Sunday Bun! Real Hope and Change!
Posted by lamarzulli on November 4, 2012
Sunday Go to Meeting Bun
by
L. A. Marzulli
John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(You will notice I have given the “bun” a face lift!)
In 2008 Barack Hussein Obama promised Hope and Change. In my opinion we got very little of that and instead as a nation, became even more in debt, and watched as Big Government became even bigger. I would admonish everyone here to vote on Tuesday, as it’s important we do so. I for one will not vote for Obama as his brand of hope and change seeks to control more of my life and so will vote for Romney, but I’m not holding my breath either.
Let’s move on.
We see the above scripture spread out on banners at sports events, printed on T-shirts, coffee mugs, and even pulled behind planes on a hot summer day at the beach! This single line may be, in my opinion, the most amazing and important scripture found in the Bible. It outlines the “contract” between God – the REAL one – and all human beings on this planet, in very plain and easy to understand language. It certainly isn’t a 2000 page health-care bill is it?
Here’s the back story. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Pharisee or religious leader of the Jews. He has come to Jesus at night because he is afraid of ridicule, but he knew about the miracles Jesus has done and is more than curious as to who He is. Jesus tells Nicodemus, he must be born again and Nicodemus, doesn’t have clue as to what this means. Jesus explains to him that unless a man is born again, by the spirit, he can not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Then Jesus outlines the “deal” and it is so simple and yet most men and women don’t get it. My first mentor Wayne Kendall used to say if it were more complicated than this we would never “get it.” Wayne was right and so let’s look at it.
…..that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
When we believe in Him, by confessing with our mouth, He is the only begotten Son, and admit all the nasty stuff we do to each other like lying, cheating, lusting, hating, ect, and ask to be forgiven of that junk, then we have eternal life. It’s that simple and in its simplicity, being born again is the REAL hope and change the world needs.
When I was born again 32 years ago, it was and continues to be the most important, ongoing, experience in my life. It’s not a set of rules or regulations, or trying to be good, because we can’t, instead being born again is a moment by moment relationship with the REAL God of the universe. It is ours by just asking for it. We can’t buy it from a religious huckster on TV, or get it by giving all our money after we die to some church. We ask and He gives us the gift, then His spirit is then put into us and when that happens we begin to change.
In closing today’s Bun. I was looking at our Blog Stat’s yesterday. There are people from all over the world who come here. If you are one of those people who don’t know Him, I would admonish you today, to ask Him into your life. Believe on Him who was sent here for us. Believe in Him and you will have eternal life. Being born again is the real hope and change this world needs… For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
116 Responses to “Sunday Bun! Real Hope and Change!”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
LookingUp said
Amen, LA. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholy lean on Jesus name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Maranatha!
Pam UK said
Amen, LA, that is why we have to come to Him as little children, to be re-taught in His way. We must drop and abdicate ALL our preconceived ideas, plans, ambitions. Only then can we learn Why we were born, Who we belong to, Who and what are our real enemies, How to fight and What our Real hope is!
He gave a gift inside each of us and only He knows what that gift is and for what reason. Until we are trained in the right way (His) can we fulfill the reason we were born and become fullfilled in ourselves instead of chasing the fog.
We are merely half living – if at all, up to that point.
It’s that emptiness that causes us to chase after other ‘gods’ like money, drugs, drink, lovers, whatever… and the devil is only too happy to help us along that pathway as long as it keeps us from knowing the Truth and dragging us to the place that was created for him and his fallen ones.
Hell is real, and heaven is real. We have only one life to choose the direction where we will spend eternity.
I wonder how many lost souls have gone down to hell after Sandy? How many are wishing they had listened?
Folks, we do not have time anymore. TODAY is the day of salvation. Tomorrow may never come for multitudes.
Don’t forget, many were warned to prepare and leave the east and west coastlines…only God knows what’s coming and He warns EVERYONE through His spokesmen, the prophets and watchmen on the walls.
Scoff and you pay the price for your unbelief, believer and unbeliever alike.
Blessings.
JGB said
Pam UK, Well said, Amen
Kirk Domitrovic said
Pam UK…
Great Admonishment …You spoke the sobering truth.
“TO BE WHO WE ARE CALLED TO BE !!”
“TO DO WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO DO !!”
“TO REACH THOSE WE ARE CALLED TO REACH !!”
When time is precious and short, THESE ARE LIKE A BATTLE CRY !!!!
Time to be BOLD.
Kirk
Pam UK said
Amen Kirk. Thanks. As I read and watched the storm and what happened afterwards (I watch online via the live webcams regularly) My heart went out to ya’ll. Then I heard in my spirit. ‘I warned them to leave the east and west coast, but they wouldn’t listen’.
Folks, we MUST heed the Holy Spirit’s promptings more so as the days pass. What is coming is beyond words! If He says ‘leave’ then run!!!
Blessings
Angela said
Amen!
JGB said
Being born again is the important program. The old man of self is crucified and a new man rises up, dead of the old ways. And yet we will slip back at first and we do have an advocate for this.
1Jo 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Paul was very good on the salvation issue to us Gentiles and Jews alike for that matter.
Ro 6:1 ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Ro 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Then Paul lays us a great secret, mystery,
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
When we walk with Him we walk with the power and strength we need,
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Gina Nestor said
Amen. Thank you for that post.
Alan said
“I would admonish everyone here to vote on Tuesday, as it’s important we do so.”
