Personal Thoughts and Ministry

GOD resists the proud and gives grace to the humble

3/22/2016

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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GOD is our refuge and strength

12/21/2015

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Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled. (Jos 20:2-6)

      GOD commanded Joshua to set aside several cities of refuge, not for willful criminals to escape justice and judgment, but for those who unintentionally caused the death of others to avoid vengeance by the victims family. They would not escape justice and would be judged, but it would allow for the civil process to review the case and protect those who were not guilty of blood-guilt. GOD had recognized the nature of vengeance and allowed for it, but also protected those who were not guilty of premeditated murder and assault from the families of those they hurt or killed.

      It is also a picture of Jesus Christ, who is our refuge. We, by our very nature, are guilty of sIn, and yes some of that premeditated. But GOD in His mercy and out of His love for His creation, sent His only begotten Son, to put on flesh, and live a perfect human life as a man, and to pay for our sins, that we might receive mercy and grace through Him, and not the vengeance, judgement, and justice we deserve. GOD's grace is a free gift extended to those who have repented of their sins and put their faith and trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary for our Salvation. GOD's mercy means we are free from sin, not to sin more, or to live as we please, but true liberty to live in Christ, through His Word and indwelling Spirit, living His life in us and for His glory.

    Living the life of liberty and service that He has fore-ordained that all who come to Christ should live means living for Him and by Him. We live His life as we minister to others in His power and by His direction, that those around us who are hurting and in need might know Him. We live His life as we disciple one another, the members of His body, in His Word and with love one to another, as He also loved us. We live His life as we go in His authority to this lost and dying world with His Gospel and share the Good News of reconciliation with GOD through Jesus Christ to all who will hear, that those who repent and believe 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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Attend to My Words for they are Life unto those that find them

10/2/2014

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He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. And if a man lie not in wait, but GOD deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. (Exo 21:12-17)

    This is the first book of Covenant Laws that GOD gives to govern civil behaviour, as an application of GOD's Moral Law. GOD is serious about our relationships with one another, and even though today we don't apply this law as Israel did, GOD has not changed. In this time, such crimes as listed here were worthy of death, because it was a crime against GOD and His Sovereignty and Creation. Whether it was the taking of life, the selling of it, or cursing those who gave us life, GOD is the one whom the Israelites were ultimately sinning against, and worthy of death. GOD is life, and truth, and blessing, and must punish sIn, and had Moses punish these crimes in this life as well.

    In reality, GOD has already told us, that all sIn is worthy of death, for it is against Him. While He set up certain civil punishments for the Israelites, He also set up a refuge for those who killed accidently. GOD is gracious, and has given us a place of refuge to run to, for forgiveness and reconciliation with GOD. That does not mean we will not face the consequences of our actions in this world, just as those who committed these crimes faced civil punishment. But, it does mean that those who truly repent and surrender to GOD on His terms can find grace.

    GOD's people, while under grace, are still subject to the civil laws of the country they abide. There may come a time for civil disobedience, but we will suffer the consequences of that action, unless GOD is merciful. Our testimony requires us to obey, until and unless our obedience to GOD conflicts with our obedience to man. And while we are here, we also obey GOD's call to minister to the hurting, disciple one another in love, and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who will hear. As we go, we share the Gospel we live, that others may 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. 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. Though we are guilty before Him, 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 and refuge from sIn and guilt, now and always.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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By faith Abraham obeyed and he went out not knowing whither he went

6/9/2014

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. (Gen 12:1-6)

We have come from the creation of all things in a perfect world, to man's disobedience and rebellion bringing death and decay, through a world-wide flood that destroyed all but those on the ark, to the confusion and scattering of those at the tower of Babel. Now GOD, with His focus still on the redemption of man through Jesus Christ, begins to deal with the man who would be the father of that nation, Abraham. Though the descendants of Abraham, the Messiah, Jesus Christ would come, for when He put on flesh, He was born of a Jewish family just as GOD had foretold.

Here he is still Abram, for GOD has not yet changed his name. GOD has called him out of his idolatrous country, and his family with him. They stop in Haran, in the country of Aram, and some of the family stay there. The rest join Abraham and journey to the land of Canaan as GOD had directed. GOD has great plans for this man, his descendants, and the nation that they would become. Not only were they the nation that GOD chose to bring the Messiah from, but they were to be His messengers in this lost and dying world and to be His agents for the preservation and proliferation of His Word.

