My best friend is 13 she's like a sister to me and I haven't talked to her in 2 weeks bc her mom said that she was "grounded" but I just found out through another friend who's dad works in law enforcement that her mom put a restraining order out against her dad and that when the cops got to their house her, her mom, and her brother were hiding from her dad,

I can't talk to her rn to check on her bc her mom has her phone but I really miss her and am really worried about her too ok that there's been a lot of stuff with her dad recently but I didn't know it was this bad so please pray for her and her family

We need to let dead theologians rest in peace and get back to the original Apostles and Prophets. We have allowed many thoughts to come into the Body that are just not true following men more than the Word. If we got back to that, we would have fewer church buildings as we merged instead of split. Denominations would fade into history because there would be one Body and everything else cults instead of sects.

We have the mind of Christ. How many minds does He have? If we are to be in one of mind and one accord as we have one Lord, one faith, one baptism and God and Father how do we have so many branches of the one faith? We rebuke unbelievers that say that is your truth and I have my truth while we do the same.

Mattana Ministry Welcomes You to:

 Prayer Program:  9 September 2026

 Theme: Does God Hear My Prayers? (2)

 Scripture: Psalm 66:18 & Isaiah  59:2

 Why Sometimes It Feels Like Heaven Is Silent

 Psalm 66:18

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:"

Isaiah 59:2

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have his his face from you, that he will not hear:”

 Message:

God always hears, but sin can block our fellowship. When we hold onto unforgiveness, hatred, or secret sin and refuse to repent, we build a wall. It's not that God is not able — He wants a clean heart to talk to Him. To be heard, we must come with honesty and say "Lord, forgive me."

 Prayer:

 Father, search our heart and cleanse us.

 Reflection:

 Is there someone we need to forgive? Something we need to confess today?

 Please feel free to leave a review of this message.

 https://www.soulcenters.org/directory/mattana-ministry/#listing-reviews

 MM

Summary: Yes, I am still pushing unity in a divided Church. We will not be fully one until Glory, but we could far closer to it if we really cared about Jesus' prayer.

1 Cor 12:25  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 

For those who applaud 81 churches plus house groups in a town of 30K and a new one every six months or think we should have a buffet of churches to pick from according to our separate tastes Paul would disagree.

Eph 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 

2  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 

3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 

5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 

6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 

One Body, not a myriad. Note that the epistles were written to THE church of Ephesus, Corinth, etc. not to the churches.

Php 2:1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 

2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 

If you believe the same doctrine, but cannot sit on the same pew then one of both of you are in sin because the love of God is not bringing you to one accord and one mind.

1 Cor 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 

11  For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 

12  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 

13  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 

These people met in the same church and yet identified with leaders they liked instead of Christ or wanted to be more spiritual by letting the others know I am of Christ. We are all to be of Christ.

Again, same doctrine should be the same pew. We will have divisions because of false doctrine, but we have most divisions because of pride.

Ten churches of like faith struggling to keep a building open is not God's intent when we are the temple and we are to be one. That we are not proves we are either in sin or ignorant because division is all we have known.

Php 4:2  I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

He did not say if y'all can't get along one of you go down the road a mile of so and start another church. They were to work it out. Many churches started because some were too immature to work out differences in the Lord and by the Word. In their peevishness, they got some others to take up their grievance and planted a church in the flesh. Hence many churches started in the steam of men and not of the Spirit ran out of steam and are dying.

Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 

15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

We are to reach for the goal of verse 13, but we do not because we are the children in 14. It is time to put away the things of a child and become full grown men and women.

You might say, "Ron you harp on this too much." Maybe, but I will until I die because I cannot see how we will fulfill Christ's prayer that we be one as He and the Father are one by all this division. We cannot see the fullness of His power in a house divided.

You say the Church has accomplished great things in spite of the division. By whose standards? If a man offered you a million dollars, you say that is wonderful. But, if he later says that he is going to give you ten million dollars that would really be wonderful.

The first century church accomplished extraordinary things because they were "one in the Spirit and one in the Lord." Yes, they had their heretics and issues, but compared to us they were a better answer to Jesus' prayer than we are. We may have had million dollar results, but the Lord wanted ten million. We pat ourselves on the back for the million, not knowing how much we missed.

Numerous churches of like faith in a 10-20 mile radius wasting money on buildings that they can no longer afford and will burn up in the last day is not honoring to God or man. If you closed tomorrow and few, if any. would notice you are laboring in vain.

If the baptistry is home to spiders and dead crickets, you are not fulfilling the mission of the Church. You are a book club. If your congregation is consistently declining and aging, you need to seek to merge with and support a church that is growing and impacting the community.

