So, This is Christmas

Here it is, that time of year that the entire world, in one way or another, will celebrate Christmas.  Many will go through this special season and that is all that will be recognized, that being that it is a special time of the year.  Perhaps to some, it is the conclusion of one year and the beginning of another.  To some it will be all about family, or all about Santa.  While to others it will be  ecclectic in that it will be a mixture or combination of a variety of types of celebrations.  While listening to special music, eating special seasonal foods, giving and receiving of gifts, etc.  It is the most wonderful time of the year.

However, we as Christians must remember who this celebration is all about.  That being the birth of The Lord Jesus Christ.   The incarnation of Christ Jesus, the Son of God.   It is a wonderful occasion and a wonderful truth for the whole world.  Consider Luke 1:31-33 to know who this baby was.
What Child is this?  This, this is Christ The Lord.

In the text:  His Name is Jesus:  Yeshua in the Hebrew, God is our savior.
                   This Child is the Savior. See also, Mt.1:21.
                  He shall be Great:  Splendid, Magnificent, Great in Being, Life
                                                 The Sinless Savior
                  The Son of the Highest:  The Son of God
                  The Sovereign:  Given the throne of His father David

This Baby that was born there that night was and is:  The Savior of Sinful Men
                                                                                     The Sinless Son of God
                                                                                     The Sovereing Lord of all

Celebrate, we must celebrate that God would descend to mankind and dwell among us that He might saves us from our sins.  Praise God for the Christ of Chrismas and the Glory of God Incarnate (Jn.1:14).

Threats, Intimidation, Deceit

Ammendment One Opponents Are Saying: a) That the Ammendment itself is worded in a way that is confusing. (What is it that they dont get? "Marriage between on man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be vaalid or recognized in this State.") Doesnt appear to be difficult to understand to any one that can read. b) That Ammendment One is unnecessary, since homosexual marriage is already illegal in North Carolina. (Knowing that a good liberal judge/court has been able to change this in other states and that an ammendment to the constitution could not be so lightly and liberrally treated.) c) That Passage of Ammendment One would unfairly remove basic civil right from some citizens. ( Do they mean the right of some to engage in homosexual marriage? No one, in the history of the world has ever had that right. They have created yet another new "right". d) That Passage of Ammendment One will hurgt the economy of North Carolina. (Fact: American Legislative Exchange Council: Rank states by economic performance and outlook: Eight ofthe top ten performing states have marriage ammendments whereby none have legalized homosexual marriages. Nine of the ten states forecast to have the poorest economic growth have legalized homosexual marriage. Now the truth concerning the possibilities of invalidating domenstic violence laws, nullifying medical power of attorney, wills and trusts, child custody and visitation rights. The answwer to all of the preceeding is a resounding "NO", "NO"! Think about the "How". This Ammendment will not affect the legal aspects of any of these. Now, how deceitful do the opponents want to be? Seemingly as deceitful as necessary to have homosexual relationships legalized by redefining marriage. One thing they will never accomplish is the altering of God's Word. What He has said He has meant and meant to be forever. I rest in His Word and His Word alone. Threats, insults, intimidations, and deceit are to be expected from an immoral society or culture. Christians are expected to be Christians and stand for the Word of God. Someone once said: A man who stands for nothing will probably fall for anything.

Same Sex Marriage

A simple way to summarize the Bible's teaching on sexuality is to begin with God's blessing is only withing the marriage covenant between a man and a woman. Sex outside that covenant relationship is expicitly forbidden, regardless of the alternative expressions form. Every believer knowsthat prohibitions are for our good. The Bible prohibits all same sex acts and behaviors. Therefore we know that homosexuality is a sin and to bless it or approve of it is sin as well. Marriage is a public institution. Historically societies have granted special recognition and privileges to marriage because it is the central organizing institution of all society. Marriage regulates relationships, sexuality, human reproduction, lineage, kinship, as well as family structure. Marriage regulates morality. This Ammendment One issue is about the redefining of reproduction and parenthood. It means that the replacement of something that has been the "social" order by the adoption of a new morality. All of this chaos simply because sinful man refuses to accept the true love of the true God. That by repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that men must be saved from their sins. May God grant mercy to the unbeliever that he would believe God and take God at His Word.