Today we, in the Church, are His ambassadors and we are, as they were, to spread the Gospel and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone we meet. The Church does not replace Israel in the Scriptures, for GOD is not done with His chosen people, but in this church age, and the time of the Gentiles, we, both Jew and Gentile, in the Church are called to minister to the hurting, disciple one another in love and His Word, and as we go, share His message of grace and love to all who will hear that they might 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 Him 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. He calls you, just as He did with Abraham, to trust Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, for forgiveness and Salvation. Believe His Word and receive Him by faith in what He has already done for you today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.

11/1/2013

Hear my cry, O GOD; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of Thy wings. Selah.
(Psalms 61:1-4)

GOD does hear us, no matter where we are, if we are one of His. Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages who laid down His life for His own, is now a shelter for all those that have put their trust in Him. We are secure, kept in the Father's Hand because of the Blood of Jesus Christ shed for our sIn.

We who are the Church, the Blood bought children of the Living GOD, are covered and under His protection, provided we are obedient to His Word. We can trust Him for our daily needs, and all our provision because He has promised it to us. That is not a license to sIn, or a blank check from GOD for He is not our butler or genie, we are His servants; It is a promise that our Lord cares for us and wants what is best for us, provided we obey His Word, and do His Will.

The only prayer GOD will hear from those that are lost and separated from GOD because of their sIn is one of repentance and surrender to Him on His terms. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He is not willing that any should perish, but wants you to be born again and receive by faith a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and trust Him for forgiveness of your sIn, and His great Salvation.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD holds us in the palm of His Hand

10/17/2013

GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the City of GOD, the Holy Place of the Tabernacles of the most High. GOD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: GOD shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of Hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (Psalms 46:1-7)

While our strength will fail us, GOD's strength is made perfect in our weakness. No matter what happens around us, we don't have to fear for our GOD is with us and nothing can separate us from the love of GOD. He cares for His own. He knows each of us, before we were born, and knows the plans He has for each one of us. His Will and Work in, through, and for us will be accomplished for His purpose and His Glory.

When He returns for His own, and during the Great Tribulation that is to come, He is going to conquer His enemies, and then establish His Kingdom on this earth. When He makes all thing new in nature, and restores all creation to what it once was, before the fall and sIn, we will worship Him in His Holy Place. Jerusalem will be cleansed and made whole again, and His throne will be firmly established.

His enemies may seem to win now, but there is coming a day, when all will look on Him who they pierced and all will bow to Jesus as Lord to the Glory of GOD the Father. We can trust Him, and rest assured in the promise of His return, and His care and protection of those that are secure in Christ.

Those that don't know Jesus, who have never surrendered to Him on His terms cannot rest in His promises, for they have not been born again. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Believe His Word, and receive by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship that is abundant and everlasting. He is not willing that any should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. Trust Him today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound

10/11/2013

I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our GOD: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my GOD, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (Psalms 40:1-5)

Thank GOD He is patient with His children, and with those that don't yet fear Him. If He gave us what we deserve because of our sIn, we would be destroyed. Adam would have died the moment he ate the fruit and disobeyed GOD. But, GOD is merciful and is not willing that any should perish and so He provided Himself, the Lamb of GOD that takes away the sIn of the world.

Those of us who have believed and by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary, received His free gift of Salvation have a new song of grace to sing. We have been rescued by His Spirit from the pit of sIn and disobedience, and secure in the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ. We praise Him because of His mercy. We adore Him for He is Worthy. We love Him who first loved us and gave Himself for us.

We declare the Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ to all that will listen, for their is no other rock, no other saviour, no other GOD. All our righteousness is as filthy rags, and we cannot abide in His presence except we are born again and covered by His blood shed in our place and to pay our sIn debt.

If you don't have a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ that is real and personal, GOD, who has judged us all as sinners and pronounced us all under a sentence of death, wants you to repent. He is not willing that anyone should perish, but come to the knowledge of the Truth. Surrender to Him on His terms and be born again. Believe His Word and receive Him by faith that He might give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Jesus loves you so much that He died in your place. Accept His offer of forgiveness today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD hears and answers our prayers

9/6/2013

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my GOD: for unto Thee will I pray. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up. For Thou art not a GOD that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with Thee. The foolish shall not stand in Thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (Psalms 5:1-5)

David cried out to GOD to hear Him, he sought Him early and often, for he knew that only in GOD was there any hope, any salvation, and any true and lasting peace and joy. David also knew that wickedness and spiritual foolishness would separate himself from GOD. GOD has to deal with sIn, for it is an affront to our Holy and righteous GOD, who is just and perfect in His judgments.

