"We see, in many a land, the proudest dynasties and tyrannies still crushing, with their mountain weight, every free motion of the Consciences and hearts of men. We see, on the other hand, the truest heroism for the right and the greatest devotion to the Truth in hearts that God has touched. We have a work to do, as great as our forefathers and, perhaps, far greater. The enemies of Truth are more numerous and subtle than ever and the needs of the Church are greater than at any preceding time. If we are not debtors to the present, then men were never debtors to their age and their time. Brethren, we are debtors to the hour in which we live. Oh, that we might stamp it with Truth and that God might help us to impress upon its wings some proof that it has not flown by neglected and unheeded." -- C.H. Spurgeon . . . "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31, 32 . . . . .

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Sunday, December 29, 2019

The TTUF STUDY on The REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST – Chapter NINE


~ by James Fire

Introduction: I am in awe of the holiness of GOD, His grace and truth and peace – His almighty power, knowledge and wisdom, His absolute goodness and pure love – and I am also in awe with such equitable wonder (but in a negative sense) of mankind’s utter rebellion and even hatred of GOD, so that they adamantly refuse to repent.
I have heard people say, “I’d much rather die and suffer unimaginable horrors in the fire of hell for eternity than suffer in the presence of GOD for a minute!” I was astonished at that remark that literally left me speechless.

This is one reason why GOD sends down judgment – so that people’s hardened hearts will be broken of their obstinate pride and rebellion, and make no mistake, there will be multitudes beyond number that will come out of great tribulation (REV 7:14). We see in this chapter such self-willed and aggressive rebellion in the heart of people, who while suffering such terrible judgment at the Holy Hand of GOD, refuse to repent! Absolutely astounding!!

Thank the LORD that we who know Him have willingly bowed our knees, yielded our hearts and submitted our very lives to the One Who is worthy of these and far more: the LORD Jesus Christ. The day is coming when these rebellious souls will be in the very presence of GOD Almighty, unable to stand, for all of His glory, but compelled to their knees and declare that JESUS IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER!

PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
.
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Saturday, December 28, 2019

THREE GREATEST GIFTS from WISE MEN and THEIR DIVINE SIGNIFICANCE


We have something unique in this presentation of the Christmas Message as was taught at ETERNAL LIVING WORD Church on DEC 22nd 2019. Watch the Facebook video here.

We examine the gifts that the Wise men brought to the Christ child; three gifts, three messages by Albert Lopez (who will share his message about the first gift of gold), myself - James Fire (I'm sharing about the second gift of frankincense) and Sonny Islas (who shares on the third gift of myrrh). So let us begin and hear what our brother saint Albert has to share with us!
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Saturday, December 7, 2019

GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY SIX


Contributing commentaries by Sonny Islas and James Fire

GENESIS 26 – by James Fire

INTRODUCTION: We learn a lot from our parents; and sometimes we learn even when they aren’t intending on teaching us: because children are careful observers of their parents, they are in that sense always teaching them, in all the good and the bad and the ugly that we do.
Abraham (and Sarah) were no different in their education of their children, and we know that Isaac learned these lessons well because we see him repeating the same practices that his father Abraham did – both in the good and the bad capacities.

Pastors, Sunday School teachers, as well as parents have to be mindful that it’s not just in the lessons, advice and counsel that we give, but also our actions and responses to people and situations that teach our children, students and disciples.

Our ultimate role model is Christ Jesus: His deeds and words are flawless truth and righteousness and if we follow His example in all things, not only can we not go wrong for ourselves, but also everyone else who observes our words and conduct!

Let’s be intentional and choose the wise and the good example we see in Scripture, particularly where we see the perfect example of Christ.
Moses said to the children of Israel, just before they cross over Jordan and for the first time, enter into Canaan, the promised land the following:

DEUTERONOMY 30:19-20
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them
.
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Friday, November 29, 2019

This Thanksgiving, I Embrace My Christian Privilege

Posted by Anne Kisly

"A grateful heart is one that sees through the eyes of faith the blessings God has poured out on others, and then praises Him for it, rather than curses Him for not giving it to us instead. A thankful soul is one whose perspective is calibrated on eternal things, and therefore recognizes the unfathomable privilege God has gifted to all who follow Him.”

(Written By Peter Heck – Disrn) 



I do a lot of complaining; far more than I should.

I don't mean "complaining" in the sense of writing essays critical of certain ideologies, actions, or behavior. There's a rather large distinction to be made between critical, reasoned thought and discontented complaining. The former is something we all should do regularly in order to embrace what is good and shun what is evil. The latter is the manifestation of a dangerous, soul-eating self-centeredness that far too many of us indulge regularly.



