GOD IS SPEAKING TO YOU

You know, there is a song that we have sung in church over the years. The song goes something like this “Holy Spirit, you are welcome in this place.” The place we are singing about could be your church, your home or any place you are. I believe the place God desires his Holy Spirit to be welcome in is your heart. So, the song could go like this “Holy Spirit, you are welcome in my heart. Where I go, you go. Where I am, you are. Welcome Holy Spirit in this place.”

The Spirit of Wisdom Ministries welcomes the Holy Spirit and everyone in to this place. This is your 24/7, week long, online church service and we exclude no one from attending here. A couple of weeks ago the message focused on believers. We pray it inspired you to be the best servant of Christ you can be.

This week we will be addressing the unbeliever. After all, we were all unbelievers at one time, weren’t we? Let’s clarify this. Who is an unbeliever? To put it simply, if you have not asked God for forgiveness of your sins and asked Jesus into your heart, if you do not believe God raised Jesus from the dead and if you have not confessed Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life, you are not a believer. And, you are lost and separated from God.

My friends, I realize I am operating in the office of pastor of this online church. But truth be known, I am an evangelist called by God to proclaim the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe the good news starts with John 3:16. Jesus in this scripture tells you who he is and why he came to this earth. John 3:16-17 states:

“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.”

So let me talk to you my friends. I know God is showing me by his Spirit that there are many people looking, reading and listening to this week’s message. Not only in the United States, but all over the world. God has approached you in many ways. Some of you had parents who loved God. They took you to church but you decided all on your own to go a different way, didn’t you? Some of your parents never attended church or possibly they believed other things. Human made concepts that sounded good but have led you away from Jesus.

God has put Christians, or as I like to say believers, in your life. But you either ignored or rejected the truth of their words. And in some cases, even mocked them, didn’t you? Yet all the time you know there is something missing in your life. I know the feeling because I was in the same place at one time.

Let me tell you what I’m seeing in the Spirit at this time. I see marriages where you love each other but if changes are not made soon, separation and divorce are in the picture for you. You’ve talked this over with friends, family members and in some cases counselors, but to no avail. Husbands, you want to but you can’t control your lustful thoughts. Wives, you are looking outside of your marriage for fulfillment and happiness, aren’t you? The truth is, your marriage can be saved and your love for each other completely restored. Now, take a good look at each other and at your children who you love so much. I’m going to tell you clearly and bluntly that you need Jesus in your life today. I guarantee you, if and I repeat ‘if” you put Jesus Christ at the center of your marriage things will turn around for you. By receiving Jesus Christ in your heart and by letting him lead you in your marriage, he will show you how to set aside all the distractions this world throws at you to cause the break up of your marriage. My friends, God wants you to have a good life on this earth and that includes a loving and healthy marriage.

Listen folks, the devil and yes there is a devil, sometimes called Satan, who desires to destroy your marriages through spirits of lust, addictions such as alcohol and drug abuse, pride, poverty and so many things. Now, that is the problem. Jesus is the remedy. Tell you what, turn with me to John 10:10. Jesus is talking here:

“The thief cometh not, but for the steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Church, the thief (Satan) is on this earth to do one thing. To steal, destroy and kill everything that is near and dear to you period!! By doing this, his hope is to keep you separated from God. However, that choice is yours and yours alone. Satan desires to destroy your marriage, your money, your job, your health and even your dignity, your children and if possible your life. Now truthfully, does that sound like someone you want to follow?

Jesus on the other hand says “I have come to give you life and to give it to you in abundance.” In other words, Jesus desires a good life for you. He desires your marriage to be blessed. He desires to set you free from all addiction. Someone right now – God is speaking to you. Urging you to come to him and he will set you free from the alcoholism that is destroying your life. Life more abundantly means God will give his peace that passes all understanding to you. Yes folks, the Holy Spirit is not only welcome in this place, he is in this place. He is urging you to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today.

