PUT ON THE NEW COAT

This week we are going to explore the benefits and responsibilities of being a believer. Many churches teach about the benefits and blessings but few of them touch on the responsibilities that come with serving God. Welcome everyone to your 24/7, weeklong online church service. How many ways can we say everyone is welcome in this place.

During the last two weeks we discussed with you what the purpose and mission of our online church is. We must faithfully carry out that mission. Teaching and preaching salvation, healing and deliverance to you and to all who will listen to us.

That is our calling, my friends. But what is yours? Many of you have been with us for over two years now. During that time we have asked very little of you. Only that you read or listen to our messages with an open mind and heart to receive the Word of God. Why, we don’t even ask for financial donations from you, do we? Of course we don’t. In two years of ministry we have never asked for one penny from anyone. Don’t worry, we’re not going to start asking for money now.

The point is, church, many of you have been blessed and yes, even helped by our preaching of the gospel. We know this by the e-mails and personal testimonies we’ve heard. There is a reason for this. It is not who we are, but what we preach that ministers to the lost, the hurting and the afflicted. Turn with me to I Corinthians 1:18. Read or listen to this scripture carefully, church. I Corinthians 1:18 states:

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

You see, your help does not come from me, but from what we preach, which is Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus died on that cross for you and me. To us that are saved, that is the power of God. But to those who reject Jesus and his sacrifice for them they perish spiritually, and eternal life with God is lost to them forever. Does this touch you at all, my friends? All this online church is now asking you is to share the gospel we preach with others.

I would like to use this example: When you see a good movie, one that moves you, what is the first thing you do when you see your friends or family? Well, of course, you tell them about it, don’t you? Why? Because you want them to enjoy what you have enjoyed. Am I right about this? For those of you that don’t watch movies, just bear with me, okay?

Does it make sense that if you have been blessed, inspired or helped at all through this ministry, that you would desire to share us with others? Do you know anyone who is lost? Do you know anyone who is saved but has walked away from the Lord? Do you know anyone who needs healing in their body, mind or spirit? In other words, who do you know that this online church would be an inspiration and help to? Listen to me, church, this world needs Jesus. One of your responsibilities as a believer is to share what Jesus has done for you with others.

I know many of you belong to Face book or other social networks. How about putting a link to our online church on there for others to see? I guarantee you will be blessed by sharing Jesus with others. One other thing we must ask of you. Take a good look at the prayer list at the right side of this message. Do you see them? Okay. Now pray for them with purpose. These are serious prayer requests. We need you to pray with us daily that all of these needs be met. These are your fellow online church family members. They need your help and effort.

My, my, my – God is moving on this place. Thank you Lord for moving on the hearts of our online church members. Help them, Lord to proclaim you to a lost and dying world. Remind them, Lord, of the joy and love you have given them. Let them share your salvation with others. Thank you, Lord, for being with us this day. Amen.

Paul in II Corinthians 6:1-2 says exactly what I want to say to you:

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he sayeth, I have heard thee at a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.)”

That, my friends, is the message we must share together. Today is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation. Shout it out loud my friends. Come out of the closet. Shout for joy God has saved you. But, of course, you know that, don’t you? Now is the time to let others know. Psalms 98:4 says:

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: Make a loud noise and rejoice, and sing praise.”

We have good reason to shout, praise and show our love toward God, don’t we? How about we actually do it in front of others? Let’s together share Jesus with family, friends and strangers. You share your testimony with them by word and example. Point them to our online church and we will preach and teach Jesus and him crucified to them. What do you say, Church? Are you ready to go to the next level. I’m excited about the prospects that lay ahead, how about you?

We have a special new music video to share with you this week. Be sure and watch it as soon as the message is read or listened to. Pastor Tommy Bates of Independence, Ky. is singing an old Appalachian hymn titled “Two Coats.” One of the best lines are “I have laid off the old coat and put on the new.” The old coat represents our former sin filled destructive life. The new coat represents our new life in Jesus. The old coat is earthly. The new coat is heavenly. Listen closely to the words. I know you will be blessed.