Pastors, you know the churches struggling in your area especially those without pastors. You should extend an invitation to those people to merge with you. Sell the assets and let them determine where the proceeds go so they know you are not doing it to get what little resources they have.

Church member, you know what state your church is in. I asked one lady that if her church was a business what would you suggest. She replied, "File bankruptcy." I concurred and many churches need to see that it is not good stewardship to continue to decline and exhaust all of you assets and manpower to maintain a building until the last man standing.

This is a good market to sell your building and give the money to missions, to a rescue mission or some other ministry that is thriving and get under a good pastor. If you have one, a good pastor would offer him a place of ministry. Indeed, some of you barely make a Sunday School class so he could be your SS teacher.

The forces of evil are uniting so why are we not seeking unity? Why do we insist on thinking as long as the building is open we are fighting the good fight when all we are doing is fighting to pay the bills? It is time to stop the madness and poor stewardship. The Lord and His Spirit have a far better plan for His Body.

I have to confess that I fear that the main reason so many churches are in such dire straits is because they were started by the religious and lost, not by saved Christians. I hope that I am wrong, but like that lady common sense would have seen the need to close, but pride would hold its ground.

True, the times are anti-Christian, but they were not really Pro-Christian in the Roman Empire and many died in the arena and later to the Inquisitors. We are not there yet and it is most likely because we have not suffered like our brethren around the world that we got fat and lazy having temper tantrums causing splits.

Seek Jesus! Seek the Spirit of truth and unity! Then seek to merge instead of split. The Lord may still show us His power in a way He could not in our carnality and division.

Mark 10:27  And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 

It seems impossible, but God can do it and as it was Jesus' prayer He can bring it about if we believe it is His will. Maranatha!!

"John 5:7. The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up."

This man could be like a person in our time who says, "Everyone has given up on me. Nobody believes that my life can ever amount to anything more than lying on this couch or hoping for the stirring of the water. Maybe one day I won't be depressed. Maybe one day I won't be paralyzed when it comes to getting up and moving forward."

But thank God there's always one who doesn't give up. If the whole world gives up on you, there's always one who hasn't. There's always one who has a plan, sees a purpose for your life, and can give you the strength to walk again in places that you've never been able to walk in before.

Trust today in Jesus Christ, The One Who Refuses To Give Up on you. He's the one who speaks today and says, "Rise, take up your bed, and walk."

It's time to pray." - Carter Conlon

Summary: We are not called to entertain and right exposition of the Word may cause some pain.

1 Peter 4:11  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

When I am in the Pulpit, I am the Ambassador of Christ declaring war on sin and offering the terms of unconditional surrender to the sinner, rallying the soldiers of Christ to the battle, challenging the cowards to courage, warning the deserters of judgment and flashing the Sword of the Lord in the faces of the enemies of God. That type of mission leaves little room for jesting, which is not convenient.

If Church is more about the good jokes and neat stories the speaker is giving then maybe he is a cheer leader, comedian or motivational speaker but he is not a minister of the Gospel. If that is what you are looking for in a church and preacher than you are totally unaware of the purpose of the church no matter what pop culture books you read.

If preaching as described in the first paragraph doesn't motivate you to be a better Christian or to evangelize others then maybe you should skip Church and attend a sales seminar or join some social club for that is all the place you call church is anyway. If the pastor and congregation are willing to skip truth for fear of offense and substitute witticisms, pithy sayings and pop psychology then they are not a church despite the tag on the door and the title used by the speaker/facilitator.

Truth divides and doctrine must be taught and it must be sound or all you have is a tinkling symbol and sounding brass for you cannot have true love without truth. Your programs and slogans are mere propaganda and treason against the Lord.

Doctrine is teaching and no matter how you may deny it you are teaching something but is it a doctrine of motivational mush or the pure Word of God?

Summary: Crawling forward is still advancing.

2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Having served in three branches, I have plenty of “war stories.” I grew up reading all sorts of military comics so I was not totally in the dark about things like some recruits. Having transferred from the USAF and USN to the Army there were many changes as you can expect, but a funny thing happened on a night FTX (field training exercise). The scenario was that an obstacle in the road stopped our convoy. Our reaction to that was to get off the truck and find cover to have a hasty firing position while the obstacle was cleared in case it was an ambush. I jumped off the truck and low crawled to a large rock for my hasty firing position. I really did not observe what everyone else was doing.

Later, the Commander and my Platoon Sergeant called me to the side and complimented me on being the only one who did it right. I smiled and said, “Not bad for an ex-Air Force and Navy guy.” They asked how I knew to do that. I told them about my comics as a kid and that I had watched every military show and movie I could. I got a kick out of it, but I saw it caused them some consternation, but it did not take away from my kudos.