  • It's the prideful belief that we are always overworked and underpaid.
  • It's the envious conclusion that we'd be on easy street if we'd have gotten the breaks that "those people" got.
  • It's the dissatisfied conviction that we are entitled to the resources, capital, affection, or blessings of another.
  • It's the arrogant certainty that my way always seems to be the right way.
  • It's the dehumanizing condescension exhibited when we determine investing in another person is an unproductive use of our time.

I battle those demons of human nature just like everyone else, and as a Christian, I desperately want to defeat them. Unsurprisingly, in His divine providence, God has provided me the tool to do exactly that. It's the very spirit we celebrate today – gratitude and thankfulness. Gratitude is the antithesis of complaint; thankfulness the antidote to our seemingly perpetual cultural mindset of grievance.

A grateful heart is one that sees through the eyes of faith the blessings God has poured out on others, and then praises Him for it, rather than curses Him for not giving it to us instead. A thankful soul is one whose perspective is calibrated on eternal things, and therefore recognizes the unfathomable privilege God has gifted to all who follow Him.

That's why this Thanksgiving, I am refusing to deny my Christian privilege.

I know that word privilege has been hijacked and wielded as a weapon by campus multiculturalists who themselves make a handsome living off of grievance-mongering. But the truth is that this privilege I'm embracing is enjoyed regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, material possessions, or country of origin.

The source of this incalculable privilege is that, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Because of that substitutionary sacrifice alone, believers are privileged to join as heirs in a Kingdom that was not ours and that we have done absolutely nothing to earn. We have been gifted paradise the likes of which no mind can even conceive. Bestowed upon us are the riches of eternal glory, a home where there is no more suffering, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears. And none of it — absolutely none of it — came as a result of our own merit. That's privilege.

Why am I thankful this day? Because of the knowledge that one day I, like every other human being on this planet, will stand accused before the God of eternity. I will be asked to give an account to Him for the deeds that I have done in the life I have lived. As all my righteousness appears as filthy rags in light of the brilliance and glory that surrounds His throne, I will be privileged enough to lay prostrate before Him, plead no contest, and say, "Father I am unworthy to be in your presence." And at that precise moment, as Jesus steps forward I will rise to my feet, take His nail-scarred hand and say, "But I'm with Him. I come at His invitation."

That's my privilege. It's the privilege of every believer. It's the undiscriminating privilege available to anyone who wants to embrace it. And for those who do, you'll understand why I say I have so much to be thankful for this day, and every day.






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Sunday, November 24, 2019

The TTUF STUDY on The REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST – Chapter EIGHT



~ by James Fire

Introduction: Scripture everywhere demonstrates the goodness and severity of the LORD (ROM 11:22). Because GOD is both holy and love, dual aspects of His nature (in perfect balance, not contrary but complimentary to each other), He expresses His goodness towards all, supremely in the Person of Christ and His atonement for our sins in order to procure our salvation. For those who reject Christ’s atonement in salvation, He will express His severity in judgment as the Judge of the whole Earth. Christ, Who bore the undiluted and full wrath of GOD for the collective sins of the entire human race will render wrath on all who turn from the Cross and refuse Him as LORD.

There are none, absolutely none of the entirety of mankind that need ever face GOD in this fierce and terrible judgment of GOD, for salvation has been provided for them to escape such, via the scapegoat Who is the LORD Jesus Christ.

However, there are those who adamantly, resolutely and even arrogantly reject Jesus Christ, the LAMB of GOD Who bore our sins. They refuse the truth of GOD’s Word: that we are born sinners, in need of salvation, without which we will be forever condemned to an eternity of hell. They insist on their own self-worth and innate goodness in face of the facts (none of them can live up to the Ten Commandments in thought, word and deed without flaw, in absolute perfection in every moment of life). 

Because they reject the Gospel, by default, they will face judgment, which we all would have had to face if not for the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ and our faith in Him. This judgment as we have seen in our study ever since John was transported (translated or ‘raptured’) into heaven, has begun and rendered to “the earth-dwellers” – the Christ-rejectors. 
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Friday, November 22, 2019

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW – WHY IT MATTERS - by Greg Reid

By Greg Reid of Youthfire! ministries 

I did not really understand the spiritual nature of this crisis until I was confronted with the paraphrase, The Message, by Eugene Peterson. 

Note to readers from James Fire: Check out this article that exposes this terrible paraphrase for what it is!

Peterson’s “Bible” was very tinged with terms very prone to nature-type analogies that are more familiar to Wiccan and pagan circles than to Christianity.

