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Tonight was so good Pastor John!
When everyone was kneeling praying it was so sweet to see the children fall to their knees! We are so very, very blessed! There is no where on this planet I would rather be than with this precious body! I’m just wallowing in pure love and joy Jesus has given me. I LOVE MY LIFE! It’s so good to feel this! I never thought life could be so good! What a difference Jesus makes!
Michelle
Pastor John
This morning I really wanted to listen to a preaching cd. I felt hungry for it. So I looked through my cd’s that I had in my car and put in the sermon on “Jesus Name”. It was so good! All the way to work I felt like I was putting on armor. Then I finished it on the way home.
On it, you said, “You must hate Buddhism, Hinduism and everything else that does not come in Jesus name. I thought about that, and I started talking to Jesus…out loud…the feelings were overwhelming! I asked Jesus if I hated what He hated, the way He hated it. I can say I hate Christianity, Hinduism, and all the rest, but do I REALLY hate false religion like He does?
Then the spirit of prayer came over me and I was praying about this like I never have before. I said, “Jesus, I am just a pile of clay in Your hands. I want to hate like you hate. I can’t do anything, but You can do everything. You can create in me the kind of heart that will please you!”
If I hate the way He hates, then I can please Him, I won’t be confused when spirits come around, and I will know how to treat them. Then I felt this love and encouragement come over me because He is the one who put it on my heart this morning to listen to that cd. He put that hunger in my heart! He put the prayer on my lips and in my heart!
Wow…I really feel loved, and if He put it there, then I know He wants to correct my heart and teach me. That is just so good to me! If it’s not right…Jesus can make it right!!
RE: Pearl of the day for June 4.
This Pearl is well put.
It’s the SPIRIT that people bring to their study of the Bible that makes a difference. And as you have said: “You can’t understand the Bible rightly unless you have the same Spirit that inspired it to be written.”
There are many who have tried to justify all sorts of doctrines: ”The Bible says that we should be vegetarians.” ”The Bible says we’re saved if we confess the name of Jesus.” “The Bible says that we should never judge others.” ”The Bible says that Jesus is a God of love and forgiveness and won’t condemn any to the eternal lake of fire.” ”The Bible says we should all evangelize and win souls to Christ. ” ”The Bible (NT) doesn’t really say that homosexuality is wrong, because Jesus never mentioned it once. ” And of course — ”Everyone can worship God in their own way.”
Some other spirit has snuck into people’s minds and has skewed their understanding of the scriptures—-AND if they have not the Spirit of God, their discernment in the Spirit is utterly lacking—thus they’re prone to believing wrong doctrines or making up their own.
Pastor John—Listening to your sermon on The Law and on the Tabernacle is riveting and liberating. I thank God for it and for you.
Be well!
Brad
Good Morning John,
I was on my way to work this morning driving through the back roads by my house heading to the job site. I came across a church sign that said “Living without God is like trying to bounce a football”. As I got further down the road the spirit spoke to me and said, “Nobody is living without God.”
The only reason anyone is alive and here on this earth is because the Father and his Son created them. The only question is, are we his child or not? And are we following his spirit? As I drove on, my thoughts went back to this week end and how wonderful it felt and how good it was to be with my family.
I thought about what you were preaching about God ’s children and how much we give away when we try to add something to what he has done for us through his spirit. Most of God’s children don’t even know that is what they are doing when they join a church or add any ceremonies to the worship of God.
Tears filled my eyes as I thought about how much some of our brothers and sisters have thrown away and what we have lost by them being a part of Christianity, and how thankful I feel to be able to understand and be taught about our Father and his Son, and about following God’s spirit and hearing his voice.
At that point , as the tears flowed, I felt so thankful . How much of a privilege it is to be a part of what God is giving to us through you, John. It is a rare thing on this earth what God has given to our little group , and all we want is for all of God’s children everywhere to have it , and for us all to be one in the spirit. I feel more thankful every day for what he has done for us . Thank you John.
Stuart
Hey John,
Have you ever seen the movie “Twelve O’Clock High”? While I was not feeling well a few days ago, I started to watch it, having not seen it before. It’s a World War II movie starring Gregory Peck, and I was not prepared to be as blessed as I was, during the first half of the movie especially. For me, it was a wonderful picture of spiritual truths we have seen in you, and things you have taught us about leadership and God’s kind of government.
Trying to make this as short as I can, in the movie, Gregory Peck was an officer who was under the main General, and the main General wanted him to find out what the problem was with the 586th squadron (not sure of the squad #), because they were suffering abnormal losses. The leader (named Davenport) was very respected by his men, but it was getting around that they were “unlucky”, even though he was supposedly a good leader.
Gregory Peck could not figure out the problems after looking at the situation initially. He reported to the main General that he couldn’t find an answer and the main General said that there was always an answer, and had him arrange a meeting with Davenport, himself, and Gregory Peck.