Jesus will become your present help in trouble. You know, sometimes I look at the people around me. People that I like and enjoy being around, yet my heart is breaking for them. I see the direction they are going in and I know by the Spirit of God only trouble and destruction lies ahead of them. The problem is they don’t see it. God, I pray to you to reveal yourself to them in a saving way. Give them eyes to see (spiritually) and ears to hear (spiritually) that they may be saved.

My desire is for you to receive Jesus into your heart and to be an overcomer. Yes, you can overcome all the attempts of the world’s system, Satan and all of his demonic spirits efforts to destroy you. Turn with me to I John 5:4-5 for confirmation.

“For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world: And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth Jesus is the Son of God.”

This message is just for you, my friends. Don’t look to the left or right. The Holy Spirit is calling you to Jesus today. There are only two answers – yes or no. What say you? You might say “Bro. Bob, what do I need to do to be saved?” Well, in the book of Acts 16:29-31 a man asked the very same question you just asked. Acts 16:29-31 says:

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in and came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house.”

Well, there it is. What are you going to do? E-mail me today with your decision to BrotherBob@TheSpiritofWisdom.org. I will be happy to lead you in the best decision of your life. Yes church, the Holy Spirit is welcome in this place.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

MOTHERS, YOUR CHILDREN NEED YOU

Today, Sunday May 8, 2011, is the day set aside to honor our mothers. Now to be sure, everyday is the day to honor our mothers, aren’t they? After all, let’s face facts, without your mother there would be no you. Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. Each of you is welcome in this place.

You know church, I’m not one to write or give messages about or even on the day of a holiday. I believe everyday is the Lord’s Day. I have given messages decrying the mixing of secular practices with so-called Christian holidays. That is so, only because I believe if you are honoring God you should not pollute that honor with worldly ways. I trust this makes sense to you.

Mother’s Day, however, is a holiday based on Bible teaching. God desires that we love and honor our mothers. Please, turn with me to Exodus 20:12. Let’s see what God has to say about this subject. Exodus 20:12 states:

“Honor thy father and thy mother: That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

Yes folks, this is one of the ten commandments of God. If God sees honoring our parents as this important, shouldn’t we? Now I understand when we are talking about parents we are talking about both mother and father. This week however, our focus is on our mothers. We will address the fathers at a later date. So God says – children, honor your mothers. Show them respect and obey them in the Lord. There is a promise that comes with obeying this commandment. God says – honor your mother and father and your days will be long on this earth. In other words, long life will you be blessed with.

You might say “Bro. Bob, this is Old Testament stuff.” I say, so what. Is not the Old Testament the Word of God anymore? The New Testament is the fulfillment of the old. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is the fullness of both the Old Testament and the New. Tell you what, let’s move into the New Testament for confirmation of the old. Please, turn with me to Ephesians 6:1-3 and let’s read it together:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: For this is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

Does that not sound familiar, my friends? You know church, when our children were small we would tell them this scripture over and over again. Why? Because we wanted them to know how to, and that they could have a long life on this earth and that things would be well for them. Sometimes, we would point out to them if by obeying your parents long life and living well was promised, what would the opposite be? Am I making myself clear here?

Let me say this about my wife, ladies and gentlemen. My children were and are blessed to have my wife as their mother. It is easy for our children to love their mother. Why? Because no matter what, they know her love for them is genuine. They also know her love for God is genuine. She looked on our five children, which are a combination of his, hers and ours and never saw a difference. I believe it was because of her dedication and love for God that two of our children are in the ministry and the other three know about the love of God for them and their families. I stand here this week blessed to be the husband of a beautiful mother that loves her children more than her own life.

Allow me to say this to the young mothers out there. You are the greatest influence in your children’s life. If you are not right with God this day, get right for your children’s sake. I believe one of the worst forms of child abuse is denying your children from knowing about God. Is that tough and hard preaching? Yes it is. But then, truth is never easy. Mothers your children need you. They need you no matter what their age. From birth to old age “Mom” is a blessed name to them. Take time with your children, mothers. Read the Bible to or with them. Tell them about the love of God for them. All the things you can buy them pales in contrast to sharing the love of God with your children.

