Changes are here and more are on the way!

I post this article because most people don't realize what is happening right now as you read this.

 "The plan is called America 2050 and the concept is based upon the creation of megacities. In order for the megacities concept, which is well underway, to come to fruition, American suburbs and rural areas must be completely depopulated. This process is underway and the Obama administration is accelerating the process."

 http://www.thelibertybeacon.com/?s=agenda+21

 

Who has faith?

First, to answer the title question; "Who has faith?" The answer is every born from above individual that has received the gift of eternal life from Jesus. By the work of the Holy Spirit we are born into the family of God



" who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
  John 1:13 NASB

It is the action of God. His work in us. He creates even the  faith or assurance we as Christians have  when we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior publicly.

 The translators of the King James Version Bible (KJV) had it right in this passage.

" 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Ephesians 2:8 KJV

"For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" Romans 3:3

King James Bible

Ro 12:3: "For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith" 

Many say, when they are asked  the question today,  "do you believe in God?"they respond with , "Yes, I believe in God" or "I'm a spiritual person." When you spend time with them you see no evidence of growth or the fruit of the Spirit. I believe this is what James was refering to in the passage from his letter;

"You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." James 2:19 NASB

I believe that what our brother is saying here is that many can have knowledge about God. But, "
I will show you my faith by my works." in vs 18 of the same chapter  James is describing something different. This faith comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. It expresses itself in actions that are manifestations of His life and work through us.

Suppose I am invited to the yearly press corp diner by the President of the United States. So, I fly to D.C. and attend the dinner. I listen to the introductions and the welcoming that the master of ceremonies gives. Then comes the main event the announcement of the President of the United States and his entrance into the dining hall.  The President walks up the  podium, and greets everyone and begins to speak. He may have a wonderful speech and during the remaining duration of the speech I learn very much about his policies, decisions that he has made, and orders that he has written. All this gives me knowledge about him. At this point I know what anyone at the dinner knows about him. But, suppose for some reason, after he has finished speaking, someone points me out to the president and then introduces me to him and we shake hands and personally greet each other. Now there is the personal touch. In the conversation the president learns that I like to play golf. So, to my shock he invites me to a round of golf the next day. The following day we meet at his favorite course ( where ever that may be). Now conversation is a lot more intimate. I learn what he thinks about all sorts of issues. Before the game breaks up, he, the president, asks me to do a favor for him.  I readily agree to help by doing research on the condition of the homeless in the United States.  I jump at the chance to serve the President of the United States. You can see where I'm going with this. There is big difference between knowing about someone and actually meeting and spending time with some one.

"Faith (4102/pistis) is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102/pistis ("faith") for the believer is "God's divine persuasion" – and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence), yet involving it. The Lord continuously births faith in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers, i.e. the persuasion of His will (1 Jn 5:4)."        copyright © 1987, 2011 by Helps Ministries, Inc. HelpsBible.com

The  word faith in the original language describes something more than a knowledge about, or our perceptions  of God . This word, pistis Gk, is quite literal in it's use here it is "faith of God" a personal guarantee by our Father, His absolute assurance.

"1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 KJV 
         I challenge all of us as christians to seek and discover that daily relationship with Jesus.

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" Matthew 7:7 KJV.
 
Jesus  earnestly is waiting for you to say yes to him and receive what He wants to give you. 

For some who read this, it maybe that you realize,  you have never known Him. 

Jesus has removed the barrier between you and Holy God by his death on the cross  God accepted that sacrifice as sufficient for every man woman and child, and confirmed that by the power of His resurrection;
  "4and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead," Romans1:4 ESV

A living, loving, Savior wants you to know Him and say yes to Him right now. Call on Jesus. "and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." John 6:37 "
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 ESV

The Holy Spirit searches for us and finds us and reveals Himself (the presence of Jesus). That revelation and call... is where we either obey the gospel and receive eternal life and a personal guarantee from the Father, or we reject it. That is our part. Let Him give you faith today!

It's not about me. It's all about Him.

A_Pilgrim

"I'm Gonna Die On The Battlefield"

One day while I was thinking
On unseen things above
The Savior spoke unto me
And filled my heart with love

I used to have some people
Who walked and talked with me
But since I've been converted
They've turned their backs on me

Some say give me silver
Some say give me gold
I say give me Jesus
Who saved my dying soul

I'll take this gospel trumpet
And I'll begin to blow
Oh Lord if you will help me
I'll blow it wherever I go

I'm gonna die on the battlefield
I'm gonna die in the war
I'm gonna die on the battlefield
With glory in my soul

STIK a FORK in IT

                                STIK  A FORK IN IT!

