RETURN TO THE BASICS

It's that time again church. The time to gather together in praise and worship to the God above all gods and his Son, Jesus. It is always such an honor and privilege to bring forth the word of God to you. God loves you so much that he reaches right through the cyberspace, known as the internet, to bless you, to save you, to heal and deliver you from all the oppression Satan has put upon you. No wonder we can say – today is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! We welcome everyone to this 24/7, week long, online church service. We emphasize, everyone is welcome here.

This week I want to touch on a subject that is filled with controversy and pitfalls. The church!! You know folks, there are over two hundred denominations. Each one man made and man run. All proclaiming that their teaching and preaching is the correct teaching of God. Over two hundred seminaries, all teaching different things on the same verse. How can that be? Is there anything wrong with this picture?

Some churches teach healing is for today, others say it isn't. Some say tongues is of God, others say it is of the devil. Some churches believe instrumental music is to be used in praise and worship, yet other denominations teach only voice singing should be used. Does anyone out there really believe God meant his salvation to be this complicated? Some churches teach that man after salvation should walk in wealth. Other churches teach we should walk in poverty. Some churches refer to other denominations as “the frozen chosen.” Yet the “frozen chosen” churches claim that those other churches are just loud and emotional driven (holy rollers). No wonder confusion remains constant in organized churches and among religious organizations.

Do you know that for approximately three hundred years after the death of Jesus, there was no organized church? Yet, believers did gather together to worship and praise God. They encouraged each other to follow the teachings the apostles laid before them. They taught about Jesus coming to earth to save us. Their focus was on Jesus, dead, buried and risen. The cross was the object of their focus. They weren't concerned about the politics of their time as we are today. They would never allow their spirituality to be linked with one political party or another as God was the all in all for them. As it should be today.

The truth is, salvation and your belief in Jesus Christ is a personal relationship. Paul gives us the true doctrine of the church. In Colossians 1:14-22.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him and for him: And he is before all things and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: Who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled - In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”

In other words folks, return to the basics. Jesus and him crucified. He is in and above all things. When men decided that we have moved beyond the cross of calvary, they made a huge mistake. The entire new covenant is wrapped up in the cross. These previous verses of the Bible clearly state, Jesus is the creator and head of the church. It is made clear also in these passages, we as believers are the body of Christ. We are the church here on the earth to carry out the works that Jesus did.

What we are not to do is pick a verse out of the Bible and make a denomination out of it. My God help us to be wise and to understand your Word. As I speak to you on this online church, I only have one request of you, my friends. Please do not believe anything I say. Look it up in the Word of God and prove to yourself whether I am speaking truth or falsehood. Also, let me say this. I am not against local churches. I encourage you to ask God to lead you to a church near you, where you can worship and praise God with others. But always be faithful to read your Bible, and when the Spirit of God shows you something different from what is being taught, take it to your pastor and discuss it with him. Not with an attitude or to correct him, but to shine light on what he is teaching.

Pastors and teachers, this is an invitation to you to quit preaching your seminary notes or what other preachers teach and to get back in tune with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. All these things that seem so contradictory, are doctrines that God will make clear to you, but only through his word. This 24/7 online church will be preaching and teaching on all the so called controversial doctrines mentioned in the beginning of this message. You will be free to question or even disagree with me. But only if you take the time to check it out for yourself through the word of God.

This ministry is being very careful to only preach the divine Word of Truth imparted to us by the Holy Spirit through the word of God. To do otherwise would be to invite a curse upon ourselves. The apostle Paul makes this clear in a warning to all preachers in Galations 1:8-9. Paul said:

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed.”

I don't want that. And good pastors and teachers, I know you don't either. Get back to the basics, which can only be the word of God, which is Jesus and him crucified.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

New Prayer Request: Isaiah Moors, two month old baby, in ICU with severe internal injuries. Please pray for healing and a quick recovery. Also, pray for the family that they have peace in this trying situation.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH

I am here to announce and proclaim Jesus is Lord!! The mission of this online church is to lift up the name of Jesus to all. He is the reason this church welcomes all who enter into this place. We exclude no one in this 24/7 week long, online church service. We hope and pray to reach everyone we possibly can with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The anointed messages we preach here are with purpose. The purpose being to present Jesus Christ to everyone. Not as a person of history or fantasy, but as a living and loving Savior who died a horrible death on a cross at calvary. He was buried but rose again from the dead by the power of his father, the living God above all gods.