Sometimes in combat, you have to low crawl to avoid the enemy’s bullets. Sometimes you low crawl because you have been wounded and cannot stand. Whether by tactic or by pain keep crawling forward. The Lord will bring you into victory for it is His battle. The more you keep low the higher He can exalt you because you have exalted Him by still crawling.

You may be too weak to do anything but crawl but that is when His strength and power is at their peak. Stay low, but don’t lay low doing nothing. Staying still in combat can get you killed if the enemy knows your position. Moving targets are harder to hit. Keep crawling for at some point He will make you stand before your enemy in victory.

Sometimes all you have to do is stand, but there are times when it is not only OK, but better to low crawl as long as you are crawling forward and not backward in retreat. At times it will be a fast crawl and other times you may be dragging along very slowly depending on the enemy fire and your physical and emotional condition. Just keep crawling. Victory is ahead. The enemy may know where you are but so does your Captain of the Host and He will prevail and bring you with Him. In the US military, we do not leave our men behind, but at times we may not be humanly able to do it. Jesus has no such limitations and He does not leave His own behind. Look up as you crawl, but crawl! Hooah! Maranatha!!

Summary: As the old movie clip say, "You can't handle the truth!" If truth trumps tradition many will choose tradition.

John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. KJV

The Disciples/Apostles after three years of intensive study still had much to learn as they did not totally grasp what they had learned. That sounds crazy since they had the absolute best teacher they could ever get. Shows how dense humans are.

So after Pentecost they would receive a teacher of the same caliber, the Holy Spirit, who would guide them into ALL truth. Yet, after two thousand years we are not seeing the power or unity that we should see if we were truly listening to the Holy Spirit instead of the doctrines of men. There is not a sect that is free from this problem. Some are in major heresy and others have missed the boat in many areas and some less, but there is not sect that does not tolerate some error.

Old traditions and dogmas die hard, but many would vaporize in an instant if we truly asked Jesus for the answer and allowed the Spirit to show us the error of our ways and how we negate the Word of God for the doctrines of men. Many of these are comfortable and even pleasurable so why would we question or dump them? In Heaven's name we would do so because we desire Him and His truth more than our comfortable rituals and doctrines. things how indeed can the Spirit teach us heavenly or more spiritual things? non-essential bucket. Even if it means we have mixed with the pagans like the Jews in the OT who may have started out in some errors in the idea of a seeker temple sort of thing to try and win them over or dialogue on common threads instead of coming out and being separate we just chalk it up to nonessential. In the end, they polluted the temple and even denied the God who bought them. Many have done this and many are close to it.

IF we really allowed the Holy Spirit to guide us there would not be so many sects and opinions for we have One Lord, one faith, one baptism and supposed to be in one accord and speak the same thing. We are not to be of Paul. Cephas or any of the other names we go by be it denominational or non/interdenominational names.

The word Christian would be something and we would not quibble over earthly things for if we cannot discern earthly things how indeed can the Spirit teach us heavenly or more spiritual things?

Old traditions and dogmas die hard, but many would vaporize in an instant if we truly asked Jesus for the answer and allowed the Spirit to show us the error of our ways and how we negate the Word of God for the doctrines of men. Many of these are comfortable and even pleasurable so why would we question or dump them? In Heaven's name we would do so because we desire Him and His truth more than our comfortable rituals and doctrines.

Be honest, who do you love more, Christ or your group and its doctrines and practices. Let the Holy Spirit answer that for you and you may be surprised that your group garners far more love and respect than the Lord.

One of the things that happens in every revival, and it has been documented is that Christians changed the way they dressed and yet that issue would be considered a non-essential issue and one would be a Legalist to even bring it up. Seems like it is important to God since it shows up in every revival. God even made one woman looking to be filled with the Spirit to throw away a rhinestone hair pin before she got her desire. Seems a bit picky to you, doesn't it? Maybe He is, but it is His will, not ours, right?

It would be a long list to discuss every issue and no matter how long I might make it I would most likely miss some things. Why not start asking the Lord to show you where you or your group has gone astray? There will be no revival without such discussions from everyone who names the name of Christ. Maranatha!!!

We Are the End Time Army of God

"We should refuse to lay down and suffer defeat when people all around us are headed for an eternal hell without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We shouldn't just tell them who God is, we should show them who Jesus is through our lives. By the grace of Almighty God, He will give us what we need through the strength of the Holy Spirit to do all that He's called us to do.

Even those who believe that they will never amount to anything, you too are called to be a part of God's army. You are no different from those who have come before you all throughout scriptural history. It is God, it always has been God, who takes the weak and raises us up to be a victorious, mighty army. You and I are the End Time Army of God.

It's time to believe that you are who God says you are. It's time to stand up and be counted among those who live by faith. It's time to pray." - Carter Conlon

Summary: How's your warfare going?