This video was taken at a church service at Pastor Bates home church. It may be more lively than you are used to, but just know this: When God moves over us and sets us free, we have the right to shout and sing and dance before the Lord.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

LET’S CONTINUE THE MESSAGE

We are still celebrating God’s faithfulness in allowing us to enter into our third year of ministry to you. Our heavenly Father continues to bless us with anointed messages. As we stated last week, each message we present is designed to draw people to Jesus Christ. Any agenda other than that would just be vanity. In other words, any message given that is not anointed and blessed by God is useless and worth nothing. Thank God, this ministry has the right agenda. Jesus Christ and him crucified. God’s gift to you. The perfect sacrifice that sets us free from the bondage of sin and provides us with eternal life with God and his son Jesus Christ forever and forever.

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, weeklong, online church service. Everyone, and I am sure by now you know, we mean everyone is welcome in this place. We have been reviewing our purpose and mission of our online church. So far, we have touched on three major points. Salvation. The only salvation is Jesus Christ. There is no other way to God than through his son Jesus. Healing. We pointed out that Jesus is our healer. Just as he healed many while here on the earth, he is still healing folks today by the power and majesty of his name. Just as we love and desire healing for our children, God desires his children to live in good health. We teach healing for today. We pray our messages will help build your knowledge and faith in the realm of healing for your mind, body and spirit.

Spiritual warfare (deliverance from demonic influence). All through the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we see how Jesus cast out devils. There are times when we as believers must come against the devil in spiritual warfare. Satan is no match against the name of Jesus. Jesus tells us clearly that every good work he did, we can also do. Turn with me to John 14:12 and let’s see what Jesus is telling us:

“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.”

Do you understand this, believers? Sometimes we sell ourselves short by our lack of knowledge regarding the Bible. That is the reason, my friends, we state over, and over again that the Bible is the instruction book of life.

I would like to take a little liberty with you at this time. I have been meditating lately on how this online ministry came to be. I would like to share with you how God in his goodness gave me this vision. You are our online church family. You should know about the origin of the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries. I believe a basic scripture for this vision would be John 12:32-33. Jesus said:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.”

Of course, Jesus was talking about his death on the cross. Little did the Jesus haters of that time realize when they lifted Jesus up on that cross it would be the beginning of all men being drawn to salvation through Jesus. God has impressed on my heart that as we lift up the name of Jesus even today, men will still be drawn to him.

It was in the year 2007. We were living in Tennessee and God was dealing with me in what direction I was to go in my calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. It all started as a thought. I remember thinking “I’m getting older in age and yet I know God has called me to preach his message of Jesus Christ and him crucified to all nations.” But, how could that be possible? I know now that at that time God planted the idea of an online church in my heart and mind. The idea of how to use the Internet to reach the world for Christ became a constant thought. However, as quick as the thought came to my mind, I would shake it off. Why? Because I have very little computer skills. Yes, I could send e-mails and pay bills, but that was about it. Yet, I could not get the idea out of my mind.

God was beginning to show me how an online church could reach all kinds of people that organized denominations and mainstream churches couldn’t. I remember thinking about people who don’t attend church for whatever reason they might have. Even people who do attend church could use some inspiration and words of faith and love during the week, couldn’t they?

Well, as things would happen, we moved back to Florida at the end of 2007, back to the same house we had lived in but couldn’t sell. Now, I know why. Time went by. I studied my Bible and realized that when I was able to preach again the Bible would be my only handbook. Everything I would preach would only be based on the Word of God. I believe God used all of 2008 to instruct me and prepare me to preach the Word of God to you, my online church family. All through this time I still could not get the idea of an online church service out of my head.

As 2009 moved forward, I was convinced the online church was just my idea and I tried again to dismiss it from my mind, but it just wouldn’t go away. I remember going to the local park and praying over and over to God. I was asking him “Why me?” I argued with God. I have no computer skills, can’t I just preach in churches? I’m an evangelist. Finally, in August of 2009, I was having dinner with a young friend of ours and I was telling him about what God wanted me to do. This friend is very computer savvy. In fact, I didn’t know at the time he was contemplating starting his own pc repair and service company. I told him “Justin, I feel this is God, but I just don’t know anything about computers. I just don’t know how to do it.”

