God's Message on the Web

Have you wanted to be someone else? As children, we all probably wished we were someone else. A very common fantasy of children is pretending to be their hero or superstar. As an adult, have you ever wanted to be someone else? Some of us would say, “No, I have never wanted to be anyone but me.” Some of us would say, “Yes, I would like to be someone else every day of my life.” To those of us who say, “No, I have always wanted to be me,” have you ever wanted to swap places with someone else? That is wanting to be “me” in his or her circumstances. That is awfully close to wanting to be someone else. As a Christian, have you ever wanted to be someone else? Have you ever thought, “Spiritually, my life would be a lot simpler if I could change places with him (or her). Have you ever thought, “I could do what I want to do for the Lord if I had her (or his) life!” Perhaps more often than we realize we say to ourselves, “If I had her money…,” or, “If I had his voice…,” or, “If I had her talent…,” or, “If I had his education…,” or, “If I had her opportunities…,” or, “If I had his leadership ability…,” or, “If I had her background…,” or, “If I had his speaking ability then I could do something truly significant for God.” Let me ask the same question in several different ways. What is the most important thing a person can do for God? What is the most significant thing a person can do for God? What is the most valuable thing a person can do for God? The most important thing you can do for God is to let God reveal His glory through your life. The most significant thing you can do for God is to let God reveal His glory through your life. The most valuable thing you can do for God is to let God reveal His glory through your life. Nothing we can do brings greater tribute to God, nothing more fully accomplishes God’s purposes than our allowing God to reveal His glory through our lives. * Unfortunately, most of us believe we have to be something we can never be before God can be glorified in our lives. * We just do not believe that the life we have, that the abilities we possess, that the life situation we are in can be used by God to bring glory to Himself. * If we were a person that it is impossible for us to be, * If we could do things that it is impossible for us to do, * If we had opportunities that will never exist for us, * Then, if we were that other person, doing those impossible things, and having those impossible opportunities, God could use us to glorify Himself. * But God cannot glorify Himself in us if we are who we are, with our situation, with our struggles, with our problems–or so we believe. * About 2000 years ago some Christians came to that same conclusion. * Listen to what Paul said to them in 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (read). * If I understand that situation correctly, this was what happened. * Some converted Jews said, “If I had not been born and reared as a Jew, I could really serve Christ–I would not be steeped in all these legalistic, isolationist attitudes and perspectives that hinder me spiritually.” * Some converted non-Jews said, “If I had not been born and reared in a family of idol worshipers, I could really serve Christ–but I don’t know anything about scripture; I don’t even know much about the true God.” * Some converted slaves said, “If I were not a slave, I could really serve Christ–but I am not free, and so many things happen in my life that I have no control over.” * Paul said, “Your thinking is completely misdirected–you miss the point.

It is distinctly possible that every adult in this audience and most of the teens in this audience all used a similar object this morning. In fact, it is distinctly possibility that all adults and most teens use this similar object every morning. In fact, we all use this object so commonly that we rarely notice it. The only time we think about this object is when no one has one. When we have it, we never think about it. When we do not have it, we really miss it. I expect some of you are thinking, “No way! Many of us might use something similar, but nothing is used by all of us.” How many mirrors do you have in your house? Do any of you have a bath room sink or a dressing area that does not have a mirror? Is there ever a day in your life when you do not look in a mirror? The probability is high that you have some very good mirrors in your home. If you want to make a room appear larger, use some mirrors. If you want to brighten up an area, use some mirrors. Good mirrors are incredible in the way they reflect light. Mirrors literally can destroy darkness. But, regardless of the quality of the mirror, it only reflects light. A mirror is never the source of light. * I want us to read together a number of passages on light, and I want us to make the connection scripture makes between light and mirrors. * Read with me these scriptures. * First, note God is the source of all light, not the mirror but the source. James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. * Second, note that Jesus is our light because we see God through him. John 1:4,5 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” * Third, note that Christians reflect Jesus’ light into our world so through us people see Jesus and through Jesus people see God. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Ephesians 5:6-14 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” * So you say to me, “Let me get this straight: * “God is the source of light. * “Jesus as our light reflects God to us. * “If we are Christians, we reflect Jesus and through Jesus people see God. * “Are you not just stating your opinion?”

It is distinctly possible that every adult in this audience and most of the teens in this audience all used a similar object this morning. In fact, it is distinctly possibility that all adults and most teens use this similar object every morning. In fact, we all use this object so commonly that we rarely notice it. The only time we think about this object is when no one has one. When we have it, we never think about it. When we do not have it, we really miss it. I expect some of you are thinking, “No way! Many of us might use something similar, but nothing is used by all of us.” How many mirrors do you have in your house? Do any of you have a bath room sink or a dressing area that does not have a mirror? Is there ever a day in your life when you do not look in a mirror? The probability is high that you have some very good mirrors in your home. If you want to make a room appear larger, use some mirrors. If you want to brighten up an area, use some mirrors. Good mirrors are incredible in the way they reflect light. Mirrors literally can destroy darkness. But, regardless of the quality of the mirror, it only reflects light. A mirror is never the source of light. * I want us to read together a number of passages on light, and I want us to make the connection scripture makes between light and mirrors. * Read with me these scriptures. * First, note God is the source of all light, not the mirror but the source. James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. * Second, note that Jesus is our light because we see God through him. John 1:4,5 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” * Third, note that Christians reflect Jesus’ light into our world so through us people see Jesus and through Jesus people see God. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Ephesians 5:6-14 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” * So you say to me, “Let me get this straight: * “God is the source of light. * “Jesus as our light reflects God to us. * “If we are Christians, we reflect Jesus and through Jesus people see God. * “Are you not just stating your opinion?”

One great enemy of the godly man and the godly woman is anger. It is not evil to be angry. It is evil to allow your anger to control your motivations, decisions, and actions. Paul declared to the Ephesian Christians, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:25,27). We can be angry and not sin. However, human anger presents Satan an enormous opportunity. Remember the enormous opportunity that Cain’s anger provided evil (Genesis 4). It takes a heart truly dedicated to God’s heart to prevent great anger from providing Satan great opportunity. * I want to focus you on one of David’s heart qualities that made his heart special to God. Consider 1 Samuel 25. * May I begin with a simple observation: violence hardens the hearts and minds of people. * In war people cope with so much dying by “getting used to death.” * In continual work with tragedies, people cope by “getting use to suffering.” * People who live or work around lots of blood “get used” to seeing blood. * People who work around a lot of pain get accustomed to seeing others in pain. * The process is called desensitizing. * Violence desensitizes people to death, suffering, blood, and pain. * From the death of Goliath, David was around and involved in a lot of violence. * As violence desensitizes a person, violence becomes the acceptable way to solve problems. * Anger tempts that person to be violent. * David and his troops were hiding from the forces of King Saul in the wilderness area south of the city of Hebron. * Evidently, they had a “safe” base camp in that area that they used frequently (the area is about seven miles south-southwest of Hebron). * As David and his men traveled to and from their camp in this wilderness area, they never posed a threat to Nabal’s shepherds or flocks. * That was unusual: it was common for bands of thieves and marauders to find security in wilderness areas. * These bands were threats to shepherds and flocks (who were considered “fair game” of opportunity to violent bands). * David and his men treated Nabal’s shepherds with respect, never took anything from their flocks, and protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks from dangerous people–quite a contrast to what was commonly the situation. * The time of year came for sheep shearing. * This was a time of celebration and feasting. * Special workers were brought to the flocks to shear them. * There was a lot of food, drink, and feasting because people celebrated their new prosperity. * It was common to thank God for the gift of prosperity. * It was common to give gifts to the less fortunate as an expression of your joy and your gratitude to God. * David sent ten young men to bring a statement of blessing to Nabal and to ask for a gift. * Because of the time of year that we now celebrate, we should relate well to David’s expectations. * The greeting was something like wishing Nabal a long life and best wishes for the coming year; may it be a good one. * Nabal was a wealthy man. * He likely had experience with dealing with bands of thieves and marauders who threatened or attacked his shepherds and flocks. * Maybe he knew what the forces of Saul did to the priests at Nob when they were massacred and did not want to get in the middle of that feud. * Whatever he knew, whatever his motives, he was a greedy, evil man who had no respect or appreciation for anyone but himself. * Stupidly, foolishly,

One great enemy of the godly man and the godly woman is anger. It is not evil to be angry. It is evil to allow your anger to control your motivations, decisions, and actions. Paul declared to the Ephesian Christians, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:25,27). We can be angry and not sin. However, human anger presents Satan an enormous opportunity. Remember the enormous opportunity that Cain’s anger provided evil (Genesis 4). It takes a heart truly dedicated to God’s heart to prevent great anger from providing Satan great opportunity. * I want to focus you on one of David’s heart qualities that made his heart special to God. Consider 1 Samuel 25. * May I begin with a simple observation: violence hardens the hearts and minds of people. * In war people cope with so much dying by “getting used to death.” * In continual work with tragedies, people cope by “getting use to suffering.” * People who live or work around lots of blood “get used” to seeing blood. * People who work around a lot of pain get accustomed to seeing others in pain. * The process is called desensitizing. * Violence desensitizes people to death, suffering, blood, and pain. * From the death of Goliath, David was around and involved in a lot of violence. * As violence desensitizes a person, violence becomes the acceptable way to solve problems. * Anger tempts that person to be violent. * David and his troops were hiding from the forces of King Saul in the wilderness area south of the city of Hebron. * Evidently, they had a “safe” base camp in that area that they used frequently (the area is about seven miles south-southwest of Hebron). * As David and his men traveled to and from their camp in this wilderness area, they never posed a threat to Nabal’s shepherds or flocks. * That was unusual: it was common for bands of thieves and marauders to find security in wilderness areas. * These bands were threats to shepherds and flocks (who were considered “fair game” of opportunity to violent bands). * David and his men treated Nabal’s shepherds with respect, never took anything from their flocks, and protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks from dangerous people–quite a contrast to what was commonly the situation. * The time of year came for sheep shearing. * This was a time of celebration and feasting. * Special workers were brought to the flocks to shear them. * There was a lot of food, drink, and feasting because people celebrated their new prosperity. * It was common to thank God for the gift of prosperity. * It was common to give gifts to the less fortunate as an expression of your joy and your gratitude to God. * David sent ten young men to bring a statement of blessing to Nabal and to ask for a gift. * Because of the time of year that we now celebrate, we should relate well to David’s expectations. * The greeting was something like wishing Nabal a long life and best wishes for the coming year; may it be a good one. * Nabal was a wealthy man. * He likely had experience with dealing with bands of thieves and marauders who threatened or attacked his shepherds and flocks. * Maybe he knew what the forces of Saul did to the priests at Nob when they were massacred and did not want to get in the middle of that feud. * Whatever he knew, whatever his motives, he was a greedy, evil man who had no respect or appreciation for anyone but himself. * Stupidly, foolishly,

Why are Black and White folks being set up to hate each other?  We have more in common than most would dare imagine.  Let’s not give in to the hatred that The Powers that Be are trying to instill in us.  Let’s be Brothers and Sisters. They’re tearing us down because they have to for their agenda to move forward.  We’re too strong together.  Please pass this along.  And all differences aside, we really are alike.  Peace. The United States of America is divided against itself.  We cannot stand.  Just as Jesus said in Mark 3: 23-27 23 So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand. 26 And if Satan is divided and rises against himself, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. This song is by Mike Hayden and he sent it to me back in 2007 or 2008.  I couldn’t think of a better time to bring it out.

Why are Black and White folks being setup to hate each other.  We have more in common than most would dare imagine.  Let’s not give in to the hatred that The Powers that Be are trying to instill in us.  Let’s be Brothers and Sisters. They’re tearing us down because they have to for their agenda to move forward.  We’re too strong together.  Please pass this along.  And all differences aside, we really are alike.  Peace. The United States of America is divided against itself.  We cannot stand.  Just as Jesus said in Mark 3: 23-27 23 So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand. 26 And if Satan is divided and rises against himself, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. This song is by Mike Hayden and he sent it to me back in 2007 or 2008.  I couldn’t think of a better time to bring it out.

I am AlSayr, your unlikely guide into the worlds of religion, myth, and magic. Join us as we take a tough look at the Bible and cut through some tough issues. My first podcast, Free to be just a Christian breaks down the walls and will start you on your way to Freedom in Christ. I hope you will join us for these important topics. Is Hell really eternal torture? I do not believe so. I think everyone will be pleased with the biblical results from these studies. We will go through religious conspiracies and more. As soon as God introduced his personal relationship plan to the world, there were those at the ready to oppose it, they are the new Pharisees of this generation. These new Pharisees, men and women alike, trade freedom in Jesus Christ for a religious rule book. They do not have a personal relationship with God or Jesus, but they know somebody who does. Some have been deceived into believing we need to belong to a certain branch of Christianity to find God. Nothing could be further from the actual truth. God tells us himself that He does not live in buildings made by hands, however, he made room to live in our hearts.

I am AlSayr, your unlikely guide into the worlds of religion, myth, and magic. Join us as we take a tough look at the Bible and cut through some tough issues. My first podcast, Free to be just a Christian breaks down the walls and will start you on your way to Freedom in Christ. I hope you will join us for these important topics. Is Hell really eternal torture? I do not believe so. I think everyone will be pleased with the biblical results from these studies. We will go through religious conspiracies and more. As soon as God introduced his personal relationship plan to the world, there were those at the ready to oppose it, they are the new Pharisees of this generation. These new Pharisees, men and women alike, trade freedom in Jesus Christ for a religious rule book. They do not have a personal relationship with God or Jesus, but they know somebody who does. Some have been deceived into believing we need to belong to a certain branch of Christianity to find God. Nothing could be further from the actual truth. God tells us himself that He does not live in buildings made by hands, however, he made room to live in our hearts.

Our present traditional view of hell, borrowed from Catholicism, Platonism and paganism, is no more biblical than the doctrine of limbo. Scriptures must be twisted to say the opposite of what they actually teach in order to keep promoting the idea that God is a loving Creator who will keep souls alive forever just to torment and torture them, souls he knew would not accept him when he created them. This is not the God of the Bible I see. Consider. Rhetorical Questions: Why does Jesus’ reference to those in danger of the fire of hell not mention that it will be “eternal” tormenting (Matthew 5:22)? And why do we make words such as “destroy” mean different things, unless it is to support a preconceived doctrine (Matthew 10:28)? If Satan is not to be feared because he can only destroy our bodies, then why are we told to fear HIM who can “destroy” both soul and body in hell, especially if we won’t be “destroyed?” (Matthew 10:28)? Why do we assume the word “destroy” in this verse means the exact opposite of its normal meaning? Why do we assume “destroy” here means to live on and on eternally and yet not be destroyed? Why does not the translation of words meaning grave (Sheol & Hades) and garbage pit (Gehenna) into the same word “hell” not signify the deliberate tampering of Scriptures by translators? What if they had done that with other completely separate words with different meanings and translated them into the same word?   Gehenna For example, what if our Bible translators took the Greek words for “marriage, wine, spirit, and house” and translated them into the single noun sandal? Why would translators take a Greek noun (Gehenna) referring to a specific place and translate it into another noun, the same noun used for the grave and death and Tartarus (Tartaroo)? Is anyone as baffled by this as I am? Tartarus Why can we not see that the fire of Gehenna (hell) that was unquenchable and where the worm (maggot) thrived describes the valley of Hinnom that Jesus alluded to when he said being lost would be like being tossed into that consuming garbage dump outside Jerusalem’s walls (Isaiah 66:24; Mark 9:48)? Why cannot believers understand that “unquenchable” fire meant fire that would not go out until that which is consuming or “destroying” is gone? Why do so many of us perpetuate the notion that Gehenna is a symbol of “torture” rather than a place of punishment and destruction? How can we escape the idea that maggots consume the dead? How can serious Bible students make the Greek word for “maggot” mean some part of human beings that lives on and on eternally? Why does the traditional teaching on hell refute the clear teaching of Peter that everything we know will be “burned up” and “destroyed” (2 Peter 3:10-12)? Why does Malachi refer to the evil ones as “stubble to be burned up” with nothing left if evil ones are to somehow be tortured unendingly by a loving God (Malachi 4:1)? If Paul clearly teaches that those who do not know God will suffer “everlasting destruction,” why do traditionalists teach that it won’t actually be destruction but will be never-ending, eternal “destroying” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)? Why can’t intelligent people differentiate between “destruction” and “eternal life in a state of perpetual torture and destruction”? How is it possible for thinking and studious minds to refute the very teaching of the apostle Peter who writes of the “destruction of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7)? Isn’t it clear that even in his parabolic teachings Christ presents what represents the “evil unbelievers” (the chaff & tares) being burne...

All over the world today, there is a vast renewal of interest in studying the Bible. Thousands of people are reading the Bible to find the answers as to where they come from, why they are here on earth, and where they are going after this life is over. Searching the Scriptures with an open and honest heart toward God will enable you to gain knowledge of God’s total plan for all of His people. The Bible is divided into two major parts – the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells of the beginnings of the earth, of man, of sin, and of God’s way of salvation in Christ. Abraham was selected to become the father of the Hebrew nation and these people, when they were about seventy in number; they went into Egypt to live. There they grew, prospered, and became great in numbers. The Egyptians made slaves out of them, but God led them out of Egypt through Moses, and after a while into the land of Canaan, which we know better as Palestine. God gave them His laws, including the “Ten Commandments”, and they became the chosen nation through whom Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born into human flesh, came into the world. The Old Testament also gives us the many words of men called “prophets”, who foretold of the coming of Christ and of His spiritual kingdom on this earth. The New Testament tells of the birth, life, death for our sins, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the fifth book of the New Testament, we read of the beginning of Christ’s kingdom or spiritual body. This book is called the “Acts of the Apostles “and shows us how men and women became Christians, or members of His body. This means that when a person becomes a Christian, God adds that person to his “church” or assembly: thus, he does not have to look for a church to join, for the very same gospel obedience that made him a Christian makes him a “church “member. The rest of the New Testament is made up of letters written to help show people how to live the lives that God would have them live. God would have everyone study the Bible to learn of Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to come to know Him in a personal way, as a friend and a savior. Welcome to this study of the Bible. Remember that God speaks to each of us through the Bible. This makes it possible for each of us to know Him if we will but study and live what we learn. My prayer for each of you is that you will be guided by the Bible and not by men. May God bless you richly with wisdom and understanding? Are you a Christian? Are you saved? Do you have a close relationship with God? Are you willing to give up for Him the life of sin you now lead? Questions Someone is always asking us questions. The questions above are usually grouped with others, such as: “What church do you attend? “ “Have you been baptized? “ “What kind of baptism did you have? “ “Are you willing to join a church in order to be saved? “ It is my hope that the material presented here will take some of the pressure off and allow you to deepen your relationship with God. Or, if you don’t know Him, free you to begin to know Him as your Father. At any rate, I hope you will give this information a fair hearing and if you find yourself agreeing with it, use it to teach others and free them from bondage. You will find these teachings quite a bit different from those you’ve seen in the past. I pray that they help everyone to be free in Christ. Are You Free? This question is not asked very often, especially by church leaders. However, there are several references to freedom in the Scriptures. Let’s look at a few of them: (Luke 4:17-21) 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery...

I am AlSayr, your unlikely guide into the worlds of religion, myth, and magic. Join us as we take a tough look at the Bible and cut through some tough issues. My first podcast, Free to be just a Christian breaks down the walls and will start you on your way to Freedom in Christ. I hope you will join us for these important topics. Is Hell really eternal torture? I do not believe so. I think everyone will be pleased with the biblical results from these studies. We will go through religious conspiracies and more. As soon as God introduced his personal relationship plan to the world, there were those at the ready to oppose it, they are the new Pharisees of this generation. These new Pharisees, men and women alike, trade freedom in Jesus Christ for a religious rule book. They do not have a personal relationship with God or Jesus, but they know somebody who does. Some have been deceived into believing we need to belong to a certain branch of Christianity to find God. Nothing could be further from the actual truth. God tells us himself that He does not live in buildings made by hands, however, he made room to live in our hearts.

Behold I stand at the door and knock is a reminder that we need to be ALWAYS knocking. Jesus doesn't knock one time and then go away. Jesus is always inviting us into a deeper relationship with us. The Narrow Path is also touched on here. It's very important. If you're involved with things that most people are, you need to step back and think about what might not be good about that. FEW find the path, or the gate. Don't walk with them. And pray for me to be on the narrow path as well, my friend. God's Message - Behold I stand at the door and knock.

I am AlSayr, your unlikely guide into the worlds of religion, myth, and magic. Join us as we take a tough look at the Bible and cut through some tough issues. My first podcast, Free to be just a Christian breaks down the walls and will start you on your way to Freedom in Christ. I hope you will join us for these important topics. Is Hell really eternal torture? I do not believe so. I think everyone will be pleased with the biblical results from these studies. We will go through religious conspiracies and more. As soon as God introduced his personal relationship plan to the world, there were those at the ready to oppose it, they are the new Pharisees of this generation. These new Pharisees, men and women alike, trade freedom in Jesus Christ for a religious rule book. They do not have a personal relationship with God or Jesus, but they know somebody who does. Some have been deceived into believing we need to belong to a certain branch of Christianity to find God. Nothing could be further from the actual truth. God tells us himself that He does not live in buildings made by hands, however, he made room to live in our hearts.

The Parable of the Talents is quite interesting when you wrap your head around the fact that we are talking about saved believers in this context. We're not talking about unbelievers, or sinners, but rather saved believers. So, who do we have to blame for the way the world is right now? We need to take that finger and point it at ourselves. If the Word isn't getting spread there is only so many people that you can blame, we all need to do our part. I heard this sermon topic over the weekend and thought it deserved a deeper dive. Here it is for your consideration. How much was the 5 talents worth in todays money? Probably around 20 million dollars! God's Message - The parable of the Talents.