IT IS JUST THE TRUTH

Today I believe it is time to discuss the role of believers on the earth.  Now many teach that we are to be the example both to the saved and unsaved on the earth.  The truth is we are not the example for them to follow. Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God, is the one and only true example of perfect and sinless living on this earth.  Now there, my friends, is an example to follow.  Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service.  Everyone is welcome in this place. 

Too many believers carry their Christian beliefs as a burden and weight instead of the freedom and liberty God intends for us.  There is a scripture that talks clearly to believers and unbelievers alike.  However, preachers often times narrow the scope and meaning of God’s Word too much.  That scripture says – come to me you that labor and are heavy laden.  Tell you what, let’s look at that scripture together.  Matthew 11:28-30 states:

“Come unto me ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:   And ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Now this was said to us by Jesus himself.  Most times when these verses are taught, the focus is on the unsaved and rightly so.  However, Jesus is clearly talking to both believers and nonbelievers at the same time.  Let’s look at this closely.  The unbeliever who is weighed down by sin is being called out to here by Jesus.  Our Lord is telling the unsaved sinner that he is available to him.   He is in fact telling them that he knows they are laboring to be good and do right.  But, because they are so in bondage to sin and the ways of the world, it feels like the weight of the world is upon them. 

Now to the believer he is saying come to me for your testimony and laboring for me should not be a heavy weight on you.  Jesus says – come to me and I will lead and guide you.  You see, church, God knows we are saved but he also knows we are human.  We strive to be as Jesus is but we are not Jesus.  God desires us to strive for perfection, but he knows we are not perfect.  I guarantee you folks, if you reach perfection on this earth God will take you home because the only direction from perfection would be back to imperfection,

One thing that stands out to me is when Jesus says – take my yoke upon you and learn of me.  That goes to the heart of Jesus and what he did for us on that cross.  Jesus says to the nonbeliever – by receiving him as Lord and Savior you can be set free from the heavy burden sin has placed on you.  Taking on the yoke of the cross in the place of sin will give you a liberty and cleanness in your spirit that is indescribable in words.

Now to believers.  Jesus is saying to you – take off the weight of trying to be flawless and perfect before men so they won’t think you are a hypocrite and just learn of him.  My friends, the more you learn of Jesus by studying his word, which is the Bible, the more you will see that Jesus has done everything for you.  Jesus tells you he will give you rest for your soul.  When you have rest in your soul you will not have to try to serve God, you will just be able to do it.  It will be so natural for you to walk in God’s peace, love, mercy and grace that people will just not be able to not see it.  The burden you placed on yourself to do good works will be lifted and good works will come naturally to you.

The point I am making to you my friends, is this – as believers just be who you are, a child of God.  Serve God with your whole heart, body and soul.  Do not confuse human flaws with being a hypocrite.  There are hypocrites, but we will discuss that at a later time.  The people who are observing your walk with Christ will be much more impressed and affected by your ability to be human and serve God than by any self righteous act you could commit.

You see, God desires that we operate in his goodness.  He wants us to operate in his works and not our own.  The more we learn of God, the more we will lean on Jesus and allow our souls to rest in him.  The more our souls rest in Jesus, the more effective we will become as witnesses for him. Hebrews 4:9-10 explains it better than I can – so let’s read it together:

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works as God did from his.”

What God is telling us here is really pretty simple, church.  God is saying to us – Just as he rested from his works on the seventh day, we can rest in him.  Our heavenly Father loves us very much and he desires that we serve him but not by or our own works.  We must be like the apostles in the Bible, telling the story of Jesus and what he has done for us.  Being a living testimony of the love of God for us all.  Letting people know that what God has done for us he will do for them.

That my friends, is the role of a believer on this earth.  This is not rocket science folks.  It is just the truth. 

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

EVERYONE IS WELCOME IN THIS PLACE

This week, I want to focus my attention on you. Not a day goes by that I do not think of you. I know many of you are very faithful to enter in to these services. Some of you occasionally and others once in a while, regardless of your "attendance." Just know this, my friends, you are loved and lifted up to our Father in Heaven every day. Our online church is here for you, period!!!