Listen to me, young and older mothers alike. I know your heart’s desire is for your children to have a good life here on this earth. Let me give you a scripture that will give you instruction on how to achieve this. Psalms 37:4-5 gives you some sound advice. Let’s read it together:

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

Did you get that? Listen to me moms. The instruction is very clear here, isn’t it? You know, I’ve heard so many times over the years that there is no manual on how to be a good parent. Now, admittedly that sounds true, but in truth it is a lie right from the pit of hell. The manual for being a good mom or dad is the instruction book of life, which is the Bible. So, God is saying here in Psalms 37, Moms delight yourself in the Lord, and he (God) will give you the desires of your heart.

We can look at this two ways here. First, if your desire is for your children to live a long and blessed life then delight yourself in the Lord. Teach your children about Jesus and watch them grow up in a firm foundation of love for you and God. The second way to look at this scripture is this: Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. In other words, God will provide you with his desires for you, which is you will be a loving and caring mother to your children. Yes, God will give you the desire to be the best mother you can be. The second part of this scripture says – commit your way to the Lord and trust him and he will bring these things to pass. What things? Your ability to love, care and raise your children in the love of God.

Now, here is the key. The only way to fully delight yourself in the Lord and commit your ways to him and to trust him is pure and simple. Moms, receive Jesus Christ into your heart today and confess Jesus as Lord of your life. Or, if you have done that but walked away from Jesus, repent and turn back now. Your children are worth it. Well, aren’t they?

Now a note to all children or as my mother would say, “all the children of the world.” Honor your mother this and everyday. Call her today and tell her you love her. If you live a far distance from her, tell her you miss her. For surely, my children, she misses you. Thank God for your Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

THE ANSWER IS IN THE WORD

This week I’m going to focus on believers, those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. What is our mission here on the earth? What does God, our heavenly Father, expect of us and what does it mean to be “separate” from the world’s system? Actually, as I speak I sense that you are asking these questions and more of yourselves, aren’t you? Well guess what? That is a good thing. Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. Certainly you know by now no one is excluded from this place.

I may not be able to answer all your questions. But, I can point you in the right direction. By the way, any preacher who tells you he can answer every question of life for you is one to walk away from. I have come to the conclusion no man, woman, church, denomination, seminary or anyone else, including preachers and teachers of the gospel know all things pertaining to God and to life here on the earth. That does not mean they do not know some things. I am not disparaging anyone here, I am just telling the truth. So, where is truth to be found? The answer is the Word of God which is the Bible.

You ask me a question and I will give you an answer. If I know the answer I will tell you so. But, if I do not know the answer I will tell you that I don’t know. Now, here is the rub. Even though I may know the answer to your question and give it to you, your job is to double check my answer by reading the Bible and allowing God to show you through his Word if I am correct in my answer to you. I have just taken the long way around to tell you all answers to life and living are in the Word of God. Because you are a believer, God will give you spiritual eyes and ears to understand everything you need to know to be an effective witness for him. Let’s check this out together. II Timothy 3:16 states:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

As believers are we not all striving to walk and abide in the righteousness of God? The Word of God not only tells us how to walk in righteousness, it tells us we are the righteousness of God. All because of what Jesus did by dying on that cross. Let’s look at I Peter 2:24 talking about Jesus:

“Who his own self 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.”

This scripture clearly tells us that Jesus gave himself in sacrifice on the cross. Jesus by this action took the full penalty for our sins which was physical death. Certainly his suffering and pain were a part of what happened, but that is not what redeemed us. It was the total giving of himself even unto death that saved us and actually made us dead to sin. Thereby allowing the righteousness of God to become our righteousness. Do you understand this church?

We are not and cannot have or be righteousness in ourselves. But, through our belief and by receiving Jesus as our sacrifice, righteousness is imputed – or in other words – given to us. This scripture goes on to say by his stripes we were healed. This is talking about spiritually and physically. Today we are focusing on the spiritual only. But, just by this can you conclude God is an awesome God who loves you and me the best? There is one thing I must state here lest I neglect a very important point. It is the Holy Spirit who will enlighten your understanding of the Word of God. He will do this only because of your faith in what Jesus did for you on the cross. It is this enlightenment that will allow you to carry out God’s plan for you on this earth. Now, with this in mind, let’s return to some of the questions we proposed at the beginning of this message.