The  239 year old experiment is over!  We now live in a social democracy!
While we are removing flags, let's just take down the flag of the United States. Why you ask? (or maybe you really  don't give a steaming pile of what comes out of the south end of a north bound mule. I don't know) Because we have managed to forge a new country . It is no longer a representative republic, ruled by legislative law under the authority of the the US Constitution, but a country who's laws and regulation are controlled by media bias and mob legislation.  (What ever the mob wants it gets)
Therefore we need a new flag for a new nation that occupies this space in North America. It must include the rainbow colors of the most important LGBT which is the new name for the Democratic party and include a dollar sign for the Republicans because it is the symbol of their god.  Let's reprint the money to include the phrase "in this god we trust" instead of "in God we trust." Let's see, what else should be on this flag for this new nation? How about a zombie that represents the millions of the low information voters. You know the brain dead.
I suggest we name this new nation the United Socialist States of the Americas. The USSA. ( We don't require proof citizenship to vote. Bueno, Amigos and amigas!) We now live in a democratic socialist  country. You no longer live in states. You effectively do every thing the federal government tells you so your state is more of a province.( you know like Canada,hey.) Who's laws and regulations have to meet Agenda 21 requirements. They have agencies like the EPA to administer those global rules.
Stik a fork in it its done!
The great experiment is over we are not governed by laws. We are governed by twitter, facebook,Skype,smart phones and, what the popular movie star, or your favorite sports hero, rap artist, has to say. The list goes on. What ever is popular opinion that's what structures our laws all the while the lobbyists rob us blind as tax payers with their bloated government contracts and little secret deals.
Stik a fork in it. The experiment is over!

Oh, P.S.   "Social-Democracy bases its whole world-outlook on scientific socialism, i. e., Marxism."
Published: Proletary, No. 45, May 13 (26), 1909. Published according to the text in Proletary.
Source: Lenin Collected Works,

Revelation

Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:5-8 NKJV

 

 Listen, this passage is intensely personal to me right now. A few weeks back I was impressed that my main message is to warn the church to get ready.  "I am coming,"says our Lord. 
How am I as a Christian going to be ready when the Lord returns? Am I ready?  Do I have ambitions that His coming might interfere with?  Like Lot's wife would I yield to the temptation to  look back? (Genesis 19:26)

Jesus is coming.  He said He would come. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 

John 14:2,3 NKJV

   
How personal He calls us "brethren".

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.    Hebrews 2:11 NIV

Our Lord is coming back soon. But even if it is not in our life time listen to what the Apostle Peter says,

⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
¹¹ Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 2Peter 3:9-11 KJV

Listen, brothers and sisters, the Lord wants to see you Face to face. The Lord wants to bless you. Remove the loves for this world. Bride let Him be your Groom. He longs for your fellowship dear christian. 

Bow before Him today. He wants to bless you. Put what ever is troubling you in Jesus hands and let Him have that burden.

 Eric Holder, the President's former Attorney General,  didn't indict these guys for violating federal voting laws by their harassing potential voters at this poll in Philadelphia.
 

 Here's how they really feel about  America. Warning very graphic language. Wake Up!!!



"I hate white people. All of them. Every last iota of a cracker, I hate it. We didn't come out here to play today. There's too much serious business going on in the black community to be out here sliding through South Street with white, dirty, cracker whore bitches on our arms, and we call ourselves black men. … What the hell is wrong with you black man? You at a doomsday with a white girl on your damn arm. We keep begging white people for freedom! No wonder we not free! Your enemy cannot make you free, fool! You want freedom? You going to have to kill some crackers! You going to have to kill some of their babies!"
— King Samir Shabazz, head of the party's Philadelphia chapter, in a National Geographic documentary, January 2009

The One World is here!

 The tyranny  coming is not with armies but control of markets and the countries that depend on them. Tech will be their force. Tech now is controlling every phase of our lives . These 2 articles describe the way the feudal lords work their influence in our ,the U.S.citizens, government. Anyway read for yourselves.

