Mood:  a-ok

By: Pastor, John Neal


    You might could say this river of lies began flowing in the days of the Apostles.  Oh, I know that we are living in a modern day age, but a lie is a lie and if you tell it long enough, people will start believing it.  But the Apostle Paul said, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20: 29)  They did and they have. 

    Valentinus of Rome, began to teach the Trinitarian concept.  He was a second century church leader of Rome who had some affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church.  He and his followers believed in merging Greek pagan Philosophy with Christianity.  He and his followers also endorsed a non-immersion form of Baptism.  They taught that the world was created from pre-existent matter by the angels.  “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen. 1: 1)  That Jesus was really not made flesh, that He was a defect, that man was not fashioned from the earth.  (Gen. 2: 7) “and the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”   And this river of lies keep right on flowing.

    Over time Pagan, heresy and false teaching have mixed themselves with Christianity, for so long that if one does not know God and who He is, they too, will find themselves drifting down this river of lies, and only Jesus can show us the truth and help us escape  this river of lies that get swifter as time goes on. He is trying to throw you a life-line.  Are you too stubborn to reach out and take hold of it?  False teaching is one of Satan’s main weapons against the church of God.  If he cannot destroy the church from without he will try to destroy it from within.  But Jesus said, “I will build MY church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16: 18.

    Paul tells us in II Cor. 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”  Satan’s servants masquerading as apostles of Christ.  Compromising with the world was taught back in the old testament times.   This heresy is one that all God’s people are tempted with throughout church history, it is nothing new.  But you can’t compromise with the world and be the bride of Christ.

    Jesus said, “REPENT” if you do not repent from compromising with the world, then, He said, “I will fight against you. (Rev. 2: 14-16)
We need to wakeup and heed what Jesus is saying to us.  We have become a group of self-satisfying people, with the feeling we have got it made.  But remember, God spared not the natural branches (Jews) because of their unbelief, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Roman 11: 21 You cannot compromise with the world and live for God.  You may be rich in the things of this world, but you will be poor in the eyes of God.  Spiritually poor.

    Churches today are attending to the ceremonies and forms of religion, and neglecting the truth of God’s word.  But the word of God is, “Quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword.”   But tell me, what better way to confront false doctrine, then to use the rightly divided word of God to correct?  (Rev.1:16) This world today is faced with enticement and corruption, Drugs, women, men, parties, and good times.  People we use to trust, we could look-up to, like our police force, our pastors, or our church leaders, we can’t even trust our boy scouts leaders anymore, for many of them will abuse our children. 

    The devil has two ways of approach.  If he cannot make you knuckle under with hostility and persecution, he will begin to entice you and lure you into some kind of trap that he has laid in front of you.  Don’t be deceived, God will judge this world system itself.  There is a struggle going on between the world and the children of God.  There always was and there always will be until Jesus says enough is enough.  The Apostle Paul said, “When I would do good, evil is ever present.” 

    False teaching today is still as bad as it has always been.  Maybe even worse.  The river of lies just keeps on flowing.  For example: Gays are permitted to preach and teach in the churches today, everyone says, “that alright.”  But Jesus tells us that is not alright.  They teach that Jesus was not born of a virgin birth, that you don’t have to be baptized. Etc.  False teachings.  Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”  St Luke 16: 16.  These kind of teaching show no reverence to God.  All the while they are tolerating the things that Jesus has so clearly designated as an abomination to Him.

    Although Satan has tried to destroy God’s true church, he could not, nor can he, so he has infiltrated it with pagan worship. Like Easter,  Christmas. Halloween, etc.  And has brought people into compromising with the world.  There is no harm, they say.  Jesus said, “I am a jealous God.”  The Bible says, “I would not that ye should  have fellowship with devils.”  I Cor. 10: 20. 

    When members of a church begin to compromise it is the (Pastor) or ministers duty to declare the word of God to them.  Their teachings today suggest that a Christian could come to term with the world and still be faithful to God.  But you can’t do it.  Jesus said, “Come out from among them,”  If you listen to these kind of teachings you stand in danger of falling into the depths of a spiritual pit that Satan has dug.  He knows what his end is, and he don’t mind taking you down with him. 

    They are teaching today that it is alright to participate in the things of this world, to go out into the world, live as the world lives.  We are allowing almost anything and everything to go on in the church, and we go on and act as if nothing is wrong and everything is alright.  But its not.  There has to be a separation from the true church of God and the world.  The things of this world are, “The lust of the eye, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.  Shake it loose.  Don’t get caught up in this river of lies. 
       

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 9:45 PM CST

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Mood:  on fire

MY GOD CAN!