Many believers wrestle with the question of God’s plan for their lives. Instinctively believers sense a call to duty, don’t they? So let’s discuss this. My first bit of advice to you is to take a breath and relax. Be open to God and he will show you what he desires of you. However, the Word of God is pretty clear in some things. Let’s look at some of them. John 14:12 gives all true believers some instruction. Let’s read it together. Jesus is speaking here:

“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.”

Right there, my friends, are a mission and a plan for you to follow. Jesus is stating in no uncertain terms that if you believe on him, you will do the very same things he did while he was on the earth. Wow!! That covers a lot of ground, doesn’t it? So what did Jesus do? Well, he preached the gospel. He taught people about God and his ways and he healed people both physically and mentally. He cast out devils. Well, didn’t he? My suggestion would be to open your Bible. Read the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Ask God to show you what Jesus’ mission on this earth really was. In short, I believe you will find out very quickly in addition to what we just listed, that the preaching, teaching, healing and casting out of devils was all part of a plan to do one thing.

The mission Jesus had was to reconcile all of mankind to God. Everything he did before his death, burial and resurrection was for our benefit. He became our living example of how to live on this earth. I believe, my friends, that our job as believers is to be as Jesus. That answers the question of what being separate from the world system really means. Tell people what Jesus has done for you. Be there for them. Pray for the sick. Be a mentor. And here is what I mean by this.

As a young preacher I was asked to preach at the Detroit Rescue Mission. I saw people who were beat up by sin come forward to receive Jesus. Many of them I am sure were very sincere. There was a joy for me and them, a new hope. Yet, when I left that rescue mission I realized as I returned to my home and church that they were returning to the streets and in many cases to their old ways. You see, church, there was no follow-up. I’m telling you this so that this mistake need not ever be made again. Lead people to Jesus, but then see that follow-up is made available. That is our mission and that is our plan. Think about it my friends. The answer is in the Word.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Request: We have an urgent prayer request for Buddy Harper. Buddy has been diagnosed with cancer of the throat/esophagus. Please pray urgently for a complete and total healing and thank Jesus for his healing touch.

Please pray for Nancy Stewart. She has been recovering from liver cancer but she has now has a second attack with spots on her lungs. Testing is still ongoing. Church, pray Nancy that she be totally healed of all cancer.. you foul spirit of cancer we bind up your works in the name of Jesus and command you to leave Nancy's body this moment. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED

April 24, 2011 takes me back to another date, April 24, 1971. My wife and I said our wedding vows. Today we are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. Anyone who has been married forty years knows it takes work, effort and most of all love. I am very thankful to God for his blessing on our marriage. I’m sure many mistakes have been made in forty years. But, the one firm foundation we have shared for many of these years is our love for each other and our love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Before Jesus our marriage was on rocky ground due to many things that are no one’s business but our own. Then Jesus came along and showed his perfect love for us. We received his wisdom and instruction through the churches we attended, the pastors we listened to and the instruction book of life, which is of course, the Bible. Now, forty years from that evening in 1971, when we said our vows, we are still together and still in love with each other. Five grown children, eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren are evidence of God’s blessing on our marriage.

Everyday I thank God for my wife. Incidentally, she is my typist and proofreader and biggest critic on how the online church service is presented to you. You know, the Word of God is very clear in Genesis 2:24 when it states:

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: And they shall be one flesh.”

Good advice that I have taken and am blessed for it. Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place. I am sure many of you are very busy celebrating Easter on this Sunday. Certainly, it is always good to remember the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After all, he did all of that just for you. My request of you as you gather with your families, is to really take a look around you. What do the children think Easter means? Do they even know what Jesus did for them, or are they more excited about the Easter bunny and hunting for eggs?