I believe this is where God intervened. Justin said “I do. We can go back to your house and I’ll set everything up for you.” That, my friends, was August 5, 2009. That night, Justin set up our website, formatted everything and we posted our first message. It basically said we are starting an online church, next week we will post our first full service. And guess what? We did a message titled “Choose Wisely.” Now, over two years later and we have not missed one week. Tell me, isn’t God great?

We started the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries drawing on God’s wisdom to present Jesus to each of you. Incidentally, Justin is still my computer tech. He is here every Saturday night to help get the Word of God out to you. I write new messages each week and my wife, Vicki, types them up. At this time, we know we are reaching people in Luxemburg, and in Germany, Russia, China, France, Canada, Kenya and yes, even the United States of America with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let this encourage you, my friends. If God gives you a vision, he will give you the tools to bring it to pass. Thank you my friends for being such a special part of our online church family. We love and appreciate you very much.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

BACK AND READY TO GO

Well church, we are back and ready to continue with current and anointed preaching of the Word of God. We had a great time traveling in Michigan, Tennessee and Georgia. Seeing and being with family and friends. They are always a great source of encouragement and enjoyment for us. I also had the opportunity and honor of preaching at the Wesleyan Mission Church in Hazel Park, Mi. We had a blessed time with our brothers and sisters in the faith. God gave me a message just for them. I trust the given Words of life blessed them as it did me.

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. Always remember, church, everyone is welcome in this place. This is a special month for the Spirit of Wisdom Ministry. We are now entering our third year of presenting the 24/7, online church services to you. I am so thankful to our heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, for enabling us to be of service to you. Our desire is to impart the spirit of wisdom to you. Our focus is one with the apostle Paul as expressed in Ephesians 1:16-17. Let’s read it together:

“(I) cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.”

Truer words have never been spoken. I pray for each of you daily. The only real and true wisdom in this earth is that which God imparts to you by his Holy Spirit and the Word of God, which is of course, the Bible. Knowing God does not come from good works or from “being good.” No, my friends. Knowing God comes by revelation.

God makes himself available to you through his son Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit of God urges you to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. As we have said so many times before, receiving Jesus in your heart and living for him is a conscious and deliberate choice. Our online church is just one of the ways God uses to direct you to himself.

As we enter our third year of service preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to you, it would be wise to review the purpose and direction God has given to us. The mission of our online church is pretty basic. First and foremost, we are to present Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. We proclaim Jesus as the only, let me repeat that, Jesus Christ is the only salvation available to you for the forgiveness of sin and for the gift of eternal life with our Father in heaven.

Every message we give is designed to bring anyone who reads or listens to us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. God’s only begotten son, who died on that old rugged cross just for you. Why did Jesus do that for us? The answer is this, my friends – LOVE. God loves us. A couple of Bible scriptures to show you how much God loves us will now be given. Take it personally, my friends. God loves you. Now, turn with me to I John 4:9-10:

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we love God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

There, didn’t I tell you folks? God loved us before we could ever love him. Jesus became our substitute and because of his death, burial and resurrection, we may live through him. This gift is for everyone!! That is the reason everyone is welcome in our online services. Let’s continue. Romans 5:8 states:

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

Do you get this, church? God did not wait for us to get righteous to send his son to die for us. No, Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners so we could become righteous in him. Conclusion – Our church mission is to help bring the lost to Jesus Christ so they may be saved. Is that you? We are here to help you. Have you known Jesus, but walked back into sin? We are here to help you.

The second part of our online church ministry is to preach healing to you. We believe God is the ultimate physician. While on the earth, Jesus healed many individuals. The devil is a spirit of sickness, disease, destruction and death. Jesus is a spirit of life. All through the Bible Jesus did three things. He preached, he taught and he healed. Matthew 11:1 shows this. All right, read it with me:

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.”

Well, guess what happened after Jesus preached and taught the people? Matthew 11:5 says, (Jesus is speaking here)

“The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”

We can only conclude that God is a God of healing. Our ministry preaches healing of the mind, body and spirit through and by the name of Jesus Christ. And yes, my friends, healing is for today. Why? Because God is a present time God.