It is time for all to understand God is a present time God. Many think of Jesus as someone to read about or to be talked about as if he was dead and a thing of the past. Not so, my friends. Jesus is alive and wants to help you in every situation of life. Psalms 46:1 points this out very clearly. Let's read it together.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Refuge from what? Every situation, circumstance or trouble that comes against you. God, through his son Jesus, is a safe place. The beauty of it all is this. That safe place is open to all who will enter in by their belief in the living savior, Jesus Christ. This safe place is shut up tight to anything or anyone that excludes Jesus from their lives and wishes to do us harm. Psalm 46:1 states God is our strength. It does not state we are our own strength, does it? When we acknowledge God as our strength, nothing is impossible to us in this present time or in the future. Yet, if we choose only to walk in our own strength, excluding God, we walk at our own peril. Success will be very elusive to us on our own power. But, through God, all things are possible to us.

There was a time when the apostles were questioning Jesus about who could be saved. Jesus answered by stating – by men no one could be saved. But, by God, all things are possible. Let's look at Matthew 19:26, Jesus speaking:

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Let's bring this saying of Jesus' to this date. Because his words still stand true today. Basically, Jesus is telling us to not be followers of men, but God only. With God only are all things possible for you. Man cannot save you no matter how eloquent or believable they may sound. In fact, you follow man long enough, excluding God, and you may end up in the same ditch they fall into. And, you may not ever recover.

God will lead you into victory over all the things Satan and the world system can and will throw at you. I am not telling you bad things, circumstances and situations will not come into your life. But, I am telling you, with God as your refuge and strength, you will be an over comer no matter what comes against you. I have often told my kids, all grown up now by the way, that it is not what comes against you that matters but how you react to it. React as the world reacts – you lose!! React as the instruction book of life (the Bible) dictates, you win. God is a present time help in every situation of life.

You know, when Jesus was on the earth, he went about preaching, teaching and healing the sick (both physical and mental). For example, let's go to Matthew 9:35.

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues (churches) and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”

What was he teaching and preaching? He was explaining and proclaiming the truth and good news of the gospel. Ladies and gentlemen, preaching, teaching and healing are the gospel program. The things Jesus did on the earth are the very same things we as believers are to do today. You don't have to take my word for it. Jesus in John 14:12 says it better than I ever could. Jesus said:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

Very clear instructions, don't you think? God never intended the works that Jesus did while on the earth to die with him, never to return or to only be remembered as a thing of the past. But, they are to continue through the believer. We must continue to preach Jesus as a present time help in this world. We must continue to teach our children, our grandchildren, and all who will listen about Jesus. Every place we go, no matter what city or village, we must teach, preach and proclaim healing is for today. Churches that do not teach that healing is for today, better wake up and read the word of God again. I believe the failure of many Christians to be healed of physical and mental problems are due to the lack of proper teaching and preaching in the churches and seminaries of today.

Even churches that believe in healing for today often link it to the giving of money. And that is wrong, wrong, wrong. It's time we shine the light of the gospel on these erroneous teachings. God has left us so much to help us live victoriously in this life on earth. Let's no longer water the gospel down. Get back in the word of God, my friends, ask God for wisdom and understanding of his Word. He will provide you with all the answers you need to live a life of goodness and mercy.

Jesus left instructions for us before he left the earth. Let's obey them. Turn with me to Matthew 28:20, Jesus speaking to believers of yesterday and today. Jesus said:

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Those things include salvation, baptism, the Holy Spirit, healing and deliverance from demonic oppression. We will be teaching on all of these things. Get ready for a good ride!

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Requests: Please pray for my cousin, John Pitts. John has just gone through a lung transplant. Please pray for a quick recovery and a complete and total healing. John, we love you and will pray for you daily.

We ask for urgent prayer for Mrs. Ravelo. She was recently admitted to the hospital. She is battling anemia. We ask our Heavenly Father to touch her with his healing power. Also, we are praying for her family. May God give them the peace that passes all understanding.

