The cesspool that is the new San Francisco, Californication wants all its citizens to feel comfortable with their weight ──
Fat-Shaming ‘Expert’ Goes To Work For San Francisco. Her Mission? Make Obesity Great Again
In the lovely cesspool of San Francisco, it’s time to Make Obesity Great Again.
Never mind the poop and dirty drug needles littering the streets; the San Francisco Department of Health seems to want fat citizens to feel comfortable in their own bodies, to feel accepted by society, to feel like they can live their truth without any fear of judgment. To do so, they apparently hired a fat-shaming expert to work as a consultant — two labels that should send chills down your spine — on “weight stigma” and “weight neutrality” — two buzz phrases as hollow as they are silly.
Virgie Tovar, a self-described “plus-size Latina” and “leading expert on weight-based discrimination,” announced Monday she will work with the city’s health department to achieve the aforementioned “weight neutrality,” which, in my estimation, entails yet another feckless waste of taxpayer dollars for some unbelievably stupid liberal theory.
“I’m UNBELIEVABLY proud to serve the city I’ve called home for almost 20 years in this way! This consultancy is an absolute dream come true, and it’s my biggest hope and belief that weight neutrality will be the future of public health,” Tovar wrote on Instagram.
With all due respect to my weight-challenged brothers and sisters in America, you have no business eating up taxpayer dollars working for the city health department to “make weight neutrality … the future of health.” On its face, it is an absurd notion.”
San Francisco Health Department hires ‘fat positivity’ expert to consult on ‘weight stigma and neutrality’
The San Francisco Department of Public Health has hired a self-described “anti-weight-based discrimination” expert to consult on “weight stigma and weight neutrality.” …
Tovar's website lists her as a “plus-size Latina author, lecturer, and leading expert on weight-based discrimination and body positivity with over a decade of experience.” She is a contributor for Forbes, where she covers stories on the “plus size market.” Her most recent articles include features about hosting a “size inclusive” Thanksgiving and alleged “fatphobia” in current TV shows.”
Without getting too political, (and let us all pray that President Donald Trump’s new health secretary will be able to make some headway towards a healthier Western society!) it’s tough because of the gauntlet of influences in our societies towards an unhealthy lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight.
Any obesity promoter should be ashamed of themselves!
I have had over 4 decades of faith-based discrimination, does this make me an “expert” in discrimination?
We should NEVER go about making light or fun of people who are obese or even morbidly obese ── we should also NOT EVER encourage anyone to just accept their unhealthy weight and lifestyle.
Always remember that when you point your finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at yourself.
Whether someone wants to argue this fact or not ── obesity is unhealthy. Especially, class III obesity (Formerly Known as Morbid Obesity)! 1
God’s living and immutable word tells us to eat what is good ──
“’ Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? LISTEN CAREFULLY TO ME, and eat what is good, …’” – Isaiah 55:2.
A large part of the problem is that in our Western societies (and even those of North America, Western Europe, India, China, and Japan) our peoples don’t know what is “good” to eat.
As we get ever closer to the end of this present evil age, extremely overweight people appear to be consistent with the following prophecy from our beloved minister to the Gentiles, teacher, mentor ── and prophet, the apostle Paul ──
“But know this, that IN THE LAST DAYS perilous times will come: 2) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, WITHOUT SELF-CONTROL, brutal, despisers of good, 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Besides any health issue, e.g. an underactive thyroid, a lack of self-control is certainly a contributing factor in obesity.
According to the Health Policy Institute, “Obesity rates for older adults may be even higher in the future. Since 1991, rates of obesity have increased dramati-cally. Substantial increases among adults of all ages suggest that obesity among older Americans is likely to become a greater problem in the future. Among the obese population age 51 and older, a disproportionate share — three-quarters — are age 51 to 69, yet this age group comprises only two-thirds of the general pop-ulation age 51 and older.” 2
Sadly this new “Woke Ideology” that has spread like a cancer around the globe ── and a definition of “woke” is ever-changing depending on what side of the fence you’re standing on at any given time ── truly wants to try and force you to believe that what is “bad” (defined by the LORD God) is now “good.”
God’s living word WARNS us ──
“’ WOE TO THOSE WHO CALL EVIL GOOD, AND GOOD EVIL; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21) WOE to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!’” – Isaiah 5:20-21.
Truly, it is evil to tell anyone that it is perfectly alright to be obese! That certainly is “bearing false witness against your neighbor” ── which is breaking the Commandments of the Eternal our God!
Although, sadly, the overall majority of self-proclaiming Christians were taught to just “come as you are,” what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ truly says is ──
“’ The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and believe in [as well as “on”] the gospel.’” – Mark 1:14-15.