You know folks, I am pretty sure God is not very pleased with the mixing of his son’s sacrifice for us and the practice of lifting up Easter myths. One of these days I will present a message to you that exposes the facts about Easter bunnies and how eggs are based on pagan Spring rituals that have nothing to do with God. I’ve asked this question before, but I fear it bears repeating. Does it not make sense if we tell our young children there is an Easter bunny and then they find out there isn’t such a thing, that they in their own little minds become aware that we have lied or at the very least mislead them. You link all of this, Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny. All made up fiction which at its base is a lie. What should our children think when we tell them there is a God that loves them and is always with them, yet they cannot see him? Do you understand what I am saying here?

Look, I know these are all traditions that seem to be fun and a right thing to do for our kids. After all, our parents did them for us and we did have fun hunting those eggs, didn’t we? And, after all it’s just tradition, right? Well, let’s look at Proverbs 14:12 and read it together:

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Let’s put it this way, my friends. There are traditions of men that seem good, but actually lead you away from God. The celebration of what God did for us on that cross is a good thing to do. But, perhaps the way we do it is not good. Here’s what I don’t understand, church – Why do we as believers feel every celebration or holiday honoring God or his Son, Jesus, must run parallel with a worldly way of celebration? God wants a pure celebration of his goodness, not one polluted with the world’s fables and mistruths.

So, Bro. Bob, are you telling us not to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus? The answer, my friends, is a thousand times no. I am not saying that. I am just asking you to seek God and let him show you what is pleasing to him and what is not. Remove anything from your celebration that you feel would not bless our Father and his son Jesus.

I remember as a young child on Good Friday my mother would have me and my brother and sister stay in the house between twelve and three p.m., just to meditate on Jesus and the cross. There was no cable TV, but usually one of the regular TV channels would show a movie about Jesus, his death, burial and resurrection. We could watch that, but nothing else. No cartoons or shows, just stories about Jesus and the cross. I believe those three hours of meditation each year focused on Jesus and what he did for us was so special. I only wish you would share this same experience with your families. It is something they will never forget. I also wish my sister Rosie had been born at that time to experience it with us.

Remember this, church, everyday is the Lord’s day – rejoice and be glad in it. I will leave you this week with something we used to say in our church in Michigan on Easter Sunday. Pastor Bulloch would say “He is Risen!” and we would say in return “He is Risen indeed!” And you know what, church? He really has.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Request: Please pray for Michelle in Virginia. X-Rays have shown a spot on her bladder. Complete test results have not come back yet. We are believing for a good report. We call Michelle healed in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your agreement.

HOW’S THAT FOR A PLAN?

One of my favorite scriptures of all time is in the book of Mark. Jesus was preparing to leave this earth. The words of instruction he spoke to his disciples and all believers, including ourselves, are recorded in Mark, Chapter 16:15-20. We’re going to look at these all so important instructions together.

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. Please tell everyone you know they are welcome in this place. As a young Christian many years ago, I always wondered what does Jesus really want us to do for him. Now I know people would tell me to be good, use good language (meaning no cuss words, of course), treat people right and go to church. All good advice, but surely there is more to it than that.

I have always known instinctively that God has a plan for us. I just didn’t ever quite know how to find out how to acquire it. Then, guess what? I read Mark 16:15-20. Suddenly the light went on. Of course, the plan for our lives would be found by listening to the urgings of the Holy Spirit and by reading and understanding the instruction Book of Life, which is the Bible.

In the two part series we just finished last week, we explored the last public prayer Jesus prayed before going to the garden where he would be arrested and led away due to the betrayal of one of his apostles, Judas Iscariot. This week we will explore the last words and instructions Jesus spoke before actually leaving the earth to return to his heavenly home to be with his father. Fasten your seat belts, church, we have quite a ride ahead of us. Please turn with me to Mark 16:15-16 and let’s read it together. This is regarding the words of Jesus:

“And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: But, he that believeth not shall be damned.”

So, what is Jesus really saying to us here? Jesus is clearly telling us that the gospel of Jesus is not just for the people of the United States, but for everyone, everywhere. We are not to concede the countries that are led by false religions and gods to those who would attempt to keep Jesus from the hearts and spirits of their citizens. Every Muslim, Hindu, atheist or any other believer of false gods is entitled by God to hear his Word and to be saved from their sin by receiving Jesus Christ into their hearts.

