The Saddlebag Preacher

The Power Of Scripture And A Ring

2012-01-27T10:11:00.002-06:00

This Christmas, my wife gave me a ring as a gift. I’m not much of a jewelry person, but I have wanted one with a cross on it for some time now. When I received the ring, I noticed three words inscribed around the cross “JUSTICE MERCY HUMILITY” and the letters “MIC” on one side of the ring and the inscription “6:8” on the opposite. Lisa and I had not noticed this until we picked up the ring, as I had chosen it from several she showed me.

Intrigued, I realized the “MIC” stood for the book of Micah in the Old Testament, and “6:”8 but I thought I was unfamiliar with it, so I went to my bible to look it up. Much to my surprise, at some time during my bible studies over the years, I had highlighted and underlined that very verse. It reads “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

How amazing, that unknown to me, the one ring I chose would be bringing that question to my mind whenever I saw it or felt it’s weight on my finger. I never saw the inscription on it at the store, only when I finally received it and opened the box. So did I choose it or did the Holy Spirit? You think what you want, but I believe it was chosen for me, not by me.

Throughout my life I have seen the good and the bad in this world, the beautiful and the ugly, and for some time I allowed the bad experiences and the ugly sights to make up my mindset. But when I came to Christ, I began to realize this world is not the one God created, but the fallen world Genesis speaks about. A world that needs salvation to set things right with the Creator. Sin came into the world, but God allowed enough of the good to continue to exist for us to see it if we would just stop to look.

See, even though I’m no longer a public servant, I still serve the public. This time it’s not for a pay check. It’s because Jesus loved me enough to pay for me with His blood. Because He has shown me what is good, I need to know what God requires of me as His servant. It’s basically the same requirement as Jesus said, to love and treat others as you want for yourself and to love God with all your might and soul. My servitude is to tell others about what Christ did and the Gospel of His good news, to always treat everyone justly and mercifully (hence forgiveness) and to be humble to my Creator in all ways and all things.

Being a new creature in Christ, I know what is right and wrong, what is merciful and what isn’t, and I know that I can do nothing without Christ. Being human in a fallen world, sometimes I fail the tests set before me. But because they are tests, I can ask for forgiveness and learn from those failures. Isn’t that what tests are for, to see what we know or don’t know and are capable to do or not to do?

Tests show us our faults or lack of understanding so we can correct ourselves and move forward to the next set of instructions and tests. Where do we go for instruction? The Bible! Who is the author and instructor, God! Have I slept in class or not read my text book? Yes! Have I failed a test? Unfortunately many, but each is a learning experience and a message to go back to the Bible and find the answer.

It’s funny how God will work through many different ways to get our attention and test us. Was I given a ring as a test, or to remind me of something? It took me back to a verse I once thought important enough to mark, which once again does what it’s supposed to do, point me straight to Him.

What a wonderful gift a test can be!

Wipe The Slate Clean

2012-01-05T11:40:00.002-06:00

As we come into another New Tear, many once again are trying the News Years Resolution thing. Once again 90% will fail. Isn’t that the way it is when we try to become self righteous, instead of remembering Jesus paid the price, and Grace is given to us? We can’t save ourselves, no matter how hard we try, we will fail. We may resolute to never tell a lie again, gossip, pray every day, read our bible more, but if we could look back every December 31^st, we would see our failures time and time again.

That is the wonderful thing about God’s grace through Jesus, for when we confess our sins and failures, He promises to forgive and forget. as far as the east is from the west. But I have a question for you, is there someone you haven’t forgiven this New Year? Someone who has hurt you, or broke a promise, or otherwise trespassed against you?

This year, let’s just forget the resolutions and just forgive others fully, wiping the slate clean. Now would be a good time to just take a deep breath, and pray to God, thanking Him for His forgiveness and to release the burden of unforgiveness of others. Then just forgive those who He brings to mind and release them. Believe it or not, unforgiveness of someone holds YOU in bondage, not them.

Forgiveness in your heart will brighten your day, your outlook, as well as your Christian walk. It is also a command from God that we must obey. Mt 6:14 says “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will forgive you:”

And Mk 11:25 tells us “and when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses.”

Throughout the New Testament it is stressed many times that we must forgive others, because God has forgiven us. Not only is it obedience to God, but it will also help relieve the stress of being angry or hurt, which can be a blessing to our health. Stress causes many ulcers and health problems. What a blessing it would be to not have anything against anyone! Through Jesus Christ, that blessing can be obtained.

So this year, just make a resolution to forgive, release the bondages and holds that unforgiveness puts on you, and have a Happy and Inner Peaceful New Year!

The Savior Is Born

2012-01-05T11:39:00.002-06:00

Preachers will be preaching, singers will be singing and most of the world will be celebrating the birth of a child over two thousand years ago. A child who was born with a special mission, to finally give the human race a chance to overcome sin and the curse it brought to this world.

That child had to be a sacrifice once and for all, ending the animal sacrifices that were only a symbolic covering of our sin, to a sacrifice that would erase our sins and transgressions completely in God’s eyes.

But he could not be just any child. He had to be part of the Creator of all things Himself. He had to freely become fully man and fully God. He had to be born of a virgin fulfilling all prophesy. He had to grow and be an example of a sinless man. He had to teach the truth about God and His Kingdom. He had to heal, raise the dead, and do signs and wonders to show God’s power and glory. He still had to face rejection and persecution. Then He had to die the most horribly painful death imaginable.

This sounds more like a horror story than a glorious tale doesn’t it? But it isn’t a horror story, it is glorious because after being entombed for three days, that man was raised from the dead, the devil and sin defeated, mankind had someone to turn to and repent, returning to the relationship with God that was meant to be in the Garden of Eden. That Sacrificial Lamb was Jesus Christ! He is not just a story, He was, He is, and He will forever be real. God himself said every knee shall bow to Him, everyone must turn to Him if they wish to be saved. He has been given all authority in Heaven and Earth!

What material present could ever come close to the special gift God the Father gave to us, the gift of eternal life through His only begotten Son Jesus? Maybe the best gift you could give your family this season is to open your bible and read Luke’s account of the miracle story. God bless each of you this Christmas!

God and Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:44:00.002-06:00

I’m not trying to imitate Andy Rooney, but I have a question to ask. Have you ever really thought about Thanksgiving?

Oh sure, I know most of those who graduated school before 1985 have read or been taught about the first thanksgiving feast between the pilgrims and the Indians. Some with government studies under their belts can tell you the year and the president who signed in the day of observance. But have you REALLY thought about the meaning?

To most people today, the Thanksgiving Holiday means a big family meal, followed by a nap and football games. Then before everyone leaves, plans are made for the predawn Christmas shopping spree the next morning. Do you see God in there anywhere? Many don’t even say a blessing before the meal anymore.

Speaking plainly, without God, we have nothing. We need to give God thanks every day of our lives for what we have, for the trials and tribulations that strengthen us. Thanksgiving allows our spirits to soar the heavens, directly thanking our Creator for His graciousness, for every day is a gift from God.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 tells us ⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

There are no bragging rights on our successes or on the bounty set upon our tables. Paul said to be happy and content with all things God has allowed you to have, and count it all riches. Every one of us, no matter how poor we may think we are, are richer than someone else. The irony is, even a Donald Trump can take nothing to the grave with him, for even his soul belongs to the Lord.

The blessing is we have the opportunity to thank the One who loves us and provides for us, that allowed us to be born in a blessed country, and gave us Grace to become children in His Kingdom. Thank You my Lord and Savior Jesus for saving my soul, for I am richer than the richest king on earth!

Will God Send A Nahum?

2011-10-24T12:13:00.001-05:00

     A few weeks ago, I preached on the radio and in our pulpit about the prophet Jonah. There are so many sermons that can be given from the book named after him. There are lessons about Jonah himself, Nineveh, the ocean voyage, the sailors or the great fish. When I left Jonah, Nineveh had repented and Jonah was setting under a shriveled up bush pouting.

     What I didn’t preach on that day was that Jonah’s prophesy did come true! In the book of Nahum, which some say is the sequel to the book of Jonah, we see where God gave another prophet named Nahum a vision concerning Nineveh. Several decades after Jonah, the city’s fate was sealed. For a moment, let us go back in time to 713 B.C.
     Nineveh has returned to idolatry and wickedness. The Assyrians, repenting when Jonah had preached to them, have relapsed worse than their former state. They are plundering other nations and idolatry is rampant. It seems God has had enough of the debauchery and appears to the prophet in a vision: Na. 1:2a God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; and in verse 1:3a The Lord is slow to anger and great in power,
     God tells Nahum that He (God) will not acquit the wicked; He will take revenge against His enemies. The very mountains quake in His presence and the very earth burns in His presence! God has every right to be angry with the Assyrians and Nineveh. They had been warned before. They had repented and turned from their idols, their immorality, and their brutality. But those days are long gone.
     But inside the Assyrian empire, there are those who still worship the one true God. They have not turned to false gods and continue to put their faith in the Lord. To those who are in the midst of the coming storm God makes this promise in verse 1:7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust him. He continues on to warn the faithful that He is going to put an end to this rebellious empire. It is so unholy and against God, the He is giving a commandment that no more of their name will be sown and out of the houses of their gods, He will make their graves, they are so vile!
     God tells Judah to continue performing their solemn feasts, perform their vows, in other words, continue doing what the Lord has commanded them to do, keep faithful for He is going to utterly destroy the Assyrians. And God does just that!

     At the end of the book, God’s vision to Nahum says that there is no healing of their wound for it is critical, and all those that the Assyrians conquered and brutalized would now clap their hands over them. They have become an extinct nation.

Jump back to the present and look at the current countries that had turned to God, or were started with God on their lips.

     England, who the sun never set upon, who raised great churches and preachers and the translation called the King James Bible, now has fallen into moral and social decay. They are a mere shadow of what they once were.
     The United States was spawned by the quest for religious freedom, to serve God as they believed and fought for independence from the before mentioned England. Our country, whose very Declaration of Independence and Constitution extol the existence, blessings and glory of the Creator God, now turns its back on Him! Politicians decree Him unworthy of our public worship!
     God sent many preachers to this country, from the Pilgrims through the time of Spurgeon, Whitfield and Moody to Billy Sunday, Billy Graham and so many others of the twentieth century. But those voices are swiftly falling silent in a country that is following the lead of Europe, celebrating immorality, performing child sacrifice with abortions, turning to false idols and gods and shaking their fist at Heaven.
     God has been here in the past my friends. He sent His prophets and people before us, but we as a country inspired by the Almighty are going the way of many civilizations before us. I believe He sent many Jonahs to us, but we repented for only a little while. Will we be the next Assyrians? Will we, as a nation, give ourselves over to the spirit of Nineveh? Will we Christians remember that ….he knoweth them that trust him.?

     We need to pray every day my brothers and sisters, just as the faithful remnant did in Nineveh.

     God may be sending a Nahum………..

Why I Preach (A response to friends questions)

2011-09-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

There are times a preacher is asked, “Why do you preach? Do you really believe there is a God? And if there is, why is there so much pain and evil in the world? What makes you think you are right, and the other religions are wrong? After all, all roads lead to the same place anyway!”

