STAND FIRM!

STAND FIRM!

Jesus says: "But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.”(Luke 21:12)

Jesus warned us of the many signs that would occur in the end times—including the persecution of Christians. (Matthew Ch. 24, Mark Ch.13, Luke Ch. 21)

Some may have thought that it would have NEVER happen here in the land of the free…But it has and it will continue to. Look what is happening to Kim Davis. Kim Davis is in prison right now because she wouldn’t waver in her godly convictions. She could have saved herself from getting any prison time and all the animosity that she has been getting from the world … If she just had married the same-sex couples that came to her for their marriage license. But her respect for Gods holy word kept her from breaking Gods commands and so she refused to marry them. Friends, I pray that we ALL have that same boldness and faith as Kim Davis displayed, on her non-negotiation stance for the word of the living God. If we are ever put in a position that our godly morals and convictions are compromised any way, I hope that we will stand firmly on our godly convictions as Kim Davis did. http://www.inquisitr.com/2390495/breaking-kim-davis-arrested-for-refusing-to-issue-marriage-licenses-in-kentucky/

 

Note: Jesus said: “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.” (John 7:7) As the world gets further and further from God… The more the world will hate Jesus, His word, and His followers. (John 15:18-19)

Jesus warned us that in the last days MANY believers will turn away from Him. Why would anyone turn away from Jesus you may ask?  Answer: They will turn away from Him because of the persecutions that they will have to endure for believing and following Him. This is what Jesus said: “Everyone will hate you because of me.” (Luke 21:17) And If you are one of those people who are worldly and people pleasers…You won’t be able to withstand (To handle) the whole world hating you for your belief in Jesus Christ. And so you will walk away from your faith in Him, and that my friends, is called being a coward… And as we all know that cowards will NOT enter the kingdom of God … “BUT THE COWARDLY, THE UNBELIEVING, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Jesus said: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Note: If the choices are: To take people not liking me (Because I am a Christian) or to walk away from Jesus and have Him throw me into the lake of fire for being a coward. I’ll go with people not liking me… I can live with that. Choosing Jesus…Will He be your choice too? I hope so! Soon we will see… Who is really for Christ, because Jesus already said that “MANY” will turn away from following Him and what He prophesied a long time ago will come to pass…“At that time MANY will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,” (Matthew 24:10)

QUESTION: When we face the same persecutions that the early church in the book of Acts faced here in our nation…Will we STAND FIRM in our FAITH for Christ as they did? Or will we be one of the MANY that will TURN AWAY (Walk Away) from our FAITH in Christ? Friends, we need to stay in constant prayer because we cannot turn our back on Jesus? We cannot be afraid of opposition or be scared in any way of the consequences that will come our way for standing up for our faith in Christ. Isn’t Christ worth standing up for? Of course He is! We need to pray for boldness and for courage so that we will be able STAND FIRM in our faith. If your spirit-man is lacking faith…Ask the Lord for an “increase of faith” as his disciples asked Him in Luke 17:5. The apostle James tells us that if we do not have what we need… It’s because we haven’t asked God for it. (James 4:2)  

Note: It is IMPORTANT that we NEVER deny or be ashamed of our Savior, and that we remain faithful and true to Him no matter what we might face for following Him. Read it for yourself the Lords warning… If we do not pick up our cross and follow Him…

Jesus says: “Whoever wants to be my disciple MUST deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:34-38)

We MUST be bold and pick up our cross daily, if we want to enter the kingdom of God someday. Jesus said if we remain faithful and true to Him, and we do His will till the end… HEAVEN will be our home and our names will NEVER be blotted out from the book of life. (Matthew 7:21-23, John 8:51, John 14:15, 21, 23-24, John 15:14, Luke 11:28, Revelation 2:10-11, 26, 3:5, 22:14)

STILL LACKING FAITH? PRAY FOR AN INCREASE OF FAITH…

Remember that the word of God says: “… Without FAITH it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) Prepared your minds and hearts, study the book of Acts (The New Testament) and see how the early church handled a world that was very hostile towards Christians. The closer you walk with Jesus the bolder you will be and the better you will be to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Jesus already gave us the recipe to be an overcomer in this world…And that’s to obey and apply His teachings into our daily lives. Obeying our Savior not only does it make us “a wise builder” but it’s the ONLY way to handle whatever storms come our way! (Matthew 7:24-25)  Stay very close to Jesus… Completely connected to “The Vine” Because apart from Him we cannot do ANYTHING! (John 15:4-10)

