From The Pastor's Pen - 7/30/12 - The Act Of Being Acquitted

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith;as it is written, the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16-17 AKJ).

There's a dual set of vital Kingdom principles here, in these verses from Romans Chapter 1. We should first take note that, Paul is affirming to the fledgling church at Rome, his unabashed proclamation of the gospel of Messiah Jesus by; declaring it to be the very power of God effectual unto salvation, to any and all who believe. And Paul, of course, includes the Jew, as well as the Greek speaking gentile populations of his day, to whom he preached.

Today, however, few within the denominational churches at large, believe that the gospel is in power,

or effectual, beyond a simple born again experience. These are they whom Paul referred to as, "having

a form of religion, but deny the power thereof..." That spiritually bankrupt condition was included in his enumeration of end time signs, elsewhere in his writings. The Apostle then continued writing in the 17th vs. that, "therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith..." That kingdom principle, clearly defines Paul's purpose in these two verses, concluding the teaching by appropriately declaring that the just shall live by faith. That type of faith, to which Paul alluded in the 16th vs., is an ever increasing faith, with limitless possibilities within the context and parameters of the promises of God, and the empowerment of the Holy Ghost to every one who believes.

Yet, many professing believers today miss the mark of their full potential for spiritual power and authority, by subscribing to a weak and watered down gospel, perpetuated and endorsed by the doctrines of men. And to many more, there are continual doubts, and questions, about their own worthiness to qualify for these promises. We therefore need to clarify for ourselves, and others, exactly what it means to be just; and further, who among believers fall into that category of being justified in the eyes of God. Simply put, to be in the state of divine justification, which Paul so matter-of-factly teaches here, one must be in right standing before God. The original Greek. root, from which the King James translators derived the Anglo word "justified" was a legal term which denoted a definitive acquittal of an accused person for a crime or crimes rendered by a court of law. The acquittal, however, was contingent upon an admission of guilt. Once that condition was met, the pronounced acquittal, could never be revisited again. Today, as in Paul's day, all true remnant believers stand in a spiritually equivalent verdict of "not guilty"of our sins, transgressions, and iniquities, by virtue of the divine blood of Messiah Jesus our redeemer. And all the scriptural promises of God are ours by faith!

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus..." Romans 8:1 AKJ

From The Pastor's Pen - 6/25/12 - Being About The Father's Business

"And He said unto them: How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I should be about my Father's business? (Luke 2:49 AKJ)

In this verse, there is a message to the serious believer, beyond the obvious reality recorded by the

inspired author. Take note here that, we find the young 12 year old Messiah Jesus, (see vs.42), set

upon a path to pursue the business of His Father, which He was preordained to carry out.

If we are born-again, though our individual course may vary, the Father's agenda is ours as well, as

joint heirs with Jesus, (see Romans 8:16-17). We are likewise the children of the most High, with all

the preordained promises of power, and authority, to go forth against the powers of darkness. And that

is an important Kingdom truth we cannot afford to be ignorant of. So let's take a closer look at these

principles which are involved in His example, and how they apply to us, as Kingdom citizens today.

Firstly; we need to understand that, once we're born again into the Kingdom of God, we have the responsibility of stewardship over the created world, having become co-laborers with the Godhead.

Secondly, that stewardship often takes the form of spiritual warfare which extends into every realm

of the natural world, including the family, church and civil sphere, each of which are separate

governments. These truths were once clearly understood by the church, tho much of that knowledge

has been obscured, and or denied, in our day and time. And we as a people are paying for it!

You see, during the historical period of the 16th century, known as the Great Reformation, small groups

within the community of believers were immersed in scriptural revival and revelations, which literally

shook the very foundation of the Roman church and civil governments of the European continent.

The result, was a new and abiding awareness of Biblical knowledge, which subsequently resulted in

a break with Rome, and the birth of the protestant movement. Equally as important; the descendants

of those spiritual warriors continued the battle in the face of papal, and government persecution, finally fleeing their homelands, while carrying with them the understanding of the absolute truth that; everything, in every sphere,and realm, is a spiritual matter, subject to divinely inspired law. That seed

of knowledge, primarily from Scots immigrants, became The United States of America, a Constitutional Republic, whose declared cornerstone was Christ, and Christ alone. A nation and people

created by an act of divine providence, and subject to the oversight and stewardship of all remnant Christians who love liberty, and justice, and will settle for nothing less!

Today, as serious remnant believers, our God directed purposes, and course, is to be about our Father's business, and to occupy every territory of His created world, until Jesus comes in power and glory.