The last question is the first reason I preach, because it is just a plain and simple false statement, and in a simpler time, a false statement was just called a lie! What has happened over time is the devil has replaced the millions of false idol statues seen in historical accounts of the Greeks, pharaohs and other societies. They have transformed in our “age of enlightenment” to become Universalist teachings or plain atheism. You see, even atheists have their own Universalist leanings, theirs just lead to
nothingness in death.

There are only two roads in life, one accepts Jesus Christ as a personal Savior and is transformed by the free gift of Grace to a new person in Christ, illuminated by the Truth. The other path is a path of sin and destruction, darkness and a death that does not lead to oblivion, but to judgment and eternal Punishment. My faith, my study of the bible and my common sense tells me there can be no other way.

I preach because I see the evidence of God all around me, not only in miracles I can attest to in my own life, but in the world around me, in the evidence of creation and a creator, and in a knowing that was placed in my heart many years ago, that I cannot rightly explain. Even in my worst days as a sinner, lusting after worldly things, I still knew there was a God, I just rebelled bitterly.

Finally, there are so many false preachers out there, as there have been for centuries, making a mockery of God’s Word and using it to fleece those seeking Him. Weather for personal financial gain, or for fame, it is all an abomination in the eyes of God, for it leads astray those souls looking for something to fill the void in their life.

The bible says in Proverbs 30:5,6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. And the Lord spells out the punishment to those teaching or speaking falsely, proclaiming a false doctrine of Prosperity and positive thinking. In Revelation 21:8 we are told But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

I preach not to only accuse the false teachers, but to help those who are succumbing to the fleshly promises preached by these so called “prophets”. I preach, not because I am “holier than thou” or better than you, I preach because at one time I was most likely worse than you. I was pretty close to Paul in the category of “chief sinner”. Most assuredly, if the abomination or sin is listed in the bible, I am guilty and deserve judgment and punishment. I deserve the wrath of a just God; I expect nothing less than His righteous punishment for my sins and transgressions. But thankfully, He loved me enough to put the price of that sin on another’s back, His only begotten Son, and the debt was paid! By His Grace, we are healed of our unholiness and filthiness, given to the way to once again come before his presence sinless and justified, just as Adam and Eve were in the garden, before the fall.

I preach because I am compelled, because I am thankful, because I love, because I hurt for the lost sheep, because God is Just, because I have seen the light and because I am His. I am the embodiment of Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. I preach because I am humbled in His presence.

If you ever begin to question your faith from the bombardment of the worldly views, just remember there are only two true religions in this world, the religion of “I” or the religion of the cross. All the others point to the person and what he can do to achieve salvation or Heaven, only true Christianity points to Jesus and the sacrifice of the cross that has already been done, if we would only receive Him.

Now you know why I preach, because I love Jesus because He first loved me, and I can’t idly sit by while others are led astray. If only one is led to Jesus, it is all worthwhile. God Bless.

I Don’t Want To Go Through The Motions

2011-07-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

There is a song on contemporary Christian radio stations by Matthew West called “The Motions”. The singer is making a case to Jesus ( I assume, he never actually uses the Name) that he isn’t feeling whatever a true Christian feels and he’s making the statement he doesn’t want to go through his whole life wondering “what if I had given everything, instead of going through the motions?”

I fear there are many people today that are looking for a feeling as evidence that they are saved. There is such a drought of truth concerning what salvation is and what the evidence that one is saved, that today, as in times past, people might be mislead all the way to hell if some of us don’t speak up.

The truth is, none of us can earn, buy, work or give up anything to achieve salvation. You cannot save yourself! Those that teach these things are false teachers and are aiding the enemy. In fact, Paul clearly said in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;”.

It took God’s plan, allowing Jesus Christ to become fully God in fully human form to become the sacrifice. We can do nothing, only Christ. Only through Him can we be “Just As If I Haven’t Sinned”, that’s what justification means. By his blood we are washed clean of the impurity of sin each of us was born into.

Dear reader, be careful about feelings when it comes to your Christian walk. As our pastor states many times, people get more emotional at sports events than they do in church! You will feel joy and happiness, but not all the time. We should not judge ourselves or others about how “UP” we feel. I don’t think many Christians in third world countries feel “up” just before their head is lopped off. But I do feel God may give them peace, in the knowledge that they have eternal life waiting on the other side.

We must be careful not to just “go through the motion” of being a Christian either. God gives us guidelines as to what to look for. Do we bear good fruit? Do we love our neighbors? Are we truly repentant of our sins? Do we really put our trust in Jesus Christ and have faith the size of a mustard seed? Do we really, honestly and truly love Jesus, not just because he died on a cross, but because He first loved us? I don’t see a rule that says we must be feeling a certain way all the time.

The truth is, we are still human, and we know that if we are Christians, Satan will attack us every chance he gets. So at times we will be sad, angry, joyful, peaceful, uptight and on and on. We should never give a false appearance by just “going through the motions” and trying to act in a way we don’t feel.

Let me put it this way, how can your fellow brothers and sisters know if you need help, whether spiritually or otherwise, if you appear like it’s all rainbows and sunshine, when clouds and rain have moved in?

What would your testimony say if you put on a false face because you think it is a “Christian” face, but your family knew there was something wrong? Remember the One we put our faith in laughed, wept, became angry, felt compassion, hurt, felt joy and hungered. We must remember our Lord gave us the ultimate example on truthfulness, including our emotions and feelings.

So, in closing, what I’m trying to say is that intentionally “just going through the motions” may be the same as false witness. Our best true witness is to let others know that yes, we still live in the world and experience many of the same things non-Christians do, the difference is we have Jesus to look to for peace. We may feel sad, angry, happy or nothing at any given time, but we have Jesus all the time.

If you have turned your life over to Jesus, truly repented of your sins and walk in the faith of His promise that He is the way, the truth and the life, then my friend you are saved. The Holy Spirit will put your spirit at ease. Assurance of salvation is not dependant on feelings, but of knowing!

If you don’t know what it means to be “SAVED”, or to be “Born Again”, or you want to know what it takes to receive salvation, please turn to the back of this newsletter and read SALVATION. In His own words, Jesus said in John 3: 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Lean On Me!

2011-06-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

There is a song that I’ve sung in our church that has become a request when someone is troubled, sick or spiritually drained. That song is the old seventies hit “Lean on Me”.

I’ve always loved that song, long before I was a Christian, but never associated it with Christianity. In fact, I was self conscience when I felt the tug to learn it so I could perform it in front of a congregation! I knew of the above verse and felt I should be telling others to forget about yourself and only trust and lean on Christ. It’s clear the above verse is saying to lean on God (Christ), so isn’t it wrong to tell someone to lean on me when they need help? Well, I felt the Holy Spirit impress upon me that if He lives in all Christians, Jesus dwells in us, and the Spiritual Kingdom of God resides in us, then we should expect people to lean on us!

Our life may be the only bible someone will ever see; Christ’s example through us might be the tipping point in one accepting Christ. Others might be curiously drawn to you for answers. So it is OK, when people are hurting or lost, to tell them they can lean on you, they can trust you and believe you speak the truth. Why? Because you have Christ Jesus in your heart! Then you can use your testimony and the Gospel to bring them to Christ. Remember, we need an open door to get into a broken house!

Ephesians 6:20 states For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. An ambassador is a representative for a country and the ambassador speaks for his country in official matters and negotiations. We, as ambassadors of Christ, represent Him and the Kingdom of God in this world. We have the authority to represent Jesus to those in need, because He is in our hearts.

Jesus said if we fed the poor, visited the prisoners and tended to the sick, we have done it also to Him. So we Christians should be telling our family, friends, neighbors and communities then can lean on us when times look bleak or they hurt. It should go beyond helping in disasters; it should begin with just a neighborly question such as “How are you?”

I always ended our old radio program with “Now go and be a good witness for Christ”. How much more will Jesus use us, making us a good witness if we would only be open to allowing someone to lean on us, so we can point them to the One who truly will give them the ultimate help, salvation!

Timothy 6:12,13 tells us Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

Sometimes we need to get the mud out of our heads and open ourselves up to God’s direction. Because I was afraid I was putting myself before Jesus, I was concerned about singing that song. That was until I knew it was the Lord’s will, because He showed me that He expects me to be a leaning post for others. Giving myself is what helps devour the flesh and causes me to lean on HIM more for strength and understanding. So “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on….” because I have someone I want you to meet!

Raining on the Just and the Unjust

2011-05-26T19:07:00.000-05:00

… for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45(b)

The month of April has broken records for rainfall in our state. We have been under flood warnings almost non-stop and taking cover from thunderstorm and tornados. And, as I write this article, the rain continues to pour down.

The above verse is often used by preachers to answer the question that often arises, “Why does it seem God allows some bad people have the better things in life?” For as farmers or gardeners know, rain is needed to grow the food needed by our bodies. Many times we use this verse replacing the word rain for blessings. Jesus was using this analogy to answer the same question to His disciples. But let’s look at the verse in another way.

There are many disasters taking place in the world. This is nothing new, as natural disasters have occurred since the fall of Eden. But we may notice an increase in the frequency of these events. Are these the signs of birth pangs announcing the return of Christ? Only the Father Himself knows for sure, but the question arises as to why Christians must suffer also. Looking at Matthew 5:45, it would seem to answer that question also; Christians are not excused from the trials and tribulations of this world we live in.

Where else would we expect to be an example of Christ than in adversity? It’s too easy to praise and worship the Lord, lifting Him up when all is great, but do we pass the test when things are going wrong? Do we practice sacrifice and hardship to aid our fellow man during the storm, or do we focus only on ourselves? Do we have a pity party and complain to God, why me? Do we expect God to excuse us just because “we are His”?

Maybe the operating phrase to remember is the above line “we are His”. Jesus went through more than any of us ever will, because “Jesus was His”. Why would we think we get a free pass from the storms of life? We are to spread the Gospel, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, and we are to help the poor and the downtrodden. How are we to do all these things without being in the trenches with them? The simple answer is we can’t.

Maybe we should step back, surrender ourselves to the moment and let God be God. He knows what His plan is. He knows what the outcome will be. He knows what He wants His people to do. What could God want us to do in the middle of a flood, earthquake or tsunami? The same thing we should do when times are good, point to Jesus Christ!

Isn’t our outcome guaranteed by the Blood of Christ? Do we rest in the knowledge that we have an eternal home waiting for us in heaven with Him? Do we acknowledge that by God’s Grace we are made whole and righteous, worthy to have a relationship with Christ? If the answer is yes, then we have to be where the battle is, where the work is needed, where we can show the love of Christ to a lost world!

Just as a an army medic must come under fire, or be injured himself, to save the life of a fallen soldier, so we too must bear the hardship, disasters and flaming arrows to bring the lost souls to Jesus Christ to be saved. That is our job, our commission, given to us in Matthew 28:19, 20; a commission given by the One who has all authority in Heaven and Earth, given to Him by the Father.

Dear reader, I too have become tired of too much rain, which is the human, fleshly side of me. But I also know that there is always sunshine and rainbows afterwards, which are the spiritual promises of God. What little we bear now is nothing to compare to the days when an Ark was required! Why, we have just experienced a drought a short time ago and were complaining about that! Maybe we should ask the Lord what His will is for us during these times of extremes. How can we serve Him better? How can we express His love through us to others? What are the lessons He wishes for us to learn.

I truly believe once we see why it rains on the just and unjust, why the sun rises on the evil and the good, and the lesson Jesus was conveying, we will understand the sovereignty of Almighty God and His rule over His creation.