The main General was very discerning. When he interviewed Davenport about the last raid that went wrong, Davenport told them it was a that they got there at the wrong time and suffered losses because of it. He would not put the blame on the navigator who made it happen, but the General immediately interviewed the navigator who confessed to be the problem, but Davenport kept defending the navigator and didn’t want to tell on him (covered for him), because he thought the navigator was a good man, and he liked and respected him (even though he had made a big blunder.)
After the interview, the main General asked Davenport why he did not get rid of the navigator. And Davenport said it was because he was a good man, and it was merely a mistake (and because he liked him.). The main General said, “what happens to the next crew that gets in a plane with that navigator? What confidence will they have?” Davenport kept defending the navigator and would not remove him willingly, so the General ended the meeting and stripped him of his command, and gave the squad to Gregory Peck without even saying why (you knew why, watching the movie). The General discerned that Davenport did not have the strength to think of the unit as a whole, and was respecting popularity and favoring people instead of doing what was right for all. He was not fit to lead with those qualities. It was the picture of the downfall of a man who had “friends.”
Gregory Peck was given the command, and he was determined to not to have any “friends” so to speak, but to do what was right for the body of his unit as a whole. He had seen what Davenport did wrong and tried very hard not to go down that road. He took care of people that were infecting the unit with their wrong attitudes, got the squadron back to basic discipline, and basic tactics. He went through all kinds of situations that I thought taught about responsible leadership and not respecting people above what was right. At first the men rebelled – they wanted Davenport back. Gregory Peck didn’t know if he could hold them together long enough to fix it…. But as Gregory Peck’s decisions brought them success, they started to warm up to him.
I fell asleep that night, and it did not hold my attention enough to see the end of the movie, but Paul said the General ended up removing Gregory Peck too, because the same thing ended up happening to him, as to Davenport. He started having the admiration of his men (and wanting it) and was no longer fit, even though he had fixed the unit. wow.
There were many other examples, but the point is, that the movie made me very appreciative for you John. The experienced General reminded me of how God shows you a problem, and you take care of it. He knew that a leader could not be after popularity or to satisfy friends. And over the years I have seen you get real “results” by sticking to what was right, not concerned about “how big”, “or “who it is” or any such thing.
I enjoyed understanding what I was watching, in light of what you have taught us. I thought that movie was a good lesson on “spiritual” leadership, with it’s insights, and types, and spiritual shadows, if you had the eyes to see the similarities. In any case, I enjoyed thinking on these things. We have seen them happen amongst us. 🙂
Gary
Pastor John
Last night I went to bed and felt so happy, so content and so very thankful for all Jesus has done for me. I just kept thanking Jesus for everything until I fell asleep.
Sometimes I get still and get overwhelmed with what Jesus has done for me, what Jesus has taught me and the great mercy that He has had on my life! I looked back and found an email I sent you a while ago and attached it (below). It was sweet to read it, but what is even sweeter is how He is still doing for me, He is still teaching me and He is still having mercy on my life! What a sweet Savior, what a precious friend!
I never want to forget what He does for me, how He loves me and how He keeps me. At the bottom in red are the things I have added! I know there is much much more……….but it’s still wonderful to think on these things!
1/27/12
Hi Pastor John
Since last weekend, I’ve been thinking about how much I’ve learned and am still learning. The Lord has had such mercy on me, and as I’ve been writing these things, it really makes me see how blessed I am. These are the thoughts I had, day and night. Sometimes as I was falling asleep, I would think of something and write it down.
1. The importance of tithes/offerings.
2. My name was written in the Lamb’s book of life before time began.
3. One receives the holy Ghost with “stammering lip” and “other tongues”.
4. Don’t speed.
5. Leave something with people you see – even if it’s just a smile.
6. It’s ok to be happy, laugh and be free in the spirit.
7. We are different from the world because of the spirit that dwells within us – not because of our outward appearance or ceremonies.
8. The holy Ghost will dwell in an unclean temple…..God is merciful.
9. I can trust the love of God and the love of God in my brothers and sisters.
10. You can have a perfect heart and still make mistakes.
11. Traditions bind God’s people
12. The truth will indeed set you free.
13. When God puts two people together, it’s a beautiful thing.
14. There is perfect order in God’s ways.
15. You can feel safe in your Pastor’s hands.
16. It’s ok to ask questions.
17. You must be able to stand open before God before you can have perfect fellowship with His saints.
18. When you fall, God wants you to learn, get up, and keep moving forward.
19. Jesus’ sacrifice was IT!
20. Jesus is IT!
21. We are human. Everyone of us has battles.
22. The meanings of different doctrines I’ve heard through out the years.
23. If you know the truth, all the counterfeits will be obvious.
24. Spiritual authority.
25. The devil has no control over my life.
26. God has every bit of control over my life.
27. The love of God is so deep, my human brain cannot comprehend – but it’s exciting trying to find out!
28. What God gives us is for people not against them.
29. Benjamin Franklin (not the Bible) said “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. (Funny, I always heard this, but never knew who said it….duh.)