We also preach deliverance from demonic oppression. We believe in the casting out of devils. In fact, we command the spirits of doubt, unbelief, fear and infirmity to leave you this instant. Live in peace, love, mercy and grace. Praise God! We will continue this message next week.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

GET WISDOM.....GET UNDERSTANDING [Repost from 3/7/2010]

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.

WHO INFLUENCED YOU? (Part 2) [Repost from 11/7/2010]

I believe this message – Who Influenced You? – is one of the most important sermons I have ever given. To reflect back on many of the people who God has placed in our lives. I mentioned in last week's message that I now see that from birth to this present time, God has inserted just the right persons to help me stay on the right path with him. Well, guess what? He has done the same for you.

I want to welcome everyone to your 24/7 week long, online church service. Let us emphasize no one is barred from this place. As I was dwelling over last week's message, I was overcome with emotion. Thinking back about a Mom that cared enough to pray and believe that her children would someday come to know and serve God. Mom had some faults but not believing in God wasn't one of them. Remembering that traveling priest, Father Berson and his faithfulness to travel from mountainside to mountainside to give us the simple lesson of Jesus and his love for us. And then, of course, my grandparents in Virginia. They were not regular church goers themselves, but Godly by example and made sure I attended the Methodist Church down the street where Jesus was preached from the pulpit.

What memories my friends. I also talked last week about Bro. Fred Norris, my first pastor after receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I can still hear him say “You must be borned again.” I know I am repeating much of last week's message here. Such memories when brought to light do not go away easily, and thank God for that. I received so much from these vessels of love. Because of their willingness to share God with me, I can relate to Colossians 2:6-7:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

The key words in these scriptures for this message are “As ye have been taught.” I do abound with thanksgiving to God for all those who have taught me about Jesus. I will do as the scripture says, I will walk in him, rooted and built up in him. Can you relate to this, my friends? Think of those who have taught you. How faithful is God to have placed these people to guide and lead you in your walk toward and with God, through his Son, Jesus Christ.

We are talking about Godly influences in our life, aren't we? As you ponder on the relatives, friends, preachers and others who shared the love of God with you, I will continue with my remembrances. I'll never forget Bro. Ed. Shields. He attended the Free Will Baptist Church that Bro. Fred Norris pastored. Bro. Ed gave me one of my first opportunities to preach. We would go to the Detroit Rescue Mission. He always encouraged me to preach what God put in my heart. He didn't care if it was Baptist doctrine as long as it was Bible doctrine. I was thrilled when I gave my very first altar call and many people came forth to receive Jesus. And, when I looked back at Bro. Ed, he looked even more thrilled than I. I'm not sure that was possible, but he sure looked like it.

Another person in that same church that God used to shape me was Bro. Ron Reeves. Ron drove the church bus. At my mother's urging he would call my wife and me every Saturday night to see if he could pick up our kids for Sunday School. Now please understand, at that time we were not saved and certainly not serving God. We hated this religious guy calling every week. We did not want our children going to church every Sunday. But through Bro. Ron's persistence and Mom's urgings, we usually did let them go. I remember attending Christmas programs at the church only because our kids were involved. Looking at Bro. Ron, my heart was filled with hatred. One of the ways God showed me that I was really saved upon receiving Jesus into my heart (by way of a TV preacher), was when next I saw Bro. Ron Reeves, my heart was filled with love for him. That was way back in the '70s. We have been great friends ever since. But even better than that, we are brothers in Christ. Thanks, Bro. Ron, to you and to your family for being faithful. You are a blessing to our family.

Once again, my friends, this is not just about me. Who is coming into your thoughts now? Can you see how God has been with you since birth? These stories aren't just my stories, are they? Change the names and situations, and you will see that God has done the very same for you, hasn't he? You know, as I think of these men and women who have been faithful to impart God's word into us in their own special way, the word “faithfulness” comes to mind. I know God is pleased that those he put in our pathway were faithful to carry out his mission for them.