 Pastor: John Neal 

Psa. 78: 41 “Yea, they turned back and tested God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” Why do people place limitation on the Lord?  Many times limitations are placed on the Lord without realizing what they are doing, by the words that come out of our mouth, by their thoughts; by the way, they act.  People place limitations on the one that has no limitations.  Heaven is His throne, Earth is His footstool, He created everything our eyes survey.  He is God in the book of Genesis, He is God in Revelation.  He is God in the Beginning; He will still be God in the end.  God can do anything but fail.  To God, nothing is impossible. Even though the children of Israel are God’s chosen people, they were stubborn and rebellious, just like we are today, and in their unbelief spoke against God, questioning God’s ability,  “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?”  There is nothing that my God cannot do.  My God can.  I place no limitation on the Lord; He can do far above what I may think He can do. At the Red Sea, the children of Israel were caught between Pharaoh’s army, and the Red Sea.  They complained to Moses, why did you bring us out of Egypt just to be slained in this wilderness?   Moses said to them, “Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord.”  The children of Israel put limitation on God even after all the wonders and miracles they seen in Egypt.  Nevertheless, God parted the water and the children of Israel walked across on dry land.  Because my God can do anything. The people asked Moses, “Can God feed this great multitude of people out here in the wilderness?  My God can.  Can God bring water out of a rock?  Who ever heard of such a thing as this?  However, my God can, for Jesus is that Rock.  Who is it that can walk on the water?  Nobody but Jesus.  Who is He that can still the wind and calm the raging sea?  My God Can.  What manner of man is this?The God of Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, David and the others, I want to remind people, He is also our God.  That same God can reach down, and lift you out of the miry pits of sin that we have sunk into, and place your feet upon that solid rock.  You may ask who would do that for a sinner like me?  My God Can.  He can take your sins and wash you white as snow, because my God can.  When we are sick and the doctors give up on us, who can heal us?  My God Can.  Can this man raise the dead also?  “Lazarus, come forth,”   My God Can.  I am the Resurrection, and the life,” Jesus said.             The Chaldean, Magician, astrologer, could not tell king Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of his dream, but Daniel said, “There is a God in Heaven who revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king, what shall be in the latter days.”  My God can.  “Was thy God able,” king Darius asked of Daniel.  “To deliver thee from the lions?” “Oh, king, live forever, my God was able.”  Daniel said. Just remember, when you are down, my God is able to hold you up.  When the three Hebrew boys were thrown into the fiery furnace, they said unto the king, “Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us.”  The king looked into the furnace and said, “Did not we thrown three bound into the fiery furnace?  I see four men, loose and walking down there, and the fourth is like the Son of God.”  My God is able to deliver you from whatever trial you may be going through, for He will be right there in the fire with you.  Do not ever put limitations on God, for there is nothing He cannot do.  Your friends may turn against you.  Members in your church may let you down, but my God is able to hold you up.  Elijah said unto the people, “How long halt ye between two opinions?  If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.”  God gives that chose to every man, woman, and child.  Whom will you serve today, God or Satan?      