30. Two foolish virgins cannot get along with each other. A wise virgin can get along with anybody.
31. I WANT TO BE SUBDUED!
32. God can heal anything….sickness, disease, a broken heart, a broken relationship, our thoughts.
33. Happiness comes from God…. not the world.
34. Jesus is my bestest friend….. He has never left me alone. Ever.
35. God’s mercy is remarkable.
When I came to your house two years ago, I thought I was lost and didn’t have a chance. Just look at what the Lord has done for me! I’m so thankful for His mercy. I’m thankful that in this great big world, He looked down and saw me and my family and led us to you….. all of you! There is nothing that God can’t do……for anyone.
36. The sincerity of the love of God that grows deeper and deeper in my heart
37. The simplicity of life in Christ
38. The peace that comes with trusting in Jesus
39. The joy that comes in the morning…. afternoon…. and night.
40. The sweetness of Jesus taking care of the painful moments in my life
41. The love and mercy that He continues to show
42. The family, the fellowship and the love that only He gives
What a wonderful life, Pastor John! Even in times of trouble, heartache, sickness and pain, He makes it all worth it. We are truly blessed!
I love you very much!
Michelle
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebtfro5XEbQ
Pastor John,
It has been an amazing week, seeking the answer to the question you asked me:”Where was Christ when He was sacrificed?” I did find the answer and had a wonderful week with Jesus.
When I got home from the OT study last Sunday, Jesus put a question on my heart (this is before doing any homework or listening to a disc). I was talking to Jerry and I asked him “How did people do the right thing without the law written on their hearts?” I had never really thought about that. That was just the beginning. It seemed like everyday Jesus was putting a question on my heart and answering it the same day. He seemed to be two steps ahead, whispering the question and then gently guiding me to the answer. Today dispatch sent me two hours away, to Philpot Ky. The entire drive this question was just heavy on my heart. I felt like it was right there, but that I couldn’t see it. So I told Jesus “Lord, sheep are not very smart and the shepherd has to lead them… Will you help me find the answer?” I think I made reference to the blind man Jesus healed too. Anyway, after reaching the location, I found out dispatch had made an error and I was supposed to be in Paducah Ky….2.5 hours away. I had to find a parking lot and wait for further direction.
While waiting, I went to http://www.goingtojesus.com and found the video on sacrifice, in the OT study. I listened to it three times. While driving home (video was playing), I felt Jesus on my right side. First my right leg got very warm, the air was on high so it seemed odd that I felt that intense heat. Then my arm and shoulder became very warm. I felt like Jesus was sitting next to me, as close as He could sit. I drove the rest of the way home, holding hands with Jesus. It has been so sweet just to have him teach me. I felt so much, watching all of you respond to what God had taught you about this.
Beth
http://www.goingtojesus.com/site/php/savingstrength.html
http://www.pioneertract.com/tracts/52_RenewedStrength.pdf
Pastor John,
For years, I’ve wrestled with fatigue. Sometimes it gets so bad I hardly have the strength to speak. I get just plain worn out, from activities or exercise that normal people do everyday. It’s a debilitating fatigue that is deep inside; not just simply being tired or drowsy. It’s a terrible “drained” feeling; and a weakness at later hours in the day. That’s why I finally went to see some specialists and get blood work—to check my thyroid, and my blood sugar levels, and my hormone levels. The thyroid and glucose tests turned out surprisingly positive, with only a hint of high-blood-sugar issues. The latter tests I have postponed, because I am now feeling better!
But It started to get worse the week before Mother’s Day, May 11th, then became much worse by May 14th, and on Thursday, the 15th, I had a touch from Jesus. . . a BIG touch. . .
I found some GCC tracts: Saving Strength and Renewed Strength. Had never read them before. Don’t recall ever seeing them before, but there they were; I had printed them from the PTS website, apparently, perhaps a year ago, they were in a box of office papers and stuff that I’d put in the garage. I was searching in this box for some memories for Molly’s scrapbook and Jesus put those tracts right smack dab in my path. They intrigued me. So I read them. I wept. I praised God ! They were the answer to my malaise. So I prayed and worshipped God. I felt the power of God upon me, like a heavy, comforting embrace. And then—a release. And I suddenly felt better. . . almost completely delivered from the previous symptoms. What a RELIEF!!! I went about my day…confident in Christ…and the fatigue has not returned since. In fact, I worked so hard at the retail store on Monday I thought I’d have a heart attack, from the extreme cardio exercise (stocking outdoor recreational equipment and shoving boxes around in the warehouse), but at the end of my 8 hour shift, I felt okay. Really okay. I went to Patty’s that night for OT study and I felt energized–especially after your OT preaching on the Tabernacle.