What lesson does God have for your understanding in the rain and floods of your life? I’m sure it is different for each of us, but pointing to the same result, that as Paul said, we preach Christ crucified and God glorified and love our neighbor. God bless the rain!

It’s About A Resurrected Savior!

2011-04-10T16:54:00.002-05:00

Did you hear about the chocolate shortage this year? Many news channels have reported that the chocolate bunnies will cost 140% more than last year. The reports are Easter celebrations may be cut back and lower income families will be hurt in the pocketbook, the cost being too prohibitive. Will the children suffer if the reason for the celebration becomes too pricey?

WAIT…WHAT?!? Since when did the Hershey Company become the spokesperson for the Easter Season? When did more people begin to believe bunnies and candy was what Easter is about than the true celebration of a Risen Jesus? Has Easter gone the way of Christmas?

I know many Christians with children do the easter bunny thing, and it’s OK with me personally, as long as the real reason is explained.

As a child, (back in the stone age) my parents didn’t attend church regularly. But on Easter Sunday Morning, my grandmother would take me to church. I knew the day was about Jesus rising from the tomb. In fact, I don’t know of any children in my town and my age, church going or not, that didn’t know the religious reason for the day. We just thought the Easter Bunny was happy himself and gave out baskets in celebration!

We, the church, must remind the world that our celebration of Easter is about a Savior who came to earth as a sacrificial Lamb for our sins, was crucified and was raised on the third day. We must take nothing for granted, or be silent for political correctness sake. We must speak the truth for their soul’s sake!

The news said “the cost may be prohibitive”. Funny, I don’t remember reading where God said “the cost may be prohibitive” when it was determined Jesus would be the sacrifice for our sins! I thank God he never doubted I was worth the cost, because He loves me that much! He said YOU are worth it also. Do you know someone who doesn’t know what Easter is about? Love them enough to witness to them.

It’s Time to Gather My Sheep

2011-03-02T11:44:00.001-06:00

Bro. Bob Cordell gave a sermon recently about gathering the lost sheep. He set a lightning bolt through my spirit. Five years ago I began feeling a strong impression that God was speaking this selfsame command to me with an urgency that cannot be explained except by the Holy Spirit. It’s time to gather my sheep” has been in my thoughts ever since.

At first I tried to tell every preacher I came in contact with, but it seemed I was just smiled at and with a hand shake was dismissed as the baby Christian I was. So over time, I began to tone back my vocal concern and suppress the urge to speak out about the message I was sure God had given me.

Many times I have been asked to preach, and many times that message came to the forefront in my study for the sermon, but I would again and again smooth over or even omit mentioning His message burned so deeply on my heart. Why, you might ask, would I not say what was on my heart? Fear! Fear I allowed the devil to use against me. Fear that fellow Christians wouldn’t accept my preaching or become angry with me. See I took my eyes off God and placed them on me. It’s not about me; it’s about the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ.

The message given to wandering Christians will cut their hearts, convict their spirits and can cause them to lash out at the one giving the message, instead of seeing Jesus calling them back through repentance and humbleness because He loves them.

Ezekiel 34:6 says “My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” Take the time to read the whole chapter and notice the warnings to the shepherds. I believe God was speaking through time not only to the Israelites, but to His church also.

When a lamb continues to wander off, not obeying to the shepherds call, the shepherd will break one of the little lamb’s legs. Painful, yes, but for its own good, for a wandering lamb is a prime target for hungry wolves. Then the shepherd will splint and bind the leg and place that lamb on his shoulders and carry it for weeks until it heals. By that time, the lamb not only depends on the shepherd, but knows his voice and obeys. Jesus will do the same to His sheep who wander. It is for their good also.

Hungry wolves are gathering more than ever against Jesus’ church and people. More and more of His sheep are being led to the slaughter by the world or false teachers promising worldly treasures and pleasures, forsaking Heavenly things. Preachers are going to have to step up and break some legs, or explain to the congregations why their legs are broken and the only alternative left to them is to depend on Jesus to carry them. Hurt feelings or not, it is their souls at stake.

We are fortunate to have a good Pastor who cares about the truth more than hurt feelings, but I see many looking at their pulpit as a means of making a living instead of a means to lead the flock down that straight and narrow path.

“Woe to you scribes and Pharisees!” Jesus warned them when he was here on earth, he still warns them today. The fear of the judgment seems to be waning as the devil deceives more and more with lies and deceits, but dear reader the Judgment is drawing closer and closer. The message is urgent, Jesus is returning for his sheep, Christians MUST be ready!

“It is time to gather My Sheep!” Do you know and can you hear the Shepherd’s voice calling you?

Or are you wandering and need your leg broken?

Are you fishing?

2011-03-02T11:41:00.000-06:00

· God commands us to be fishers of men. But today, it seems, those fish are being covered over with the mud of false doctrines and false teachings. The only way to drag these fish from the mud is to speak the truth by offering the living waters of God’s Holy Word. True salvation comes through Jesus Christ and the sacrifice on the cross. We need to speak plainly and boldly. Will you join the fishing fleet before those fishes become fossilized under the pressure of Satan’s lies and worldly doctrines? Grace is the reel holding the line of salvation drawing the lost to the safety net of our Lord Jesus.

Old Fashioned Bible Preaching

2011-02-09T12:29:00.000-06:00

I have titled this month’s column as I have because I see a spiritual hunger for the straight truth of God’s word. There are more young people today that are turning pro-life because they suddenly realize they could have been aborted since it is now so easy. They have given themselves a generational name. They call themselves “Survivors”. They believe the Baby Boomers and Generation X let many of them down by aborting so many of them. And they are right!

Old fashioned preaching would have thumped the alter against it; old fashioned bible preaching would have called it the sin of murder that it is. But many were silent, more afraid of their tax exempt status being taken away than the unborn children crying out from the womb.

We, as a selfish generation, owe so many an apology, as Christians, many of us need to get on our face before God and repent and ask for forgiveness, for many Christians compromised their message by remaining silent.

This is the month we celebrate “LOVE”. Maybe we should show true Christ like love by standing up for the one we love, Jesus Christ, and pray for the protection of the innocents. What better Valentine gift could you give than to be someone who is a prayer warrior for the children?

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee………..

Jeremiah 1:5a.b

New Year, New Life

2011-01-09T17:03:00.000-06:00

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The year of our Lord Two Thousand and Eleven will be your year whether you wish it to be or not. The Lord Jesus calls each of us to repentance and fellowship with Him, but every day there are those who reject the call for reasons they will regret later. There were only two real questions that mattered in 2010. Did you accept Christ as your Savior or did you reject Him? You may have said you’d wait until this New Year when you were ready to settle down or whatever excuse you gave. The excuse doesn’t matter, the only thing that matters is did you or didn’t you?

The bible is a wonderful book of truths concerning God’s love and patience, blessings and bounty, justice and righteousness. The bible also shows us God does not change. He can be an angry God passing judgment and retribution to those who disobey Him. The bible says it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. So please do not believe the false message that no loving God would send someone to hell. The truth is, no loving God would promise salvation to those who repent and accept His only begotten Son as their Savior, and then let those who disobey him acceptance into Heaven also.

There has been accountability ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God. There has been a punishment for sin beginning with the banishment from the Garden of Eden. There continues to be punishment for sin today, God has not changed. So the question really has to do with you, have you changed? Have you accepted the call God has put on your life?

If you have never accepted Christ as your Lord, then you cannot go to heaven, it’s as simple and as plain as that. If you’re not assured a life in heaven, then you are doomed to hell for eternity.

Jesus cannot lie; therefore it is absolute truth when He said in John 3:3… Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Born again, repentance, believing Christ died for your sins, accepting Him, becoming a new man (or woman), that is the new birth He was talking about.

This new year, if you don’t obey His calling then you’re rejecting it. Anyone that thinks about it, about God’s love in sending Jesus to die on a cross for us, will know in their heart the truth in that statement! And…if you’re thinking about it, He’s calling you!

Yes, Dear Reader, God is calling you to have a relationship with Him as your Heavenly Father. He calls all to repentance, He wants no one to be condemned, but that is your decision to accept Jesus’ free offer of Grace. He won’t force you, he’ll just call you, but one day, that calling may be withdrawn. Then your “heart will be hardened” just as Pharaoh’s was.

This will be your year. This will be the year you accept Jesus and eternal life, or the year you reject the offer and walk away. But be forewarned, judgment is coming. The next question is, will this be your year standing before the Throne of Judgment also?

The Gifts God Gives

2010-12-18T10:32:00.000-06:00

     I am setting down this month to write my column and my heart is both joyful and heavy. Joyful because God has given me so many gifts in my life and I cannot thank Him enough. Heavy because sometimes one doesn’t realize the gift that you had until it’s gone.

     I lost a friend this week, a friend that was closer to me than I ever realized. He always wanted to go four wheeling with me, hunting with me and always greeted me with love and affection. He was a terrible hunter though and was too big to ride double with me on the ATV, so he’d just follow along, the same as he would when I took the horse out for a ride.
     He was as good a friend as you could ever want, but most times I just took him for granted, even fussing at him for being in the way. Whenever friends or family came over, there he was, in the middle of everyone and everything, playing with the kids or trying to be the center of attention.
     We were friends, buddies and pals for almost twelve years, but he seldom was in my house. He preferred to be outside, no matter the weather and I worried about him many a winter night, although he did have a house of his own and would go into if he was cold enough.
     He thought the world of my wife Lisa also, greeting her at her car door whenever she came home from work, and sit with her on the porch, both watching me do yard work from the shade.
     Every Christmas there is an ornament on the tree with his name, and on Mother’s Day he would give Lisa a card, even though she insisted she was not his mother!
     My friend was my black Labrador retriever. He was given to me by my sister when he had just been weaned. At the time I fussed, not knowing what to do with him because I didn’t want a dog at the time. Lisa and I had just gotten married and still lived in a garage apartment in West Point and had just bought the property here in Dyer, or shall I say a cow pasture. I had enough on my plate, building a home here without a puppy that wasn’t even house broke!
    But because we couldn’t talk my sister out of giving him to us (but look how cute he is!), we kept him. So, if he was going to stay with me, he had to have a good name. Being a western history buff, I officially named him General George Armstrong Custer! But we called him “Custer” for short. It seemed strange coincidence when we found out our mailing address wasn’t Dyer, but Custer, Kentucky. Maybe God knew something I didn’t.

     As dogs and humans do, he became old and developed emphysema and arthritis. He slowed in body, but not in spirit, always wanting to go to the woods with me, but now I was waiting for him to catch up. Lisa started affectionately calling him “Old Man”, and I did too. I also started getting her ready for the possibility his time was coming to leave us. Unbeknown to me, I hadn’t prepared myself.
     On Monday morning he wasn’t around. I went looking for him and found him in an adjoining field, unable to get his back legs under him. He looked like he’d had a stroke. I had to pick his eighty plus pound body up and carry him home. It was the hardest and last ride we took together. If you’ve ever seen “Old Yeller”, you know what had to be done. I have never had such a hard thing to do, nor do I ever want to again, but I couldn’t bear to see him in such pain.
     I know God has a lesson in every heartache we experience in life. Just recently by life was torn with the near loss of my wife. It seems to me the lessons are to treasure all those gifts God gives, no matter how great or small they seem. Someday that gift may be gone before we realize what a true gift it was.
     My friend is buried in our back yard now; he was and will always be part of this property and our home. My sister and God gave me a great friend and Christmas gift for twelve years and I thank her and give God all the praise and glory for my time with my dog and buddy.
     So long old pal you’ll be missed this Christmas, but I know God put you here for the lesson you taught me, unconditional love.

     Merry Christmas to all my Christian Brothers and Sisters and may you enjoy your gifts great and small this season!

Am I Thankful?

2010-10-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

In response to the above question; you know I am!

After the events of the last couple of months with the illness of my wife, I’ve felt the strain. Not only her situation, but the loss of a next door neighbor who was also a member of our church, and the constant prayers for the pastor and his wife, friends, family and neighbors have pulled me spiritually and physically down. But I know that with Christ, I can do all things, even if it’s just asking God for a few more minutes of His uplifting hands.

I’ve been in so much constant conversation with the Lord; I get guilty thinking I haven’t taken the time to pray, forgetting I haven’t stopped talking to Him these last few weeks. It’s amazing, but not unexpected, how the devil will still try to make you feel unworthy of God’s attention, when you’ve had His attention all the time!

Sometimes I find I’m not thankful enough for all the blessings in my life. Before I knew better, I thought being blessed was the amount of STUFF one had, and having plenty of money in ones pocket showed you were REALLY blessed! Come to think of it, many Christians think that today, thanks to the false prosperity preachers. But now, I find I wish I didn’t have most of this stuff piling up in the house and barn. Stuff I thought I HAD to have years ago is now just in the way.

What I’ve found, through God revealing Himself, is the blessings in life are wrapped around fellowshipping and worshipping Him. Praying with my wife and having her by my side through thick and thin is my blessing. Having a wonderful and caring church family is my blessing. Having loving family members is another blessing. Being content with trusting God God to know what’s best for me is a blessing. To know I can turn to God during my times of trials, weakness, tears and misunderstandings and He will always be there for me is my greatest blessing.

Am I thankful? You bet I am. I’m thankful that He would come down here as Jesus Christ the Savior and save a wretch like me. I am thankful for the most important thing in my life, my relationship with my Lord, Savior and King Jesus.

Isn’t it great when you finally see how you are truly blessed and what to be truly thankful for?

Matthew 6: 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

PSALM 30: 12TO THE END THAT MY GLORY MAY SING PRAISE TO THEE, AND NOT BE SILENT. O LORD MY GOD, I WILL GIVE THANKS UNTO THEE FOR EVER

PSALM 35: 18I WILL GIVE THEE THANKS IN THE GREAT CONGREGATION: I WILL PRAISE THEE AMONG MUCH PEOPLE.

I've been away for a while..

2010-10-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry for the lack of updates, but due to a serious illness with my wife, I had to take care of her. But, thanks to the prayers of many devoute Christians, the Lord has seen to make her bettert and back on her feet. I thank all those who prayed for her at her time of illness, and all the prayers for me. I will post a new update today.

God Bless You,
Terry

In Christ Alone

2010-08-27T16:57:00.000-05:00

     If we proclaim to be Christians, then we are compelled to believe in only one truth, one way to a relationship to our God and one way to Heaven. That way is through Jesus Christ alone. Jesus Himself proclaims in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Unless you believe this, then you believe in something other than Christianity.
     You may warm a pew in a church every Sunday, you may tithe, memorize bible verses, sing in the choir and fish with the Pastor, but if you believe there are many ways to Heaven, then you aren’t a Christian. Being born to Christian parents no more makes one a Christian than sleeping in a barn every night makes one a horse. Believing Christ died as a Holy Lamb for your sins, repenting from and asking for forgiveness of sin and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior guarantees you an invitation to the wedding supper with the Bridegroom, there is NO other way.
     I am being direct this month because I see the devil deceiving so many into new age thinking, humanistic beliefs and the anti-Christ religions luring our newer or weaker Brothers and Sisters into false compromises under the guise of political correctness or “being more open minded”.
     If Christ is not taught as the only and final sacrifice by the shedding of blood for our sins, is God made flesh who dwelt among us and defeated death by rising from the grave on the third day and has now ascended to Heaven and sitting at the right hand throne of God interceding for us, then it is a false and anti-Christ religion.
     Guard your heart and your Christianity dear reader and remain faithful; I believe the spiritual warfare has only increased in intensity.

Let’s Go Fishing!

2010-08-06T13:27:00.000-05:00

When Lisa and I moved to Dyer eleven years ago, we owned a pontoon boat because I loved to fish. At one time my family owned a water front cabin on Rough River and days off or vacations found me at my “home” away from home on the water fishing, swimming or just boat riding. After my dad developed Parkinson’s disease, the family decided to sell it.

Moving to Breckinridge County, I told myself I could go fishing anytime I wanted and still sleep in my own bed every night. WRONG! My daily drive to work in New Albany, Indiana and my schedule caused me to leave home before daylight and return home at sunset. Weekends saw me mowing and doing chores I couldn’t do during the week. I moved the boat just to mow under it, never seeing Rough River. After a couple of years of this, I decided to sell our little used boat to pay off some bills and after being brought up by my dad to hunt and fish, my fishing days pretty much ended.

Fast forward to present time and now I fish for the Lord. I don’t need a boat or water, but just like catching real fish, I need to know how to do it, when is the best time to present the gospel, when do I set the hook, even where do I cast ?

There are days when you know the fish won’t bite. There are areas where there aren’t any, but you learn these things over time and under the direction of someone who knows. Looking back, I needed my dad to teach me the what, when, where and how of being a successful fisherman. I also need Jesus to teach me these same skills if I’m going to be successful in explaining the salvation Christ offers to those who turn to Him.

The bible is the instruction book and the Holy Spirit is the one who draws you to someone. Rejection will be the norm, just as a fish may reject your lure on any given day. It is up to the fish if it wants to bite your lure, and it is the person’s free will to accept or reject the Gospel. Only God knows why you were prompted to speak to a particular person, it is only ours to obey His Great Commission. We plant the seed and we may see the result or we may not. It is not important how many we have on our stringer, to use a fishing term. It is only important to cast our line into the sea of lost souls and let the Holy Spirit draw who He may.

There will be times when you get discouraged, but, just as in fishing, the time you decide to reel in your line to go home, the big one bites! God tells us the harvest is much, but the workers are few. We are to be fishers of men and there is a lot of water before us. But, unlike fishing for fish and coming home empty handed, we are never “skunked”. As long as we are in God’s will, it is a good day to fish and God’s word comforts us by letting us know Jesus’ words as we enter heaven; Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. I’m glad to be fishing for my Lord.

By the way, after 8 years, I have also dusted off my rods again!.

Do You Celebrate an INNER-Dependence Day?

2010-07-02T16:02:00.001-05:00

I hear people use the excuse for rejecting Christ and salvation as being too restrictive. After all, there are all those “Thou shalt nots!”

Yes, it is true there are commandments we are to follow, they are the basic tenants to just being a good neighbor, family member, and member of society. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is pretty basic, but covers all trespasses, both spiritually and socially. It covers everything from hurting another’s feelings to crime.

Becoming a Christian also leads one to a dependence on God. We learn, through trials and blessings, to lean on the eternal grace and strength of God. We also must accept His son Jesus Christ as the only path to righteousness back to the Father. But we have the freedom to reject it all, but at a terrible price, for there is a punishment for every transgression, just as there is a punishment in life for rejecting your earthly parents. Reject your earthly father or mother and the result is separation and hurt in the long run. Separation from God results in an eternal separation. That separation is called Hell.

Read about hell in the bible, see where our idea of fleshly freedom leads to eternal bondage!

There is a freedom one cannot express when one gives their life to Christ, a freedom and joy that surpasses all understanding, a freedom derived from knowing you have eternal life through Him in heaven forever! Happy Inner-Dependence Day!

The Father in Heaven

2010-06-13T16:04:00.001-05:00

Those of us whose father has passed sometimes treat the Father’s Day celebration as more of a memorial day than a day of thankfulness for the sacrifices they made. Though our earthly father may be gone, we still have a watchful and caring Father in Heaven.

Have you ever really paid attention to the Lord’s Prayer as Jesus taught us? In Matthew 6:19, Jesus starts the prayer “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..” He doesn’t say pray to MY Father in heaven, He says to pray to OUR Father in Heaven! Jesus wanted us to know we can look to God as a Father as well as our Creator and Lord.

You might ask, “He is in Heaven, I’m down here, who will take care of me in my time of need?” In Matthew 7:11 we are told “If ye, then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father in heaven give good things that ask him.” In Psalm 68:5 God is described as “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.”

God is there if you miss your father. He understands the hurt that empty chair may bring or that missing feeling when you look at a photograph. He knows loss; He lost a Son for a short time on a cross. He knows your pain. But if you lay that pain at the foot of that cross and give it to Jesus, the peace will come.

For those who are celebrating with their earthly father this year, praise the Lord for another year with them! Remember God places high regard on parents and even gives us a commandment with a blessing attached! Exodus 20:12 states “Honour they father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

And here’s to the stepfathers who all too often love just as strongly and provide just as well as the missing parent, but never seem to get the credit they deserve, remember Jesus had a stepdad who loved Him also.

God Bless all the fathers this year as we honor them for helping mold us into who we are, and thank you God for those who have been taken home, their job done. Amen

Here is a Bro. Beauregard Message from June '07

2010-05-31T17:12:00.000-05:00

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ; we are never satisfied. We complain of cold, then complain it is too hot for the season. Then in April we saw the effects of a late freeze and complained. Now we complain of the heat and insects. We have not learned anymore than the children of Israel did after their exodus from Egypt. The Lord blesses us daily, but we allow Satan to only remind us of when we are a little uncomfortable. Did you ever think the Lord might allow the discomfort; to see if you will keep your eye on him, thanking Him and praising Him for all He has done for you?

Numbers 11:1 “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

Sometimes the fire is literal, sometimes the fire is spiritual, and sometimes it is a physical condition. Have you ever known someone who complained all the time, was never happy, and brought the mood of those down with them? They seem to relish the fact that THEY are miserable, and so should everyone else be miserable. When you find yourself in this condition, or among those who are bringing you down, there is hope! For Verse 2 tells us “And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire of the Lord was quenched.”

Once again, pray to God, tell him everything, confess everything, repent and pray for others. A few minutes on your knees will extinguish a lifetime of fire.

Peace be with you, Brother Beauregard

Jesus had a mother

2010-05-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

We Protestants hear very little about Jesus’ mother unless we are hearing a Christmas sermon or a sermon about Him turning the water into wine. While these two stories are certainly important in our understanding of the life of our Savior, a little reflection on Mary seems appropriate this time of year. While we do not hold Mary as divine or an intercessor; we seem to shy away from looking at what the bible tells us about her. Let’s look at what happened to her in her life.

As a girl of about 14 or so, she was visited by an angel: scary! Then she is told she will bear the Messiah, conceived without a husband: scandalous! Thankfully, with that same angel’s help, her betrothed accepts the situation: sigh of relief! Then, almost ready to bear her son, she is told the government says she has to take a trip, on an ass no less, and ends up giving birth in a stable: sense of humor running a little thin? But then some shepherds come to see your newborn because that same angel spoke to them also: not looking her best!

Soon after three magi appear at your door bearing gifts: things are looking up! But they warn them to leave immediately as the king wants the baby dead: spoils the moment doesn’t it? They relocate in Egypt: HOT!

Twelve years later, while on a trip, she thinks Jesus is with friends in the caravan. She suddenly finds He is missing: “ATTENTION Kmart shoppers, we have a lost little boy here”! She finds Him teaching some adults a thing or two: don’t they all. When she expresses her worry about Him being gone, He asks her questions: see the big doe eyes here?

A few years down the road, and now a widowed single parent raising more children, she and Jesus are invited to a wedding feast: finally, a break from housework! But during the party, the wine runs out. Knowing her son’s secret, she asks Jesus for a little help for the embarrassed groom: a mother’s work is never done! With this first miracle, Jesus’ ministry starts: “He never calls”.

With Jesus on the road so much, she starts to follow Him: aren’t mothers always the biggest fans? She sees attendance to his sermons reach into the thousands: “That’s my boy, just like His Father”!

After some time, she begins to learn the authorities are after him. She becomes concerned. Then comes the night He is arrested. She sees her boy lied about, spit upon, beaten and scourged. Those who proclaimed to love Him abandon Him. Her heart is in agony, broken to a thousand pieces. She had heard the scriptures, but she never realized how many told of this moment also. All she can see is her child in pain and agony. As one of His disciples helps her to the foot of a cross, her son tells her that now this same disciple will be her son.

She hears Jesus cry out to His true Father in Heaven as he dies. A mother’s worst nightmare comes true; her child has died before her: what has God done? Mary has lost her son Jesus at the ripe old age of about forty-eight. A mother shouldn’t have to bury her children.

I have injected some humor into the biblical highlights about Mary’s life. She was a human mother, like any of ours; with trials and troubles, dreams and aspirations, worries and fears, joy and happiness. I have also shown the tragedy of her losing a child. Jesus was not an ordinary child, but we must remember He was her child also, to be born and raised by her. God chose her to care for Him, the same as He chose all our mothers. She is an example for all those mothers.

The bible tells us God knew us before we were born. Well, He had to know our mothers also. Think about that. God chose your mother for a reason.

The wonderful ending to Mary’s story is she saw Jesus after he rose from the grave. What a happy ending. That same ending can apply to all our lives. You can see mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, children and family again in Heaven. But you must accept Mary’s son, God’s only begotten Son first. Will you accept Jesus today?

Music Video "I've Got To Get Away" Now posted on Youtube and other sites

2010-04-07T13:03:00.000-05:00

My music video "I've Got To Get Away" is now on Youtube and other Christian sites. You can now go directly to them by hitting the link under Lisa and my picture. Please pray God uses me for His glory. I ask nothing for these other than they be a blessing to you.

God Bless,
Terry

What Easter is really all about

2010-04-03T15:24:00.001-05:00

Matthew 28

1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Let Me Be The Rain

2010-04-03T15:23:00.001-05:00

DeAnna McCord, one of the talented members of the Preston Family Singers and a cherished member of our church, wrote and sings a song called “Let Me Be The Rain”. It is a moving and touching song asking God to let her be the rain on the seed that someone else has planted.

So many times those of us in the ministry seem to think we must see souls come to the alter before we close a service, or we are failures. We tend to forget we are not in a numbers race, for only God is in it for HIS glory, not ours. We are only a vessel He uses. We may never know until we get to heaven if we were a seed, or the ground, or the rain that God used to bring that person to Christ. John 4:37,38 says And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. Christ is the one who plants the seed, the “WORD”, in an ear by using us. But someone else may be the rain, the nutrients and the sunshine to help save a soul to Him.

We should never be envious if someone comes to Christ. God may have used our prayers, patience, love, forgiveness or any number of ways or people to bring one to His Salvation. We may never see the results of our testifying to someone, that is until we get to heaven. Many years ago as I was standing beside a dumpster at Ft. Knox, a man pulled up in a car and simply said, “I’m supposed to tell you God loves you.” Whoever this was just drove off and I never knew who he was or ever saw him again.

I hope that person comes up to me in heaven so I can thank him! I have never forgotten the feeling of being shaken, convicted and the love I suddenly felt that day. Now, when DeAnna sings her song, I remember that stranger. I had been told about Christ before; maybe this man was the rain!

Bro. Beauregard from 3/2010 Newsletter

2010-03-09T10:48:00.000-06:00

Psalm 14:22 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the Holy Bible does not mince words concerning those who do not believe in His existence. It plainly says that no matter the amount of good works, compassion or charity they do, it is abominable to God, just filthy rags. The same judgment is made for those who reject Jesus Christ.

There is no grey area, no riding the fence. You both accept Jesus as your savior and repent of your sins, or you are doomed to eternal hell fire. There are only straight paths to heaven, not crooked ones. I say this with love to all who reads this, You MUST truly believe Jesus can forgive your sins and take Him as your savior, and repent from those sins, or you will not enter into the gates of Heaven, no matter how many good works you do. You must accept or not, believe or not, God has given you the choice. It is a choice that will resound for eternity.

God has sent His Son because He loves you. He doesn’t want you to suffer forever, but once you die, it is too late for repentance. Jesus stands with open arms to embrace you and welcome you to the fold. But YOU must make the choice, and you should make it today, no one is promised a tomorrow.

In Christ’s love lays the secret of our existence, to have an eternal fellowship with our God the Father, but only through His sacrifice. The time is drawing neigh, what will your choice be?

Now go and be a good witness for Christ, Bro. Jonas Beauregard

New music video from my album "Feet of Clay"

2010-03-03T12:37:00.000-06:00

Howdy to my brothers and sisters in Christ!

Among the many projects I've been working on lately is a new album of my songs about Christian life. There is a music video of "Welcome Son" on Youtube. It is easier to just go to Google and type "Terry Ames on Youtube". A results box should appear with a shortcut to the video. Enjoy!

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

This is the verse I live by, either by preaching, writing or song.

God Bless!

Terry

The Word of God Will Forever Stand Strong

2010-02-26T17:56:00.000-06:00

I’m a Biblicist, someone who believes the Bible is true and inerrant from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. It is not only a book of history, wisdom, life, happiness and sorrow; it is God’s written letter of love to the sons and daughters of His original creations, Adam and Eve.

The anti-Christs throughout the ages have come against God’s word, throwing every new idea, plot and plan into the fray, thinking that if enough people were deceived, the book would fade away. It never has succeeded, and it never will.

The bible prophesied the Messiah throughout the Old Testament. Jesus told the Pharisees that very same thing. They couldn’t see; their eyes were blinded to the Son of God standing before them. The same as those whose eyes are blinded to God’s promises available to them today.

In America, family Bibles collect dust, or are nonexistent today. In Africa, people dance with joy and praise God when the Book is given to them. They are hungry for God’s word; many in America are trying to shut it up. How we have changed in a few short years, when we were founded upon God’s laws.

John R. W. Stott once said “A man who loves his wife will love her letters and her photographs because they speak to him of her. So if we love the Lord Jesus, we shall love the Bible because it speaks to us of him.” If we proclaim to be Christian, this should be true of ourselves.

Hell and its minions will continue to come against the Word of God and will increase in ferocity as the return of Jesus draws nearer. But be fearless, for the battle is already won. Christ has paid the price for our sins; the attacks are just the thrashings of a defeated foe. 1 John 2:22 tells us “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”

There is a time for everything

2010-02-14T13:45:00.000-06:00

Ecclesiastes 3 gives us great insight into the happenings of the world, blessings and disasters, all under God's control. Just the first three verses tell us;

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

We wonder why God allows disaster, even to those who are Christians. We must remember that there are 2 reasons for the Saint, and two reasons for the unsaved. Disaster to the Saint is either to prune him or her, or it is to call that person home through death. That is our ultimate goal isn't it, to be with the Father and our Savor eternally?

Disaster to the unsaved is a call to repentance or judgment. They both point to the Cross. Everything God does in our lives points to the Cross. There is no other name above the name of Jesus to which one can be saved.

God loves us and provided a way for us to escape eternal hell fire and return to a loving relationship with Him. But ONLY through His Son. There are NOT many ways to God, only one, Jesus the Christ.

There is a time for everything. Now is the time to seek Jesus and forgiveness through Him. Remember, God said there is a time to be born, but He also said there is a time to die. What is your state of your eternal soul?

In Christ's love

Love, that’s what it’s all about

2010-02-03T12:22:00.000-06:00

February is the month of love, sweethearts and valentine’s cards, candy and flowers. But our love for another, no matter how real, is still imperfect. We may, in a moment of human emotion, say or do something that may hurt another. We may miss something our loved one has tried to tell us. We may even overlook praise or encouragement when it may uplift their spirits. Why? Because we are human, and live in the bounds of our worldly lives.

Work, daily pressures, finances or a multitude of things real or perceived affect our relationships with those we love. But when it all is boiled down, washed away, swept clean, the truth is we all just want to be loved and someone to love. There is an innate desire to be wanted and accepted by those who are important to us. Once again, could this be just another bit of evidence that there is a God?

One may try to say even animals have a love for it’s offspring, so that doesn’t prove anything. A dog will defend, care for and play with it’s pups for a time, but notice after a certain age, they are forgotten and treated no different than the rest of the pack. But we humans have a special love for each other that lasts till death and beyond. Could we get this from God? God did say in Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:

Of course we do, only our love has been corrupted by the fall of Adam and Eve. To see perfect love, we must turn our faces to God.

We know that God created us for fellowship with Him. He loved us so much; he created us with free will to love Him back, or not. He didn’t want robots, but those who would freely walk and talk with him. But, of course, Satan and sin entered the picture, breaking that bond with our Lord.

Did God just give up on us? His love said NO! So, in His perfect plan of salvation, he decided to come to earth in a form we could relate to, and show us we did not have to sin, that we could withstand whatever the world threw against us, and we could persevere even unto death. The stipulation was we had to accept the gift of salvation and a restored relationship through Jesus Christ, the Great I AM incarnate on earth. If He loved us enough to send Jesus to earth and die for our sins, then we should love Him enough to accept Jesus as our savior. No other name will do.

The Old Testament’s blessings, judgments, trials and plagues are all about His love for His people. It’s called tough love, perfect love.

The New Testament is all about Jesus Christ, the sermons and parables, the beatings and crucifixion, the letters from the apostles and their martyrdoms; it’s called tough love, perfect love.

I have often referred to the bible as God’s Love Letter to us. God shows an overwhelming abundance of love and passion for us in every page.

Jesus said in John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. There it is in black and white. LOVE! That’s what it’s all about!

God Bless You!

In Christ's Love

When I Hurt, I Put My Eyes on Jesus

2010-01-19T15:03:00.000-06:00

This past Thursday I had throat and nasal surgery. While it was needed, I truely can say the warnings of pain and misery were very understated. With a throat that feels like the worst case of strep throat I can imagine, and a nose blocked by swelling to boot, my little world is miserable this week.

But, I put this out on the web, not to complain or ask for simpathy, but to give a little personal testimony of the love of Jesus. For even as I was waking up in the recovery room, I was asking Jesus to be with me, and I knew He was. I could feel his presence through the pain. Thursday night, after I got home, was the most miserable night of my life. But I kept thinking if Jesus could go through what he did on the day of calvary, the beatings, scourgings and nailed to a cross, then what I was suffering was nothing. For I could see His bloody and beaten face smile down on me, a man who was once lost in sin and corruption, and now saved by His love and grace.

Pain is a horrible thing, as the people of Haiti and others around the world suffer daily. Pain was brought into this world by sin, and only Jesus can alieve it. The bible tells us that one day our suffering will end, if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. If we don't, then our suffering will never end. For those judged will be cast into eternal torment.

Matthew 13: 49-51 tells us:So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Pain is sometimes a reminder of the fragile, fleshly bodies we live in. It reminds us that we are not invincible and will not live forever in this present state. Pain should remind us of our eternal state of affairs, and the most important question; are we ready for eternity?

It's not easy to write columns like this , because there are those who will curse me for even suggesting God will allow people to suffer for eternity. But God doesn't, you see, you allow yourself, if you reject what has been offered. Jesus' on words speak of pain. His sacrifice included the pain of the world.

Isn't it time to ask Him to come into your life and ease your pain? There really is only one, the name of Jesus.

God bless you.

A appropriate sermon from Bro. Beauregard from January '07

2010-01-07T12:03:00.000-06:00

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, (as I am holed up under the snow of a western blizzard, my mind reminding my taste buds that too many left over Christmas cookies will increase my girth,) I ponder on the new coming year. Will this be the year of many miracles? Will the Lord move people to a great revival? What does the Lord have in store for His children? Whatever it is, we can be assured it follows His perfect plan. Isaiah 66:23 says “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.”

I believe this is God’s ultimate goal, a return to what Adam was created for. A time when we can once again walk with our Creator, talk with our Creator, and worship Him forever. To feel and know God’s love as it was intended, undefiled by sin and corruption, and to sing praise and worship to His holy name. Micah 6:8 says “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy GOD? “

To walk humbly with thy GOD..That is what my soul cries out for. What joy it would be to walk with God. If you believe in the scriptures, then you must believe God wants you to WALK WITH HIM, in fact he requires it. Beloved, take that first step and find your peace with Him through His son Jesus Christ. Then boldly walk with him in faith, He will reward you with a walk in the heavens!

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Brother Jonas Beauregard

Another Year come and gone......

2010-01-07T11:42:00.000-06:00

Where has time gone? It seems like only yesterday. Why I remember when.., In my day..

We hear those words a lot this time of year. I used to laugh at what I considered the old folks when they would say those things. Now I find myself saying them more and more. I would laugh at my mother’s music from the 1950’s as they played on the golden oldies stations. Songs such as Little Eva’s “Locomotion” and Chubby Checker's “The Twist” were songs I made fun of. But now I hear what we called the ‘80’s Big Hair music as well as some ‘90’s music on classic radio. I myself was a “Sony Crockett of Miami Vice” type guy. I admit it did get cold here in Kentucky in the winter running around without socks, wearing “linen” suits. But the world keeps changing. New generations come and go. Music trends we thought would never end prove seasonal. The one thing I have found that does not change is the Word of God. He and His Word remain the same forever. I find that knowledge comforting in a fast paced world. How about you?

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

^{Ephesians 5:1-2}Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour

Now go and be a good witness for Christ

Here is a post from the January 2010 Newsletter from Brother Beauregard

2009-12-28T17:52:00.000-06:00

1 Kings 19:10-12 ¹¹And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: ¹²And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, how many times have we seen God’s voice portrayed to us as a loud booming noise, or a shaking of the earth. While at times we do see in the bible the Israelites hearing a sound of thunder on Mt Sinai, we see where God says He speaks to us individually through a “still small voice.”

But how, may you ask, can I hear Him speaking to me through the noise and attention grabbing activities of the day? That, my friend is the point; you must find a place where you can give the utmost attention to hearing God’s voice. He does not, nor will not compete with outside influences. He is the Creator, and deserves your utmost attention to hearing Him. I hear so many people say God doesn’t speak to them. Have you settled down to quietly read His Word and listen for Him?

God does speak to His sheep today. He is the same today as He was yesterday. He spoke to those who loved Him then, and He speaks to them today. He came to earth and walked and talked to Adam and Eve. He came to earth as Jesus Christ and walked and talked with us. He has left His holy word in the form of the bible to speak to us, and He promised and provided the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and speak and guide us. That is why we are to find us a “prayer closet” to be alone with Him. Why wouldn’t you want to be alone with the one who loves you? Today is the day God will speak to you. Go and see what God has to say!

Now go and be a good witness for Christ, Bro. Jonas Beauregard

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2009-12-23T12:33:00.000-06:00

These are the words in a famous Christmas carol, but have you ever really thought about the question itself? You can just imagine a shepherd turning to another asking, “ Do you hear what I hear?”

What he heard was the messenger angel of God, proclaiming the good news that was born that night. The good news of a child, born in an impossibly human way, laying in a lowly cattle feeder, in what was a common Bethlehem barn, that would change the story of mankind forever.

A child, not born of an earthly king, but would rise to be King of all Kings.

A child, now so dependant on his earthly mother for care, who would, in a few short years, care enough for us to suffer horribly for payment of our sins.

A child, who the prophets foretold, who held the future in his hands?

A child whose birth has been misunderstood, claimed to be fiction, said to have been nothing special in the annuals of history, or at most, just a “good person”.

The question still rings out loud today. “Do you hear what I hear?” It goes on to answer, “a child, a child sleeping in the night, he will bring us goodness and light.”

This Christmas, with the assault on our faith ever-present, with wars and natural disasters and false religions forcing themselves on others, listen closely to the voice of God.

Do you hear what I hear?

Do you hear the sounds of the return of that child, now grown and ageless, triumphantly claiming his saints and his kingdom? What do you hear?

An Angel Appeared

2009-12-17T09:55:00.000-06:00

The angel appeared to Mary proclaiming good tidings of great joy. He told her that God was giving her a son, even though she was a virgin. She was to have the Savior of the world.

Who is your angel? Is there someone who is special to you? Someone who checks on you when you’re sick or hurt? Does someone mow your grass, or help clean your house? Is there someone who does nothing but bring you joy and peace when they are near?

God has angels who walk the earth. We are told in the bible that we do not know when we entertain one. Weather your angel is a supernatural being, a neighbor or family member, be assured they are God sent. Pray for them, they are year round Christmas presents.

A Star Shinning In The Night

2009-12-15T14:02:00.000-06:00

It seems God, in His infinite wisdom, often gives man a sign that a wonderful blessing is about to be given. The pillar of fire leading the Israelites from Egypt, a burning bush, the appearance of an angel and a star over a small village called Bethlehem are signs that prophesy is being fulfilled and a blessing is coming.
It was a star that shined over a sleeping village, not knowing the miracle that had occurred in their midst. Missing the prophetic sign, only a few shepherds and three wise men from the orient knew what was happening. Will we be sleeping when the next signs occur of his returning? Are we watching this Christmas season? Will we be able to recognize a biblical sign, or do we sleep away, content there will be another day. How could the world not know the baby Christ was here on earth?
Today, make a point to look for Christ, learn the signs, don’t be caught asleep, as Bethlehem was during their greatest moment in history!

My old pal Simeon

2009-12-04T11:10:00.000-06:00

Some of you have heard my sermon at this time of year about Simeon of Luke Chapter 2. He spent all his life serving God, praying for Israel and being at the Tabernacle. Why? Because God made a promise to him that he would not see death until he saw the Christ. (v.26)

Every devout Israelite awaited the Messiah, but this man had found favor with God. As Simeon prayed day in and day out, performing God’s will in his life, he grew older. But we never see where his faith wavered.

Then one day, a day that seemed like any other day, Simeon was setting outside the temple. Suddenly the Holy Spirit told him to get up and enter. How his heart must have quickened! Something was up, but what?

There before him was a young woman and her husband with their child to be circumcised. The Spirit showed him his long ago promise from God had been fulfilled, right before his eyes.

The bible tells us in verse 28 the he “Took him (Jesus) up in his arms and blessed God”. After all these years his prayers were answered. His prayers for a Messiah and the salvation of the Israel and the world were answered! God answers prayer in His time, not ours!

But God rewarded his faithfulness beyond what was promised. Notice God allowed Simeon to HOLD Jesus. Do you realize what that means? The Creator, who came to earth and became flesh, allowed His faithful servant to cradle Him in his arms. Simeon was allowed to intimately hold God Himself and look into his face. (v.28). What a blessing for a lifetime of faithfulness! Then to Mary and Joseph’s astonishment, Simeon began to prophesy about what Christ was to do in this world. (v.34,35) Why were they astonished? Because they were travelling in secret. Remember Herod wanted to kill Jesus.

Please read the story, and the following about Anna. See God’s Christmas gift to both of them.

But I want to make a point about God’s faithfulness to his children. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life, then God the Father promises you also may see Him in Heaven! He sent His Son not as just a stirring story, but as a sacrifice for your sins. His sacrifice was Jesus. His Christmas gift to Simeon and Anna can also be yours. Won’t you join the chorus and sing praises to the King? Won’t you accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation? Merry Christmas!

Message from Bro. Beauregard December '09 Newsletter

2009-12-04T11:07:00.000-06:00

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, at this time of the year, I begin to feel like John the Baptist must have felt. I see people running to and fro, searching for a gift to top last year’s gift; trying to capture the joy that the Christmas Season promises, but never filling the emptiness. Then fatigue and disappointment sets in and a wish for it all to be over creeps in. Welcome to the devil’s world, attempting to squash what we believers know to be truth. Christmas isn’t about spending, and it isn’t all about giving.

You have heard it said, “It is better to give than to receive.” I say it is better to receive God’s free gift, the salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, first, so you can give a real present, the Gospel to another!

That morning, when Jesus was born, was the time John was referring to. The gift is Jesus, whose grace and mercy of the forgiveness of our sins promises a life eternal with our God. The joy is Christ living in us and a love for our fellow man and God’s creatures great and small.

You can’t work enough to find joy. Rich men die miserably every day. People have worked themselves to death thinking money will buy happiness, never seeing the dysfunctional relatives left behind fighting over the pickings.

That is why the Bible teaches works without faith is dead, but faith brings about good works. Grace and Salvation is free. Jesus paid the price. Won’t you accept Jesus today, and finally find the true Joy and Happiness the season promises?

Now go and be a good witness for Christ, Bro. Jonas Beauregard

The Head of the Church

2009-11-12T10:59:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I watch some of these preachers on TV and wonder where they get their ideas about Christianity. Now, I believe ninety percent of our protestant pastors are bible believing teachers of God's word, there are also some who have me scratching my head.

I must take my lead from the instruction book, the BIBLE. You know the one that stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!

In Colossians 1:18 Paul tells us that "He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence"

Jesus is the head of the church. We have pastors to oversee and lead the flock. We have workers in the church doing whatever God has called them to do. But it is plainly written that no man, nor board of directors, nor any earthly being has authority over Christ's Church. That should lead a lot of folks to ask who's teachings are we listening to.

God has put his Son's name above all names. No Pope or self appointed man can have authority over the Church, if it is a true church in the body of Christ Jesus.

My friends, I am not going to try to judge anyone's heart, but we are allowed to judge false doctrine. I am pro Christ and pro Bible. I want to see everyone in heaven, but sadly the bible tells us many will not accept His free gift.

I urge you, do not be blind in following a spiritual leader. Put on the full armour of God. Read your bible. Know it. As the Holy Spirit to give you understanding and discernment. Question everything against biblical truth. And you will be blessed!