Note: Going back to the persecutions that we might face in this nation for following Christ… Friends, this battle is not going to be fought with physical weapons but this battle will be fought on our knees! We need to pray like we never have prayed before and be dressed daily in the full armor of our God, so that we are able to resist and stand firmly against the attacks of the devil. The apostle Paul tells us to … “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:9-17, James 4:7)

Note: Friends, if we are not daily dressed in the full armor of God… We will not be ready to face the evil times that are now upon us … And we definitely will not be able to stand up for Christ either. Our fight is NOT with people…But with the enemy of our souls, the devil. The Bible says: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

The apostle Peter warns us also about our mortal enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”  (1 Peter 5:8-9) We are NOT alone in this spiritual battle…MANY of our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus throughout the world have been fighting this battle now for many generations. Let us also keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in our daily prayers.

My dear, friends… Remain true and faithful to the Lord with all your heart, with all your mind, with all you soul… And Jesus will give you the crown of life...
 
Jesus says: "DO NOT FEAR any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”   (Revelation 2:10)

GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS

YOUR FRIEND,

VICKY RIVERA

 

 

WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE?

WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE?

We sometimes get caught up trying to please people around us that are not godly. We try to still fit in with them even though we know we shouldn’t be! As Christians we should be winning the unsaved to Christ and not the other way around! We can’t be dragged back from the place God got us out of.  One of the main reasons, we give in and become people pleasers is because we don’t want to feel left out, talked about or become an outcast to everyone around us. So we give in and do what people expect us to act like and live like. We completely ignore what God says about how we should live/act like while living in this world!  We are more fearful and care more about how people are going to view us or say about us, then we are in obeying and fearing God! Jesus says, this is who we should all "FEAR" (Reverence and Respect), “But I will show you whom you should “FEAR”: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to THROW you INTO hell. YES, I tell you, “FEAR” him.” (Luke 12:5)

The Bible says: “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)  Friend, If this is the road that you’re traveling on right now (The People Pleasing Road) this road will lead to a separation from God, many disappointments and lots of devastation; it will always be a dead end road. You will soon discover that you’re NEVER going to make everyone happy. Nothing good will come out of this way of living, Nothing! In my own personal experiences I found out that if I obey the Lord FIRST, everything else in my life, people, and circumstances all line up to the will of my heavenly Father (ALL things workout for my own good in the end… BUT I have to put God FIRST! Romans 8:28/Matthew 6:33).

Note: My friends remember what James says, “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4). Not only are we committing adultery against God by trying to fit in with the world but we have also made ourselves an enemy of Gods also! We have to make up our minds and decide whether we are going to follow Jesus and act like Him, as the “Holy Scriptures” commands for us to do or do we live and act like the world! We can’t have it both ways… “…For a man is a "SLAVE" to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:19)

 GOD says…

“DO NOT be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? OR what fellowship can light have with darkness? WHAT harmony is there between Christ and Belial? WHAT does a believer have IN common with an unbeliever?..."Therefore COME out from them and BE separate, says the Lord. Touch NO unclean thing, and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Note: We Christians have to live a life that is separated from all wickedness and live a righteous and holy life before our God and our fellow man! “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” And the Apostle Peter tells us, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12)) Taking this road (The Pleasing People Road) will only alienate us from our God and Savior! We are redeemed, washed by blood of the Lamb of God, transformed and made new in Christ… We’re supposed to live like it and act like it! (John 1:29, 2 Corinthians 5:17/ Ephesians 4:22-24, Ch. 5:8)

If we are not careful and continue to disobey the Lord we will find ourselves in the same situation as the “unwise virgins” in that they were NOT ready/ prepared when the Master arrived…"Later the others (The unwise virgins) also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' "BUT he (Jesus Christ because He is the Master) replied, 'I tell you the truth, I DON’T KNOW YOU.' (Matthew 25:11-12)