GOD IS PLEASED WITH YOU

This week is a very special week in the lives of all believers, isn't it? This Sunday we celebrate the death, burial and most of all, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Yes my friends, Jesus is alive and well – thank you very much.

What a great day to welcome everyone to your 24/7 week long, online church service. There is no one who is not eligible to attend this service. Why? Because when we lift up the name of Jesus, he will draw all men unto himself. Here, read it for yourself in John 12:32, Jesus speaking:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

Did you get that? Jesus will draw all men, and women by the way, to himself. That is the main purpose of the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries. In the past few weeks we have talked to all manner of men, haven't we? We have reached out to the unsaved. We have encouraged believers who have lost their way to return to their Heavenly Father. And what better time than the present to talk with the faithful believer? Yes my friends, there is such a thing. There are people who get up each morning with thanks in their heart and on their lips because they know and understand God has given them another day of life to serve him. They remember life before Jesus saved them. Some were in deep physical and moral sin, yet some did not partake of that form of sin, but they were bitter, unfulfilled, lonely, knowing something wasn't right in their life, but not knowing what it was. Am I striking a cord with anyone? Many thought surely this isn't all there is. And you know what? They were right. God was reaching out to you, wasn't he?

Moms, Dads, grandparents, friends, and friends of friends were praying for you. Pointing you to the cross. You had to choose for yourself, didn't you? Thank God you chose life and now, regardless of all that life throws at you, you have a peace that passes all understanding. You have a love for your fellow man you never had before. And, oh my – what a burden for souls!! Your cry to God is “Save them Lord, please save them.”

Men and women know something is different about you. Jesus said this would happen. In John 13:34-35 Jesus said:

“A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

That is you, my faithful believer. Finally, because of Jesus, you are able to separate sin from the sinner. Hate is no longer directed toward men, but toward the devil and his evil, demonic forces. I know!! Sometimes we have to work on these things, but you are getting there, aren't you? Your prayers for government leaders are not filled with hate for them, but love. Believing God can and will reveal himself to these leaders; praying God will give them eyes to see and ears to hear. Just as many believed you would never change from your past wicked ways, but God moved over you and now they see you in a different light. So it can be with others.

GOD IS PLEASED WITH YOU

I am preaching this to encourage you. God loves your faithfulness. He expects great things out of you. Jesus lays it out for you in John 14:12. He was soon to die on the cross, yet his thoughts were only of you. Let's see what he had to say.

“Verily, verily I say unto you. He that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do: Because I go unto my Father.”

What works would these be, church? Well, what did Jesus do while on this earth? He preached and revealed himself as the Son of God. He taught us about God, letting us know that our father loved us so much that he sent Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He healed the sick. He cast the devil out of those who were in torment. Let's talk about these things for a minute. Following the instructions Jesus gave us in John 14:12 we can conclude as believers we are to share Jesus with others, explaining to them who Jesus is and what he will do for them if they accept his free gift of salvation. We are to tell others about God's love for them. A love that is so intense that he would let his son die a horrible death on a cross, be buried, but gloriously arise to return to the father, where he would sprinkle his blood on the mercy seat and by that action man could be redeemed from their sin.

We also, according to this scripture, can pray for the sick and see them recover. We can walk with no fear of Satan because in the name of Jesus we can cast him out. We now can discern the spirits as Jesus did. This is you I'm talking about!! No wonder God is pleased with you. We know we can open ourselves to God and he can perform wonders through us the world has never seen yet. Stay faithful church, stay faithful. No longer do you walk in darkness, but in the light of God. Jesus tells us about this in John 12:46.

“I am come a light unto the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”

The Apostle Paul also addresses this in Ephesians 5:8.

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: Walk as children of light.”

I thank God you are doing just that. One point I want to make: We are all growing and learning the ways of God. God is pleased with you. He knows you fail at times, but he sees how fast you recover. God can see you are not perfect in all you do, but he knows your heart and intention. God knows you are attaining to perfection. Paul talks about this in Philippians 3:12.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: But I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”

What Paul is saying is – I'm working toward perfection (which is maturity in Christ). He says he is not there yet, but he just wants to complete what God has for him to do. Now let's continue. Turn with me to Philippians 3:13-14.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

There you are, faithful believer. Keep on keeping on. Press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Great advice from a man who made it.

