DEAD MEN WALKING (Repost from 8/23/09)

Welcome to your online church service for this week. Everyone is welcome in this church. I emphasize everyone!!!

When Jesus died on that cross and rose again from the dead so that men could be saved and have eternal life with Him, it was without condition. Race, gender, poor, rich, sinner, and non-believer; Jesus paid the price for us all.

All that He asks of us is to accept his gift of salvation by believing on Him. By accepting His Son, Jesus into our hearts and lives, Gods desires will become our desires and life will take on a new and glorious meaning.

Refer once again to John 3:16 in your Bible.

"For God so loved the world He gave his only begotten Son that whosover beleiveth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

You get it?? God loves us and guess what? All He wants is for us to know Him, through His Son, Jesus, and to return that love back to Him. Please understand, you don't have to, but why wouldn't you?

WOW, that was not the way I was going to start today, but God definitely wants to reach someone through this week-long church service.......... is it you???

I do want to thank you for the great response to our online church. Thanks for praying for Vanessa. Let's believe together for a healing touch from God. We pray the brain tumor will shrink and dissipate completely......... Amen! Thank you Lord!!

NOW!! A point of clarification. Last week, I began the service by sharing that "Sometimes I have to ask God what exactly He wants me to share with you." My good and trusted friend, Pastor Harold Hamlin, in MI, and my wife Vicki, both pointed out, correctly I might add, we should always seek God before putting forth His Word, lest it be us sharing out of our "flesh" and not the Word of God. I agree with them. I should have been more clear in the point I was trying to make. I should have pointed out, there are times when you know exactly what God wants you to say. There are also times when you know God has something for you to share, but for whatever reason, you aren't exactly sure how to express it, or even what it really means. Therefore, you ask God for specifics and to help your understanding.

My desire is to always speak to you in truth and Spirit. That way, only "Words of Life" will be preached in this place.

Let the service begin!

Please turn in your Bibles (yes, you should have your Bibles with you!) to Mathew 22:31, 32.

"(v31) But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying (v32) I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

I am so glad the Lord, by His Spirit, has just dropped the scripture that needs to be brought out here so the contrast between being alive spiritually and dead spiritually, that I am presenting, can be understood. Please turn with me to 2nd Cor. 5:14. Paul is talking to the believers at Corinth and made this statement:

"For the love of Christ constraineth us: because we thus judge that if one died for all, then were all dead."

The truth is, we were all dead spiritually after the fall of Adam and Eve but thank God He sent his Son to redeem us. Please turn to Ephesians 2:1-6. Paul was talking to the believers at Ephesus (by letter).

"(v1) And you have he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins; (v2) 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. (v3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind; and were by nature, the children of wrath, even as others. (v4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love where-with He loved us. (v5) Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) (v6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Do you see the contrast? ..... God is not the God of the dead but of the living, those that have accepted Christ as illustrated above.

Believers, this puts a high urgency of responsibility on us. We must understand we are walking among the living dead (Spiritually speaking). All around us, we see persons of high esteem and low esteem. Doctors, Lawyers, Actors, Engineers, TV Anchor Persons, men and women that are attractive in our eyes. Husbands, Wives, Children, all races and cultures and faiths, and they are dead Spiritually. I told you!! We are walking among the living dead.

There was a movie titled, "Dead Men Walking." A true story of a man on death row. When they were walking to the gas chamber, the guards would shout out, "dead man walking." All around us today, there are, "dead men and women walking," (Spiritually). We may be their last hope. God has commissioned us to be His witnesses on the Earth. How many of us remember the witness that led us to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and brought us out of death unto the light? I remember a young hippie that got converted back in the "70's" that would not let me go. God put me on this young man's heart and mind and when I wouldn't listen to him talk to me about God anymore, he gave me a New Testament Bible. That gift was a part of my, eventually, coming to Christ. I remember a young lady telling me she didn't care what was in my Scientology book. It meant nothing!!! There were many others that told me the story of redemption. I was a dead man walking but because of their being faithful, I am now alive in Christ and sharing with you.

Listen to the Spirit of God and tell others the story of your redemption. Be a witness to those that are lost. Folks, we have to take off our judgmental hats and put on the hat of compassion, mercy, and love, that Christ has shown us.

All I am asking believers, is for you to give everyone the same chance you had. Someone told you about Jesus, someone witnessed to you how to come alive Spiritually in Jesus. Return the favor, my friends! Today is the day of salvation. Tell somebody about Jesus. Be the witness you are meant to be and pay it forward, my friends. Pay it forward!