Something inside was just screaming. It was the same “red  light” I have felt on so many occasions and with so many people over the years that indicated something was very wrong spiritually. But this time, I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

It wasn’t until I was put in contact with a man named Warren Smith, a former new ager, that the “red light” made sense. I had a long conversation with Warren, and it helped answer a lot of questions. Then we got down to my problem with The Message. “I just can’t read it”, I told him. “I just don’t feel right about it.” “I can show you why,” Warren replied. “What does the Lord’s prayer read?” he asked. “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, I answered. “Now read it in The Message.”

I found the passage, and as I read it, my blood ran cold.  


As above, so below.” 

That phrase doesn’t mean anything to 99% of the populous, and 99.9% of believers. But to those who know and understand the world of the occult and the New Age, it means EVERYTHING. If you were to type that phrase – “As above, so below” into a search engine, and you will come up with 210,000 web site references – that overwhelming majority of which are from occult and/or new age sites. 

Note to readers from James Fire:
Going directly to the New Age website, GAIA, it's readily understandable that this phrase "as above, so below" is entirely foundational  with occult meaning.


The very first site, an occult definition site, says, “This phrase comes from the beginning of The Emerald Tablet (which, incidentally, is listed as the source of “The Secret” in the first pages of Rhonda Byrne’s book by the same name – G.R.) and embraces the entire system of traditional and modern magic which was inscribed upon the tablet in cryptic wording by Hermes Trismegistus. The significance of this phrase is that it is believed to hold the key to all mysteries. 

All systems of magic are claimed to function by this formula. “‘That which is above is the same as that which is below’…Macrocosmos is the same as microcosmos. The universe is the same as God, God is the same as man, man is the same as the cell, the cell is the same as the atom, the atom is the same as…and so on, ad infinitum.” (from The Mystica) It has its roots in Egyptian priesthood and magick, and means, among other things, that God and man are equal.

There is no question that this is purely and occult phrase rooted in some of the most ancient forms of “mystery religion” teaching there is, Kabbala, Egyptian magick, Crowlyeyan magick, etc. The phrase is so clear in its meaning, that anyone that uses it deliberately must either (1) Unwittingly use it under the influence of something from the demonic realm, or (2) Knows exactly what it means.

I do not know the author of The Message. What I do know, is that he either had to be unwittingly influenced by something other than the Holy Spirit to write something so absolutely phrase-specific to the world of ancient occultism and new age thought, or, God forbid, he does know what it means. 

I can only pray it is the former, but regardless, it is very terrifying to me that an occult phrase that is so absolutely highly charged with occult meaning and power and RECOGNITION to those in that world, would pass as SCRIPTURE and no one even gives it a glance. Do you understand my concern? If that were the ONLY problem I had with The Message – and it is not – that would be enough for me to never use it again.

Excerpt from Trojan Church by Gregory Reid  

Further notes to readers from James Fire: An article based on Greg's book can be found here on FROM The MIND of FIRE: TRIUMPHANT BUT TRAGIC TROJAN.

Eugene Peterson, a contemplative spirituality proponent.

Beware of Prayer - of the Contemplative Kind: Part I and Part II

MYSTICISM IN THE CHURCH: Contemplative Prayer And Her Evil Sisters Read more!

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

DRAW NIGH

This article is not written by me (why is it every time I say that, I keep hearing applause??!) but by guest writer, John Lord.

My name is John Lord. I've been a Christ-follower for 20-years; abiding in Jesus, my Lord and Savior. I died to myself October 10, 1998, and the Lord raised me anew, to serve Him; in whatever capacity exalts His name and gives Him glory. I currently live in Chesterton, Indiana with my new bride, Zoila (married Sept. 1, 2019) and her son, Anthony (age 16). We attend Emmanuel Baptist Church of South Haven (ebcsh.org). 
When not penning bible studies or sermons we're most often listening to sermons or doing bible studies. My wife and I have devotions every morning and pray every night; giving thanks to God for His provision and pleading for the salvation of our friends and family members. I aspire to be an author of some-sort someday, Lord willing, but in the meantime I work as a Benefits Analyst to support my family. 

JAMES 4:8-10
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.


My goal today is to explain what it means to draw near to God. The study of the bible, and delving deeper into His word can be equated to drawing near to Him. (Sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth; JOHN 17:17). The more time you spend in the word the more aware you are of your sin, and how far short you fall of His standards, and the more you appreciate your helpless state and your need for a savior. Fear God, hate your sin. 

Read more!

