Dead Faith

There's a difference between something being Dead and something being Non-Existent. When a person dies, we call their body a corpse. Why? Because essentially their body is dead. But their body is still in physical, natural existence (until it decomposes of course). But the catch is that even though the body is dead, its presence is still there. This is my concern with the Body of Christ. There are more than a few believers who have faith in God. You can't be saved unless you have faith (Ephesians 2). The scripture says that God has given every person a "measure of faith" (Romans 12). So the absence of faith in the church is not the issue. The problem is that we have a lot of regenerated believers who have faith, but it's Dead Faith. Something would be extremely suspicious if you came to my house and I had a dead body in all of the bedrooms lying in the bed like it was normal (spooky isn't it). Such is the case in many of our congregations. Dead Faith is singing the hymns, praying the prayers, preaching the sermons. It's Faith, but it's Dead Faith.

Let's make something clear on the front end: just because something is active doesn't mean that it's not dead. I've seen several dead bodies that have alot of different movements and things going on internally. It doesn't last of course, but the point is that even though the body is dead, there's still physiological activity taking place. But no one would ever say that because the body moved that the person was alive. Such is the case with many of our churches. There's a lot of activity. But Ecclesiastical Activity does not dismiss the notion that Dead Faith is taking place. So be not deceived. Just because you see churches with thousands of members and numerous programs and ministries, doesn't mean that the Faith of the Membership still isn't dead.

So then, what constitutes Dead Faith, even in the midst of constant and even consistent church activity? The Bible says that Faith without Works is Dead (James 2). The Bible also says that faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10). When a person receives the Word of God (the spoken word or written word of God) but refuses to act on that Word according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, that's Dead Faith. As I stated earlier, the indictment on the church is not a lack of faith or the absence of faith; it's the operation of Dead Faith. Let us also understand that Activity and Works of Faith are not synonymous. Many of the things we do in church do not grow out of our Faith in God. Works of Faith produce the Works of God: healing the sick, raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, casting out demons, transforming regions for the Kingdom of God. The reason we're not seeing these types of Works is because many of our churches, in spite of their activity, are still subject to Dead Faith. For Faith, without the Works of God, is Dead.

Don't Trust Your Feelings

One of the biggest threats to our faith as believers in Christ are our Feelings. We live in a very emotionally charged society. It's important for many of us to be able to "feel" what we're engaged in or what we are about. The Entertainment industry is so big because it's designed to tap into people's emotions. Movies, songs, television; all of these forms of media foster an emotional response to that for which we are viewing. How many movies have brought you to tears? How many songs have actually cheered you up and made you feel better? Our society is truly regulated by our feelings.

However, our feelings many times can be misleading. People have gotten divorced because they don't "feel" anything for their spouse anymore. People join churches and follow certain preachers because of how that particular congregation and minister make them "feel". Don't get me wrong, nothing's wrong with getting a good feeling in church. But our Feelings must never override our Faith. This is the danger that the Body of Christ is in right now because there are some things that God is leading us into and commanding us to do that are not going to register with our Feelings. As a matter of fact, some things that God is going to be calling us to do are going to be downright depressing (James 4). For this reason, we must mature to the point where we Don't Trust Our Feelings.

The Will of God is not emotionally based, it's Spiritually Oriented. We can't wait before we're "feeling it" to execute the Divine Will of God. If we do, we could actually miss certain Divine Seasons of our lives. God's not waiting for our feelings, He's waiting for our faith. Therefore, we have to be able to distinguish between our "feeling God" and our "believing God" (which is faith).

Remember, the human being is described as a Tri-Partite being, meaning we are three-in-one; Body, Soul and Spirit. Many times, people make the soul and the spirit synonymous. This is incorrect. The Soul is comprised of one's will, emotions and intellect (or the mind). The Spirit consists of one's values, beliefs and convictions. When it comes to the Will of God for your life, you have to discern, "am I convicted that this is the Will of God"? How do you make that determination? By the Word of God. God is Faithful to His Word (Psalm 138). And He's also Faithful to communicate to you specifically what His Word is. Once His Word has been received, believe it. As you believe, the Holy Spirit will reinforce the Will of God for your life. Your submission thereto is what will override your feelings and put your emotions in check so that you have the capacity to execute God's Divine Will for your life. If we're going to Walk in the Spirit saints, and walk by faith, we must embrace the motto: Don't Trust Your Feelings.

