Uncategorized – Page 8 – Become The Sons of God

Daily Proselytizing – 1/23/16

Do you have to proselytize every day?

Yours is a good question and one that I am delighted to address. I appreciate your honesty and polite manner in which you post your question.

I think that the term “proselytizing” suggests some sort of covert, unwanted or unwarranted intentions. Indeed, I believe this was precisely the problem that the Jews had with Jesus. “Relativism” and “forbearance” were clearly the rule of his day. Otherwise Pilate would not have said to Jesus, “What is truth?” To the Jews he was an upstart, a nobody from the sticks, a know-it-all. Really now, who does he think he is?

Blasphemy was simply the legal loophole that they needed to crucify him. It would have been much easier to overlook his blasphemy and declare him insane. But they wanted him dead because he was “proselytizing” the masses and because of his lack of “forbearance” with those who did not share his point of view.

Paul said of Christ, “if the dead are not raised, let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” And again Paul says, “if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

Under threat of criminal punishment for proselytizing, we might ask what compelled Peter and John to respond to threatening public officials, “We cannot help but speak those things which we have both seen and heard.” Peter was acutely aware of the accusations that suggested his truth was no better than anyone else’s. Hence, in his 2nd letter he writes “we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his Majesty.” So Peter was a believer not just because he saw miracles but because he witnessed Christ transfigured, Christ resurrected and Christ ascending. He was convinced of the truth because he had first-hand experience with the man who declared that he is the Truth, the Life and The Only Way.

I believe God does indeed reward those who follow blindly. But from the first 2 chapters in the book of Acts we understand that it is clearly God’s intention to reward believers with a confirmation of their faith known as the “gift of the Holy Ghost.” What Christians sometimes call a “blessed assurance” is, in my opinion, essential in this world to have the power to boldly and unabashedly declare truth regardless of how intolerant one might seem.

You see, “the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” In other words, one would have to have a “spiritual rebirth” so to speak, just to begin to see the value of this message, this good news, this gospel.

I’m sure you’re familiar with the response of Jesus to the well-known Rabbi Nicodemus, “Truly I say unto you, except a man be born again he cannot even see the kingdom of God.” I don’t enter into debates with people in an attempt to prove Christ. I don’t try to share Christ by disproving science, upholding Biblical archaeology, disqualifying so-called false Christians or engaging in other circus acts.

I believe people come to Christ when they are called by Him. And if you have been called – his silence is deafening until you repent of your sinful nature and cry out to him, asking him to reveal himself to you. I testify about Him because I know Him and I love Him.

I pray someday soon you also come to personally know this God in the flesh, this Jesus of Nazareth whose I am and whom I serve. https://youtu.be/E2BT-5M81oY

Discernment for Depression – 1/23/16

DISCERNMENT NEEDED FOR DEPRESSION

The psalmist was clearly exposed to feelings of desperation and depression. Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. God sometimes allows us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death so that we can comfort others with the same comfort that we have been comforted with.

It goes without saying that there shall be seasons of refreshing and of course, there is victory in Jesus. But sometimes we find ourselves deep in a valley and ask why. We are advised by James to “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” But at other times sadness, loneliness or feelings of depression come in the form of a wilderness experience.

Both Moses and Jesus had well documented wilderness experiences that were later understood as preparation for ministry. Unfortunately, Christians sometimes jump to the conclusion that all who appear depressed simply need to be healed or delivered. With these assumptions the well-intended believer could come across shallow, and like Job’s comforters, simply add to the person’s sorrow. There is of course a place for deliverance when somebody is repeatedly attacked, but discernment is essential when relief is sought or reasons for depression are asked. Keep in mind depression is common to all of us. For example, we might say Elijah was a bit depressed when Jezebel sought his life, …and yet the Bible tells us he was a man of like passions as you and I.

So these feelings are universal. Indeed, without trials and tribulations we are unable to appreciate or even experience joy unspeakable and full of glory. It’s as though He creates a stark contrast so that we can desire more of Him. There’s nothing more blessed than one so depressed and desperate under the conviction of their sinful nature. It leads to true repentance, and from this despair comes a cry from the bottom of one’s heart. A cry that only God can fill with His saving grace. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death (2Cor.7:10).

