What is “death?” Well, death is defined as “the action or fact of dying or being killed; or the end of the life of a person or organism.” One might think of death as something like a battery that you may put into a clock, or a flashlight. When you first put in those new batteries that light certainly is bright, isn’t it? However, eventually over time that light will begin to fade. Duller and duller the light will become as the battery drains away, until it eventually runs completely out, and “dies.” That is what happens to each and every person who lives on this Earth. We are born, we live, we die. But you see, death only affects the human body, while it is the soul of a person that goes on, either to be granted everlasting life by the Lord in Heaven, or to be punished in hell because of a life of disobedience to the commands of Christ.

Some people fear death because, to them, death is the end. To them there is nothing left for them after they die, either because they believe that there is no life after death, or because they do but they know that they will not be in Heaven after they die. This may be the reason why many people try to acquire as many things as they can in their lifetime– because they don’t believe in a place of eternity. They feel like this Earth is as good as they will ever get, and as a result they live the way that they want to, and they live the way until the day that they die.

But for a Christian who believes in Christ, death is not the end. It is only the end of the beginning. Death is merely the door which must be stepped through to enter into the promise of eternal life found in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 6:3-11  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul had written in one of his letters that his time to leave this Earth was getting close. He was getting older and knew that soon he would be going to be with the Lord in Heaven, and he told the church that to stay with them a while longer was good as well because he could continue to help them grow in their faith, as well as telling even more about the Lord. But when he died, that wasn’t a bad thing, because he would be with the Lord. Paul was not afraid of death, because he knew the reward that would be waiting for him in Heaven was eternal life.

But for those who know what the Lord teaches, but choose to instead ignore those teachings, these people should definitely be afraid of what will happen to them after they die, because that willful disobedience towards our God is not going to be rewarded with eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven, but will most certainly be punished by an eternal damnation in hell. 

Matthew 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

As long as we have lived our lives faithfully according to the will of the Lord, we have nothing to fear of the death of our bodies. It is only the beginning. Death couldn’t hold the Lord down when He was crucified on the cross, and it will not be the end for us either. It is merely the beginning of our band new life. So use the time that you have been given wisely, and keep the Lord’s commands that are found in the Bible. 

In Christ

Andrew

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”

Anyone can claim to be anything that they want. Walk up to a random person on the street someday and ask them, Are you a lawyer? and they may respond, Yup, I sure am! Now, it is definitely a possibility that they truly are a lawyer, and that they really are what they say they are, but isn’t it also possible that they are not being honest, that they are just telling a lie? That they only want to have the appearance of a lawyer? Unless they faithfully follow and practice the law as other lawyers would, and actually represent a client in a court of law, they are nothing more than a fake and a fraud.

The real, determining factor of a Spirit-filled believer in Jesus Christ is what? Whether they believe in Him and if they do His will for them. That is the definition of a Christian, “a person who believes in and seeks to live his or her life according to the principles and values of Jesus Christ.” Jesus Himself teaches that not everyone who claims to believe in Him are real Christians in their hearts. 

Matthew 7:21-27  “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

Jesus taught that there are few that will be saved. Few, not many. An entire bowl full of candy in front of a child, and their parent tells them that they can have a few, how many is that? Not all of them, but two or three usually. Few will be saved. Many are called but not many will be chosen. 

Matthew 22:1-14  “And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 

But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Anyone can say that they believe in Jesus, but does that belief reveal itself in their life by their actions? It says in the Bible that the devils believe in Jesus, and tremble. Even the devils believe in Jesus, but they certainly will not be in Heaven, and why? Because they do not keep His word.

You can say that you believe in Jesus, and then you can actually believe in Jesus and that belief will be shown by your obedience to the words of Christ. Judgement Day will be a great wake up call for many people, but on that day the time will be up. Their time to change and live for Christ will have come and gone, and they will find themselves shut out. Do not be among these people on that day.