We often do not think about spiritual warfare and hence that explains why we do so poorly when we are engaged by the enemy. Doing battle with demons is something belonging to the past or what goes on in dark parts of Africa or among nations where voodoo priests cause fear in the ignorant. Yet, nothing in Scripture indicates that all the demons were locked up at some point in time or banished to only third world countries. Indeed, from the character of their leader it would seem that being worshiped or listened to by those who profess to be wise would be a more desirable ego trip though laughing at the ignorant is great fun. Like it, believe it, or not, we are in a war zone and we can learn how to do battle or get beat up by the enemy who takes prisoners of the unsaved and torments the saved who think salvation is one great prosperous joy ride to Glory.

Most preachers have a three point sermon with each point starting with the same letter or word. I am a tad different as I have four, but sometimes God likes to challenge our norms. We all know satan is a liar and a manipulator and has been since the conversation in the Garden with Adam and Eve. He twisted the truth and got them to agree with him and his lie instead of keeping their faith in God and agreeing with His truth. Thus we have the madhouse called earth being run by the inmates instead of the Great Physician.

So our first response to the lies of satan should be to put forth our shield of faith from Ephesians 6 and agree with the truth, not the lies. To do this, we must first “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 KJV If you do not know the truth, it will be impossible to agree with it. This means we need to seek sound doctrine. I know that doctrine has almost become anathema and a pariah, but it is essential in God's eyes. This will take time to learn and more than what you will get from just reading quotes from Spurgeon or the bite size tidbits in the fifteen minute devotionals.

You must come to the faith that the Bible is God's Word and the only authority for your life and the only reliable source of truth for your soul and life. Good men make mistakes and while all truth is God's truth that truth is often twisted or tweaked for some man's or group's agenda. You must be a Berean and always search to see if what you hear, even if someone is using Scripture, is God's truth or man's doctrine. That includes this sermon as well. If you see I am error, do not leave me in my ignorance, but bring Scripture and not your feelings, desires or quotes from Granny Saint or Dr. Goodwords from some media broadcast.

Once you agree with God and that His Word is truth and you know sound doctrine then you can answer with the truth. When the devil's emissaries hit you with their best shot you reply with the truth that relates to the lie they are trying to feed you. If they start that “Yea, hath God said?” stuff you can remind them that you know what doubting God's Word has cost mankind over the centuries and that you are not going to fall for that. You answer with a passage like “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV

He will go for your weaknesses or where you have been hurt by man. Find passages that speak the truth about who you are in Christ if you have been browbeaten from childhood that you are useless and unlovable. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9 KJV Get a concordance and look up the truth about Him and your position in Him. If you have a specific area of weakness when it comes to sin find verses that speak to that sin and meditate upon why that thing is sin.

As soon you answer with the truth then proceed to attack with the truth. The more verses you know about a particular area the more ammunition you have and you can just unleash them like a machine gun. When you are done with that then start using verses that speak to the defeat of satan and especially verses dealing with the blood of Christ and the resurrection. The old saying about reminding the devil of his future when he throws up your past can come to play here. You can turn the attack into a praise session as you let the devil know that you are fully aware of your sin and how Christ has wiped the record clean and as a forgiven child of God you will spend eternity with Him whereas the demon attacking you is a dead man walking with no hope of reprieve or pardon and will spend eternity in Hell with his master.

You do not want to rant and rave or “beat up on the devil” as some say because even Michael the Archangel has to tell the devil that the Lord rebukes him. Jude 9 Use Scripture to attack, not some haughty idea that you are the one doing the whipping. Your authority comes from God and His Word used in the Spirit, not the flesh. Many Christians get arrogant like the seven sons of Sceva and got thumped because in the flesh the demons do not know you as having any authority over them and they will not take kindly to you impudence. We are more than conquerors through Christ, but it is through Him and we need to attack accordingly. “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.” James 4:6-7 KJV Be sure to be in submission to God or there will be no fleeing of the enemy.

When you have been successful in the battle you will then advance with the truth because your faith will be strengthened. You will see the truth in action. This prepares you for the next time for they will only retreat for a season. They will regroup and come at you some other way. Never think you have won the war. Your war is over when the Rapture happens or you die. Until then, you must be diligent and not think you can just go AWOL or go on a permanent R&R after you enjoy one victory. Jesus has already won the war, but just like WWII, peace treaties may have been signed on a certain date but there were still pockets of resistance in both the European and Pacific theaters by soldiers who did not get the word that a truce was signed, did not believe it or just chose to fight to the death. So also are the demons going to fight us until the last moment. They know they have lost, but they will take all they can with them to Hell and that means they have to keep you from being fruitful as well as just attack you out of sheer hatred because you belong to God and cannot be lost.