God Bless You
Bro. Bob

THE FLOWERS WILL COME

Let us start this service by welcoming you to this 24/7 week long, online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place. This has certainly been an exciting two weeks, hasn't it? Two weeks ago we reached out to the lost. We presented Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to them. Our invitation to the nonbeliever is sincere and heartfelt. We know as believers there is only one way to eternal life with our heavenly Father and that is through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Many people believe Jesus was a good man and some would even say a great role model. Yet, they do not believe he is the only son of God or the only way to eternal life. This is troubling to them because it seems confusing and contradictory. And guess what? It is!! I often mention this because I felt the same way just days before God opened my eyes to him and saved me from my sin. My future destination at that time was spiritual death and the lake of fire. Jesus changed all that.

Jesus explains who he really is and puts to rest all these questions in no uncertain terms in John 14:1-4. Let's read it carefully together. Jesus speaking:

“Let not your heart be troubled: Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also. And wither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”

Jesus is telling us very clearly do not be troubled. In other words, be at peace. Believe in God and yes, believe in Him (Jesus). Jesus is also saying because of your belief in him, he will prepare a place for you to always be with him. In John 14:5, Thomas questions Jesus about this.

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not wither thou goest and how can we know the way?”

Isn't that the eternal question, my friends? How can we know the way? The way to what, you might ask. Eternal life, my good people, eternal life. Jesus gives Thomas, as well as us, the answer. John 14:6.

“Jesus saith unto him, (and us) I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

Can it be any more clear than that? Now this presents a problem for those who say Jesus is a good man and a role model, but do not believe he is the only way to God (the Father), doesn't it? No one can be a good man and role model if they are a liar!!! Jesus declares God as his Father and himself as the only way to him. Is Jesus lying, my friends? Of course not!! You can't have eternal life through any other way than by accepting Jesus into your heart, repenting of your sin, and confessing Jesus as Lord of your life. So nonbeliever, you are now being offered one more chance to choose life eternal. What is your answer? I will be waiting for your answer by e-mail at BrotherBob@theSpiritofWisdom.org. Listen to me!! This may be your last chance!! No one knows the time or place that death will strike. God bless you, my non-believing friends, be good to yourself – choose Jesus and choose eternal life today.

Then, last week we ministered to believers who for whatever reason have taken their eyes off of their first love, Jesus Christ. The cares of this world, sickness, poverty, bad relationships, circumstances and situations have basically stolen their peace of mind and faith in their Lord and Savior. Many of them now question if God still loves them. Some have slipped back into the very same sin God delivered them from. One thing we can clear up right now. I am proclaiming to you by the authority of my calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, God loves you just as much today as the day he saved and redeemed you. Do you remember that day?

I know if I was talking to some of you in person, you would ask: “Brother Bob, what has happened to me?” My answer my brother or sister, is that you have taken your eyes off the one who saved you and have put them on this world with all its trappings. Your trust in God has weakened. Maybe you expected God to move a certain way in your situation and it didn't happen. Perhaps you prayed for healing, yet still are sick. Maybe you prayed for God to move in a relationship that now seems impossible to repair. The bills are coming in. You prayed for finances, yet all you see is a stack of unpaid bills and bill collectors hounding you on every hand.

I understand what you are saying because I and most believers I know have gone through these things too. So what is the answer? The first thing that God impresses on me is trust. Let me be a little more clear. Trust in God because he is faithful.

Remember the poem last week? “Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the flowers is?” The key here is Spring has arrived, but it doesn't look like it. The grass is not green yet and where are the flowers? Doesn't that sort of seem like the promises of God and his Word? We see the promises, yet where are they? Well, one thing I can tell you, my friends, you know the flowers will come. Now I am telling you, just as surely as the flowers will bloom in just the right time, so will God perform His promises made to you through his Word and they will come to you just in time. Let's see what God's Word says about trust. Psalms 143:8.

“Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”

What this Psalm is saying is: If you don't feel able to be close to God at this time, believer, ask God to cause you to hear from him. Incline your ear to him and listen to his loving kindness ring loudly into your ears and soul again. Let God cause you to know how to walk with him again. Why? Because you trust him and believe his Word is true. I love the song about Lazarus that says - “God was four days late and he was right on time.”

Start today, my friends. Trust God again. Ask for forgiveness for turning away from him and then turn back to him and keep trusting him no matter what!!

Let me relate a story to you. We were visiting relatives in Virginia and we took the kids for a drive up this winding, hilly road when we saw a roller rink. The kids wanted to go roller skating that evening. The hours were 6-10 p.m. We told them they could walk there in the daylight and we would pick them up at closing time. The children left for their walk to the roller rink. We didn't expect to see or hear from them until 10 o'clock or later. But, about forty to forty-five minutes later we saw them returning with sad looks on their faces. What happened? They said they walked and walked, but couldn't find the roller rink. I laughed and said “It's on the road you walked on. There are no turn-offs.” I got them into the car and told them to show us where they stopped and turned around. After a short while they said “Right here, Dad.” I had to admit, I didn't know where the roller rink was either. So I said, “We'll just go around the next bend and turn around and go back home.” Well, guess what? We went around the next bend and there was the roller rink. We had all given up just one bend away. That, my friends, is how we sometimes are with God.

We pray, we trust and just before our blessing is to arrive, we give up and turn away from God. Does this make any sense at all to you, my friends? Yes, the flowers will come and if you keep trusting, God will meet your every need. That's the way it works. Come on back to God. He loves you and is waiting to welcome you back, and in that you can trust.

Next week I will be talking with believers who are doing their best to live for God. God knows who you are and He is so very happy with you. He loves your faithfulness, and most of all, He loves you.

God Bless you,
Bro. Bob

COME BACK HOME MY CHILD

What a great time of year this is. It is Spring. Doesn't that sound good? Praise God, Winter is on the way out. Spring with all of its indications of new and fresh beginnings has arrived. What better time to say welcome to your 24/7, week long online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place.

This online church has been a source of new beginnings for many of you. We have received e-mails and comments telling us of how these anointed services have renewed people's desires to learn more about God. One e-mail said, they now desire to live fully for God and to be all He desires them to be. What more could anyone want?

In the past weeks we have preached and taught about wisdom, understanding and love. Last week, we talked to the unbeliever, urging them to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts. Would that not be a great new beginning, my friends? New life in Christ replacing the spiritual death that Satan had them trapped in. This week, we are once again turning our attention to the believer. It has been quite a journey, hasn't it my good Christian, child of God?

Remember the day, weeks and months before accepting Christ into our hearts? No matter how good we thought we were, there was always a cloud of condemnation and sin following us. We weren't always sure of what it was, but we always felt its dark presence. Many of us had praying parents or praying grandparents, and even though we loved them, we thought they were a little weird or just too religious, didn't we? Little did we know the power or effect their prayers would have on us.

You see, the ones that have been praying God's word for our salvation understood things we did not. They understood that praying the word of God over us, that those words would not come back void. Check it for yourself. In Isaiah 55:11 God said:

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Does it not make spiritual sense if we pray God's word and intent for someone, that prayer that goes forth from our mouth will not return void. Thank God for those that prayed so faithfully for us. Does not that principle encourage us to pray for our loved ones? God, please save our families, friends and yes even our enemies. Reveal yourself to them, give them eyes to see and ears to hear, that they may be saved. I'm talking about new beginnings, my friends.

Do you remember the day you accepted Jesus into your heart and confessed him as Lord of your life? Do you remember how clean and pure you felt? The feeling of being totally cleansed of all sin was real and true, wasn't it? John wrote a letter expressing this to the churches of his time. Turn with me to I John 1:9.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

No wonder you felt so good! No wonder you couldn't contain the joy you felt. You knew you were saved from your sin. Your were set free. Do you remember how your Bible became alive to you? The realization that God's word was real and true? You began to attend church and to learn the things of God. God's desires became your desires. Why? Because you were delighting yourself in the Lord. Psalms 37:4 explains it best.

