The Acts Church: A Spirit-Led Model for Today’s Believers

I have been thinking a lot about the Acts church in the Bible. Could we do something like that in today's world, in the communities we live in?

The Acts Church: A Spirit-Led Model for Today’s Believers

1. Spirit-Filled and United

After Pentecost (Acts 2), the outpouring of the Holy Spirit wasn’t just a moment of empowerment — it was a divine recalibration of community. Believers were knit together in supernatural unity, transcending personal agendas and cultural divides.

• “Of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32) wasn’t just poetic — it was a lived reality of shared mission and mutual love.

• Their unity was rooted not in uniformity, but in shared surrender to Christ.

• Today, this challenges us to ask: Are we united by the Spirit or divided by preference?

2. Devoted to the Apostles’ Teaching

Acts 2:42 highlights a rhythm of devotion — not casual interest, but intentional immersion.

• The apostles’ teaching centered on Jesus as Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the call to repentance and new life.

• This wasn’t just theological — it was transformational. Their worldview shifted from law to grace, from temple to indwelling Spirit.

• In our time, devotion to sound teaching guards against false doctrine and fuels spiritual maturity.

3. Sharing and Caring for One Another

Acts 2:44–45 and 4:34 reveal a radical generosity that defied economic norms.

• Their giving wasn’t transactional — it was sacrificial and Spirit-led.

• They didn’t just meet needs; they dismantled poverty within their community.

• This models a theology of stewardship: trusting God enough to release resources for the good of others.

4. Worship and Fellowship

Their worship was both vertical (praising God) and horizontal (breaking bread together).

• Communion was not only remembrance but reaffirmation — a shared identity in Christ.

• “Glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46–47) reflect joy that flowed from grace, not circumstance.

• Fellowship wasn’t an event — it was a lifestyle of presence, vulnerability, and celebration.

5. Evangelistic and Mission-Oriented

Evangelism wasn’t a program — it was the natural overflow of transformed lives.

• The gospel spread organically and intentionally, through testimony and sending.

• Acts 2:47 shows that salvation was a daily reality, not a rare occurrence.

• The church didn’t wait for people to come — they went out, crossing borders and barriers.

6. Diverse but Equal

The inclusion of Gentiles, women, and the marginalized was revolutionary.

• Acts 10 (Peter and Cornelius) marks a theological earthquake: God shows no partiality.

• This wasn’t just social reform — it was divine revelation.

• The early church embodied Galatians 3:28 before it was written: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

7. Guided by Prayer and the Holy Spirit

Prayer wasn’t a ritual — it was their operating system.

• Acts 13:2–3 shows that decisions were birthed in worship and fasting, not strategy alone.

• The Spirit’s guidance was active, specific, and trusted.

• This invites today’s church to return to dependence — not on charisma or planning, but on divine direction.

Final Reflection:

The Acts community was:

A Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered, radically generous, and mission-driven fellowship — diverse in background, united in purpose, and devoted to truth, worship, and one another.

How do we know we are listening to the Right LORD?

 

How Can You Know You're Listening to the Right Lord?

As I reflect on this question, it becomes clear that true discernment begins with being part of God's kingdom. According to John 17:2, entrance into that kingdom comes through eternal life—a gift given by Jesus Christ.

But what is eternal life? Jesus defines it in John 17:3: it is the sure and intimate knowledge of the Father, the one true God, and of Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent. This isn't just intellectual assent; it's relational certainty.

So how can you know you're in the kingdom of God—and thus listening to the right Lord? Your life will reflect the character and example of Jesus. The way He lived on earth becomes the blueprint for those who truly follow Him. His compassion, truth, humility, and obedience to the Father are not just admirable traits—they're signs of kingdom citizenship.

Is God's Protection Absolute?

Sunday morning, I thought of an interesting question: Is God's protection absolute?

I was thinking about several things that led me to this question.