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 10:57 PM CST

Updated: Tuesday, 5 January 2010 10:58 PM CST

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Mood:  happy

60 Questions on the Godhead    

Is the word trinity in the Bible? No.   Does the Bible say that there are three persons in the Godhead? No.   Does the Bible speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Yes.    Do these titles as used in Matthew 28:19 mean that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead? No, they refer to three offices, roles, or relationship to humanity.    Does the Bible use the word three in reference to God? Only one verse in the entire Bible does so-I John 5:7. It speaks of the Father, the Word (instead of Son), and the Holy Ghost, and it concludes by saying, "These three are one."    Does the Bible use the word one in reference to God? Yes, many times. For example, see Zechariah 14:9; Malachi 2:10; Matthew 23:9; Mark 12:29, 32; John 8:41; 10:30; Romans 3:30; I Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; I Timothy 2:5; James 2:19.    Can the mystery of the Godhead be understood? Yes. Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16.    Has the Christian only one Heavenly Father? Yes. Matthew 23:9.    Then why did Jesus say to Philip, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9)? Because Jesus is the express image of God's person. Hebrews 1:3. The Greek word for personin this verse literally means "substance."    Does the Bible say that there are two persons in the Godhead? No.    Does the Bible say that all the Godhead is revealed in one person? Yes, in Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:19; 2:9; Hebrews 1:3.    Is the mystery of the Deity hidden from some people? Yes. Luke 10:21-22.    Who is the Father? The Father is the one God, particularly as revealed in parental relationship to humanity. Deuteronomy 32:6; Malachi 2:10.    Where was God the Father while Jesus was on earth? The Father was in Christ. John 14:10; II Corinthians 5:19. He was also in heaven, for God is omnipresent.    Did the prophet Isaiah say that Jesus would be the Father? Yes. Isaiah 9:6; 63:16.    When God said, "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26), was He speaking to another person in the Godhead? No. Isaiah 44:24; Malachi 2:10.    How many of God's qualities were in Christ? All. Colossians 2:9.    How may we see the God who sent Jesus into the world? By seeing Jesus. John 12:44-45; 14:9.    Does the Bible say that Jesus is the Almighty? Yes. Revelation 1:8    Whom do some designate as the first person in the trinity? God the Father.    Whom do some designate as the last person in the trinity? The Holy Ghost. But Jesus said that He was the first and last. Revelation 1:17-18   How many persons did John see sitting on the throne in heaven? One. Revelation 4:2.    If Jesus is the first and the last, why did God say in Isaiah 44:6 that He was the first and the last? Because Jesus is the God of the Old Testament, incarnate.    Did Jesus tell Satan that God alone should be worshipped? Yes. Matthew 4:10    Does the devil believe in more than one God? No. James 2:19.    Does the Bible say that God, who is the Word, was made flesh? Yes John 1:1, 14.    For what purpose was God manifested in the flesh? To save sinners. Hebrews 2:9, 14.    Was Jesus God manifested in the flesh? Yes. I Timothy 3:16.    Could Jesus have been on earth and in heaven at the same time? Yes. John 3:13.    Does the Bible say that there is but one Lord? Yes. Isaiah 45:18; Ephesians 4:5.    Does the Bible say that Christ is the Lord? Yes. Luke 2:11.    Does the Bible say that the Lord is God? Yes. I kings 18:39; Zechariah 14:5; Acts 2:39; Revelation 19:1.    How could the church belong to Jesus (Matthew 16:18) and yet be the church of God (I Corinthians 10:32)? Because Jesus is God in the flesh.    Will God give His glory to another? No. Isaiah 42:8.    Was there a God formed before Jehovah, or will there be one formed after? No. Isaiah 43:10.    What is one thing that God does not know? Another God. Isaiah 44:8.    What is one thing that God Cannot do? Lie. Titus 1:2.    How many Gods should we know? Only one. Hosea 13:4.    How many names has the Lord? One. Zechariah 14:9.    Is it good to think upon the name of the Lord? Yes. Malachi 3:16.   Does the Bible say that God alone treads upon the waves of the sea? Yes. Job 9:8    Why, then, was Jesus able to walk upon the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:25)? Because He is God the Creator. Colossians 1:16.    Is God the only one who can forgive sin? Yes. Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7.    Why, then, could Jesus forgive sin in Mark 2:5-11? Because He is God the Savior.    Is Jesus the true God? Yes. I John 5:20.    If God and the Holy Ghost are two separate persons, which was the Father of Christ? Matthew 1:20 says that the Holy Ghost was the Father, while Romans 15:6, II Corinthians 11:31, and Ephesians 1:3 say that God was the Father. There is no contradiction when we realize that God the Father and the Holy Ghost are one and the same Spirit. Matthew 10:20; Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 3:16.    When Paul asked the Lord who He was, what was the answer? "I am Jesus." Acts 9:5.    When Stephen was dying, did he call God Jesus? Yes. Acts 7:59.    Did Thomas ever call Jesus God? Yes. John 20:28.    How could Jesus be the Savior, when God the Father said in Isaiah 43:11, "Beside me there is no Savior?" Because "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." II Corinthians 5:19.    Does the Bible say that Jesus was God with us? Yes. Matthew 1:23.   Did Jesus ever say, "I and my Father are one?" Yes. John 10:30.    Can it be proved scripturally that Jesus and the Father are one in the same sense that husband and wife are one? No. The  Godhead was never compared to the relationship of a husband and wife. Jesus identified Himself with the Father in a way that husband and wife cannot be identified with each other. John 14:9-11.    Does the Bible say that there is only one wise God? Yes. Jude 25.   Does the Bible call the Holy Ghost a second or third person in the Godhead? No. The Holy Ghost is the one Spirit of God, the one God Himself at work in our lives. John 4:24; I Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19; 12:13.    Can Trinitarians show that three divine persons were present when Jesus was baptized by John? Absolutely not. The one, omnipresent God used three simultaneous manifestations. Only one divine person was present--Jesus Christ the Lord.    Then what were the other two of whom Trinitarians speak? One was a voice from heaven; the other was the Spirit of God in the form of a dove. Matthew 3:16-17.    What did the voice say at Jesus' baptism? "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Mark 1:11. As the Son of God, Jesus was the one God incarnate.    Does the Bible say that God shed His blood and that God laid down His life for us? Yes. Acts 20:28; I John 3:16. God was able to do this because He had taken upon Himself a human body.    The Bible says that God is coming back with all his saints (Zechariah 14:5) and also that Jesus is coming back with all his saints (I Thessalonians 3:13). Are two coming back? No. Only one is coming back--our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13.    

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 4:57 PM CST

Updated: Wednesday, 11 November 2009 6:31 PM CST

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Mood:  sad

“The Little Member”

By: Bishop., Michael Neal.,D.D.

