Upper Room Pentecostal Church Bonita, CA

Elections - The Church - Truth

2008-11-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know if anyone reads this blog, but I've got some fire shut up in my bones and the preacher needs to preach. I am so tired of these fabricated elections and watching people who are supposed to be of the truth fall for such utter nonsense. Of a truth, I will tell you why people fall for this two-party system consisting of two lying candidates who both support the same agenda: Because the LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL, BECAUSE "MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE" AND BECAUSE THE CARNAL MIND IS ENMITY WITH GOD. The churches have whored after prosperity doctrine in it's various forms: materialistic, building worshipping preachers lording over passive, lazy, carnal saints. WHERE IS THE POWER? I ask you, be honest and REPENT . . . are we apostolic? Are we what we say we are? NO, we are not. The reason the American church isn't having real revival is because American Christians are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. We've reached new heights of denial about what is going on in our world and in our churches. We want comfortable church in comfortable buildings. The spiritual war that needs to be fought will never be won by barely praying, always eating, scripturally ignorant, passive saints sitting on a padded pew being sung to by a choir and entertained by a sensational, motivational speaker. Where are the preachers who are not hirelings, who love God's truth more than the comfort and status their position provides? It is time to fall out of love with the "American Dream" and fall in love with Jesus- He is the way, the truth and life. He is the prince of peace.

Jesus Wept

2008-03-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

A favorite memory verse among the Sunday School kids: John 11:35 "Jesus wept." A closer look at this scripture reveals an important revelation; timely as folks celebrate Easter. Jesus is on His way to raise Lazarus from the dead. He has already proclaimed that he is going to do it (verse 23). He has already stated that He is glad He wasn't there to prevent Lazarus' death, because though the situation has turned into an impossibility, that is nothing but an opportunity to Him. So Jesus let this happen? And He is glad? Why? Lazarus resurrection after 4 days is a preparation. Why should it be so hard to believe that Jesus himself can resurrect after only 3 days? Anyhow, we know in John 11:35 that Jesus isn't weeping because His friend Lazarus is dead, He let it happen and planned to raise him. Why the weeping then? He groaned and He wept because of their lack of faith. Now ask yourself, why did Jesus agonize in the Garden of Gesthemene prior to his crucifixion? The Bible says that for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, but then we find Him agonizing in the garden. So in Jesus most notable miracle, He is glad, then he weeps and in His own death, there is joy and there is agony. I submit to you that Jesus gladly laid down His life and knew he was going to take it up again. His agony in the garden was over the unbelief of many: that though his sacrifice was for all, it would be made of none effect for so many through unbelief.

Going back to the resurrection of Lazarus: Jesus tells Martha that her brother shall rise again (John 11:23). She thinks she has it figured out and speaks through limited faith that she knows he will raise again at the last day. Jesus makes a stong statement of truth: "I am the resurrection." Imagine having faith in a future solution when the solution to your problem is standing right in front of you. Jesus says here not "I am going to resurrect Lazarus," no He says "I am the resurrection." Jesus doesn't have the answer to your problem, HE IS THE ANSWER TO YOUR PROBLEM. It isn't about what Jesus can and will do, it it about who HE is! Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. But the question is will you believe, or will He grieve?