Jesus wasn’t kidding when he said preach the gospel to every creature. Listen to me. Believers, before you were saved, did you deserve the grace and mercy God extended you to be saved? Of course you didn’t. Then, why would you deny anyone else, and I do mean anybody else, that same opportunity? Jesus continues and says – anyone that believes and is baptized shall be saved. Jesus is being very clear here. Anyone who believes in Jesus and what he did for us on the cross and is baptized into him is saved. Incidentally, Jesus is not talking about water baptism here. Romans 6:3-4 confirms that to be true, so let’s read it together:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized unto Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are, buried with him by baptism into death: That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Eternal life with God and his son Jesus Christ, just by believing and by being baptized into Jesus. No wonder it is so important that the gospel of Jesus Christ be preached to every creature. Now the warning. Jesus also says here, you hear this word and do not believe, you shall be damned. In other words, eternal life is offered to you, but if you choose not to believe in Jesus, eternal life is gone, only to be replaced by eternal death and separation from God. That sounds pretty serious to me. How about you? Let’s continue on to verses Mark 16:17-18. Jesus is still speaking here.

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

These sound like pretty clear instructions to me, what do you think? We covered this pretty thoroughly in our previous series on spiritual warfare. I would suggest you go back and read or listen to that series again. Basically, Jesus is telling us as believers we have power and authority over the devil, but only in and by the name of Jesus. This is also where Jesus confirms the doctrine of speaking in other tongues. We will do a complete series on this doctrine in the near future. You won’t want to miss it. I promise it will help and empower you to serve God and to defeat the attacks of Satan against you.

Verse 18 tells us we have power over serpents and if we drink of any deadly thing it shall not hurt us (talking about believers). I know many preachers believe Jesus is talking about reptiles in this verse, but in truth, I believe he is talking about Satan. Remember in Genesis that Satan came to Eve in the form of a serpent. Oftentimes throughout the Bible Satan is referred to as a serpent. Therefore, we can conclude the handling of snakes is a misguided and foolish interpretation of this scripture.

In this verse 18, Jesus also affirms healing as a proper doctrine for today. He clearly states a believer shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. I know this is a lot to digest in one message. But, that is what this ministry is all about. Giving forth God’s Word to you. Your job is to read it for yourself. Ask God to show you how this all pertains to you. I believe you will be amazed at what is going to be revealed to you. Mark 16:19-20 states:

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

As I stated earlier, these were the last words spoken by Jesus on the earth as recorded by Mark. Now, we have heard the instructions, haven’t we? Get going church. Preach the gospel everywhere and to every creature. God will work with you confirming his Word with signs following. How’s that for a plan?

God Bless you,
Bro. Bob

THE LORD’S PRAYER (Part 2 Conclusion)

This series on the Lord’s Prayer is designed to show you how much Jesus cares for you. It is clear by reading the book of John, Chapter 17, that we were the number one priority on the mind of Jesus before he came to the earth. We were foremost on his mind while here on the earth and we are still his highest priority now that he is back in heaven with his Father. This prayer in John 17 is for you and me!! Jesus loves us that much. Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. Always remember everyone is welcome in this place.

Now, before we continue our journey through John 17, I want us to take a closer look at last week’s scripture of the week. I trust you have read it at least once during the past week. You have, haven’t you? Hebrews 12:2 tells us what Jesus was talking about in John 17. So let’s read it together. Hebrews 12:2 states:

“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.”

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s ask the question – what possible joy could Jesus have possibly been looking at while enduring the pain and the shame of the cross? It is an important question that John 17 gives the answer to. As you read and understand the 17th chapter of John you will see the joy that was set before Jesus was salvation from sin and the gift of life eternal for you and me. Remember last week we referred you to John 17:3, where Jesus said in prayer to God:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.”

The joy Jesus saw was that we would know God and him in a personal and family way. Not in an organized religious way, but once again, in a very personal and family way. Isn’t Jesus something special to behold?

Last week we brought out that Jesus was praying and telling his Father in heaven that his work here on earth was finished. He was talking about his perfect sacrifice of dying and shedding his blood on that cross for you and me. Let’s get something straight here. You know how when we welcome you to our online service we always say everyone is welcome or no one is excluded in this place? Well, that is exactly what I mean when I use the words you and me. I’m not just talking to believers here. I am talking to you no matter what your spiritual condition is. Jesus died and arose from the dead for us all. He made a way for each of us to know the Father and himself, in a saving way. I admit in John 17 Jesus talks with God about us who have received Jesus in their hearts. He asked God to hold onto us, to help us even though Jesus was to return to heaven to his former glory and to his seat at the right hand of God.

As I said earlier, we were on Jesus’ heart and mind before he came to this earth, while here and even today as we speak. Okay. Let’s pick up where we left off last week. John 17:11-13. Remember this is Jesus praying to his Father in heaven. He is now talking about those who have chosen to believe on him. In John 17:11-13 Jesus says:

“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee, Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name; those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

Jesus is basically pleading his case for us that choose to believe in him. He is saying “Father you have given them to me. I have kept them while being here in the world. But now, I’m leaving here.” Jesus said he wants us to share in the joy he has for us. What an example Jesus is for us. He is showing us here to be like him, to put others first. Show them the love and joy you have for Christ. Share it with them and invite them to follow Jesus and share the joy you have in him. Jesus continues praying in John 17:14-17. Really, look at this, my friends. Jesus states:

“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”

What an advocate we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. He clearly states he has given us the Word of God, in person while on the earth and through the Bible today. Jesus says he wants us to be fully alive on the earth. He does not want us to die an early death due to evil or sin. We are protected from both by our faith in Jesus and his Word, which is the Bible. Jesus proclaims that by our faith in him, we are now born into the kingdom of heaven as he is. The world does not understand where we come from. Most think we are peculiar. Truthfully, when we really live for God, many including friends and family will not want much to do with us.

Jesus is telling us here “Don’t be surprised that people hate you because of your love and living for Jesus.” Yet, Jesus teaches us to love those that hate us. As you read further in this Chapter 17, you will see Jesus repeat things said earlier. He says his desire is that we be one with him and his father as they are one with each other. That is how much God and his son Jesus loves us. Drop down to John 17:24-26. Jesus now tells the Father what he wills for us. My friends. If this doesn’t draw you closer to Jesus, I am without further words for you. Okay, John 17:24-26. Let’s read it together, Jesus is speaking:

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: For thou lovest me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee; but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And, I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Oh church, can you now see why I consider this to be the Lord’s Prayer? Jesus ends his prayer by telling his Father that his heart’s desire is that God loves us as he loves Jesus and that Jesus loves us so much, he desires us to be with him and he desires to dwell within us. This, my friends, is what salvation is really all about. The heart’s desire of God is for us to love him as he loves us. He has given us a way to have eternal life with him and to be saved from the destruction and eternal death that sin offers us.

This is your invitation to receive Jesus into your heart. All that Jesus prayed in John Chapter 17 is just for you. Now I know beyond the shadow of any doubt, that this message has touched hearts. I am available to lead you to Jesus. E-mail me today at BrotherBob@TheSpiritofWisdom.org. I will get right back with you. Backslider, you once knew all this didn’t you? Well, it’s still there for you. I will expect to hear from you this week also.

So, what is the Lord’s Prayer? Jesus praying to the Father for us. What more could one ask for?

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

THE LORD’S PRAYER (Part 1)

We’re going to do something a little different this week. We are going to focus almost exclusively on the book of John, Chapter 17. We will not read every verse, but we will thoroughly explore the last public prayer of Jesus before he and his disciples went to the garden where Jesus would be arrested and led to his persecution and death on the cross.

Most people believe the Our Father Which Art in Heaven prayer is the Lord’s prayer. The truth is, that prayer was a teaching prayer. Jesus was asked how to pray. He then recited the “Our Father” as an example how to pray. This prayer in John, chapter 17, is what I would truly say is the Lord’s prayer and man, oh man, does it ever effect us.