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

The point I am making here, you felt the closeness and love of God, didn't you? Remember how you witnessed to everyone who would listen? What a burden for souls you had. Praying came easy to you because you believed God would answer them. You saw a sick person and you automatically prayed for healing and not only that, you believed they would be healed. And many were, am I right? God living became a way of life. Sin, circumstances, situations, temptations had no control over you. You were a conqueror and had victory in your life, didn't you? You believed Isaiah 54:17 that says:

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord.”

And guess what? You were right to believe this. However, that was then and this is now!! Today, defeat seems to loom bigger than victory. The cares of this world, including the economy, your finances, your health or the health of a loved one is consuming you with despair and thoughts of defeat. You notice the Bible that gave you so much delight and encouragement now sits on a shelf and sometimes gathers dust on it. Okay, just a quick note here. At the end of last week's message I said I was going to address believers who have gotten off the narrow road leading to victory and had gotten on the broad road to destruction, didn't I? I also said Jesus loves you and wants you back on track.

If this is not you, then pray for those I am now talking to. Jesus is reaching out to them. Now, to continue. You still love God, you know you do, but somehow the closeness is not there like it was. You find yourself slipping back into sin. Thinking thoughts and acting in ways you know God does not approve of. You want to feel close to God again, but don't. What happened? One thing that did not happen, my friend, is God did not move away from you.

I heard a story once about a man and his wife driving down the highway. This was in the day before bucket seats. The front seats of cars were just long seats where three people could sit in front. Or, where your sweetheart or wife could sit very close to you. Well, as they were driving along, the wife said to the husband “You notice we don't sit close to each other in the car anymore? We used to sit so close to each other. What happened?” The husband, who was driving, looked at her and gently said “Honey, I haven't moved one inch.” That could be God saying to you, my child, I haven't moved one inch away from you. But, you are moving farther and farther away from me. Why is this happening?

I understand there are pressures of this life coming against you daily. You turn on the news and it is all bad. You are afraid of losing your job. You have been betrayed by a Christian brother or sister, hurt by a church or a pastor or preacher. I don't know what is causing you to draw away from God. But this much I do know, unless you turn back to your heavenly Father, it will get worse. God is calling out to you this week through this preacher of the gospel. He wants you to have a new beginning. A new beginning that will restore joy and peace to you.

I am reminded of a poem, it goes something like this: Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, I wonder where the flowers is. One thing I can assure you!! There will be flowers, even though we don't see them yet. If you trust God again, I can assure you!! He will restore joy, peace, mercy and grace to you. You will walk in newness of life again. Come on back home, my child, come on back home.

God bless you,

Brother Bob

IT'S TIME, ISN'T IT?

I am so thankful to God for this day of salvation. Every morning when I wake up, I proclaim that Jesus is Lord!! I thank God every morning for another day of life. I promise God to walk in all the benefits of his gift of salvation to me. I also tell my heavenly Father, I will be accountable for my thoughts and actions for that day. In my morning conversations with God, I always mention you, my friends. I am so humbled and honored that God allows me to give forth his words of life to you.

I've had people question why I always say – Welcome to your 24/7 week long, online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place and I do mean everyone. The answer is very simple. God gave me those words to speak to you. He impressed on me to welcome everyone into his presence. Why? Because he loves you. Who am I talking to? You!! The unbeliever who has not accepted Jesus into your heart and life. I know you have many reasons for your denial and rejection of the Son of God. But, Jesus still loves you. He will still command this old preacher to give you his words of love, mercy and grace; knowing that his word can change you in an instant from spiritual death to spiritual life. Our heavenly Father knows you are on a road to eternal destruction and death.

My unbelieving friends, there are two forces in the world and only two. No middle ground. Those two forces are life or death. Life is headed up by God through his son Jesus Christ. Death is headed up by Satan, the deceiver. What do these two forces offer you? That would be good to know, wouldn't it? Remember, there is only life or death, no middle ground. Unbeliever, if you have a Bible, turn with me to John 10:10. If not, listen or read this carefully. Jesus speaking:

“The thief (Satan/devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Let's back this up with another scripture. Deuteronomy 30:19. God the Father speaking:

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: Therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

I know you have heard lots of religious things in your life, many of which turned you off. I also know you have seen professed Christians say one thing and act just the opposite. But, please stay with me here, my friends. I have often said the Bible is not so much a book about heaven or hell, but it is a book of eternal life or death. What does Satan want to steal and destroy from you? The answer: Everything!! Let me repeat that. Everything!! He wants to steal your family, your money, your job, your health and everyone or thing that you love. Who does he want to kill? You!! The forces of evil, led by Satan, desire to kill you physically and spiritually and separate you from God forever.