Soli Deo Gloria! Have a great 4th of July!

Consider these words of Jesus, in a parable to His own ..." Occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13).

From The Pastor's Pen - 5/21/12 - No Weapon Formed Against Thee

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 54:17 AKJ).

The above verse is a rhema word from the mouth of the God, Himself, directly to the prophet, Isaiah. As such, it is easily identified by the phrase, "...saith the Lord." And, although every word from the preserved Holy Scriptures is inspired by the Holy Ghost, this particular promise from the 54th chapters of the book of Isaiah, carries with it a singularly powerful relevance in our time.

The good news is that, when God sends the true remnant believer into the supernatural arena, the entire scope of the battle suddenly becomes His. And once we fully understand that Truth and Kingdom principle, and allow it to operate, we can confidently go forth against any and all odds or enemies. This is not to say, however, that our mission or path will be easy, but, rather, that we can be assured of a positive and victorious outcome.

In fact, the examples of Moses, David, Gideon, and, later, the Acts of the Apostles, and the sending of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, are recorded to further remind us that no weapon, no circumstance, no difficulty, however large or seemingly impossible, along the path shall prosper. Knowing that, we, as serious believers, are charged to inflict swift condemnation against any and all within, or without, the church who, through word or deed, seek to hinder the agenda which the Father has set before us.

In closing, the example given throughout the ministry of Messiah Jesus, made clear that we are endued with unlimited power from on high to carry out God's sovereign agenda in every corner and crevice of the created world in which we live. In times past that truth was clearly understood by the heads of families and the historical church, as well as the founders of our nation. Every serious believer should be aware that we are stewards of, not only our families and church, but the civil government, as well. Let us therefore conduct our business in every earthly sphere as representatives of the Most High God, and to Him be the glory!

Consider these words of Jesus...

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).

From The Pastor's Pen - 5/7/12 - Our Refuge And Strength

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 AKJ).

In the above verse from the 46th Psalm, we need to take a closer look at the Anglo word 'trouble'. That word was correctly rendered by the King James translators from the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Here the original Greek denoted extreme distress and/or a concerted and focused

attack from an enemy combatant. Further, it is particularly clear from the Greek verb segment that the

enemy in question, whether singular or plural in nature, was of a supernatural origin, rather than

a natural or spiritual one.

That said, the important type, or example, we need to draw here is that, while Messiah Jesus was

likewise continually at odds from the same supernatural entities, He always emerged from these

spiritual battles totally victorious. Part of the good news of the promises in the New Covenant

scriptures is that we can, too! But in order to do that, it is vital that we first recognize their origins

and secondly the motives and agenda of these powers of darkness with whom every serious believer

is locked in a daily life and death struggle.

Now pay attention, because I believe that if you're still reading this, you're probably among the

number of those who want to be all you can be according to the teachings of Jesus and Apostolic

doctrine. You see, if you and I are seriously committed to running the race of the Christian life, and

winning it for the glory of God, we need to begin to diligently studying and applying all of the living Word to every situation and circumstance we encounter (for accuracy we recommend the Authorized King James), and we can only do that by making the Holy Scriptures the final authority against every obstacle or trouble.

Now, briefly, back to our opening verses today. Take note that God is clearly referred to as our 'refuge' and 'strength'. In the original language, this refuge refers to escaping, or fleeing, from an impending, or present, danger while being immoveable. That's no contradiction, of course, because the reality here, is that, our abiding relationship with the Father, via the blood of Jesus, and the ever present help and assistance of the Holy Ghost, provides us with both a place of protective refuge, and divine strength by which we will not be moved, or shaken, by any trouble or events of natural or supernatural origin. I encourage you to approach and stud the preserved word of the AKJ for within the Holy Scriptures are the answers to the issues of life.

From The Pastor's Pen... 4/30/12 - Total Perception

"The woman saith unto him; Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet" (John 4:19 AKJ).

Total perception is everything! It's a scriptural principle that every serious believer needs to

understand and walk in. Total perception, is primarily an operation of the Holy Ghost, in His

capacity as the Spirit of Truth (see John 16:13). And it's full manifestation is the same divine operation which revealed to Peter that, Jesus was Messiah, and Christ, the Living Word (see John 6:68-69).

Like the woman of Samaria, in our opening verse from John the 4th chapter, our perception, or how we perceive something, can have a significant effect on our total victory as believers. In fact, our proper perception of a matter in which we are deeply involved, may also negatively control the outcome if

we view it from the narrow perspective of the natural realm. But let me explain further.