I have often preached as believers we are ambassadors of the kingdom of God. As we talk about these servants who have influenced us in our walk toward and with God, we see they were faithful in carrying out their work as ambassadors. Let's read II Corinthians 5:20 and see if this doesn't fit in here:

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us: We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Now, admittedly those exact words may not have been used. But it is clear everything these influences put in our lives were designed to reconcile us with God. Is that not so, believer? This is also true for you, nonbeliever. God wants you reconciled to him and he has and still is putting persons in your life to draw you to him.

There are many others I could mention in this message – Mike “Hippie” Hamilton, who constantly witnessed to me. Pastor Harold Hamlin and his wife Jan whose faithful walk with Christ is an inspiration to me, Bro. David Collins who taught me that being an usher was more than just seating people. His knowledge of old and new testament always amazed me. To begin to conclude this message is so difficult for me. So many people keep coming to mind, but I have to cut this off somewhere, so here goes.

After leaving the Free Will Baptist Church, God led us to another church whose slogan was “We are a charismatic teaching center, family church and world outreach,” a full gospel church. God was leading us into a deeper understanding of his Word and truth. Pastor John Bulloch, who I have referred to many times in previous messages, was our new pastor. I will never be able to repay Pastor Bulloch for all he placed in me and our family. He taught us that living for God was not just a Sunday and Wednesday night thing, but a 24/7 daily walk. We learned in depth about the gifts of God. We were taught clearly how the Word of God (The Bible) should operate daily in our lives. Pastor Bulloch taught how much God loves us and how he is a present time God. God wants us to prosper and be in good health (as our souls prosper). Church and living for God became the center of our lives. Pastor Bulloch and his wife Sis. Pat became our mentors. I often saw the frustration on Pastor Bulloch's face as he saw that oftentimes his flock didn't grasp all that God desired for them. Pastor Bulloch taught the consequences of sin and the blessings of serving God. He fed us the Word. He was available when you needed him. He sometimes allowed me to preach for him when he was traveling or preaching somewhere else.. Did God put this servant in my life as an influence? Yes, he did and I am thankful for that.

All right, ladies and gentlemen. Do you get the picture? God loves you so much that to be sure you can find your way to him, he places people in your lives from birth to right now. My prayer is that someday in the future, someone will think of who influenced them toward God, and that someone would be me. Do you pray the same thing for yourself? My guess is that you do.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

WHO INFLUENCED YOU? (Part 1) [Repost from 10/31/2010]

This past week I've been thinking a lot about the people who have influenced me over the years. You know, the ones who shared the love of God with me. I believe God has put men and women in my life since birth who pointed me toward a life with God and his Son, Jesus Christ.

I might add, Satan also put men and women in my life to draw me away from God. Someday, I will talk about them. But, this week and next, I want to share with you how you can influence others to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, just as the men and women that God put in my life did for me.

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. As you know by now, no one is excluded from this place: Born again, not born again, saved but distant from God by accident or on purpose. You are all welcome here. Our desire is to draw you to Jesus. Let him save you to the fullest. You will never regret it. Jesus tells us how all men can be drawn to him. In John 12:32 Jesus said:

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

Jesus, as John 12:33 shows, was talking about how he was going to die. John 12:33 states:

“This he said, signifying what death he should die.”

The death on the cross. A death designed to save us all from eternal death. Little did the haters of Jesus realize, that when they lifted Jesus up on that cross to die, that he would not only arise from death to live forever, but would draw all men and all women, and children to him – so we could also live forever with him.

The reason I used these scriptures was to show what Jesus believed and taught all through the Bible. Our job as believers is to lift up the name of Jesus. Jesus will honor that by drawing all people to him. These are some of the people who lifted up the name of Jesus to me. You will notice that these individuals cross all denominational lines. Pointing out, what an old southern gospel song says “It's not the name over the door that counts, it's what's in your heart.” The first person I want to mention is my mother. Mom was a Catholic woman. I remember her taking us kids to home church services in Virginia. We lived in a small southern town where there were no Catholic churches, nor much love for the Catholics who did live there.

A traveling priest, Father Berson, would come every two weeks to say mass and teach us about God. This is where I first learned about Jesus and what he did for us. Father Berson also taught us about the apostles, how they followed and served Jesus, telling us they were an example to follow.