 The following is an email response to an article about the TPP bill the the Senate just passed

  Re: job for his masters

 Corporate Gods: "Obama, remember why we hired you; ram the TPP through"

Today at 10:15 AM

To

• xxxxxx

I know this sounds crazy but these deals a made of, for, and by kingdoms. The kingdoms of the 21st century are the global corps. The CFR and Trilateral Commission are fronts for corporate feudalism:

feu·dal·ism

ˈfyo͞odlˌizəm/

noun

historical

noun: feudalism

1. the dominant social system in medieval Europe, in which the nobility held lands from the Crown in exchange for military service, and vassals were in turn tenants of the nobles, while the peasants (villeins or serfs) were obliged to live on their lord's land and give him homage, labor, and a share of the produce, notionally in exchange for military protection. See any parallels?
2. Check this article out:

      https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mcconnell-says-senate-pass-fast-track-authority-trade-143316089--business.html

      This shows you how powerful the central banks and their corporate Lords are working through their lobbyists to get bills passed.

• 
  
• 
  

 

---

Because HE is ALIVE !

My daily reading yesterday.

26 "So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell

It sounds harsh doesn't it? But  watch what He says in verse 29-31.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows

To Him you are more valuable. How do we know He cares? How valuable are you to our Father in heaven?   Even though He knows you (verse 30)  He  died for you!

" ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8New International Version (NIV)

Because He is alive we have total reconciliation to the God of all. Who is now our Father , we cry "abba"

Abbá – "Father," also used as the term of tender endearment by a beloved child – i.e. in an affectionate, dependent relationship with their father; "daddy," "papa."  copyright © 1987, 2011 by Helps Ministries, Inc

The God of all, all the universe, of all creation, of all righteousness, and is the holy Judge, says I and all that born from above, born again, can now say to Him  "daddy!"

^"19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation."

2 Corinthians 5:19New Living Translation (NLT)

  "For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" Colossians 2:9 WEB

2 Corinthians 5:19New Living Translation (NLT)

God came to us and died in our place to satisfy the righteous demands of the law. Jesus proved that sacrifice was accepted  by the resurrection from the dead.
"and I have authority to take it ( my life) up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:18 ESV

We no longer seek to serve the law. Now, to please the Father, we seek to do the will of Jesus our resurrected Lord.  We walk in the Spirit (the Holy Spirit is the presence of Jesus 2Corintians 3:17) because now we serve Him. Before we had knowledge of the commandments and we acted according to that knowledge trying to do something right to please God. But, now...... we have fellowship and a family relationship with Jesus . So, with great joy we serve Him, not the commandment. If we walk in fellowship, and under the control of the Spirit of the Lord, He enables you to do His will. His righteousness makes that possible. The law of Moses has no claim on us because Christ is our righteousness! But even if we fail and are not faithful He abides faithful; "
"If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is." 2Timothy2:13

That is a huge reason to celebrate this week and weekend!!!!!!!!!!

"But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." Galatians 5:18 WEB

Happy Resurrection Day!!!!!!

I'm passing this around

. It was a blessing to me and I believe we're to share the blessing!!!

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell," Colossians 1:19 ESV 

You want to know God? Know Jesus! Every name attributed to God is revealed in Jesus. " the express image " Hebrews 1:3 KJV   That means literally "the exact expression of the substance of Him"

Now, because all of that is true, " For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the one who was proclaimed among you by us – by me and Silvanus and Timothy – was not “Yes” and “No,” but it has always been “Yes” in him. For every one of God’s promises are “Yes” in him; therefore also through him the “Amen” is spoken, to the glory we give to God"  2Corinthians 1:19,20 NET Hallelujah! what a salvation that we have been given!!!!! 

 Amen was an affirmation used in the early assemblies of Christians that means  "so let it be." All promises are to us in the Old Testament and New Testament.  All are ours! Everything that has been given to Jesus we have been given. Not because  we have made ourselves equal but we share His glory because of God's grace. We must endure this life that has many set backs and disappointments. But, remember,  that in the present, He gives help to us. In the appointed time all that He has, and has given to us, will be manifest at Jesus second coming.