With this criminal, world-government element at the helm in this country? The decision has already been made, surely.
lamarzulli said
Hi Alan – I agree, but I have to vote anyway…. God help us. I might be moving out of the country! LOL!
Eric W. said
I can see where that’s tempting but where would you go?
I know New Zealand and Australia get mentioned a lot but they’re awfully godless and liberal and I’d hate to be on an island. You couldn’t pay me enough to do that. Tsunami alert! Whoops.
Israel? Heh, not really in the mood to live under rocket fire on a daily basis and worry about suicide bombers all the time. I don’t know how they do it.
The Satanocracy tentacles reach wide and far.
One world (fill in the blank) seems pretty straight forward so I think it’s just a matter of hunkering down and abiding in the Lord one day at a time. Be prepared, be watchful, don’t panic…and see where the Lord leads. 
The entire world is headed for judgement. America just finally caught up with everyone else. We’re all one big happy equal cesspool of sin and depravity.
Thank you for this bun today. Certainly a hearty amen and a MUCH needed reminder that needs to make its rounds about Who and what we should all be focusing on first and putting our hope and faith in.
seashoremary said
@ Alan: I voted early–last Thursday. The line was long for early voting so I could see that so many people are concerned about the situation that we are in.
Other than the presidential election, there are other people who are running for government: Mayor, Congressmen, Senators, city council, & propositions that need our attention. The local elections are what set us up for the major elections so they are vital.
We stood in line for about 30 min or more but we were blessed that the voting machines were housed in a local organic market so we shopped for a few items then we left and made a great afternoon by going to a deli a few doors down the mall and had a fine meal. The experience is what you make of it.
We are blessed. Early voting, convenience, fine food, and great fellowship with my mom and sister who were with me. We made an afternoon of the whole experience–God is good.
Blessings.
blic said
voting is a complete waste of time. God is watching!
Pudding said
Blic, Think of voting like this: If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you’ve never tried before.
blic said
i’ll take that as an attempt at humor pudding. i cannot in good conscience vote for either. i will have to stand before Father and give an account for myself.
hopeful_watcher said
Blic, our father chooses the hopeless and godless all the time, and thank God He does, because who would redeem us otherwise.
I see Romney as being the least resistant and has less distance to travel if the father calls him to account while he is still living. And if Romney turns out not to be an instrument for God’s will, no matter, because God’s will be done regardless.
No matter who we vote for, the most crucial choice we make is that Jesus reigns above all.
blic said
i will not participate in a predetermined fake election. sorry not buying your argument. the lesser of 2 evils is still evil. God is watching.
hopeful_watcher said
And you give evil way too much credit. God IS watching AND He is still in control.
blic said
i see, vote in devils then pray “God bless america.” there is a price to pay for unaccountability. israel paid many times. read your bible.
hopeful_watcher said
1 Timothy 2:1-2
blic said
pray for the ones already there, and stop putting in devils.
Kirk Domitrovic said
Hopeful_watcher…EVERYONE…
Great reminder of The Word !!! Timely and True.
I wonder…
the masses of people who say they will NOT vote due to looking
at these two men as NOT being “Good enough”. To be truthful,
it would be very excellent to have an unwavering man of God
at the helm of this ship called “The America”.
BUT HERE IS THE KICKER…FOR EVERYONE…
GOD ALMIGHTY HAS PERMITTED “THESE TWO MEN” TO BE
IN THE VERY POSITION THEY ARE NOW … TO BE OUR CHOICES.
NOBODY CAN BE EXCUSED AND SAY “BUT I WANT SOMEONE ELSE.”
IF YOU WANTED SOMEONE ELSE…THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE SPENT
THE LAST 3 1/2 YEARS SEEKING GOD BY FASTINGS & PRAYERS…
ON YOUR KNEES FOR DAYS ON END, CRYING OUT TO GOD,
CRYING OUT IN REPENTANCE FOR YOUR OWN PASSIVE PRAYER LIFE.
INSTEAD…EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE BEEN …
PRAYER-WALKING THROUGH OUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS,
WITNESSING TO EVERY FAMILY ON YOUR BLOCK.
OUR CHURCHES SHOULD BE SPENDING SERIOUS CORPORATE
TIMES BEFORE GOD IN HIS PRESENCE AND CHRISTIANS SHOULD
HAVE BEEN BOLDER WITNESSES AND STOOD FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
IN A MUCH BOLDER DECLARATION OF OUR KINGDOM’S PURPOSES.
BUT HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DONE SO FOR OUR NATION ??
WE ARE WHERE WE ARE IN OUR NATIONAL TRIALS….
NOT BECAUSE THE SINNERS SIN…
BUT BECAUSE THE CHURCH HAS NOT BEEN THE CHURCH !!!!
PERIOD.
GOD SAYS…IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,
HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE,
AND TURN FROM [OUR] WICKED WAYS,
THEN….I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN, WILL FORGIVE [OUR] SIN,
AND WILL HEAL [OUR] LAND.
GOD AWAITS OUR CHOICES !!!
kirk
blic said
pretty lame kirk. God has left us to wallow in our unaccountability. being more disobedient is not the answer. like i said before there are prices to pay. isomeone sins by commiting a crime he can be forgiven of God but must still pay the penalty. we are a sleeping bride.
blic said
that’s “if someone sins.” sorry.