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. No one is excluded from this place. Get ready folks, this may be quite a journey. Now listen to me. Believers, nonbelievers and Christian backsliders, this chapter speaks to each of you, so take heed. Jesus, the son of God, is praying for and about us all. John 17:1-2 states:

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy son, that thy son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.”

Please take in the environment of this moment. Jesus knows the end of his earthly walk is upon him. Yet, what does he do? He prays with his disciples for us. Jesus states clearly here that God gave him power over all flesh, knowing that by his death and resurrection we may be saved. He goes on in verse 3 to explain what life eternal really is. If you get this, you will always be able to share with others the true meaning of eternal life. This is what Jesus states in Verse 3:

“And this is life eternal, that they (you and me) might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.”

The death on that cross and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead has made it possible for us to know God and his son Jesus. I’m not talking here about just knowing ‘about’ God, but really knowing him. Listen to what Jesus said. Life eternal is that we might know God personally. Notice the word ‘might’ in this scripture. Jesus is saying the possibility of knowing God is here, but we must receive Jesus in our hearts. That is the only true way to know Jesus and his heavenly Father. That opportunity is here for us because of Jesus. Let’s go on and read further. John 17:4-5, Jesus praying to his Father in heaven:

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”

In effect, Jesus was telling God that he glorified him by carrying out his will for mankind on this earth. Jesus was so committed to his sacrifice for us, his death on the cross and his shedding of blood, which would occur in just a few hours, that he spoke as if it was already done. Now, what Jesus is saying is the stain of man’s sin is gone. Restore me to my former unstained glory that I had in heaven. Do you understand this, church? Jesus in this prayer is laying out for us exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about.

Imagine this, my friends. Jesus knows the fate awaiting him just a few hours away. But, is his concern for himself? The answer is no. His concern was about us. Now in Verse 8 Jesus begins to talk to God about those who believe on him. He becomes our advocate with the Father. And, guess what? He is still our advocate today. Let’s look at John 17:8-10, Jesus still praying to his Father for us:

“For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.”

Church, if that doesn’t grab your heart, what can? Jesus over and over and over again, all during his days on the earth, proclaimed that he was led by his Father in heaven. As you read the New Testament, everything Jesus spoke of were the words his Father would have spoken. Listen to me. He is not only talking about those that followed him around, but he is talking about us today. He basically said that they believed he was sent to save them. Well church, who are they? The answer – we are – the believers of today. But, this is also for you, my unbelieving friends, as you choose today to believe Jesus and what he did for you.

Now, notice carefully in Verse 9, Jesus was stating that he is praying for us, the believers. He is not praying for those who chose not to believe in him. Tough love, my friends, but a just love. Jesus says because he we are his, we are of God. And because we are of God, we are of him. In other words, as believers we are one with God and his son Jesus. Nonbelievers and Christian backslider, you are not left out here. Jesus is calling you to him. What is your answer? In verse 10 Jesus said he is glorified in us. In other words, as the title of one of our former messages stated “God loves you the best.” I believe this scripture shows that clearly.

Let me clarify something. God cares for all that are in this world. When he said “I pray not for the world,” he was stating he could not pray to the Father to keep those that did not belong to him. But, he most certainly could and would pray for those who have chosen to believe in him.

I’m going to leave John 17, right here at verse 11. We will pick it up at this same place next week. I hope you are enjoying this two part series on the Lord’s prayer. I just felt it to be so important that you understand how much God loves you. How horrible it must have been for our heavenly Father to see his son spit upon, his back beaten to shreds, a crown of thorns pushed onto his skull, nails pounded through his hands and feet. But, how glorious it must have been when Jesus returned to heaven in all his glory and filled with joy for what had been accomplished. Jesus sprinkled his blood on the mercy seat and all of heaven praised the Lord for the work he had done. That is what Jesus was praying about, my friends. He left glory for a hell on earth so we may have glory in heaven with him. What an awesome God we serve.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob