Alternative Substitutions

9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Romans 12:9 (King James Version)

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I thank the Lord for this awesome day that He has always made. Yes this message is pertaining to the Helloween that is being celebrated on this day. I am surrounded by numerous folk who are happy to be "dressed up" today in costumes. Sadly to say, people of God will loose focus of God today and focus on Satan...knowingly or unknowingly, but still ignorantly thinking. Folk have no clue when the word of God says in Hosea 4:6 (Amplified Bible), My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

All Saints Nights should not be an "ALTERNATIVE" to Helloween. The Lord has ministering to me about having a Holy Spirit (Ghost) filled service, next to preach the Gospel of Jesus on Helloween 2007. Folks, why do we copy everything that the world does? We have candy (substituted for trick-or-treated candy), costume dressing, carnival fares, spiritual house (substituted for haunted houses) and many other unnecessary things going on at the churches on this day. My questions are, 1) Why is the Word of God not being preached if we're at "All Saints Night"? 2) Why are we not making sure that our youth be given the Word of God and to encourage their peers to know the Truth, than just give them candy (pure sugar), games to play and party time, in the holy sanctuary of God? 3) Why don't we have service around this nation that will boldly denounce Helloween and uphold the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ by not have All Saints Night, Hallelujah Night, party, jam or anything else without ministering to some hurting folk in the church?

12And you shall know (understand and realize) that I am the Lord; for you have not walked in My statutes nor executed My ordinances, but have acted according to the ordinances of the nations around you. Ezekiel 11:12 (Amplified Bible)

God is not pleased with making Him and His work as an alternative to Satan's work. When we substitute worldly things and make it godly, we still want that worldly taste wrapped up in a spiritual package. Folk just can't stop placing poisonous sugar in their bodies so they'll substitute it with sweet 'n' low. They want thing to taste the same, but be "spiritual". Our youth are spiritually and physically dieing daily when we refuse to give them the Truth. We would rather give them what we never had or were not able to have, than give them what they need and what we all need is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now if you're preaching the Word I'm not talking about you. If you're truly raising your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, this message is not for you. But if you're allowing All Saints Night be a substitution for Helloween and the only difference is the title of the event...SHAME ON YOU!!!

The word "hallow" in Halloween means "to make holy or set apart for holy use", "to respect greatly" (Webster's Dictionary). This day is supposed to be a day that is sacred to the Lord just like any other day, not given an alternative to a day that is already His to begin with. Our youth need to understand that the church must take a stand to the day that is set aside for the devils, demons, ghouls...the hounds of hell. But the church must take that stand in order for our youth to do the same. They'll only do what they see the adults do. Let us eliminate the alternative substitutions.

In today's time, we want the world covered in Christian chocolate. I've heard of Christian clubs, Christian fraternities, sororities and secret societies. Christian hip hop, rock, Goth, soap operas and plays all have a lot of taste of the world in their spiritual stew. Folk want to be noticed in all aspects and refuse to wait on God to show them the way. We, too often as believers, look to please our flesh and not even realize it. The taste of the world is still in many of the Christians' mouths and we must eliminate the taste before we indulge in spiritual gluttony. Let us eliminate the alternative substitutions.

As I was in Albuquerque, NM earlier this week, I was sadden to see on CNN that they were discussing and asking in a question if the Halloween costumes that they display for the kids was too sexy. Why are we asking these questions? Why is the subject worth getting opinions instead of letting folk know that this is not expectable to allow young innocent children dress like grown prostitutes and hoochies? Why are we sacrificing our children of today like the children were sacrifice back in the days of Egypt? Why do so many Christians continue to embrace the thing of the world not caring if God is pleased? Because that taste is still there, just as long as no one knows that I’m fully addicted to the things of the flesh it’ll be all good. These substitutions must be eliminated.

19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Romans 16:19 (King James Version)

To better understand the history of the created demonic day, know the history that is behind the creation of Halloween. Everything about the worldly October 31st is demonic and well influential to those who celebrate it. God inhabits the praises of His people…do realize that Satan inhabits the praises of his people as well. Get with your pastors and assist us in having a Holy Ghost service to denounce Helloween 2007. If your pastors allow all the fun and festivities without preaching setting a holy standard before God, let pray for them as well. Pray that we all continue to seek the Truth in these last and certainly evil days. Be blessed on this day and know that Jesus loves you and I love you all too.

© 2007 What Lies Beneath Ministries Inc. All Rights Reserved

Inconsistent Christians

15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15 (King James Version)

We war against our flesh daily, that’s a proven and knowing fact. We war against principalities, rulers of darkness and of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places…understood. But there seems to be an issue with certain believers (and we all deal with it) when it comes to humbling ourselves during the bad and unknowing times in our lives that God wants to be able to receive the glory. WHAT? What I am saying is that the church is continuing to fall because 1) folk do not know their proper place as far as authority is concerned. 2) folk are still stuck in some of their own desires and thoughts, refusing to let go of certain things and persons that do not pertain to God. 3) folk, when in their flesh, are always right and everybody else has lost their minds when they are being counseled for correction. There can be (from time to time) some inconsistency in the life of a Christian that can slowly corrupt them of they are not careful.

We, who are children of the most high God should know that God wants us to live for Him and Him only. But there are some influences that can hinder our growth…the main individual being ourselves if we are not careful. 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns us not to be unequally yokes with unbelievers, but this trend does not seem to stop when it comes to having our own agenda. See God is looking for folk to take a stand in their lives that have it made up in their minds that they are going to follow the ways of the Lord. God wants us to stop loving the world, because there are clues of fowl stenches in the church and alerts the elders of our churches that certain folk ain’t living right…yes I said ain’t. The Word is for the church because the people in the church don’t like to obey all the rules of God and attempt to make up things themselves and call it the anointing of God. When we mix the profane with the godly, then it becomes useable by God. But God is able to use any and everything. This is true, but He has set some rules and authority concerning some things and if He decides that He wanted to allow everything that was bad for good then He would be going back on His Word. There is inconsistency amongst the Christian community.

What John is explaining in the text today is that the people in those times, like they are today, were acting in way that was inconsistent with the relationship with Christ. See the world is a morally evil system, which opposes all that god is and holds dear to. The world cares nothing about a believer in Christ or anything that has to deal with holiness. This system of the world was set up and planned by Satan himself. When individuals are confronted by those who love them, that individual always believes that someone is after them, hate them, are jealous of them and are always in their business. When all along, Satan has planted the lie that no one cares about them. With all the mixing with the profane and gospel entertainment copying what the secular are doing, the church is continuing to lose its power at a rapid pace. Saints, Christian folks have no business dealing with secular folk when it comes to hanging out with them in fellowship.

11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11 (King James Version)

If we truly love one another, we need to be able to come out of love and expose (reprove) the sins that people we love are involved in. If folk are hanging around the wrong crowds, we need to let them know. I witnessed some unsaved families correct, warn and chastise their loved ones when they are wrong. Then I’ve seen and continue to see Christian folk join together to demonically be against another brother or sister in Christ. Too many times folk who we think is on our side, end up being the very person that is drawing us further away from God’s Truth. We are not to indulge ourselves with folk or things that are of pure evil and have no righteous roots in them. We want to hang around that pacify our situation and hardly hang around those you are going to expose our sins out of love. Corrections, we never hang around those who are discerning and know better than to deal with our foolishness when we’re in our mess. There is inconsistency in the lives of many Christians today and many churches are not saying anything about it.

In all reality, expose the negative the influence that an individual is either around or performing themselves. Remember rebellion is the same as witchcraft…that what it says in my Bible. We must expose the sins that are being performed and allow the Holy Ghost to work within you. If you’re trying to help someone and you’re living in repetitive sin yourself (sinning knowingly), I’d advise you not to engage in helping folk expose their sins…you’re just keeping your sins covered. Your sins are not being exposed for deliverance. I know we hear this quite often, folk will discuss another individual’s negative lifestyle and discuss it proudly. But when it comes to their lifestyle being under the scope…everyone needs to shut up. There is a great deal of inconsistency in our walk with Christian when we are stuck on ourselves.

4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4 (King James Version)

Saints, we must learn to avoid hanging around with the lost when we ourselves are not where we are suppose to be in Jesus Christ. The more we hang around ungodly folk, the more we began to think and speak foolishly concerning the things of God. You see, an individual who truly loves Christ will 1) inform those who are blinded by the world that they are being led astray from God. 2) totally separate from the individual or group, realizing that they themselves are having no ill effect on those they are around. 3) pray and fast for them, which is highly more effective than hanging around them and having no mention of Jesus in any of our conversations. Unless we are using His name in vain. Inconsistent Christians struggle with their challenges, but we all called and ordained by God to overcome each challenge that tests our endurance of faith...

This is not about God’s attitude towards us; it’s about our attitude towards God. The difference between the world and God is so different that we move toward the world, that we alienate ourselves from God. Has there been too many times in your life that you have felt that has forgotten you? Are there too many times where it seems that God has forsakened you? Could it be that we are attracted to the things of the world more than the things of God? God forbid. In the world, sin is considered acceptable and pleasurable. Unfortunately the world has lost its awareness of sin, and the sins have become a habit or routine. I don’t care what others say that is against the Word of God, the more you sin or hang around the atmosphere of sin, the more you become numb to the Word of God…and this can be a slow method of throwing your faith in Christ out of the window. There is inconsistency in the Christians’ walk, but we must still preach Jesus Christ crucified.

1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 3:1 (King James Version)

We should stand in amazement of God’s love. We should be able to understand that God’s love is amazing, everlasting, merciful unending for those who truly love him. God loves are believers of Him through Jesus Christ only…are you one of the believers He loves? Jesus loves His own who are in the world, but are not of the world and will love all believers in Christ to the end (John 13:1). There must be consistency on our part in order to fell and witness the true, divine power of God.

Saints, I order to avoid being labeled an inconsistent Christian; we must realize that there cannot be any more soul ties with others via fornication/sex outside marriage. There cannot no longer have bitterness, hatred, jealousy and envy towards our families, friends and enemies if we want God to use us in a mighty way. People say all the time that they are waiting for God to do things for us, but realize that God has been telling us that He is telling us in His Word that He has to use us in order to actually do things in our lives. But in order for this to happen (be used by God) we make sure that our lives are being lived for the glory and honor of the Lord. The inconsistent Christian must be stop within the individual, within the family and within the church. Be blessed on this day and know that Jesus loves you and I love you all too. Until the Sequel of Jesus.

© 2007 What Lies Beneath Ministries, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Separate Standards

17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 2 Corinthians 6:17 (King James Version)

I pray that you all are well in the will of our Almighty God on this day. I just have to share my thoughts on this passage of scripture and it is based on the lyfestyle that folk are taking today and calling it holy. How in Sam’s hill can you explain what holy hip hop is? I can remember when you couldn't get by with foolishness in the church. I am only 31 and during my pre-teens I can remember the women and men of the church not allowing the secular influence invade the church. Well we flip over to twenty-years later and what once could not get into the church, has taken it to an unholy new level. There is a separate standard from the standard of Christ.

The photo above is hip hop group Gospel Gangstas…folk’s are holy thugs for Christ. IMMA WESTSIDE CHRISTIAN!!! Let me come back to reality. These boys have been in the business of foolishness since 1995 or a little before.

Their images are far away from Christ and they are attempting to make some sort of comeback, but their standard is separate from God’s. I would like for you all to take a look at this promo concerning the gangstas DVD before I go into what God has placed on my heart for this text. Look at the names who they say are collaborating with them…its becoming more and more disappointing how the church is accepting any and everything.

As you can see Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin’s name is on the promo for this and I am not surprised. But my soul is vexed because of how these types of collaborations are damaging the body of Christ. How do you stop the church from making an impact on the families, on the communities and on the world? You get a hold of the children and young babes in Christ. The flesh is still weak at these stages and unless they see the strong faithful speak against it, they’ll continue to think it’s alright. How can those who are suppose to set the standard in this world have any dealing with those who seem to be confuse about the holy standard that we are suppose to set. Don’t get me wrong, I know Christians are humans and we do make mistakes…I am calming those who use this line for most of their reasoning for sin. But we must know that as we live in sin, we have to have that repentant heart…DAILY, and work against sinning again. Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and other are hold their own standard and trying to make it God’s. You’re telling me that you’re going to be on a project that has thugs throwing gang signs, dressed as thugs and have their own agenda? You’re going to be apart of a project that has secular folk such E-40, Kurupt and others who are not saved? God forbid, but it is happening. I wouldn’t want to have any dealings with someone named Kurupt, the word corrupt means an individual willing to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain or they are evil or morally depraved. There are separate standards here and the church must speak against it.

I have received emails that advise me to read Matthew 18. I respond by stating that Matthew 18:15-17 pertains to a personal offense and not a doctrinal problem. How is it that folk want private conferences and are afraid the publicly confront the false doctrine that folk are displaying. It is because the big name preacher and gospel artist who makes us feel good becomes our spiritual crack, the more we hear them; the more we become fans of them and defend them. A fan is a person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular sport, art form, or famous person. And they tend to defend something or someone to the fullest. This is another topic to discuss later.

When God says to come our from among them and be separate, He does not mean for us to be isolated from society. We have too many folk that is so holy and sanctified that they are no earthly good. We not isolate from the unsaved but we must discourage the compromise that is taking fold. It seems to me that Kirk, Yolanda and others comprise with the values and practices of the unsaved. Paul is encouraging us to maintain some integrity in the world just as Christ did. See what I love above Jesus is that He always avoided fame. When He performed miracles, He told people to tell no one. There is too much self promotion in the Christian community today, that God is getting the secondary praise after self has been exposed. How is your ministry going so far? Are we making sure that we get no credit for what God is doing through us, or are we doing things outside the will of the Father and giving Him false credit? Our standards must be aligned with God and separate from the world, instead it’s the other way around. When I see people not knowing where certain behaviors originated from and believe it’s from God, it just breaks my heart. At the same time I look at my own family and life to make sure that what I’m displaying to the public reflects my home. Our standards must not be separate from God’s.

Please join me in praying for the confused/lukewarm Christians and the unsaved (this includes those who think they’re saved, but are not). Things are unfolding as the Bible describes and business sure is picking up. Allow the Holy Spirit to direct every path that God’s sends us on and don’t allow the demonic spirits lure us into a false light, which is really darkness. Be blessed on this day and know that Jesus loves you and I love you all too. Until the Sequel of Jesus.

© 2007 What Lies Beneath Ministries Inc. All Rights Reserved