Note: GOD needs vessels that are going to do His will, people He can completely depend on. NOT people (Worldly) pleasers! We must follow the examples of Peter and John because they were definitely God pleasers… “But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you RATHER than GOD.” (Acts 4:19) Remember always that an obedient lifestyle to God is a happy, successful, prosperous and blessed life…Leading right to Heaven! Jesus says, “He who DOES NOT love me will NOT obey MY teaching.” (John 14:24)

The Apostle Paul says this to the Galatians church…

“Am I NOW trying to win the approval OF men, OR of GOD? OR am I trying to please men?(Watch This… Don’t Miss It!!) If I were still trying to please men, I would NOT be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

Note: Here Paul telling the Galatians church that if he was trying to be a people pleaser, he would "NOT" be a servant of Christ!  Paul was more concerned on how God saw him than what people thought of him.  And this should be the same attitude/mind set that all the followers of Christ should have in their daily lives. We all have examples from Jesus and his disciples on how to live godly and righteous lives in this world… So we have no excuses for not obeying the Lord! The ONLY reason the Lord said we wouldn’t obey His teachings is because we “DO NOT” love Him! (John 14:24) James gives us this exhortation… “DO NOT merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. “DO” what it says.” (James 1:22)

Jesus says…

I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:50)

Note: Jesus is our example as the Apostle John said, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6) Jesus knew that the Father’s command leads us to “Eternal Life” (Heaven). And so Jesus carried out the plan of salvation for the souls of mankind exactly like He was told by God the Father. Jesus did not deviate from any of the Father’s commands.  In The book of Hebrews it says… “Then he (Jesus) said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will (God the Father will)." (Hebrews 10:9)

And so we must also do the same… Live and act like Jesus has commanded us to do and that is to “Love” God and to "Love" People…"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: (Watch This…Don’t Miss It!!) "'LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the SECOND is like it: 'LOVE your neighbor AS yourself.' (Matthew 22:36-39) In the book Of 1 John it says, “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.” (1 John 3:23)

Note: I just want to point out something that is very important… Some pastors and some Christian people believe that they “CAN NOT” loose their salvation… But according to “The Holy Scriptures” that teaching is false! If you are not living like the Lord commands and continue to live a sinful lifestyle, Heaven is NOT going to be your home! “and, once made perfect, he (Jesus Christ) became the source of eternal salvation (Watch This… Don’t Miss It!) For “ALL” who OBEY him…” (Hebrews 5:9)

See my blog teaching on (“Can You Lose Your Salvation?) If it’s between pastors and people teaching that you can’t lose your salvation or what the word of “The Living GOD” says… I personally am going with what GOD says! I’m NOT a people pleaser, but a God pleaser! Loving God, Loving People! And submitting myself daily to God so that I might live a life here on earth that is pleasing to my Father in Heaven! “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44)

The Apostle John warns all of us of this… “ANYONE who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that “NO” murderer has “Eternal Life” in Him.” (1 John 3:15)

Paul warns the Galatians Church… Remember friends, these are “SAVED” people! “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. (Watch This… Don’t Miss It!!) I WARN you, as I did before, that those who live like this “WILL NOT” inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)

To the “Corinthian Church” Paul gives them the same warnings…

“Do you not know that the wicked “WILL NOT” inherit the kingdom of God? “DO NOT BE DECEIVED”: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is “WHAT” some of “YOU WERE”. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Note: You can clearly see in “The Holy Scriptures” that if we as “Christ’s Church” do ANY of these things that the apostle Paul warned the Galatians and the Corinthians “NOT” to do and we ignore these warnings and do them anyway… Heaven won’t be our home. (See also Ephesians 5:5-6) Friends, we must stay in daily prayers and Bible studies… Seek God constantly and in this way of daily living is how we stay purified, sanctified, a spotless bride ready/prepared to meet our King in the clouds!  "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 13:26, Daniel 7:13, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 26:64, and Revelation 1:7-8) Amen and Maranatha!!