Dominion over the Enemy

2008-03-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

In Genesis 1:28, God gives dominion to man over all His creation, but in Luke 4:5-6 the devil takes Jesus to a high mountain and offers his dominion over all the kindgoms of the world. Since when did the devil have this dominion that was given to man? That is what REALLY happened in the Garden of Eden. God told Adam that in the day he disobeyed and ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil he would surely die, yet Adam lived to the age of 930! It obviously wasn't Adam's body or soul that died that day, it was his spirit. "And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins." The body and soul do not have dominion over the spirit realm; so when Satan tempted man to disobedience and man disobeyed, his spirit died and his dominion along with it. Satan now had dominion. The earth became a hard place for man after he lost his dominion; animals no longer were under his dominion and even the earth itself only yielded it's substance to man with much labor. But it was God's desire from the beginning for man to have dominion. Jesus was very much alive spiritually and had dominion. Jesus restored dominion to his disciples and they marvelled that the spirits were subject to them. God's plan of salvation for man is not just about forgiveness of sins, but restoration of dominion. "For sin shall not have dominion over you." "Greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world." We've got to understand not only the importance of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost as necessary for salvation as it is the restoration of spiritual life within man (a spiritually dead creature) - but we MUST understand that this gift is more than a feeling, more than an experience, more than a seal of salvation - IT IS THE RESTORATION OF MAN'S RIGHTFUL DOMINION. "And ye shall receive POWER after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Christians who are not spirit-filled do not have dominion as they possess only a living body and soul, but a dead spirit. Christians who do not walk in the spirit, but walk in disobedience, are willfully giving away their dominion as Adam did in the garden. Gal 5:16-18 tells us "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit , and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil , and he will flee from you." When you are submitted to God and filled with the spirit, you will have dominion; you will be able to resist the devil and his dominion. When the devils realize that you are not a man or woman subject to their dominion, but rather it it YOU who has dominion over THEM - they will flee from you saying, "Have you come to torment us before our time?" "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" The message: be filled with the spirit and walk in it and you will have dominion. "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils . . ."

Holy Ghost and Fire!

2008-03-10T17:25:00.001-07:00

What exciting times we live in. With the coming of the Lord quickly upon us, I am so thankful to be in the CHURCH of the living God! Just over a year ago we endeavored to plant a church here in the beautiful city of Bonita with God's help. I would lie to you if I said, I never got discouraged in the first couple of months. However, it was at those times that our Lord would send a direct message to me or financially bless the CHURCH. With assurance I knew He had my back and I could trust Him. What would I do without Him on my side. Jesus the same yesterday, today, and forevermore! The church has been experiencing the goodness of the Lord and lives are being transformed. To God be the Glory! Expecting marvelous things to come!

Spiritual Bankruptcy

2008-01-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

In 2005, our government changed the bankruptcy protection laws. Like so many things it was a move away from the way God does things. Prior to 2005 if someone declared bankruptcy their debt was cleared. Now only 60% of the debt is cleared (if I understand the laws correctly). It amounts to a continuation of the kind of indentured servitude our debt based system has become, and now without recourse or relief. God's laws always included a way out. He created cities of refuge to run to and a year of Jubilee for the forgiveness of debt and release of servitude.

Truth is we, the people of this world, are spiritually bankrupt. We spend our life digging a hole for ourselves spiritually. We are born spiritually dead and spend our lives making one big mess. "Man that is born of a woman is of a few days and full of trouble." Like people who are truly bankrupt, people will often spend time trying to manage, denying the problem, shifting things around. . . but eventually the cold, hard truth with be unavoidable.

The good news is that we can declare spiritual bankruptcy. One simply must approach the throne of God, and in admission and surrender, admit our ultimate shortcoming. A suprise is in store for those who do! The first suprise is that you were never alone for "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." The second is that "if we confess our sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the rightous." The results of declaring spiritual bankruptcy are closer to our nations pre-2005 standard. . . 100% of your debt will be forgiven and you will be set free. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heay laden, and I will give you rest." The annointing will break the yoke.

Ours is to quit moving things around, trying to manage and deny the problem and just to declare it: "I cannot continue on my own. I cannot manage, I am bankrupt." Jesus said He came to give us life more abundantly. It has never been His will that any would come to the end of their rope and reach their grave in spiritual insolvency, but that all men would come to repentance - the ultimate declaration of spiritual bankruptcy.

2008 - Becoming Vessels of God's Pleasure

2008-01-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

Our opening service of 2008, I preached a message entitled "The Four Vessels of Pleasure." I find four types of pleasure in the scripture. The pleasure of sin, which is for a season and which God takes no pleasure in. The pleasure of self, which is serving the flesh. Even when pleasing self is not sin, in the flesh we cannot please God. The third pleasure is pleasing man. This is more selfless that serving self. It is more noble and honorable to serve others, but it becomes a problem when it keeps us from pleasing God. In 2008, our church will strive to attain unto the fourth pleasure: Pleasing God. When a man's ways please God, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. . . . and at His right hand are pleasures for ever more.

There is no greater pleasure than to be in His presence, walk in the spirit and be used of God according to his pleasure. We want to please God, knowing that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things shall be added. . . Too often we start at the bottom. We please ourself, then others and we leave a little room for Jesus. The Bible warns that in the last days men would be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. We please God when our first thought is to please Him.

My mother once told me the way to real JOY was to put Jesus first "J" then Others "O" then Yourself last "Y". This is more than a cute little mnemonic. The older I get, the more I realize the theological accuracy, the ultimate importance of this.

Let's go forward in 2008, to be above all else a vessel of His pleasure!

The house of God

2007-04-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Acts 17:24 Reads "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands." and Heb 9:11 reads "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building." The church building is not the house of God. We are the house of God. If we think the church building is the house of God, we merely come to visit him at his house, but if we are the house, then He goes with US everywhere. If we think the church building is God's house, we will think we must get sinners to come this certain place and will print many invitations and fliers, but will fail to realize that we have brought God to their doorstep and to their need. There are no references to passing out fliers and tracts, nor references to inviting people to church in the New Testament, but there are plenty of references of ministering to people wherever they were: in homes, by rivers and streets etc. . . The church building, no matter how much we call it "the house of God" and decorate it, is not God's dwelling place. He desires to dwell in us. When the Lord said His house should be called the house of prayer, He of course was referring to us. . . that we would be houses of prayer, housing Him. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Rev 3:20 WON'T YOU OPEN YOUR HOUSE TO HIM?

Holiness Without Love is Dead

2007-04-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Pharisees and Sadducees were a "holy" bunch of God's people. They wore long robes and bound the word of God upon their garments. They were the ministry of their day. Even Jesus commented that they were indeed beautiful outwardly. He also said, however, that they were full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. You better believe they preached standards of holiness. Jesus said they laid on men burdens which were grievous to be borne and told his disciples to do as these men said, but not as they did. His rebuke of them included the fact that they were skilled in tithing, but omitted the ever more important things: judgement, mercy and faith. He said they were full of extortion, excess, hypocrisy and iniquity. Further, these men failed the litmus test of all: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples that you have love one toward another." John went further and said, "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" What does this love look like? What are the real marks of a Christian? Love: Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. 1 Cor 13:4-7
(TLB) Holiness begins with making the inside clean, which will manifest as love. The Holy Ghost can abide in a clean vessel, and when it does it will bear fruit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. The Bible urges us to try the spirits, whether they be of God. Real holiness is rooted in love. Real Christians manifest love. There is balance in the scripture: "Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord."

Repent and do the first works. . .

2007-03-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Jesus told the Church at Ephesus (through John) in the Book of Revelation, that their discernment was good. They were able to see who was real and who wasn't. They were able to see the one's who claimed to be apostles, but were liars in deed. Jesus commended them for their works and perseverence. He even commended their patience. Yet, he said he had a problem with this Church. . .they had left their first love: Jesus. The Bible says the love of many will wax cold because of iniquity, it doens't say whose iniquity, it just says iniquity will make the love of many wax cold. The fault of the Ephesus church was that they got caught up discerning the falsehood around them and didn't keep first things first. In the process of discerning the iniquity around them, their love waxed cold. Jesus goes on to issue Ephesus a stern warning in three parts: 1)They must remember where they came from. We must be humble enough to realize that the only reason we aren't bound by sin is because of the grace of God, not because we are anything by ourselves. 2) They must repent. Repentence of the saints must precede RE-vival. 3) They must do the first works. The penalty is stated as follows: "Or else I will come quickly and remove his candlestick out of his place." No first works, no annointing. Let's look at that progression once more: (1) We observe iniquity in others and despite our labor and good works (2) our love waxes cold, we no longer are penitent and no longer do the first works so (3) The Lord removes the candle of annointing. Friend of mine, let every man be a liar, but let God be true. Repent, quit looking around and keep your eyes on Jesus. Do the works you did in the beginning and be not weary in well doing.

What time is it?

2007-03-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. Jesus marvelled that men know about the weather, but do not perceive the times. While 156,000 people die per day, 56 million total per year and most of those, sad to say, are unsaved. . .while the divorce rate is at an all time high, 37 percent of babies are born out of wedlock, the technology for the mark of the beast is here and people are receiving the mark, all attention is on the war in the middle east and an epidemic of self-mutilation and body cutting is running loose among the young people of today. WHERE IS THE CHURCH? Is the church too busy celebrating in their "holy" little cliques, enjoying the hybrid Christianity they have created that blends sin, iniquity, apathy, worldliness, materialism and covers it with a Christian candy-coating. Are they too busy with the cares of this world, easing their conscience with inspirational Gospel music. What are the preachers doing? Are they preaching in the anointing that breaks the yoke, or wowing us with their deep thoughts, lightly spiced with humor? Are they too busy competing with one another, fighting with one another, distracted by outward standards of so-called holiness, yet loving not their brother and having no burden for the lost. Has our outreach been reduced to token works to ease our conscience? THERE IS A WORLD THAT NEEDS THE CHURCH TO WAKE UP AND GET A BURDEN! How can we rest on our laurels, and keep hitting the spiritual snooze button, thinking we have more time? Does anyone believe Jesus is coming? Get your house in order, Jesus is coming, ready or not.

The Abundant Life

2007-03-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

I worked in a nursing home for awhile. This particular nursing home was for the affluent as it cost $100,000 to register and $4,000 per month thereafter. Evidence of the status of the residents could be seen now and then. One man had one picture of himself with President Gerald Ford and one with President Ronald Reagan. He had been an engineer with NASA. I was personally struggling with a decision I had made to leave the military and the resulting huge financial sacrifice of now working part time for $10 an hour while going to school. I looked at these people who were on the other end of successful lives, trying to make sense of it all. This all seemed like a lonely and anticlimactic end to a lifetime of attainment. Most of the residents could no longer dress well and few had much recollection of their lives. As their lives faded into the sunset, they all had one thing in common: each had pictures of family, friends and loved ones on their night stand. At the end of their lives, this was what they had left, this is what mattered. I reflected on this with a very coherent patient who was 98 years old and felt he only had a few hours to live. I described my decision to prioritize the people in my life over things, money and the trappings of so-called success. "Sounds like you got the rope around the right end of the horse, son," he said. Yet still, there was something missing, something empty about this ending. Then, I met Aleta. The gospel music spilled out of her room into the hall. I was there to assist in lifting her with a special crane because she couldn't move her body. During this painful process, most patients get grouchy and cuss you out, but Grace, with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks would sing along with the gospel music and say, "Thank you Jesus, you are so good, thank you sweet Jesus." Her eyes sparkled and the smile beamed from her almost glowing face. "Yes," I thought, "Jesus came to give life more abundantly." At the end of our lives, what will be important? Will we be able to say we lived the abundant life?

Capitalistic Christianity

2007-03-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

No, I am not waxing political; the Bible says to watch and pray and I think it is wise to be watchful and discerning. Often, outside ideologies creep into our churches while we are unaware. If our reading of the Bible shows a stark contrast between the early church and the way we live now, this can expose areas where we have gone astray. The Bible says to seek the OLD paths and walk therein. I, personally, have never been fond of new "flavors" of Christianity and prefer to find the "flavor" that is a sweet savour unto the Lord. The early church member sold all their possessions and had all things in common, but our captalistic society rubs against this idea. Our nation has a proud heritage of prosperity and entrepreneurism. The ideas driving capitalism are those of material prosperity and competition. Signs of success are related to the size of the business, individual status and material wealth. The competition is fierce, and for some morality is an inconvenient speed bump along the road to success. Ethics are situational and bottom lines drive decision making. When those last four sentences (read them again) become true of our churches, something is VERY wrong. While these ideologies work within our world, and unfortunately can even be used to build large corporate churches, this is not building upon the stone the builders rejected. Jesus was born in a manger and achieved little within our capitalistic ideal of success, in fact He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of God . . .blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." Jesus is coming back for a church built on Him.

The Race

2007-03-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

When I was a young adolescent I ran in track. My favorite part about the sport was the relay race. We had a pretty good team that qualified us for the Jr. Olympics. Due to no support from our school and lack of funds from our parents we were unable to participate at the Jr. Olympics. For years, I was the anchor for the team and because of laziness I stopped practicing and making myself stronger and better. The other teammates continued on and before I knew it I was the slowest one on our relay team. Had jealousy got a hold of me maybe I wouldn't of decided to be on their team. They needed me so I decided to run with them. I think we shocked everyone of our family members. All of us have some competitiveness in us and little did our family know that we were willing to go as far as our little legs would take us. We went from meet to meet and won ribbon after ribbon and eventually, medals. I come from a very small town. You would of thought we would of had tons of support, but we didn't. Our very own school which I love to this day didn't ever support us either. We didn't even have a coach from our school so one of the parents stepped in and trained with us. Our achievements were so great. Our parents tried to have the school support us financial so we could go to the Olympics that were held in Missouri that year. They said no. And to let you know it wouldn't have interfered with our regular school schedule because all our meets were on Saturdays and Sundays. Needless to say we didn't end up going. The memories, however, I cherish with me to this day. You might ask why were we so good? Our timing and hand offs played an integral part in our success; oh yes, and lots and lots of practice. More important than that I think was the support that we had from our families. They were our fanatics in the stands. They were the ones we ran for and loved to please. When ever one elses screams would fade away you could hear our families still hollering and going absolutely bananas. The look of amazement was on each face as we continued to beat teams that we couldn't beat in previous years. Oh, how fulfilled we felt. Life is sometime very much like a race because the Bible even talks about running this race, and the race is not to the swiftest nor the strongest but to him who endures to the end. Sometimes you run alone and other times you run a relay. Thank God there is always a finish line and a reward. Keep on running to get to the finish line in heaven and the reward which awaits you. That is just what we are trying to do as Christians: press toward the mark. I encourage you today run, run, run, don't let laziness stop you from your goal. Jesus will give you the strength to go the next lap and when you have to pass the baton, be content to know they too which run this race after you are running to reach the finish line. The race is almost over, don't faint yet, you'll get your second wind again. The Lord gave you the tools you need to finish this race which can be found in His word. Hear him encourage you and know He is your biggest fan. You can do it. You got what it takes to win!!! Your other teammates are depending on you! Stay focused and don't get distracted by the cares of this life and the fiery darts which Satan throws at you. When all the noise disappears listen for the Lord's voice saying just a little bit longer it's almost over. Your on my team and I always win!

Here are some scriptures on running: Ps. 18:29 Ps. 19:5 Isaiah 40:31 1 Cor. 9:24 Phil 2:16 Heb 12:1 Phil 3:14

The Journey of a Lifetime

2007-03-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

We must resist placing people in distinct categories and comparing ourselves among ourselves. Rather than placing people in three neat bins of existence, labelled "Sinner," "Saint," and "Minister," which fits well with our hierarchial society, we must remember that we are all on a journey that lasts a lifetime. This categorization foments falsehood; sinners feel unworthy and the saved folks reinforce this with condescending pity; saints feel that once they land in the "saints" category, they are safe and can coast on to heaven. Ministers, rather than ministering and serving the flock, enjoy a view from the top rung of the hierarchy. How would it be to view all of humanity as being on a journey? Some are a few miles ahead and can warn us of pitfalls; those a few miles behind may need our extended hand of help.

Living By Faith-Its a Life-Style

2007-03-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

I was handed piece of paper at our Bible study on Wednesday night, that read: "Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2:3

Times of hardness are inevitable. You need to know that. It's true that we've been redeemed from the curse, and there's nothing Satan can do to reverse that, but he is going to challenge you on it. So don't be surprised when things get tough. Times will come when you have to stand strictly by faith, when you'll have to speak and act as though what God says is true even when you can't feel it or see it happening around you. There will be times when everything looks terrible. That's when you must endure hardness as a good soldier. So many people hear the word of faith about healing or prosperity and the think, "Hey! I'm going to try that." Then hard times come, they give up and cave in. Let me warn you living by faith is not something you try. Its' a life-style. You do it when it's hard. You do it when it's easy. You do it all the time because you're not doing it just to get in on the benefits. You're doing it because you know that faith please God (Heb. 11:6). Things may get a little rough at times, but let me assure you, you'll always come out on top if you endure hardness as a good soldier. If you refuse to faint and fall away, you will have the victory. The only defeated Christian is the one who quits! Be encouraged today!