• We live in scary times. The United States of America is changing to an authoritarian style government under Trump and his regime. I am still hopeful that things might change to get us back to the American dream, that All Men are Created Equal, as the preamble to our constitution suggests. I have often thought about how badly non-white people have been treated by white people in the past. Maybe this is God giving us white people a taste of what we have dished out for so many years.
• Anyway, I remembered several things mentioned in the Bible and also things that Yeshua (Jesus) said.

In His final moments before the crucifixion, Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed—not for Himself, but for those the Father had given Him. This intimate plea, recorded in John 17, reveals the heart of divine protection: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name” (John 17:12-15). These are not casual followers; they are citizens of the kingdom, reborn through faith, who know the Father and the Son and thus possess eternal life. Jesus’ request was not for worldly safety alone, but for spiritual preservation—protection from the evil one (John 17:15), sanctification through truth (John 17:17), and unity grounded in divine love. His prayer echoes through time, reminding us that eternal life is not merely a future promise but a present reality rooted in relationship. To know God is to be known by Him—and to be kept by Him. In a world of uncertainty, this assurance becomes our anchor: that those who belong to Christ are held securely in the hands of the Father.

This raises a profound question: if Jesus Himself asked the Father to protect His own, does that mean God’s protection is absolute? Or does it operate within a divine framework that allows suffering, testing, and growth? The answer may lie not in the absence of hardship, but in the presence of God through it. Protection, in the biblical sense, is not a guarantee of comfort—it is a promise of preservation. It is the assurance that no matter what trials we face, our identity in Christ remains secure, our purpose intact, and our eternal life untouched.

• Jesus is known as the Good Sheperd. The good shepherd protects his flock. Even when one sheep goes missing, he goes searching for it, relentlessly, until he finds it.

So is God’s protection absolute? In one sense, yes—because it is anchored in His character, not our circumstances. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 reveals a divine commitment to preserve those who are His, not from every storm, but through them. The apostles faced persecution, believers today endure trials, and yet the promise remains: “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me” (John 17:12). This protection is not a shield from suffering but a seal of belonging. It is the assurance that no force—seen or unseen—can sever us from the love of God in Christ. To be protected by God is to be held in purpose, refined in truth, and sustained by grace. And that, perhaps, is the most absolute protection of all.

Lead Us to the Way

Lately, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the state of our United States of America. Under the leadership of Donald J. Trump, I fear we are drifting away from the democratic ideals enshrined in our Constitution and inching toward an autocracy—one increasingly shaped by the will of a single man.

I keep asking myself: Is there anything we can do to halt this progression—or at least slow it down? One word keeps rising to the surface: prayer.

Prayer is powerful. What if we began praying—not just for ourselves, but for one another? For our leaders, even those who seem to be leading us down dark and uncertain paths. For people across the globe, especially those caught in the devastation of war. What if we prayed without ceasing?

Jesus said:

John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Let us pray that we all find the way—the truth about ourselves that leads to repentance and ultimately to eternal life. Imagine what eternal life truly means: freedom from sin, entrance into God’s kingdom, and the peace that surpasses understanding.

John 17:2–3 (NIV) “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

May we be led to the Way. May we know the truth. And may we live in the light of eternal peace.

Eternal Life

🌿 Eternal Life: Beyond Time and Into God's Kingdom

What Is Eternal Life?

I’ve often wondered why the Bible calls it eternal life. Jesus defines it in John 17:3 as knowing the Father, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. In the original Greek, the word translated “know” is ginosko—meaning to know absolutely, to be sure, to understand deeply.

So, what is eternal life? Is it simply living forever, or is it the fullness of knowing God? That question has lingered in my heart.

Time and the Human Condition

This morning, I was talking with my wife, and she offered a profound insight: it has to do with time. We live in a world governed by time. We’re born, we live for a finite span, and then we die. But in God’s realm, time doesn’t exist. He always was, and He always will be.

Because of sin, God set a limit on human life. Today, 120 years seems to be the outer boundary—a reflection, perhaps, of the declaration in Genesis 6:3. But this limit is not imposed on God. He exists outside of time, and His kingdom is timeless.