In conclusion, I just wanted to stop here for a moment and say this… As I meditated on this teaching the epidemic of “bullying” in this country came to mind. If we as Christ followers remember to always obey GOD, in that we should always; "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:14, Ephesians 5:1-2, James 2:8) we would not give in to approving/cheering the bullies in their bad behavior.  As a people, parents, grandparents, etc, we should teach our children not to follow the crowds in the approval of the bullying and the taunting of others (Because this, my friends falls right into people pleasing!) The bullies always get fueled by the crowd’s reactions.  So if the crowd’s reaction is one that “DOES NOT” approve of his/her bad behavior … The Bully has no other choice but to stop. Eventually he will have to stop the bullying behavior all together because he will no longer be pleasing the crowd.  It will no longer be “COOL” to be a bully. We should all be “Anti-Bully” and love everyone like the Lord commands.

“To “OBEY” is better than sacrifice, and to “HEED” is better than the fat of rams”…. “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS

YOUR FRIEND,

VICKY RIVERA

WHO'S SEDUCING YOU?

WHO’S SEDUCING YOU?


In this world we are surrounded by a lot of corruption and every imaginable sin surrounds us daily. If we are not careful as Christians/believers we can be enticed by the world and let it ruined our walk with the Savior. When we gave our lives to Christ, (At that very moment) we surrendered ourselves completely to Jesus. Paul said it in this way, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN; YOU were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) This blog deals with the question to all believers… Are you living by the TRUTH of “The Word of GOD” or are you living by the world and the worldly standards (views)?

In the book of 1 Corinthians Paul confronts the “Corinthian” church for conforming to their surroundings and letting those sins creep into the church and into their lives! Paul then brings their attention to their sins (Quarrels and jealousy between believers, lawsuits, sexual immorality, marriage, etc.) And their need to take corrective actions and revitalize their commitment to Jesus Christ. This is Paul’s Christianity 101 course for the Corinthian church and for all the followers of Christ.

Paul reminds the Corinthian Church of the life God saved them from and as “New Creations” in Christ Jesus… That past life has NO place in a Christian life any longer! Let’s see how Paul explains this to them….

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (Watch This… Don’t miss it!) And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) We already read that once you become a Christian your body/life is not your own… We live our lives for the Lord! As it is written, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The Bible Says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17) We are a “New Creation” in Christ! We must bury that old life once and for all and let the new you shine... So that everyone can see the living Christ in you!

Note: This verse helped me a lot when I first got saved 13 years ago… I can reassure you that the change didn’t happen right away (it is a process) but I definitely wanted to change and live for Jesus! I was in so much condemnation from my past life! There was so much about that life that I did not know was wrong. Reading the word of God was like looking through a reflecting mirror… A mirror looking right into my soul! This verse in 2 Corinthians 5:17 reassured me that “the old me” was gone and that in Christ “All” my sins were forgiven! Never to be brought against me again, ever! (Isaiah 1:18, 44:22, Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12, 10:17) I had no clue that the life I was living would lead me straight to hell… I didn’t want to go there!

This is the reason why I write these blogs. I want to let others know, that might be where I was years ago, that living an immoral life is like having a “VIP ticket” straight to hell! You can never get into Heaven living like that! Some people really want to change and they don’t know how to go about it or where to start. The first step of anyone who wants to be saved and is looking for a true change in their life is to step towards Jesus Christ! Jesus is the only way to Heaven and in Him ALL our sins forgiven! Only in Jesus are we made into a new creation/person! AMEN!!! (Matthew 1:20, John 1:29, John 3:16-17, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9-13, Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 1:18, Acts 16:30-31, 2 Corinthians 5:17)


Back to the Corinthian church…This is another sin Paul had to address to the Corinthian Church. Paul says:

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2) And then he tells them this also… “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. (Watch This… Don’t miss it!) “But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (Watch This… Don’t miss it!) What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

Note: How many churches have we attended/been to and we have witnessed the same kind of sins Paul rebuked the Corinthians church for! Now a day we see these things happening right in front of our faces and we turn a blind eye to it… We stick our head in the sand and pretend it’s not happening! Some may say, “That’s not my problem… Is not my business! That’s between them in God.” That’s true to some extent… God will judge the sinner for their sins but if you know that they are sinning against God and you say nothing… You’re also part to blame and God will hold you responsible also! Paul already said in not so many words, that the church and the person, who claims to be a Christian, are his business and his responsibility…What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

Let me show what GOD tells the Prophet Ezekiel:

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.” (Ezekiel 3:16-17)

Note: You don’t have to make it into an argument or get mad just to tell someone, that you see, is clearly sinning against God… That what they are doing is wrong! All it takes according to the “Holy Scriptures” is giving them a warning from God and if that person persists in their sin then… That person is truly in God’s hand and in big trouble with GOD! And we would have saved ourselves because we did what God asked us to do… “But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.” (Ezekiel 3:19)


Paul also teaches the Corinthian Church on marriage...