No go and be a good witness for Christ!

The Lord Provides

2009-11-02T12:18:00.000-06:00

Hello friends and family in Christ! The Lord has provided a new laptop to replace the 'puter that was crashed. I will be posting more now, so check back often!

God Bless

The Harvest

2009-10-15T11:30:00.001-05:00

Hello my Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am still struggling with getting a new computer the last having a total crash. It seems funny the law enforcement folks (which I am retired from) can pull files from totally burned up memories, but no one could pull up my ministry related files. Hummmmmmmmmmm....

But, please be patient with this blog. I am hoping to have a new laptop by the end of this month and be back up an running stronger than before, dedicating both the machine and my time to the Lord's work.

Speaking of work, here in the Heartland Bible Belt (aka the flyover) states, it is that time if year again. I'm speaking of farms reaping the harvest of their spring plantings. While most go to Kroger in the east and Safeway west of the Mississippi River, there are those that grow those groceries for others to eat. (Yes, apples do grow on trees Junior, not in a magic factory!)

Jesus also told us there were times to harvest. We are commanded to plant seeds in the morning: Ecclesiastes 11:6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

Here is the part I love, for Jesus explained what the seed was: Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Jesus didn't say it was money or tithes or things, He said it was the "WORD OF GOD!"

My friends all you have to do to plant seed is speak the word of God. You need not add to nor take from it. You speak it and let the Holy Spirit do with it as He will. We cannot save anyone! I believe many good evangelists and people of God begin to loose site of who the true Savior is when God begins to bless their ministries with people coming to Christ in large numbers. We can do nothing! All good things come from Christ Jesus. We plant the seed and let the Holy Spirit move and convict those who He will. Now back to the harvest....

Now comes the time for the harvest, the seed has either grown or not, it has fallen on good soil or bad, it has grown in the rain and sunlight, or been choked out by the thorns. Either way, a harvest time is arriving. And the good will be seperated from the tares.

But the seeds you sowed for Christ may not be the seeds you help harvest. Jesus is the Harvester, but you, as a follower of His, help as He sees fit. For He told us: Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; and then in Matthew 28:9 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

I believe this with all my heart, if you are in the Lord's service, someone, somewhere, at some time has prayed for God to send you to help with the harvest. Obediant Christains all over the world are praying dailey for laborers and you are one of the results of that prayer.

Why do we need to work fervently and not delay? Because the bible warns us in John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Remember this warning, burn it into your heart so you will continue the spiritual fight and work for the harvest. For one day soon, Revelation 14:15 will come true and a voice in Heaven will be heard "And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe."

Now go and be a good witness for Christ!

God Bless,
Terry

"...Serve Him In Truth With All Your Heart.."

2009-09-02T13:13:00.000-05:00

As I came to the library today to add a new posting, (my home 'puter is down and I'm still searching for a new laptop) I found myself looking for an inspirational verse. Funny how the Holy Spirit will lead one's eyes to a message for today. Funny really isn't the word, God's messenger speaking through His word is another confirmation of His promise to "be with you, always."

1 Samuel 12:24 tells us "Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you"

There seems to be a new religion rearing it's ugly head in this country. The religion of "Trust in the Government First and Serve blindly." We hear our leaders invoking God when it's for their purpose, rejecting Him when it's not. I know there is a fear beginning to rise in our Christian brothers and sisters over things that are heard on the different news outlets. But let me reassure you, that these are not "desperate" times for Christians, these are times to rejoice and look to the heavens.

God says to fear no one or nothing, only Him. Now this is not the type of fear of cringing in horror, this is a type of respect one would have for a Loving Father. He also tells us to serve Him truthfully with all our heart. If you notice, this is a command, not a request, because He wants you to look back and remember all the wonderful things He has done for you.

Have you been through a severe illness, loss of a loved one or loss of a job? Have you been in a situation where it seemed all was lost and all turned out OK? Was you lost, and now are found by Gods forgiveness and Grace?

Fear noting you see and hear. Look to the heavens; for the bible tells us of the signs for His return! Jesus said we can look to the heavens for the signs of weather changes, so we can also see the signs of his return! Matthew 16:2-4 says " He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?"

Study your bible, look at what God's words are saying. Do not fret over these things, believe in the Lord Jesus and His promises. A glorious day is approaching! I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Computer Problems

2009-08-10T17:00:00.000-05:00

I am sorry for the delay in posting a new article. We have experinced a hard drive crash and are looking for a new computer. Please check back often for an update, in the mean time:

The deepest verse, in my opinion, in the New Testament is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.." (capitals mine)

There was no reason why he would love us, we disobey Him, turn our back on Him, deny Him, erase His name from buildings, refuse to allow children to learn about Him and teach He never exsisted. Then we put an ape as our grand father.

But He does love us. He continues to love us. And he offers open arms if we would just accept is love.

Why would you reject your Creator after knowing his feelings for you?

See you soon, God Willing!

In Christ's love,
Terry

A Message from Bro. Beauregard from July '09

2009-07-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

Nahum 2:6 The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I asked the Lord for guidance for this week’s bible verse and message. My heart aches when I am led to these, as I am more and more these days, because I see this country turning the way of Sodom and Gomorrah. I see the Lord coming to us, judging and passing sentence as He said in this verse to Nineveh. The same as he proclaimed to Sodom and Gomorrah. There is a time when His vengeance will not be stayed. Intercessory prayer will be to no avail and the great and terrible day of the Lord will arise.

The Prophet Nahum came some time after Jonah, who had warned Nineveh before. They had repented, giving God pause in His wrath against them. But they turned once more from Him, and now the time had come. The above verse says it all. Will the gates be opened against our country? Verse 1:6 asks “Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger?”

The hope comes in Verse 1:7 “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.”

We have hope that, even though we may see his anger, He will keep us safe.

A Moment of Truth (In a secular song)

2009-07-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

As I set down to do this month’s front page of the July edition of the newsletter, the lyrics of a song I once said was my “theme” song were going trough my head over and over. The words always seemed to ring true; that is until I finally gave into the calling of Jesus and accepted Him into my life. But why today? Why now? I’ve got to get my mind on God and the scriptures for a message! AAARRRGGGHHH!

But then I get it! Because it is God’s message for this month! The lyrics are from a song the Eagles did back in the ‘70’s called “Desperado” This month we will hear a lot of talk about freedom from a lot of politicians, as they erode them away behind our backs. But God’s message comes through loud and clear in my mind with this lyric:

Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home And freedom, oh freedom well, that's just some people talkin' Your prison is walking through this world all alone

How many millions of Americans will celebrate the 4th of July never really knowing the sacrifice our veterans gave or the sacrifice Jesus Christ gave for freedom. I want you to really think about this thing called freedom this month.

Our forefathers and our soldiers gave everything for today’s country. But as the speeches are given, as the song says, “Your prison is walking through this world all alone”

Without Christ, there is a part of everyone missing; that relationship with God the Father. We are made for fellowship with God, but sin put a barrier between us and our Heavenly Father. Jesus shed His blood as the only sacrifice acceptable to restore that relationship. No matter how much family and friends we have around us this holiday, if we don’t have Jesus in our lives, we are walking through this world alone.

We have the freedom to choose and accept the truth, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6, or we can deny the truth. Are you “walking through this world all alone”?

Christians, Please Pray Like you've Never Prayed Before

2009-06-17T13:14:00.000-05:00

My friends, those I know and don't yet know, please take a moment to read this post. As I said in the introduction to this blog, I am not an alarmist. But, I have read Brother David Wilkerson's message in his blog concerning the danger this country is coming under for turning from God. I have to agree.

For the last four years, I have had a message to those I have the opportunity to preach to that I have the compelling urgency to say it is time to gather the sheep.You know, we as a church body seem to let folks slip away from us without much worry in trying to gather up those that are lost.

I feel the time is getting short, and for our family members, brothers and sisters in Christ, and all those that don't know Christ as their Savior, it is time to get off our "Blessed Assurance" and do what Jesus commanded us to do, speak of Him. It is up to us to give the message of the Gospel. It it not up to us to force anyone to accept what we believe. The Holy Spirit will convict the person or not. Our job is tell others of Christ and His sacrifice for them, His love for them, and their need for Him because we are all born in sin.

If you know someone who is not going to church like they once did, someone who was a fired up Christian but has now fallen away, speak to them, Jesus still loves them, just as He did the prodigal son.

If you have family that are lost, now is not the time to become complacent on them. Pray like you've never prayed before. Do not compromise in your actions or words around them. They will either accept Christ or not, but THAT is not up to you. You are to pray and show Christ lives in you, just as He promised. He never beat it into them, His example is clear. He spoke only the truth, and it was up to them to accept the truth. But He, nor Stephen, ever gave up on those who did not believe. They both, while dieing, asked God to forgive those who were killing them, for they did not know what they were doing. (Luke 23:34 Acts 7)

No matter where the sheep are wandering, if God has put them before us, He wants us to lead them back to Him.

Gather the lost flock, for the time will not last forever.

1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:14,15,16 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

In Christ's love,

Terry

A Father, Fishing, And Confidence!

2009-06-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

Although I have never used it, I opened a page in “52 New Testament Sermon Starters” and read this in part of the chapter :
In Romans 8:31 the phrase “If God be for us” is poorly translated. The particle εi does not provide for a supposition, but for a certainty. It is not a condition, but a conclusion. It should really read, “since God is for us.” Because it is certain that God is for us, the conclusion follows, “who can be against us?”
There are some things that, at times, open whole new worlds for my fuddled brain to see. Just a word, placed in the right place, makes me feel more secure and confident.
It’s like the day your dad showed you how to put that worm on the hook correctly. Now when you throw it in, every little nibble won’t take your bait. They have to try harder for that worm, thus making them grab that hook, and you hooking them! It made you, as a child, more confident of your fish catching ability. I’m sure your dad said “here, you will catch more fish if you put your bait on this way”. Then you had no doubt that, if you did it like dad showed you, those fish would be jumping on your hook! Its call a confidence builder.
God gives us confidence builders through out the bible. But we are told to study. If things were up front and easy, then there would be no reason to study. That is why I like the KJV bible. I often have to go to a Strong’s Concordance to look up the meaning of a word. I very often find a totally new meaning to a verse than what I though it was. That is why I feel more confident when I see little things like this revealed to me. Not all Christians are alike. Some are stronger in areas of their walk where others are not.
I should have known my Father in Heaven would clarify a question I had. Now I have more confidence to go fishing!

A Free Offer Not "AS SEEN ON TV"

2009-06-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 55: 1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Look at verse 1 in the top left hand corner. “Ho” says the Lord, a word to get your attention. In yesterday’s slang it meant “Hey, listen up! I have something very important to offer!” And what he is offering is mercy without cost to us, His creation. Of course we know everything has a price, and His cost was His son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. But, because God paid the price, he offers His grace and mercy freely to all who will receive. You do not have to suffer on the cross, Christ already has, though He desires us to pick up the cross and follow Him.

So He asks the question in verse 2, “Why are you wasting money and time on things that are not of God?” Stay focused on God’s free gifts and blessings, they are worth more that all the gold there is. They are life eternal with God. May God Bless you!

Another Message from Bro. Beauregard from September '08

2009-05-21T14:38:00.000-05:00

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, please read the above scripture slowly. Let it soak into your spirit. God, who has created everything, who must be so busy with the millions of prayers and all the things that God Almighty does, takes time to notice your work in His name to His children.
How mighty and immense beyond measure is His love and care for His creation! How individual and important is our salvation, and our work, to Him.