Preparation for The King

Several months ago, a prophetic word was shared with me in which the Lord stated, "The King is Coming...THE KING IS COMING!". I've tried to express the best that I can that Jesus is Coming Back. However, I want to clarify once again that, when I make the statement that Jesus is Coming Back, I'm not making the statement in a "dispensational" context. Most Christians understand that Jesus is going to return to the earth so set up His Millennial Kingdom, whether it's through the Rapture or simply His Second Coming (1Corinthians 15, Revelation 20). This is not what I'm referring to. My belief is that before Jesus "comes back" (dispensationally speaking) He's Coming Back to set the stage for His Ultimate Return. This is not my doctrine, this is my faith. This is what I believe. And I believe that when The Master Returns, He's going to Release the Greatest Move of God this planet has ever seen. The challenge for us as believers right now is to be in Preparation for The King.

When The King Returns to usher in this Kingdom Move of God, there are some things for which we need to be prepared in order to appropriately receive His Return. One of the things we need to do in Preparation for The King is to make sure that we are Holy. I can tell you now, Jesus is not Coming Back for a raggedy, carnal, flesh-driven Bride. That's not happening. And at the risk of being redundant, I'm not talking about the Rapture, I'm talking about now. The Move that God is going to Manifest in the earth is going to be through His Church. But not just the "Sunday morning attendees". And not even the pastors and preachers. This Move is going to be manifested through His Chosen Elect; and part of what distinguishes the Elect of God is Holiness. Are you whole in your body, soul and spirit? Are you proactively crucifying the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5)? Are you sanctified unto the Lord (2Corinthians 6)? These are things we must do in Preparation for The King.

Next we must be Faithful. Jesus isn't coming back for a loose and wayward Bride. He's looking for servants who are Faithful to Him and what it is He's called us to do. Now is not the time to get weary in well-doing (Galatians 6) Now is not the time to "leave your first love" (Revelation 2). You need to be more in love with Jesus than you've ever been before. Don't let Ministry and your commitment thereto supersede your passion and affection for Christ Himself. Your commitment to your calling should grow out of your Devotion to the Lord. Be Faithful in Preparation for The King.

Lastly saints, we have to stay Focused. I can assure you, as we prepare to enter the Summer Season, one of the things Satan is going to try to do is distract us and get us off focus. This is why the scripture says to be sober and be diligent (1Peter 5). Don't let the trivial get you frustrated. Don't let the minor things throw you off course and mess up your equilibrium. Stay Focused. Set your Affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3). Guard your heart, and make sure that no bitterness or angst or unforgiveness creeps up into your heart and spirit (Ephesians 4). Stay Focused on the Word. Stay Focused on the Goodness of the Lord. Look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12). And saints, if we do these things, when Jesus Comes Back, and The King Is Coming, we will have done the necessary things in Preparation for The King.

America--The Loss of a Christian Nation

 Recently I read a quote from the former head of state of China, Jiang Zemin. He was asked by a former correspondent for Time Magazine, what he wished for in regards to China's future. Zemin's response was, "I would like for my country to become a Christian nation". The rationale for his response was that a panel of Chinese scholars had spent 20 years studying why China continually lagged behind Western culture in science and industry. The conclusion of the study was that Western culture's (America) strength was not in its politics, economy or military. The heart of the success of the West was Christianity and the moral foundation that it provided for the social and cultural life. 

Around the time that America passed the abominable legislation of same-sex marriage, a very popular and prominent preacher made the statement that America was not a Christian nation. From a Witness standpoint, I would agree; but from a historical standpoint, I would not. Regardless of where America is today, this country was founded as a Christian nation. That is a historical fact. Not everything America did or has done, historically, could be categorized as Christian; but when you look at the foundation and the Providence of how this nation came together as a national, sovereign entity, it's hard to deny the hand of God in the forming of this country.

For these reasons, I lament America as The Loss of a Christian Nation. Even though we were founded on Christian principles and beliefs, as a nation, we have made a strong departure from the faith that made America one of the most prosperous nations in the history of the world. Let's look at some of the dynamics that have led to the Loss of our Christian Status.