God bless you,

Bro. Bob

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Before we conclude the service, I must ask if anyone feels the tug of the Holy Spirit, to give your life to God, through His son Jesus. If so, please confess aloud with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and you shall be saved. Just say and mean in your heart, "Father I come to you in the name of your Son, Jesus. I ask you to forgive my sins and I give my heart and life to you. I confess and believe in my heart that Jesus is my Lord and saviour. I accept you, Jesus with all thanks giving." (Refer to Romans 10:9)

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Brother Bob is glad to receive any prayer requests, praise reports, or any comments you want to make, at Brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org. You're feedback is greatly appreciated!

Check in daily for any updates, prayer requests, and/or announcements.

FORGIVE THEM FATHER (Repost from 9/20/09)

Welcome to your 24/7, week long online church service. What a great day to celebrate the gift of life God has given us.

I feel an expectation today!! I believe God has anointed this church service. Enter into the grace and mercy of God in this place. Please remember and understand everyone is welcome in this online church. This is a place of salvation (through Jesus Christ), a place of healing. Tell you what! Let's turn in your Bible to I Peter 2:24 and read it together.

Peter writing to isolated believers in northern Asia Minor stated:

“Who his own self (Jesus) bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we being dead to sins should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes ye were healed.”

There you are, my friends. He bore our sins so we could be saved and He took the painful, beating stripes on His back for our healing. That is why we take healing prayer requests seriously in this church. Thank you, Jesus, for all you have wrought for us when you died on that cross. Thank you for taking the humiliation and beating that now provides healing for our mind, body and spirit. Yes Lord, we will take that cross more seriously. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. Can we agree on that, my friends?

I've heard preachers say “We are beyond the cross.” But seriously folks!! We must never forget Jesus died on that cross for us and because of his death and resurrection, we can be saved. We must never forget or minimize the cross and its place in our salvation.

I remember when our son, David, was a small boy. I took him to a small Baptist church in Clintwood, Virginia. There was a guest preacher. I believe his name was Roger Adkins. He was preaching about the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He described the ruggedness of the cross, the pain of nails being driven through the hands and feet of Jesus, the blood flowing from his side. (I remember my grandmother saying she could hear Bro. Adkins without her hearing aid. I'm smiling as I write that). Bro. Adkins related, as Jesus hung on that old rugged cross, the Romans pierced his side. A big mistake on their part, because that blood that flowed from the side of Jesus didn't just drop on the ground of calvary. But, that shed blood bounded to every place on earth so man could be saved.

Thank God for Jesus, my friends! Always remember the cross of Christ and what it stands for. By the way, my son David is now a pastor and I believe if you asked him, he will look back some thirty years ago and say – I'll never forget Roger Adkins, the man of God who was a big influence on me.

It seems ladies and gentleman, that our church services now begin with the first words produced. Obviously, our service has begun.

All week God has been dealing with me about preaching about the importance of forgiveness in the believer's life. I know you have heard in church how deadly unforgiveness is. Let's look at it from this angle: The entire basis of Jesus coming to earth was to be a sacrifice for our sins so we could be cleansed and forgiven of all of our sin. Our heavenly Father is a God of mercy and forgiveness and He expects man to be the same way. Turn to Daniel 9:9.

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have sinned against thee.”

Yes my friends, God is ready to give us his mercy and forgiveness even though we have sinned and turned our backs on Him. Do we have that same character? Can we forgive people who have done us wrong? Do we show mercy and forgiveness to all? Probably not, right?

As we talked about the cross previously, what do you think Jesus was thinking or saying? It would probably be important, don't you think? Please turn in your Bible to Luke 23:24. Let's see what brother Luke has to say. He relates that Jesus said these words while hanging on that cross:

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they parted his garments and cast lots.”

There are two important points here. Jesus said “Forgive them, they don't know what they're doing.” Folks, many of the people you have been bitter against and unwilling to forgive, don't even know they did anything wrong to you. Holding this bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart only hurts you. It is also like a firewall between you and God. It's time to let it go once and for all.

It doesn't matter if it is an old friend, your parents, a pastor or a church. It doesn't matter how hurt you are over something. God wants you to be rid of anything that separates you from Him. Turn to God, my friends. Ask Him to supply you with His mercy and forgiveness and then extend that to the person that you feel has offended you so badly.