In Christ,

Andrew

Take a random group of people and study them for a bit. They all have their own different features, don’t they? Some will be very tall, others may be very short, and the others may be right in the middle of them. Some people may be heavier, and others may be lighter, some older while others may be younger. They may like different things in that children will usually like to do more “childish” things than an adult would, and an adult will probably like to be a bit more reserved. 

People like to eat different things as well, and may require more or less food depending on their daily needs. A very young child for example may only eat things such as soft foods and milk while they are an infant, but as they grow they will require things a bit more solid. A baby just cannot eat a giant pork chop because they may not have enough teeth to chew it all up, but an adult sure could because they are able to. 

Each person has their own set of needs, whatever they are, and it goes the same for how much grace a person may need from the Lord in order for them to become right with Him. For example, people may live for sixty or seventy years before they finally learn about the love that Jesus has for them, and by that time in their life they may have amassed an entire history book full of sins and mistakes. And then you may have someone who believes in the teachings of Christ as a young child, and may not have such a long list of sins in their past. Both are sinners, obviously, but one of them will require more of God’s grace and forgiveness than the other, which the Lord is ready and willing to give.

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We don’t know too much about the lives of some of the other apostles of the Lord, such as Matthew or Peter and what they did up to the point when Jesus called on them to follow Him, but the apostle Paul was certainly one who received a great amount of God’s grace given to him. In certain chapters of the Bible it references the things that Paul had done in his past, how he was in strong opposition to the things of Christ, but when he became converted he completely changed. Some may look at someone like Paul and think that they are a “lost cause” because of their many past mistakes, but if the life of Paul has taught us anything we should realize that there is enough grace for everyone, no matter their past.

Ephesians 2:1-8  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

A lot of grace needed, or a little, God’s grace is there waiting for everyone, and they just need to make the decision to go and ask Him for it. There is always enough God’s grace to go around.

In Christ

Andrew

When water is purified it goes through a process of removing all of the contaminates that are in it. This might include removing any large particles that float in the water, or the treating or boiling the water in order to remove any chemicals or bacteria that pollute it.

Whatever method is used to purify water, they all have the same purpose of removing the impurities within the water in order to make it more pure. If you take a dirty swimming pool for example, you might take a long pool cleaning net and take out any of the larger particles like leaves and twigs, and after those things are removed you may turn on the pool filter pump that removes anything that you couldn’t get with the net. By the time that you are done you should be left with a beautiful clean pool.

Jesus calls His believers to depart from their sins, and this means that all things that are not right and correct according to the Word of God need to be completely removed from your life, just like purifying dirty water.

2 Timothy 2:19-21  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Something that we need to remember about God is that He created everything, and everyone. We are His creation. He made us, and we must submit ourselves to the Lord by obeying His commands to keep ourselves from sin. No one likes having a disobedient pet, do they? It can become very upsetting when they continue to disregard your instructions and do whatever they feel like, whether you want them to do it or not. How do you think God feels then when people can have His commands in written form right in front of them in the Bible, but choose to ignore it? How do you think He feels? 

God hates sin, and because the desire of every Christian should be to love Him in everything, as His children we need to remove from our lives everything that makes the Lord angry. We need to examine ourselves and piece by piece make certain that we do not sin against Him in any way. If we used to do some things in our past that we learn God does not like, we need to put off those sinful deeds and do what is right.

Ephesians 4:21-32  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Neither give place to the devil.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

People come from a wide, diverse range of backgrounds, and may have different things which they need to correct in their life. Some may need to learn how to tell the truth instead of lies, or some may need to learn what it means to be humble and forsake pride. Some may need to learn how to love, and not to hate, but it is through this process of change that we can finally become pleasing to the Father. And it is a process that might take time, as we learn to do what is right, but in the end we should be just like a pure cup of water.

In Christ

Andrew

Good morning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to tell you a little story.

