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Hast thou considered My servant

3/31/2016

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And the LORD said unto satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse GOD, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of GOD, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2:6-10)
     After allowing Job to suffer the loss of all his children and his possession, and Job did not sin against GOD, GOD now allows satan to afflict Job in his body, but not to take his life. Job is afflicted from head to foot with boils, and still does not curse GOD and die, as his wife suggested, but maintains his integrity and his faith during this trial. Not only do we see the faith of Job, but we see the foolishness of Job's wife, and that the devil had the ability, but not the permission, to take Job's life. GOD allowed all this to happen but He was, and is, still in control and still the Lord of the Universe.

     Too often, Christians begin to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, and stray from what the Scriptures teach. We have no power apart from Christ, without Him we are nothing and can do nothing. He is our strength, He is our life, He is righteousness. Through His Word, rightly divided, we have wisdom and understanding. Through His Spirit, which indwells us, we have power and discernment. We can endure the trials that come our way by resting in Him and our faith can remain strong in His Word and His redemption and eternal life which He has already purchased in His own body on that tree. Our hope is secure because of our faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. Our life is now by mercy and grace, the grace of GOD extended to those that repent, not as a license to sin, but liberty to worship Him, do His will, and accomplish His work in this broken and sinful world.

     All we do should point others to Him who has delivered us from sin, and can, not because He is our genie or butler, because He loves us, deliver us from our circumstances. He also may choose not to, either because He is testing us, chastising us, or conforming us to the image of His dear Son. He has left us here, to sojourn as strangers and pilgrims in, but not of, this world, to fellowship together, to reach the lost, and to grow up into the full measure of Him.

     His church is called to reach out to those around us who are hurting and in need as ambassadors of Christ with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness. We are commanded to love one another and disciple one another in the Word of GOD. We are commissioned to go with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world in the power of the Holy Spirit and as we go, proclaim the Good News of forgiveness of sin through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ might 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. 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 calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Blessed be the Name of the LORD

3/30/2016

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And the LORD said unto satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth GOD, and escheweth evil? Then satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear GOD for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth Thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse Thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:8-12)
      Having most of our journey through the New Testament, we now turn our attention to one of the oldest books in the Bible. The events of Job are contemporary, and possibly earlier than Abraham. The understanding and worship of GOD is very patriarchal, just as it was for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even their children up to the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai with Moses. Much of what is relayed in this account is strange to us, but there is a lot of meaning, of hope, faith, and the power and authority of our GOD that we can study, and by faith, hear from GOD and understand.

     This first look gives us an odd scene where the accuser of the brethren is allowed to come into GOD'S presence and during the discussion, he accuses Job of loving GOD for His blessings and all that GOD had given Him. GOD allows satan to take Job's possessions and family, but at this stage, he is not allowed to hurt Job, his health, or his life. GOD is still in control, and our adversary is on a leash when it comes to GOD'S people. As this account plays out, we shall explore Job's condition and lament, his friends and their not so helpful advice, and GOD'S declaration and pronouncements at the end.

      For GOD'S people, those who are secure in the Lord through repentance and faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, this account reveals that GOD may test us and our faith in Him, He may direct or allow events to come our way to conform us to the image of His dear Son, and when we are astray, He certainly will direct events to chastise His people that we turn to Him, in trust, repentance, and complete surrender to Him who is our Lord, our Creator, Redeemer, and King. GOD'S purpose for His children while we are here on this earth is to become more like Him as we do His will and accomplish His work, in but not of this broken and sinful world, as lights in the darkness until He is done with us and brings us to Himself.

      Until that day, whether we go Home to be with the Lord, or the Lord returns for His own, the Church of GOD are to be about our Father's business, as ambassadors for the King, as members one of another, and as His witnesses testifying of our GOD. We are to take the Word of righteousness and reconciliation with us wherever He sends us to meet the needs of those around us who are hurting and in need as GOD guides and provides for His people, that others might see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. We are to love one another as Christ has loved us and disciple one another that we might grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord through His Word. We are to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to this lost and dying world, and as we go, proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness of sin through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who hear and believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD, might 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. 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 calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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GOD resists the proud and gives grace to the humble

3/22/2016

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Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the GOD of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1Pe 5:6-11)
       Our daily dying to self, bearing our cross, and resting in Him who is our rest, who is our righteousness, and who is sanctifying His children to be conformed to His image, calls us to trust and obedience in our walk with Him. We who are saved by His imputed righteousness because of our faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, are to continue to walk by faith in Him, living His life and He in us. No matter what happens around us, no matter what GOD allows to come our way, we rest in Him and trust Him to bring us through it. He tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us, He cannot fail, and that no matter what He cares for us.