The Sons of God and the Nephilim

Genesis 6 introduces a mysterious and troubling moment: angels who separated themselves from Father God and took human wives. Their offspring—the Nephilim—were corrupt and violent. These beings may well be the origin of the gods in Greek mythology.

God instructed Noah to build the ark, a task that may have taken up to 120 years. During that time, warnings were given. The people were told of the coming flood, but they didn’t believe and refused to change. Eventually, judgment came. The flood destroyed everything except Noah, his family, and the creatures aboard the ark.

The Rise of Evil Spirits

I believe this is where evil spirits entered the world. When the Nephilim died, their spirits remained—disembodied and restless. They wander the earth, seeking human hosts to inhabit and possess. Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus and His disciples casting out these spirits, confronting their influence directly.

Returning to Eternal Life

In God’s kingdom, there are no time constraints. Eternal life is not just endless existence—it’s entrance into God’s timeless realm. It’s communion with the Father, through the Son.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6 (NIV)

“For you granted him [Jesus] authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” — John 17:2–3 (NIV)

The Kingdom Within Reach

Jesus came not only to save us, but to teach us about the kingdom of heaven—Father God’s kingdom. Though He is no longer physically present on earth, He continues to teach us through the Helper, the Holy Spirit.

Eternal life is not just a future promise—it’s a present reality for those who know God. It’s stepping out of time and into truth. It’s living in the fullness of divine relationship.

🛐 Reflection and Prayer

Reflection Question: Are you living with an awareness of eternity today? How does knowing God reshape your understanding of time and purpose?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of eternal life—not just as a promise of forever, but as a present invitation to know You deeply. Help me to live beyond the limits of time, anchored in Your truth and guided by Your Spirit. Teach me to walk in Your kingdom now, with eyes fixed on what is eternal. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Gospel of John.

In my opinion, the Gospel of John is maybe the most important book in the Bible, to read and study. And here is why:

It is believed that John is the author of the book, and he is none other than the apostle John. He was one of the first disciples that Yeshua (Jesus) chose along with his brother James. He was with Jesus the whole time. He was an eyewitness. He personally experienced Jesus. He was one of the three who Jesus took with him up on a mountain known as the mount of transfiguration. (Luke 9:28-36). He is the one whom Jesus loved. He and Jesus' mother, Mary, were there when Jesus was crucified. Jesus was concerned with his mother, Mary. Some of Jesus' last words were for John to take care of her. 

 John 19:26-27

New International Version

26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

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John was a witness of Jesus' resurrection. He was one of the first to see the empty tomb. John was witness to the resurrected Jesus during the 40 days before Jesus was taken up into heaven. John saw that too.

Think about it. John took Mary, the mother of Jesus, as his mother. The two of them together for a very long time. I can just imagine the stories they must have told each other during their time together; the mother of Jesus and the one Jesus loved!

When you get into the gospel of John, there are some deep hidden truths. Things that only he would know. John chapter 17 is one of my favorites

John 17

New International Version

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

6 “I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[b] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[c] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[d] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[e] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

 

Why Would God Want to Help Us?

 Posted July 7, 2025

A Nation in Mourning

Over the July 4th holiday, devastating flooding swept through the Texas Hill Country. More than 100 people have lost their lives—many of them children. Dozens are still missing. The sorrow is almost too much to bear.

And so, the familiar question arises:

“Why did God let this happen?”

A Harder Question

But maybe we need to ask a deeper question:

“What do we expect from God when we disregard the world He entrusted to us?”

For decades, scientists have sounded the alarm that human activity—especially the burning of fossil fuels—is disrupting Earth’s climate. Many in power still resist change. Comfort outweighs conscience. Short-term gain silences long-term wisdom.

So again: Why would God want to help us if we refuse to help ourselves?