I must also mention my grandparents in Virginia. Most of my first ten years as a young boy I lived with them. They made sure I attended Sunday School at the Methodist Church. That was where I first actually heard “preaching from the pulpit.” It may also be where I first felt the draw or tug to become a preacher of the gospel. My grandparents would let me, as a six-year-old, preach to them and anyone else who would listen as they gathered in the living room. They would even let me take up a collection. Do you see the point I am making? Just as my Mom, Father Berson and my grandparents built up the love of God in me, you can do the same for your children, grandchildren and even your friends and neighbors.

As I grew older, I began to notice certain preachers, mostly on TV as I was not attending church on a regular basis. Preachers like Oral Roberts, A.A. Allen, and Rex Humbard began to attract my attention. Although I had basically grown up in the Catholic Church, I knew very little about a personal relationship with Christ. I knew about the Catholic Church, I knew about God and his son, Jesus Christ, but I did not know God in a personal sense.

The above preachers actually talked about a personal relationship with God. They talked about faith and God's love for us. They said we could be saved – whatever that meant. All I know is that I listened to them, not knowing the change it would make in my life. Romans 10:13-14 talks about these kind of preachers. The apostle Paul, preaching to the church in Rome said:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how, shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

These scriptures were basically talking about me. These men of God planted in me the seed of salvation. Many years later, after living a life of sin and defeat, another TV preacher led me in the sinner's prayer. I gave my life to Jesus. Often times, I have been critical of false teaching and preaching, but make no mistake, my friends, there are called men of God who have been placed in your lives to show you the way to Jesus. Continuing in Romans 10:15-16:

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things.”

This scripture is not speaking of seminaries and denominations sending these preachers forth, but God, by his calling, directing them and leading them to help the lost to know Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for these preachers you have anointed with your love, power and grace.

I want to mention another preacher of the gospel who had a big impact on my life. Bro. Fred Norris, my first pastor after receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Bro. Fred was the pastor of a small Free Will Baptist Church, and what a man of God he was. He preached salvation. He made it so real. He called it “being borned again.” Bro. Fred taught us about the love of God. When he was done preaching, you just knew God loved you and you wanted to return that love. Bro. Fred always had a smile, always showed you the love of Christ and you always knew Jesus first, then his family, and all of us were the loves of his life.

After seven years, we left that church to attend another, but Bro. Fred always stayed connected to us. Bro. Fred is with the Lord now, what a joyful man he must be. Believers, are you beginning to think of persons who influenced you and your walk with Jesus? That is the real goal of this message. Nonbelievers, does this message stir up remembrances of people who shared Jesus with you? I'm talking about friends, relatives, even in some cases strangers. Think of the preachers who have been faithful in your local churches and even on TV, preaching the love of God and building up your faith.

There are so many more to recall, aren't there? Tell you what, let's continue this journey of remembering the people that God has placed in our lives next week, okay? E-mail me today at brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org with your memories and stories about those who have influenced you in your journey toward and with God. Let's read John 13:35, Jesus is speaking here:

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

The best way to show love one to another is to tell them about Jesus and him crucified.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

GOD'S WISDOM IS ETERNAL [Repost from 2/28/2010]

Once again, we have the privilege to minister to you the love, mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father, through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Each day, as I pray and lift you up to the Father, I am thankful for the love of God that He has given me for you. My prayer for you is always for eternal life, wisdom, understanding, healing (both mental and physical) and deliverance from all demonic oppression.

You might say “Bro. Bob, do you really pray these things for me?” The answer, my friends, is a definite and truthful “Yes.” When I say welcome to your 24/7 week long online church service, we welcome everyone in this place, that is exactly what I mean. This ministry is built on a foundation of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We know He died and arose from the dead as a perfect sacrifice for our sins, purifying us and making it possible that we may be saved and have eternal life with our Heavenly Father and our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Our ministry name, The Spirit of Wisdom Ministries, came out of the book of Ephesians and is our prayer for you. Wisdom is only obtained through the Word of God (the Bible). Man's wisdom is temporary, but God's wisdom is eternal. Please turn to Ephesians 1:16-17. This was the apostle Paul's prayer for the believers at Ephesus and is also our prayer for you.

“(I) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.”