Same Sex Marriage: AKA Ammendment One

It Gets Complicated in Our Sin Cursed Culture

Would you have ever imagined in your lifetime that even the simplest things in life have developed into major complications? Marriage for example, is basically a simple institution. An institution that was "ordained" by our Creator and is designed by Him with great purposes and plans. The structure is simple, it is to be between one man and one woman til death do us part (that's a lifetime of covenant together). Companionship through marriage was the first mention of purpose and then the byproduct of that relationship was the perpetuation and propagation of the human race. Pretty simple and concise, huh? Why the complications? Well along came sinful man that thinks, for some reason, that he himself has become the creator. Thus recreation is his goal. Lets redefine marriage so that it allows for all of vices of humanity. Man says, "man with man" or "woman with woman". Count them as married and provide all the government provisions and free services that we can. Sinful man brought into marriage: a) deceit, b) infidelity, c) polygamy, d) adultery, e) fornication, f) homosexuality, g) divorce, h) remarriage, i) disfunctional families j) more personal debt k) child support, l) physical abuse, m) emotional abuse, and the list goes on. Now think of any or all of the preceeding as to the complications that are involved simply because we (mankind) have attempted to recreate Marriage. When will we ever learn that what God has joined...let no man put assunder. (See: Romans 1:18-32) The only hope that we have is to do things in a manner that honors what God designed and desires for our lives. Therefore we must return to our creator through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Reconciliation is a must and that can only occur upon repentance, regeneration, salvation through the sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. He is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only, but for the sins of the world. Even the Gospel of Christ is Simple, Salvation is simple for it is by grace and grace alone. Build your lives on the written Word of God, follow God's plan and desire and discover the abundant life that He and He alone can give. In Christ Jim

This is all about the Gospel

While men and women, from all ethnic backgrounds, are debating about "Ammendment 1" the time to vote draws nearer. Nearer for man to vote on an issue that was never meant to be a political issue no more than it could ever be just a "social" issue. This sinful topic was created by sinful man and is supposed to be resolved by sinful man. Could you imagine the outcome for this? It has to be a calamity one way or another. Any attempt that man has in resolving or changing what God has established has to be of no good nor Godly end. Fact of the matter is, that the marriage ammendment is not about rights, discrimination, benefits, nor any other humanitarian good. This is all about man and God. Or should I say, man and his rebellion toward God. I think that Romans 1 is quite clear on the matter. As the apostle Paul brings many issues to the table, including many sexual sins that were being practiced in that society, he does not home in on one particular vice but rather society and its attitude toward God. When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, changed the glory of the God into an image, changed the truth of God inot a lie, did not like to retain God in their knowledge; these are some of the ways that man treats his Creator and Maker. But not God has action to take as well. For example in vs 24 God gave them up to uncleaness, vs 26 God gave them over to vile affections, and then in verse 28 God gave them over to a reprobate mind. Now this sounds like a battle going on between man and God and mankind is losing. Man, in his degenerate condition, is in need of help. A true help that brings hope into his life. That hope is in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I marvel continuously at the effectual working of the gospel. Here man is in rebellion toward God and what was God's remedy? God's answer for sinful man and his rebellion is that Jesus, His Incarnate Son, gave His life on the cross for the sins of mankind. Through the gospel man that is sinful can be restored and reconciled unto God. He is ready to forgive and restore creation into a right relationship with Himself. Ammendment One is not the war, its just another attempt of mankind to dethrone the Sovereign God and my friend that will never be accomplished. Come to Christ and be saved, be at peace with God in a genuine God pleasing way. Jesus said, that "I am the way, the truth and the life..."

What Marriage is "NOT'

1)Marriage is not a casual institution. 2) It is not a social contract designed by man that was found useful in society for a while. 3) Marriage is not "bad". 4) Marriage is not the lesser of two evils because of the sexual relationship between two partners. 5) Marriage is not outdated or antiquated. 6) Marriage is not a temporary relationship. 7) Marriage is not between same sex partners. Passages for study: Genesis 2:1-25; Matthew 5:31-32, Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; I Peter 3:3-7 Now, all of the above is from God's Word, the Bible. For any that do not believe the Bible, then all you have is your human reasoning and when left to itself leads us in various and diverse directions in life. For those of you who believe the Bible, then assuredly the directions are clear and without questions. Thank God for His obvious establishment for all society that has been perpetuated from generation to generation. Note: Please dont forget the rally "For Ammendment 1" the 20th of April at Halifx Mall in Raleigh, NC at 11am. The crowd is expected to be around 12,000 to 15,000. You may want to arrive early. I am told to expect a great day as masses cry out for a moral and righteous good.