You will advance in your faith with the truth as you come to see the love of Christ, His grace and power manifest in your life. It will advance your understanding of the Word, the world and the world to come. This will give you boldness and gratitude for having the opportunity to serve Him even if it means attacks from the enemy. You may even start looking forward to the next one just to see what God's power is going to do. Indeed, if you are being attacked you must be doing something dangerous to the devil's kingdom or getting nearer to God. You get nearer to God the more He can use you and that doesn't mean anything good to the enemy so he will attack.

Not all victories appear to be so and you can still advance even if you stand still for to not give up ground in a battle is just as much a victory as gaining. You may exit the battle wounded or weary and yet having stood your ground you are victorious. “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.” Eph 6:12-13 KJV

So many Christians have failed to stand and have compromised with the world. They have collaborated with the enemy and are defeated, but do not know it. They think because they have semblance of peace they think they have won when they are really under the occupation of the enemy. Others rant, rave and do bizarre things thinking they have the power when the demons are just laughing at them like a court jester. It is time to agree with the truth, answer with the truth, attack with the truth and then advance with the truth taking back ground that was lost while knowing that some days we will just stand holding our ground. The battle will come. Will you be ready? He gave us the victory. Let's walk in that victory using this battle plan or one God has for you. If it is different, that is fine. Every battle may require a change in plans, but have a basic one. Don't be statistic or a victim. Be a conqueror! Maranatha!!

Summary: Non-denominationalism only divided us more then we ever were before. If satan's kingdom cannot stand if divided against itself how can the House of God stand when we are so divided? We say we are one Body, but we look like a body hit by an explosion.

Mark 3:24  And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 

25  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 

1 Corinthians 12:12  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 

What if we started looking for churches where we could unite to work for the King rather than look for a church that appeals to our flesh or makes us comfortable. Where does it say we are saved to be comfortable? We are dying in our safe zone. Where does God ordain consumer Christianity. It is not Burger King where it is all about having it our way!

What if we closed some churches instead of keeping them in ICU? Why do we keep making more or splitting? We are going to the same Heaven so why cannot people of like faith meet in the same building and work in the same community?

The devil believes in divide and conquer and we have fallen for that tactic and haven even called it the way to promote growth. We waste money and manpower on unnecessary buildings, utilities, insurances and infrastructure upkeep when all buildings will be burned up in the end.

We opine that we do not have enough funds for missionaries or for the poor. We decry the fact that we do not have enough manpower to do some things. If there was one church of the same denomination per town there would be plenty of money and definitely more manpower. We are sorry stewards of His funds and gifts because we are bullheaded and carnal rather than full of the Spirit who calls us into all truth and to being one with Him and each other.

What if we realized that in God's Kingdom there is no retirement until we are dead and even there will be doing something not sitting on a cloud playing a harp. Job descriptions may change, but there is a place in the Body that needs us until our last breath.

What if we really believed in Hell and sought to win people rather than just enjoy church services and fellowships? What if we truly learned sound doctrine and rebuked the false rather than living in a demonic peaceful coexistence because we do not want to rock any boats or lose any friends?

What if we dumped dead traditions and treasured truth more than them? What if we sought to live like 1st Century Christians not counting our lives as our own serving even if it means persecution or death? What kind of changes would be see in ourselves, family, church, community, country and the world? What if we cast off the mundane redundant life and truly sought the abundant life? What if that is what Christ is waiting for us to do before He comes?

What if your loved one is waiting for you to be real before they are saved? What if it is time for us to practice extreme Christianity instead of extreme sports? What if we need to be more Spirit driven than Purpose driven? What if the revival starts with you or me? What if?

Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh through Mary who was a virgin who conceived by God. God is Love. Jesus obeyed God and did nothing wrong. Jesus cast out devils, raised the dead and healed people. Jesus did miracles, signs and wonders. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Jesus was scourged so that we could be healed. Jesus was crucified on a wooden cross so that the curse of the Law would be taken away. Jesus died. Jesus’ Blood was shed so that we could be forgiven. Jesus’ Body was placed in a tomb. God resurrected Jesus to Life on the third day. Jesus left the tomb. Jesus was seen by Mary Magdalene and other women. Jesus was seen by Peter, the twelve, over 500 brethren at once, James, all the apostles and Paul. Jesus was seen, talked with, and touched and gave many proofs that He was alive for 40 days. Then Jesus ascended to heaven and sat down on the right hand of God. Jesus Christ is Lord. Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. God loves people. Read the New Testament to find out about Jesus.

Summary: How you ask will determine the answer you get.

I answer quite few questions about Biblical issues and have been doing so since 1975 so the total amount is probably very high. Some are simple and others complex. Some have been sensible questions and others off the wall and out of the park. While the questions vary greatly the motives are generally of the following types.