Scripture and Stewardship

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” — Psalm 24:1 (NIV)

God gave humanity dominion (Genesis 1:28), not for exploitation, but stewardship. We were entrusted with creation. But when dominion becomes domination, suffering often follows.

When the Earth Took a Breath

During the early months of COVID-19 lockdowns, the planet responded to humanity’s pause:

• Cleaner air in cities like Los Angeles and New Delhi

• Historic drop in CO₂ emissions

• Wildlife sightings in long-developed areas

• Clearer waters and quieter urban environments

It was as if creation exhaled—a temporary sabbath from human disruption. But the moment was fleeting. We quickly returned to old patterns.

The Red Warning of Mars

Other nations are pressing toward clean energy. The U.S., in contrast, continues to reverse key environmental protections. And that brings Mars to mind. Scientists believe it may once have resembled Earth. Today, its atmosphere is composed of 95.3% carbon dioxide.

Is that a warning written in red dust?

So Why Does God Still Help?

“Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness… not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” — Romans 2:4 (NIV)

God is patient. In His mercy, He gives us:

• Wisdom to change course

• Prophetic voices that sound the alarm

• Glimpses of hope—like the Earth's healing breath during COVID

What we need now is repentance—not just spiritual, but ecological.

God hasn’t abandoned us.

Maybe He’s waiting for us to become the stewards we were created to be.

Is He Worthy

Lifein3d are one of my favorite singing groups. They sang "Is He Worthy" during Easter on YouTube. It is a beautiful piece with uplifting words and I would like to share a link to it.

He Is Worthy - Easter cover by Lifein3d 

Children Not Like the Others

My wife and I recently watched a thought-provoking documentary on YouTube titled “Autism, Telepathy, and Faith | Katie Asher.” It tells the story of Katie Asher’s son, Houston, who developed a form of autism that left him nonverbal and with limited motor function. Doctors essentially gave up hope that he would ever function in society. Many who interacted with Houston dismissed him—assuming he couldn’t engage in the same activities as other children.

But then something miraculous happened.

Houston did something that awakened a deep conviction in his mother: there was far more going on inside her son than anyone realized. Determined to reach him, Katie searched for ways to communicate—and what she uncovered was extraordinary. Houston demonstrated profound inner awareness. He could read people’s thoughts, converse with Yeshua (Jesus) and angels, grasp complex scientific concepts, and navigate the spiritual realm in ways few could imagine.

As I reflected on Houston’s story, I couldn’t help but think of Stephen Hawking. Though bound by a debilitating disease, his intellect was undeniable—and because society recognized his genius, people developed technology to help him communicate. That technology enabled him to lecture, teach, and inspire millions.

It makes me wonder: How many others—like Houston—have been quietly overlooked simply because they can’t express themselves in traditional ways? What gifts might we discover if we applied that same innovation and belief to those the world has written off?

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Something else was brought to mind. I did a post about the heart intitled "The Heart - It's Not Just A Pump". The Bible talks about the heart a lot. I found out that the heart is an amazing thing. Our hearts can communicate with each other and so much more.

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Another post I thought about is "Living Water – Water of Life – Life Giving Water"

There is just so so much out there of God that we have not discovered yet.

Women

This seems like an odd topic to talk about, but I have been thinking a lot about them lately. They sure have been badly treated for eons. Men often treat them as no more than possessions, a piece of property, something to satisfy their sexual drive, something to make money with, slaves, have their babies and take care of them, and so on.

I don't believe Father God meant it to be this way. In the creation story of the Bible, God first creates man. The following is from Copilot: 

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In this narrative, God forms man (Adam) from the dust of the ground and breathes into his nostrils the breath of life. Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to tend it and is given the command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Then comes an important moment: God declares, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18, ESV).

To achieve this, God first brings all the animals to Adam to see what he would name them—perhaps revealing that none of them were suitable as a counterpart. Then, God causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep, takes one of his ribs, and from it fashions the woman (later called Eve). Adam recognizes her immediately and says, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

The story is often interpreted to highlight companionship, complementarity, and a shared origin that forms the foundation for human relationships. It also contrasts with Genesis 1, where male and female are created together in the image of God—suggesting a poetic layering rather than a contradiction.