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY FIVE


Contributing commentaries by Sonny Islas and James Fire


GENESIS 25 – by James Fire - to watch the Facebook video of this teaching as recorded at ETERNAL LIVING WORD Church, go here.

INTRODUCTION: We are here at Ch. 25, the middle point to the book of GENESIS which consists of 50 chapters. We’ve covered a lot of ground, and the view of Holy and Inspired Scripture has shown us the creation of GOD’s handiwork, with the climax being man himself – then his fall into sin – and GOD’s promise of redemption through “the seed of the woman”, one of the many titles of the Messiah. We’ve seen the iniquity of the human race climaxing in the days of Noah, resulting in the Flood Judgment and a new beginning when the ark landed and GOD’s promise with the rainbow that the Earth will never again be destroyed by water (next time it’s by fire). We’ve witnessed the rise of the Tower of Babel, crowned with the pride of man, as he was then humbled by GOD, scattered over the face of the Earth by means of a multitude of tongues. Then the focus becomes all the narrower as Scripture reveals this one man: Abraham.

The life of Abraham hits it’s highest heights when by faith he believed GOD, and this faith was demonstrated by his willing sacrifice of Isaac, his beloved son. Recently we’ve seen him bury his wife, and through his servant Eleazer he finds a wife for his son Isaac.
Which brings us to our present chapter:
Read more!

Sunday, November 10, 2019

GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY FOUR


GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY FOUR

Contributing commentaries by Sonny Islas and James Fire
Studies by Ray Steadman: GENESIS 24: Here Comes The Bride 

GENESIS 24 – by Sonny Islas - watch the Facebook video on this teaching at ETERNAL LIVING WORD Church, here!

INTRODUCTIONWe are now in GENESIS 24 the story of Isaac and Rebeka and their providential marriage. This was truly “A Match Made Through Prayer” (and careful selection!). So, the Savior’s story line continues. Abraham’s promised son Isaac is all grown up now and is ready for marriage. God provides him a beautiful young lady named Rebeka – Isaac’s first cousin (not considered incest at this time; the law of GOD prohibiting siblings or close relations intermarrying didn’t come until the Law of Moses; DEUT 27:22). Eventually Rebeka gets pregnant and has twins: Esau and Jacob (whose name is changed to Israel; GEN 32:28; 35:10) the ancestor of Jesus Christ. Though we can learn some blessed principles in scripture – the big picture is always JESUS. The whole bible is really Jesus’ story. I hope everyone came prepared for a lengthy lesson!
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Monday, November 4, 2019

A LFTT Interview: Pt - 2: James Fire of TTUF being Interviewed by Cindy Hartline of LFTT Radio

This interview is conducted by Cindy Hartline of Love For The Truth Radio with myself, James Fire. We pick up where we left off previously in Part 1, and continue the discussion about the coming One World Religion and then wrap up on the vital subject of salvation.


Seg 3 The False Unity that paves the way for a Religious One World Mindset 

CH— It’s obvious that a Global religion will form to unify this One World Order mindset. Many will have to put their doctrines aside to establish a common religion. In your observation, what will this Religion look like? (New Age aka “New Spirituality” 

JF - Brian McLaren Emergent Church author and leader stated, “We don’t need a new Spirit, but a new spirituality”)

The Open Conspiracy: Blue Prints for a World Revolution by H.G. Wells, published 1928. A former Fabian Socialist, Wells writes:
"The...Open Conspiracy must weaken, efface, incorporate and supersede existing governments... The Open Conspiracy is the natural inheritor of socialist and communist enthusiasms; it may be in control of Moscow before it is in control of New York... The character of the Open Conspiracy will now be plainly displayed... It will be a world religion."

This is exactly what we see in the book of Revelation where the Beast, in this case, the political amalgam of a global super-state, being reined in and controlled by the Mother of Harlots, the false religious system that will lead the world in worship of the Beast. That is the end result, but how are we getting there? What sort of things need to happen and are happening to bring us to this global goal of spiritual unification?

Read more!

A LFTT Interview: Pt - 1: James Fire of TTUF being Interviewed by Cindy Hartline of LFTT Radio

This interview is conducted by Cindy Hartline of Love For The Truth Radio with myself, James Fire.

CH: We are going to discuss bible prophecy with our guest James Joseph Fire.  Prophetic signs, events and cultural changes that suggest the coming of a New World Order along with the eminent return of our Lord and why it is imperative that we be “ready” to meet him face to face!

Seg 1.  Introduction to our Current Culture in light of Biblical prophecy

CH — James lets first share with our audience the meaning of biblical prophecy… (as not a foretelling of future events).