God notices what we do in our daily walk with Him. When we begin to get discouraged, downtrodden and low in spirit, thinking we are not making a difference, then read this verse. Keep it close to your heart. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. He also promises to never forget your Christian work and labors of love you show to others! What love He must have for us!

Peace be with you, Brother Beauregard

A Message From Bro. Beauregard From May '08

2009-05-13T11:48:00.000-05:00

Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, have you ever wondered if God has forgotten about you? Maybe a prayer seems to go unanswered, even though you feel the petition is in God’s will?
Consider what the angel of God revealed to Daniel after three weeks of intense prayer and fasting. The forces of evil were trying to stop God’s messenger! This angel plainly states that he had to have help from Michael the Arch Angel no less, because the battle was so fierce.
Now they knew God had a mighty answer for Daniel, a vision of God’s Holy Plan. But for three weeks a battle was fought just to answer his prayer. Now imagine how much God loves us that he will send warriors to fight to make sure we get His answer to our prayers. Sometimes we just don’t see with spiritual eyes the war waging around us. Sometimes we just need patience.

Peace be with you, Brother Beauregard

A Mother, A Son And A Party

2009-05-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Mary knew her son was about to come into his own. After all, how could she forget how special his birth was. How it had caused her and her husband Joseph, now dead, to travel to avoid one trouble or another. She had watched him grow, become a man, and help care for his brothers and sisters. She also knew the prophesies, and the words she kept in her heart. The words the angel Gabriel had told her thirty years before, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

This day she had been invited to a marriage reception along with her son and some of his new friends. During the reception the wine ran out and was causing a stir among the guests. After all, it wasn’t going to help the reputation of those responsible! What were they to do?

Mary, feeling sorry for the newlyweds, wondered if her son could help. After all, she knew he was beginning to spread his wings, gathering himself a small group of followers. He was so intelligent! Maybe he knew what to do.

Going to her son, she knelt down to his ear and said, “They have no more wine." He looked up at her, and seeing her eyes, said simply and respectfully “ Woman, what have I do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” But he also loved her and knew the commandment “HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER” applied to all.

Seeing his smile, she went to the steward and told him to do everything her son told them. He stood and went to the area where the ritual purifying pots were stored and had the waiters fill them with water. After they were full, he had them take a cup full to the steward to taste.

The steward was amazed! It was the best wine he had ever tasted! He questioned why the best wine was given last. After all, everyone knows you give the best first, and the lesser quality wine later as everyone begins to have their fill.
As Mary smiled, she could not hide the tear coursing down her cheek. She was suddenly aware of what had just occurred. Her son made water into wine! It was his first miracle.

As mother and son looked knowingly into each others eyes from across the room, she realized this was so much more than what history will record.

With simple loving obedience to his mother, her son Jesus began His path of miracles to a cross on a hill, an empty tomb and a throne at the right hand of God.

Who knows what simple obedience to a loving mother will bring to the world?

Exodus 20: 12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

You Can't Get Away From God!

2009-04-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

Did you know whether you believe in God or not, when you refer to what or who you are, God will always come first? I was listening to a Messianic Jewish Rabbi not long ago as he taught on the name of God. Remember in Exodus chapter 3, Moses went to see a burning bush? What he found was actually the spirit of God Himself manifesting to him. In verse 6 God tells Moses “…, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob….”

Now God had some things he wanted Moses to do, but Moses wanted to know what he was to say God’s name was. After all, the Hebrew’s wouldn’t listen to any old god, the Egyptians had many of them. So God told him in verse 14 “….., I AM THAT I AM": and he said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Now, the Hebrews knew THAT name..I AM spells the consonants in their name for God, “YHWH” (They did not use vowels.)

God told Moses “I AM the God of……” and “My name is “I AM”. If you think about it, that covers EVERYTHING! Now, here is my point: when referring to yourself, God’s creation, you HAVE to put God first, you have no choice! I’ll show you!

I AM a Christian. I AM fifty years old. I AM a human being. I AM excited about spreading the Gospel. I AM a firefighter. I AM a doctor. I AM a preacher. I AM saved.…..Now here are a few more examples:

I AM lost. I AM a sinner. And even this one, I AM an atheist! See, God goes before all of us! We only need to show others where He is. He ALWAYS comes first. Why? Because He is God!

A Message From Brother Beauregard from February '09

2009-04-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, we see this month a Proverb that is well known, but poorly obeyed. How simple it was, as a child, to not understand the world around us, the daily goings on, the decisions made concerning our welfare, and to be utterly trusting in out parents. As a child, we did not know how to operate a stove, but our food was prepared. We could not get ourselves to and from church or grandmothers or school, but transportation was provided. Our parents took our welfare upon themselves knowing we were babes and lacked understanding. It is the same with God.

As children of God, He asks us to trust in Him, the same as you trusted in others when you were a child. When we don’t understand why something is happening to us, he tells us to run to Him, trust Him as you would a beloved human father. For as our Heavenly Father, He has placed our welfare on Himself. We may not know why a circumstance has occurred, for we cannot see the finished plan. But we can be assured our Father in Heaven knows exactly what is going on and is in full control, for our welfare.

Peace Be with you, Brother Beauregard

A Bro. Beauregard Message from June 2008

2009-04-17T09:04:00.001-05:00

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, every one of us needs a roadmap to get to an unknown destination. To go off without knowledge of direction or a roadway name would be folly. Oh we could go out our door and ask a passerby, and he may point us in the general direction, or he may mislead us. If he has never been to your destination, he would not know the precise road to take either. You would be easily led astray. But Jesus, in the above verse, clearly states the direction and the road to take to God in Heaven. The road to Heaven is through Jesus ONLY. He warns that NO MAN can come before God, but through Him. Why is He the only way? Because He is in Heaven! He is God made flesh! He is the blood sacrifice for our sins! He is the official roadmap of God! He is the Promise! It’s that plain and simple. God has made the instructions simple. It is our worldly flesh that tries to have us take a wrong turn. Follow Jesus’ road map. You’ll get there!

Peace be with you, Brother Beauregard

Spring Again

2009-04-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

Days are longer. Flowers are blooming. Birds are nesting. Aww…SPRING!
Hayfever, sneezing, pollen, and bees.
Yep, I just had to blow that serene picture out of the water didn’t I? Actually I just wanted to remind us that while God gives us wonderful blessings like spring, and we need to gratefully thank Him, we also live in a fallen world and the thorns in life are still out there.
God gives us daily glimpses of paradise. The devil will try to steal the joy away with opposite reactions. Have you ever noticed the devil always tries to create a false copy of God’s work, or ruin what he can’t copy?
Remember, God is the Creator of all things. Satan is the deceiver, liar and thief and will try to steal your joy. So bless God for his gift of spring, grab a Kleenex and refuse to let that old devil ruin what God has given you.

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.."

Today we have a message from Bro. Beauregard from Feb. '07

2009-04-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ; today my message is a simple one that has confounded scholars and the learned for centuries. It is a message that divides families and nations, but is from God Himself, through his word in the bible, straight to your heart.

1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

God’s love for His children, his Saints, is unfathomable. It stretches beyond our meager ability to understand. Because of our transgressions, he sent His only begotten Son as a perfect sacrifice, so our sins will be cleansed and we can fellowship once again with our Creator. He wants everyone to love Him and come to Him, but he wants it freely. So out of love, he refuses to force us, letting those who wish, the ability to reject Him. How it must grieve His heart, as it would ours for a child to openly reject a parent. But for those who have accepted His offer of salvation, go to your prayer closet, read this verse and ponder on its mighty meaning. Let Him speak to your heart, as a loving Father to his child.

Peace be with you, Brother Beauregard

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MIRACLE OF THE SON RISE

2009-04-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

The bible gives us this picture of the resurrection:

Mary Magdalene was walking down the path to the tomb where the body of Jesus had been put to rest three days before. A large stone had been rolled across the entrance, sealed and guards placed so none of the disciples could steal the body. As she and her friends Joanna and Mary (James’ mother) came into view of the tomb, they saw the stone had been rolled away. Worried, they ran into the tomb and were confronted by two men, garments shining as the sun. The women were confused and afraid. They bowed down in awe and fear, not knowing they were about to hear the most profound; prophesy fulfilling statement since God spoke the first of creation into existence.

For the men asked, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen..”

Why Do We Call This Good Friday?

2009-04-10T10:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought of that question? Before becoming a Christian, I wondered what could be so good about being nailed and dieing on a cross. Why would anyone celebrate a day when someone was treated so horribly? I could understand celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and making Easter a good day, but dieing just didn’t seem such a joyous occasion.
It took me becoming a Christian, studying the bible, and seeing God’s prophesies about the coming Christ to open my eyes as to how good it was for US, for sinners, that Jesus hung on that tree. His whole life was fulfilling God’s promise to His fallen creation, His ultimate plan of salvation for you and me.
The cross was the ultimate act of Godly love to bring us back to a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Jesus was God incarnate on this earth, walking, talking, living and dieing with us, to give us not only a way to salvation, but to show us how we should live as His children.
The cross was the final act, in human flesh, that poured the sealing wax on the covenant with Adam and Eve, Abraham Isaac and Jacob, David, Ruth, Mary and Joseph and all the people in the bible. Easter morning when Jesus rose in a glorified body, was God’s royal seal pressed in the wax, sealing His victory over Satan.
Good Friday, to me, is celebrating Jesus fulfilling His earthly promise. Two thirds of our proclamation of faith in Him, the death and burial took place on that day. His work on earth as human was finished, now only glory was ahead.
Easter morning was the third event in our proclamation of faith, the resurrection! This promise is what all our beliefs surround. A resurrection with Christ in heaven could not have happened without that cross so long ago on a Friday in Jerusalem. Yes, it was a Good Friday after all.

The Curtain Was Torn

2009-04-08T12:50:00.000-05:00

Luke, the humble physician and writer of the third Gospel, tells us that as Christ hung on the cross bleeding, beaten and in agony certain events were occurring in other areas besides the hill of Calvary. He tells us in verse 23:45 “And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”
There are secular records besides Luke that confirm the sun darkening that day, although no eclipse was predicted. Jewish as well as Roman historians tell of the day growing dark. We, as Christians know that as Christ was coming closer to death, the world’s sins were laid upon him. There is no light in sin, only darkness. Sin flourishes undercover of darkness. Wouldn’t it be natural that, as the Light of the world was having sin heaped upon Him, darkness would begin to creep in? See, I personally don’t believe the bible is all symbolisms. I truly believe that without God, there is total darkness. And that day, in that moment, God could not look upon his loving Son because of the sin, and darkness was the result.
But notice the second part of that verse, “…and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” God tore the very item that kept us separated from his presence! As Jesus was sacrificing himself with the sins of the world, God was doing another miracle by show us we no longer had to go through a Priest or any other human to come to His presence! We did not have to wait for a year, did not have to have animal sacrifice to ask for forgiveness. The very moment Jesus was dieing, God accepted the Son’s Blood of Atonement as the final sacrifice! Jesus opened the veil for access to His Mercy to anyone who accepted Him as their sacrifice and Lord and Savior! God’s Kingdom is for everyone who will accept it. Thank you Jesus!