In the last minute of the video the voices of the whole church are added. It gives me a glimpse of what it is going to be like when all are gathered in that great reunion. When with all those that have passed over, or at His return,  we are united with the whole church. And what we will sound like. Listen to the last minute real close the way they record all the voices

He is:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NscHCa395-M

              "The Lord our Righteousness." — Jeremiah 23:6

 It will always give a Christian the greatest calm, quiet, ease, and peace, to think of the perfect righteousness of Christ. How often are the saints of God downcast and sad! I do not think they ought to be. I do not think they would if they could always see their perfection in Christ. There are some who are always talking about corruption, and the depravity of the heart, and the innate evil of the soul. This is quite true, but why not go a little further, and remember that we are "perfect in Christ Jesus." It is no wonder that those who are dwelling upon their own corruption should wear such downcast looks; but surely if we call to mind that "Christ is made unto us righteousness," we shall be of good cheer. What though distresses afflict me, though Satan assault me, though there may be many things to be experienced before I get to heaven, those are done for me in the covenant of divine grace; there is nothing wanting in my Lord, Christ hath done it all. On the cross He said, "It is finished!" and if it be finished, then am I complete in Him, and can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, "Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." You will not find on this side heaven a holier people than those who receive into their hearts the doctrine of Christ's righteousness. When the believer says, "I live on Christ alone; I rest on Him solely for salvation; and I believe that, however unworthy, I am still saved in Jesus;" then there rises up as a motive of gratitude this thought- "Shall I not live to Christ? Shall I not love Him and serve Him, seeing that I am saved by His merits?" "The love of Christ constraineth us," "that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto Him which died for them." If saved by imputed righteousness, we shall greatly value imparted righteousness.       CHARLES SPURGEON

sent in by  Bro Steve in Mich

"Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:13 .... Holman Christian Standard Bible ... Let us remember as Christians we are the physical body of Christ here in the nasty now and now. Our Lord is always looking for those that have not come into the family .The prodigals that have not returned. Our ministry here on Earth is always about seeking those, that for what ever reason, are estranged from the Father. That through us, Jesus is reaching out to them calling to them, " come home."

3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

1 Corinthians 14:3,4NKJV 

        11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,                                  Ephesians 4:11

He gave the offices and ministries  as  gifts to the church or the the body of Christ. 

 Let me illustrate.

There are genetic markers in everyone born into this world physically. The DNA that determines your physical attributes and  characteristics have codes that we in the understanding of the common populace call genes. ( I'm sure you  scientists can be more accurate) . You have no control over what you get at conception. So, in a sense they are a gifts from your mother or father. These  little "markers" have genetic codes in them that determine what will be your physical,and mental  abilities. The same is  true with the body of Christ.  Everyone that is born from above is given a measure of grace ( a gift or gifts) to serve the body of Christ.

Ever walk on your hands? I used to walk on my hands a lot when I was much younger. I got pretty good at it too. I could walk quite a distance on my hands. Most of the time what got to me was not the fatigue in my arms but my hands and wrists began to ache. Why, because your hands and wrists are not designed naturally to support your weight like that. You can train them so they can perform in that way.  But your hands and wrists for the most of us won't support the full weight of our bodies like our feet and ankles do.They are doing a job that they weren't designed to do when you walk on them. It takes hours of training. It is like that in the body of Christ.

 Jesus has a physical body right now on earth. It's us! We if we are born again we are literally His body right now on earth. People pray and want to hear God speak to them plainly. They want hear the Almighty say, "now hear this! " Guess what, He does speak to all. He does that through His body in the here and now in what  we call the church, the "called out assembly". And in that church He has gifted the prophets.

Jesus when he ascended on high gave gifts to men when they are born again. So He could continue to minister to us  we the members of His body. There is not enough space to deal with all of the gifts at this time. We're going to look at prophets and prophesying.

To often when we talk of the prophet we think of the Hollywood version, We are shown on the big screen a wild eyed and shouting fanatic saying, "repent repent, repent" While he carries  a sign that says "the end is near."Or we think they're some kind of sanctified fortune teller speaking mysteries of the future like Nostradamus.  That kind of definition is Satan's distraction. It's meant to give his deceivers credibility and cause confusion. Satan's prophets, if you listen to them will cause endless arguments and questions. Arguments that are divisive  and never come to conclusion that do not build up the body of Christ.

Here briefly let us look at the gift and the role of the New Testament prophet.

There is a difference in the the administrative gift or the office of a prophet and a gift of prophesy. Getting back to the 3rd verse of chapter 14. There are three distinct ministries ofa prophet.:

The purpose of edification  "But he who prophesies speaks edification"

The purpose of exhortation  "and exhortation"

The comfort to men "and comfort to men"

Look at the verse again. Paul makes it quite clear what our motive should be when ministering any of the gifts and that includes the prophet.The ESV says this way;        3On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their up-building and encouragement and consolation 1Corinthians 14.3 ESV

 
The word edification or building up means simply that, to build up:

 oikodomḗ – properly, a building (edifice) serving as a home; (figuratively) constructive criticism and instruction that builds a person up to be the suitable dwelling place of God, i.e. where the Lord is "at home."  Strong's Greek 3619

The prophet speaks to the circumstance and the need of the individual and the assembly. He or she speaks from revelation of the Holy Spirit as if Jesus Himself is speaking.     "25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you". God the Father knows what is really the issue with you and reveals that to someone who has the gift of prophesy. They the speak to that group or individual about what ever issue it may be. Maybe it's an answer to a prayer. Maybe it's a fault or sin that that needs to be dealt with. Maybe it's a specific word of encouragement. But the motive should always be to build up the church.

That brings me to the second ministry  "and exhortation" In the Greek; 3874 /paráklēsis ("holy urging") is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan, delivering a specific message to the body. 
The best way to describe this is that the prophet is like a cheerleader that is shouting out the promises of God. Reminding us of what He has done for us and who we are in Jesus. "Be not weary in well doing," the prophet proclaims ".Look to Jesus the author and the Finisher of our faith " The prophet reminds us of the promise and the grace of God. He speaks the the mind of Christ and reminds us that this world is not our home .Our dwelling here is only temporary. He or she under the control of the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are the sons and daughters of God and nothing can separate us from the love of God.. The prophet reminds us that realizing these truths the prophet says " be strong and of good courage" this is the ministry of the prophet> In you darkest time the prophet speaks "look to
Jesus He is there with you He will be there no matter what the trial.  In Him there is no defeat! This is the ministry of encouragement. This is the calling of the prophet.

Last but  not least: "and comfort to men" Have you since you became a christian ever felt so strong that you needed to just speak an encouraging word. Someone who was suffering and struggling with life's crisis. And maybe you had some word that the Lord gave you that was something that would help them specifically  You ever felt like God wanted you to let them know that you cared and Jesus cares . That is what a Prophet does God reveals a word of comfort to the church if they are going through hard times. The prophet speaks those words of encouragement.  Much of the book of Revelation  has promises of comfort.  paramythía (a feminine noun) – "primarily 'a speaking closely to anyone'  Intimately and personal


Strong's Greek 3889  The prophet speaks To the church words of comfort reminding them of the mercies of our Father. "13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" 1Corintians 10:13 NKJV What does it say "But God is faithful". When we don't have the strength "God is faithful" When the doctor says,"There is nothing more we can do." But know this "God is faithful". When we fail, He who never fails is faithful. The ministry of a prophet is one to comfort those who have lost hope. Giving them a word from the Lord.

So, the ministry of a prophet is more that telling of some future event. The prophet takes the word of the Lord and gives it to the people of God. The Head of the body speaks through the prophet to the body of Christ. Read Revelation chapters 2 and 3. They are examples of the ministry of a prophet.

We are to speak the truth in love. Read chapter 13, 1Corithians again. Love Jesus love His body, His Bride. I can't always love like He commands  in that chapter. But, because He the loves us with a complete unfailing love and He lives in me. I just say, "Okay, Lord I can't love that way but I will obey your love in me and I will walk in your love. I will let your love have total control.Love this person  through my mind heart and body." Then I find I can love.

The prophet should always speak the truth in love  Ephesians 4:15  "15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

Always remember the exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5: 20,21 "

20 Do not despise prophecies.

21 Test all things; hold fast what is good," and let every thing be done in order. There are many other gifts. WE have to remember we all play apart in God's design. 

 

 

                                         Traps&Trojans

                                                Matthew 13: 24-30
                      This is a rough draft of a chapter for a larger work titled;  "Traps and Trojans." A work in progress.!   
                      

                                 The wheat and the Tares

 24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;

25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.

26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.

27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?'

28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?'