My friends, allow me to share some wisdom from God. If you are called and annointed to minister to the depressed, seek Him also for discernment. God may indeed ask you to rebuke Satan and pray for deliverance. Or He may have you put your arms around the one in sorrow and cry with them as you pray for His comfort.

To Live is Christ, and to Die is Gain. Phil 1:21- 1/18/16

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36

So many times, the temptation arrives to go for success in the way that the world defines it, money, status, power, fame, etc. The simple things of life are overlooking in favor of more money or a better position at work.

But what is the cost? Stress? High blood pressure? Always striving to have more at the loss of contentment? In the end, time has a value that money can’t buy.

To love and be loved is a great treasure. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Eph 3:19 is the greatest treasure of all.

That Jesus loves us is easy to see that He died for us on the cross. May we show we love God by dying to our own desires and living a life of service to all those that God places in our path. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil 1:21

From John 15…. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.

The Latter Rain 1/16/16

THE LATTER RAIN IS THE DOUBLE PORTION (2KG 2:9)
HE SHALL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND FIRE (MT 3:11)

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month (Joel 2:23). Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:3)

In the fall, the Israelites could anticipate and usually received a 2nd great rain just prior to harvest. This is the Latter Rain. This fall rain would greatly enhance their crops just before harvest. So, it will be just before the harvest. Those believers who have oil in their lamps (or remain filled with the Holy Ghost) will be set ablaze by the FIRE of the HOLY GHOST.

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 I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth ( Revelation 11:3).

Jesus said, “I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me” (John 8:18). The two witnesses are you and the Holy Ghost in you. Get ready for the LATTER RAIN.

Women in the Pulpit? 1/3/16

The attached picture reminds us that women were the first to preach the Gospel. But obviously, this is a highly contentious and provocative topic in most Christian circles. How does the Lord Jesus feel about all of this discussion and contention? The issue of gender is not as big an issue as many Christians make it out to be. Recall he says “I will pour out my Spirit on ALL flesh.” That means men and women. It’s rather redundant to talk about women in the pulpit when the New Testament doesn’t even talk about a “pulpit.”

The problem with so many Christians is that they believe there are sons and daughters of God. This is Old Testament theology. We read in Romans that “the whole creation is groaning and travailing in pain for the manifestation of the Sons of God.” So then all of creation will be set free not by the return of Jesus but by the Manifested Sons. “God shall shortly bruise Satan under your feet.” “Sons of God” is a term that means created directly by God. Hence in Job the angels are even referred to as Sons of God.

Recall, “we are being born again of an incorruptible [invincible, immortal] seed.” So then Sons of God is not gender related nor male exclusive. It refers to all those who are “being conformed to his image.” You too dear sisters, like your brothers in Christ, are called to be Sons of God. “As many as received Him, to them gave he the power to become the Sons of God.” This sort of wrangling and disputing over the role of women in the church, the mere discussion of it, the arguments for and against is of the flesh. This is an example of how Judiazed the church has become.

He seeks those “who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.” He doesn’t seek to re-establish or reinforce a fleshly kingdom like the Old Testament nation of Israel. “The kingdom of God is not meat or drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” Why are you looking for a worldly order. This entire discussion of the role of women in the church is worldly. It is of the flesh. “In Christ Jesus there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond or free, male or female.” “Set your affections on things above and not on things of the earth where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.”

And what is it like above where Christ sitteth? Jesus made it abundantly clear for us in Matthew 22:23-30. “The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” I pray you be blessed in Jesus name.

They Shall Mount Up With Wings as Eagles 10/16/15

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa 40:29-31)

The Eagle does not fight the snake on the ground or in the water. It picks it up into the sky and changes the battle ground. The snake has no stamina, no power and no balance in the air. It is useless, weak and vulnerable unlike on the ground or in the water where it is powerful wise and deadly. Take your fight into the spiritual realm by praying and when you are in the spiritual realm God takes over your battles. Don’t fight the enemy in his comfort zone, change the battle grounds like the Eagle and let God take charge through your earnest prayer. You’ll be assured of clean victory.

Eagle vs. Sea Snake

What Does Redeemed Really Mean? 9/15/15

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1Pet 1:18-21).

In Roman 8:29 we read, “whom He did foreknow…” which literally means, “I knew you before.” Indeed, we were in Him and with Him before the foundation of the earth (Ep 1:4). But we could not comprehend Him who is Love (1Jn 4:8). And so we descended to this time-space dimension we call earth with all it’s limitations and struggles. Ultimately each of us will be forced to accept our miserable estate and death will have it’s way (Ez 18:20, Rm 3:23, Rm 5:4).

But to demonstrate His tremendous LOVE toward us, God came to humanity in the form of a man – a state in which He pre-existed (Jn 3:16) and defeated death itself (1Cor 15:55-57). And by believing in this Jesus (Ac 16:31), who in truth is God – for in Him dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col 2:9), by accepting His work on a cruel cross (Gal 6:14), by repenting of one’s sinfulness (Lk 5:23) and committing one’s life to Him (Rm 12:1), a lost sinner can be saved and inherit Eternal Life (Rm 6:23, Rm 10:9).

Hence we are RE-DEEMED or brought back to our former glorious estate by Him who purchased our salvation by His own precious blood (1Pet 1:18-19). And not only did He conquer death but He went to hell where I was supposed to go because of my sin (Ps 16:10, Ep 4:7-10, 1Pet 3:18-20). He actually took my punishment.

This is the story of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32). We all are prodigal sons. You see, like the prodigal in Luke 15, this REDEEMING LOVE can never be truly understood unless it is lost with no hope of ever getting it back, but regained against all hope. Hence we are REDEEMED! Then love is finally and at long last understood. Indeed, God, who is Love, is understood in the person of Jesus of Nazareth (Ep 3:17-20).

Why is that necessary? So that we can enter into Oneness with Him (Jn 17:21). So that we can inherit all things (Rev 21:7a). So that we will know Him as well as He knows us (1Cor 13:12). So that we will be “filled with ALL the fullness of God” (Ep 3:19). Oneness with God is the fellowship He desires (Jn 17:21). And even a partial understanding of this love is enough to transform the vilest sinner into saint (Rm 1:7).

In this GREAT SALVATION we go from a prodigal son to a Son of God (Jn 1:12, Rev 21:7b). Yes, indeed, He is the FIRST BORN among MANY brethren (Rm 8:29).
HALLELUJAH! PRAISE HIS NAME FOREVER!

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Brother Jerry Turk

Fernando Ortega – I Will Sing Of My Redeemer

It’s These Christians That Are Keeping Me From Christ – 9/8/15

“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Lk 8:43-48)

Did you notice what just happened? Peter and the others asked Jesus, “What do you mean – who touched you?” You see Jesus was walking through the crowd and he was no doubt surrounded by the disciples. They’re probably yelling, “Jesus is coming through, get out of the way.” They had formed a circle around Jesus. Nobody could touch him. He was too important.

Now maybe you’re in the same situation as this woman. You need to get to Jesus. But he is surrounded by disciples who are keeping you from getting close. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” So you say, “It’s these Christians that are keeping me from Christ.” But notice what this woman did. She pressed through the crowd and the circle of disciples. She was satisfied just to touch the hem of his garment. She wasn’t even touching Jesus. She had settled to touch the thing that touched Jesus. How badly do you want to get to Jesus? You might have to press through the crowd. Yes, there are those who are seemingly going to prevent you from getting to him. But she was determined. She had spent 12 years and all her money on doctors and was still no better. She had no hope! BUT JESUS IS PASSING BY.

And suddenly, like smitten sparks of fire, she was instantly healed. The power of Jesus surged through her body like an electric current and made her completely whole, healed… instantly, miraculously. And Jesus knew it too. “Somebody touched me,” he said, “for I perceive virtue gone out of me.” WOW!

What are you waiting for? What have you got to lose? Don’t let the crowd or the other disciples keep you from Him any longer. Extend your faith now. Be healed in the name of Jesus. Say this with me now …right out loud. “Jesus I need you. I believe in you. Save my wretched soul. Heal me of my infirmity. Make me whole again. I surrender my life to you. I will live the rest of my life for you.”

If you prayed that prayer, write me back. I want to know all about it.
Be blessed in Jesus name,
Brother Jerry Turk

What’s Going On? 9/7/15

When the 8 of us kids were upstairs or in the basement making too much noise my father would yell these words from the doorway. It’s actually a good question. Here’s some of it – – –

1) Amidst 10 year plans at break neck speed to begin hydro fracking in upstate NY, even to the point of million dollar land grabs by well know billionaires, Gov. Cuomo has banned fracking indefinitely. Why? We are told that it’s because the Mississippi basin has been thoroughly fracked. The USA now has enough gas and oil to last over 100 years. There is no shortage. Gas prices have fallen. AND we (not Russia) are now supplying Europe. So much for Putin’s need to hold on to the Ukrainian pipeline. Consequently, Russia has nothing to sell, and so comes massive starvation to that nation’s east.

2) Don’t fear war or invasion. Remember Reagan’s Star Wars Program? Insiders were aware that this was fully operational after 30 years and now the military confirms it on national TV. And we thought space missions like the Challenger were for scientific purposes… “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” Right!

3) Hillary admits before Senate investigation committee that Osama and Al Qaeda were working for the USA to topple the USSR. Will we find out the same is true of ISIS 5 or 10 years from now? Stay tuned.

4) MEANWHILE, back at the ranch: Christians are slaughtered by the 100s daily, which now makes it the fastest growing religion on the planet, go figure! Let’s play Colosseum, but this time world wide.

5) USA commits to Molech and Baal worship as heroin now declared epidemic and abortion must be preformed in all hospitals that offer surgery or guess what, – you got it, “no government funding (like Medicare or Medicaid).”

It all sounds pretty messed up…
EXCEPT – GOOD NEWS: The latter rain is here! PRAISE JESUS! Now, like never before, jump into the river. Be saved, be healed, be filled with the Holy Ghost and Fire. Like Jesus who came to raise Lazarus, 4 days late but was right on time! He didn’t come for Lazarus. Lazarus was at peace. He came for Mary and Martha who didn’t get it – no faith, they didn’t really know Jesus. He was their friend, he had a healing ministry, but GOD?

Well jumping glory Hallelujah! “And the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former.” You thought the Book of Acts was good. Christian, you ain’t seen nothin yet. Fasten your seat belt. We’re ridding double barrel shotgun down the devils throat with Jesus in the lead. Get used to praying for the sick and watch the dead be raised.

Will someone please turn on the lights. WHY? So we can all see! This ain’t no magic show. “It’s all about Jesus.” It always was about Jesus and it always will be about Jesus!! We’re just bystanders with front row seats. Or, in other words, we’re what ya call witnesses.

You’re not gonna need binoculars, night vision or even 3D googles. JESUS IS COMING TO VISIT YOU.

Warning – Great Deception 9/6/15

URGENT WARNING…
GREAT DECEPTION OCCURRING IN THE BODY OF CHRIST RIGHT NOW!

If you have a heart that desires His will in your life you are probably receiving a continual feed of messages from multiple sources instructing you to become politically or financially minded rather than focused on our Lord Jesus by His Spirit. These messages are from Satan. The purpose is to instill you with a spirit of fear. You may be hearing that you are not ready for the “Rapture” or for “End Time Events.” Or you may be hearing that if you do not store up provisions, you and you family will be destroyed in the coming judgment. Resist this temptation to accept this spirit from the enemy.

Instead remain focused on Jesus. Rededicate your life to Him NOW. Rejoice in the GOOD NEWS! Beloved, God has made provision for you! He has sent His Spirit to COMFORT YOU, GUIDE YOU IN ALL TRUTH, AND PROTECT YOU. And as you PRAY IN THE SPIRIT… 1) study His Word, 2) worship with those of like precious faith and 3) share the wealth of His love with all sent to you by Christ. Enter into the REST of your God and be filled with the Spirit of Christ.

Be blessed in Jesus Holy name,
Bro Jerry Turk

Christ For The Nations Worship – Take My Life and Let It Be

This classic song was recorded on the album “Overtaken” at the Christ For The Nations Worship annual Live Recording in Dallas, TX.