      We are to be careful for nothing, for our GOD cares for us. That does not mean we don't prayerfully plan, or that we aren't to be wise in all we do, but that we seek His face, follow His purposes, and go in the path He has for us, in His wisdom and knowledge. We are to bring our burdens and supplications to the Lord, to the throne of mercy that we might find grace to help in time of need. We are to trust in Him and walk in Him, that when the enemy of our souls and accuser of the brethren comes against us, we may resist, not in our own strength, nor binding him by our word, but in the strength of the Lord, rebuking the devourer in His Name and by His authority, not in vain, but as His people and children of the King. Fully armoured and in His strength we stand through Him who is our refuge and strength.

       In full submission to Jesus Christ, the Lord of life, we are to do His will and accomplish His work while we are here. His servants, in obedience to His commands, are called to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, with the Word of Truth and righteousness fitly spoken, that others may see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. His children, members one of another, are commanded to love one another as He loved us, and disciple one another that we may perfect the saints, for the work of the ministry, and edify the body of Christ. His people, on mission with Him and under the guidance and power of the Holy are commissioned to take the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father to this lost and dying world, and as we go, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will hear and believe that He is the Christ, that in believing they might 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. 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 calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet


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Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord

3/8/2016

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Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with GOD? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of GOD. Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, GOD resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to GOD, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (Jas 4:4-8)
     Those who are in Christ and born again are not to be conformed to this world, but to the image of Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son. We are to be separate from the world and its ways and systems which will pass away and is not of the Father. We are to be Holy, living His righteousness, and filled with the Spirit that we might demonstrate the fruit He is producing in us. We are to surrender ourselves to Him, humbly and completely, without reservation, on His terms, that we might be useful, profitable, and obedient servants to the Most High GOD, a holy and acceptable living sacrifice which is our reasonable service.

     He has called all people to repentance, and calls His own to Holiness and submission, not because He is a tyrant or unkind, but because He is our Creator. He is just, and has the right, consistent with His character, to hold His creation, and His people, accountable for themselves, their character, and their nature. Whatever is not in obedience to His Word, in submission to His will, and in keeping with His nature and perfection, has already been judged guilty and unworthy. Those that do not repent and submit to Him in repentance and faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary are and will remain separated from GOD, His righteousness, and the eternal life He offers all who will receive it.

      He offers grace because He loves us, His mercies are renewed every morning because He wants what is best for us, His love is perfect and He has commended His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He calls His own to holiness, obedience to His Word, and humble submission as we minister to those around us who are hurting and in need. He commands His people to love one another, even as He loved us, and to disciple one another in His Word that we may all grow thereby into the knowledge of Him who gave Himself for us. He has commissioned His children as His witnesses, taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, and as we go in humble submission and gratitude for what He has given us, telling all who will hear of the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith that they might believe in Him and in 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. 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 calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel 

11/10/2015

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Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. (2Ti 2:1-7)
     Standing strong in the faith is our duty, not to earn Salvation, for that is already paid for by His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, nor to keep our relationship secure, for He is the one who holds us in His hand, as good soldiers and ambassadors for the Kingdom of GOD. We are not to shirk or spoil the Cross we bear, for we are not above our Master. Our faith in Jesus Christ, not just a good teacher, for He was, and is, much more than that, He is GOD in the flesh, demands a strong stand in Doctrine. He rightfully demands as our Lord, obedient repentance to His reproof and correction. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour of all who trust in Him and Him alone for reconciliation with the Father, has called, commanded, and commissioned our obedience to His Instructions in righteousness.

     We are to strive, not with men, but with our crucified flesh and old nature, that we may through Christ and His power over sin be victorious in this life, living in Him and He in us, the abundant and everlasting life here and now. We are to labour, not for the fruits and rewards of this life, which will pass away, but for eternal blessings, doing the will and the work of our Almighty GOD. We are to teach, not the doctrines of men or of devils, but the very Words of GOD that all may know Him in Truth and receive His great Salvation by grace through faith.