Also, even though Jesus forgave them, they still gambled away his clothes.....point made!! Forgiveness doesn't depend on how the person being forgiven behaves. Listen folks!! I know God is speaking to someone who will enter this online church service this week. God is extending his mercy and forgiveness to you. It is time to make it right. It is time to drop the burden.

I have to make a point at this time that you may not like. I would be doing you an injustice if I didn't give you this information. Please turn to Mark 11:25-26. Read carefully and thoughtfully. This is Jesus talking, do you think it is important to listen and act upon what Jesus has to say?

“And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also, which is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father, which is in heaven, forgive your trespasses.”

Seems like Jesus is pretty serious here, doesn't it? Well folks, I've done my part. This message is for someone to take to heart and act upon. Forgive and give mercy, unload the burden, be totally free, my friends.

God Bless you,

Bro. Bob

LET THE REDEEMED SAY SO

As we begin a new week let's do it with praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. I especially like Psalms 107:1-2:

“Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: For his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. As you read or listen to this week's message, I will be in Michigan. It is hard to believe, but fifty years have gone by since I graduated from high school. I am looking forward to seeing old friends, and who knows, as the Lord leads, perhaps I can share the Words of Life with family and friends.

Psalms 107 as read above, gives great instructions for us as believers, doesn't it? You know, every morning when I wake up, the first thing I think and say is “Thank you Lord for this day. Thank you for another day of salvation. I will walk in that salvation. I will walk in all of the benefits and I will be accountable at the end of the day. I praise you Lord, for you are good and worthy of all praise. You are good, and your mercy endures forever.” I also align myself with the second verse of Psalm 107. My advice to all believers, do what Psalms 107:2 instructs you to do. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Tell people, my friends. Tell them what God has done for you. Are you the redeemed of the Lord or not? If you are, say so. Now, I'm not talking about pride or arrogance, but humility for what God has done in your life.

So, who do I say this to, Bro. Bob? That answer is anyone who will listen to you. There are so many people who will be able to relate to your testimony. I love to talk to persons with drinking problems. Why? Because I once had the same problem. Not only did I stop drinking alcohol, but later on, I was completely delivered from the spirit of alcoholism. A spirit which was sent from the pit of hell to destroy me. But now, that evil spirit is dead to me. When persons with alcohol problems hear what God did for me, it gives them hope.

One of the main things that prevent people from turning to God is their fear of hopelessness. Nothing has worked, and to them, if God doesn't work for them, nothing is left. Their solution, which by the way is the wrong solution, is not to turn to God for help, but to turn away from him. Your testimony or story may be the one thing that gives them hope and causes them to turn to God through his son, Jesus Christ. So, once again, my friends, say it loudly – I am the redeemed of the Lord! Tell people!! What God has done for me, he can do for you. Praise God, for he is worthy to be praised.

We are talking about praise this week. Oftentimes, we as believers dwell on the problems of life. It seems praise is not only out of place, but even impossible to do. The heaviness of bad relationships, money problems, sickness and disease have us bowed over. Praise to God seems impossible to do at these times, doesn't it? Here is something to think about church. Praise to God is never out of place, nor is it ever impossible to do. It is a choice. Defeat or praise. Your choice, my friends – choose now.

As a preacher of the gospel, I sort of feel like Isaiah, proclaiming positive things into dire situations is not easy to do, but oftentimes necessary. Turn with me to Isaiah 61:1-3. I echo the sentiments of Isaiah.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim that acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Our heavenly Father is glorified when we praise him. Are not the words of the above scriptures beautiful, church? This is what the redeemed of the Lord should say and proclaim to all the people of the world. It will bless believers and it will draw the lost to Jesus. People need to know there is a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. The spirit of heaviness is not of God and should be and must be cast out by the redeemed of the Lord in Jesus Name.

Just a word of caution, my friends. When you first replace heaviness with the garment of praise, that garment may not feel like it fits correctly, but it truly does. The more you display the praise garment, the better it fits. So start now, folks. Praise the Lord with all that is in you. God will love you for it and you will be delivered from the jaws of depression, fear and defeat.

Now, just a note to apprise you of what is going on here. I will be away from my desk, and my computer technician, Justin Rocque, for the next two weeks. Therefore, we will replay two of our previous messages, only with audio this time. How do we do this? I have written two messages. Last week's and this week's message were composed on Friday, August 6th and Saturday, August 7th. Next week and the following week's messages will be replays, with the audio being added as of August 8th.

