Author: Jerry Turk

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people (Jeremiah 31:33).

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear (Isaiah 28:11-12).

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions (Joel 2:28).

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire (Luke 3:16).

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49).

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:1-6).

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3).

Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts 2:38-39).

Are you the only one in your family that knows the Lord? If so Beloved, know that is not God’s will. The Lord Jesus wants all your family members to know Him, to know His saving power, His healing power, His power to deliver and His power to bring them eternal life. And as you continue to pray for your family members it is best to know and read His LAST WILL and TESTAMENT. What does the WILL say? What has He left your HEIRS?

Exodus 12:3
Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:

Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Joshua 6:22-23
But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot’s house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her. And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Psalm 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

Psalm 112:2
HIS see shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

Psalm 115:14
The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Isaiah 49:24-25
Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Isaiah 54:13
And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Isaiah 59:21
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of they seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and forever.

Matthew 15:22-28
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Matthew 17:14-18
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Luke 19:5-9
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Acts 2:38-39
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

Acts 16:26-34
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 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. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in GOD with all his house.

Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Hebrews 11:8-10
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

The circle of you and your loved ones does not have to be broken. Even though His Word is like a sword “that turns a man against his father, a daughter against her mother,” (Matt 10:34-36), the same Word spoken in faith caused the worlds to be framed (Heb 11:3). Stand on the will of His WORD and by faith see your family in Christ. “Call those things that be not as though they were” (Rom 4:17).

In Jesus precious name I stand in agreement now with my brothers and sisters in Christ that their family members, though perhaps far from you, begin to hear your call. Unsettle them, shake them, awaken them Lord Jesus. Do whatever it takes to bring them into the household of faith. We stand on your WORD believing for household salvation. And we’ll be sure to give you all the glory, in Jesus name, AMEN and AMEN.

Remember when you first came to Jesus and got saved. You were as light as a feather. The burden of your sin was rolled away. You met the lover of your soul. You were overcome with joy. Every day you awoke and you couldn’t wait to talk to Him. You couldn’t wait to read your Bible. You couldn’t wait to fellowship with other believers. So what happened? Basically, the cares of this world, the desires of the flesh and the devil crept back into your life. And now, if you’re honest, you wonder if you’re worse now than you were before you met Jesus.

If you are a Christian and you have struggled relentlessly with worldly desires, then you are probably under attack by the enemy of your soul and the Kingdom of Darkness. This kingdom that has but a short time is cast down and is revealed in Scripture. It includes a chaotic, hegemonic power structure where it’s various members obey orders because they fear punishment, yet they war against each other. Ranked by power and authority, members in particular include:

1) Fallen Archangel Lucifer, a former cherub of light created to worship the Almighty;
2) Fallen Cherubim or 200 Satanic Principalities that do Lucifer’s bidding among the nations;
3) Fallen Seraphim or Evil Powers of Wickedness that enslave billions of souls into world systems;
4) Fallen Angels or Demonic Spirits that take possession of individuals;
5) Fallen Angels or Unclean Spirits that impose infirmity and disease;
6) Fallen Angels or Foul Spirits that impose death;
7) Fallen Nephilim or Familiar Spirits that haunt with generational curses;

These are the most common spirits that plague Christians:

1) A SPIRIT OF LUST often characterized by pornography, fornication, homosexuality, adultery, masturbation, gluttony, and an obsession with sensual pleasure;
2) A SPIRIT OF MURDER often characterized by bitterness, hatred and jealousy,a desire for revenge, an obsession with homicide and/or suicide;
3) A SPIRIT OF IDOL WORSHIP often characterized by greed, selfishness, covetousness, and/or the desire for wealth, power or possessions;
4) A SPIRIT OF ANTI-CHRIST often characterized by pride, arrogance and a belief in one’s own superiority, a desperate need to be worshipped, adored and/or recognized;
5) A SPIRIT OF WITCHCRAFT often characterized by addictions, rituals and secrecy associated with cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and/or violent entertainment;
6) A SPIRIT OF LIES often characterized by arguments, a desire to debate, contentions, a desire to be seen as right or a constant desire to correct others;
7) A SPIRIT OF FEAR often characterized by unforgiveness, inferiority, condemnation and/or mental /emotional illness.

Our Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ stands at the door of your heart and calls you to Him. Don’t wait. Don’t walk. Run to Him. He will deliver you and set you free from the Kingdom of Darkness. Repent and tell Him you are sorry for collaborating with the enemy. Call out the name of that spirit that has oppressed you. Rebuke it now in the name of Jesus and command it to leave your life. Remain in prayer looking to Jesus until the filthy thing is gone. Wait upon Him until He comes with a new confidence, a renewed faith that the evil thing has left you. While praising Him in word and song wait upon Him for the confidence knowing that He has brought you His strength to overcome. Jesus did not come to condemn you but, through faith believing in His grace he is now come to set you free.

Be released from the powers of these evil spirits in Jesus name. Satan, take your hands off God’s property now in JESUS name. I said NOW in JESUS name. We give you all the praise and glory Lord Jesus. You alone are worthy of all praise. Thank you Jesus for loving us, for setting us free.

I have been on Facebook for about one year.  Initially I sought fellowship with other believers and I remain delighted when that occurs.  However, I have some concerns because I often review posts by Christians and read responses from other Christians which are blatantly argumentative or reveal a contentious spirit. Now I am aware of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  But beloved, this is not what I hope to address in these brief remarks.  Instead, I am referring to responses which are contentious, overtly rude, crass, vulgar and even hostile.  Some responses are even filled with obscenities and mock individuals on a personal level.

I have also noticed that if a person simply shares a Scripture verse most Christians have no problem. However if this Scripture verse is illustrated, reinforced in song or given an interpretation, a flurry of criticism and accusations can follow. Many so-called believers are even so bold as to pronounce unspeakable things such as “you are going to hell, …this is the spirit of antichrist, (or one of my favorites), you are a false prophet.” Beloved, I’m quite sure that it’s not necessary for me to warn you about others on Facebook who claim to be Christians but simply do not believe that they are saved by grace through faith. Many even know the Scriptures very well but their goal is to undermine your trust in Christ alone and substitute your Savior for their cause. Typically they advocate your involvement in a program of good works or strict adherence to the Torah.

First, indulge me with some secular advice. I know this saying I’m about to share is not in the Bible “but if the shoe fits…” I think I first heard it from my parents when I was a child. I gather they found this sage wisdom necessary because I had seven brothers and sisters and arguments often erupted. Basically they would say (or yell) something like this: “If you don’t have something good to say about someone, then don’t say anything.” Infractions of this kind of “golden rule” were met with punishments that were typically swift and harsh.

But a reliance on worldly wisdom is really not necessary for the Christian. Indeed, Scripture is replete with instruction and admonishments regarding our conversations with each other, and for that matter, our conversations with those in the world. For example, the book of James speaks openly about the power of the tongue and the devastation that can be created from arguments and contention. And because there seems to be so many self-appointed apostles on Facebook who feel the need to bring contention and arguments, I am led to share just a few scriptures that have helped me bridle my tongue.

Regarding Christians who are not part of my group or denomination: Mark 9:39-41 – But Jesus said…For he who is not against us is for us. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. John 10:16 – I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

Regarding Christians who believe they are divinely appointed to judge or correct other Christians: Matthew 7:1-3 – Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Regarding Christians who base judgments solely on their interpretation of Scripture: John 16:12-14 – I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.… II Corinthians 3:6 – Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Regarding Christians who make prophetic claims are not supported by Scripture or who speak as hypocrites: Luke 12:55-56 – And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, It will be a hot day, and it turns out that way. You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time? II Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need if not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Regarding Christians who like to argue or have a contentious spirit: Proverbs 26:20-21 – For lack of wood the fire goes out; and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. Philippians 2:14 – Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that you may be blameless and harmless the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Titus 3:1-2 – Be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy to all.

Regarding Christians who do not recognize their need for other believers: Ist Corinthians 12: 20-22 – But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

Regarding the impact and consequences of criticizing other believers: Matthew 25:40 – And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Rom 2:6-8 – Those who are patient in well-doing will receive eternal life, …but for those who are contentious… tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil.

Beloved, as the body of Christ our reputation should not be “a group of fanatics who are overly critical and judgmental of everyone including themselves.” We are called to HIGHER GROUND. We are called to love one another. Any time two people get together there is a potential for disagreement and differing opinions. But the Word declares we are one body. He brought all of us out of the pit. Stand tall on the higher ground, the rock of our salvation. That ROCK, that HIGHER GROUND is JESUS.

Lord Jesus I pray that you would bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. I affirm your prayer that we be one in You in the same manner that You and the Father are one. Forgive us where there has been criticism and words of unkindness. Pour out a new and fresh anointing on your people that empowers us to demonstrate your love both in word and in deed. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. We receive your healing to our sin-sick souls even now. I commit this to You in the mighty name of Jesus of Nazareth whose I am and whom I serve.

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Pastor Jerry Turk

ON THE RESURRECTION, SOME WILL NOT TASTE DEATH

1 Corinthians 15: [14] And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. [31] I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I DIE DAILY. [32] If after the manner of men I HAVE FOUGHT WITH BEASTS AT EPHESUS, WHAT ADVANTAGETH IT ME, IF THE DEAD RISE NOT? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die.

2 Corinthians 11: [23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, IN DEATHS OFT.

Hebrews 11: [5] By faith ENOCH WAS TRANSLATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT SEE DEATH; AND WAS NOT FOUND, BECAUSE GOD HAD TRANSLATED HIM: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. [6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11: [17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, [18] Of whom it was said, That IN ISAAC SHALL THY SEED BE CALLED: [19] ACCOUNTING THAT GOD WAS ABLE TO RAISE HIM UP, EVEN FROM THE DEAD; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Hebrews 11: [33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. [34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. [35] WOMEN RECEIVED THEIR DEAD RAISED TO LIFE AGAIN: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

JOHN 11: [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. [25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] AND WHOSOEVER LIVETH AND BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE. BELIEVEST THOU THIS? [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

1 Corinthians 15: [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP, BUT WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Romans 8: [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, HE THAT RAISED UP CHRIST FROM THE DEAD SHALL ALSO QUICKEN YOUR MORTAL BODIES by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Job 19: [26] And though after my skin worms destroy this body, YET IN MY FLESH SHALL I SEE GOD:

1 Corinthians 15: [55] O death, where is thy sting? O GRAVE, WHERE IS THY VICTORY? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to GOD, WHICH GIVETH US THE VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.