Jesus Christ Apostolic Ministries International  

 From Text: (James 3:5) Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth! {Dictionary Meaning: way of speaking: somebody's manner of speaking}  

We see that we as mere Men & Women can not “Tame” or “Control” this Little Member, only when we “Submit” to God then and only then, by God’s Power we can bring this Member under control and have the “Little Member” Tamed! And put out the Fire it has kindled!  “If you have a ear to hear, let you hear”

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Note: All Scripture is from the King JamesVersion   

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 1:19 AM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 4 October 2008 3:49 PM CDT

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Mood:  sad

"Famine In The Land"

                                         By: Michael Neal., D.D.

When we talk of Famine we think of a great shortage of food, we read in the word of God about great Famine in the land (Luke 4:25) But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. Even in today’s times we hear of Famine in the countries around the world, and even in the USA we have shortages of food. Famine is a great problem, for with out food we will perish from hunger. But it is not this kind of Famine or hunger I am speaking of, I am referring to a great hunger and famine for the word of God! (Amos 8:11) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (Amos 8:12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. There are many speaking OF the word of God but ask your self’s’ what are they really saying? The True word of God the word spoken with Power and with the spirit (The Holy Ghost) is going to be very, very rare! Jesus him self said in (Luke 4:4) And Jesus answered him, saying, it is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.   If the words that are spoken do not have Power and the spirit then they can not and will not be filling for the soul of Man kind. With out the True word of god the Inter-Man (The Spirit) will get weak and Die, not having the food it needs to survive. For anyone who has fasted (Gone without food & Water for the word of God) knows how week the body can get when it goes without food and water for a time. The Inter-Man can not be seen or touched but it is very real, it can not endure without the Spiritual food that God gives unto his chosen ones (Children). The world is at a state today that the word of God has spoken of, that Right will become wrong, & wrong will become Right, The true word of God is so hard to find being taught & Preached. Preachers have become just “Public Speakers” and not the Lights and Sheppard’s of the Flock of God. Letting Fornication, Lying, Homosexuality, freely go on in their Churches’ (The Buildings). These souls need to be told that what they are doing is Totally against the word of God and not just padded on the back and told “What every you feel like doing do it” God will understand. I am here to tell you “It is NOT! All right with God!” (2 Timothy 4:3)For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; Not Enduring Sound Doctrine is a Great Famine!

There are People that will go from church to church trying to find a Teacher & Preacher that will tell them that what they are doing is Ok, they do not realize that they are pushing the “Full Plate of Food” From God away for an “Empty Plate”.

The Famine is all around us; we see and hear it daily some will go all day and not even think of God, not until something happens in their life’s then they will say “Help me God” the Lord has to be on our mind “All time” not just part time, or as needed!. (2 John 1:9) Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (2 John 1:10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:(2 John 1:11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

We can not continue in this Famine, pushing the Doctrine of Christ the word of God away. The Apostle Paul said it best in (Galatians 1:8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:9) As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:10) For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

If you will notice that Paul felt it so Impotent that he even repeated him self, even in those early days of the Church, and went on to say “If I Yet Pleased Men, I (We) Should NOT! Be the Servant of Christ”! We can not Please God when we Push him away, and say things like, God understands, or that does not apply for today’s world. God and his word have not and will not change. (Malachi 3:6) For I am the LORD, I change not; when God put on this body of Flesh he “Nailed” all the excuses to the cross. But as bad as the world has become the word of God tells us that it will get worse, and the Famine even greater, (2 Timothy 3:1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. This world has even changed the meaning of some of the words we used to use into something to fit today’s world. And yes even changing the very word of God so it does not talk so much in a “Male” Gender. If we speak against “Gays” (The Homosexual meaning of the word) we are, or will be accused of a “Hate” crime, even though the word of God speaks against it in many ways. 

 We see the Famine coming closer and closer every day, ask your self if the Bibles were to be taken away, or get to the point where they do not even have the wording that we still know today, do you have enough of the word of God in you to keep the “Plate Full” to feed the Inward man?

Jesus told us that he is the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35) and Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. Would it be nice to have enough food in our houses to never have to go to the store again? and to eat what we wanted when we wanted it? If you Find the word of God and Keep the word of God in you then you will have all the “Spiritual Food” you will need to feed the Inward Man in the Days of the Famine. If we have the “True” word of God in us when the evil days come we will not be fooled! (Mark 13:22) For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. Do Not! Be with out the “Bread of Life” and be sure to find and get the

Right food, eating spoiled food does not taste good; neither does the wrong teaching and preaching of the word of God. Only when we “Seek” & “Find” the Lord Jesus will we have the Proper Food (Jeremiah 29:13) and ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. The Cry is going out “There is a Famine” coming, Please do not be caught with out your “Plate Full” and be in “Hunger”!

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 8:50 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 15 September 2008 8:56 PM CDT

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Mood:  not sure

WHAT DO YOU MEAN......BORN AGAIN??