29 But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn

them, but gather the wheat into my barn."  NKJV

Definition of a tare; spurious wheat, darnel; a plant that grows in Palestine which resembles wheat in many ways but is worthless. Strong's Concordance

The King James Version and the New King James Version has it right in the Translation calling them  "tares"

It is the correct translation. A tare is much more than a weed in your tomato patch. The following will give you an idea how bad this plant is:

"The tare abounds all over the East, and is a great nuisance to the farmer. It resembles the American "cheat (chess)," but the "head" does not droop like cheat, nor does it branch out like oats. The grain, also, is smaller, and is arranged along the upper part of the stalk, which stands perfectly erect. The "taste" is bitter, and when eaten separately, or even when diffused in ordinary bread, it causes dizziness, and often acts as a violent emetic. Barn-door fowls also become dizzy from eating it. In short, it is a strong soporific poison, and must be carefully winnowed, and picked out of the wheat grain by grain, before grinding, or the flour is not healthy. Even the farmers, who in this country generally "weed" their fields, do not attempt to separate the one from the other. They would not only mistake good grain for them, but very commonly the roots of the two are so

intertwined that it is impossible to separate them without plucking up both. Both, therefore, must be left to "grow together" until the time of harvest." - (Thomson) "The Land and the Book," vol. ii. pp. 111, 112

Here's a dilemma. The tare in the kingdom is not only a hypocrite (Ancient Greek ὑποκριτής hupokritḗs,  it means actor),but  they spew out dissension and heresy in the Christian fellowship.

 ( heresy is in this context,  another gospel. i.e. Jesus plus something it could be any ritual. Any work of the flesh that is trying to do to be righteous. The true good news of Jesus is "not of works so no man can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9)

 They infect every fellowship they join.  Sometimes they are very hard to distinguish from a true believer. What does an actor do? they act a part. Some of these tares a very good actors! They are not the real deal, they are only playing the part.
But, I want to be careful here to also mention not only the hypocrites but also those that are sincere but they are deceived. This group is different. They are the ones that are the "true  believers". These  are those that the "tares " have deceived with false teaching and practice. And, the deceived, following the tares instruction, miss the true grace of God the Father and the real fellowship with Jesus though the work of the Holy Spirit. Those that are led astray become  tares themselves. They then teach others the heresy. (There's good word "heresy" Look it up!)

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3 NIV

 So, what can the christian do?

 First wait on the Lord.  Before going off where "the action is" wait on the Lord.

"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint". Isaiah 40:31

None of us like being left behind. quite often we jump into things and suffer grief. All because we don't wait on the Lord. We are commanded to "try the spirits"

"Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good"   1Thessalonians 5:19,20 ESV    

Remember, Satan appears as an Angel of light. However we have the God of of heaven and earth living in us,if we have the new birth. What is the evidence of that fact?  " And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" Ephesians 4:30 ESV

He the Holy Spirit guides us to all truth:  " 15“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you"  John 14 :15-17 ESV and  " ......25“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" vs 25,26 John 14 ESV

"Teach you"  with what? Ninety nine percent of the time he uses  the written word of God. The Lord uses the preaching and teaching of men and women that are filled and  controlled  by the Holy Spirit and given a ministry to the church. (Many times  in a testimony of a brother or sister The  Spirit will confirm a truth that applies to you).

There will be more on the "wheat and the tares."in up coming posts

"Follow Me"

. 19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" 

This verse really struck me. It's really simple the way of ministry. ( and we all have a ministry) It's really simple. Just follow Jesus.

How do you do that? You spend time with Him. As you spend time with Him you get to know Him.  His presence is not only with you always but He dwells in you in the Holy of Holies in your resurrected spirit, as the new man in Christ. In those that have  shared in the new birth.

Take a moment to let that reality set in. Just sit and take it in. You never leave His presence. His presence never leaves you. Just sit still and be quiet. Open up the written word and let Him speak to you with it."those that seek they shall find." If you don't know where to start, start reading the Gospel of John, or maybe the letter to the Romans. The Psalms are a good place to begin reading and waiting on the Lord.  Then as you follow Him you will be "fishers of men". He will lead you in "paths of righteousness"

Remember this, the Holy Spirit doesn't play mind games. He does not play hard to get. In fact He is the "other Jesus". He is the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He and Jesus are one. And, The Holy Spirit , Jesus , and the Father are one.

As we follow Him Jesus makes something out of our lives. Not some formula or a program some preacher comes up with. Our faith doesn't rest on a formula or program Our faith rests on Jesus blood and His righteousness. Don't get sucked in to somebody's program or interpretation of the Bible where they and they only have the true way.

All I'm saying is follow Jesus. If your not sure just seek His will in everything and He will let you know.

( disclaimer)

I'm really sorry to have run on, but to me Christian life is about fellowship. And part of that fellowship is sharing one with another. Most what I said above was from learning the hard way. Can you believe that?