One of the biggest mistakes America made was when we legally took prayer out of schools. This may not seem like that big of a deal, but what the Morning Prayer in schools did was create and establish a Consciousness of God amongst the children in the school system. Regardless of what was or was not being taught at home regarding the Lord, at least the children could go to school and be introduced to the concept of God. This was significant in regards to the shaping of our culture.

Then another mistake this country made was the legalization of Abortion. To nationally condone the murder of unborn children is a moral disgrace on the Christian witness of our nation. I know several Christians who have participated in abortion. Unfortunately, things happen, and people don't always make the wisest decisions at inopportune moments. But I am almost certain that the Christians that I know who were challenged to get abortions, would not have done so if it had been against the law. There's such a thing as individual choice, and then there's such a thing as the Moral Choice of a Nation. This is why God judges nations as well as individuals (Matthew 12). Legalized Abortion is not the witness of a Christian Nation.

Lastly saints, we have to deal with the most recent moral blunder in this nation's history, the legalization of same-sex marriage. To have a President condone and approve this type of perversion is a travesty. Once again, people can choose if they want to indulge in homosexuality. But same-sex marriage is a national issue. No matter what the dynamics of a person's relationship was with the same sex, the law of the land did not allow them to get married. And once again, the reason this is an abomination is because marriage is not a secular arrangement, it is a Sacred Institution; whether the masses treat it as such or not (including hetero-sexual couples). Once you infringe on the Rights of Almighty God, there's a Price to pay for that. A Christian Nation would not celebrate and promote that which God calls an Abomination (Leviticus 20). America can Repent, and I believe God would be Merciful. But until that time, we will continue to mourn over America as The Loss of a Christian Nation.

Do You Know What Time It Is?

The God we serve is a God of Timing. We are in a Season where it is imperative for us as the children of God to know what time it is. I'm not talking about the time on the clock. I'm not even talking about what time it is in this country. I'm talking about what time it is in regards to the Father's Heavenly Timetable and the events He has planned and ordained for this world and His People for such a time as this. For this reason I ask the question, Do You Know What Time It Is?

Now is a Time of Preparation. Now is not the time to "be on display". Now is not the time to be reaching for the "limelight", wanting to be seen and desiring to be recognized. Now is the Time to operate under the radar. Now is the time to be low-key. Why? Because there are some things that God wants to work out, work in and work on regarding your walk with Him and your relationship with Christ. But a lot of times, when we're operating in the public eye, certain duties and responsibilities can serve more as a distraction than they can to draw us closer to Jesus. So if you're not where you think you're "supposed to be" or even where you "deserve" to be, just Know What Time It Is.

Now is a Time of Discipline. For many of the saints, the first several months of the year have been rough and tough. It has not been "easy-going". As I've expressed before, many of you are asking God, "what in the world is going on"? The Father is Disciplining you. Not in terms of punishment or judgment, but in terms of Development and Edification. I know it may "feel" like you've done something wrong, but that's not where God is coming from. The scripture clearly says, "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son (or daughter) whom He receiveth" (Hebrews 12). If God didn't Discipline us and Chastise us for the purpose of Character Development and Spiritual Purification, once He placed us in our Post of Service, we'd be more raggedy than we could ever imagine. God knows what He's Doing. It's a Time of Discipline.

Lastly saints, we are in a Time of Hope. For many this may seem like a time of pain, a time of despair, a time of distress, a time of grief; and to a certain extent all of this may be true. But when you're dealing with Jehovah through the Blood Covenant of His Son, Jesus the Christ, no situation can be characterized by distress, despair, depression or pain. The scripture says that Jesus endured the Cross because of the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12). What's the Joy that the Father has placed before you? What's the Prize that He's Promised you to Incentivize your Faith? What is your Heavenly Hope that at His Appointed Time will manifest in the Natural Realm? Do you know? If you do, then by the Grace of God, you Know What Time It Is.

Decisions and Seeds

Many times people wonder about how their life is going to turn out and what is going to be the summation or outcome of their Destiny. This is a very interesting thought that every human being ought to take very seriously. However, the unfolding of one's Destiny and the outcome of life is not as mysterious as one would think. For the most part, all things considered, you can map out your destiny by two primary things: your Decisions and Seeds.