The spirit of wisdom is the Holy Spirit illumination of the Word of God. When you accept or have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can ask God to give you eyes to see and ears to hear, spiritually speaking. As God grants your request, you will see that unlike before you will now be able to understand the words and intent of the Bible. The Word of God will become alive to you and yes, my friends, you will even be able to understand the King James version; putting to rest the lies of the devil and men that do not know any better.

As the spirit of wisdom begins to operate in your life, your understanding of God, through His Son Jesus, will be increased. Your future will become brighter than you ever imagined. Paul intended this prayer for the believers of his time. When I pray this prayer, I intend it for believers and nonbelievers alike. Why? Because I expect the nonbelievers that I witness and minister to will accept Jesus into their heart. My friends, I believe in the power of prayer, don't you?

I believe God wants you to have wisdom and understanding of His Word so you can be victorious over the devil, the world system which is ruled by sin, and the flesh which desires to sin. As believers, God has given us supernatural ability to be over comers right here in the earth. But, that power is only obtained and kept by maintaining our faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus and His sacrifice for us on the cross. Maintaining our faith gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work in our behalf.

So let's bring this all down to how this effects us today. Wisdom which comes from the Bible leads us to understanding of God's direction and way of life. Proverbs 4:5 helps point this out:

“Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.”

What is being instructed here, is when you get wisdom, understanding will come along also. However, do not decline or back away from God's Word or both understanding and wisdom will leave you. So, a word to the wise: Use the understanding and wisdom God gives you and keep using it. Do not back away from the Word of God so that things may stay well with you.

Now, with understanding comes ability; the God-given ability to live holy and righteous. What will that do for you? It will allow God to work through you. God will lead and guide you through all the trials and tribulations of life. Wisdom and understanding of God's Word will help you in every decision you make in life. How many times have I told you that the Bible is the direction book of life?

I believe the lack of wisdom of previous generations has led us to the problems and difficulties of life we now face. Man sometime ago made decisions to lean on the wisdom of philosophers, politicians, educators and false religions. There was a time when parents told their children, from early age to adulthood, stories about God and His goodness. That was wise!! What changed? The stories changed, my friends. Now, the stories are of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy. In today's world, children know more about Harry Potter and witches than they do about Jesus and the wondrous work He did for us. That, my good people, is not wise.

God's wisdom will assist you in making correct decisions in every facet of your life; money, relationships, employment choices, what churches to attend, what preachers to listen to and what preachers to run from. Are you getting the picture, church? Can you see why I pray that you would receive the spirit of wisdom? This is good preaching. Why? Because God is in this message.

There are many scriptures that back up what I am saying about wisdom. Let's look at a few. Proverbs 3:13:

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

Do you want to be happy? Find wisdom and understanding!! Be sure, however, the wisdom you obtain is from the Word of God. Man's wisdom is temporary and will eventually desert you. Let's look at Proverbs 3:5-8.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.”

Do not these scriptures from the Word of God, back up what I have been saying in this message? Let's be wise this week. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Use Godly wisdom and lean on the understanding God provides for you. Whatever you do, follow the wisdom of the Lord and not the faulty wisdom of man or yourself. If the wisdom you obtain is not based on the Word of God, it isn't wisdom at all, but foolishness. Godly wisdom and understanding can lead you into good health. Isn't that what the Word says? There is so much more I could say on this subject and I will do just that in future messages. Just know this, my friends, God loves you and He desires you have and operate in His wisdom and understanding. Remember, man's wisdom is temporary, but God's wisdom is eternal. Which one do you want to abide in?

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Praise Report: In answer to prayer, God has blessed Kathleen Warren with a new home, with a beautiful view of the Florida intracoastal waterway. Also, Kathleen is very thankful for her tax situation being worked out in her favor. Thank you Lord for answering prayer.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for Sherrie. She has a very serious stomach condition. Please pray for a complete restoration and healing. Sherrie, The Spirit of Wisdom online church family will be praying for you. We expect a good report in Jesus' name. God bless you.

Kathleen Warren requests prayer for salvation for her brother. Please pray that God will reveal himself to this young man and gives him eyes to see and ears to hear that he may be saved. Pray for spirit-filled believers to come into his life.