psalms 115:1-4, 8, 15-18)

Our GOD who created all things, who made this earth to be inhabited, will not share His Glory with another. The gods and idols of those that reject GOD are nothing, and can do nothing, for GOD alone is GOD. He is still on His Throne, He is still in control, and whether He wills it, or allows it, He is not surprised by anything, for He knows all. Praise His Name.

Our Creator, Jesus Christ, has blessed His people and provided Salvation to all people, whosoever will. Those of us who have surrendered to Him on His terms have been born again, and He continues to intercede on our behalf as He conforms us to the image of His dear Son. His Spirit dwells with us, and through His Word we are guided into all Truth, and because of Jesus Christ, we preach the Word and point those that will listen to our Saviour and our GOD.

GOD the Father is glorified in praise and worship by the redeemed. GOD the Son, who became flesh and dwelt among us brings all who come to Him to His Father. GOD the Holy Spirit, draws all who respond to the Word to the Son, that they might be saved. Our triune GOD is One and is blessed forever more. The Good News is that we can have a covenant relationship with GOD that is real and personal through His shed blood on the Cross of Calvary. He judges sIn, but also offers the only forgiveness through His finished and perfect work on that cruel Roman cross.

GOD is not willing that any should perish, but wants everyone everywhere to repent. Turn from your idols, your false gods, even yourself, and turn in faith to GOD for Salvation. Jesus loves you and wants you to be born again. Believe His Word and receive Him by faith, and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Trust Him who cannot fail today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Rock of Ages cleft for me.

12/30/2013

When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah was His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion. The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the GOD of Jacob; Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters. (Psalms 114:1-8)

When GOD delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt He wasn't just acting on behalf of those whom He had chosen to bring forth His Son, He was also giving us a type and picture of our deliverance from sIn and this world. He showed His power on behalf of Israel, and His care for His people. We know from this example that He is able to provide for us. We praise Him for His power, His deliverance, His Salvation and His care. He gave water from a rock in the desert, and gives Living Water to His saints. He gave manna in the desert, and gives us the Bread of Life.

This world and the things of nature that GOD has created cannot stand against the Almighty and His power. It will not last forever, and GOD, who is outside His creation and still rules from His throne, can and does do marvelous things on behalf of His people. He acts to accomplish His will and work from Salvation for sinners who cannot save themselves, to the care and providence of the sheep of His pasture, to the restoration of all things that will come when He makes a new heaven and a new earth. Only those that are secure in Jesus Christ will be with Him then, and all those that have rejected Christ and His Word will be separated from GOD forever.

But 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 be born again, and He will give you a brand new life of fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and receive by faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary the free gift of Salvation that He offers you. Trust Him today and let Him be your Rock and Deliverer.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Thou didst leave Thy Throne

12/27/2013

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on His Name: (John 1:1-5, 10-12)

GOD in the flesh, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son became a man. Jesus Christ, who spoke all things into existence with the Word of His power, who is the Living Word, left His Home in Heaven and put on flesh, humbly and willingly taking our place, and paying our sIn debt on that cruel Roman cross.

He is Light, before and above all other lesser forms of light, because He is the source of all. He is our light, for He shines in and through us, to reach others with the free offer of Salvation because of His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.

We celebrate His Kingship as the son of David after the flesh. We celebrate His humanity as a Child of Mary. We celebrate His ministry on this earth, because He didn't stay a child, but grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man, to offer Himself as a ransom for many. And lastly, we celebrate His Divinity, for Jesus Christ is GOD, the GOD-man, Emmanuel, Jehovah-Joshua, The Lord who saves us.

He freely offered Himself because He is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Surrender to Him on His terms and be born again. Believe His Word, and receive Him by faith in Him, and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Don't stay in the darkness of your sIn any longer, but become a child of GOD through forgiveness and His Salvation and shine for Jesus Christ.

What Child is this

12/26/2013

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-6, 9-11)

Wise men still seek Him, as the saying goes, for He is King, a Prophet greater than Moses, and a Priest after the order of Melchisedek. This group of 'scientists' from the East worshipped Christ because He was the Star of Jacob, The Sceptre of Judah who had come to save His people from their sIn.