Pastor: John B. Neal

Bishop: Michael Neals' Father

Of The Shining Light Apostolic Church

Did you know that a man named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, asked Jesus that very same question? He came to Jesus by night with these same thoughts in mind, because he didn’t want the people to know that an important person like himself was asking questions about this Christian way. “What do you mean, born again?” he asked Jesus secretly “How can this be when I am old? Can I enter a second time into my mother’s womb and be born?” But Jesus was not speaking of a natural birth, but a spiritual birth, which people don’t seem to understand. Some people have strange ideas about being born again.

I once heard of a strip-tease dancer, who claimed she had been born again, I don’t know what she based it on, but a reporter asked her what changes, if any, this would make in her life. If she was going to give up her dancing. She replied, “Oh no, I’m not giving up dancing, this will only make me better.”

I don’t know what kind of rebirth she had, but it wasn’t any thing that I know of. The phase, “Born again” is banded around too freely today. When I heard this, I couldn’t help but ask myself the question that came to my mind, “What do you mean....born again?”

There are so many thoughts on the subject, and each one seems to have a different idea. It’s no wonder that people are so confused today. If a person believes in the Bible, then I believe that the best place to search for answers is the divine word of God.

Moses wasn’t born again. Isaiah wasn’t born again; they lived under the law, during the Old Testament times. We, today, of the New Testament times are living under Grace. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” He didn’t say you “Should be”, nor it would be best if you were. No, he said, you must. It was not a statement, but a command. Why do you think Jesus would make a statement like that?

We can find the answer in St. John 3: 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh;” (this is speaking of our natural birth) But the scripture goes on to say, “And that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” What could Jesus mean, “That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” We realize that being born of the flesh is speaking of our natural birth, and in our natural state we are born in sin, (Psalms 51: 5) for all are born of the lust of the flesh.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 7:18, “In me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” We all know to do good, but our fleshly nature won’t let us do what we know is right. It is the nature of man to do what he or she wants to do. But it’s not the right thing nor the spiritual thing, (Gal. 5:17).

The Apostle Paul goes to say, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8). So what is one to do? And the turmoil goes on within the heart and soul of man. This is why Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” How? You ask, as Nicodemus did.

Do you know the story of Abraham and Sarah, how she was unable to bear a child, so she encouraged Abraham her husband to sleep with Hagar, her handmaid, that she might have children through her. This practice was accepted at that time. Now the Old Testament is a type an shadow of the New Testament and we find in Gal. 4: 23 that, “He who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh.”

But Isaac, the child of Abraham and Sarah his wife, who represents the freewoman, was the child of promise, the spiritual seed. Now you may be wondering, what has that got to do with anything? Plenty. For Paul tells us that, “Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed” (Romans 9:7-8).

Who are the children of the promise? And what is the promise anyway? I will let the divine word of God answer these questions for you. Galatians 3:29 says, “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Notice the scripture said, “If you be Christ’s,” Then and only then can you be heirs according to the promise. St. John 1:12 tells us that, “As many as received him, (that is Jesus Christ) to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

Take a close look at this scripture, you will see that not everyone will receive Jesus Christ into their lives, they will not have that born again experience. But the scripture said, “As many as receive Him.” Jesus gives us all a choice. We can reject Him, and continuing walking after the flesh or we can be like Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Those who receive Him, they are the children of the promise.

How can we know what the promise is, you may ask? Well, let us see if we can find the answer. Jesus being assembled together with his disciples, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but “wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1: 4-5).

Some people feel that the words, “Holy Ghost” is a misprint, but the dictionary says that ghost is the “appearing of a person who has died, unto the living.” Jesus died on the cross of Calvary and was placed in the tomb and a seal placed upon the closing of the tomb. But on the third day he arose and was first seen of Mary Magdalene and later he was seen of all his disciples. The Holy Ghost is no misprint.

St. John 14: 26 says, “..The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name,.....” Notice, the scripture said, “The Comforter, is the Holy Ghost.” And the Comforter was sent to us in the name of Jesus. For we find that Jesus was talking to his disciples when he said, “The Father will send the Comforter in my name.”

When Jesus said in Acts 1: 4-5, “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost,” He was speaking of His spirit. On the day of Pentecost this promise was fulfilled, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they; (referring to the 120 in the upper room, Acts 1: 15) were all with one accord in one place.” And Acts 2:4 goes on to say, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” They did not go to school to learn how to speak in other tongues, but as the spirit gave them utterance. No man taught them how to speak in other tongues. The Holy Ghost is the Comforter that Jesus promised to all who receive Him, with the evidences that the Comforter is there by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance. Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (St. John 14:28).

To receive this wonderful experience one must come through the cleansing of the blood of Jesus Christ, through the baptism in the name of Jesus. There is no other way. There is a song that comes to my mind at this time, “God leads His dear children along, some through the water, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood.”

We can’t get to the Father except through the blood of Jesus Christ. Being baptized of the Spirit is the highest experience anyone could receive in this life. There is no record where the disciples received a spiritual experience before the day of Pentecost. In fact it would be scripturally impossible for them to get a New Testament experience until Jesus as our High Priest had ascended into heaven. Why? Jesus told His disciples, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you” (St. John 16:7). Jesus had to ascend into heaven before the Comforter could be sent back to earth.