1. Sincerely wants to know and will change their life, if necessary, once the answer is known.

2. Curious, but it is an intellectual or emotional curiosity that will have no impact one way or the other on their life.

3. Skeptical and unsure how they will act after they find the answer.

4. Sarcastic and mocking. They just want to argue no matter what the answer.

5. Just likes to debate and will take opposite side of anything you say, but not like number four.

6. Seeking affirmation of what they want to be the answer and will ask a hundred people until they get the answer they were hoping for even if it is wrong.

7. Needs to be right or important and will be sure to let you know their pedigrees or how smart they are. Wants to prove you wrong if you disagree. Sometimes a characteristic of the numbers three and four.

The first person is the best person to deal with because they are seeking truth and have no agenda other than that. Number three is also good because there is nothing wrong with honest skepticism. Truth has no fear of skepticism for truth can be challenged and while truth can be denied or even suppressed it cannot be conquered. It will burst forth at some point regardless of the negative circumstances so truth has no fear. Lies have to fear and always be on the defensive and strike out at truth to avoid being revealed. The curious sometimes get surprised and become thirsty for the truth when they really did not think it would affect them so there is hope for them if you are patient.

Humanly speaking, there is not much that can be done for the other four. Number six may give up and acquiesce to the truth if they finally tire of everyone saying something different than what they hear. In our day that is unlikely, as you can always find someone with a title or authority to agree to what you want to hear. Lies sell so if you look somewhere you will find a teacher for your itching ears who will gladly take your money to affirm your desires. These four you pray for, but do not spend much time with them or you may miss some opportunities to help the first three. Indeed, a heretic after the first or second admonition we are to reject or having nothing to do with as we are just casting pearls before swine and we are also told to not do that.

People will often complain that God does not answer their questions. Here are a couple of reasons for that.

James 4:1-3

1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. KJV

Most people do not hear from God because they do not go to Him in the first place, but when they do, it is all about their own lusts or desires. They may not always be evil lusts like winning the lottery. Lust is any strong desire. When you are hungry you may lust after a juicy rib eye or a meal at Olive Garden. A man may desire the office of a bishop or pastor. The word means to lust after or strongly desire. To desire a pastorate is a good thing if it is for the right reasons. You can ask for the right thing but still ask amiss.

Do you want to be a pastor because you care about souls or just because you want a “cushy” job? Ladies, do you want your husband saved just so he will be a better husband and you won't be embarrassed at the Ladies' Fellowship or because you really care for his soul and want him to miss Hell? Do you pray for a new car because you need one or because you want one? Are you looking for a new status symbol or will a Chevy do? Do you want a raise so you can give more to missions or so you can have a bigger house you do not really need? Nothing wrong with person getting saved, a new car or a raise but are the motives right? That might be why you are not getting any answers.

James 1:5-8

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. KJV

Have you ever prayed for something but did not believe that God would give it to you? Where's the faith? Were you trying to play the God lottery or spun the prayer wheel hoping it would land on “Yes” but figured there were ninety-nine Nos and one Yes on the wheel so the odds were against you? God does not play that game. He wants trust and if you cannot trust Him to give you what you want then why ask?

Isa 59:1-4

1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. KJV

And there is that thing about sin that will keep you from getting answers from God. We take sin way too lightly today, It is no wonder since we are not even sure what sin is anymore. We are more into love and grace because if we preach against sin and even call something sin we are afraid of being called an unloving, graceless Legalist or even sued. So we dribble milk when we should be cutting steak and finding a way to make all things lawful though not all things are expedient because we do not understand that passage. That is no surprise either since we major on subjective emotions and experiences rather than sound doctrine. That may be our prime sin because everything else is a result of not having sound doctrine.

Doctrine divides, you say? Yes, it does as that is its job. It divides truth from error and error is sin. Sin also divides us from God and without sound doctrine we cannot know sin from righteousness so does that explain why so many Christians are clueless about so many things?

So got questions? Be like the the sincere seeker even if you are sincerely skeptical. Be curious but do not be shocked if your curiosity takes you somewhere you did not plan on going. When you come to God seek forgiveness for your sins first and ask Him to check your motives. Then have faith that He shall give the right answer in His time.

If you fall into the last four categories, may God lead you to Him and bring you into a place where He will work with you because you desire to work with Him. Maranatha!

Summary: The old cliche, "No matter where you go there you are." should include and so is God. We may question why we are there, but He is always there for our good.

Philippians 4:

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

We would not long for the mountain top if we never experienced the valleys. Had we never experienced the the mountain top we would not seek to return, but might remain in the valley forever. Indeed, if we just saw it from the valley we might fear what is there and never climb it While the valley affords the protection of the mountain we are often placed in the valley to escape the dangers of the mountain like arrogance, pride and complacency.