True──God our Father calls out of this world the foolish, the weak, the base, and those that are despised (1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2:5), but He certainly doesn’t want us to stay that way. He expects us to prosper after we obey. He expects us to change our way── which includes a proclivity to being lazy, or having a lack of self-control when it comes to overeating.
Obesity is not only terribly unhealthy for a person, it’s also bad for society.
“A recent report released by the Milken Institute shows that the annual cost and the economic impact of obesity in the United States exceeds $1.4 trillion. This number includes costs associated with obesity treatment and obesity-related conditions and costs associated with attendance and productivity at work as they relate to obesity. The report also suggests how obesity can be addressed to combat its growing health and economic impact. Read the full report from the Milken Institute.” 3
God’s living word teaches against obesity ── notice these valuable passages ──
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, AND BE IN HEALTH, just as your soul prospers.” – 3 John 1:2.
“For BODILY EXERCISE profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” – 1 Timothy 4:8-9.
The LORD God does focus more on our spiritual health within the pages of His living word ── and we certainly need to be strong in spiritual health ── but we also need to glorify the LORD God through our physical health as well. God’s living word shows us how we should treat our bodies in the Way that the LORD God intends.
“My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2) For length of days and long life … 8) It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:1, 2, 8.
What is the definition of obesity?
According to Wikipedia – “Obesity is a medical condition, sometimes considered a disease, in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it can potentially have negative effects on health.” 4
God’s living word also warns us of gluttony ──
“Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21) For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, …” – Proverbs 23:20, 21.
Yes. OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS and ADDICTIONS, i.e. overeating can be difficult ── and seemingly impossible. True Christians should know and believe the following ──
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6.
“’ Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.’” – John 14:1.
With fervent and never-ending prayer and trusting always in the LORD God, overcoming addictions can happen ── including maintaining a healthier lifestyle and losing weight (if needed). □
There are several helplines available for obesity and eating disorders:
1-800-684-3263
info@americanobesityfdn.org
Or, contact the Obesity Society
Phone: (301) 563-6526 or email contact@obesity.org
Acropolis - Pergamon - Turkey. The ruins of the "Great Altar" were probably dedicated to Zeus and Athena. The Apostle John wrote the third letter in the Book of Revealing to the Church of God that was in this once-flourishing city - Pergamos.
by Leonard V Johnson
In prayer, I was asking our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus about a person that I know── a man that does have great knowledge in the living word of God; who is a marvelous teacher of the glorious New Covenant of our Lord Jesus── a man that I love. Yet, is narcissistic and is slipping in many areas concerning the precepts of the LORD God, and the fruits of God’s Spirit are beginning to wane in their illumination. “What,” I asked our Lord Jesus, “will become of him?” As soon as I asked this question – the Spirit reminded me of our Lord Jesus’ words – “’ Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom [from] heaven; …’” – Matthew 5:19.
Last July I did a sermon entitled “You Were Born To Rule!” There is a second part also. And often, brethren, we are allowed to be placed in situations with people── because we need to learn how to handle the situation the LORD God’s Way ── like a future ruler would. I’d like to expound in this article why.
Have you ever thought about what your job or position might be in the glorious kingdom of God? About what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ── the King of kings and the Lord of lords── will have you be doing in His Millennial Reign!? And, how you must qualify for that responsibility?
First and foremost let me say that salvation is a gift from the LORD God── it is a free gift and we can never earn it.
But you can lose it.
As I spoke directly to this man who does have great biblical knowledge recently in a sermon, I said, “You speak of others who grieve the Holy Spirit. Please look at yourself in the mirror, my dear brother! Adhering to the LORD God’s commands, precepts, and teachings is extremely important!” And they are indeed!
So, since eternal salvation is something you can lose, then logically the LORD God has set rules and laws, as well as conditions, that we must adhere to to receive the glorious gift of eternal salvation. Do you know what those rules, laws, and conditions are?
Unfortunately, I mentioned this not long ago when I was speaking about the Nicolaitans, and how it became apparent to me that “the Nicolaitans were the greater Body of Christ that actually was disbanded from our Lord Jesus Christ’s “little flock.” That in fact there was (and are) a great many people being thrust out of the Body of Christ. Our Lord Jesus says of those who perish – “’ … from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30) And cast the UNPROFITABLE SERVANT into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” – Matthew 25:29-30.
What is this ‘outer darkness’ that our Lord Jesus is speaking? In an ethical sense – people thus face a choice of whether to yield allegiance to the LORD God OR TO DARKNESS, meaning ignorance, of the LORD God and of God’s Way.
We need to ask ourselves── what made this servant unprofitable? Wherein had this servant failed?
The very answer begins in verse 21 – “’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” And He repeats it in verse 23.