Firstly, in order to perfectly discern every aspect of a matter, we must see the whole picture, by viewing

it, not simply with our primary physical senses, but with our spiritual eyes and ears, as well. That's

why Paul clearly pointed out in the 12th verse of Ephesians chapter 6 that, our battles are not against

flesh and blood, or what may appear to be the tangible evidence before us, but, rather, against very

real strongholds of evil and darkness in the unseen supernatural realm.

Secondly, we need to clearly understand that, all situations and circumstances we encounter in the natural realm, are simply incomplete mirror images of the very real spiritual warfare taking place

simultaneously in Satan's invisible arena; where angelic forces are likewise engaged in the struggle

on our behalf. If we fail to grasp and, more importantly, operate in the truths of these vital kingdom principles, our perception will always be incomplete. Further, a lack of total perception on our part will render us ineffective and dangerously defeated. And that is a serious matter indeed, particularly when we consider the scriptural warning from Messiah Jesus that, our enemies goals and agenda is literally,

to steal, and to kill and to destroy us (see John 10:10).

So, that said, as we go forth this week let's seriously seek to grasp and implement this kingdom principle and, related spiritual gift of total perception, in our daily spiritual walk. Because by doing

that, we can be blessed with victory, while contributing to Satan's defeat, and the glory of God.

Have a great week!

From The Pastor's Pen... - 3/19/12 - Try The Spirits

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be of God, for many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1 AKJ).

In the above verse from 1 John the 4th chapter, John is literally telling his readers to try, or check

every spirit behind a claimed revelation or truth. You see, John knew, as we should likewise, that,

rarely will we find the whole truth when dealing with Christian teachers and/or authors. But,

hopefully you've already discovered that for yourself. Simply put, it's wise to be cautious when

navigating the spiritual waters of concepts and teaching which are abundantly available today.

That said, let's take this vital Kingdom principal one step further. As believers, we need to learn

to skeptically examine, any and all, preaching, or teaching, which appears questionable even within our own church or denomination. Of course, every seeking believer may easily do so by, measuring

every purported fact or prophetic claim thru the lens of the preserved scriptures, Apostolic doctrine, and historical Christianity (see 2 Timothy 2:15). (We recommend the Authorized King James as the most accurate and authoritative translation to date). Actually, there are two tried and tested methods by which that end can be properly achieved:

#1. Point by point - Take note of the plural form of the word "spirit". Don't assume that, because part of what an individual teaches is accurate, that the entirety of it will always be equally as legitimate. Try, or

test, the spirit in each separate instance.

#2. Check all teaching and preaching by a healthy skepticism, again, comparing the entirety to the

Holy Scriptures, and knowledge of historical Christianity contained therein, by always being alert

to attempts to ignore the whole counsel of the written word (see Acts 20:27).

One final note; as serious believers, we must never fail to remember that, Jesus, the Living Word, remains the same, yesterday, today and forever (see Hebrews 13:8) and, therefore, Biblical truth is never influenced, nor can it be modified, by the secular norms of a particular time, societal opinions, or the doctrines of men. In short, the preserved scriptures must always be our final authority for faith and

practice.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation, for the prophecy

came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1: 20-21 AKJ).

From The Pastor's Pen... - 3/12/12 - Divine Healing

" When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, there

came a leper and worshiped Him saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth His hand and touched him saying, I will, be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (Matthew 8:1-3 AKJ).

These three verses from Matthew the 8th chapter, illustrate a paradox that continues to be present in

our day. You see, the leper in Matthew's account, knew that Jesus had the power to

heal. But he didn't know that it was God's will. Sadly, that very condition is still present today, even within the body of Christ, due most often to ignorance, unbelief, and/or a lack of scriptural knowledge in regard to the subject. The unfortunate result is, disease, chronic illness, and in extreme cases, even premature death, among far too many within the blood bought church, who believing, could minister this Good News of the gospel to others. But the most perplexing question is, why does the Church continue to suffer from this troubling dilemma, when the Word of God so clearly reveals the truth concerning God's will to heal?

To put it bluntly, the gross misinformation on the subject of divine health and the healing promises

is mostly due to the avoidance of the topic by pastors and teachers afraid to approach, or deal with, the controversy. However, an even greater amount of damage has occurred as a result of unbelief and the doctrines of men, within denominationalism. In light of those facts, I urge every confessing believer today who is unsure of the truth, to approach the matter anew, by a serious and thorough study of the scriptures and Apostolic doctrine.

