Junkyard Outreach

Send a textMany places in the Scriptures we are given a choice and that choice begins with the word "if."  If we do this then God will do this.  For example - 1 John 1:9  "If" we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  When we come across one of these "if" verses we have an opportunity to evaluate our own relationship with Jesus and see whether or not we are pursuing His will. 

Send a textPaul ends his letter to the Galatian believers by encouraging them to keep up the fight and not fall into the hands of the false teachers that had already deceived many of them.  

Send a textPaul, continuing his letter to the churches in Galatia, now asks the believers "who hindered you from obeying the truth?"  Like the Galatians who were being deceived by false teaching bringing people under a religious legal system that was totally unnecessary, we too can fall victim to religious systems, traditions, dogmatic teachings and hinder our freedom in Jesus.  This brings us back into bondage of the world and the master of the world - Satan.  Paul clarifies certain behavior, like he did in his letter to the Ephesians and the first letter to the Corinthian believers, that is a disqualifier from the kingdom of God if we do not surrender that behavior to Jesus.  This is helpful in our lives to know what is expected of us but at the same time challenges our faith.  Do we really surrender all to Jesus?     

Send a textThere are times in our lives as believers where we suffer.  This is nothing new and is actually a part of God's development plan for us.  But how we receive and accept the suffering can be either edifying, or builds us up, or we can withdraw and become bitter which sinks us in the opposite direction.  

Send a textWhen Jesus breathed on His disciples and said "receive the Holy Spirit" that moment was a turning point for the disciples as the Holy Spirit that was "with" them was now going to be in them.  When a person receives the Holy Spirit, it's a real even that initiates the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is a foundational component of our salvation.  

Send a textA "religious" person may have all the right stuff on the outside but never achieve any victory in Jesus because they are not concerned with God's will in their life rather "checking the box."  But to the person who is seeking the will of God and is willing to trust in Him no matter what the circumstances, they will be the ones who will receive the forgiveness and cleansing of God.  

Send a textRepentance plays a critical role in our relationship with Jesus.  It's not a one time deal where we repent, receive Jesus then we live our lives perfectly until we die.  Rather it's a lifestyle rooted in obedience to the Holy Spirit where the battle we experience in our own flesh or natural mind rages and we have a choice to continue in repentance or return back to the flesh and be miserable as believers.  

Send a textThe Apostle Paul continues his correction in this letter to the churches in Galatia now comparing the life of freedom in Christ verses the life in subjection to the Law of Moses to Ishmael and Isaac the sons of Abraham.  

Send us a textHow we approach the Lord declares our relationship with Him.  Are we doubting Him or demanding from Him?  Or are we seeking His will to be done over all else.  In this episode there are two men each with a different approach to Jesus and a different response from Jesus.  Both received what they were asking but it is very telling in their approach why Jesus responded differently to each one. 

Send us a textPaul presents several questions, answers and arguments defending the sole sufficiency of Christ and it's superiority over the Law reminding those Gentile believers that the Law of Moses doesn't cleanse them nor does it give them spiritual power to draw close to God.  

Send us a textIn the process of growing in Christ, we are faced with another crossroad.  One way is to stay status quo and not get too excited about anything because people will think we are weird.  The other way is to get serious about Jesus and let Him radically change us into a child of God as He gives us the power to become His child.  

Send us a textAfter God calls a person they either accept the call or refuse.  When a person accepts the call things change and it's time to get serious about Jesus then follow Him.  

Send us a textPaul continues his letter to the churches in Galatia and in chapter 2 we see Paul rebuking Peter for separating himself from the Gentiles when certain Jewish brothers came to Antioch to pay the church a visit.  This demonstrates Paul's insistence that Jews and Gentiles are no longer separated rather they are all one in Christ. 

Send us a text"Nobody comes to me unless the Father draws him."  That calling of God is something I believe every human experiences at some point in their lives if not multiple times.  It's the Father pulling us to Jesus so that we can be empowered by the Holy Spirit and have true communion with God.  Understanding that God is calling us can have a dramatic effect upon a person who is reluctant to come to God or go to church for whatever reason.  So understanding "the call" is huge. 

Send us a textIn chapter one of the letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul introduces himself and begins immediately to address the issue at hand.  That is the false teaching that was sweeping through their new churches drawing them into the Law of Moses instead of liberating them from legalism.  

Send us a textSpiritual growth is an important part of every believer's life.  Child of God should never be content with "business as usual" in their walk with Jesus.  A life spent learning Christ is a life of spiritual abundance that prepares us for our eternal home.  In this series I will share my experience with Jesus and the steps throughout the years that He has compelled me to take and the results of those steps have been a closer walk with Him throughout time since the early 1990s.  I want to share 9 steps, seasons, phases what every you want to call them that were built on the foundation of Christ and are still continuing to this day.  The first episode is a summary of all 9 and then the following will focus on one.  

Send us a textThe letter to the churches in that region called "Galatia" defends the freedom of Christ from legalism or unreasonable rules.  The Apostle Paul ministered to the cities in this region on his missionary journeys resulting in the Gospel taking root in several cities.  However teachers came in after Paul and persuaded the new believers to follow their way of teaching involving adhering to the law of Moses despite the fact there were many Gentiles among the believers.  Paul defends this freedom from Legalism in this letter.  

Send us a textIn our world of business and chaos we can become so distracted that our relationship with God goes on a shelf.  But in the chaos, we can trust Jesus and simply be still and know that He is God.  If we are able to do this it makes life much less chaotic as He is with us.   

Send us a textChapter 22 concludes the Revelation of Jesus Christ and in it we are warned that He is coming soon.  Living our lives being ready for the day when we meet Him should motivate every believer to stay faithful to Jesus and obey the Holy Spirit day by day ensuring our lives are used for the glory of His Kingdom.  

Send us a textThe life of a believer requires some things.  Salvation by grace through faith is the starting point but with that comes a cleansing when the Holy Spirit is invited into a person's life.  The process of cleansing is ongoing throughout the believer's life and brings us closer to Jesus as we distance ourself from our own iniquity.  

Send us a textCh.21 reveals the New Heavens and the New Earth foretold in the Old Testament.  Now we get a glimpse, in human terms, what it will be like.

Send us a textJesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem which is the focus of the Christmas holiday.  However, why he was born and the significance to the believer individually, is often times overlooked during the holiday.  That baby was born to die for the sins of the world so that those who believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life.   

Send us a textThe book of Revelation and its many interpretations often collide in Ch.20.  Jesus is said to bind Satan, establish the Long awaited Kingdom which lasts 1000 years, Satan is released at the conclusion of the 1000 years and there is a final rebellion on earth where all the wicked are slain and the transition is ready from this current reality into the New Heaven and New Earth.  

Send us a textRevelation Ch.19 reveals the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven prior to the return of Jesus to establish His kingdom.  The chapter also includes His return and the battle of Armaggedon.  

Send us a textAs children of God we are called to live free in Christ.  To a person who has never experienced the new birth and new life in Christ this probably will not register.  But to those who have we understand that we are free from those things that chained us as unbelievers.  So staying free is now the task for the believer and that can be a challenge but walking in the Spirit, pursuing God's will is the path to continual freedom.  

Send us a textThe Power of the Holy Spirit in a believer is the power of God within them.  This doesn't mean a person can conjure up power and use it at will rather it's the power that is always ready to move a believer toward and in the will of God.  This is how we function as children of God - with our Father's power.  

Send us a textRevelation Ch.18 reveals the destruction of Babylon the Great also called the Great City and the Women who sits on the Beast.  The Great City is identified as Jerusalem in Ch.11 so it appears to me that Babylon the Great is Jerusalem under the reign of the Antichrist.  The city may become the center of the world economy when the Antichrist or "Beast" begins to exert political power over the nations including the world's trade.    

Send us a textChapter 17 introduces John to a women who sits on a beast.  The women, also known as the "great city," "the great prostitute" and "Babylon the Great" is a key player in the tribulation period.  I believe the "great city" being defined in Rev 11:8 as the city of Jerusalem, or the city where the Lord was crucified, is represented in all these other names and represents those in Jerusalem who are connected to the antichrist and benefit from his power during the first 3 1/2 years of the final 7 years of Daniel's 490 year prophecy.  

Send us a textThis new vision or new part of the overall vision shows the finality of the judgments of God up to the end of the Great Tribulation.  

Send us a textLiving in harmony with one another and God is a lofty task.  And the reason is that we can get stuck in our old nature and never experience the deliverance that comes from the Holy Spirit.  But with the Holy Spirit we can be transformed into children of light and that harmony increases.  Staying in that place where we are being renewed day by day is the key.  

Send us a textBeing thankful is a part of the believer's experience with God.  When our hearts are given over to Jesus and we are made new in Him, we have so much to look forward to in eternity and in this life as well.  He will empower us with a new life serving Him and doing things for the Kingdom which will reap big rewards in eternity and in many cases here as well. 

Send us a textJohn's vision which started in ch.7:9 comes to an end here in ch.15:4 where the scene is heaven with the end of the Great Tribulation in view.  

Send us a textJohn sees the 144,000 standing with Jesus on the earth.  The final message of salvation is given to the earth by angels and then Jesus gathers the nations for the judgement of the sheep and goats in Matt 25.  

Send us a textKing David had his ups and downs.  But his heart was yielded to God and through those times when life was very difficult for him, he soon learned that God was with him when his heart was right.   

Send us a textAs a child of God we are ministers of the Gospel.  That means we have a ministry and fulfilling that ministry is crucial to our eternal rewards.  Being faithful to that which God has given us and serving Jesus throughout our lives, until the end, in obedience to the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through this life will result in fulfilling our ministry in this life.  

Send us a textChapter 13 gives us a spapshot summary of the Antichrist and False Prophet's role in the Great Tribulation.  

Send us a textChapter 12 opens with a look at the history of Israel when Jesus was born and gives a heavenly perspective on the battle between Satan and Israel up into the tribulation period. 

Send us a textVictory in Christ comes when we allow Him to lead us through this life.  What is hard about this is the things we are called to do and the manner in which to do them are often not something we want to do.  So we often rationalize ways to avoid God's will.  And that leads to spiritual desolation.  Whereas trusting in Him no matter what brings about God's will which is often something we cannot grasp on our own. 

Send us a textIn chapter 11 we are introduced to two witnesses who will become known worldwide for preaching Jesus.  The Beast, or Antichrist, will ultimately kill them although God has realistically completed their ministry so it's time to bring them home.  Following this revelation, John sees the 7th Trumpet and the effects of it.  This brings the tribulation period to a close as Jesus is seen as having set up His kingdom on earth.  

Send us a textReading through the Scriptures we see references to the righteous, the foolish and the wicked.  For each person there is a trajectory in life that lands in eternity.  Some think it's not subject to change as they were destined for the life they live.  But God can change things and bring a person out of darkness into the light if they are willing to receive Him.  

Send us a textChapter 20 is a short chapter where John is given a scroll to consume and instructed to continue to prophesy (speak forth the word of God).  We also see what is referred to a the 7 thunders.  We are not told what they are but we are told that the mystery of God would be revealed when the 7th Trumpet sounds. 

Send us a textChapter 9 introduces the reader to a horde of demonic creatures resembling locusts in the natural world.  These creatures torment those who are not sealed by God for 5 months giving those who willing an opportunity to turn to Jesus and repent. 

Send us a textWe see the title "sluggard" in the Scriptures referring to those who are not willing to work or really contribute at all.  And studying this we can see that God does not condone sluggishness rather expects people, especially those who claim Him as their God, to be diligent in their character and take care of business.  Poverty is one consequence of being "sluggish" although some in poverty are not sluggish rather they work but are stuck in poverty.  God doesn't condemn them as they are diligent in their lives.  And a sluggish person can have a sluggish relationship with God resulting in nothing but failure because they don't pursue God diligently.  

Send us a textIn chapter 8 we see the 7th seal loosed which appears to me to signify the end of the tribulation period as does the 7th Trumpet and the 7th Bowl judgement.  So the seals, trumpets and bowls all terminate at the end of the 7 years in my mind.  The 7th and final seal looses and reveals the writing on the scroll but we are not told what that writing is.  However, what transpires after the scroll in now open appears to be what is contained in the scroll, that is the judgments of God from heaven declared one by one by the blowing of a trumpet for each of the judgments.  The trumpet was used as a battle cry in the Old Testament among other things and that's what I see this as - God sounds the alarm and begins His attack and does so until the end of the tribulation period when the 7th Trumpet declares Jesus is now reigning on earth and the 7th Bowl declares "it is done."   

Send us a textRevelation chapter 7:9 begins a new section of the overall vision of the book beginning with the phrase "after this."  This section continues into chapter 15:4.   In this episode we will see a multitude standing before the throne of God waiving palm branches who are identified as those who have come out of the great tribulation.  This appears to me to be John witnessing the entire population of believers who have died during the final 7 years of Daniel's 490 year prophecy and shows John those who will perish in the judgements he will see starting in chapter 8.  

Send us a textPsalm 2 is short and deals with man's continued rebellion and God's authority over this world.  It also refers to the future when Jesus is set up as King in Jerusalem.  It's a psalm of warning to the wicked and hope for the faithful.  

Send us a textIn the Scriptures there are many references to the knowledge of God.  Reviewing these it becomes clear this is something we not only need to pursue but also possess if we want to know Jesus.  

Send us a textChapter 7 verses 1-8 are a small section of the Book of Revelation separated by the phrase "after this."  Again this to me seems to indicate that John is seeing different parts of the last 7 years of Daniel Ch.9's prophecy wrapping up the age of the rule of man before Messiah or Christ returns and sets up the long awaited kingdom.  In this section, we see God having 144,000 Jewish men sealed or marked as His own during this last 7 years.  No harm will come to them as God pours out His wrath on this world.  These will be witnesses for Jesus during the 7 years.  

Send us a textIn Chapter 6 Jesus opens 6 of 7 seals from a scroll that kick off a world wide war.  The 6th seal appears consistent with the 7 and final bowl judgment of Revelation chapter 16.  The seals and corresponding events represent the authority of Jesus to initiate the time in the Scriptures called by many names most notably the Great Tribulation.   

Send us a textThe ancient city of Philippi was a proud Roman colony in the days of the Apostle Paul.  He visits the city and he and Silas, his traveling companion, experience a crazy few days but those days allow a church to be born that Paul would later write a letter to - Philippians.  

Send us a textChapter 5 is a continuation of Chapter 4 where John is seeing the Throne Room of God preparing for the Great Tribulation Period which will kick off in Chapter 6.