Up here in Northern Minnesota, we frequently get the chance to see many bald eagles sitting prominently up in their nest, but that kind of lifestyle isn’t just reserved for them, because there have been numerous sailors who have experienced the same thing. The one main difference is that a sailor’s nest was found high above a ship, precariously perched upon its mast where they could get an eagles eye view of their surroundings.  The crows nest, as it was named, became a sailors temporary home as he stood watch.  It’s been claimed that by climbing the mast of a ship, one could gain a height advantage and see land that was completely invisible to those who were standing on the deck.   Certain historians claim that this structure was invented by Captain William Scoresby Senior, and was first used in 1807. Others believe that it was basically an improvement on an already existing design that was found In ancient Egyptian carvings as early as 1,200 BC.  

The crows nest was commonly designed from wood and canvas, which a sailor could enter through a small trap door in the bottom.  Within the nest, he could use navigational items such as a telescope, a speaking trumpet, and signal flags.  Not all of these lookouts were so grand.  In early ships it was simply a barrel or a basket that was strapped to the tallest mast, and those who stood inside were called a “barrelman.”  The usage of the crow’s nest has become obsolete on modern ships, as it has become much safer and easier to stay inside and out of the elements.  Standing in their roost high above the ship was not a job for those who were faint of heart.  When the ship was tossed around during strong storms and heavy seas, it was far rougher hanging onto the mast like a fishing bobber dancing in the wind, than standing on deck.  Whatever the situation, it was the responsibility and duty of the sailor to keep watching.

This reminds me of the Christian life.

Whatever storms may arise in our lives, Christians are called to watch.  We must get up each and every day, rain or shine, and diligently climb up that mast.  We must faithfully stand at our post, high inside of the crows nest.

Luke 21:36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

To watch means to be alertly on the lookout in order to see what is coming.  It means to pay close attention to what is going on around you.  Each time that we drive down the highway, we must watch the road that is in front of us, so as to be prepared for what is coming.  If you see ice or an obstruction on the road, watching will give you an opportunity to quickly change course or to slow down.  When Noah prepared the ark, he was watching for the day of Gods judgement.  Those who were unconcerned about what was coming were washed away in the flood.

Matthew 24:36-42  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

When a person sleeps, they are not aware of what is going on around them.  Many people can certainly look awake physically, but they are asleep inside of their hearts, unconscious of what is coming.

Mark 13:33-37  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Luke 12:40  Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

When you watch, you will be prepared. If you know that one of your friends is going to stop by and have supper with you, you will prepare everything before he arrives. If someone Is going to drop off a package after lunch, you will be patiently watching out the window. If you know that the school bus is going to pick you up after school, you will have your backpack prepared and ready to go before your bus number is called. If you really believe in Jesus, you will prepare yourself now and watch for His coming kingdom.  One of the biggest examples of procrastination and unpreparedness is taught in the parable of the ten virgins.

Matthew 25:1-13  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The Apostle Paul commands the church to watch.

1 Corinthians 16:13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

When we stand our post each day, we will be blessed by God.

Revelation 16:15  Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth,….

Are you diligently watching for Christ on the horizon?  Are you preparing now for the day that we disembark and step foot onto His new world?  As we sail on our ship of faith, every Christian has their duty to do.  We must rise to our feet, climb up that mast, and stand watch, high up in,….…

………..The Crows Nest

Let’s think about these things for right now. We can be found on your web browser by searching, tlkjbc where you can find our diaries distributed through various platforms. We are not associated, nor affiliated with any other religious groups. You can get our entire podcast feeds directly, along with transcripts at tlkjbc.com or I suppose that you could find us somewhere up here, in the Great Northern Minnesota woods. Peace to you all, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody.

tlkjbc.com♥️

Note: Any copies may be printed and freely distributed among those who have no internet service. There is no AI creative involvement in my writings, and must be left intact because they are very personal to me. These are not to be sold, and are made public only for the free benefit of Spiritual knowledge to those who are genuinely seeking the will of God.

Good morning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to tell you a little story.