My goal is always to be honest and upfront with you. My mission is to always give you the words of life and truth that God gives to me. Please tune in the next two weeks. I promise you will not be disappointed. Even though I will be in Michigan, I will be able to retrieve all e-mails. So feel free to e-mail me at BrotherBob@TheSpiritofWisdom.org with any prayer requests. I promise to pray daily for all prayer requests.

To conclude. Remember my friends, let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Always praise the Lord and share your gift of salvation with others. They need you!!

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE

Welcome everyone to your week long, online church service. Our emphasis is always on 'everyone.' No one is to be excluded from our message of Jesus Christ and him crucified. Folks, Jesus died to redeem all of us. It's time for the Christianity of exclusion to be dissolved.

I understand churches cannot allow persons who refuse to learn and cause disruption in the flow of the Spirit. But, everyone should be welcome into the house of God and be given the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

We cannot righteously sing “Come Just as You Are” and then turn them away when they come. Am I being very clear here? We were and we are sinners saved by grace, aren't we? Well, aren't we? Turn with me to Romans 5:8, the apostle Paul speaking:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Oh, thank you Lord for the mercy and grace you have shown us. You notice in that scripture that God did not give his love to us only after we cleaned our act up. But while we were yet still in sin. The truth is, if God had to wait for mankind to stop sinning before he showed his love to us, he would still be withholding it. Church, we have to begin to show others the same love God has shown us. We can't tell others we love you with the love of God, but we don't want anything to do with you. No, my friends, we must show love to all and be willing and able to share Jesus Christ with them.

So, what I am talking about here? I am talking about love. The love of God for us and all of his creation. Somehow over time Christians have lost their way. Instead of showing the unconditional love of God to everyone, we have made false decisions on who should be loved or shunned. Sad to say, many Christians truly believe we should disdain the very ones God loves and wants to redeem so much.

It has somehow become acceptable in church circles and Christian organizations to publicly and loudly proclaim attitudes of hatred toward everything from homosexuality to alcoholics, to drug users and to people of others faiths, such as Muslims. It has become okay to show hatred toward races and cultures that do not do things the way we consider to be “the Christian way.”

Am I saying we should not hate sin? No, I am not saying that at all. But be careful that you do not confuse sin with the sinner. The last I recall God is the judge, not his ambassadors. I want to share some scriptures with you my friends. Turn with me to 1 John 4:7-8:

“Beloved, let us love one another: For love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

It should be noted that God is not the God of hatred, but the God of love. It is because of God's love for us that Jesus came to this earth to die. John 3:16-17 tells the whole story:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

God set no conditions on who could come to him for redemption. He said whosoever will. That includes everyone you may consider as sinful and beyond the ability to be helped. I remember a Catholic priest once saying “We are all going to be surprised when we get to heaven and see who is there and who isn't.” You know what? I think he was right. The way many believers look down on those who don't think or act just as they do – well, it is just amazing anyone would make it to heaven.

Each day I see the affects of sin all around me – sickness, poverty, broken homes, depression. Oftentimes, I just want to shout out to people “Jesus is the way out of this trouble you are in!” God's love for them is so strong. I just don't have the time or inclination to hate people. God will not allow me to do that. John puts it this way in 1 John 4:10-11, let's read it together:

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation (substitute) for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

There it is, my friends. Love is God's way. God first loved us so much that Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for us. He laid down his life and became the substitute for our sins. The scripture is very clear. Because God loved us so much, we should also love one another. Loving one another does not mean just loving those in our church or group of believers. We should and must love all of God's creation just as he does.

It is time my fellow believers, to become the ambassadors we are meant to be. Get back to showing God's love to all. You want to draw the lost to Christ? You can only do it with love. Once again, that is God's way. This message explains why we always say everyone is welcome in this place. The message of Jesus Christ is for everyone regardless of their spiritual condition. We welcome you here with open arms. What you do with what we freely give to you is up to you. Our prayer is that you learn more about God and his son Jesus.

The Spirit of God is calling out to you, my friends. Urging you who are lost in sin to come to Jesus Christ. Receive his love and saving grace and mercy. Become a child of God. Be set free in the Name of Jesus!. God loves you. He wants the best for you. We want the best for you and we love you in the Lord. Because of that love, we are here for you. Contact us at BrotherBob@TheSpiritofWisdom.org. I promise we will get back to you. To those who have received Jesus into your life, but for whatever reason, have drifted away or even on purpose walked away, we are here for you also. We love you, my friends, but God loves you even more. Come on back home. Today is a day of new beginnings. Contact us. We will stand with you.