Notice Acts 2:4 tells us that, “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost” that means that if they were filled, the very Spirit of God dwelled on the inside of them. Thank about it. This was what Jesus was speaking about when he told His disciples, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth... for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you” (St. John14:16-17).

Jesus said that he would be in them as the Comforter, which the Father would send. The Spirit could not be given until Jesus went away or until he had ascended back up into heaven. Then, and not until then, could they receive the Spirit of the Comforter.

When Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus he said, “......, except (meaning unless) a man be born of water (which is the baptism in Jesus’ name Acts 2:38) and of the Spirit, (which is the Holy Ghost or Comforter given on the day of Pentecost) he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God” (St. John 3: 5).

Nicodemus wanted to know; how can these things be? He was ignorant of the spiritual meaning, like so many are today. Eph. 4:18 Paul says, “Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” This is a spiritual blindness.

Preacher are teaching that it don’t happen like that anymore, that it was only for the disciples, and that after the disciples died no body else need or does receive the Holy Ghost anymore. But they are telling you a pack of lies. We need the Holy Ghost today just as the disciples. Jesus said, “I change not.” He is not here today and gone tomorrow, and beside that, how can anyone be born again without the Spirit of God abiding within them.

If one has received Him and the Holy Ghost abides within them, then there is a change made in one’s life. A person cannot do the works of the flesh and the works of God, for you cannot serve two masters (Matt. 6: 24).

If you have a friend or a family member who you would like prayer for or that you would like to see saved, please send us your prayer list with the name, that we may hold them up before God in prayer, and entreat God on their behalf. May God bless.

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 7:53 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 15 September 2008 7:58 PM CDT

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Mood:  happy

WE LIVE IN TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS

By: Pastor. John B. Neal

I John 4:5-6 “They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

Also I John 5:19 “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

These two different worlds are as different as Light is from the Darkness or as Day is from the Night. One is like the opposite side of a coin, the Natural world and the Spiritual world. We are like Abraham, this world is not my home, I’m just passing through, while I’m looking for that city not made by hands.

I wonder sometimes when talking to people, if we are speaking in a foreign language. Then I remember how God dealt with me, when he saved my soul. Then I remember they are of the world, therefore, speak they of the world. The things that they know, the things that they are used to, the things of the world. John went on to say, and the world heareth them, why, because they are speaking the same language, they understand each other, they cannot understand the things that are of God.

John goes on to say, “We are of God.” Don’t that knowledge and understanding put joy down in your soul? We speak of a spiritual world, a glorious kingdom, or we should be; of the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Our mind should be on heaven, we should always keep a vision of heaven before our eyes. He that knoweth God, heareth us,” why, because we speak the same language.

“The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Cor. 2:14. The word “Discern” means: To perceive, Detect, and observe.

John said, “By this, know we the spirit of truth and of error.”

The Apostle Paul tells us also of Perilous times, dangerous times, that we are living in today. When you try to warn the people, why can’t they hear us? Because they are of the world, they cannot hear the words of God. “He that is of God, heareth God’s words, ye, therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” St. John 8:47.

Jesus himself said, “For this people heart is become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should hear them.” St. Matthew 13:15.

Gross means: Disgusting, obscene, offensive, shameful. Two different worlds, the natural, and the Spiritual. Our first birth made us a natural man or woman. Our second birth made us into a spiritual man. We as a spiritual man should be able to tell the difference between the two, if we can’t, then something is wrong.

Do we walk in the natural, or the spiritual? Or do we walk Spiritual, in the Natural world? Do we walk as carnal minded in the world? Do we walk in the flesh or in the Spirit? There are two people, in the same body, the question is, which one are we following? One has to have dominion over the other. Is the Carnal mind leading us or are we letting the Spiritual mind of Christ lead us?

Paul divided men into three classes, The Natural man, The Spiritual man, and the Carnal man. I Cor 2:14.

1).....The Natural man- The Adamic man, unrenewed through the new birth. St. John 3.

2).....The Spiritual man- The renewed man, a spirit filled man walking in the spirit in full communion with God.

3)..... The Carnal man- Fleshly, walking after the flesh, Lustful, sensual, worldly, opposed to the spiritual, (I Cor. 3: 1-4)

The Natural man, may be learned, gentle, eloquent, fascinating, but the Spiritual content of scripture is absolutely hidden from him.

The Carnal man or fleshly, is able to comprehend only its simplest truths. The preachers are feeding you with the milk of the word and not the meat.

Paul is talking to the church, not to the world, telling them to come “out of your Carnal state.”

“Are ye not Carnal” and walk as men of the world? (Natural, Adamic man) Envying, strife, divisions. “This I say then, walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal. 5: 16

Natural, is the apostle’s word for, the unrenewed man.

