02/07/26 BEWARE THE FILTERS
Beware the filters you have in your life that keep you from receiving God's message clearly. There are many different kinds of filters, including culture, education, family (or community) worldviews, religious (or Biblical or theological) training, occupational (or military) training, social clubs (fraternities, sororities, organizations, clubs), and political (or philosophical mindsets).
#1 Don't let any worldview or any worldly system or association filter your understanding of God's word.
Always filter every worldview through sound Biblical truth.
Bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Throw off that which is obviously not Scriptural, then submit your accumulated baggage (intellectual, social, business, political, religious, theological) to the authority of God's word. Cast off all sin and search your entire life and heart for the "little foxes," which will destroy your spiritual life, and spare not.
We should, and we need to, and we must make changes when we come to Christ (this is not earned salvation, but it is effectual salvation), and we need to keep and continue in a submissive relationship with God after we come to Christ.
#2 Don't expect to get new revelation or special inspiration, or think that you are a chosen channel of truth through which God gives prophecy.
Don't look for or expect or wait for a "special revelation," or "prophecy," or "a word from the Lord." He has already given you His revelation and enlightenment, by His Spirit, through His word. If we don't love and trust God enough to know and understand and follow His word, then our disobedience will make us subject to the leading of spirits, which are not of God.
Getting special leading from God, to do that which He has already given in His word, is not a sign of maturity or spiritual gifting; it is a sign of immaturity, spiritual darkness, disobedience, ignorance and spiritual pride.
As a very shallow Christian, untrained in God's word, I sought to do God's will. But since I was ignorant of God's word I would "Put a fleece before the Lord." It did not take me long to realize that my need for a fleece was a sign of my laziness and shallowness concerning God's word, and my resistance to His will. Quit asking God for signs; He has already given you His word and His Spirit. His Spirit never disagrees with His word and His Spirit does not give you a new revelation. His Spirit gives you enlightenment concerning His word and His will. Yes, God leads, God speaks, God enables, but always in accord with His revelation and your enlightenment. As you grow in grace and knowledge, you will put away childish things. Don't expect God to "baby you." Grow up and be a man.
Whatever leading God gives to you is not to be equated with the gift of prophecy given to New Testament writers and Apostles. God's leading you is not the same as God giving revelation to the New Testament prophets and apostles. God will not make the shallow, unlearned believer into a voice of authority to people who are sitting in darkness.
Don't love the gift.
Love the Giver.
Never let anything filter Bible truth.
Always filter everything through Bible truth.
Of course, this means you need to know Bible truth, not just Bible verses or man-made theological systems.
You need to know the Bible.
You need to understand the Bible.
You need to believe the Bible.
You need to trust the Bible.
You need to live by the Bible. You need to obey the Bible.
This means...
You need to read the Bible.
You need to study the Bible.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
02/05/26 TIME TRAVELING WITH PHOTOS
02/05/26 TIME TRAVELING WITH PHOTOS
Time traveling with photos.
This was during my short time in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of L.A. in 1955 (I was 8 years old). I actually attended services alone, unless I had a part in the service, then my parents might attend. During those early years, I attended whatever church was convenient for Daddy to drop me off. I attended Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist churches. I did not learn much from those early years. Even when we were settled back in North Carolina, I did not learn much because very little Bible preaching and teaching was taking place under the Liberal pastors in the Methodist church I attended. Eventually, I had a Bible preacher who introduced me to JWC Bible College. This gave me the first solid Bible teaching I really ever had.
My "army days." Notice that I had enlisted a neighborhood "comrade in arms" to come to church with me (along with some of his siblings and other neighborhood children). We made up a good portion of the youth choir.
Though my Bible training and doctrinal understanding were very limited, I did know that Jesus would forgive and that He would change our lives if we called on Him. I came to know Christ as Lord and Savior and knew that everyone else needed to become Christians.
This was during my short time in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of L.A. in 1955 (I was 8 years old). I actually attended services alone, unless I had a part in the service, then my parents might attend. During those early years, I attended whatever church was convenient for Daddy to drop me off. I attended Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist churches. I did not learn much from those early years. Even when we were settled back in North Carolina, I did not learn much because very little Bible preaching and teaching was taking place under the Liberal pastors in the Methodist church I attended. Eventually, I had a Bible preacher who introduced me to JWC Bible College. This gave me the first solid Bible teaching I really ever had.