They knew from all the ancient writings about Him that He was King of Kings and Lord of Lords so they presented Him with Gold worthy of a King. They knew He was GOD come down to man, so they worshipped Him with frankincense worthy of our Great High Priest. They understood that He would die for His people even as He spoke GOD's Truth, so they offered Him myrrh worthy of a suffering Prophet.

What a picture they give us of who our Saviour is. And all Jesus asks of us is ourselves, as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service. GOD wants us for Christmas, and throughout the year, to be sold out to Him, and ready and willing to do all that He asks of us. That is our gift to Him, and our gift to those around us who don't yet know Him is to tell everyone the Good News of Salvation that He has purchased with His own blood on the Cross of Calvary that they may be born again and redeemed from their sIn and its judgment.

GOD is not willing that any should perish, but wants everyone everywhere to repent and come to 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 His finished work on that cruel Roman cross and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Trust Him and accept His free gift of Salvation today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Sing we now of Christmas Sing we all Noel

12/25/2013

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the Glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:6-14)

During this 'most wonderful time of the year' let us put aside any controversy about the time or the date or the traditions: Let us remember Jesus.

Let us not be like Zacharias and have doubts.
Let us not be like the inn and too full for Him.
Let us not be like Herod and Jerusalem intolerant and troubled by His Kingship.
Let us not be like the Priests and Scribes knowing the Scriptures but indifferent to the Messiah.

Instead, let us join with Gabriel and announce His coming.
Let us join with Mary and surrender to His Will, pondering all things.
Let us join His cousin John and leap for Joy.
Let us join the Angel host and proclaim His praises.
Let us join the shepherds and find Him, telling all who will hear of Whom we have found.
Let us join the wise men and worship Jesus Christ, presenting ourselves and our gifts to Him.

May you have a blessed and joyous Christmas:

And if you don't have a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary, surrender to Him on His terms and be born again. Jesus loves you and wants to give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and receive the greatest Christmas gift ever given, forgiveness of your sIn, and the Salvation which GOD so freely offers you.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Christmas Has Its Cradle, Easter Has Its Cross

12/24/2013

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called His Name JESUS. (Matthew 1:18-25)

Being the Christmas season, let's take a break from the Psalms and celebrate the birth of our Saviour. We remember His birth, not just because He is the Lord from Heaven made flesh, but because of what He came to do while He was here. He came to offer Himself in our place and pay the sIn debt we cannot pay.

The Cross of Calvary is the real Christmas tree. For there it was that Jesus Christ put to death the flesh and paid our sIn debt that we might have Life and have it more abundantly. While we celebrate His birth, let us also remember why He had to come, and all of what He has done.

The miraculous birth, death and resurrection of the GOD-man Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son was foretold all the way back in the beginning. When Adam and Eve rebelled against GOD and His Word, and we in Adam became estranged with GOD, He who would become that babe in the manger, told of His redemptive work that was already planned for.

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, The Saviour, Emmanuel is our Redeemer, our Provider, and our soon coming King. The rest of the Christmas message is that He is returning just as He left this earth. The first coming was for Salvation to those that repent and believe, the second coming is for judgment on those who continue to reject His offer of Salvation.

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 be born again 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 receive His Salvation and this will indeed be a very merry Christmas for you of GOD with you, the Hope of Glory.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

As with gladness men of old

12/23/2013

Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: Holy and reverend is His Name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth for ever. (Psalms 111:1-4, 9-10)

He is worthy of all our praise. All glory and honor belongs to our GOD for all His work; in creation, in preservation, in providence, and in redemption. Jesus Christ spoke the universe and all that is in it into being, He has held it in the power of His hand, and He gave Himself to rescue us from our sIn, and intercedes for us to meet our needs and accomplish His will and work of Grace and Mercy toward us.

The righteous Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, became a man and went humbly and willingly to the Cross of Calvary that in His death, burial and resurrection we might have life. That is the message of Hope, Peace, and Love we have to tell to the nations, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Because of Jesus Christ; His incarnation as a man, His perfect and sinless life in obedience to the Father, and His sacrifice in our place; we can have the Hope of eternal life in Him, we can have Peace with the Father and forgiveness of our sIn, and we know the Love of GOD shed abroad in our hearts by the GOD who is Love.