“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11,39)

Note: This sin is very common in today’s churches also… Many of you may not like what the word of God says about this but I come in the “Truth Of The Word GOD” How can you argue with God? It’s in the book… And I’m just the messenger… “Come back to your senses as you ought, and “STOP SINNING”; for there are some who are ignorant of GOD--I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34)

What do we see people doing instead of obeying the Holy Spirit? They go and divorce their spouses and then they marry someone new… Instead of reconciling with their spouse like the Bible tells us to do! The only time we can remarry, is if our spouse dies! That’s the only time we have permission from God to marry someone new! And If the marriage was a bad one (There was cheating or abuse) let’s say! According to the word of God you can separate from that person but you still have to remain single. God says, “A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried…” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11) You’re supposed to stay single according to GOD. Paul said that this rule of marriage does not come from him (It does NOT come from me either!) but from THE LORD…. “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord) (1 Corinthians 7:10)! This is the part of the marriage rule that No One likes to hear but it’s in the Holy Scriptures. And we all know, “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Paul is just teaching the Corinthian church and to all of us, what Jesus taught all His disciples to teach on. Let’s see what Jesus says on marriage…

“Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" "Haven't you read," he (Jesus) replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) “Therefore What GOD Has Joined Together, Let Man NOT Separate.’ "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." (Matthew 19:3-9)


In the book of Mark Jesus said it again…

“When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." (Mark 10:10-12) Paul warns us that “the adulterer” WILL NOT inherit the kingdom of GOD…. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Note: The marriage rule comes from the Creator and the Creator ALONE… Jesus says, NO to divorce and NO to marrying a divorced person. This was our Lord’s reply to the Pharisees on the marriage question. Friends, Jesus is either Lord of our lives or He’s not Lord at ALL! When a believer fails to recognize Jesus as Lord in their life and they live their life how they want and not according to the Word of God… It sets us up for failures and lots of disappointments. There are no rewards from the Lord for the disobedient..."But only a FEARFUL expectation of judgment and of RAGING FIRE that will consume the enemies of God." (Hebrews 10:26-27)

The Bible is our blueprint; it shows us how to live a godly and holy life in this world! That’s why we need to stay in the Word of GOD daily. This is what the Bible says about people who don’t listen to God and let Jesus teachings go in one ear and out the other… Without putting them into practice/actions, “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:26-27) Not listening to the Lord and not applying His teachings to our lives will only cause us to fall with a great crash in life! So the question is: Are you being seduce by the Savior and living your life committed/devoted to Him? Or Is the world seducing you? Are you’re living your life for the world and the world’s views? Who's seducing YOU? Friends, we must obey the Lord in all things… If we truly love HIM! (John 14:15)

Remember what the Lord said in the book of Matthew:

“NOT EVERYONE who says to me, 'LORD, LORD,' WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) BUT ONLY HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23)

What does the Father say about what Jesus is teaching us? This is what HE says… “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. LISTEN TO HIM!" (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35)

Note: If we fail to obey the Lord’s teachings … And NOT follow/apply the moral guide lines Jesus gave us to live by on “the sermon on the mount”, Then Jesus will also tells us… 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:23) Study “The Beatitudes” in Matthew chapters 5-7. Spend time with GOD daily and He will change all those things in you that are NOT of HIM. GOD does this for me daily and HE will do the same for you… If you do your part and surrender yourself completely to HIM!


“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)


GOD BLESS YOU NOW & ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA

A CALL TO HOLY LIVING

A CALL TO HOLY LIVING

A call to holy living, what does this mean? How can we live a holy life before our God?