My "army days." Notice that I had enlisted a neighborhood "comrade in arms" to come to church with me (along with some of his siblings and other neighborhood children). We made up a good portion of the youth choir.
Though my Bible training and doctrinal understanding were very limited, I did know that Jesus would forgive and that He would change our lives if we called on Him. I came to know Christ as Lord and Savior and knew that everyone else needed to become Christians.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
02/04/26 LIVING BY FAITH IS VICTORIOUS LIVING
02/04/26 LIVING BY FAITH IS VICTORIOUS LIVING
I unashamedly believe the Bible and accept the truth that God saves His people (those who trust Him fully for salvation) from all sin (action and attitude), in this present evil world, and He gives us grace to walk in His light and to resist all temptation and to keep His commandments and to do that which is pleasing in His sight.
I know that He transforms believers from sinners to saints (holy ones), and that He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and that He gives us everything that pertains to life and godliness, and that He enables all believers to resist every temptation, and that He cleanses believers from all sin, and that He causes His followers to always triumph in Christ, and that all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His will, and it is the Father's good pleasure to give His children the kingdom, and to make His children to be more than conquerors. God wants the best for His children, but His children live in a wicked world. God's grace is greater than all our sin, but God does not force His redemptive will on anyone, any more than He forces reprobation on anyone. We live in a world of wickedness, where we are tested and tried. God would rather draw us to Himself through His goodness, but He will also use our trials to drive us to Him in faith. Still, it is our choice.
I understand that the Old Testament and the New Testament are two parts of the revelation of God and His plan of salvation, for the Old Testament Jew and the New Testament believer in Christ. I understand that Christians live under the same moral code of the unchanging God. I understand that we are not of this world, but we live in this world, and we need God's wisdom, grace, and power to live godly in this present evil world.
I know that there are directives and promises which are people and time specific, but I also know that there are principles of God's nature, will, provision and enablement which transcend time and nations.
I am not David of the Old Testament, but I serve the same God as David of the Old Testament. The Church is not the Nation of Israel, but we are God's spiritual kingdom living in an earthly environment.
The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. Though our specific circumstances are different, His nature is the same, His faithfulness is the same, His moral standards are the same. The promises sometimes apply to specific people or situations, but the unchanging principles are applicable to us today.
It takes knowledge and wisdom to understand God's call and provision for us individually. Don't discount His leading and His provision just because you don't live in the Old Testament. God's promises to Israel are not transferable to the Church, but neither are all of God's promises and provisions limited to Israel of the Old Testament. We find this principle addressed in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
The God of the Old Testament is just as active and present today as He was in the day of Adam, the day of Noah, the day of Moses, the day of Isaiah. We are not Adam or any other character from either the Old Testament or the New Testament, but God is as faithful today as He has ever been. We just need to know His word and His Spirit. If we have a solid understanding of the principles of God, we will understand what God has for us and what God wants from us.
I don't have to split the Red Sea or the Jordan River. I don't have to defeat Goliath; I don't have to walk on water or feed the thousands from a small lunch. However, I face issues that are just as real and just as challenging as those situations were. For those who follow fully by faith, He will never leave nor forsake them. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
We face our own giants, our own temptations, our own obstacles, but we don't face them alone. I know the basic meaning of Philippians 4:13, but I also know the broader principle. When God's word says that I can do all things through Christ, it means I can do all that Christ calls me to do, if I act in faith.
There are promises and principles in the Old Testament that are applicable and livable in the Christian life. Salvation is not simply something that was done for us, it is something that God does in us. If you are not overcoming your obstacles, defeating your enemies, claiming your mountains, obtaining your victories, then you are not living in the Spirit; you are not living by the word. You have a dead formalism rather than a living relationship, you have a form of godliness, but you are denying the power thereof, you have a head filled with religion, but a heart void of God.
Some people are filled with wildfire. Some people are without any fire. What everyone needs is Divine fire, Holy Spirit fire, purifying, enlightening, and empowering us in a life of victory.
I unashamedly believe the Bible and accept the truth that God saves His people (those who trust Him fully for salvation) from all sin (action and attitude), in this present evil world, and He gives us grace to walk in His light and to resist all temptation and to keep His commandments and to do that which is pleasing in His sight.