Satan hates God and he hates you, my friend. How does he destroy and kill you? By leading you into sin. What is sin? Anything that goes contrary to God's word. Remember earlier, I said Satan was a deceiver. He will cause you to believe sin is a pleasure to indulge in, but the Bible says sin is pleasure but only for a season. Eventually, as you continue to reject Christ, and continue in sin, you will receive the wages of sin and what it offers. What? Wages for sinning? Well, that sounds pretty good doesn't it? Let's take a look and see what the Word of God says about it. Romans 6:23.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

There's your choice. Death or eternal life. God said in Deuteronomy 30:19, choose life. The scripture we just read says the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Back in John 10:10, Jesus said he came to the earth so you could have life more abundantly. I understand that to mean a fuller life on this earth and eternal life with God and his Son Jesus Christ. What is your choice today, my friend? Life or death?

I can honestly say, if you are reading or listening to this church service, God is calling you to Him. He desires to elevate you from being his creation to being his adopted son or daughter. Jesus will be your elder brother and you will be a member of the family of God. It's time, isn't it? Romans 10:9-10, tells you what to do to accept this free gift of salvation. The apostle Paul says:

“That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

My friends, if you do not know Jesus, but feel the tug and pull of the Holy Spirit this instant, repeat the above words. But, only if you mean the words you are saying. God is faithful and he will save you from your sin. Now, if you have done that, tell someone right now. You know you want to. E-mail me today at BrotherBob@TheSpiritofWisdom.org. I will be so happy for you. Any questions? Feel free to ask. I will answer you.

Now believers. Let's turn to you. You know the joy of salvation, don't you? I truly believe the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries is going to lead many to Jesus. Here are your instructions for this week. E-mail everyone you know and tell them to read or listen to this week's message, especially the ones that do not yet know Jesus. God's word never comes back void, does it? I know there will be many who will soon be able to say in the words of an anointed song: Thank you Lord Jesus for saving me from what I might have been. I know I can truly say that and I'm sure you can also.

We haven't talked with nonbelievers much in the last few weeks. But church, let me tell you they are always on my mind and heart. This week I will be praying constantly in the spirit for the lost, your family and friends and mine. I'm praying for the lost that they may be saved. This is the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries passion. If you want us to pray for your loved ones, e-mail their names to me. I promise they will be lifted up to our heavenly Father for salvation and eternal life. Isn't God good?

Next week, believers, I will be reaching out to those who have gotten off the narrow road. Is that you? God still loves and cares for you. He just wants you back on track.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

GET WISDOM.....GET UNDERSTANDING

Welcome back to your 24/7 week long online church service. I'm sure you know by now, everyone is welcome in this place. You know, I am still basking in the goodness of God. The message that went forth last week regarding God's wisdom was so timely, wasn't it? You know folks, if we used God's wisdom in place of our own or other people's, we would truly be victorious in every area of our life.

Everyday we live on this earth we have the opportunity to either choose God's way or our own. Be wise, my friends, choose God's way. Proverbs 4:7 states it very clearly:

“Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting get understanding.”

Understanding of what? Everything pertaining to life and living. God wants you to understand everything the Bible teaches. Why? So you can be everything that God made you to be on the earth. Our heavenly Father thinks highly of you, my friends. How do I know that? Because of my understanding of what God did for us. Where did I get that understanding? Answer: From the direction book of life (the Bible).

The Bible tells me that God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to present the kingdom of heaven to us. John the Baptist knew this when he proclaimed the kingdom of God is at hand. Let's read it together. Matthew 3:1-2.