Spiritual, the renewed man who lives in the Spirit walks in the Spirit. We are living physically in a world of sin, for the world lies in sin. If we lie with it, we shall also die with it. But we are told to come out of her my people, touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you. Two different worlds, which one does your heart belong to? Is it time to make a change? The song says, “Don’t let it be said too late.” Do you want to continue living in houses, where thieves break in and steal, or in a mansion, where the streets are paved with gold? God gave us that choose. Just as the cloud guided the children of Israel through the wilderness, so will he guide us through this world of sin.

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 7:51 PM CDT

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Mood:  blue

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Pastor. John B. Neal

Why do we walk the tight rope between heaven and hell? Is it the adrenalin? The closer we walk to the edge of the Abyss, the more daring it makes us. In other words, why do we try to see how much we can get by with, and not get caught by the Lord? Or how little we can get by with, and still be in favor with the Lord?

It’s like people are playing a game of Russian roulette, with their spiritual life, and one of these days, when they least expect it, the gun will go off.

The bottom line, is what would you do, if Jesus came today? He is coming, make no mistake. It may not be today or tomorrow, but he is coming, and there will be many playing Hide and Seek, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. But don’t fool yourself, God’s eyes are ever where, beholding both the good and the bad.

We all have a tendency to want God to see our good points, but when we do something wrong, we try to hide it from him, but that don’t work. Just like Adam, he tried to hide from God, but God knew just where he was and what he had done, and neither can anyone hide.

Do you ever ask yourself, “Why do we go to church? Why do we pray? Or read the Bible? Why do we half-step in our walk with the Lord? We need to be honest with ourselves. Is it just to meet old friends at church, or to catch up on the latest gossip, or maybe to see what your neighbor is wearing. Are we committed to Jesus? He that suffered and died on the cross of Calvary, that we may have life. Do you really love him? If you brought Jesus to church with you, then you know that he is there, and you don’t have to worry about the hypocrite sitting next to you.

Every body seems to think that getting drunk, or shacking up, is okay. Everybody is doing it these days. But I want to tell you, it is sinful. Adultery, fornication, molesting little children, disobedient to parents, without natural affection. People seem to love the things of this world more than they love God, they seem to have a form of godliness, but they are denying the power there of, the power that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ, and having Him in your life. The word of God tells us, from such as these turn away. Don’t have anything to do with them.

We are living in a time that is as wicked and evil as Sodom and Gomorrah, and God destroyed those cities. The world has invaded our churches, and set up shop in them, for Lesbians and Homosexuals are now preaching in our churches. May God help us, and these United States of America? They can’t be preaching the word of God, for God’s word tells us that it is a sin. They seem to be flouting their sin right under the nose of God.

There is a place for them in the church, but it is not behind the pulpit, handling the Holy Word of God with unholy hands. It is an abomination to God. That means it makes Him sick. The place for them is kneeling before the altar of God, and asking God for forgiveness of their sin.

I can’t put anyone in heaven or hell. Every one does their own thing, they do what they want to do, be what they want to be, go where they want to go, in other words, do your thing. But just remember, the Bottom Line, when you close your eyes in that eternal sleep, and the next thing you know you wake up in hell, it will be too late. No one, but I mean no one, will get by mocking God. God will not be mocked. Pay-day is coming for all of us.

Religion is not something you just think, you have to live it. Most people live their lives as though neither heaven nor hell existed. What do you believe in? That our good times, our parties and fun will go on forever. Pay-day is coming, and it’s not as far away as one may think.

No, religion is something you have to live every day. It is time to become serious about our soul; we do have one you know. Everyone has two choices; either they spend eternity in heaven or hell. Both places are very real. But God has given us those choices. Are we ready to face God on his throne? Will you stand up in God’s face and try to lie your way out of the things you have done here in this world? The Bottom line, God has a record book, and everything we have every done is recorded in that book. And a liar he will not even allow to stand before him. Sin, of any kind will not enter back into heaven.

Religion seems to be just a game to many; they live their life any way they want to. They go to church on Sunday Morning, and say I’m a Christian. They give one day to God and the other six days for themselves. I don’t have time to pray, to thank God for my family or for waking us up this morning, nor for my health, nor for my food. I can’t take the time to read my Bible, to see what thus saith the Lord. I have to take my children to football practice, or basketball practice, etc. Just going to church on Sunday morning seems to be enough. People don’t seem to realize that God wakes us every morning, and watches over us during the night while we sleep. How many takes the time to say “Thank you Jesus, for being able to get out of bed this morning.” Do you? Don’t people realize that Jesus holds life in one hand, and death in the other. Our breath, our life, comes from Him.

The Bottom Line, Jesus is coming back for his church. The one true church. Jesus don’t care for the title over the door, He’s not going to say I think I’ll pick the Baptist or Catholic, Holy Trinity, or Bethel house of God, etc. He’s not coming back for a building, but a people that have made themselves ready to go back with him. Jesus picks the church, we don’t. His church that he died for is one church. The church that he purchased with his blood, bearing his Spirit. A people bearing his name.