I know that He transforms believers from sinners to saints (holy ones), and that He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and that He gives us everything that pertains to life and godliness, and that He enables all believers to resist every temptation, and that He cleanses believers from all sin, and that He causes His followers to always triumph in Christ, and that all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His will, and it is the Father's good pleasure to give His children the kingdom, and to make His children to be more than conquerors. God wants the best for His children, but His children live in a wicked world. God's grace is greater than all our sin, but God does not force His redemptive will on anyone, any more than He forces reprobation on anyone. We live in a world of wickedness, where we are tested and tried. God would rather draw us to Himself through His goodness, but He will also use our trials to drive us to Him in faith. Still, it is our choice.
I understand that the Old Testament and the New Testament are two parts of the revelation of God and His plan of salvation, for the Old Testament Jew and the New Testament believer in Christ. I understand that Christians live under the same moral code of the unchanging God. I understand that we are not of this world, but we live in this world, and we need God's wisdom, grace, and power to live godly in this present evil world.
I know that there are directives and promises which are people and time specific, but I also know that there are principles of God's nature, will, provision and enablement which transcend time and nations.
I am not David of the Old Testament, but I serve the same God as David of the Old Testament. The Church is not the Nation of Israel, but we are God's spiritual kingdom living in an earthly environment.
The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. Though our specific circumstances are different, His nature is the same, His faithfulness is the same, His moral standards are the same. The promises sometimes apply to specific people or situations, but the unchanging principles are applicable to us today.
It takes knowledge and wisdom to understand God's call and provision for us individually. Don't discount His leading and His provision just because you don't live in the Old Testament. God's promises to Israel are not transferable to the Church, but neither are all of God's promises and provisions limited to Israel of the Old Testament. We find this principle addressed in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
The God of the Old Testament is just as active and present today as He was in the day of Adam, the day of Noah, the day of Moses, the day of Isaiah. We are not Adam or any other character from either the Old Testament or the New Testament, but God is as faithful today as He has ever been. We just need to know His word and His Spirit. If we have a solid understanding of the principles of God, we will understand what God has for us and what God wants from us.
I don't have to split the Red Sea or the Jordan River. I don't have to defeat Goliath; I don't have to walk on water or feed the thousands from a small lunch. However, I face issues that are just as real and just as challenging as those situations were. For those who follow fully by faith, He will never leave nor forsake them. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
We face our own giants, our own temptations, our own obstacles, but we don't face them alone. I know the basic meaning of Philippians 4:13, but I also know the broader principle. When God's word says that I can do all things through Christ, it means I can do all that Christ calls me to do, if I act in faith.
There are promises and principles in the Old Testament that are applicable and livable in the Christian life. Salvation is not simply something that was done for us, it is something that God does in us. If you are not overcoming your obstacles, defeating your enemies, claiming your mountains, obtaining your victories, then you are not living in the Spirit; you are not living by the word. You have a dead formalism rather than a living relationship, you have a form of godliness, but you are denying the power thereof, you have a head filled with religion, but a heart void of God.
Some people are filled with wildfire. Some people are without any fire. What everyone needs is Divine fire, Holy Spirit fire, purifying, enlightening, and empowering us in a life of victory.
02/04/26 A DREAM SEQUENCE
02/04/26 A DREAM SEQUENCE
It is not unusual for me to get a few hours of good sleep, wake up, study for a while (since I am not tired and will not be going to sleep right away), and then go back to sleep.
I often have dreams. Some of them are like The TWILIGHT ZONE (mystery, adventure, comedy, thriller, and sometimes they are about me reaching out to unsaved people through witnessing or preaching. Sometimes I dream a storyline in parts. The following was probably a three-part dream sequence I had in my "second night's sleep," just before waking.
Without going into the details, Mark (when he was a teenager) and I, along with a group of strangers, were on a very large luxury yacht. Of course, Jesus was part of our normal conversation. This irked some of the other guests to the degree that they became physically abusive. Being non-violent does not mean being "a bump on a log" or being altogether passive, and sometimes God turns the confrontation around, turning the abuser into the target. This has happened many times in my own life, and in the lives of friends, and I have read about it happening in the lives of other Christians (some of whom did not previously subscribe to the non-violent position).
But, as it says in the old cowboy movies, "meanwhile, back at the ranch," Mark and I escaped with our lives. Biblically speaking, flight is one Christian option to the un-Biblical choice of fight, as seen in the lives of Jesus and Paul.