It’s all GOD. It’s HIS strength. If we stay IN HIM, we have health. . . and strength. It’s that simple.
I’m going to trust that from now on.
I never realized it till I read your father’s eloquent faith-filled writings. He was such a sweet man of God.
Brad
Pastor John,
I can’t find any information that I’m searching for. I know you’ll be able to assist me. I’m trying to get my brain to comprehend the chronology regarding the dates of historical texts.
My daughter and I were having a chat about the veracity of the Bible, and she asked the common question: “When was the Bible (OT) written?” AND “Weren’t the Greek myths and the Gilgamesh epic and others written long before the Bible?” (I think she’s trying to claim that the Bible is not the original documentation of the Flood story nor the story of the One true God.)
I believe I recall you saying that the Bible stories came first, and others were hand-me-downs throughout other cultures based on here-say knowledge of the Bible stories, told verbally in those days.
But….Moses probably wrote the early scriptures around 1500 BC, according to my KJV. Greek myths were written around 1900 BC, weren’t they? (As if that’s supposed to prove that their gods were more valid than the true Jehovah God in the OT.)
When was the book of Job written? Much earlier , correct?
CB
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Hi CB:
(From one website, May 28, 2014):
” How Old Are Greek Myths?”
“Zeus and the other Greek gods on Mount Olympus, from Aphrodite to Poseidon, are familiar characters to many readers. The Greek stories of gods, heroes and monsters are told and retold around the world even today. The earliest known versions of these myths date back more than 2,700 years [circa 700 BC], appearing in written form in the works of the Greek poets Homer and Hesiod. But some of these myths are much older. Indeed, the Greeks borrowed some of their best material from other, more ancient stories.”
Moses wrote 600-800 years before the date given here. Even if, as some scholars think, Homer wrote as early as during King David’s time (about 1,000 BC), Moses still came centuries earlier. Some classical scholars have even suggested that there never was a man named Homer, so little is known of him. But the figure of Homer is the “go-to guy” for originations of many ancient Greek mythological concepts. The Iliad and Odyssey, which bear his name as the author, were to classical culture what the Bible used to be to Western Culture. They were basic to education and to the Greek understanding of life itself.
The Flood happened 1,656 years after Creation (about 2,500 BC). To my knowledge, nobody holds that the Gilgamesh epic was written before that. Moreover, there are flood stories in many cultures around the globe, all of them originating after the Flood happened, of course, which is a testimony to the reality of the event that is recorded, and was recorded first, in the Bible.
All theories of human social development (including mythological development) before recorded history (written history) are based, of course, on evolutionary doctrine, and they have no foundation. The third millennium BC is the farthest back in time that man’s recorded history goes. Everything taught by man concerning events before the third millennium BC, therefore, is guesswork. Isn’t that astonishing, considering how very much is taught to our children concerning the time before there Third Millennium BC?
And yes, the story of Job took place very early in history, even before Moses. When it was at last written down, no one knows, or can know.
Lastly, while I understand that discussions like this must take place with our children when they are confronted by the skeptical cynicism rampant in the educational system of our decadent culture, let me remind you that nothing convinces souls of the truth of the gospel like the power of God does. Pray that Jesus will touch your daughter. If he does, then what she has heard from men won’t matter to her at all. It won’t even matter to her if the Bible was written last week. She will know the truth, and the truth will make her free.
Pastor John
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Good morning John,
Sorry, I wasn’t able to get to this when you sent it yesterday. I sure liked your answer, though, especially at the end when you say it doesn’t make any difference what a person has heard from men if they have been touched by Jesus to hear and believe the Gospel. There is a lot of physical “evidence” out there to support just about any theory that men come up with, but if someone has truly felt the power of God, that trumps everything else, so that you don’t even have to bother wading through all of the man-made theories to know the truth!
Vince
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Pastor John,
As I was reading this my mind started wondering and it made me feel a little overwhelmed. Then I read your last paragraph and it brought such a peace. The truth will set you free and it’s good to know that the “truth” is all you really need to know!
Michelle
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Amen, Michelle.
jdc
This Pearl of the Day from years ago is so good! But as GCC used to say sometimes after my sermon, “I’m going to put a cap on it.”
You CAN decide you will believe the truth and hang around for a while, maybe years, but you will not last. You can’t last any more than the disciples could last with Jesus through the garden. The truth is too much for those who are in the flesh to stay with. They will be pruned out, regardless of how determined you are to stay. God makes all the decisions that have to do with His kingdom, including who inherits it.
Pastor John