They think Fear is the issue with same sex marriage

Do the advocates of what has become known as "same sex" marriage actually believe that the opponents are filled with this new phobia? A phobia that they themselves have coined and propagated and that the secular world has transitioned into adopting and using in order to be politically correct. There are several misnomers or untruths that the advocates propagate. First, from Biblical revelation, there is no such thing as "same sex" marriages that is approved or ever will be approved by God. For we that have been redeemed by the wonderful grace of Jesus, we know that marriage is bewtween a "man" and a "woman" that enter into a covenental relationship in accordance to the plan and design of our Creator. (Gen 2) Same sex relationships are condemned in Scripture and bring we believers to the conclusion that this condemnation cannot be altered nor lifted apart from the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (I Cor 6:1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. So, what man has created that is opposed to God, is never to be accepted nor adapted for a way of life. The second misnomer of the advocates of developing a sinful and spiteful culture is that Christians have to be "politically correct". What does that mean? To the advocates it means that we will speak their language, sing their song and negate the only truth that the world could ever know, the Word of the Living God. But we are determined to let God be true and every man a liar. The third misnomer is that the opponents of "same sex" marriage are afraid. May I ask, What is it that I am supposed to be afraid of? Perhaps its the idea, or perhaps its the people, or even the potential effects of such a travesty. I tell you that we are not afraid. We serve a Holy God, a Sovereign God that has decreed, called, chosen and ordained long before the world was. His Word is forever settled, His judgement is upon the individuals that would add or take from. There are things about this endeavor that I think are foolish, so let the fools be foolish, that's what they do. But let the righteous be and do righteously for that is what they are to be and do. Let God be true and every man a liar. Conclusively, there is no such thing of "same sex" marriages, God will not recognize nor honor this sinful endeavor of sinful man regardless of its human advocates. Now the plea for the unrighteous to come to the Savior who gave His life a ransom for many. If any want a true relationship with God, you must know the love of God. This is the relationship that ought to be a priority with all men and women. For the saved, we praise Him for delivering us from our sin. For such were some of you but His redemption changed our entire being, desires and destiny. For this we praise God. No we are not afraid, we just love our God and His Word as well as those who need to have His salvation. The one fear that I would admit to having is that someone that I know would die in their sins and perish for all eternity. Jim Bledsoe

Here we go again, off to the poles to vote for something that should never be on a ballot to begin with. Voting on what "marriage" is or is not. You would have to be an infidel, an unbeliever by adamant choice to even consider the options that have been created by our culture and legislature. Every "true" believer would turn to the word of God for the final and conclusive declaration and description of what a God ordained "marriage" is and is to be. Genesis declares and describes it well and that description and pattern is followed throughout the Scriptures. When God created "man" he created a masculine individual and named him Adam. Eve or course being a woman was of the female gender. God claims and describes this act as Him creating male and female, created He them. When the man and woman came together in a union that is commonly referred to as marriage by covenant the plan and pattern were established. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his own wife. This is the pattern and plan for two individuals entering into this union called "marriage". As you continue through the Word of God, all references to marriage will involve two distinct genders. One of each gender. A man and a woman. Even the terms husband and wife are in reference to distinct gender. Father and Mother, again distinction by gender. What is it but perversion to desire and redesign morals of righteousness that our Sovereign and Holy God has established? Perversion is as a wild fire and just as destructive to any culture or society. Brothers and Sisters (distinction in gender)please pray as we are forced to vote on something that God has already established. But thank God it is an opportunity to "stand" for righteousness sake. Dont think that the primary election is not significant. This vote is most significant. More to Come

Marriage is a union between_______?

Here we go again, off to the poles to vote for something that should never be on a ballot to begin with. Voting on what "marriage" is or is not. You would have to be an infidel, an unbeliever by adamant choice to even consider the options that have been created by our culture and legislature. Every "true" believer would turn to the word of God for the final and conclusive declaration and description of what a God ordained "marriage" is and is to be. Genesis declares and describes it well and that description and pattern is followed throughout the Scriptures. When God created "man" he created a masculine individual and named him Adam. Eve or course being a woman was of the female gender. God claims and describes this act as Him creating male and female, created He them. When the man and woman came together in a union that is commonly referred to as marriage by covenant the plan and pattern were established. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his own wife. This is the pattern and plan for two individuals entering into this union called "marriage". As you continue through the Word of God, all references to marriage will involve two distinct genders. One of each gender. A man and a woman. Even the terms husband and wife are in reference to distinct gender. Father and Mother, again distinction by gender. What is it but perversion to desire and redesign morals of righteousness that our Sovereign and Holy God has established? Perversion is as a wild fire and just as destructive to any culture or society. Brothers and Sisters (distinction in gender)please pray as we are forced to vote on something that God has already established. But thank God it is an opportunity to "stand" for righteousness sake. Dont think that the primary election is not significant. This vote is most significant. More to Come