Part Two of the Dream Sequence (which seemed to be unrelated to Part One), was centered in an upscale shopping mall with a little Diner (like a roadside cafe). I was alone, sitting at a table, with one of my Bibles and a few Gospel tracts. For some reason I left the table. Apparently, I was leaving the Mall when I remembered that I had left my Bible and tracts on the table of the cafe. When I returned, I was directed to the mall office, since the cafe staff did not have my Bible. The office staff finally located my Bible (but not my gospel tracts), and I described it to them to prove my ownership. They told me the location of the person who had turned my Bible into the cafe staff. As I was leaving, I was praising the Lord and saying how important it was to have my Bible back. Someone asked why it was important. Since they asked the question publicly, I responded gladly and boldly by telling them that the Bible tells me the great truth that Jesus died to save me from my sins and death, at which time I gave a quick shout of praise. They reacted in support of my testimony. Then I quickly added that Jesus died and rose again for everyone, and I gave another shout of praise. The office staff smiled and expressed their appreciation. I was able to use the "lost and found" Bible situation to actually tell others about Jesus being in the lost and found people business.
In Part Three of the Dream Sequence, I was going to locate and thank the person who made it possible for me to retrieve my Bible. When I got to their posh apartment in the residential high-rise complex, I discovered that the occupant was the owner of the yacht.
When I introduced myself as the owner of the Bible to the man and his wife, he realized that I was the same person who had been involved in the confrontational incident on his boat, he was angry. He blamed me for causing the situation. I explained to them the actual circumstances, whereupon the became interested in my message and my motivation. I shared the gospel with both of them. They were warm and receptive and wanted me to come back to their home to hold a Bible study for them and some friends.
There is more to the dream, but this conveys the basics. Needless to say, I woke up refreshed, encouraged and looking forward to more opportunities to share the gospel. Sometimes circumstances seem to be dark and negative, but I have found, in real life, God works all things together for good to those who love the Lord. I have lived, and I have dreamed about being faithful in confrontational situations, without reverting to the carnal response of violence.
It's not just a dream, It's Real, It's Real, I know it's real.
It is not unusual for me to get a few hours of good sleep, wake up, study for a while (since I am not tired and will not be going to sleep right away), and then go back to sleep.
I often have dreams. Some of them are like The TWILIGHT ZONE (mystery, adventure, comedy, thriller, and sometimes they are about me reaching out to unsaved people through witnessing or preaching. Sometimes I dream a storyline in parts. The following was probably a three-part dream sequence I had in my "second night's sleep," just before waking.
Without going into the details, Mark (when he was a teenager) and I, along with a group of strangers, were on a very large luxury yacht. Of course, Jesus was part of our normal conversation. This irked some of the other guests to the degree that they became physically abusive. Being non-violent does not mean being "a bump on a log" or being altogether passive, and sometimes God turns the confrontation around, turning the abuser into the target. This has happened many times in my own life, and in the lives of friends, and I have read about it happening in the lives of other Christians (some of whom did not previously subscribe to the non-violent position).
But, as it says in the old cowboy movies, "meanwhile, back at the ranch," Mark and I escaped with our lives. Biblically speaking, flight is one Christian option to the un-Biblical choice of fight, as seen in the lives of Jesus and Paul.
Part Two of the Dream Sequence (which seemed to be unrelated to Part One), was centered in an upscale shopping mall with a little Diner (like a roadside cafe). I was alone, sitting at a table, with one of my Bibles and a few Gospel tracts. For some reason I left the table. Apparently, I was leaving the Mall when I remembered that I had left my Bible and tracts on the table of the cafe. When I returned, I was directed to the mall office, since the cafe staff did not have my Bible. The office staff finally located my Bible (but not my gospel tracts), and I described it to them to prove my ownership. They told me the location of the person who had turned my Bible into the cafe staff. As I was leaving, I was praising the Lord and saying how important it was to have my Bible back. Someone asked why it was important. Since they asked the question publicly, I responded gladly and boldly by telling them that the Bible tells me the great truth that Jesus died to save me from my sins and death, at which time I gave a quick shout of praise. They reacted in support of my testimony. Then I quickly added that Jesus died and rose again for everyone, and I gave another shout of praise. The office staff smiled and expressed their appreciation. I was able to use the "lost and found" Bible situation to actually tell others about Jesus being in the lost and found people business.
In Part Three of the Dream Sequence, I was going to locate and thank the person who made it possible for me to retrieve my Bible. When I got to their posh apartment in the residential high-rise complex, I discovered that the occupant was the owner of the yacht.
When I introduced myself as the owner of the Bible to the man and his wife, he realized that I was the same person who had been involved in the confrontational incident on his boat, he was angry. He blamed me for causing the situation. I explained to them the actual circumstances, whereupon the became interested in my message and my motivation. I shared the gospel with both of them. They were warm and receptive and wanted me to come back to their home to hold a Bible study for them and some friends.
There is more to the dream, but this conveys the basics. Needless to say, I woke up refreshed, encouraged and looking forward to more opportunities to share the gospel. Sometimes circumstances seem to be dark and negative, but I have found, in real life, God works all things together for good to those who love the Lord. I have lived, and I have dreamed about being faithful in confrontational situations, without reverting to the carnal response of violence.
It's not just a dream, It's Real, It's Real, I know it's real.
Monday, February 2, 2026
02/02/26 THE HIDDEN BLESSINGS
02/02/26 THE HIDDEN BLESSINGS
When I was a Bible college student, I paid my own way. In my senior year, Martha's mom came to JWC as Dean of Women. During that year, my future mother-in-law gave me a financial gift toward my education. She lovingly gave from her meager income. That may be the only money I got from any of my family. My home church also gave me a gift one time.
I certainly appreciate those two occasions. But I also appreciate God's provision and the opportunity to pay for my own college experience. I worked hard aboard fishing boats during my summer vacations (usually around 16 hours a day [preparation, fishing, assisting the Captain, tending to the fishing party, cleaning the boat, working on tackle and baits, trying to line up other charters in the evening]), and I found a wide variety of jobs during my four years at JWC (funeral home worker, ambulance attendant, Dairy Queen [soda jerk], Greensboro News and Record [circulation department], Sears loading dock worker, door to door salesman (home fire alarm system, Swipe household cleaning product, Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner, independent yard and garden work), not to mention the ministry opportunities I had on weekends and days off.
I faced the possibility of not continuing at JWC because I lacked the finances for school, and I knew what it was to go without meals, and I knew what it was to scrape a few coins together to buy fuel for my car in order to get to work and to get to school.
This is not a complaint. It is a praise. I needed God, and God was always there. Not only was He always there, but He taught me, led me, and built me up in the faith, through the trials I faced.
Before I went to JWC, I worked in restaurants, I did landscape jobs with an uncle, and I worked on fishing boats; I helped Daddy with projects. I was learning to grow up and be responsible before I went to college, but the four years away from home, finding jobs, supporting myself, paying my bills, sacrificing, disciplining myself, and motivating myself were part of my education.
My classes and studies and school activities took up a major part of my daytime, work schedules took up evening and long nighttime hours, and ministry opportunities (organized and freelance) took up my free time. It was physically demanding, mentally draining, emotionally challenging, not to mention the time I spent developing and learning from relationships, but I would not change any of it.
I pity the young people and young adults today who are spinning their wheels, chasing illusive dreams, stuffing their time with empty activity and mindless amusement. Relaxation, fun, amusement has its place (its limited place) in our lives, but real pleasures and real treasures come from the pursuit of the important, the useful, the eternal.
I am always amazed when I see young people who have set their minds on the things of God and are relentless in taking a new mountain for God.
I have always said that children and young people are not the church of the future; they are the church of today.
When I was a Bible college student, I paid my own way. In my senior year, Martha's mom came to JWC as Dean of Women. During that year, my future mother-in-law gave me a financial gift toward my education. She lovingly gave from her meager income. That may be the only money I got from any of my family. My home church also gave me a gift one time.
I certainly appreciate those two occasions. But I also appreciate God's provision and the opportunity to pay for my own college experience. I worked hard aboard fishing boats during my summer vacations (usually around 16 hours a day [preparation, fishing, assisting the Captain, tending to the fishing party, cleaning the boat, working on tackle and baits, trying to line up other charters in the evening]), and I found a wide variety of jobs during my four years at JWC (funeral home worker, ambulance attendant, Dairy Queen [soda jerk], Greensboro News and Record [circulation department], Sears loading dock worker, door to door salesman (home fire alarm system, Swipe household cleaning product, Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner, independent yard and garden work), not to mention the ministry opportunities I had on weekends and days off.
I faced the possibility of not continuing at JWC because I lacked the finances for school, and I knew what it was to go without meals, and I knew what it was to scrape a few coins together to buy fuel for my car in order to get to work and to get to school.
This is not a complaint. It is a praise. I needed God, and God was always there. Not only was He always there, but He taught me, led me, and built me up in the faith, through the trials I faced.
Before I went to JWC, I worked in restaurants, I did landscape jobs with an uncle, and I worked on fishing boats; I helped Daddy with projects. I was learning to grow up and be responsible before I went to college, but the four years away from home, finding jobs, supporting myself, paying my bills, sacrificing, disciplining myself, and motivating myself were part of my education.
My classes and studies and school activities took up a major part of my daytime, work schedules took up evening and long nighttime hours, and ministry opportunities (organized and freelance) took up my free time. It was physically demanding, mentally draining, emotionally challenging, not to mention the time I spent developing and learning from relationships, but I would not change any of it.
I pity the young people and young adults today who are spinning their wheels, chasing illusive dreams, stuffing their time with empty activity and mindless amusement. Relaxation, fun, amusement has its place (its limited place) in our lives, but real pleasures and real treasures come from the pursuit of the important, the useful, the eternal.
I am always amazed when I see young people who have set their minds on the things of God and are relentless in taking a new mountain for God.
I have always said that children and young people are not the church of the future; they are the church of today.
02/02/26 THE WHOLE WORK OF GOD
02/02/26 THE WHOLE WORK OF GOD
Biblical Holiness applies to both our behavior and our heart condition. Holiness describes the actions and nature of the Spirit-filled believer. Holiness of heart and life is the work of God in us and through us.
The word "holiness" is primarily used when referring to righteous behavior. This is a valid use of the word, but there is another correct use of the word, which is seldom mentioned.
In the Bible, "holiness" is sometimes used in reference to the spiritual condition of a person filled with the Holy Spirit.
Holiness can be used in reference to the behavior of a Christian (what we do), and it can also be used in reference to the purified nature of the Spirit-Baptized believer (what we are).
In other words, holiness of heart and life.
Interestingly enough, there are people who claim to be Christian, yet they deny that God enables Christians the grace to do His will, and they deny that God will actually deliver them from their sinful nature.
I feel sorry for the unsaved, who continue in a life of sin, and I feel sorry for the saved who continue in a life of Double-Mindedness because they refuse to trust God to deliver them from the evil heart of unbelief.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED INTO A LIFE OF SINNING BEHAVIOR, AND DO NOT BE DECEIVED INTO A LIFE OF CARNAL MINDEDNESS.
GOD DELIVERS FROM BOTH.
To my friends who are Christians and wonder why I keep saying that God will deliver you from the Old Man, remember, you keep saying to your unsaved friends that God will deliver them from living a life of sinful behavior.
We must be born again and quit our sinful behavior in order to inherit eternal life.
Likewise, we must have a pure, holy, righteous heart to inherit eternal life, which comes to the Christian by faith in God's cleansing power.
Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Biblical Holiness applies to both our behavior and our heart condition. Holiness describes the actions and nature of the Spirit-filled believer. Holiness of heart and life is the work of God in us and through us.
The word "holiness" is primarily used when referring to righteous behavior. This is a valid use of the word, but there is another correct use of the word, which is seldom mentioned.
In the Bible, "holiness" is sometimes used in reference to the spiritual condition of a person filled with the Holy Spirit.
Holiness can be used in reference to the behavior of a Christian (what we do), and it can also be used in reference to the purified nature of the Spirit-Baptized believer (what we are).
In other words, holiness of heart and life.
Interestingly enough, there are people who claim to be Christian, yet they deny that God enables Christians the grace to do His will, and they deny that God will actually deliver them from their sinful nature.
I feel sorry for the unsaved, who continue in a life of sin, and I feel sorry for the saved who continue in a life of Double-Mindedness because they refuse to trust God to deliver them from the evil heart of unbelief.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED INTO A LIFE OF SINNING BEHAVIOR, AND DO NOT BE DECEIVED INTO A LIFE OF CARNAL MINDEDNESS.
GOD DELIVERS FROM BOTH.
To my friends who are Christians and wonder why I keep saying that God will deliver you from the Old Man, remember, you keep saying to your unsaved friends that God will deliver them from living a life of sinful behavior.
We must be born again and quit our sinful behavior in order to inherit eternal life.
Likewise, we must have a pure, holy, righteous heart to inherit eternal life, which comes to the Christian by faith in God's cleansing power.
Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
02/01/26 TRUST THE TRUTH
02/01/26 TRUST THE TRUTH
(written during an historic snowstorm)
Even when you don't see it, the sun is still there.
Even when you don't see Him, the Son is still there.
And remember, the Son makes your heart WHITER than snow.
Even when you don't see Him, the Son is still there.
And remember, the Son makes your heart WHITER than snow.
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