In 1864 James Clerk Maxwell was working on some equations that dealt with electromagnetic waves, which were finally demonstrated in 1886 by a German physicist named Heinrich Hertz.  Later, a German engineer put forth the idea of using radio waves to avoid marine collisions. But it wasn’t until 1935, that the first practical radar system was produced and credited to the British physicist Sir Robert Watson-Watt, who demonstrated His ideas at Daventry.  They were so impressed that in September 1939, he had designed and installed a chain of radar stations along the East and South Coast of England.  Radar has been used ever since, but as a result of this eye on the sky, aircraft have tried to avoid its detection, even designing stealth planes to remain completely hidden from its view.

This reminds me of the Christian life.

There are certain people who are trying to avoid detection within the church.  They move quietly and without any sudden movements, like a wolf who is stalking their prey.  They attempt to privily lead people astray from biblical truth, while keeping themselves unnoticed and under the radar.

Jude 1:3-5  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

When something creeps, it means that they move very slowly, cautiously and quietly, usually in order to avoid being detected.  Over the centuries, there have been many people who have crept into the church and tried to avoid being noticed, slithering amongst the sheep like a snake in the barn. They conduct their activities privily, or in a secret manner, trying not to draw attention to themselves, in order to turn people away from the truth. Many times they fraudulently attempt to appear as a true brother in the faith, but truth is that they are only wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Galatians 2:4  And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

2 Peter 2:1-3  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

These same kinds of people slithered in as Jesus was preaching, feigning themselves to be just men.

Luke 20:20  And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

They have a form of Godliness, even claiming to be a Christian, but they deny the power of a Spirit-filled life. They truly are false brethren, and are not serving Christ.  They are serving the God of this world, choosing to live in wickedness, and privily attempting to get others to do the same with them. Now many places ordain them, which truly is a fulfillment of scripture from our study passage. They are ordained to this condemnation.  They are not brothers in the faith, they are kindred of the wicked one.  Just as he lead Eve astray in Eden, he continues to lead women astray today, women who are so filled up with sins that they can no longer differentiate between right and wrong.  They are so far away from biblical faith, that the devil ensnares them in his grasp, and they don’t even care.  

2 Timothy 3:5-6  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

These are the creepers, quietly making the attempt to turn others away from the teachings of Christ, and leading them into sin.  They actually get a kick out of it, but damnation is where they are headed.  The devil’s time is short, and then he will reap his reward.  After all, he has earned it, and is certainly worthy of eternal damnation.

Romans 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Look around at the day and age that we live in right now. Things as recently as 200 years ago that were considered absolutely immoral behaviors, (even among unbelievers) are now being accepted as the norm in many places that profess to carry the cross of Christ.  People’s consciences has been hammered into moral numbness by these creepers.  It’s one thing for an unbelieving world to act like this, but not a follower of Jesus.  Things continue to grow worse and worse, just like in the days of Noah.  God grants us grace for the purpose of becoming a new creature and learning to sin no more.  On the other hand, these false brethren turn the Christian life into one of open fornication and immorality, even trying to justify their own wickedness through the misusage and miscarriage of God’s Word.  Those who follow them are like unto them, and belong to a completely different congregation.

Proverbs 21:16  The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

These are the same people that are spoken of by the Apostle Peter.

2 Peter 2:14, 17, 19  Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Do not become as children and allow yourself to be deceived by them.  

Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Make sure that you watch closely, keeping a keen eye out for the creepers, who will always attempt to slither in undetected, and…..

…..Under the Radar

Let’s think about these things for right now. We can be found on your web browser by searching, tlkjbc where you can find our diaries distributed through various platforms. We are not associated, nor affiliated with any other religious groups. You can get our entire podcast feeds directly, along with transcripts at tlkjbc.com or I suppose that you could find us somewhere up here, in the Great Northern Minnesota woods. Peace to you all, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody.

tlkjbc.com♥️

Note: Any copies may be printed and freely distributed among those who have no internet service. There is no AI creative involvement in my writings, and must be left intact because they are very personal to me. These are not to be sold, and are made public only for the free benefit of Spiritual knowledge to those who are genuinely seeking the will of God.everybody. ❤️

Good morning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to tell you a little story.