The cumulative effect of one's life can be summed up succinctly, based upon the various Decisions that we make and the Seeds that have been planted in our lives and the Seeds that we choose to plant in and with our lives. Of course there are always extenuating circumstances for which we generally are not prepared for (a sudden accident, death of a loved one, losing a job, etc.). But even with the various fortuitous events that are sometimes thrust upon us, the Decisions we make and the Seeds that we plant in response to those things still end up shaping our Destiny.

I want to urge everyone to take great care in regards to the Decisions that you make during this Time. Regardless of what people may say and in spite of how things may feel, this is not a time to be careless, reckless or indifferent when it comes to the Choices that we make in and for our lives right now. Even things that on the surface may seem "inconsequential", take the time to "think" and truly ponder, is this a Wise Decision to make at this time? Once again, I'm not just talking about "major decisions", I'm talking about what we would consider "everyday" decisions. Are these the right people to be hanging out with right now? Is this a good relationship and friendship to be developing? Do I need to take this promotion? Should I be getting involved in this Ministry? The Decisions that we make shape and form our Destiny.

Then saints, we need to look at the Seeds that we plant. The scripture says very clearly, Be not deceived, God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6). We need to very careful and prayerful about the Seeds that we plant. We need to examine the Seeds we're planting with our Families. Are we honoring our parents? Are we honoring our spouse? Are we covering and training our children? We need to examine the Seeds we're sowing Financially. Are we paying our tithes? Are we giving sacrificially? Are we supporting the poor? And lastly, we need to examine the Seeds we're sowing unto the Lord. Are we giving Him the Praise and Worship that He deserves? Are we being obedient to His Will, even the things that are not personally convenient and at times even hurt? Are we treating others the way we want to be treated? If we examine these various areas, we will find that at the end of the day, our Destiny and our Future is determined by our Decisions and Seeds.

The Messiah has Come

If you are familiar with the Jews' religion, then you are aware that collectively they do not embrace Jesus Christ as the Messiah. As Christians, we embrace Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of David, who would sit on the throne of David as the result of the Davidic Covenant that God the Father made with King David prior to his death (2Samuel 7). However, the Jews do not embrace the belief that the Man who walked the earth nearly two thousand years ago and died on the Cross for the sins of the world, is the individual for which the scriptures prophesied would come and restore the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1).

This "difference of opinion" has served as a major divide between the Jews and the church since the inception of Christianity. However, there's something that the church needs to atleast take into consideration in regards to the perspective of the Jews not embracing Jesus Christ as the Coming Messiah. The widespread belief amongst the Jews was (and is) that when the Messiah would come, not only would He restore the Kingdom to Israel and assume the throne of his father David, but He would also usher in a type of "Golden Age" for the children of Israel that would make them the spectacle of the the world and the glory of God as His chosen people (Isaiah 61). So, the question that a lot of the Jews have in regards to the validity of the Messiahship of He who we worship as Jesus the Christ is, where is the Golden Age? Where is the change and the transformation that is supposed to come when the Promised Messiah assumes His Throne?

This my brothers and sisters is a legitimate question. But it's not an indictment on the Messiah status of Jesus, but rather a reflection on the witness of the church. When Jesus did walk the earth in human flesh, everything that the Scriptures said He would do, He fulfilled (Isaiah 61). He healed the sick, He raised the dead, He gave sight to the blind, He walked in miracles, signs and wonders; and He died for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53). The misunderstanding amongst the Jews is that when Jesus did this in His three year Ministry, He then equipped the apostles to teach and train the saints so that The Golden Age could then be ushered in and manifested by the church (Acts 1). This is why Jesus trained the disciples for 40 days in His Post-Resurrection Ministry. The scripture says that He spoke to them pertaining to the Kingdom of God (Acts 1). But once again, the fallacy and flaw of the faith of the mainstream church is that we don't major in the Kingdom, we major in religion, which we call Christianity. What we do on Sunday mornings and the activity that we contain in our ecclesiastical gathering centers, is not the idea that Christ had nor has of the church. The church, the Body of Christ, is supposed to be the Divine Agent and Instrument for which Jesus in this day and time ushers in the Golden Age of the Kingdom of God. People want to blame the government and the police and the school system and Wall Street for all the problems that are plaguing our society. But Jesus said that the church is the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5). Until we learn and commit to accessing the Kingdom Power of God, things are not going to change. But once we do, and we will, people will know that The Messiah has Come.