To live a holy life is to walk on this earth as the Lord commanded. Are these commandments too hard to carry out?  No. The Question Is: Are we willing to do them?  Everyday we make choices … whether to do right or wrong, and the choices we make will either lead us to eternal life with Jesus Christ in Heaven, or Separated from God in hell; and then for all eternity to the lake of fire. (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 13:40-42, John 8:51, Revelation 20:14-15)

The Lord commands that we do not: commit adultery, (cheating on your spouse) fornicate, (sleeping with someone your not married to) idol worship, lying, not to steal, murder, no witchcraft practices, (do not consult psychic’s / mediums) etc. Those that do not obey the commands of the Lord are not His children and only His children are heirs of the kingdom of God.

The Bible says, that the disobedient are children of the devil. “ He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” (1 John 3:8)

1 John says this concerning the true children of God:

"NO ONE" who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:9)

Note: Do you know that if we hate another fellow human being…the Lord considers us, “A Murderer”? Let me show you where it says this in the Bible…

“Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him” (1 John 3:15)

Note: The children of God will love God not by words only BUT in ACTION…When we put into practice what the Lord has taught through the Holy Scriptures then we are considered HIS children.

Jesus says: “Whoever has my commands and obey them, he is the one who loves me. (John 14:21) and this is how the children of God will live a holy life here on earth by walking in obedience to their Creator and Father. Not just by talking the talk but by walking the walk. “Doing what the word says”. (James 1:22) Jesus is the door to Heaven …If you don’t know the man at the door your not getting in. (John 10:9- NKJV /John 14:6- NIV)

Note: According to Jesus own words, to receive eternal life is to believe in HIM…That’s our first step (John 3:16). Does everyone that hears the words of the Lord believe and repent?  NO. Why?

The Lord answers this question in his conversation with Nicodemus….

This is the verdict: Light (Jesus) has come into the world, but men loved darkness (their sin) instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

Jesus says: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)

Note: Jesus has his arms open wide waiting for people to come to Him…To believe in Him, to follow and obey Him but sadly not everyone will believe in Him or accept Him…Their sin is a lot more attractive to them than following and obeying the Lord.

Eternal life is a free gift to all, but we must reach out and get it… It’s there for you if you want it. God is not going to push Himself on anyone. I personally wouldn’t want anyone to be with me who didn’t want to be …I would rather that they be with me because they want to be ... Wouldn’t you? So the choice is up to us to reject Him or accept Him.

There are only two roads in life that man can take: one that leads to heaven (Jesus) and the other one (going your own way/making up your own rules) that will lead to hell. You could follow and obey the Lord and receive a rich welcome into heaven, Or you can go your own way and do what seems right to you but know this… The consequence of living this way will lead to a separation from God in hell and then for all eternity in the lake of fire.

The Bible shows us how to live holy lives; this is why it’s very important that we study the Scriptures. In 2 Peter it says:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

Note: This is how the children of God will behave while living here on this earth…

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness; knowledge; and to knowledge; self-control; and to self-control; perseverance; and to perseverance; godliness; and to godliness; brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

"For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins."

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. (Watch this last verse…Don’t miss it!) For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:3-11)

Note: Peter says add to your faith goodness, etc… What is Peter saying here? Faith in what? Faith in Jesus Christ is what Peter is telling the reader. The first step of whoever wants to be saved is to believe in the Savior of man’s soul…Jesus Christ. (John 3:16/ Acts 16: 30-31) and after we do this, the next step is to walk on this earth as the Lord commands. (Holy Living)- (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, James 1:22, 1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 5:3)

Can we behave like this on our own…Like the Bible is telling us to do in the book of 2 Peter and many more other passages in the Bible? No. Jesus tells his disciples in the book of John this…

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (But watch what happens to those that do not remain in Jesus) If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." (John 15:5-6)

Note: To remain in Jesus means to apply to your life His commands… To live your life here on Earth, following His examples; by these actions… You will remain in Him and He in you. You have Jesus word that if you believe, trust and obey Him…YOU WILL GO TO HEAVEN. That’s all you have to do…I think that’s a pretty good deal, if I ever heard it. But once again the choice is yours… To reject Him or accept Him.