When I was very young I got a present.  I remember that it was an orange color, and it wasn’t very big, only about the size of a small shoe box, which required being plugged into a wall outlet in order to work. It was a radio, and when it was powered up, it would light up the front console and then proceed to fill the air with sounds of noisy static.  It had a large dial on one side, that you could turn very slowly in order to tune in things that were going on out in the world, things such as music, sports or news.  After getting home from school, I could turn it on, sit on my bed and listen to whatever perked my interest at the time, soaking in the things of the world, and intently focusing on whatever was floating into my room over the air waves.  

This reminds me of the Christian life.

A lot has changed since the years of my youth, because now, even more, there seems to be an unending flow of information from both the television and the internet, which make the attempt to gain our attention, and control of our thoughts.  Some parents allow their children to unrestricted access to these sources, where numerous things that are deemed evil in the scriptures can be readily found. Because of their lack of parenting, they can lead and cause their own children to get involved with sin.  Each of us, whether young or old, need to make a simple decision of what we are going to allow to enter into our minds.  It all comes down to what you are going to seek during your day.  Will your mind be focused on Spiritual things or things of the flesh? What kind of information are you going to tune in?

Romans 8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

What you place your mind upon is very important to success in our Christian walk, because when it’s not reigned in, your thoughts can lead you in the wrong direction. In order to repent of sin, it’s going to require a change of your thoughts. Things that you once felt were acceptable while living in the world, are unacceptable within the church.  Each of us including myself have been born into this world of sin, but Christianity Is about leaving the world behind, and beginning a new life in Christ.  Instead of focusing on something that is wrong or detrimental to ourselves or others, we need to think about good things.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Scripture is clear that anybody who names the name of Christ is supposed to depart from iniquity.  This is not optional, it is mandatory.  The road that leads to salvation is extremely narrow, so narrow, that many people who attempt the Christian Life will fail, simply because the path becomes too restrictive for them.  This is because the carnal mind loves sin more than God.  It doesn’t want God’s Word to have complete control over every aspect of life. Like an athlete who’s mind isn’t in the game, some people are not keeping their minds focused on the walk that is placed in front of them.

Jesus teaches that evil thoughts proceed directly from the heart.

Matthew 9:4  And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

Matthew 15:19  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

To have the desire to do evil towards someone, is a sinful condition of the heart whereby it becomes defiled.  Evil thoughts will result in things such as murder, adultery, fornication or other sins that are contrary to biblical truth.  It is a willful state of the mind to intentionally perpetrate miscreant behavior towards others.  

Isaiah 59:7  Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

Scripture warns about those who possess a corrupt mind……

1 Timothy 6:5  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

2 Timothy 3:8  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

….. and who defile their conscience.

Titus 1:15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Jesus taught to seek first the kingdom of God, but the carnal mind is concentrated on the things of this world.  It’s impossible to have a close and loving relationship with God when ones mind is focused elsewhere.

Psalms 10:4  The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

We want to fill our minds with things that build us up in our faith, rather than information that might cause temptations, or lead us astray from the truth. In our past, our minds were focused on the things of this world, but as believers, we must renew our minds, redirecting our thoughts onto Spiritual matters that benefit both our soul and our relationship with God.

Ephesians 4:22-23  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Again, in order to walk in the perfect will of God, we need to change the things that we think about.  

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The first and great commandment teaches us who to focus our minds upon.

Matthew 22:37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

In the carnal state, the flesh only thinks about Earthly things.

Philippians 3:18-19  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

The mind needs to be redirected into spiritual things because the carnal mind does not please God, and will result in death.

Romans 8:6-8  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Like going to the faucet and filling up a glass full of water, we need to fill our minds with scripture.

Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Just like my old radio from so many years ago, each of us have to decide what we are going to listen and think about each day. Will they be Spiritual things, or things of the flesh? What are you going to set the dial on, the next time that you…..