God loves you very much, my friends, He gives us his Word to share with you. He sent his only begotten Son to die for you. But, not only to die for you but to arise from the dead as a perfect sacrifice for you. He has paid your and my sin debt. He has not only provided salvation for you, Jesus himself is your salvation. Now, he gives us the divine Word of truth which evolves from his Word, which is the Bible, to share with you. He anoints and blesses our messages so you will be directed to Jesus. He allows this ministry to share his Word with you. Why? Because he loves you and desires you to be saved from the wages of sin, which is death. Do you now understand, Jesus took the death penalty for sin that we deserved and took it on himself.

Welcome everyone to your 24/7 week-long online church service. You are loved AND welcomed in this place. I have often told you that my teaching and preaching is based on only one thing; the Word of God, which is the Bible, and the revelation of that Word that the Holy Spirit provides. That being said, let's back up what I said about the penalty for sin. Turn with me to Romans 6:23. The Apostle Paul tells us here:

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

  Now, that is straight out of the King James version of the Bible. The version of the Bible that people have lead you to believe is so hard to understand. But, let me ask you, my friends, could anything be more clear to understand than the above scripture we just read together? The answer is, of course not!!!

The thing that I always strive to explain to you is this: as you read the Bible and see that the Apostle Paul preached to believers in many different cities, you must understand he is also talking to us. God wants you to know and understand that he has made a way for you to become part of his very own family. He has made a way for you to have eternal life with him and his Son, Jesus Christ. God has chosen you to be with him for eternity. He will strengthen you in your spirit, mind, and body, to help you in your walk with him. The question is, will you accept the call? Our ministry agrees with Paul, as he talks to the Thessalonians. In fact, we are saying the very same things to you. All right, church, I want you to read or listen to 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-15 very closely. This is what it says:

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. "

Tell you what, let's continue on and read through verses 16-17 also.

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

 I know you can tell we are talking to the believers in our online church. But this is also a call to you non-believers. God desires you to come to him this moment. The Holy Spirit is urging you to receive Jesus into your heart today. Do you not know this? My friends, I am ready to lead you to Jesus. Listen to me. Leave this message for a moment. Email me right now. I will answer you and help you to become a child of God. My email is: brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org. I am waiting and eager to hear from you!

You know church, when I first began to tell people that God was prompting me to start an online church, no one understood what I was talking about. I was not surprised by their reaction because, if truth be known, I didn't understand it either. But now, it is so clear to me. God loves you so much that he reaches out to every avenue possible. As God impressed on me his desire for this church, I began to realize our purpose. We minister to so many people that do not go to church.

There are many reasons for this. Some of you have jobs that prevent you from attending church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Many of you left church with hurts or unforgiveness in your hearts and never returned. That never meant you didn't love God or wasn't still saved. You just needed God to send someone to minister to you in a different way. Well, my brother and sister, here we are. Some of you, just on purpose, walked away from God and back into the world. You may have tried to forget God but, guess what, God has not forgotten you.

Many of you attend church regularly and love and serve God with purpose. You may even attend a good Bible-believing church. But sometimes during the week, you just need some added inspiration, don't you? God has sent us to you. Some of you do not know God. For whatever reason you may have, you have never received Jesus into your life and heart. You may feel you are a good person in the natural but God knows you need to be saved in the spirit. Our message to you is one of hope and life.

You see, God instituted this online church just for each of you no matter what category you fit into. And I know there are some out there that we haven't mentioned specifically, but whatever state you are in, mentally, physically, or spiritually, God is reaching out to you through this online ministry. God has given us a love for you and a mission; to minister salvation, healing, and deliverance from demonic influence. Once again, just for you.

You may feel God has deserted you or you are unworthy to come to God for forgiveness. God has sent us to tell you that is not so. God says, come home child, come home. Now you know why we always say, everyone is welcome in this place.

God Bless You,

Brother Bob

FEAR NOT I WILL HELP THEE

Well church, this is certainly an interesting and somber week, isn’t it?  Just the sound or term 9/11 stirs up many emotions in us.  Time passes by quickly, yet memories can last a lifetime.  Let me welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long online church service.  Everyone is welcome in this place. 

It is hard to believe ten years have gone by since that fateful day, 9/11/01.  The day that changed life as we know it.  Our country once again witnessed evil in its purest form.  Perhaps we had forgotten how inhumane man could be to each other.  The reverberations ten years later are still cascading across our land. 

Whenever evil strikes with such force Christians, or as I prefer to say believers, are challenged, aren’t they?  How does one hold onto the teachings of Jesus in such times?  When hate, vengeance and outrage appear to be appropriate, where does love, peace, mercy and grace fit into the picture? 

There is only one true way to discern a proper response to things of this awful nature.  God’s Word, which is the Bible, will always give us proper direction to be victorious in every area of our life.  As God spoke to Israel in tough times, he also speaks to us.  God’s words are universally true to all believers.  In Isaiah  41:10-13 God gives us instruction in times of trouble and despair.  Let’s face it folks.  Since 9/11 many Americans have suffered mentally, financially and some physically.  I believe that is a good description of trouble and despair, don’t you?  All of the above is compounded and magnified by fear.  Isaiah 41:10-13 gives God’s instruction.  God says:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded; they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.  Thou shalt seek them and shall not find them, even them that contended with thee:  They that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of naught.  For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not; I will help thee.”

These words of God to us should help bring us out of despair and lead us back to a state of confidence in him, in ourselves and in our country.  As we face the threat of radical Muslim extremists (not I might add, the regular person born into that faith)  It is not the hard working family man who keeps his focus on living and surviving who is our enemy and we should stop treating them as such.  No, we will win that person and his family to Jesus by love, not by hate. 

As for the radical Muslim extremists whose perverted mind and worship of a false God leads him to hatred and destruction, God says clearly do not fear them.  Why?  Because God, our heavenly Father, is with us.  Our enemies in the spirit are his enemies, compared to God they are nothing.  God will take us (meaning the believers in this country) by the hand and he tells us – don’t worry, I will help you. 

In these troubled times God wants us to turn to him and to follow his ways.  You know, in the last ten years, man has done some strange things in the name of liberty, haven’t we?  We have fought two long wars and taken away or stifled our civil liberties in the name of liberty.  Now I must tell you, I am an Army veteran and not against war.  I believe it was right and Godly to take out the Al Qaeda and Taliban.  After all, they murdered close to four-thousand civilians without cause.  In truth, people of all faiths and cultures were in the Twin Towers, including many hard working Muslims. 

Once we as a Godly nation beat the Al Qaeda and Taliban we should have (In my opinion) brought our troops home to a  heroes welcome.  And let me be clear, I do mean all of our troops.  Ladies and gentlemen, this is a great country.  God has blessed us beyond measure.  The United States of America was built upon Godly principles.  God loves us because he knows the heart of America is based on his love for us, and our love for his son, Jesus Christ. 

It is time to check ourselves.  We must return to righteousness and walk in the way of the Lord.  We cannot keep preaching love while walking in hate toward our fellow man.  We should look at the peoples of all nations as God looks at us.  There may be times that we need to fight wars.  There may be times that we must defend our nation.  God understands that.  The tenth anniversary of 9/11 is a somber reminder of that fact.  But 9/11 is also another reminder.  It reminds us of the goodness of America.  Who can forget the heroic efforts and sacrifice the first responders showed us?  Do you remember how people of all cultures prayed for each other?  That, my friends, is the call for this week.

I am asking this 24/7, online church to pray for America.  Pray for the survivors and families of those who lost their lives on 9/11.  God desires we love and live in peace.  Actually, those are his thoughts for you.  Please turn with me to Jeremiah 29:11-12.  Jeremiah the prophet gives us God’s thoughts for you.  God says:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”

Think and meditate on these words meant just for you.  God says I will hearken unto you.  May these words comfort you on this anniversary date of 9/11/01.

God Bless You,

Bro. Bob

A Special Note: As the above message points out, tragedies like 9-11 presents a challenge to believers. It makes us realize, that no matter how strong we are in God, sometimes we just cry. We are presenting a new music video sung by Jason Crabb titled, "Sometimes I Cry." We encourage you to watch this video. We believe it will be a blessing to you!

MY HEART IS FIXED, O GOD

As we enter into the first week of a new month, let us give thanks to our God in heaven for all he has done for us.  You know church, God really is good and his mercy really does endure forever.  Let us return unto God the love he gives us daily.  Let us start each day with thanksgiving and praise for another day of life and salvation.  We can set the direction for this week on the right path as we seek his guidance.  Sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it?

Let me welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service.  Everyone is surely welcome in this place.  You know, we talked last week about you spreading the gospel by word and example.  After all, we are the children of God, aren’t we?  All children love to brag on their daddy, right?  How about we tell others about all the good things God has done for us.  He shows us love and gives us an inheritance which includes eternal life with him and his only begotten son, Jesus Christ.  As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit lays it all out for us.  Let’s check it out.  What is God saying about you?  Turn with me to Romans 8:14-15.  Ready?  Here goes:

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba Father.”

I believe that is pretty clear, don’t you?  We have often told you how God made a way for you to enter in and become a legitimate member of God’s family.  The moment you receive Jesus into your heart and proclaimed him as Savior and Lord of your life, you were accepted as a true adopted child with all the benefits of being a family member.  Now, for those of you who have not received Jesus, do not think this message is not for you.  Everything our saved church members have can also be yours.  God loves you just as he does those who believe on him.  Your invitation to receive Jesus is always available to you.

Is it possible you feel the urging of the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart this instant?   It’s okay, my friend.  Listen to me, church.  Pray for the lost.  There are those whose time of salvation is right now.  Let me interrupt this message.  Jesus in John 3:16-17 said:

“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.”

There is someone reading or listening to this message.  God has just spoken to you.  I know this by foreknowledge that God has given me.  This is your day.  Don’t worry about how your life has been.  Don’t worry about the bad thoughts or things you have done.  In a moment, all these transgressions will be forgiven and washed away.  This message to the church has just been set aside just for you. 

All right, my friend.  Pray with me.  Pray with a sincere heart.  Jesus, I come to you.  I need you in my life.  I am a sinner, but I want your forgiveness.  Cleanse me Lord.  I desire to receive you, Jesus, into my heart.  I repent from all my sin.  I believe God raised you from the dead and I confess you as my Savior and I make you my Lord.  Guide me Father, in your ways.  I now turn my life over to you.  Thank you, Jesus, I am now born again in the Spirit.  Praise God, my friend.  If you said the above prayer and meant it, you are now a child of the living God. 

Our saved church members are now your brothers and sisters in Christ.  God is now your, and let me emphasize, YOUR heavenly Father.  Jesus is your friend.  But even more than that, he is your elder brother.  Rejoice, church.  It is true that people through your prayers and this ministry are coming to God.  Now, my newly saved friend, e-mail me today at BrotherBob@TheSpiritofWisdom.org and tell me of your life changing decision.

Well folks, when the Spirit of God moves, we move with it, right?  My prepared message meant nothing compared to the moving of the Holy Spirit.  Okay.  One thing I want to mention though.  Back in Romans 8:15, we read that we have received the spirit of adoption.  It goes on to say we can call on our Abba, Father.  Going back to the early translations, that would read “Daddy, Father.”  How beautiful is that, my friends.  Whatever our need or problem, we can cry out Daddy, Father help me.  I don’t know church, that sort of thrills me.  How about you?

There are things we can do to help our walk with Jesus.  The instruction Book of Life, which you now know is the Bible,  shows us the way.  I Peter 2:1 talks to us and states:

“Wherefore  laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings.”

These are things we must do.  But, all these things can only be laid aside as we place all of our faith in the sacrifice that Jesus became on that cross.  It is important to know and to remember once you receive Jesus, forgiveness and salvation is instant.  But the putting away of things like malice, hypocrisies, jealousies and evil speakings such as gossip or profanity may be instant or will come about as you renew your mind to the Word of God.  Stay dedicated and study the Bible.  The Holy Spirit will help you rid yourselves from all these negative and sinful things. 

The more we put our faith in Jesus Christ the easier it is to rid ourselves of all obstacles and obstructions of life on this earth.  Do not mistake human flaws with hypocrisy my friends.  Remember, we all fail at times.  The important thing is to get back on track.  Ask and receive your forgiveness and keep on walking with Jesus.  God looks at our willingness to serve him.  Psalms 57:7 states:

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed:  I will sing and give praise.”

That’s sort of what we are talking about, isn’t it?  Let’s keep our heart fixed on Jesus.  As we do that, singing and praising God will just come naturally. 

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Updated Prayer Request: Please pray for Inez Rogers. Inez fell and had a severe hip injury that required surgery. Please pray for her quick recovery and healing. Inez is a very good neighbor of ours. Please agree with us that she will be home soon.

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