CryingInTheWilderness

Disclaimer: this video was made from an audio recording of an actual church service sermon without my knowledge of the recording at the time. I am not ashamed of the content of what I try to do within church. My goal is only to serve God purely in loving care of His people and to proclaim the Gospel to all without reservation. I will post these audio clips as I feel necessary, in prayer that it will accomplish that which God has ordained. Galatians 5:22- the fruit of the Spirit (evidence)

This is a church sermon recorded unbeknownst to me at the time. I didn't mind it being recorded, I only state it wasn't planned on my part. I received several audio files of various sermons at our church (Sequatchie Valley Free Holiness Church) before the pandemic swept the land. This is one of those. I've never been to heaven, but I read about it. Many things I can't relate to (it's too grand or magnificent for my mortal mind to conceive), but there's a few things which hit home... and it makes me want to go. We have instructions of how to go, and it only comes by way of God's Holy Word. The Bible is chock full of standards (benchmarks and absolute things which we can compare ourselves to), guidelines (what to do or not to do in any given situation), blessings and cursings (things given us by God as prescribed in His Word), encouragement (words to lift you when you have been beat down by the world and all of its devices), and grace (the full gospel message, true to the end, that, though we are undeserving, God made a way that we can be transformed from the world and conformed to His holy image - the same of which we were first made). Hallelujah! I'm glad I am His and He is mine.

This is a song I wrote several years ago for the funeral of my wife's first cousin. I have recorded it here specifically so his family (Marki, Karl, Autumn, and all of Lisa's family) might have a record of it. I'm not the best singer and I missed a couple of words here and there, but at least you can get the gist of it. I love you all.

Disclaimer: this video was made from an audio recording of an actual church service sermon without my knowledge of the recording at the time. I am not ashamed of the content of what I try to do within church. My goal is only to serve God purely in loving care of His people and to proclaim the Gospel to all without reservation. I will post these audio clips as I feel necessary, in prayer that it will accomplish that which God has ordained. What is your job? Don't worry about what the other person should or should not do, but what you should do. Don't worry whether someone else is the cause of a problem, but whether you are the cause of a problem. We may not even realize that we are causing or contributing to a problem, but with sincere inquiry to God, we can find out. I want to be clear before God, striving only against satan and his devices.

I Thessalonians 4: when the church is warned against fornication (including adultery, incest, etc.), we are also warned of the danger and the likelihood of defrauding our brother. We must have such a love for others that we avoid all appearance of sin against them. To cross the line of the sacred institution of marriage and family (even in an insinuating way) is almost unforgivable for a person. We all are family and we should treat each other with that kind of respect. I have said in times past, "keep your eyes on your on paper." We used to hear the teachers say this during tests. When you are being tested (tempted) recognize it as such and run the other way with all your might. Don't entertain those thoughts in any way at any level. The feelings and cares we have for one another should be cultivated in love - understanding that the respect that is deserved for someone is also a sacred thing.

Do you understand the nature of God? Do you resemble that nature? Have you progressed in His ways? We must be the image of God in order to be able to move on from the principle things into the stronger things of God. It's time to advance from milk to meat. There should be a time when we begin to mature spiritually. I pray that our ministers can begin to preach the deep things of Christ, but this will only be done if our congregations begin to seek after a learn of Christ. It is within our power to grow, strong and healthy. It is done by receiving the Word of God and applying it to our lives so the same things aren't required over and over again. Let's move up to higher things!

How does the Bible define sin? Are we justified in our sin? It is imperative to our soul's sake that we understand what the Bible says concerning the life we live. It isn't enough to go by someone's (ANYONE'S - mine or anyone else's) opinion when it comes to biblical truth. There is no room for us to interject our ideas or remove any part of the message of God. He has made a way for us to live acceptable to Him through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let us each seek Him and love Him with all of our heart, with all of our soul, with all of our strength, and with all of our mind.

We've heard of Job and his perfectness - in all of his trials, he maintained his integrity. When they were ended, he came forth as gold - just as he stated. He was well acquainted with God; he sought Him daily and in everything. If we want to have His favor, get acquainted with him... intimately know Him. He is a provider and friend. Do you trust Him? Really, sincerely trust Him? He is trustworthy. I highly recommend God and the only way to Him is through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The life that we live has a bearing on others around us. How influential do you want to be, and what kind of influence are you? If I'm a bad example and have any influence at all, I'm like a cancer - it's a ferocious cycle of bad behavior; but if I am a Christian light, there will be a brightness that exudes from me which will draw others to the Lord. I seek to be more like Him each day. You are an example - either an example of good, or an example of evil.

The Christian is given a sure word of prophecy just as the apostles did. The Word has been confirmed in our hearts and we should be able to follow the leading of the Spirit. If there is anything which doesn't agree with your Holy Ghost don't take up with it. Just lay it aside and wait on the Lord to guide you.

Do you remember the day you were forgiven and set free from your burden of sin? Did it make a notable difference in your life? Is it a milestone which you can refer back to? The answer should be "yes" to all of these questions. Do you know where you have been called? If so, you should follow that calling whole-heartedly. There are expectations which come with your calling. I tell you the best thing I ever did do... I took off the old coat and put on the new.

Are you worthy of your vocation? Do we try to do that we are called to do, or are we trying to work someone else's row? Is there evidence of who you are? Rest assured there is - one way or another.

Seek after the Spirit, let it lead you - it is what God intends us to do. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." It's not hard if we follow Him.

A message of hope in a time of turmoil for all who will hear. God bless you all.