      Our retirement may be out of this world, our crowns waiting for us at the Throne of GOD, but we can and do see the fruits of our labours, in those who repent and are reconciled with GOD through forgiveness and faith, from the Word we share, live, and preach. We see lives changed as we minister to those around us who are hurting and in need. We see the body strengthened to the work, as we love one another and disciple one another in the Word. We see lost people saved by the power of GOD when we share His Good News with others as we go, and see those that believe the Gospel and repent receive 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 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 He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Put the brethren in remembrance of these things

11/3/2015

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Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which GOD hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of GOD is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the Word of GOD and prayer. (1Ti 4:1-5)
     Unbelievers and those that pervert the Word who are in leadership but unconverted lead the flock they are supposed to feed away with their false doctrine and practices which are contrary to GOD's purposes, His ways, and His Word. All during this age we call the Church age, and the time of the Gentiles, there have been false pastors, sinful preachers and straying leaders who have ignorantly, willfully, or purposefully corrupted GOD's teachings, either out of prIde, or sIn, or because they themselves were unbelievers with a false conversion. Some paid for the position, others were elevated by their followers because of their great speaking, even though what they were saying was wrong, and still others started out right, but somewhere along the way, drifted away from GOD and His Word and led their flock unto religion without righteousness, destruction and false doctrines.

      We as believers are to study His Word and know it, and Him through it, that we might be a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. We are to know how GOD works in the affairs of men, and sets up and tears down nations, that He has set the times and habitations of all the peoples on the face of the earth. We are to know how His plan of grace by faith is carried out in obedience by different covenants and dispensations throughout History, for He has told us in His Word. We cannot pick and choose what Scriptures to follow and believe, but are to understand Him throughout all Scripture.

     All Scripture is given to us by GOD and is inspired, preserved, protected, pure, Holy, and profitable. We are to teach its Doctrines, without error or correction, for they are true and righteous altogether. We are to adjust our thinking to its reproofs for they are right. We are to repent when confronted by its corrections, for they cleanse us even from secret faults. We are to live and obey its instruction in righteousness that we may be throughly equipped unto every good work which GOD has for us to do. The call of ministry and missions to those around us who are hurting and in need, the command to love one another and to disciple one another in His Word. The commission to reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus Christ, that those who hear the Gospel and repent, placing their faith and trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary might 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 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 He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and GOD, even our Father, comfort your hearts

10/26/2015

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For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2Th 2:7-12)
      The iniquity and false philosophies of those who oppose GOD and His Truth are always at work, to deceive and being deceived. Since Adam sinned there have always been those who twist GOD's Word to their own destruction, living lives of unrighteousness even while claiming truth. Those who are not on the Lord's side, even while claiming His Name, are working for our adversary, the accuser of the brethren, the enemy of our souls. There continue to be those that promote religion, and add their traditions, thoughts, opinions, and vain imaginations to the Truth of GOD and lead others astray from the Salvation that GOD has already paid for.

     From the men of renown in Noah's day that had corrupted the whole world to the point of judgment and destruction, to the false teachers and prophets in Israel that led the people in idol worship, to the Pharisees of Jesus' day who had nullified the Word of GOD and had become disobedient in their legalism, to the cults and organized religions of today who have turned the Gospel of reconciliation by faith through grace to a system of works and bondage, to that final GOD hating world dictator who will call himself god and the messiah, there will always be resistance, ridicule, and rebellion on the part of those who hate GOD and His righteousness which comes by Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.

     We don't look for the lawless one, that man of sin, but we look for the return of our Lord to take us Home to be with Him. While we are here, the Spirit which indwells us, will continue to lead and guide us through His Word, directing us about our Father's business, on mission for Him. We minister to those who are hurting and in need, speaking the Truth in love, and giving as GOD provides, that they may know our Lord Jesus as we know Him. We disciple one another in the Word of GOD, growing in grace, and loving one another as we experience GOD together as His body, His temple, and His family. We witness to those without, that they may know the Truth, and receive Jesus Christ by faith in Him and His Gospel and know forgiveness through repentance and the Good News of reconciliation with the Father and 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 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 He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing

9/25/2015

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Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Php 3:17-21)
    The born again, Spirit filled, Christ following, members of His Body, the Church of GOD are to fellowship together, united in the Spirit, having one mind and in one accord, and preaching Truth from the Word of GOD. Those who are not so minded are to be lovingly, but properly, disciplined that they may repent or be exposed for their foolishness and opposition to the things of GOD. They do not hear His voice, neither do they know Him, and so must be judged with righteous judgment that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil.