Eric W. said
What about two Christian men like Virgil Goode and Tom Hoefling? Two perfectly viable choices. Just putting it out there.
ghillie said
Kirk,your comments were not lame .
blic said
sure, enjoy the fake election. pass the popcorn.
blic said
i guess goode has no chance because of the idiotic notion we must vote for the lesser of 2 evils.
anyway it’s predetermined. i wonder how many votes for obama a vote for goode translates to?
and kirk, the only lame thing was the “God awaits our choices” bit. i agree with most of your rant.
Nelia Lamar said
Beautiful.Nel
fitpro58 said
Amen and amen…good word! THE hope and THE change!
Rose from Kentucky said
Well said.
LookingUp said
Hi, Alan. God holds us responsible for obedience, not change. In all things we are to seek His kingdom and His righteousness, stand for those things, and leave the rest to the Lord. Regardless of who gets elected and the agenda they implement, I know that I cast my vote to stand for the sanctity of all life, marriage as God designed it to be, and freedom of religious expression. That done, I am praying and leaving the rest to the Father who has already declared the end from the beginning and whose plan and purpose will be establised (Isaiah 46:8-10).
Kristen said
Right on LookingUp.
Kirk Domitrovic said
Could not be better said.
G-force said
LookingUp and Alan:
I understand where you are both coming from. I will vote Tuesday and am still seeking the Lord as to which way to cast my vote. I will state simply that the Devil’s emissary will not get my vote but I have also struggled with Mr. Romney as he is a politician’s politician. He has been liberal in many arenas for a long time only to change his stripes when he needs the conservative vote. He sounds good but, then, so did GWB. I think that your statement, LookingUp, that, “I know that I cast my vote to stand for the sanctity of all life, marriage as God designed it to be, and freedom of religious expression,” speaks volumes about your heart. I trust that there was someone on your ballot that fit that description for you. The alternative media is reporting today that last Wednesday BHO put the wheels in motion to take our guns. Mac Slavo is reporting on SHTF that there is not hope of “recovery” financially. So, our hope is in the Lord!! He alone will keep is in the dark days ahead. We must, as L.A. admonished, share the truth of John 3:16 as we have opportunity, pray for boldness and open doors and then step through those doors in obedience! We must prepare in all the physical ways necessary as we are able BUT I believe spriritual preparation will be HUGE. It is heart wrenching to watch what many are going through in NY and NJ. Just 7 days ago their world was “normal” … how quickly things change. And even with ample warning (we’ve had several years to prepare for an economic collapse), many don’t prepare!!
God bless you as you seek Him in these time of uncertainty! Jesus is our ROCK!!!
LookingUp said
I hear ya, G-Force. Complicated times in which we live. I am so glad I’m not responsible for being in control of any of it and even more glad that we worship a God who is never has to say, “Gee, I didn’t see that coming.”
Gina Nestor said
This is a You tube link that talks about 248 half human/half artificial fetuses that were dumped in Russia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4A-TRmoV68&feature=g-vrec
lamarzulli said
HI Gina – Thanks for the link! God help us….
Eric W. said
Gina Nestor said
So there are 248 dead transhuman babies dumped in Russia. Makes you think where are the live ones? Underground bases and clandestine labs in the U.S. and elsewhere?
lamarzulli said
Gina – Yes indeed! Makes you wonder what’s really going on in the underground bases.
Eric W. said
Can’t rule anything out.
hopeful_watcher said
Did you catch the part where parts of the fetusus were removed for procedures of rejuvenation? What the heck is that? Meaning they were harvested?
hopeful_watcher said
And that lady at the end was creepy and offensive to me. Who in their right mind is that happy while they speculate motives as to why this was done? Sick.
Kristen said
Good morning all!! I have a prayer request. I am leaving with my 8 year old and two dogs early Tuesday morning to South Texas. It’s a 23 hour drive from Oceanside, Ca to South Texas. Please pray for a safe trip. I am very nervous driving alone without my husband. Once I arrive in Texas we will be taking a 28 hour drive to Michigan. My grandmother is on hospice and we all want to spend time with her before she goes. Pray for a safe trip and that we make it there on time.
Eric W. said
Praying!
Eric W. said
Speaking of praying: Anyone know what happened to Kimberly from several nights ago? I hope you were able to help her out L.A. That sounded serious!
Kristen said
Thanks Eric W.
lamarzulli said
Kristen – We will pray for you!
Kristen said
Thank you LA
Pudding said
It looks like you are already in good hands with two guard dogs (hopefully they are chihuahuas) and a brave 8 year old. May the Lord’s angels watch over you all on your trip.
Kirk Domitrovic said
Heavenly Father,
We come before you in agreement with Kristen. We ask you Father,
to make her way speedy, safe, and blessed in every way. We pray
that you surround her, her 8 year old, and her two dogs with Your Presence.
May Your peace and comfort be upon her and her family. May Your sense
of Divine Protection and Provision envelope each of them, and let Your strength rest upon both Kristen as she drives and upon her husband as he waits for his families’ arrival in south Texas. We pray that she be alert and
have wisdom and understanding in all things as her family is in a time of transition. We commission your Heavenly Angels to go with her and to watch
over her and her family as Your Word declares in Psalm 91. We bless her
vehicle and we proclaim that her vehicle will function efficiently and get
awesome gas mileage. We pray Father that Kristen has conversations
with both You and her 8 year old that are a blessing for all. We believe
that You will honor our agreement in prayer as Your Word says “Where 2
or more are in agreement on earth about anything that we may ask,
it SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM by You, Our Father, Who are in Heaven.”
We also believe for her grandmother’s health that You continue to keep
her in good health and bring this family together that they share good times
together. Father, we thank You for the privilege of bringing our requests
to You and that You delight to answer our prayers. Glory to You in all things!
Amen!
Kristen,
Kirk Domitrovic said
Kristen,
BE BLESSED AS YOU GO … YOUR IN THE FATHER’s HANDS !!
Be sure to have your phone charger too, …
and maybe a good stash of Jelly Bellies…they are a “long-drive” stapple!
Kirk
Kristen said
You all are such a blessing!! Thank you so much for praying
Steve Mc said
Amen L.A. “There are people from all over the world who come here…” I had not realized that. Then you have just helped to spread the gospel to people all over the world, and may the Lord use the rest of us to do the same.
Yolanda said
Hello LA and readers,
I’d be remiss if I didn’t comment on this post because it caught me off guard. Please read that scripture and the ones surrounding it. Jesus says that you must be born of the water and the spirit. Rebirth is not simply belief in Christ. That’s only the first step to coming to him and it also involves repentance and baptism.
(KJV)John 3:4-8
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Yolanda
Eric W. said
What about the thief on the cross?
Jesus said to him directly that he would be with Him in paradise.
What did that thief do? He believed in the Truth and the Gospel of John 3:16.
What did the thief NOT do?
He never did a good work. He never paid a tithe. He never planted a “seed offering.”
He didn’t name it, claim it, blab it, grab it, “loose and bind” (this gets abused all the time), didn’t claim a dominion territory…oh yeah, and he didn’t get water baptism, either.
I’m VERY glad the thief on the cross is in the Bible.
JGB said
I do believe that Jesus Who sees the heart knew the thief had been born again and believed unto salvation. Our word “believe” don’t convey the meaning needed in full.. To fully and truly believe is a heart change.
Kristen said
Eric W. your on point
kirt said
Eric,
When the thief made that confusion of who Christ was did he then have a chance to do any of those things?
Those of us that are alive are not hanging on cross and our lives about to expire..
there is the difference.
We can’t just make a cofession and then go and do whatever we want.
We must demonstrate our love to our Father and Savior by doing what they say.
If we do not then the truth is not in us.
1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness (keep the commandments) is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments (law).
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments (law), is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word (law), in him verily is the love of Elohim perfected (fulfilled): hereby know we that we are in him.
1Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Pam UK said
And the sum of them are..’To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. all they might and all thy strength and..to love thy neighbour as thyself’
Bless those who curse you..pray for those who despitefully use you….(Beatitudes…I call them the Be Attitude!!)
Pudding said
Eric, Excellent point that needs revisited from time to time. If I remember right both thieves on the cross joined in at the begging mocking Jesus along with the crowds and one of the thieves came to repentance a bit later.
Pudding said
Dagnabbit, that should have been beginning not begging, bag it and tag it :þ
Eric W. said
“We can’t just make a cofession and then go and do whatever we want.”
Kirt: Amen to that. Was NOT implying or suggesting otherwise!
kirt said
Eric my apolligies.
This part of your post looked to me like you were saying we do not have to keep the commandments.
“What did that thief do? He believed in the Truth and the Gospel of John 3:16.
What did the thief NOT do?
HE NEVER DID A GOOD WORK. He never paid a tithe. He never planted a “seed offering.”
john B said
“Peter said to them that believed ,Repent and let each of you be Baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins, and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts2:38
Jesus said; “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations Baptising them (that believe) in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” Mat28:19 emphases in bracket mine.
“when they heard they were Baptised” Acts19:4-6
The Eunuch was baptised after believing Acts8:35-38
This is another problem in churches today the neglect of the divine ordinance of Baptism, saying that it is not valid to salvation!
If it is not essential to salvation, then Jesus would not have ‘ordained it’ as the requirement of discipleship Mat28:19 It places one under His authority.
Christ died for all men, Baptism makes it a reality for the one who believes.. it is also how The Holy Spirit appropriates the shed Blood to the cleansing of our conscience. “and corresponding to that (the waters of Noah) Baptism Now Saves You, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good ‘conscience’ through the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1Pet3:21 seeRom6:3
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit,offered Himself without blemish to God cleanse your ‘Conscience’ from dead works to serve the living God” Heb9:14
There is much more that can be said about the necessity of Baptism..
There is much that belonged to Apostolic doctrine and practise that has been laid aside and spurned by the traditions of men under the inspiration of the Whore!
One believes the Gospel, he then repents and gets baptised… They are the three steps of entrance into the New covenant ratified by the Blood of Christ.. That was the order of things in the Apostolic church.
blessings
john B
hopeful_watcher said
The thief’s first, only and most important testimony was while on the cross. And how many people in this world have read that testimony? Heck, he has given testimony to more people than all the people on this blog combined a million times over
hopeful_watcher said
John B, wasn’t the baptism by water superceded by baptism of the spirit? Not diminishing a water baptism at all, as it is a magnificent public testimony of your faith, but the spirit cleans the inside of the cup where water cleans the outside, and Jesus gave us the parable of the cup showing the inside is more crucial then the outside.
LookingUp said
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not a result of works that no man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
“You foolish Galatians. . .did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected in the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3.
“What does it say? ‘The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ – that is, the word of faith which we are preaching that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:8-9.
Salvation is by faith, not works. Anything apart from faith is works. Of course our life should be different after we’re born again as we are transformed more and more to be like Jesus. Of course we are to be baptized. We are obedient not to BE saved but because we ARE saved.
The Reformation was, in part, about those issues: by Scripture alone, by faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.
G-force said
I love the way the Amplified Bible phrases John 3:16:
“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” You can take that “to the BANK!” Praise God!! Can you see that thief clinging to Jesus, to His every word and action, as he hung on that cross?? He believed and it was counted to him as righteousness. One day, brothers and sisters, we’ll be able to meet that man who hung on the cross next to Jesus because, we, too, trust in, cling to and rely on Him for salvation – for the very air we breathe!!! Hallelujah!!!
john B said
Hi Hopeful; I believe that it is much more than a public testimony..I believe that the churches have lost the significance and implication of baptism.. some even use passages like the one in Rom6 saying that it refers to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Both are real and have different purposes..
Listen to the words of the Apostle…”Do you not know that As many of us as were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into His death ? Rom6:3
This question of Apostle Paul needs to be brought to our attention as it was to the church in Rome; because we also have not understood what it is to be baptised.
“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life” Rom6:4
These verses ref to water baptism (full immersion) Vs5 emphasises the spiritual significance of what takes place at Baptism “For if we have been ‘united’ together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the ‘likeness’ of His resurrection” vs5 is emphasising Vs3 and Vs4
Let us understand; that Apostle is not saying that baptism represents or identified us with the death and resurrection of Jesus No! it ‘unites’ us in the likeness of his death establishing the assurance of our personal resurrection..
we are not baptised to become members of churches, nor are we baptised because we are obedient to no avail..
We are baptised ‘into Christ Jesus, into His death and His resurrection’. That is not something superficial. That is not an outward work or a rite performed nor is it symbolic. It is a Spiritual work of faith that places us in the beloved. It is a spiritual unity recognised by the Father having His seal of approval and His guarantee that we partake in Sonship. “For you are all sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptised ‘into Christ’ have put on Christ” Gal3:26,27
We here also, in this passage of Gal see that the Apostle combines Faith and Baptism in the realisation of what is entailed to sonship..
I know Hopeful that what I share is not popular! But it is the Truth.. The Apostle Paul said that “You were sealed with the Spirit when you first believe” Eph1:13. So people assume that this means at the moment of belief.. But it has just been explained By Paul himself that those who believed are also baptised… That was Peters command to those that believed in Acts2:38.. so when you first believed you got baptised exactly Like Jesus ordained it to be concerning the making of disciples.. Mat28:19
So; the Apostolic teaching is that we are sealed with His Spirit at Baptism, having our sins washed away Acts2:38 our conscience purified 1Pet3:21 as a Guarantee of the resurrection Rom6:5.
Blessings
john B
Pudding said
L.A. Excellent bun and testimony.(A mighty fresh bun too. I had the urge to pull it off the screen and eat it with my morning coffee or at least nibble the frosting off it.)
This is on my heart for those who God loves who are without hope.
“For God so loved the world”
It seems to me the only true love if any that we can experience on this earth is from our parents and secondly from our spouses.
If our parents are the closest thing to true love how much more is the love of God for he created us “individually” and our parents only were participants in what God chose to create. God is love, rather his love is the sum total of his personality, without the love of God we would have never known love at all, we would simply not exist.
To experience the love of God transcends mother and father beyond understanding, this we can experience here on earth. This same love is here to free his people from all manner of bondages and to reconcile all and prepare them for eternal life with the very father who created them our heavenly father.
This love that frees us has a name and his name is Jesus Christ the son of the living God who did what father and mother, wife and friend could not do, he took our place on the cross in his body with our sins and paid the price for the laws we broke.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Choose love, choose life call out his name, ask him into your life and to lead you out of all this hate and bondage.
Eric W. said
Impressive non coffee overload Word action there.
Pudding said
Eric, I have not peaked yet, tis yet early ☮ but when I woke up this morning I was speaking like that reporter in the vid Mrs. M posted.
Just remember decaffeinated coffee is the devil’s blend.
Eric W. said
I wouldn’t touch that swill for anything.
People need to teach me how to do these cool emoticons and images ’round here.
Kristen said
Happy I read this morning’s post. Very encouraging!! God’s love for me and all of us is just beautiful.
Mrs M said
I think it was here a few days back the topic of a few comments was about Subliminal thoughts and technology: check this out:
“http://ppjg.me/2009/01/31/silent-sound-spread-spectrum-ssss-the-all-digital-tv-broadcast-signal-connection/”
a quote:
Whether SSSS is coupled with the new all-digital TV signal as its means of delivery into the minds of an unsuspecting U.S. populace or not, it can be deployed by many different devices, including HAARP and GWEN towers, which would effectively blanket the entire nation at once. In fact, Judy Wall says that “there is evidence that the US Government has plans to extend the range of this technology to envelop all peoples, all countries. This can be accomplished, is being accomplished, by utilising the nearly completed HAARP project for overseas areas and the GWEN network now in place in the US. The US Government denies all this.”
ps remember back when newscasters started speaking gibberish and even judge judy did the same? Wonder if that is related? I remember one video showing it happening w/ a reporter and then a note scale shows up much like reading music flashed across the screen. I’ll see if I can find it. Here it is: at 49 seconds:
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQENeadvrP4&feature=player_embedded”
Debra said
Hi Mrs M~
Yes, this had to do with certain reporter(s) claiming they heard “Hail Obama!” being chanted at a campaign rally fronted by Michele Obama. Yet there were many people who said they never heard it at all. I chimed in about the potential for subliminal sound tech to have been used. And if not, then a simple, well-placed media leak is quite capable of creating the intended social meme; while further discussion of “what just happened” continues nurturing that meme. Bottom line is that no matter the method deployed, it is all based in the dangerous psychological process known as neurolinguistic programming.
I believe it was Kirt or Kirk D. that mentioned the presence of fake tree-like structures near his locale that had various types of hardware embedded in them. O_O
Thanks for the links. I’m gonna check ‘em out now. Peace and blessings to you.
Debra said
As far as the “babbling reporter” video…well, no one mentioned the possibility that the man could have been having a TIA (aka light stroke.) Those language symptoms are known as aphasia.
As far as the other possibilities we’ll never really know unless this video has been/is vetted and truth is outed.
L. REEDER said
Excellent SUNDAY BUN L. A.!
my prayer for this presidental election is that righteousness will be restored to America! and I, like you, will not be voting for mr. “O”
Lynne Whelden said
I’ve discovered a great verse that’s found in the first chapter of John. (Whether that takes “precedence” over what follows later in the book, I’ll let others debate.) Verse 12 says “to all…who believed in his NAME, he gave the right to become children of God.”
I like that because there are well over 50 names for God found in the bible. Fifty different “facets” of God’s personality–everything from “I AM” to “Father” to “Physician.” I encourage people to wrestle with the big God and not to make a rash, thoughtless decision, believing in a single name that sounds safe. Know the many aspects of the great God we serve before signing on the dotted line! Be fully informed. Then be fully committed.
Pudding said
Kirk, About the Amazon trip-yesterdays blog- it was around 12 days my wife and I in 2001, I planned out the whole trip in three legs.
One of the legs was on a cargo/passenger catamaran operated by the local Government 6 days up the Amazon (against the current) from the City of Belem to Manaus, stopping at 4 cities along the amazon.The amazon river is not conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes because of its alkalinity. I have seen more bugs in Arizona in one night than I saw in the Amazon in 12 days. You do find more bugs and
mosquitoes as you venture into the jungle and the backwaters so to speak. I swam in the Amazon, fished piranha and ate them, caught Caimans and ate them (wallygators), danced with naked Indians (they did not eat me) on and on. check out this place that I stayed in the Jungle “www.ariautowers.com/”
☻☐ ☺☒ 2 more days
Gina Nestor said
Thanks for the bun, L.A. I was born again 33 years ago in 1979. You are right. It is so simple.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Believe that he is fully God and fully man. “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Col 2:9″.
Believe that He died for your sins. “He Himself bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24. When Jesus said “It is finished” Tetelestai in the Greek, on the cross, that was a legal term meaning our debt was paid in full! The spotless Lamb of God won our redemption on the cross.
And after He committed His spirit to the Father, he descended into sheol – into Abraham’s bosom as the victor. These Old Testament saints were long awaiting Him.
Then He went into tartarus and proclaimed to the fallen ones that He had defeated them. 1 Peter 3: 19-20.
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Col 2:15.
When he was raised up on the third day, He was raised bodily. He said to Thomas, “Handle me and see. A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” Luke 24:39.
And when He ascended on high, it says in Psalm 68:18 that “He led captivity captive.” He took those Old Testament saints to heaven with Him because the way was now open. The veil was torn in two because of His sacrifice.
So if we should die before He returns, we will immediately be in the presence of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“To live is Christ, To die is gain.” Phil 1:21
“To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor 5:8.
“When we see Him, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2 We will one day have glorified bodies just as our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
“For I know in whom I have believed. And I am persuaded the He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.” 2 Tim: 1:12.
Thank you Lord Jesus for saving me.
Eric W. said
Amen!
hopeful_watcher said
Beautifully put. Blessings to you Gina.
John Michael said
Very good. Amen
Gordy said
Thanks Lynn for reminding us that God so loved the world and wishes non to perish. This is really good news as there is so little good news on the internet and tv. I hope everyone is blessed this revelation of God in the gospel of John and the New Testament.
Jane said
John 3:16 & 17!!!! People always leave off 17 and it’s also a very important part. “God sent his Son into the world not to judge (or condemn) the world, but to SAVE THE WORLD through him.
LookingUp said
He WILL judge it at His return.
Eric W. said
A li’l news time:
“http://www.debka.com/article/22499/”
Israeli warplanes fly over Golan as Hizballah fighters pour into Syria
^^ This is after Syria drove some tanks into the Golan Heights a few days ago. Can’t take your eyes of that region!
JLL said
Israel is to be commended for keeping their cool after that incident.
Louie said
Wanted to share this song I love by the Imperials. The best rendition is from 1977 when Russ Taft was with them, and is on their album. But this is the best sound I found on Youtube. This version is from the band later, after several member replacements. The lyrics give me goosebumps.
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ1MNzMYk8M&feature=related”
LookingUp said
Thanks, Louie. I was blessed by that.
Kirk Domitrovic said
YES…GOTTA LOVE THE IMPERIALS…LOVE RUSS’s VOICE !!!
WHAT A BLESSING…….
LOUIE, THANKS FOR THE GOOD MEMORY !!!!
KIRK
Linda said
Good job L.A. the Gospel according to Jesus, our Blessed Hope! Simple as aligning up with Him and receiving, then allowing the Holy Spirit to change us from Glory to Glory His job. Some of us just take more work, but He’s gentile and patient and GOD gives us HIS Grace in the meantime
Repent Grk. “a change of mind”
Linda said
Excuse my typo Holy Spirit= gentle (we are the gentiles
)
Pudding said
Brings to mind, If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?
You should have just said that is the way it is spelled in the south phonetically.
JLL said
Linda, that could be the start of a whole new theology….
rolltide said
Hi, everyone! Great post today, LA! That’s the bottom line . Back to the basics. If we don’t have that firm foundation, but have everything else, WE HAVE NOTHING!
About the election : I have struggled with this for months. I have heard ALL sides:
1) If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain about what you get.
2)The vote don’t matter, it’s already decided.
3)No more settling for the lesser of two evils, evil is evil – period!
4)43 of the 44 Presidents are kin, in some way : coincidental?
5)Come out of Babylon lest you drink of the cup of her wrath!
6)My vote don’t matter, only the electoral….. On and on………
That’s just naming a few. There is truth to each one of these things. So much to consider! To be, or not to be; that is the question! For the Christian: When in doubt, check it out! Where/How? God’s word. After we become Christians, we are accountable to God for the decisions we make. WHATEVER I do; Am I gonna feel good, or be ashamed when a Most Holy God singles out individual decisions I’ve made – on the day I stand before Him? This is what we should consider about EVERY decision – not just elections.
Don’t get me wrong – Our salvation is secure as long as we’ve accepted Christ, but I want to have Crowns, on that day, to lay at His feet. I don’t want to walk away ashamed. Think about that. I believe if we ALL thought about that, the way we SHOULD, we might make better decisions!
I’m not gonna try to steer anyone, in any direction as to whether you vote; or for whom. What I think doesn’t matter to you. But I believe we need to VERY SERIOUSLY consider what God thinks!
ROLL TIDE!
Pudding said
Rolltide, I do not know if this will help you, but it is something to consider: Romans 13:1-7
Louie said
20 minutes ago I walked up to pickup Saturdays mail, about 1/2 block plus from the house. A blue, green, red, yellow flashing UFO was up maybe 500 feet? I couldn’t see anyshape just the flashing lights. No sound at all. Jogging around in a meandering path. I rebuked in Jesus name and the lights went off immediately. I watched a little bit more and especially listened to make sure there was no sound. After a few seconds of nothing I kept on my way to the mailbox. Then the lights came back on and it started coming toward me. I rebuked again several times and it zipped off west. After getting the mail and coming back to the house I saw it again about where it was the first time. Then a plane came from the south and after a few seconds it changed direction 180 degrees and after a burst of speed, disappeared. I am in the outskirts of Portland, OR. Very bizarre. I feel a little numb right now.
rolltide said
We have already heard reports of fraud happening in different states of voting machines giving Obama the vote that should have been for Romney. But I read an interesting article yesterday that said Tagg Romney, Mitt’s oldest son was the majority stockholder of the company that manufactures voting machines.
So my guess is, there’s gonna be fraud, on both sides. Maybe they will cancel out one another.
In my view, judgement is coming on America. No, it has already begun. I believe it began when the Twin Towers were hit. I don’t believe it matters which one is elected – judgement is certain. I believe one of them will hasten the judgement a little more quickly than the other, but it’s still coming.
One is more pro-Israel than the other, and that is definitely a biggie! I don’t believe Romney is as pro-life – as he claims. I read that Romney-care in his home state has in it a $50 co-pay for tax-payer funded abortions.
The bottom line is: This Country is in trouble, and the condition of the country, & the condition of our Government are just symptoms of the condition of the Church. There is NO political solution to a spiritual problem. God is ultimately the ONLY one who can help us.
Eric W. said
Mass fraud like 08 is a given.
“http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2012/11/naacp_takes_over_houston_polling_place.html”"
These kinds of shenanigans are already beginning.
I couldn’t agree with you more. These are God sized problems that no politician can or will fix that we’re facing. These problems are global as well.
Pray. Do what the Lord leads you to do but don’t lose sight of the big picture.
Kent said
You can’t solve a spiritual problem with a political solution. Bottom line. And as one previous poster so eloquently stated above, the lesser of two evils is still evil.
rolltide said
I definitely agree, but if one, perhaps, (and I did say PERHAPS) could slow down this ascension into the abyss, maybe we would have a little more time to spread the GOOD NEWS, before the crackdown, and there WILL be one. We’re already seeing it.
Kaylee said
“Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes it’s laws.”– Mayer Amschel Bauer Rothschild
This has not changed.
Whose money is going to the candidates?
No one at the top is looking out for USA’ s best interests, and the sooner people see that the better off they will be.
Who has been bribing and blackmailing our government for years?
If you were to be honest and look at the facts of the history you’re not supposed to know, you would see that Jews and Israel have been pulling the strings, and they admit it.
So, as long as you all are supporting Israel and all the Jews as “God’s Chosen”, you ought not complain about what our government does at all.
When our children die in battle to fight their enemies, I hope you are happy.
Kaylee said
“Rosenthal, in exposing certain aspects of the ‘inner invisible world of Jewry’, revealed the modes and tactics Jews have used in destroying Christian civilization and covertly attaining control over our lives and governments. The result has been a ‘hidden tyranny’ upon us like the tyranny waged against the Saints by the red beast system of Revelation referred to as ‘Mystery Babylon’.”
“http://iamthewitness.com/DarylBradfordSmith_Rosenthal.html”
Read more:
The Harold Wallace Rosenthal Interview 1976
rolltide said
Kaylee, I am in the process of digging deep into the story of Jacob. I believe Esau is a “type of Israel” and Jacob is a “Type” of the Church. I do not wish to cause a ruckus, but I am starting to have some big questions as to the teachings that have been instilled in me since childhood. I have been digging in deep for about 18 months because deception is the word of the day.
I prayed before I started this and just told God, “All of these different teachings can’t be right, but the ONE thing I can depend on for truth is Your Word. I don’t want any “man’s” interpretation of what is true, I want sincerely to know YOUR truth and the Holy Spirits’ guidance”. I have tried to begin at zero and tried to lay aside the sway that has been instilled in me, and believe me that’s not easy!
2 Thes. chapter 2 raises some big questions in my mind about the timing of the rapture. And the story of Jacob and Esau raises some questions about Israel and the Church. Esau gave up his birth-right and the name Jacob means “surplanter”. Remember what Paul said that the Gentiles Have been grafted in?
Before it happens, I don’t need anyone to jump down my throat. I am working out my plan of salvation with fear and trembling as the scripture tells us to do. If anyone disagrees, I’m just sorry. I’m very concerned about some things and I believe it behooves us all to search out what the truth is. After all, there’s a WHOLE LOT a stake.
Roll Tide
Kaylee said
One doesn’t need to open a Bible to see who is in charge of the world systems today.
A hard look at the history of things will give us the inconvenient truths, if we are willing to go against the grain.
It does not contradict the Bible either.
The rapture is another subject for debate altogether.
I agree, there is a whole lot at stake, and it behooves us to study all we can.
john B said
Rolltide; No qualms from me. I did the same, threw out all the old leaven of traditional theology and moved on.
It is the only way to see clearly the wonderful truths of The Word.. I have maintained this attitude, the Holy Spirit don’t contradict Himself. Men contradict themselves wherever there is contradiction you bet the Whore is in the background.
You keep on working it out. He gives us the desire of our hearts There is no greater desire that Truth it is the light unto our path..
blessings
john B
Kaylee said
Yes, John B,. I find some people will twist and turn to make their views of the Bible fit what they are seeing, and I got tired of trying to do that too.
When it dawned on me, if we could just see what actually IS happening and HAS happened, we would find that of course, it has been laid out. It’s just that there are so many forces of evil wanting to keep us from the truth, whether it be the truth of world powers, true religions, right gospel, or whatever!
But having a love of truth is the only thing that will keep us from the delusion coming to those who do not have a love of truth.
It’s a bumpy road sometimes, this journey, but we must be willing to take it.
And take up His cross as we go!
rolltide said
YES!
If you read 2Thes. 2; The Lord sends strong delusion to those who “LOVED NOT THE TRUTH”. I am more than willing to love and embrace the truth, but truth don’t come cheap, It is the pearl of great price. I believe if we are truly sincere in our hearts to find truth and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us, the Bible says He will not give us a stone or a snake when we ask for a fish! Roll Tide
john B said
Truth don’t come cheap, It cost many their lives.. We are in the battle that is intensifying day by day.. many have gone this way.. Abel was the first! victory belongs to those who have counted the cost! The way of the cross is despised by those of whorish hearts.. True Love, loves not one’s life unto death such was Christ’s. Glory!!!!!!!
Blessings
john B
Kathy said
I am voting for Romney.
Why doesn’t any one see the horror of Benghazi and the murder of four Americans left to die when there was no attempt to help them, when all the experts say we could have helped them?
All the soldiers dying in Afghanistan. Why are we there? Why are they DYING? Why do they have the insane rules of engagement?
Why are all the Christians dying and fleeing their countries and the Churches being burned in the Middle East and Africa. Why does no one see the genocide in South Africa? Are the people In South Africa being murdered and tortured because they are white?
Fast and furious? Did over 200 people die because of what holder did? Did he give guns to the drug cartel? Is holder America’s attorney general because of obama being in office? Who is held accountable for fast and furious? Is the article that holders wife owns the building where abortions are conducted true?
Do we have laws saying 9 month old babies can be killed under obama? Are American financing abortions world wide?
Why is our economy so awful? Why is there so much cheating in the polls? Why is obama borrowing or printing 1.3 trillion dollars a year? Why is obama not held accountable for what is going on? Why is not every American seeing the horror of what obama has actually done to our country?
Who is putting drones over American cities? Did obama use a drone to kill an American Citizen? Why are American agencies being supplied with hollow point bullets?
Why is he allowed to play golf and go on vacations and campaign and pretend nothing is his fault?
Why would any American put a thrid pary on a ballot and think they are doing right? We have two choices. I know what obama has done to America and I hate everything he has done to us and to the world. I hate him apologizing to the world for America. I hate him bowing to people. It is not American. I hate him not showing his birth certificate. I hate that he hid every document of himself to the American people but let the nude photographs of his white mother be put out there for everyone to see.
I am voting against obama. I can see what obama has done why can’t you?
I am voting for Romney.
lamarzulli said
Kathy – You nailed it! Brava!
Pudding said
I’m tired of Bronco Bamma and Mitt Romney