Church, this is a special message calling you to return to love. After all, God is love, and we are in God because we love him. If we love him, we will love his creation.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Requests:

Cynthia Taylor - Cynthia is currently undergoing dialysis for kidney problems. She is believing for a complete and total healing of her body and we are asking you to agree with her in prayer. She needs your help so please do not let her down.

Arlene - Arlene has liver problems and swollen ankles. She is a believer and is requesting prayer from our online church. Please pray that Arlene receives a touch from God and that she will be made totally healed in Jesus' name.

Choose Wisely

Welcome to all that enter into this first week of your "online Church." The Spirit Of Wisdom Ministries welcomes you with open arms.

There are NO conditions to attend this church. However, let it be known that our mission is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of our heavenly Father (the God above all gods) so that all who choose him may be saved.

We pray to God (our heavenly Father), to bless this service with his wisdom. We pray that we may present Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour. We pray that non-believers will become believers and that the saved will be inspired to continue in the faith.

So Let the service begin!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we shall rejoice and be glad in it.”
- Psalm 118:24

Folks, we all have situations, circumstances, and problems we do not like to wake up to but, is it better to wake up in despair and depression or to awaken to a new day knowing that, because of our faith in the risen Christ, we may rejoice and be glad because Jesus will lead us through the troubled areas of our life into the victory of his life?

Yes, we can walk in the victory Jesus obtained for us when he died on the cross and rose again from the dead that we may be saved. Now, non-believers and believers alike, please turn to John 3:16 in your Bible; probably one of the most read and glossed over off all the scriptures.

Ready? Let's read it together!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever lasting life."
- John 3:16

Listen to me carefully, my friends. God has given you a choice between spiritual life or eternal death. I encourage you to be the "whosoever" that chooses to believe in Jesus so you may have the promise above, that promise being if you chose to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour that you will not perish, spiritually, but have ever lasting life with God in a land with no pain, no sorrows, no sickness, and no tears. I will go into this in more detail in future sermons. But, to suffice it to say, when God created Adam and Eve, he intended for them (and us) to live in paradise. That vision will come to fruition when Jesus comes back and reins over the Earth.

The Word of God (The Bible), teaches clearly (Now believers, stay with me here!), God is a pro-choice God. God made it so that whatever we do in this life is a choice, even everlasting life or eternal death.

Please turn with me to Deuteronomy 30:19. This will prove my assertation that God is a pro-choice God.

Ready? Let's Read:

(This is God Speaking)

"I call Heaven and Earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing (sin): therefore, choose life, that both thou (you) and thy seed (your children) may live."
-Deut. 30:19

You see, our Father gives us a choice and even tells us the best way to choose but still leaves it up to us. What a great God he is!

I have often said (in my opinion), the extremes of the Bible is not heaven and hell, but rather life or death, so CHOOSE WISELY, MY GOOD PEOPLE, CHOOSE WISELY!


Thank you everyone for attending this first "online Church" service. I pray it has been a blessing to you.

Before we conclude the service, I must ask if anyone feels the tug of the Holy Spirit, to give your life to God, through his son Jesus. If so, please confess aloud with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and you shall be saved. Just say and mean in your heart, "Father I come to you in the name of your son, Jesus. I ask you to forgive my sins and I give my heart and life to you. I confess and believe in my heart that Jesus is my Lord and saviour. I accept you, Jesus with all thanks giving." (Refer to Romans 10:9)

My friend, if you made this confession, you are now saved and you are now our brother or sister in Christ. Welcome to the family of God! Praise the Lord, for his goodness and mercy. Amen.
Email me today so I can rejoice with you!

Believers, have you strayed? Your father, God, is calling you back home. Just say, and mean in your heart, "Father, I ask for your forgiveness for my sin, and ask to be restored in the faith. I love you, Lord. Cleanse me and make me free in you again." Wow! Don't you feel better now? Email me and let me know!

God bless you all. Until we meet again next week, may God be with you. God loves you and so do I!

God Bless,

Brother Bob

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Brother Bob is glad to receive any prayer requests, praise reports, or any comments you want to make, at Brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org. You're feedback is greatly appreciated!

Check in daily for any updates, prayer requests, and/or announcements.