    Even while we struggle with opposition and persecution, from without and within, we can take courage, for this is not our home. We are going to a Heavenly city, whose builder and maker is GOD, with whom we will abide with for ever. We who have repented of our sins against that Holy and Righteous GOD and put our faith and trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, look for the return of Him who has saved us. Our Lord GOD and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will return for us, and we will ever more be with Him, and like Him. Not gods, for their is only one GOD, but glorified and made righteous in Him and through Him. We are to walk in Him, and live as citizens of that country, setting our affections on things above and not on things on the earth.

    As His ambassadors, waiting for our tour to be finished, we continue to work in and for Jesus Christ, our King. We are to minister to one another and to those around us who are hurting and in need, equipping and encouraging the saints, and evangelizing those who do not know the Saviour. We are to shine for Christ in this broken and dying world. We are to love one another and disciple one another in the Word of GOD that all may grow in Him and become more like Him through His Word and His Spirit working in us to conform us the image of His dear Son. We are to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ where ever He sends us, and as we go tell every one we meet of the love of GOD and the Good News of reconciliation through  repentance and faith in Him so that those who believe and turn to GOD for Salvation might 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. 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 calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

   
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Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might

9/16/2015

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Put on the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Eph 6:11-18)
    We conclude our journey through Ephesians with this final admonishment, the battle belongs to the Lord, and we fight not with the weapons of this world, or in our own strength, but through Him who is mighty, the Lord of Hosts, who has already won the victory over sIn, death and the grave. He commands us to put on His armour, each piece put on with prayer that we might stand strong in Him and He in us, to give us victory, prepared for every struggle against sin and temptation, against persecution and false accusations, and against those who would oppose themselves and the Gospel.

    Put on the belt of Truth from GOD's Word so you are not caught with your pants down, literally; or figuratively, when the time comes to answer every man of the hope that is in you. Knowing Jesus Christ and having the assurance of your Salvation by faith in Him and His Word through your repentance of sIn and trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, prepare yourself through His Word to speak the Gospel of peace with GOD that you have received. Having His righteousness, because of His Spirit in you and the engrafted Word of GOD, shield yourself with your faith in what He has said in His Word, not a blind faith that does not know or cannot see, but a saving faith and and a grounded faith standing on the solid Rock, the evidence of things hoped for and the substance of things not seen. Take up His Sword and know how to use His Word, earnestly defending the faith that was once delivered unto the saints, not in contention or strife but in meekness and grace.

    His people are not to go in our own power, but in prayerful obedience to His Word we take Him to this lost and dying world, that they might know the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent to us and for us. We are to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as GOD directs that they might see Jesus, the hope of Glory. We are to love one another, equipping, edifying, and encouraging every one in the body of Christ as we disciple one another in the Word of GOD and grow thereby. We are to engage and enable people to enjoy Jesus Christ, taking the Gospel to every one and as we go, sharing His Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with GOD so that those who repent and believe in Him might 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. 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 calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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He that is of GOD heareth GOD's Words

8/18/2015

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Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of GOD: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of GOD: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of GOD: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of GOD: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of GOD: he that knoweth GOD heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, and the spirit of error. (1Jn 4:1-6)
    GOD's people hear His voice, through the Spirit of GOD and the Word of GOD. He speaks when we pray; to convict of sIn, to comfort and guide us in our journey, and to direct our steps. He speaks from His Word that we might know Him, grow in Him, and be conformed to the image of His dear Son as we are obedient as doers of the Word and not hearers only. He speaks to us through that still small voice, that we might know that the way we are to go, to walk in His paths and join Him in His work.

    There are many around us, and some within, that claim to speak for GOD, and yet do not know Him nor do they speak for Him, but for themselves or for their father, the devil. They can only deceive those who do not check what is said with the Standard of GOD's Word. We are to search the Scriptures daily whether those things we hear and read are so, and listen for the voice of GOD to counter the lies around us.

    We have overcome in Him all that comes against us, and when we rely on His strength and not our own we will realize that overcoming power. GOD is greater than all, His Spirit within us empowers us to the victory He has already won, and His blood shed for us has already paid our sIn debt. That payment is not a license to sIn, but overcoming power to live in liberty and in Him, to do His will and accomplish His Work.

    We are free from sIn, that we might serve Him and reach out to others who are hurting and in need. We are free from the penalty of sIn, not sIn more but to love one another and grow in Him through His Word. We are free, through His overcoming power from the power of sIn, that we might go to this world, free from its voices and lies, and take the Gospel of Truth to those around us, that they might believe the Good News of Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary for sIn and reconciliation with GOD in repentance of their sIn and faith in Him and receive 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. 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 calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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