He has declared that all of us are sinners and stand guilty, worthy of punishment because of our sIn. But, He loves us so much, that He willingly and humbly stepped out of Heaven to provide the salvation that we cannot achieve or pay for on our own. All our righteousness is filthy rags when compared to GOD. In our sinful state, we cannot dwell with GOD, nor stand in His presence, for all our works apart from GOD, are works of iniquity. Jesus, the Son of GOD, who is GOD the Son is our King, the King of Righteousness, and our GOD. Because of the blood He shed on the Cross of Calvary we, who are in Christ, can boldly approach the throne of grace, and GOD hears and answers our prayers. It doesn't make us better, just forgiven and accepted into the beloved.

For those that are not yet born again, who have never surrendered to GOD on His terms and received His righteousness by faith in His finished work on the cross, GOD calls you to Himself. The prayer He is waiting for you to pray is a prayer of repentance and submission to His will. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He freely offers you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe His Word and turn from your sin and self today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The battle belongs to the Lord

9/4/2013

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in GOD. Selah.
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. Selah.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my GOD: for Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: Thy blessing is upon Thy people. Selah. (Psa 3:1-8)

David cries out in lament to GOD during his struggle with his own son, Absalom. His own family was seeking the kingdom, and seeking his destruction. But, GOD was his strength and shield, his confidence and it was GOD that put him on the throne, and established the kingdom. It would be in GOD's own time, and to the man that GOD designated that the kingdom would go when GOD was done with David.

How often, when things are going wrong, and those that come against us, even from within our own churches and associations, do we cry out like David. We give up, or thinking that everyone is against us, we forget that GOD has establish us, and our ministry and therefore it will be GOD that moves us. We need to trust Him, and not despair. GOD is faithful, and He put us where He wants us, then despite what or who comes against us, we need to trust Him and rely on His strength to persevere. The battle belongs to the Lord.

His salvation comes at a price, but not one we have to pay, for Jesus paid it all. His sacrificial death on the Cross of Calvary is sufficient for our sIn debt, and He calls all who will come to repent and believe in Him. He wants everyone to know that they too can trust in Christ as redeemer, sustainer, and provider just as David did. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He is not willing that any should perish, but wants you to receive by faith in Him 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 today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Our choice is clear

6/26/2013

And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy GOD hath pronounced this evil upon this place. Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as He hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed His voice, therefore this thing is come upon you. And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go. (Jeremiah 40:2-4)

Even the heathen can recognize the Hand of GOD on His people but don't always know what to do about it, since they don't know the Lord. Here, the captain gave Jeremiah a false choice because GOD had already told Jeremiah to stay in the land and witness what He was going to do. And while the Babylonians may not realize it, GOD has more punishment and condemnation against the sIn of His people. The captain was gracious and freed Jeremiah from his false imprisonment, and gave him the opportunity to go where he wished, which simply gave Jeremiah the freedom to follow GOD in complete obedience without government interference which fit into GOD's ultimate plan as well.

The Church, when properly involved with all aspects of life as pilgrims on this earth, must understand the most important task we have, just as Jeremiah understood, is telling the Word of GOD. All of it, not just the pieces we like, or the 'stories', but the whole counsel of GOD. It is the History book of the Universe. From the first verse, telling how GOD created this world, to the last verse, telling of His return and restoration of all things, we are to preach and teach all of it. We go where GOD sends us, we do what He says to do, and as we go, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those we meet. The world may or may not release us to do as we please, but GOD has already told us to obey Him and trust Him in all things.

But, if you don't know Jesus Christ, if you have never surrendered to GOD on His terms and been born again, this discussion doesn't make much sense to you. GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to a knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that He loves you, and having already paid the price for your sIn, wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. While you are under condemnation for your sIn, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ that you might have Life. A new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Receive Him by faith and believe today.

No matter what your circumstances, be obedient to the Gospel today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

<<Previous

GOD resists the proud and gives grace to the humble

GOD is our refuge and strength

Attend to My Words for they are Life unto those that find them

By faith Abraham obeyed and he went out not knowing whither he went

Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.

GOD holds us in the palm of His Hand

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound

GOD hears and answers our prayers

The battle belongs to the Lord

Our choice is clear

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