But, GOD is a GOD of justice too. He must punish sIn, and since He is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth, He took our place on that cruel Roman cross. 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 so that you will be born again, surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is real and personal.

You can fear His judgement because of your sIn and give reverence to His Holy Name and receive His free offer of Redemption, or you can go your own way and reject the Salvation He has already paid for. The choice is yours.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

How great our Joy

12/20/2013

O GOD, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise Thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto Thee among the nations. For Thy mercy is great above the heavens: and Thy Truth reacheth unto the clouds. Be Thou exalted, O GOD, above the heavens: and Thy glory above all the earth; That Thy beloved may be delivered: save with Thy right hand, and answer me. (Psalms 108:1-6)

We sing praises to our GOD for He is worthy. His mercy is everlasting, and His love for all has been demonstrated through His Son, Jesus and the Cross of Calvary. We praise Him for His care and His Word that reveals Himself to us.

He is exalted, far above all else. Everything we have has come from Him, and it all pales when compared to Him. Our great GOD; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One GOD; Holy and Righteous is a GOD of Glory who is all powerful, all knowing, and yet concerned and involved with His creation.

As Creator and the One who made us, He has every right to dictate terms, and those of us who have surrendered to Him must share Him with those we meet. As the only true GOD, He alone is to be worshipped and those of us who know Him are commanded to spread His Word everywhere. As our Redeemer, we love Him because He first loved us, and those of us who have received Jesus Christ are compelled to tell others of what He has done for us and what He can do for them.

Jesus Christ, The Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, came to bring deliverance to those that are captive to their sIn. 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. You must be born again: Believe His Word and receive Him 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 forgiveness of the sIn that separates you from GOD; He will answer you as He has promised.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Joy to the world the LORD is come

12/19/2013

O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a City of habitation. (Psalms 107:1-7)

Our Gracious LORD, who created all things, who humbled Himself and became flesh, has become our Saviour. He has purchased us with His own blood, and now makes intercession for us, and He will soon return for us, and to put all His enemies under His feet. Our GOD, Our Deliverer, Our King, Jesus. Praise His Name forever.

Rejoice in His Salvation, that others who thirst for righteousness may be drawn to the Living water. Praise Him for His forgiveness of our sIn, that others who are spiritually hungry might receive the Bread of Life. Worship Him for He is Lord of all, that those troubled by sIn may find grace in Christ.

Because of what GOD has done for us, we must tell the world of what He can do for them. We must share this Joy in Christ with others so that they too may repent, believe, and Live. It is not a choice, it is not a suggestion, GOD has commanded us to be His witnesses and tell everyone everywhere of the Good News of Salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary.

Since all who are without Christ are still under judgment and the wrath of GOD, He says you must be born again. Surrender to Him on His terms, and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. 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. Believe His Word, and receive Him by faith in His finished and perfect work for your sIn, and then you as a redeemed child of GOD can say SO!

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Go tell it on the mountain

12/18/2013

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all His praise? Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that Thou bearest unto Thy people: O visit me with Thy Salvation; (Psalms 106:1-4)

Praise GOD from whom all blessings flow. Bless GOD for all His benefits. Worship GOD in the beauty of Holiness.

It is good to remember and recount all the things that GOD has done, and know that as His mercy and grace have been extended to us in the past, they will also be afforded in the future. In this Psalm, the writer recounts the journeys of Israel and all that GOD did to deliver His people. We can take comfort in seeing GOD's Hand at work with the nation of Israel, but also take warning when we see GOD's rebuke and judgment.

GOD hasn't and won't change, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. GOD expects us, even commands holiness and righteousness from His people. We who have His Salvation through Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary are expected to show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. We are commanded to tell the Good News of His Salvation to all people.

GOD, who is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth, has provided Himself, the only Way of Salvation. If you surrender to Him on His terms, and trust His grace and forgiveness, He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Be born again by faith in His Word and His sacrifice in your place, to pay your sIn debt, and rejoice in His goodness and mercy.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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