The unprofitable servant was not faithful in carrying out the few duties that were given to him in this life. He had not learned to master his human nature, had not learned how to properly treat others – like a future ruler would – even though he knew better!
Truly, all the unprofitable servant will be able to say to his Lord is, “Lord, I knew You to be a hard Man, reaping where You have not sown, and gathering where You have not scattered seed. And I was afraid and went and hid Your talent in the ground. Look, there You have what is Yours!’ – see verses 24-25.
In other words, the unprofitable servant might think that it is profitable for him to try and proselytize or spiritually influence a young man that in fact the LORD God isn’t even calling out of this present evil age yet. Becoming obsessed and fixated on this one idea.
This unprofitable servant ── as an example ── might be narcissistic. And he lives with an inflated sense of self-importance and an insatiable drive to be liked and to be at the center of attention. Satan will capitalize on these traits and tempt him to compromise his morals and values. This unprofitable servant became careless about his responsibilities as being an ambassador for Christ ── above reproach. And sadly, this unprofitable servant will be judged – “’ You wicked and lazy servant, …’” – vs. 26.
Different Levels of Responsibility
Just like the responsibilities we hold today within the Body of Christ ── as in “He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,” we don’t all hold the same rule or authority. There will be different levels of responsibilities in the kingdom of God. As an example: we will not be rulers of the tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12), this rulership will go to “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (See also Matthew 19:28). We will not be the ruler of the reunified House of Israel, that will be the resurrected King David (Jeremiah 30:9). We will not all have the same office. We will not all face the same duties.
Have you considered that our Lord Jesus Christ is speaking to HIS CHURCH – He is speaking to you, brethren!?
Let us notice briefly the letters our Lord Jesus wrote to His Church ── through His servant John ── in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the Book of Revelation. And, notice at the end of each of the seven churches there is a definite promise for the whole of the Body of Christ.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is saying here, in this Book of prophecy – the Book of Revelation is a Book of prophecy – Notice verse 1 of chapter 1: “The Revelation [the unveiling] of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants – things which must shortly take place.” – talking about the end-time! The Book of Revelation is a Book which was only to be understood in the end-time. And now that we’re in, or rather near, the end-time, it’s starting to be understood. And chapters 2 & 3 – although He’s talking about an earlier group of people, the former. It’s also a prophecy about the latter. About the latter days. This is an end-time prophecy.
Let’s go through them –
“’ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. …’” – now the LORD God said to the prophet Ezekiel, ‘those that will hear, let them hear, and those that refuse let them refuse.’ Once again, we see that principle. “ … ‘To him who OVERCOMES I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.’” – Revelation 2:7.
He talks about another group, Smyrna, verse 10 – “’ Do no fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to THROW SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days [years], BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH, and I will give you the crown of life. 11) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who OVERCOMES shall not be hurt by the second death.’”
In verse 12 He begins speaking to another group ── Pergamos. “ …’ These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword …’” – that’s the very words of Jesus Christ! “’ I know your works [‘I know what you’ve gone through, I know what I have assigned you to be doing in this lifetime’], and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. …’” – in other words, our Lord Jesus knows that His servants dwell on the Earth (where Satan’s throne is) !
“ … ‘And you hold fast to My name [‘you’ve not denied My name’], and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.’”
Our Lord Jesus is saying, in essence, ‘I acknowledge and understand that you ── My faithful servants ── are having to live in a world that is falling apart! You’re in a tough place to be called Christian,’ however … “…’ I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, …’”
And Balaam, to make a long story short, it’s the concept of covetousness or greediness. He is saying, ‘There are some among you that are greedy!’
Verse 15 – again, dictatorial power over the laity! Well, look up the word Nicolaitans, in your Bible study help’s. Wycliffe Bible Dictionary on the name NICOLAS states, “The name, meaning ‘conqueror of the people.’”
It says in Verse 16 – “ ’Repent,[CHANGE - get out of there while you still can] or else I will come to you quicklyand will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.’” – again, He will fight against those unprofitable servants with His very words!
Please let this sink in, brethren!
Verse 17 – “’ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit[is attempting to say] to the churches. …’”
Verse 18 talks about another church group ── Thyatira. “ … ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass …’” – turn back to the first chapter, and you see more of how He’s described.
He says in Verse 19 – “’ I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.’”
In other words, with some of His servants ── they have more patience, faith, and service, than love.
“’ Nevertheless,’” Verse 20 – “…’ I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.’”
Verse 21 – “…’ And I gave her time to repent …’” – ‘I gave her a chance to change.’ “…’ of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.’” – ‘she wouldn’t change her ways.’
Verse 22 – “’ Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, …’” – remember, the word adultery, in the Bible – adultery, whoredom, whoring around – if you look at the whole context, 90-95% of the time it’s not talking about physical sexual practices against the Way of God, most of the time, it’s referring to spiritual adultery. The worship of false gods and goddesses.
Chapter 3:1 – “’ And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has seven Spirits of God and the seven stars …’” – meaning the seven angels looking after those churches. “…’ I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.’” – spiritually dead.
Verse 2 – “’ Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, …’” – strengthen whatever capacity God’s Spirit to be within you. “…’ that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.’”
Verse 3 – “’ Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.’”
Sadly, it has come to my understanding that this man who does have great knowledge of the living word of God; who is a marvelous teacher of the glorious New Covenant of our Lord Jesus, that every chance he gets he degrades and verbally berates the Church leaders from whom he originally ‘received and heard’! And just as sad ── he does not accept criticism, even when it is constructive and well-intentioned. He becomes defensive, reacts angrily, and refuses to accept any blame.
Verse 5 – “’ He who OVERCOMES shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.’”
He talks about another group ── Philadelphia. “ … ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true,’ ‘He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.’” – the key of David refers to Jesus Christ and His authority over His kingdom!
Verse 8 – “’ I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.’”
We are a group that has not denied His name! And we have but a little strength, a pretty small group, but we have kept HIS WORD!
Verse 12 – “’ He who OVERCOMES, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, …’” – like an integral part of the internal leadership of the Kingdom of God. “…’ and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven …’”
And then we come to Laodicea. “… ’These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:’”
Verse 15 – “’ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.’” – it would be easier for Jesus to know what to do with you.
Verse 16 – “’ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit[‘I will spew you, I will reject you from My face!’] you out of My mouth.’”
Verse 21 – “’ To him who OVERCOMES I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’”
And the last part of this WARNING!
Verse 22 – “’ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the [members of the churches of God].’”
Let us notice that the only ones who have the right to these promises are OVERCOMERS! Those who through the glorious power of God, overcome themselves, overcome this world, and overcome the temptations of wicked spirits in high places.
‘A kingdom of kings and priests to our God’
Our Lord Jesus’ parable in Luke 19 is certainly dual. The “ten servants” represent the TEN TRIBES OF ISRAEL. The “citizens” here represent the HOUSE OF JUDAH – who expressly repudiated our Lord Jesus’ announcement and said, ‘We have no king but Caesar’ – John 19:15. But, this parable has a dual meaning ── true Christians are also now bondservants of our Lord Jesus. Some OVERCOME some things – and others OVERCOME many things. Some develop their spiritual gifts more than others. So, in our Lord Jesus’ Millennial Rule, some will be given rule over many cities, while others will have qualified to rule only over a few – or perhaps only one.
Who exactly will rule over the cities in the Millennium? It will not be His prophets or the apostles. And it won’t be the 144,000. The answer is plain.
The responsibility to guide, control, and develop cities on earth during the Millennium will be those who have not been called to other duties. The glorious responsibility ── the office ── will be open to all those who OVERCOME!
Some of us, brethren, will have grown spiritually (even unto death) immensely ── learning how to properly rule God’s Way. Some us not so much. IT DEPENDS ON YOU! It depends on whether you are willing to let the LORD God make you ‘into His image and likeness’ – or whether you are a ‘wicked and lazy servant’ – and you resist His corrections.
Truly, not every disciple called became an apostle and was an OVERCOMER ── Judas Iscariot departed from the faith. And, sadly, not every one of us will succeed. Yet, the LORD God’s promises stand firm. We CAN ── if we OVERCOME ── stand together in the glorious Kingdom of God! □
When week after week things are thrown at our peoples that make them become more and more weak─ to the point that they become exceedingly fragile, then it is at that point that they are on the very edge to all things.
“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 temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” – 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Sometimes─ if not often─ a person who is so down-and-out will call to talk to their “family” member or their “friends.” And those good “family” members, or their good old “friends” will only ramble on about themselves with little to no concern about anything else.
Or, a person can easily sense that their good old “friends” or “family” does not truly care to hear about their problems and difficulties─ thus the person begins to feel that much more alienated.
When things like this happen to people, it can break them.
It can easily cause people to feel helpless and worthless.
Often─ thoughts of suicide creeps into their mind.
Many who are at this point of feeling so hurt, betrayed, worthless to others may feel that God is not there for them. It is at such a point they may attempt to end their own life.
Friends─ if we are not on ALERT with the TRUE LOVE OF GOD within us to see such signs, then we may end up having callused blinders on.
If we are unable to see past our own nose and our own wants, then we will never be able to see the needs of others.
Sadly, the results of such desperate people can come to an end when such a desperate person ends up taking their own life. So as to end their pain and hurt that seems to never go away─ due to the rejections they feel.
Brethren, as true Christians, we MUST PUT ON GODLY LOVE! A deep concern and out-going care for others.
When the LORD God brings such a feeling in our heart─ then you best embrace it. It is the LORD God pushing you to help save someone.
What is even more alarming is that many times such people are those who cover up their pain and hurt. We must be ALERT, we must be able to read between the lines to suspected people of whom are in such pain and hurt.
Sadly, the WORLDLY─ more often than not─ only knows self.
Worldly people tend not to see past themselves in most cases. It’s all about “me,” “me,” “I,” and “who cares,” and “I don’t care!”
The LORD God is not a part of their lives. But, a true Christian will care.
God’s living word tells us, brethren, to be on ALERT!
Notice these Scriptures –
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” – 1 Peter 5:8.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist WITH TRUTH, having put on the breastplate OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15) and having shod your feet WITH THE PREPERATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16) above all, taking the shield OF FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17) And take the helmet OF SALVATION, and the sword OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD; 18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, BEING WATCHFUL to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints─ ” – Ephesians 6:14-18.
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation [the coming] of Jesus Christ” – 1 Peter 1:13.
“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2) For YOU YOURSELVES know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3) For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ …” ─ or even “peace for our time!” ─ “then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
4) But you, brethren, ARE NOT IN DARKNESS, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5) You are all [children] of light and [children] of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us WATCH AND BE SOBER. 7) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8) But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE, as a helmet THE HOPE OF SALVATION.
9) For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9.
“’ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’” – Mark 14:38.
If we lack self-control we will lose the battle over self-pity, or depression, and may become consumed by whatever it is that is hurting us─ to the point of loss.
So, where is the LORD God when His begotten people feel such despair!?
King David─ under the divine inspiration of God’s Spirit –
“The righteous cry out, AND THE LORD HEARS, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18) The LORD is near to those who have a broken [or humble] heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all” – Psalm 34:17-19.
Also, the very word of the Eternal, the LORD our God –
“Thus says the LORD: … ‘Fear not, for I AM with you; Be not dismayed, for I AM your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’” – Isaiah 38:1; 41:10.
And, as the LORD God told the children of Israel, the LORD God also says to us, brethren –
“ … ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you TODAY. … 14) The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace’” – Exodus 14:13, 14.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” – Jeremiah 29:11.
The epistle of the apostle Paul to our brethren in ancient Philippi, a city in Thrace (northeast Greece), to us, brethren, the spiritual descendants of Abraham –
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13.
God’s divine living word is clear─ STAY CALM!
Give it all over to the LORD God.
Never give up on the LORD our God as He will guide us if we turn to Him!
And to put the icing on the cake, WATCH, AND PRAY WITHOUT CEASING AND FOLLOW GOD’S WAY!
OBEY HIS HOLY LAW─ summed up with the TEN COMMANDMENTS! cf. Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 22:37-40.
Do not allow human reasoning to over-take your thoughts. SEEK THE LORD GOD’S WILL.
That is how the LORD God will be there for you! Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “’ If you love Me[if you are loyal]keep My commandments’” – John 14:15.
Which can’t be anymore clearer.
The worst things will just roll away once that is done.
Your comfort will not come as much from other people as much as it will from the LORD God.
TRUST and BELIEVE the LORD God for help─ and it will come. □
God’s living word – the Holy Bible – speaks a great deal about overcoming.
Let us understand just what it is, and why it is so IMPORTANT. Along with what it will mean to God’s born children in the glorious Kingdom of God.
1) Did our Lord Jesus Christ become perfect!?
“But we see JESUS, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God. might taste death FOR EVERYONE. 10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many [children] to glory, to make the captain of their salvation PERFECT through sufferings.” – Hebrews 2:9-10.
As I wrote in the article ‘He Who Follows Me Shall Not Walk In Darkness,’ - think about Jesus Christ being ONE SINGLE CELL inside the womb of Mary – how lowly is that!? And, indeed, when you look at the earth some 383 miles above the surface through the WorldView – 3 Satellite, human beings look smaller than the head of a pin. Yet, when Jesus Christ was born into the human family, He took on the form of a servant. And so Paul is trying to show us here just what Jesus gave up for all of us. And that we each should have that same mind in each of us toward one another. That we should be willing to get rid of all of the pride and vanity, hatred, and resentment, and be willing to become a servant to one another. We certainly do not grasp the scope of just what Jesus gave up in that state.
Notice what our Lord Jesus expects from His servants –
“’ Therefore you shall be PERFECT [or complete – spiritually mature is what the word means], just as your Father in heaven is perfect.’” – Matthew 5:48.
And who are we to become like!?
“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:13.
The word “perfect” in Matthew 5:48 is the Greek word teleios, meaning “perfect, mature, finished.” (Strong’s Concordance #5046). So, what our Lord Jesus is saying is that His followers are to become spiritually mature.
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. [See: Revelation 1:12-16] … 9) Whoever has been BORN of God does not sin, for His seed [the Holy Spirit] remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been BORN OF GOD.” – 1 John 3:2, 9.
In the meantime, God desires us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” – 2 Peter 3:18.
Now, just last night in conversation with Minister Michael C. Garrett, we spoke of the fact that the leaders of the Church of God in the 20th century were blessed with God’s revelations and knowledge of that era of time. And they cannot be held accountable to God for the knowledge they were not privy to. Yet, brethren, we are told by God that we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The thousands of articles, sermons, booklets, and other spiritual information published by the Church of God of the 20th century are full of spiritual food, but is it to be rehashed and regurgitated year after year and decade after decade!? God wants us to grow in spiritual knowledge as well as in His spiritual character DAILY, and by OVERCOMING and rooting out “the sin that doth so easily beset us.” Growing toward that spiritual perfection. How can one grow towards spiritual perfection if one continues to listen and or read the same messages over and over of the 20th century!? Now, there are so many of our peoples that just want to believe what they want to believe. They absolutely refuse to accept or even hear what they don’t want to believe – whether it’s right or wrong. Prejudism is a strong barrier to growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One says: “I don’t want to learn any more than I did in 1972! – don’t confuse me!” Stagnation in the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God leads to death.
2) Even though our Lord Jesus was and is the very Son of the living God and possessed the Holy Spirit without measure, did He still have to learn obedience to God!?
“’ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.’” – John 16:33.
Our Lord Jesus, as a human being, learned that discipline – that all of us are supposed to learn – to stay close to God and in the end rely upon God to get us through all tribulations. He learned anguish as a human being. We read how His prayer and His request were so intense that blood mingled with the perspiration of His brow, and as it was blood ran down His face. Now, that’s an intensity that I have never experienced. Although I have read about it. That sometimes blood vessels can rupture near sweat glands and literally the sweat is mingled with blood. And that’s what Jesus went through at that moment. In Hebrews chapter 5, verse 8 we see, “though He was a Son, yet HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE by the things which He suffered. 9) And having BEEN PERFECTED, He became [for us all – for all human kind] the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”
3) So, Jesus Christ overcame during His human lifetime and was BORN again by a resurrection, where is He presently seated!?
“’ To him [or her] who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’” – Revelation 3:21.
“Sadly,” as Minister Guy LaMar writes, “only a few called out of this world and its churches are truly God’s CHOSEN begotten children who are able to see through the darkness which Satan the devil has put out before us. The wicked one makes people think that things are alright – yet, he deceives them all. There is coming a time when every human being who was, who is, and who will be will have been deceived by Satan the devil – except only our Lord Jesus Christ! … Our Lord Jesus Christ is Light and in Him is no darkness at all! – cf. 1 John 1:5.” 1
Overcoming is a consistent Message from God! Truly, the last part of this verse is a WARNING to the members of the churches of God! –
Verse 22 – “’ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit [the very mind of God] says to the churches.’”
Have all angels, principalities, and powers been made subject to Him under His Father!?
“ … through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22) who has gone into Heaven [the Third Heaven] and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.” – 1 Peter 3:21, 22; see also Ephesians 1:20-22 and 1st Corinthians 15:27.
4) How great and awesome is the authority that our Lord Jesus Christ has already inherited!?
“God, who at various times [various eras of time] and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2) has IN THESE LAST DAYS spoke to us by His Son, …”
And again, here we reiterate – LOOK TO JESUS, NOT MOSES! A God-inspired sermon that literally got Minister Michael C. Garrett persecuted by a great many!
“ … whom He has appointed heir OF ALL THINGS, through whom also He made the worlds.” – Hebrews 1:1-2.
Verse 3 – “ … upholding all things [including GOD’S UNIVERSE] by the word of His power.” For He is “the firstborn among many brethren” – Romans 8:29. For He is already born of GOD by a resurrection from the dead – Romans 1:4. Indeed! As we shall be! He is our Captain who has gone on ahead, preparing the way for us! – Hebrews 2:10.
“ … ‘All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth.’” – Matthew 28:18.
Notice how the New English Bible has translated this amazing verse: “But in this the final age [H]e has spoken to us in the Son whom [H]e has made heir to the whole universe …”!
5) Will our Master, Savior, and Elder Brother be the only inheritor of the whole universe!?
Notice this in the Book of Romans chapter 8 –
“For the earnest expectation of the creation [meaning, ‘all created things’ including the whole universe] eagerly waits for the revealing of the [children] of God.” In other words, we shall be revealed in glory, by the resurrection to come – when we are changed from mortal to immortal. “For the creation [the physical matter of the universe] was subjected to futility [meaning, vanity], not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption [its bondage to the law of decay] …”
So, truly, this law of decay proves that life originated from a Divine Being with intelligence outside of this physical universe.
“ … into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
“For we know that the whole creation [which does include the universe] groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that [meaning, ‘all created things’ including the universe], but we also have the firstfruits of the Spirit [the first ones to be called by God the Father], even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the [birth as children of God], the redemption of our body” – Romans 8:19-23.
We will be co-rulers, joint heirs with Him!
“The Spirit [itself] bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 17) and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, …” – Romans 8:16, 17.
Friends, think of this awesome and mind-blowing incredible potential of mankind through Jesus Christ our Master!!
6) Just how IMPORTANT is it to overcome so that we, God willing, will be in the Kingdom of God and receive the opportunity to be co-rulers with Jesus Christ!?
It is so important that our Lord Jesus Christ repeats the phrase “he who overcomes” seven times to the churches of God! – see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21.
Will our spiritual works in this life determine our reward for service in God’s Kingdom!?
God the Father and Jesus Christ are coming to give a reward to a people who are going to be holy. Now, no one can achieve holiness in God's sight by his own strength or willpower. Yet, someday, we shall be wholly holy! – Hebrews 12:14 – if we will hang in there. Because “the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, … but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” – 2 Peter 3:9. God doesn’t want us to fail. And we won’t fail – as long as we don’t turn our backs on Him – cf. Matthew 12:31-32; Ephesians 4:30.
Be sure to watch today “The Unpardonable Sin Explained” by Michael C. Garrett. We must continue to strive against sin, laying aside every weight, and continue running the race that is set before us – cf. Hebrews 12:1-4. Indeed, one of the hardest things for someone to do after they’ve sinned – fallen and skinned their knees, I like to say – is to forgive themselves. If indeed you’ve asked God the Father and Jesus Christ to forgive you then you are forgiven. That’s a promise. Now if Almighty God – the Great Ancient of Days who created all things through Jesus Christ – can forgive you, who are you not to forgive yourself!? You have to let those past sins go.
So, a reward – something is given for something you have done spiritually in this life. Your rewarded for your works – hence cf. Acts 26:20 – “do works befitting repentance.” Now, the churches of this world don’t teach this. They teach that salvation is free, and rightly so it is – cf. Ephesians 2:8 – just like Lot and his two daughters were saved from the destruction of Sodom through the grace of God – not by anything they had done (see: Genesis 19). God’s grace is free – it’s something which God gives us though we don’t deserve it – but you still have to “work.” It’s like Toodles announcing to Peter Pan – “You have to fly, have to fight, have to crow!” Many people of this world believe that it’s alright to climb over others – sometimes violently – to get to the top. Others believe you can do anything you want – as long as you don’t hurt anyone else to get to the top. Such as passing laws that say that you can do something and everyone has to accept it – no questions asked. It’s not right – like homosexual “marriage” – it’s the law of the land. But I shouldn’t be forced to have to accept it. Well, I don’t accept it! But am I going to judge or persecute someone because of it!? No. God handles all of that. But don’t force me to accept that it’s alright – because we are going to continue preaching what God Almighty and Jesus Christ have to say concerning it. Most of the churches of this world will not preach against it.
Through overcoming the sinful temptations of the flesh, this world as well as Satan the Devil, and rather submitting to God and His Way, our spiritual character is continuing to grow and develop. We are literally building the very character of God! And the more that we overcome, the greater responsibility our Lord Jesus Christ will give us in His kingdom ON EARTH! Thus the greater will be our reward.
Just as the Apostle Paul – under the inspiration of God’s Spirit – says that we are to “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling” – Philippians 2:12 – no one can overcome for us. No one can produce spiritual works for us. It requires effort on our part, together with the help of God’s Spirit, to become a spiritually minded and motivated person of God which He can use in His glorious kingdom.
Overcome. In Greek, nikaΕ, means “to overcome, overpower, to conquer, triumph” (Strong’s Concordance #3528). To cease doing the works of the flesh “which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things WILL NOT inherit the kingdom of God” – Galatians 5:19-21. It’s letting Christ Jesus live within us to bear the spiritual fruit!
Let us notice the Apostle Paul’s admonition to us –
“Therefore, my brothers, I implore you by God’s mercy to offer your very selves to [H]im: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for [H]is acceptance, the worship offered by mind and heart. Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed. Then you will be able to discern the will of God, and to know what is good, acceptable, and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2, NEB.
And, speaking again of the recent conversation I had with Minister Michael C. Garrett – he spoke of the idea that it’s very possible that individuals can make gods out of their religion or their church. And I bring this up because of God’s living word here – “the worship [of God] offered by mind and heart.” In the Book of Jeremiah, the LORD our God says to His people, “Do not trust in these lying words, saying, [and listen to this phraseology] ‘The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.’” Now you’re saying, “What does that mean!?” Well, back then, there were people who looked upon the temple of God as being the ultimate place to have their religious attention. And what Jesus is saying – the One that we now know of as Jesus is the One inspiring this – is there were people back then that worshiped the temple more than worshiped the God that made the temple. Now is that possible!? Yes, indeed!
I, sadly, can name individuals today, of different religions, some Protestant, some within the churches of God who worship their religion, with more zeal, than they worship God! Be sure to watch Minister Garrett’s recent sermon in which he speaks of this very thing!
7) At our Lord Jesus’ return, having been officially given the kingdom (see Daniel 7:13-14), how will Jesus Christ judge His servants!?
“’ And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.’” – Luke 19:15.
Each mina – which was an ancient unit of weight and value equal to ¹/₆₀ talent – symbolized in this parable a spiritual value. Our Lord Jesus Christ has given each true Christian His Holy Spirit to be used to produce spiritual works.
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful IN EVERY GOOD WORK and increasing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:9-10.
8) Now, will each servant of God be rewarded proportional to the degree of his/her spiritual growth – of his/her overcoming, and spiritual development!?
Returning again to our Lord Jesus’ parable of the talents –
“’ Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17) And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’
18) And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19) Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’”
Now, some true Christians overcome more than others, and some accomplish even more spiritual works with what they have been given. So, in the glorious kingdom of God (the very family of God), each will receive greater or lesser positions of responsibility depending on the degree of the individual's spiritual growth and development in this life.
Each will be rewarded according to their spiritual works –
“’ For the Son of Man will come [with] the glory of His Father with His angels, and THEN He will reward each according to his works.’” – Matthew 16:27.
Our Lord Jesus Christ highlights the IMPORTANCE that His servants who are faithful and overcome TO THE VERY END – who are still growing in God’s grace and spiritual knowledge at His return (or their death, whichever comes first) – continue to do so TO THE VERY END! They, in whom He finds still doing, will inherit God’s kingdom and receive their reward! Notice His living word –
“’ Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47) Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.’” – Matthew 24:46-47.
9) Does God show us that there is a VITAL NEED for our continued spiritual growth in virtue and godly character as long as we live!?
“by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you MAY BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5) But also for this reason, giving all diligence, ADD to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6) to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7) to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8) For IF these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9) For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” – 2 Peter 1:5-9.
Certainly, verses 10-11 imply that those who do not continue to spiritually grow in God’s grace and knowledge may not make it into God’s kingdom.
10) In what capacity is our Lord Jesus now serving true Christians?
“Having therefore a great High Priest, Who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, we should hold fast the confession of our faith. 15) For we do not have a high priest who cannot empathize with our weaknesses, but one Who was tempted in all things according to the likeness of our own temptations; yet He was without sin.
16) Therefore, we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16, NET.
Jesus Christ is our High Priest, our Advocate.
GOD is the only Judge! Notice that King David wrote in Psalm 51 that his sin was against God, and God alone –
“Against You, You ONLY, have I sinned, …” – Psalm 51:4.
God’s living word does not say – anywhere – that we are to confess our sins to a priest, nor does it say that we are to ever authorize any penance.
Sadly, I have known of people that would confess some of the most horrible and despicable sins and crimes to their brethren or to a priest. I wouldn’t ever think about sharing some of the rotten and terrible things that I have done in my past with anyone but God. Sharing these things with others is called T.M.I. – too much information. Friends, it is uncouth, it is inappropriate and it is dangerous. It is unbelievable to me how many in these Baptist churches will stand up and confess their deepest of sins to the congregation. We are to be prudent – cf. Proverbs 13:16; 27:12. We are not to lack decency – cf. 1 Corinthians 14:40.
“For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” – Hebrews 9:24.
You know, all throughout the Book of Hebrews, we’re told that we have this great High Priest who sits on the right-hand side of God. And that He is our Advocate, our Intercessor. And there are times in our life when we have gone astray, and maybe Satan and his demons are there just laughing and carrying on to no extent. And then Jesus Christ walks up and says, “Father, I have forgiven them. And they belong to Me. End this.” I wonder how many times Jesus Christ has had to come to our defense to say, “I shed My blood, that they might be forgiven, and that someday they might live for all eternity”!?
So, let us always stay close to the LORD our God by drawing near unto Him in prayer and through Bible study. Let us change – and overcome. Grow in grace and spiritual knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! □