JF - There is a common belief generally speaking that prophecy is the prediction of future events, and this is certainly true: “prophecy” here in the Greek the word is propheteia which means prediction as well as prophecy. The LORD reveals this through His prophet Isaiah:

ISAIAH 46:9-10
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure
:

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Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Four Astounding Words

by A.M. Kisly

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21

The last four words in this verse just quoted are, to me, four of the most astounding words in scripture.  "To DIE is GAIN!"  These words can be understood only by a singular group of people - born again, spiritually minded Christians. Unsaved people cannot understand them, nor can carnally minded, worldly Christians understand and appreciate them.

When a loved one dies we refer to that death as a "loss." We say, "We lost our mother," or "We lost our father," or "We lost our child."  But to the Apostle Paul, that spiritual giant who was God's minister to the Church, death was not a loss.  It was definitely payday for him!  Therefore he declared, "To die is Gain."

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Monday, October 28, 2019

Contemporary Christian Music: A Call to Social Justice?

by A.M. Kisly

Social Justice warriors are now calling on the Contemporary Christian Musicians to stop singing songs focusing on love, instead focus on division, hot button political issues and criticizing President Trump.  Protecting sovereign borders, and upholding the law of the land (legal immigration), is being touted by SJW’s as immoral, and racist…something Christian musicians should sing about? Right?

An article written by John Blake, and published by CNN, came out recently, attacking the Christian Music Industry. Mr. Blake titled his article, Why Christian Music's Biggest Stars Refuse to Change Their Tune for the Trump Era.


Read more!

Saturday, October 26, 2019

A STUDY on MORE BIBLICAL WORDS Part 3 – by James Fire and Sonny Islas


A STUDY on MORE  VARIOUS BIBLICAL WORDS  Part 3 – by James Fire & Sonny Islas

We began to examine biblical words and their meanings some time ago; pastor Sonny Islas started it all in
Part One; I continued in Part Two, and now we have Part Three - in which we both share a few words in this article.

You can watch the FB video on this teaching as it was presented at ETERNAL LIVING WORD Church on 10/23/2019 here.
Note: all biblical words are hyper-linked so you can read these definitions for yourselves. So, without further ado, let's dig in!
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Thursday, October 24, 2019

The EMERGENT PROTOCOLS of LUCIFERIANISM – a REAL DARK NEWS/TTUF article


 ~ by James Fire

MATERIAL OR MYSTICAL? OR A MIX OF BOTH?

There are many who are Materialists and Modernists, who dismiss anything relating to a spiritual reality. These are those who believe we are merely biological organisms: thinking meat machines as it were.

They look at the idea of ‘Satan’ as a man of red skin, horns, pitchfork and a tail and one who rules in a mythical hell. The same goes for angels, demons and God – all imaginary. C.S. Lewis once stated in The Screwtape Letters, an allegorical work where an elder demon is instructing his novice regarding his ‘assignment’ (“patient”). 

If once we can produce our perfect work – the Materialist Magician, the man, not using, but veritably worshipping, what he vaguely calls ‘Forces’ while denying the existence of ‘spirits’ – then the end of the war will be in sight. But in the meantime, we must obey our orders. I do not think you will have much difficulty in keeping the patient in the dark. The fact that ‘devils’ are predominantly comic figures in the modern imagination will help you. If any faint suspicion of your existence begins to arise in his mind, suggest to him a picture of something in red tights, and persuade him that since he cannot believe in that (it is an old textbook method of confusing them) he therefore cannot believe in you.”
Read more!

Sunday, October 20, 2019

GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY THREE


Contributing commentaries by Sonny Islas and James Fire
Studies by Ray Steadman: GENESIS 23:Til Death Do Us Part 

GENESIS 23 – by James Fire

INTRODUCTION: There is, above all of the burdens and griefs of life, the curse of death – that unavoidable appointment that all of us face. Gertrude in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet said it succinctly, “All that lives, must die.” The death of a dear friend was something that made GOD the Son weep at the tomb of Lazarus (JOHN 11:35). Every grave is a testament to the truth that:

“The wages of sin is death” (ROM 6:23). And they are cruel, but just wages to pay. While these wages have been “paid in full” (Christ declared it, when He said, “It is finished” from the cross; JOHN 19:30), we who are the saints of GOD, born again of His Holy Spirit still are contained in these corrupted bodies, under the curse of sin – these bodies that get sick, they often contain defects, they wear down, get old and eventually wither away and cease to live and are reduced to dusty, dry bones.

Read more!

CRITICISM IN LEADERSHIP


Servant Leaders Conference at ETERNAL LIVING WORD Church on: Lessons from the life of King David - SEPT. '19

By pastor Vance Wood of Life Bridge Fellowship on 2 SAMUEL 19:1-8
Watch the Facebook video of this teaching here.