Further, we need to search the examples in the life and ministry of Messiah Jesus which clearly indicate His compassionate and decisive treatment, of all among the afflicted who came to Him for help.

In fact, if we honestly pursue the truth, we will find no instance in which He refused to heal, or failed in an attempt to do so. And the gospels record that He even raised to life a number of persons who had suffered an untimely death, that He might destroy the works of Satan and the powers of darkness.

Today I challenge anyone reading this column, to diligently search the scriptures for any evidence which negates the Kingdom Principal of divine healing, as well as God's will in the matter. But let me

take that challenge a step further, and invite you to honestly present scriptural proof to the contrary.

Consider these words of Jesus;

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

From The Pastor's Pen... - 2/20/12 - Pursue, Overtake, and Without Fail Recover All

"And David inquired of the Lord saying, Shall I pursue after this troup? Shall I overtake them? And He answered him, pursue for thou shalt overtake them and without fail recover all (1 Samuel 30:8 AKJ).

In the above verse from 1 Samuel 30, we find a type of the true believer's conditional victory over Satan during the Church Age. However, our New Covenant example, Messiah Jesus, exemplified an even greater victory during the course of His earthly ministry than David could have dreamed of. And that greater victory is available to every born-again believer today, as joint heirs with Christ Jesus (Romans 8: 16-17) though the conditions for obtaining that greater victory, now include, an ever present, inclusive relationship, with all three members of the Godhead...Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

That said, why, you might ask, or wonder, do many Christians today fail to reach that level of victory that the scriptures clearly promise? Jesus' answer to a similar question from His disciples was that, it was due to unbelief (read Matthew 17:14-20). But, of course, that's only part of the equation. Once we've settled the question of faith in God's promises, and His unlimited ability to act on our behalf, we must learn to follow the example of David, Jesus, and other men of faith throughout Biblical history, and inquire of, and consult the Lord first, in our dilemmas. Because, you see, our total victory will never rest upon our ability or ingenuity. but rather on God, who, being aware of our plight beforehand, has the solution already prepared that, as a direct result, His glory might be magnified to all.

In our day and time, all serious followers of Jesus the Anointed Son will, like all of God's people who've gone before, encounter a multitude of seemingly worst case scenarios while waging warfare on both the natural and supernatural battlefields. Yet, whenever we find ourselves faced with the prospect of overwhelming odds against us, our first act of defense should be to seek the Lord for the type of specific answers, and perfect direction, which only He can offer. So whether our difficulties and circumstances are of a physical, financial, or spiritual nature, we can be fully confident that when we seek Him first, all victory is possible to we who believe, for we know that His Word is His will.

"And this is the confidence that we have in Him,that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. And if we know that He heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him" (1 John 5:14-15 AKJ).

From The Pastor's Pen... 2/6/12 - Operational Faith-Filled Petition

“And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22 AKJ).

In this pivotal verse from the 21st chapter of Matthew is a vital Kingdom principle regarding the simplicity of the operation of faith-filled petition. And although that simple teaching by Messiah Jesus is far from complicated, it is often misconstrued, twisted, or even ignored, by preachers in the institutional church of our time…the reason being the invasion of a pervasive culture of worldly modernism, resulting in shallow teaching, the rejection of scriptural truth, and ultimately, unbelief. For these reasons every serious believer who truly seeks the type of victory promised and exemplified in Apostolic doctrine must search out the truth for themselves.

You see, as believers we have an inheritance obtained by the blood sacrifice of Jesus the Anointed, and a written covenant, which guarantees it (see Romans 8:14-17). As a consequence of that truth, we need to be aware of the fact that we are the targets of the satanic powers of darkness. And in order to overcome and defeat their attacks, we each need to learn not merely who we are in Christ Jesus, but also the power and authority actively available to us through His name.

Firstly, the true believer is part of a redeemed and privileged remnant with spiritual weapons, including, but by no means limited to, total confidence in petition before God. In light of that fact alone, we need to stop living like disenfranchised losers!

Secondly, we need to recognize that Romans 8:14-17 clarifies that our inheritance makes us joint-heirs with Messiah Jesus. And that position puts us in possession of all His power and ability to defeat every threat from the supernatural realm. Further, our inheritance is not, as some teach, a collection of “ pie-in-the-sky” promises reserved for some arbitrary future in heaven. To the contrary, every spiritual power and weapon available to Jesus during and after His earthly ministry is available to us right now, as well. But, the only thing that prevents us from exercising that authority from on high is unbelief.