To Love What He Loves

Ephesians Ephesians 5:25-27 (KJV) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Jesus Christ loved the Church. The church being the redeemed, the born again, the elect, those that were and are and are to be the born of the Father from above. Paul does not hesitate to take the broad and focus it to the narrow. As stated in John 3:16, we know that God so loved the world but here His love is focused on a select people. The church or the ecclesia...the called out belonging unto the Lord. Oh that the church would love His church as He loves the church. He loves the church: 1) Deliberately according to Ephesians 1:4 2) Definitely according to Romans 8:28-33 3) Determinately according to Romans 8:29 Even from the passage in Ephesians you may see that Christ gave himself for the Church and that is salvation. He cleanses the church through His word and that is sanctification. He presents His church as perfect and that is glorification. Oh, what love is this? That the Saviour would do so for such unworthy and inept beings such as ourselves! From here to eternity is His love for His church. Now let me say, this ought to be our desire for the church as well. Simply because He loves it, then we (the church) should also love. Perhaps John expresses it best in his little epistles. I think so. That we have love one for another. If those who profess salvation would only "love" the church you would find revival, reformation, regeneration, etc. You would find joy in serving, learning, and following after Him. If only we loved the church faithfulness would not just be a desire but an actual characteristic come worship time or prayer meeting time. God's people would be where He is, that is where His true people gather. To love the Lord ought to be equated to Loving as He loved and loving what He loved. Remember the church of Ephesus, leaving their first love. Let it not be said of you or of me. Love the Lord thy God with all thine heart... Pastor Jim

A Hunger for Righteousness

Jesus said: "Blessed are those who do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." (Matt.5:6) It is the nature of the believer (new nature) to desire the righteousness of God, the conformity to Christlikeness, and the righteousness of fellowship with the Father. This desire is only created in the new creature or the believer that is of genuiness. Now then, it should be expected of the sheep that they be fed as well as expected that the Pastor or undershepherd would feed them according to I Peter 5. Now let us consider two scenarios that may be seen in light of the presuppositions in the above. The first to consider is that the shepherd, being faithful and true to his Lord and his duty attempts to feed the flock but the flock refuses to eat as provided by the shepherd. Of course there would be, by nature, malnutrition among the flock. What is the problem that they are not partaking of the righteous manna as provided? Could there be a sickness in the flock? Couold there be a stubborness in the flock? Could there be wolves in sheeps clothing? Or could there be....? You use your imagination, I'm sure that you heard even more illegitimate reasoning that could be implemented. Regardless of the reason or excuse, there must be in all sheep a hunger and a thirst for righteousness. A true believer has a tremendous appetite for God and His word. A great desire is given to every believer to be like Christ by the working of His heavenly Father. Could it be that there are those who profess to be sheep that really arent sheep at all. There joy being that of the world. The pleasures, luxuries, and the ways of the world are much more conducive to their natural appetite and so that is where they feast. The second scenario would be that of a faithful flock with an unfaithful shepherd. He is unfaithful to His Lord by neglecting the "feeding" of the flock. How many congregations will there be that know little about their Lord due to the failure of the shepherd? Now here is a wolf in sheeps clothing for sure. Little, if any, theological substance to his attempt in teaching or preaching. His messages are of the humanistic level. He works at creating a relevant message that is so contemporary that it forsakes the divine. He will use a lot of illustrations and stories that are current that the sheep are to "identify" with. Oh it will be of the current nature, a new way of preaching, a new gospel, a new take of "Jesus". And the sheep are starving, malnurished, and literally astray from the Lord. He offers no hope just relevance. He has forsaken the inspiration and the sufficiency of the scriptures and is misleading the flock to pastures that are not green and without the water of life. He has presented the misnistry of Christ as another worldly market. This man is a shame and reproach upon the power and person of Christ and would be more beneficial to people as a salesman rather than a Pastor. May God give us a Passion for truth and righteousness and may we settle for nothing less. Pastor Jim

"Watching for their souls" Hebrews 13:17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. The heart of the Pastor is given to that of "watching for the souls" that have been entrusted to him for their "spiritual well being". Certainly, there is no greater challenge for the Pastor, nor is their anything that will cost the Pastor any more. Read after the heart of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:15: "I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls". To watch for their souls required the sacrifice of self. This must be our passion, to spend our lives for the good of those who are under our care. There are many men with the ability to preach or teach, this thing called Pastoring requires more than mere ability, it requires my life. My prayer is that my God would always grant unto me a willingness to give self for the good of others. Not to fret for there is no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth! Most sincerly Pastor Jim