When we receive criticism from others, we can often feel hurt, defeated, isolated; something that we’ve put a lot of effort into, some real thought, invested a lot of ourselves into something, and then people criticize it all. How’s that feel? It’s tough isn’t it? I think sometimes it’s pretty direct, it’s focused, it’s veiled: 

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Thursday, October 17, 2019

GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY TWO


Contributing commentaries by Sonny Islas and James Fire

Studies by Ray Steadman: GENESIS 22: Life’s Hardest Trial 

GENESIS 22- 24 Karat FAITH by Sonny Islas

INTRODUCTION: GENESIS 22 is the high point of the Book of Genesis. Mainly because of this shocking and unforgettable narrative that clearly points to the future sacrifice of God’s only Son – Jesus. GENESIS 22 is also the high point of Abraham’s faith, love and relationship with Yahweh God. Abraham learned two great lessons,
Read more!

Monday, October 7, 2019

2 SAMUEL 7 – COVENANT KEEPER For The KING: ESTABLISHING The ETERNAL THRONE of DAVID By GOD’s PROMISE


Servant Leaders Conference at ETERNAL LIVING WORD (Now known as SHINE BRIGHT Church) on: Lessons from the life of King David - SEPT. '19

~ By James Fire

We are here to learn about David, the faithful shepherd boy, slayer of lions and bears; the youngest and therefore the least of seven brothers, the last one to be considered a king; who alone stood toe to toe with a giant and got him to ‘lose his head’; the only musician who could soothe the agitated state of the King’s spiritually dark gloom, the Psalmist who desired only one thing: that he would “dwell in the house of the LORD forever, to see the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple” (PSALM 27).

David: the warrior and champion of Israel unrivaled except perhaps by Joshua, successor to Moses. David, the man after GOD’s own heart, who when confronted on his sin, didn’t try to shift the blame as did Saul, but ‘fessed up and was restored to his fellowship with the LORD. The king, whose covenant GOD established and is keeping for this king and the coming King of Israel, Jesus Christ!
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Sunday, October 6, 2019

DO NOT DIMINISH A WORD - JEREMIAH 26:2-3

Servant Leaders Conference at ETERNAL LIVING WORD Church on: A Special Message - SEPT. '19

by pastor Sonny Islas 
For the full message as delivered by pastor Sonny, check out this Facebook video, recorded at SHINE BRIGHT Church (formerly ETERNAL LIVING WORD Church)!

JEREMIAH 26:2,3 says
Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah [in our own day, the church], which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word. Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil way that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings [staying true to God’s Word is mercy extended].

As I was reading the book of Jeremiah under a palm tree at my house (it's a very nice spot by the way!), there was a command of GOD that was made up of only five words that arrested my attention; five words the LORD gave to His prophet Jeremiah.

And when I read these five words, I couldn't seem to shake it off; where you just know for a fact that God is talking to you and you're wondering if this is something that the LORD is giving personally to you, or if it's something that He wants you to relay to His people. This is a special message only in that it doesn't have anything to do with David, necessarily - the theme for this conference was the latter life of King David.

It's more of an urgent call, to those who handle God's Word, for pastors, preachers and Bible teachers, to remain faithful to the entire Word of God! And that's the call of this ministry, to stay faithful to Jesus, stay faithful to His Word, no matter what!


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Friday, October 4, 2019

New Spirituality Directory of Authors Not Recommended



A Directory of Authors NOT RECOMMENDED
Written and Compiled by Chris Lawson


It is no secret these days that Christian bookstore and ministry resource databases are often jam-packed with so-called Christian resources that are actually promoting anything but biblical Christianity. Special care may be taken by bookstore owners and ministry leaders alike to ensure that ministry and business are “in order,” but, when a close look is taken, the sale of spiritually unsafe material abounds. This is the primary reason for these  lists—to help warn and protect you, the reader, and to provide a quick reference guide.

You should know that many of the authors listed here profess to follow or glean from “Jesus,” yet at the same time they assiduously reject the biblical Jesus Christ of Nazareth Who is Savior, Lord, and God. In fact, many of these authors teach the absolute antithesis (opposite) of the historic Christian faith. Books rife with New Age occult teachings and practices abound in many Christian bookstores, and many owners and managers are going to sell them, regardless.

