Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus, who is soon to come. We had powerful meetings in Orlando at Word of Faith Family Church. People were encouraged, filled with the Holy Spirit, and the name of Jesus was lifted up! Knowing the signs of the times instills an urgency to be the Glorious Church that Jesus is coming to catch away. The wise believers of the End Time are busy about winning souls.
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. —Matthew 24:46
We are not saved by works but by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). This doesn’t diminish the importance of works, however. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). We are God’s creation, created for the purpose to live and do good works in the anointing (presence) of Jesus. Jesus references “works” eight times in the book of Revelation. He says that He knows our works and will judge men according to them.
He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil— for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good— for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. —Romans 2:6-11, NLT
So, we are saved by grace through faith, not of works, but we are also judged by our works. Honestly, this sounds like a contradiction; however, there are no contradictions in the Scripture, only what we perceive to be conflicting. Salvation is a free gift you cannot pay for; only Jesus could and did. However, after receiving salvation, there is still judgment, which can be good or bad (II Cor. 5:10). We must harmonize the two. When I do this, I see that we are saved by a supernatural gift of God (grace) by believing His Word (faith) for the purpose of doing good (God’s works).
When an employer hires someone or creates equipment to do a job, that employer expects it to work. If not, it would be dismissed from the workplace. God knows our hearts, and He is the Judge, so we should consider and reverence Him in all we do (Ps. 33:8). This pleases Him. If He created you to do something, then I know your most abundant life will be in doing just that. In addition, Jesus says the following about our work environment if we follow Him closely.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. —Matthew 11:29, NLT
Our work is promoting the kingdom of God wherever we are. He can gift us in so many different ways to do this. Your way may be totally different than preaching from a pulpit or walking the street telling people about Jesus. You don’t have to go to a foreign country to proclaim the gospel and do mission work. When Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel,” He meant to go into all your world and tell people about what Jesus has done for you with love. As you go with His love on your face and in your heart, the fruit of the Spirit will manifest love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
This fruit feeds people and is what every human needs and hungers for. When you are born again, all this fruit is available to you in abundance— not just for you, but for others first: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). You are so important to someone, especially Jesus. He has put in you what He wants others to have.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. —Matthew 5:15-16
How foolish would it be to take something God has given you for someone else and keep it for yourself? Do you think the Father would be happy with you? Would you consider that disobedience? Hear me, I am not the judge, especially not yours; however, Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
I submit to you that there are 66 books of our Bible, the Word of God. I also submit to you that we, the Church, are judged by the same books. We all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10). This is a good place to be, and if you are standing there, you have made it to heaven! Our works, however, will still be judged.
The Father fully expects His Word to be carried out and His prophecies to come to pass. However, Lucifer, one of His top employees, tried to do a hostile takeover of the business. It caused his dismissal and banishment. Lucifer went from a top employee to the adversary of everything the company stands for. He is now known as Satan, which means “the adversary.” It is Satan who constantly tries to disrupt and go against everything God has said. He deceived a third of the angels and continues daily trying to deceive and get us fired. But, he is ultimately a failure, and if we stick with the employee handbook, the Bible, we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:23).
I am writing to you this month with some challenging words. By the same Spirit, Haggai prophesied: “Consider your ways!” (Hag. 1:5, 7). Do this whether you are a young Christian or a leader in the Church. Remember this: If you are a leader, “for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).
Jesus is coming soon, and I’m on my way to heaven. I hope you are, too. Heaven is drawing closer to Earth, and those who will give more to be in close relationship with God will see His goodness during these times of great darkness; those who do not will be dismayed. Consider this: Jesus says men’s hearts will fail them from fear because of the things they see coming upon the earth (Luke 21:26). Yet, by His same Spirit, He told Isaiah that those who keep their minds on God’s Word and trust those words, they would be kept in perfect peace (Isa. 26:3), which means no fear with nothing lacking or missing! So, I encourage you to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12).
As of the writing of this newsletter, Israel continues to eliminate Hamas and will give greater attention to Hezbollah in Lebanon soon. Rockets are fired daily by both groups toward Israel. I remind you that the Father says Israel will not be plucked up (Amos 9:15)and that many people occupy lands biblically deeded to Israel (Gen. 15:18). Peace is on the way, which means a catching away is at hand. When Israel focuses more to the north, Syria will be involved also. Look for the destruction of Damascus in the coming years (I dare say, two). It is time to be about the Master’s business.
One way to help build and promote the Kingdom of God is by praying and financially supporting this ministry or one like ours. The Lord has it on my heart to minister to pastors in the Central American country of Belize. I have two contacts there that are connected to many of the pastors. “Believe Belize” will be the name for the operation. The goal is to equip and encourage pastors to believe in the soon coming of Jesus, His love for them, and His power in them. There will also be some services for the people, where we will see salvations, healings, and deliverances. This will be a missionary trip, so we must pay for everything. There are some funds set aside in the ministry now; however, the budget will be about $7,000. So, we thank you as you prayerfully consider partnering with us as we take a step of faith.
In May, we will participate in another Impact America Crusade in Greensboro, North Carolina with Evangelist Tim Sutton. Please be in prayer about this event also for souls to be saved and lives to be changed.
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