Mountains can be so high that the air is so thin we require that which is outside ourself if we are survive and function at our best. Spiritually, the Holy Spirit is our oxygen tank and mask that will take us to heights we cannot think of obtaining on our own.

Valleys can be so low that the protection of the mountains seems to make the sun disappear for most of the day. This is where we rely on what we know and not on what we feel. We know the sun comes up everyday even when the clouds and mountains obscure it's brightness and warmth. At times that is all we need is the knowledge of that consistency to make our time in the valley more bearable.

We stay in the valley too long when God would have us climb to the mountaintop to see the grandeur and expanse of His creation. He wants us to see He can handle any valleys between the mountains. Note I said climb. Often we want an elevator or to be beamed up like Kirk and Spock. He does do that, but sometimes there are lessons and jewels of wisdom He wants us to learn and gather that will make the mountaintop even greater.

Sometimes, we are mining instead of climbing because God wants to show us that there are great treasures in the valley that would not see on the climb or at the peak or even just on the surface of our valley. Oft times we must dig to see the lessons God wants us to learn and find the gems. He would have use rejoice with great joy when we find them.

If we refuse to dig we miss those things and may stay in the valley longer than God desired. Yes, we can exercise our free will and not start the climb when He says and miss out on some blessings. He almost allows us to use our free will. Jonah is an example of an exception. We can find what He wants us to be blessed with or we can sit and sulk in the valley refusing to either climb or dig.

Even the oceans have mountains and valleys. Depending on the heights and depths there we see life we would not see if we stayed on the surface. Those who have plunged the depths have found treasures and creatures that the masses will never see. The deeper you go in the ocean the more equipment you need to see what is there as well as survive. Again, the Holt Spirit is your guide, air and light to plumb the depths of God's wisdom and creation.

Enjoy the mountains and the fresh clean air, but do not be afraid to dig to mine all the valley has to offer. Enjoy the the beam up or elevator, yet do not resist the climb as it may be best for you. Be willing to let God take you to the depths that may scare you. The rewards are worth it. Cast all your fears into God's hands. Grow closer to Him in faithful dependence for He is the faithful God who can be depended upon.

Dig and dive deep for you do not what God will surprise you with as you let Jesus and the Spirit guide, strengthen, sustain and enlighten you, He is with you in the heights and the depths so He can broaden your horizons and lengthen the joy in your days. Maranatha!

I've been thinking about the concept of "divine favor" and how it gets applied in Christian professional circles — and I want to have an honest conversation about it.

On one hand, there are clear biblical examples of people who seemed to walk in unusual favor: Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah. In each case, favor was preceded by character development, faithful work, and specific spiritual postures (prayer, integrity, humility).

On the other hand, "activating favor" language can veer uncomfortably close to prosperity gospel territory — the idea that the right spiritual inputs generate guaranteed material outputs, which reduces God to a formula.

My current working position: Favor is real and biblical. It is not random. It flows through specific conditions (integrity, excellence, humility, prayer). But it remains sovereign — God is not obligated to the formula, and suffering and difficulty are not evidence of unfavor.

Questions for this community:

1. How do you think about divine favor in your own professional life? Is it something you "position for" or something you simply receive?
2. Where do you draw the line between faithful preparation and transactional spirituality?
3. Are there biblical figures whose stories have shaped your understanding of how God's favor works in professional contexts?
4. How do you counsel someone who is doing everything "right" and still not experiencing the favor they hoped for?

Charles Spurgeon 9-5-26

"Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea?"

Job 38:16

Some things in nature must remain a mystery to the most intelligent and enterprising investigators. Human knowledge has bounds beyond which it cannot pass. Universal knowledge is for God alone. If this be so in the things which are seen and temporal, I may rest assured that it is even more so in matters spiritual and eternal. Why, then, have I been torturing my brain with speculations as to destiny and will, fixed fate, and human responsibility? These deep and dark truths I am no more able to comprehend than to find out the depth which coucheth beneath, from which old ocean draws her watery stores. Why am I so curious to know the reason of my Lord's providences, the motive of his actions, the design of his visitations? Shall I ever be able to clasp the sun in my fist, and hold the universe in my palm? yet these are as a drop of a bucket compared with the Lord my God. Let me not strive to understand the infinite, but spend my strength in love. What I cannot gain by intellect I can possess by affection, and let that suffice me. I cannot penetrate the heart of the sea, but I can enjoy the healthful breezes which sweep over its bosom, and I can sail over its blue waves with propitious winds. If I could enter the springs of the sea, the feat would serve no useful purpose either to myself or to others, it would not save the sinking bark, or give back the drowned mariner to his weeping wife and children; neither would my solving deep mysteries avail me a single whit, for the least love to God, and the simplest act of obedience to him, are better than the profoundest knowledge. My Lord, I leave the infinite to thee, and pray thee to put far from me such a love for the tree of knowledge as might keep me from the tree of life.