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Monday, September 30, 2019

A STUDY on EIGHT BIBLICAL WORDS Regarding Salvation: Part 2

~ By James Fire

Rob Bell, a liberal (and former) pastor of Mars Hill church, and ‘the hero of heresies’ regarding the Bible and the Person of GOD, made the following statement:

Our words are not absolutes. Only God is absolute, and God has no intention of sharing this absoluteness with anything, especially words people have come up with to talk about him.” 

And this includes words we find in the Bible, Rob? Seems this man is trying to ‘rob’ us of biblical truth, right?
He claims GOD is absolute, so it’s impossible to convey truth about GOD through words “people have come up with to talk about GOD.” Well, does that include you Rob? If so, then just stop talking OK? The rest of us would appreciate it!

What about the very words of JESUS, GOD made flesh, that dwelled among us – He conveyed the truth about Who the Father is, what He is like, what His plans and objectives and desires are, with the words He spoke!
GOD created reality; the Bible contains words that also correspond to reality, words like sin, righteousness, truth, deception, holy, evil, salvation and condemnation. We know that these words contain truth about the reality we live in.

When we read words like All-powerful, and holy, All-knowing, Creator, Redeemer, etc. we understand that these words are attributable to GOD, and that through such words we can understand Who GOD is.
We continue to examine biblical words; Sonny did eight important words in his examination, so I also selected eight words and all of them have to do with salvation.
“Salvation” is a word that includes a wide range of blessings, gifts and ministering by the LORD Jesus to the repentant sinner, turned saint. This study is known as soteriology – the study of salvation. The Compelling Truth website has a very good article on soteriology; you can view it here (NOTE: TTUF doesn't necessarily agree with everything as taught by this ministry).

These eight biblical words, their definition, according to the NT Greek that the Bible was written in, and usage in Scripture are as follows: 1) Justification (2) Imputation (3) Sanctification (4) Glorification (5) Redemption (6) Atonement (compare w/ propitiation) (7) Glory and (8) Grace.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2019

A STUDY on EIGHT BIBLICAL WORDS - Part 1

~ by pastor Sonny Islas

Most words that we go over tonight are very basic but still serve as great reminders.
The first thing that we must realize and appreciate is that words and their meaning are a gift from God. Especially the words in the Bible.
I like to look at the B.I.B.L.E. (which means “book” by the way or: Biblical Instructions Before Leaving Earth). I like to look at the Bible as a huge treasure chest filled with diamonds (filled with words to reveal and describe the most important things on Earth and in Heaven – mainly God and His precious ways). For those of you who are more about flavor and taste, instead of beauty and value, the chest is filled with Skittles because you can’t eat diamonds.

You can watch this on Facebook video: DEFINING BIBLICAL WORDS Part One  https://www.facebook.com/ELWchurch/videos/413714839251059/
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019

10 GREAT REASONS TO GO TO CHURCH

Church attendance is not just a “good suggestion”; it is God’s will for believers. Hebrews 10:25 says we should “not neglect gathering together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Church is the place where believers can love one another (1 John 4:12), encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), “spur” one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), honor one another (Romans 12:10), and be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).

Jesus is the Cornerstone of the Church (1 Peter 2:6), and we are “like living stones . . . being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). As the building materials of God’s “spiritual house,” we naturally have a connection with one another, and that connection is evident every time the Church “goes to church.”

Listen as Pastor Sonny Islas expounds on just how important it is to gather together in God's house and be with His people.

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Obedience? Or Sacrifice?

Bobservations Column
by Pastor Bob Lawrenz


The Prophets of the Old Testament were set as Watchmen over the nation of Israel. The Watchmen over a city were always strategically placed to be able to see enemies approaching, and to sound the trumpet to alert the inhabitants of the city, and prepare to do battle. The Officers on board a military ship do the same: spotting a threat, the alarm sounds, and “Report to battle stations” echoes throughout the ship. Cities and ships all have Watchmen, and with the Prophets, they were told they were assigned as Watchmen over the nation of the Israelites.

Ezekiel 3:16-21 speaks of the gravity of the position of watchman; one that calls to arms, and an advanced warning system, all from God’s loving provision towards those that are His. 
"And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul."
The Prophet Samuel was sent to King Saul, to give direction concerning the Amalekites! (1 Samuel 15). Saul had disregarded the word of the Lord and failed obliterate and destroy all the descendants of Amalek, and their possessions. After his victory over the Amalekites, pride set in and he decided that a spoil of the Amalekites’ goods was in order. Saul saved the best of their flocks of sheep and oxen. And by failing to obliterate all memory of Amalek, some Amalekites escaped the judgment of God. Later on, it was an Amalekite that slayed Saul!

So by ignoring the warnings of God’s Watchmen over the nation, the King’s fate was set. It was only a matter of time before Saul’s judgment would come.