Can isn't the question

2007-03-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

The leper told Jesus, "If thou wilt, thou canst make me whole." The leper knew "this man CAN make me whole," the part he wasn't sure of was "WILL He?" Jesus answered, "I will; be thou clean." The real key to faith is not whether or not we believe God is able, but believing he WILL do it to us, for us and through us. It is easy to believe He WILL do it for others, but we think we aren't worthy that He should do it for us. Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must first believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Draw nigh unto me, promises the Lord, and I will draw nigh unto you. Our faith must be built on our own experiences with God and not merely on mental or emotional acknowledgement of the experiences of others. God gives us faith and calls us to walk beyond our doubts. We know that He can do all things, and we know He does things for others; our walk of faith begins when we believe He WILL for us. Our limitations do not matter, in fact God's callings and promptings are never about readiness they are about willingness. God knows you CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens you, the question He asks is "WILL YOU?"

The Urgency of the Times

2007-03-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

As a young man, I was searching for the Lord because I had a pressing feeling that we are living in the last days and I wanted to be sure I had salvation. I travelled church to church to church, denomination to denomination to denomination. Though I kept it to myself, I was silently appalled at the social-club atmosphere of the American churches. The casual, comfortable apathetic existence of Christians left me feeling alone. Did anyone else believe Jesus is coming soon? If you asked them, they would say "Yes, I believe that," and nod their head in an ever casual way. I felt like they believed it in a philosophical, theoretical way. People are emotional creatures, though they hide it well. When a person's favorite ball team scores a goal or touchdown they lose their composure and inhibitions and their true passion leaks out. You picture the reaction you would have if you won the lottery; you know you wouldn't be composed and dignified. If a Christian truly believed they were on their way to HELL for all eternity and had been saved from it, you wouldn't be able to stop their worship, and if Christians really believed that Jesus was coming back soon they would act like it: They wouldn't balk at Godly living, they wouldn't schedule baptisms for next week (just in case the Lord comes in the next 20 minutes), they would be quit to repent, slow to wrath and would want to make sure their salvation. Instead, too many are amassing worldly possessions, eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, fighting with their brethren and loving pleasure more than loving God. Is it any wonder that missionaries are coming to America from third-world countries; we are increased with goods but in abject spiritual poverty. Even our churches have turned into businesses. In the words of John the Baptist "Repent . . . prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Jesus is coming soon, repent that you may rejoice at his coming.

The First Service at The Upper Room

2007-03-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

What an awesome first service we had at the Upper Room. There was such a sweet presence of the Lord in the chapel. We couldn't of asked for a better kick off service. Many family and friends came to celebrate and support our efforts. I stand amazed still today and ponder all that has happened to the leading up to the first service and the events that have happened since. God truly has opened the door wide for many many possibilities. Our spirit is anticipating what the Lord will do through our willingness to obey and trust Him in our every step. For surely we cannot do anything without Him. With Him all things are possible. I had an encouraging word spoken to me yesterday...If we have faith the size of a mustard seed..

The Lord only knows what the future holds. Time is winding up and we want our lamps trimmed and ready when our Bridegroom calls....Come up Hither!

The WORD alone shall stand!

2007-03-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

What a strange and glorious day to be living! You will see a Revival of the word in these days and the false religions will recoil to persecute the truth with much venom. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. A modern phariseeism has sprouted and a great falling away has begun as people grow tired of carnal preachers worshipping their buildings and wealth while sowing seeds of discord among the brethren. There is now a hypocrisy so vile as men fight over outward "standards" of holiness and inwardly are full of dead mens bones. Comparing themselves among themselves and proclaiming "I thank God that I am not as these others" instead of beating their chests saying "God have mercy on me a sinner!" These men see not Revival because they are filled with hatred toward their brother. They trust not God, nor the blood of Jesus, nor the power of the Holy Ghost and have returned to the law, with all it's deficiencies, creating a hierarchial, oppressive legal system. The operation of the gifts, the signs, wonders and the five-fold ministry have all but vanished, leaving an exalted Pastor to lord over the flock, supposedly fulfilling all the ministerial needs of the local church. I plead with you as you read this to let every man be a liar, but let GOD be true. WE MUST READ THE WORD THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO DISCERN IN THESE LAST DAYS. The Bible holds a great promise that where iniquity abounds, grace abounds much more. A great Revival is coming, and as you can expect, those rooted in religion will not recognize it for what it is for they find comfort in their system which they have set up. We must have truth AND righteousness.