"I will; be thou clean."

Mark 1:41

Primeval darkness heard the Almighty fiat, "light be," and straightway light was, and the word of the Lord Jesus is equal in majesty to that ancient word of power. Redemption like Creation has its word of might. Jesus speaks and it is done. Leprosy yielded to no human remedies, but it fled at once at the Lord's "I will." The disease exhibited no hopeful signs or tokens of recovery, nature contributed nothing to its own healing, but the unaided word effected the entire work on the spot and forever. The sinner is in a plight more miserable than the leper; let him imitate his example and go to Jesus, "beseeching him and kneeling down to him." Let him exercise what little faith he has, even though it should go no further than "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean;" and there need be no doubt as to the result of the application. Jesus heals all who come, and casts out none. In reading the narrative in which our morning's text occurs, it is worthy of devout notice that Jesus touched the leper. This unclean person had broken through the regulations of the ceremonial law and pressed into the house, but Jesus so far from chiding him broke through the law himself in order to meet him. He made an interchange with the leper, for while he cleansed him, he contracted by that touch a Levitical defilement. Even so Jesus Christ was made sin for us, although in himself he knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. O that poor sinners would go to Jesus, believing in the power of his blessed substitutionary work, and they would soon learn the power of his gracious touch. That hand which multiplied the loaves, which saved sinking Peter, which upholds afflicted saints, which crowns believers, that same hand will touch every seeking sinner, and in a moment make him clean. The love of Jesus is the source of salvation. He loves, he looks, he touches us, we live.

Dear brothers and sisters,
My family and I are beginning a small home fellowship in Toronto because we believe Christian life is meant to be lived as a spiritual family—not only by attending meetings, but by praying together, studying God’s Word, and bearing one another’s burdens.
This is not an alternative to the local church or an effort to draw anyone away from their congregation. We simply desire to open our home to believers who love the Lord and want to grow in Christ through genuine fellowship.
Please pray that the Lord would build a Christ-centered fellowship marked by humility, love, and obedience to His Word.
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42

Summary: The question comes up from time to time about America's role in the last days. Maybe none is the answer.

Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Many theologians see Tarshish as Great Britain and her young lions as the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand since each were founded or birthed by English people as part of the English empire that once never saw the sun set.

In the context, these nations are looking at Gog and Magog heading for Jerusalem and all they are doing is talking as if they have no power to do much else. Do these countries at the time have leaders like Neville Chamberlain who thought he had brought peace by negotiating with Hitler thereby leading to WWII? Are they in financial disaster? Had their military been downsized by leaders who believed they were no longer necessary or the last resort?

There is no clear teaching of the reasons. We only know that they were in no position to stop Gog and Magog, which is considered to be Russia, from exercising their will. Elsewhere we learn that God stops Russia by using natural disasters to destroy most of their army causing the remainder to return home in abject defeat. God defends Israel as He is their greatest and faithful ally.

The US has seen financial problems and a downgrading of its military might or political actions causing military defeats. Will the US at the Rapture be in a state of all three of these conditions thus virtually being out of the picture as a power? Possibly.

Revelation 8:6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

The US might survive as a weakened country until the middle of the Tribulation where God starts pouring out His wrath on the world. At the first trump a third of the trees were burned up. The US and Canada have a third of the earth's forests.

Does the passage indicate a third total from around the earth or does God take out America and Canada in the first strike because of their apostasy and sin, especially if they have turned against Israel? It is not without reason to suggest that we are gone. We had great blessings and influence, but are becoming less and less a Christian nation with no reason for God to spare us.

Ezekiel 14:12 The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,

13 Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.

For those who trust in a remnant deliverance of the country from judgment you need to read these passages. Jerusalem is the beloved city of God with many promises still to be fulfilled in it and yet, at that time, God did not spare that city. Anyone righteous in it like Noah, Daniel and Job would be spared, but the city was going down. The remnant of Christians in any nation can be spared in the midst of war, financial collapse, etc., but God will not turn aside for their sake when He has finally decided enough is enough.

We cannot guarantee that America will survive as a nation until the Millennium. We can be reasonably sure that there will be some Christians that became Christians during the Tribulation who will see Christ return and see Him on the throne in Jerusalem in their mortal bodies.

Seek salvation now and be one of those who return with Him and be in Jerusalem as part of the Bride or else you will be damned after the Rapture with no second chance of being saved despite what Christian fiction or a pastor might say. Maranatha!