It is time we stopped putting our head in the sand like an Ostrich, and start facing reality. God has got a love, and he shines his love upon us each and every day, but God has also got a wrath which the world is soon to behold. Read the Old Testament if you want an example of God wrath. Read what he did to his own people the Jews, because they chose to worship other gods. Don’t fool yourselves. The only safety we have is in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 4: 8 “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Jesus is coming at the appointed time for his church, and nothing is going to stop it. People can get out here with their machine guns, cannons, bombs, germ war, missiles, what ever they want, but they are not going to stop Jesus from coming back for his church. Are you ready?

The Bottom Line, Get right with God, or get left behind, and go through the seven years of tribulation like this world has never known.

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 5:31 PM CDT

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Mood:  sad

CRIES FROM THE CROSS:

Pastor. John Neal

What led up to there ever having to be, cries from the cross? Jesus wasn’t crying from the pain and agonies, He wasn’t crying for his own self. The first cry uttered from the cross was, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (St. Luke 23:34).

There were two legal system, which proved to be illegal, that condemned Jesus. The Jews, his own people, and the Romans. The very two system on which our own legal system is based upon. The arrest and proceeding’s under Anna Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, were under Jewish law. Those under Pilate and Herod were under Roman law. The Jewish trial was illegal in several ways:

1)- The judge was not impartial, and did not protect the accused. There is no evidence that the quorum of twenty-three judges were present. The judges took part in the arrest, and they were hostile (St. Matt. 26: 62-63).

2)- The arrest was unlawful because it was carried out under no formal accusation.

3)- In Criminal trails, all sessions had to be started and carried out only during the day. The verdict was not to be handed down until the next day. All night session were illegal.

4)- A verdict of guilty could not be rendered on the same day, as the conclusion of the trial. It had to be given the next day.

5)- The search for hostile testimony was illegal (St. Matt. 26: 59, Mark 14: 56; John 11:53).

6)- No accused could be convicted on his own evidence, yet, they sought replies and admissions from Jesus to condemn him (St. Matt. 26: 63-66; John 18:9).

7)- No valid legal evidence was presented against him.

After Pilate declared Jesus Innocent (St. Matt. 27: 24), ever thing that was done after that was contrary to the letter and spirit of Roman law. A murdered man does not have a choice, but Jesus had a choice. He laid down his life willingly. No man took his life from him. Like a sheep led to the slaughter, Jesus let himself be led to Calvary. To give his blood and die for the sins of this uncaring world, but he opened not his mouth, but suffered for us, a death too horrible to even try to understand.

Psa. 22: 14-18, David gives us a picture of the Crucifixion. The bones of the hands, arms, shoulders, and pelvis pulled out of joint (v 14), the profuse perspiration caused by intense suffering (v 14), the action of the heart affected (v14). Strength exhausted, and extreme thirst (v15). The hands and feet pierced (v 16). All are associated with this form of death.

The second cry from the cross was when Jesus spoke to the thief. “Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise” (St. Luke 23:43).

The third cry from the cross was when Jesus looked down and saw his mother, he said to her, “Woman, behold thy son,” this he spoke of John the beloved disciple, and to John he said, “Behold thy mother” (St. John 19:26-27).

The forth cry from the cross, and the most saddest anyone could hear was, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (St. Matt. 27: 46; St. Mark 15:34-36).

The fifth cry from the cross, Jesus simply said, “I thirst” (St. John 19: 28).

The Sixth cry from the cross, “It is finished” ( St. John 19: 30).

The Seventh, and last cry from the cross, “Father, into thy hands, I commend my Spirit” (St. Luke 23: 16).

Put yourself in Jesus’ place, see what was happening at the foot of the cross. While Jesus hung there on the cross suffering and dying there in pain and agony, the soldiers sat at the foot of the cross and played their games, and parted his garments, casting lots, gambling on his garment to see which one was going to get them. The people stood beholding, in indifference, like it was a circus going on. (St. Matt. 27: 35- 42). It was show time at the cross that day. The rulers, mocked him. They wanted religion, but, without a divine Christ crucified for their sins. (St. Matt 27:41). They railed at him (St. Matt. 27: 39). Reviled him. Def: Railed, means , criticize, denounce, condemn. They were there from near and far for the feast of the Passover, and they came to behold this public execution. He claimed to be the Son of God, would he come down from the cross. All eyes were upon him, waiting to see what he would do.

The Cross is for the judgment of the world. We have to go back to the cross, even though Jesus is not there anymore. That is where he was Crucified. That is where he died. That is where he shed his blood, so that we, who partake of it in Baptism, may be washed clean of our sins. Jesus told John the Baptist, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness” (St. Matthew 3: 15).

Posted by J.C.A.M.I. Staff at 5:26 PM CDT

Updated: Friday, 15 August 2008 5:27 PM CDT

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