For the Church, Jesus said, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that, miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Cor. 12:28 and Eph. 4:11. Among others in the church, God has set prophets to warn, Watchmen to give His Word and to sound an alarm! Remember to heed to Word of the Lord, when the Prophets speak and prophesy.

“Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” -- 1 Samuel 15:22


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Sunday, September 22, 2019

GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY ONE


Contributing commentaries by Sonny Islas and James Fire

Studies by Ray Steadman: GENESIS 21 – Ishmael Must Go! 

GENESIS 21 – “The Birth of Isaac” by Sonny Islas

THE ULTIMATE PROMISE KEEPER 

Introduction: In verses 1, 2 Moses highlights the fact that our God is the God of His Word: i.e., “as He has said,” “a He has spoken,” and “at the set time of which God had spoken to him.’’ In just those two verses we read “God is faithful, faithful, faithful” – believable, trustworthy, and reliable. We’re going to park here on this point for a moment.

Here and in many other places in scripture we find that our God is the Ultimate Promise Keeper. He promised, He would never flood the earth again (GEN 9:13-16), He promised a son to Abraham and Sarah (GEN 15:4), He promised to give them the land of Canaan (GEN 15:7-9); He promised David he would be King (2 SAM 7). He promised to give Israel and Judah over to captivity (ISA 5:13); He promised to bring them back (JER 15:7). He promised to build His church (MATT 16:18), He promised to come back for His church as well (JOHN 14:1-3). He promised that Eve’s seed (Jesus) would crush the head of the serpent (GEN 3:15; Satan) and behold the Cross of Christ! Yahweh is “Faithful and True” – it’s His Name (REV 19:11). If He said it, He will do it!

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Saturday, August 31, 2019

ENNEAGRAM – A BENEFIT Or A BANE: A TTUF Investigation, PARTS I and II


PART ONE:

The LORD Jesus Christ in warning against false prophets told us that good trees don’t bear corrupt fruit; nor do corrupt trees bring forth good fruit. Obviously, false prophets are corrupt trees in this parable that cannot bring forth good fruit. And we are to discern (“judge”) such fruit as to its quality – either good or corrupt (MATT 7:15-20).

There are so many ‘fads’ (to put it mildly) and so-called ‘new (read that false) revelations’ (to put it bluntly) coming into the church, it’s a wonder that there are any vestiges of true Christianity to be found anywhere in churches today!
This article is an expose on this methodology and discipline known as the Enneagram. I came across a video on my Facebook newsfeed and being curious about it, viewed the presentation. Needless to say, I felt a need to address this as it’s quickly becoming a phenomenon, embraced by Roman Catholics, Emergent Church folk, Evangelicals who are adopting it as fervently as the more typical adherents of this discipline have done for centuries among mystics, New Spirituality seekers and Sufis as a tool for things ranging from a system to distinguish personality types and traits, to a means of obtaining spiritual transformation.
To get a basic idea of what this is, I quote from GOT QUESTIONS (Note: I provide a disclaimer here on this article regarding the potentially benign usefulness of the Enneagram as a method “to identify personality types”):

A QUESTION ABOUT The ENNEAGRAM

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Saturday, August 17, 2019

GENESIS – An Expositional Overview of the Beginning of God’s Revelation: Chapter TWENTY


Contributing commentaries by Sonny Islas and James Fire

Studies by Ray Steadman: Old Natures Never Die GEN 20  

GENESIS 20 – by James Fire

Introduction: Our walk with the LORD is a process, one step at a time – and at times it’s three steps forward and two steps back, or four steps forward and one step back. There are times when, after experiencing a victory over sin, that we re-visit the temptation and fall back into what we were delivered from previously.

We see this in the ‘repeat performance’ of Abraham in this chapter, and how he somewhat blundered it. But we also witness the grace and tender mercies of GOD, being patient with his – and our own – repeat performances in failing to resist sin and temptations.

GENESIS 20:1-18
 1 ¶ And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar.  2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, "She is my sister." And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.  3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, "Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man's wife."  4 But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, "Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also?  5 "Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she, even she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this."  6 And God said to him in a dream, "Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.  7 "Now therefore, restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours."  

8 ¶ So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid.
 9 And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done."  10 Then Abimelech said to Abraham, "What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?"  11 And Abraham said, "Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife.  12 "But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.  13 "And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, 'This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, "He is my brother."'"

 14 ¶ Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. 
 15 And Abimelech said, "See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you."  16 Then to Sarah he said, "Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody." Thus she was rebuked.  17 So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; 18 for the LORD had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

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