Simply put, if you’re a believer who wants the type of total victory that the scriptures promise, stop listening to the doubting Thomas’s and nay-sayers, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, consult the Scriptures alone for answers. Additionally, in our quest for absolute truth, our sharpest critics will often be the so called experts, even well meaning pastors who often refuse to simply defer to the Scriptures, in favor of the doctrines of men. However, in the face of opposition, remember that Jesus, the final authority emphatically taught that “All things what so ever ye shall ask…believing, ye shall receive.”

From The Pastor's Pen... 1/30/12 - National Renewal

“If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 AKJ).

Firstly, while the promise in the above verse from 2 Chronicles, is true for all born-again believers around the world, the purposes and scope of this column today are primarily concerned with the natural and spiritual alliances between the United States and Israel.

The ongoing eternal significance of the Old Covenant promise of forgiveness and protection in 2 Chronicles 7:14, extends not only to national Israel, but America as well. However, that promise of national renewal in regard to all nations is available only to those whom God specifically identified as “my people”. Obviously in our time that group to whom the original promise along with its conditions, was made, includes all of the true remnant church world wide, as well as Jewish Messianic believers. Both groups are therefore charged with the application of the conditions outlined in order to receive. That said, let me clarify a couple of vital points, which the true church of King Jesus must consider today, keeping in mind that all nations will be judged in regard to their treatment of Israel, His chosen.

In this pivotal presidential election year in America, Christ’s followers need to understand that it is no accident that America was providentially conceived and has grown to world prominence and power during the period of the Church Age coinciding with the establishment of the modern day nation of Israel in the mid 20th century.   Likewise, as allies, both nations are divinely joined by virtue of like spiritual and political principles, prophesied in ages past, by the Old Covenant prophets. In fact, U.S. President Harry S. Truman, being aware of the historical and scriptural implications of the event, officially recognized the Israeli government by presidential proclamation 11 minutes after it declared statehood, on May 14, 1948.

A great deal of Americas difficulties today are due in part to both the negligence of God’s people to heed His conditions in regard to scriptural promises, as well tolerance of officials in our national government who hinder or oppose Israel’s rights to securely protect her borders. Simply put, Israel’s security is our security (see Genesis 12:3)!

It is time for the watchmen of Gods appointed remnant to loudly sound the alarm and blow the shofar in warning on behalf of both ourselves and Israel in the face of the looming threats from satanically inspired Islamic Iran (ancient Persia) and the forces of evil which fuel them. One important way to do this is to carefully judge all presidential candidates in regard to their record on international matters, and not merely on that which they are currently voicing in the heat of the campaign. Be scripturally deliberate!

From The Pastor's Pen... 1/9/12 - Personal Restoration

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit”  (Ps. 51:12 AKJ).

Although we, as individual born-again believers are, like the church, blood bought, every serious follower of Messiah Jesus nonetheless requires regular periods of spiritual restoration, to continuously walk in power and victory. David’s declaration from the 12th verse of the 51st Psalm expresses that vital Kingdom principle, and we would be wise to heed its truth. Unfortunately, in our day and time, the term revival and the resultant spiritual restoration, which it carries with it, has taken on a context completely opposite to its original meaning, thus making it difficult to grasp for our selves. Let me explain.

You see, in earlier decades, not far removed from our own, it was readily understood that revival, whether individually experienced, or a church wide spiritual restoration, was not a scheduled event on a church calendar. Rather, it was a spontaneous, divinely originated action to restore, and uphold, previously achieved spiritual goals and understanding. And to, in effect, advance scriptural revelation for the purpose of empowering the believer, and local church, for greater warfare ahead.  Yet, none of these things can come forth except through prayer and fasting, coupled with an earnest search for a closer relationship with the Father, not by the plans, agendas, or traditions of men. The evidence of this principle has been, and will continue to be repeated over and over again throughout the Church Age. The most recent example being, the well documented Azuza Street revival of the early 20th century.

As we enter the opening days of a new year, it’s vitally important that we recognize the need for a true, divinely inspired restoration of our spirit man, which originates directly from the throne of God. May we who are called as followers of Messiah Jesus the anointed, like David, seek to be restored by Him, above all that we could conceive or think, according to the power that works in us, by way of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Like the person of Jesus Himself, the covenant promises of God, which are still available to us, are the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously with you; and my people shall never be ashamed” (Joel 2:25-26 AKJ).