……Tune In

Let’s think about these things for right now.  We can be found on your web browser by searching, tlkjbc where you can find our diaries distributed through various platforms. We are not associated, nor affiliated with any other religious groups. You can get our entire podcast feeds directly, along with transcripts at tlkjbc.com or I suppose that you could find us somewhere up here, in the Great Northern Minnesota woods. Peace to you, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody. ❤️

tlkjbc.com

When one of our dogs was just a puppy, he would sometimes do things that he wasn’t supposed to. He may have gotten into the garbage, or chewed on something such as a child’s toy or shoe. He would also, as many puppies tend to do, like to bite or nip at your hands in a playful manner, but we didn’t want him to think that this was something the he could do, so whenever he did it we would give him a sharp rebuke and a slight tap on his nose. It did take a while, but he eventually learned what we were trying to teach him. He grew older, wiser, and calmer, and these types of things he eventually learned not to do anymore. But there were occasions when he would become excited and he would act like a puppy again, and he would seem to forget some of the things which we had taught him. He may have given a slight nip at our hands, not in an angry way of course, but he was just trying to play. This was still something that he shouldn’t have done, but this time right after he had done it you could see that he immediately recognized his error, and began to cower down in shame. He was truly sad because he had done something wrong, but if this ever happened we always gave him a big hug and he would give us a big lick and become happy once again.

We were, in a way, taking the burden of guilt off of our dog because we had already forgiven him for his mistake, and there was no reason for him to remain sad anymore. It had happened, but we were no longer upset with him and we comforted him, which is also what should be done in the Christian church if someone is burdened by the weight of their sins.

Galatians 6:1-2  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Jesus takes the burdens of our sins away from us and places them upon Himself. Through His love, Jesus gives us the peace in our minds that we have been forgiven, and that we have been made right before God.

The truth is that, because all have sinned, we all need forgiveness if we want to go to Heaven. It is those sins that are the hindrance to salvation, if they are remained unrepented of, and this is why our consciences are so important because they help us to discern good from evil, and right from wrong. 

When someone sins, hopefully they feel a sense of sorrow and remorse towards God, because this means that they have recognized their errors. It was Paul’s wish that the church help and comfort those who are filled with this type of sorrow because of their mistakes, and relieve them of their heavy conscience by helping and comforting them through their time of difficulty.

We all need as much help as we can get in our faith because we truly are imperfect creatures. We may sometimes fail, we may sometimes fall in sin, but we need to always remember that it is because of the love of Christ that we have this opportunity to make the changes in our lives to become better and more pleasing to the Father. It is this type of love that Jesus shows us that we need to be able to show to others. 

So remember, if you see someone in the church who is buried in the sadness of their sins, comfort them just as Christ would. Bear each other’s burdens. Their sins have been taken away, and they need to be filled with the peace that comes from the Lord, because He is our peace. His love has covered their sins, and He will remember them no more. 

Revelation 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

In Christ

Andrew 

On a person’s birthday, anniversary, of other special events such as certain holidays, it is often that a person will receive a gift of some kind, often something that is known that they like. For example, growing up as a young child I absolutely loved playing with toy cars. I would have an entire box full of them of all different kinds, cars, trucks, etc, and I would line them all up side by side in a long line that would often reach three or four feet wide and give them all a push to see which one would go the furthest. My love for these you cars was well known to my family members, and pretty much every birthday, Christmas or other holiday I would receive at least one or two cars to add to my collection. I absolutely loved them and they were among my most prized possessions growing up.

But things that a person’s affection grows on will often change quite substantially as they grow into adults. Their love may turn, for example, from toy cars into actual full sized automobiles, as they collect their “dream cars” into their garages. A person may love their possessions so much that it would greatly sadden them if they were forced to give them up, but truthfully, what physical things that you can acquire during your lifetime will you be able to take with you when you die? When you are dead lying in a grace, what things will you actually be able to use in the Kingdom of Heaven? There isn’t anything, is there? All of the things of this Earth will remain on this Earth, and there nothing that we can take with us.

1 Timothy 6:7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

We are born into this world naked, with nothing, and when we die, anything that we have collected over our years will remain behind when we are raised up into Heaven. This might be a sad thing for some people, but this is because their love for their possessions is greater than the love that they should have for the Lord, and this was certainly the case in Luke 18.

Luke 18:18-25  And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

For this man, all of his possessions were of greater importance to him than following Christ. He simply was unwilling to part with the things that he had, failing to realize that the riches that came from following Christ were of far greater value because they would last for all of eternity. 

Someone can place their love and affection on many different things, but upon becoming a Christian our love needs to remain placed firmly in our Lord Jesus, and upon heavenly things. Our love and affection needs to be in the things which are above, not the things of this Earth.

Colossians 3:1-2  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Affection is a feeling of love or strong attachment, and this type of feeling needs to be the strongest in our lives for the things of God. There is nothing else that should receive our love so greatly as the heavenly things that come from God. You can’t take this world or it’s possessions with you when you die, so put your love in a place where it really matters, and place it in Heaven, which is a whole lot more important than a box of cars.

In Christ,

Andrew

Good morning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to tell you a little story.

Up here in the Great Northern Woods, as the weather begins to cool down, the lakes will do the same until eventually one morning when you rise up out of bed, you will look out your window and see a thin film of ice that formed on the lake overnight.  It seems that almost immediately you begin to think about ice skating, sledding or ice fishing, but it’s going to take a little time until those days come. This is because the ice needs to go through a period of strengthening.  Each year we hear reports about certain animals who venture onto the ice and fall through, because it isn’t strong enough enough to support the weight of their walk.  

This reminds me of the Christian Life.

As a newborn believer, our faith is very young and new, very much like a fresh sheet of lake ice, but there is a stage of development that each of us must go through in order to safety cross over to the other side.  Our faith needs to grow strong enough to support our walk. Just as the ice grows steadily thicker each cold winter night, we must strengthen our faith each day with layers of scripture,   We must go on unto maturity, if we are ever going to be able walk in the high calling that God wants us to achieve. The world is a lake that is filled with all kinds of dangers and temptations, but we must be capable of rising above them and overcoming the lusts of the carnal nature. God expects nothing less than our perfection, and to attain this, we must continue to remain strong in our faith, never allowing ourselves to fall through a section of thin ice.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Each day, we must steadfastly walk in the teachings of Christ, being capable of overcoming temptations when they arise.  To do this, our faith must be strong and firm, so that we can walk through this world without falling through the ice and plunging into sinful living.  Our faith needs to be very strong and protective, like armor that shields us from the sins of this place. 

Ephesians 6:10-17  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.   Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

We can do all things in Christ who strengthens us. We must never doubt that we can overcome sin, because when our faith is strong, we will never break through the ice.  In Christ, we are capable of conquering sin through the power of the Holy Spirit, and walking at a level that once seemed impossible to attain.

Matthew 14:24-31  But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

When we possess faith in Christ, we will trust His guidance and teachings found throughout scripture. You must become doers of the Word, rather than just hearers only.  When we humbly and actively submit to them, we can become victorious over sin.

1 John 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

2 Timothy 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

To obtain entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of Christ, we must escape the clutches of sin through repentance and transformation. Instead of swimming in the mud, we need to clean up and stand on the shore.

2 Peter 1:4-11  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Our faith must mature and become strong if we are eventually going to walk in the high calling of Christ Jesus. 

2 Peter 3:17-18  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Our faith must be strong enough to support the weight of our walk.  It must be firm enough to prevent us from getting involved with sin. It must be strong enough so that we can walk across the water, and never fall through a section of…..

……Thin Ice

Let’s think about these things for right now. We can be found on your web browser by searching, tlkjbc where you can find our diaries distributed through various platforms. We are not associated, nor affiliated with any other religious groups. You can get our entire podcast feeds directly, along with transcripts at tlkjbc.com or I suppose that you could find us somewhere up here, in the Great Northern Minnesota woods. Peace to you all, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody.

tlkjbc.com♥️

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