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I want to bring out some things that I think are very important to this story, found in Genesis 1

Genesis 1:26-28

New International Version

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image,

    in the image of God he created them;

    male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

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I have talked about this in other posts but let me reiterate them. In the creation narrative, the creator is in a plural form. I believe that Yeshua (Jesus), God's son, was with Father God during creation, thus "let us make mankind in our image". Something that has always struck me as odd. There is Father God (male), and his son Yeshua (male). We never see mention of a female in God's realm. But a female is created in their image?

To help with understanding that Yeshua was with Father God at creation, here is something he said:

John 17:1-5

New International Version

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

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I remembered something that Yeshua said once when he was here on earth. 

Mark 12:25

New International Version

25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Here is something that the Apostle Paul said:

Galatians 3:28

New International Version

28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

He’s emphasizing spiritual equality and unity in Christ, not necessarily commenting on gender in the afterlife.

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I read the book, 'Celestine Prophecy' a while ago and I remembered something in the book. I couldn't remember the specifics so asked Copilot about it. I thought it fit in with this subject nicely. 

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In The Celestine Prophecy, the central idea is that people can “steal” energy from one another if they aren’t spiritually grounded. Relationships work best when both individuals have aligned, flowing energy sourced from the divine, not drawn from each other. If that alignment breaks down—if someone relies on the other for spiritual validation or control—it leads to imbalance and dysfunction.

By contrast, the Bible speaks about relational harmony through a very different lens. In passages like Ephesians 5:21–33, unity in marriage is built on mutual love, sacrifice, and submission to one another out of reverence for Christ. The husband is called to love his wife “as Christ loved the church”, and the wife is invited to respond with respect and partnership. Rather than two individuals guarding their energy, Scripture emphasizes two becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24)—a self-giving, covenantal unity rooted in divine love, not self-protection.

In short:

Celestine: Alignment is about tuning into universal energy individually and avoiding “control dramas.”

Scripture: Unity is forged through self-giving love, mutual submission, and shared purpose under God’s design.

Satan temps, Father God does not

I was thinking about something this morning that goes along with my last post 'Test the Spirits'.

Satan temps us to sin and do evil. I was thinking about the 'Lord's prayer ' where it says "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" and I wanted a deeper meaning of this so I went into ChatGPT to find out what it had say.  I thought it said it very well so here it is. 

The phrase "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" from the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13) is deeply meaningful, and Christians have reflected on it for centuries. Here's a breakdown of its deeper significance:

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"Lead us not into temptation"

This line can sound confusing at first—why would God lead anyone into temptation? But it’s important to know that in the original Greek, the word for temptation (πειρασμός, peirasmos) can mean both "temptation" and "testing" or "trial."

So this phrase can be understood as:

• A request for protection from trials that might overwhelm us, that is, “Don’t allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear.”
• A humble admission of weakness, acknowledging that we’re vulnerable and could fall if faced with temptation.

It doesn’t suggest that God tempts us (James 1:13 clearly says He doesn’t), but rather that we’re asking God not to allow us to be placed in situations where we might fail.

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"But deliver us from evil"

This part is a prayer for rescue and protection:

• The word "evil" can also be translated as “the evil one,” referring to Satan, the adversary.
• It’s a plea to be freed from the power of sin, darkness, and spiritual harm.
• It’s also a call for God’s ongoing help to walk in righteousness, not just avoidance of sin, but deliverance into life and light.

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Together, the phrase is a cry for God's protection:

"Father, don’t let me be overwhelmed by trials or temptations. Keep me safe from the power of sin and evil, and lead me in Your ways."

It reflects a spirit of dependence, humility, and trust, recognizing our need for God’s help in our daily spiritual battle.

Definition of temps:

The phrase "he temps me" means that someone is presented with something or someone attractive or desirable, and they feel a strong inclination to want or do something, even if it goes against their better judgment or goals. 

"To tempt" means to draw or entice someone, often towards something they shouldn't or something unwise or harmful. The desire for this tempting thing or action can be very strong, potentially leading to negative consequences. 

So, if someone says "he temps me," the person is saying that the actions, words, or presence of another person makes them want something or behave in a way they are trying to avoid. For example, someone on a diet might say, "He temps me with that delicious-looking dessert!" meaning that the dessert he offers makes them want to break their diet.

Test The Spirits

Test The Spirits

Jesus frequently warned about false teachers and prophets, cautioning his followers to be discerning. Here are some key scriptures:

Matthew 7:15 – "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

Matthew 24:24 – "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."

Luke 6:26 – "Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets."

2 Peter 2:1 – "They will secretly introduce destructive heresies—even denying the Master who bought them."

1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Recognizing false teachings requires discernment and a strong foundation in biblical truth. Here are some key ways to identify them:

1. Distorted Scripture – False teachers often twist or misinterpret biblical passages to fit their own agenda rather than staying true to the intended meaning.
2. Appeal to Emotion Over Truth – They may prioritize emotional experiences or personal revelations over sound doctrine.
3. Self-Promotion – Instead of pointing people to Christ, false teachers often seek personal fame, wealth, or influence.
4. Contradicting Core Christian Beliefs – They may deny essential doctrines such as the divinity of Christ, salvation through grace, or the authority of Scripture
5. Encouraging Sin or Compromise – Rather than calling people to repentance, they may justify sinful behavior or water down biblical standards.
6. Lack of Accountability – They often resist correction and operate outside of biblical community and oversight.

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I've been thinking about something lately. Throughout time Lucifer, AKA Satan, the Devil, has tried to thwart Father God's plans of salvation and bringing all things back into himself; God becoming all in all. 

I have often wondered what happened in heaven. Why did Lucifer and the other angels fall away from Father God? 

Satan has always wanted to be like Father God. He tries to deceive people in ways to turn them away from Father God and to put roadblocks in God's plans. I kind of think there may be two main reasons for him doing it. He wants them to worship him instead of Father God. The second is so he can accuse us to Father God of being no better than himself. Satan is very cunning and often uses scripture to deceive. This is why it is important to not just trust everyone.

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Here is an example.

We often drive by a huge church on 59 North of Houston, Texas. It has a huge gold dome on top. We've noticed that the dome has gone through some changes over the last year or so. They redid the gold dome, and it now has a large gold symbol of some kind on top. 

For a long time, we didn't know what it was because we never saw any signs to identify it. My wife and I kept talking about it every time we drove by so my wife recently decided to do some investigating and found out that it is the Iglesia de La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World Church). There are a number of these large churches in more than 50 countries throughout the world. She found a documentary, and we found out that they have a dark history. 

From Wikipedia:

Controversies and criticism

La Luz del Mundo has been the subject of several controversies. Church leaders have been accused of creating a cult of personality, sexually abusing members, and have been criticized for amassing wealth, living a lavish lifestyle, and attempting to build entire cities. In 2022, the church director and self-proclaimed “Apostle of God” Naasón Joaquín García pled guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children.[144] In December 2022, HBO and RAINN released an original documentary series titled Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo, which tells the story of child sexual abuse within the church.[145]

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In these churches of deception, they use scriptures to manipulate the people so that they can get what they want. I thought about how the Devil tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. He used scriptures and he offered him power, riches, control over all the nations. (Luke 4:1-13)

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Some things I have noticed with these churches of deception: Not only in churches but in governments. 

• The leaders are said to be chosen by god.
• This may be true, but I do not think it is by the one true God, Father God, the God of gods, the creator of all things.
• Because they are purported to be chosen by god, and people believe it, it makes it difficult to speak out when people have been wronged. This is the case in La Luz del Mundo church. The girls and boys who have been sexually abused feel helpless to say anything. Their own families won't believe them. Suicides are fairly common. 

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In contrast, here are God's ways, his character:

Jeremiah 9:24

New American Standard Bible 1995

24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.

Christ Jesus, who is One with Father God, gave us examples of this when he was here on earth. All that he did exemplified lovingkindness to people. When Jesus was with his disciples, he demonstrated another example by washing their feet.

 

John 13:12-17

New American Standard Bible 1995

12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

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In God's kingdom, all become One in Christ Jesus, who is One with Father God. The Holy Spirit works to bring the people together, exercising lovingkindness to each other. It is like a marriage feast. 

Never forget Yeshua (Jesus). Never forget Father God. Jesus' great sacrifice for us, his love for us, Father God's love for us, is what made this all possible.

The Kingdom of God

I want to talk about Father God's kingdom—and share my belief that you and I are invited to live in it today.

In the Bible, especially in the book of Acts, we read about the early church. This first community of believers was founded on the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) and held together by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Luke, a physician and close companion of the Apostle Paul, is traditionally believed to have written both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. His detail-oriented nature made him well-suited to record these events accurately and thoughtfully.

In Acts 1:1–11, Luke describes the risen Jesus speaking with His followers about the kingdom of God. He instructs them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then, before their eyes, He ascends into heaven—leaving them with the promise that He will return the same way.

This early Church was not simply an organization—it was a Spirit-formed body of believers.

• Their identity was rooted in who Yeshua is and what He accomplished for us.
• The Holy Spirit, promised by the Father, became their helper—teaching them, empowering them, and uniting them in love and purpose, just as Yeshua prayed in John 17:11: “that they may be one as we are one.”
• Entrance into this community began with repentance and baptism, as Peter declared in Acts 2:38–39: “Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
• These believers were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions, lived in unity, and praised God daily (Acts 2:42–47).

I've been reflecting deeply on this picture of the early Church, especially as I grow older. For much of my life, I’ve lived independently—doing things on my own, relying on my own strength. Family has helped at times, and for larger tasks I’ve hired assistance, though not always with satisfaction.

Now in my late 70s, I'm more aware than ever of the importance of true community. And despite being in church for most of my life, I don't believe I've ever been part of a fellowship that fully mirrors the Acts church—where the Holy Spirit knits believers together in unity, and God's authority, not man's, leads the way.

Jeremiah 9:24 reminds us what truly matters:
"Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord.

Being part of God’s kingdom is a serious calling—not to be entered into lightly. Think about what Yeshua endured on our behalf: the sinless one, crucified for us, fulfilling prophecy, rising on the third day, and appearing to many before ascending. All of this was done so we might be forgiven and restored to the Father.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about this kingdom in light of the troubling direction I see in today’s world. What we’re witnessing from political leaders—such as President Trump and his administration—reminds me of the rise of oppressive regimes in history, like Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Many people are fearful of what the future holds.

But in God’s kingdom, fear has no place. Who is more powerful than God? When we live under His rule—trusting in His righteousness, justice, and mercy—we can find peace even in uncertain times.

Giving Glory and Honor to Father God and His Son, Jesus

How are we Americans, along with this Trump regime giving glory and honor to Father God and his only begotten son, Yashua/Jesus? Yashua went through so much so that we could be forgiven. Forgiveness is not an automatic thing. We have to want to be forgiven. We have to want to change from our sinful lives and ask for forgiveness. Jesus provides the way.

The things that are happening now with Trump as president seems to me to be repeating what Germany did in 1933. We can try to give resistance to the changes that are happening in this government, but I feel we will be no more successful than what those who resisted Hitler and the Nazis were.

Consider this: Think about what Jesus did when he was here on earth. He loved all people, no matter who they were or where they came from. He showed great compassion for all who were in need. I think the only way of surviving what is to come is to follow Yeshua/Jesus' example. Communities coming together, helping each other.