“In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying Repent ye: For the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

What was John actually saying here? He was proclaiming to anyone who would listen that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was now on the earth to save us from our sins. That cry was “Repent, repent,” which in our terms of today means to turn away from your sin, whatever it may be and follow Jesus. The cry of the church today should be “Repent, my friends, Repent.” There is little time to delay. Look around you, people, what do you see? Am I not telling you the truth? Jesus, representing the kingdom of God, was here on a mission. That mission was to save God's most favored creation.....Man and woman.

Jesus was to be the perfect sacrifice for us, knowing that man could not (and still can't by the way) save himself. Jesus knew all along the torment, suffering and death by way of the cross was awaiting him. But, he was filled with joy. Let's read it for ourselves. Turn with me to Hebrews 12:2.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Do you understand, my friends? Jesus endured the cross and was filled with joy even while despising the shame of it all. Why? Because the joy he saw before him was you and me, redeemed by his being the perfect sacrifice for us. Now, he is set at the right hand of the throne of God, which proves that God accepted the sacrifice as payment in full for our sin. God made a way for us where there was no way. By accepting Jesus into our hearts, by asking God's forgiveness and by repenting of our sin, confessing with our mouth that we believe in our heart God raised Jesus from the dead, and by making him Lord of our life, we may be saved. That, my friends, is the understanding the Bible presents to you. Do you believe it? God's wisdom says, believe it. Man's wisdom, denies it!!

You know, Jesus himself proclaimed the same thing John the Baptist did. The only difference, John was talking about Jesus, while Jesus was talking about himself. Let's read about this in Matthew 4:17. Jesus heard about John the Baptist being imprisoned for proclaiming him as the savior of the world and Jesus began his ministry by backing up John. Let's read it together....Matthew 4:17.

“From that time (John's imprisonment) Jesus began to preach, and to say, repent: For the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Does it not seem strange, my friends, that John the Baptist paved the way for Jesus by saying Repent? And, Jesus began his earthly ministry by saying Repent. Yet many, maybe even most churches today, will not even mention sin, or admonish people to repent by turning away from their sin. They will talk about blessings, money, status but rarely or never mention sin or repentance. I actually heard a well known preacher say on television, he doesn't talk about sin because people want to hear positive things. Many churches talk about being 'beyond the cross' as they take out altars. Yet put Starbuck's in their lobbies, or serve coffee in the sanctuary while the service is going on.

My heart is heavy as I preach this to you. I believe if Jesus was to come back today, he would toss those coffee urns out. He would admonish the church leaders as he did the money changers. Is nothing sacred anymore? He would restore altars that men could come forward to and cry out for forgiveness. A place where they could lay prostrate in complete submission before their living God. I believe Jesus would see preachers offering healings for money, and he would strip those preachers of all their pride and arrogance and tell them to depart from him unless they repented. Let me make myself very clear. I know there are good preachers of the gospel in this time period. But, I am afraid there are many more teaching and preaching false doctrine. I am confident there are local churches, whether they be in church buildings, store fronts or even in homes who are preaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ, Yet, I am just as confident there are many local churches preaching and teaching false doctrine and I know God is not pleased with them. Now, pastors and preachers, if this disgraceful shoe doesn't fit you, don't worry or concern yourself with what I just said. But, if the shoe fits, repent brother, repent.

The Spirit of Wisdom Ministry believes in healing for today. We believe Christians should prosper and be in good health, but as their soul prospers. Wealth with a lost soul is no wealth at all. Jesus put it the best in Matthew 7:33.

“But, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Someone close to me once said “You sound like you hate the church.” But, just the opposite is true, my friends, I love the church. That is the reason I am calling out the preachers of false doctrine.

My mission this week is to inspire all who enter into this online church service to read your Bible, get wisdom and with that get understanding, so you will not be deceived. Use your Godly wisdom and understanding to help you select the church to attend and the preachers to listen to. God will bless you for it, I know He will.

God Bless you,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Requests: Please pray for David Patterson. David has rheumatoid arthritis and needs a healing touch from God. Please pray that God takes away all the pain and discomfort in David's body.

Michelle Joy - Please pray that God will give her favor in a personal situation. Pray that Michelle will stay strong in the faith.

Kathleen Warren - Please pray for a financial blessing and thank God for meeting her needs.

We have several prayer requests for salvation of friends, family, and loved ones. Please agree with us that God will honor these requests and reveal himself to the persons involved.