John the Baptist says in the book of Luke:

“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:9)

Note: The trees here represent people; good fruit means to repent of our sins, following, and obeying the Lords commands and the fire here means hell.

What John the Baptist is telling people through the book of Luke could be translated as this:

“People that do not repent of their sins and do not follow the Lord, like the Bible commands…These people will be send to hell and then for all eternity in the lake of fire.” (God does not play games; what He says, He really means!)

The Lord is calling His people to Holiness and to get ready for His return. I believe with all my heart that His return is very near. It is not hard to see all the things that the Lord spoke about when his disciples asked Him the question: What would be the “Signs of the end of the age”? (Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-36). We see it every time we turn on our televisions. It’s on the news, politics, technology, and even in the weather. We as the body of Christ need to walk in holiness and reverence before our God daily.

In the book of Hebrews it says:

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness "NO ONE" will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

We do not want to be left behind like the foolish virgins; who weren’t prepared to meet their bridegroom. (Matthew 25:1-13) The Lord said these parables to us so that we may watch and pray, and that in watching and praying we would be found a holy nation prepared for HIS kingdom.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA

IS HE COMING FOR YOU?

IS HE COMING FOR YOU?

The Bible Says:

"They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “ why do you stand here looking into the sky? This "SAME" Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, "WILL" come back "IN THE SAME WAY" you have seen him "GO INTO HEAVEN.” (Acts 1:10-11)~NIV

Angels announced His birth (Jesus Christ's birth in Luke 1:26-38 – Ch.2: 8-20) and Angels tell of His return to the disciples in the book of Acts. This event will take place in God’s time… The question should "NOT" be: "WHEN IS JESUS COMING?" The question should be: "Is HE coming for you?" Can you honestly say that if Jesus came today you would be lifted up to heaven to meet HIM? No one knows when they will die… If today was your last day here on earth, will the Lord welcome you into His kingdom?

Let me show you what the Lord says in the Bible:

"EVERY" tree that does not bear good fruit is "CUT DOWN" and "THROWN" into the "FIRE". Thus, BY their fruit you will recognize them. “NOT everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. MANY will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? ‘THEN I will tell them plainly, ‘I NEVER" knew you. "AWAY FROM ME", you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:19-23)

Note: The tree here represents people (Jeremiah 11:18-19). People that claim to know Him (Jesus Christ) And Obedience to GOD will always produce good fruits.

Jesus has set the laws and standards for those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven. Accepting Him as Lord and Savior is our first step and after, that, the rest of our life here on earth should mirror His. (1 John 2:3-6)

Read the Lord’s Laws and Standards:

In the book of Matthew Chapters 5-7

In these chapters the Lord delivers the Sermon on the Mt. also known as the Beatitudes. Read it, Study it and make all the necessary changes in your life now … While there’s still time to do so. Those that live their lives here on earth this way are the one’s … According to the Lord’s own words will inherit the kingdom of God. "If you love me, you will "OBEY" what I command." (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, John 8:31, 51, 1 John 2:3-6, 2 Peter 1:3-11)

Spend time in His word… Follow Him… Obey Him… Jesus is the "ONLY" way to Heaven. You can’t get to heaven just because you think you should. Going to Church "DOES NOT GUARANTEE" your entry either. Obeying the Lord Jesus "WILL". "NOTHING" in this world is worth you losing your place in Heaven. “What good will it be for a man "IF HE GAINS" the whole world, yet "FORFEITS HIS SOUL"?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)


In the book of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 says:

"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? "DO NOT BE DECEIVED: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. "AND" that is what "SOME OF YOU WERE". BUT you were washed, you WERE sanctified, you WERE justified in the NAME of the Lord Jesus Christ and BY the Spirit of "OUR GOD."


Jesus says in the book of Revelation 22:12-15

“Behold, " I AM COMING SOON! My reward is with me, and I "WILL GIVE" to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.“ Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. "OUTSIDE" are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters "AND EVERYONE" who loves and practices falsehood.”  


“REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR”
(Matthew 3:1) The Holy Scriptures Say..."WITHOUT HOLINESS "NO ONE" WILL SEE THE LORD." (Hebrews 12:14)


READY OR NOT… JESUS IS COMING!  "IS HE COMING FOR YOU?"



GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS,
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA