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Be An Overcomer Part 3
John 16:31-33
New International Version
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:17
New International Version
17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Christ has overcome the world and we are heirs of that. We may share in His suffering so we too will share in His victories.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Be An Overcomer Part 2
Romans 8:31-37
New International Version
More Than Conquerors
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
It is because of the love God has for us we are overcomers. He won’t let us fail if we stay in Him. He is long suffering and if we do fil Him He won’t fail us.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Be An Overcomer Part 1
1 John 5:1-5
New International Version
Faith in the Incarnate Son of God
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
It is our faith that overcomes the world but how do we know we walk in overcoming faith? It is easy. We live and walk in the love of Jesus. We must also obey His commands. God calls these two things faith.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Do You Know What Your Getting Into Part 5
1 Corinthians 10:20-22
New International Version
20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than him?
Pastor Jeff Lane
Do You Know What You're Getting Into Part 4
John 18:8-14
New International Version
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”[a]
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
Jesus said to Peter “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? Are we not to drink from the cup the Lord has for us? It is an honor to be offered the cup for the Lord.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Do You Know What You're Getting Into? Part 3
Matthew 26:26-29
New International Version
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
I wonder if we really understand what we are doing when we drink that cup? What does it mean to drink that cup? Jesus did this just before He went to the cross.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Do You Know What You're Getting Into? Part 2
Matthew 26:36-46
New International Version
Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
When I was a boy and got into trouble my father would say son go to your room and think about what you did. Then he would say and I will come and get you and decide on your punishment. I did not want to hear those footsteps coming down the hall. It seemed like hours till he would come. I would think the wait was worse than the punishment. Trust me it was not.
Here Jesus knew what He was facing though willing He did not want to endure it. He begged the Father if there be another way, but there is not, so it is with us. If we want to follow Him and save souls we must drink the cup.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Do You Know What Your Getting Into? Part 1
Matthew 20:20-28
New International Version
A Mother’s Request
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Be careful what you ask for, you might get it. I can’t help but think if anyone thought this through. Not one of them knew what they were asking. Jesus was to suffer on the cross for all and they would too, as well as all who follow Him. Still want to be first?
Pastor Jeff Lane
The World Hates His Disciples Part 5
Matthew 24:4-13
New International Version
4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
As the word says we will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death. Did anyone tell you this when you got saved? Did they tell you the price for following Christ? I believe many will fall from the faith because they will be deceived and unprepared for what is to come. John 8:31-32 New International Version 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
We must obey Jesus and then we will know the truth and not be deceived. It is a time for God’s truth to be preached.
Pastor Jeff Lane
The World Hates His Disciples Part 4
Matthew 5:43-48
New International Version
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
We are not to do as the world does, but we are to love them. Forgive them as God has forgiven you while you were still His enemy. What good would it be to be like them or hate as they hate. We are to win them over so that they too may be saved.
Pastor Jeff Lane
The World Hates His Disciples Part 3
James 4:4
New International Version
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
To be a friend of the world is to be an adulterer and an enemy of God. If they claim to be from God and the world loves them they are from the anti-Christ.
Pastor Jeff Lane
The World Hates His Disciples Part 2
Matthew 5:9-11
New International Version
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Some believe in peace with the world at all costs. Compromise but we cannot. Peace is good but not at this price. The world and those who belong to it will hate you for righteousness’s sake. They will attack and persecute you for speaking the truth. They will nail you to the cross for speaking God’s word. If they don’t lie about you, attack you or persecute you most likely belong to them not God.
Pastor Jeff Lane
The World Hates His Disciples Part 1
John 15:18-27
New International Version
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’
What I am about to say may sound a little strange, but when I see a ministry that the world runs after, that they can say nothing bad about it, the world just loves them, I stay away from it. I want nothing to do with it. You cannot be a friend of the world and God too. If the world doesn't hate you then you belong to it. You are one of its own. You might say “buyer beware.”
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 24
Acts 2:1-41
New International Version
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Peter Addresses the Crowd
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]
22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:
“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[e]
29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’[f]
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
I want you to see that the church after receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit went on the offensive instead of staying in hiding. Also their efforts would be multiplied. Three thousand would be added to their number.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 23
1 Corinthians 12:1-14
King James Version
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Acts 1:1-11
New International Version
Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
I ask you if Jesus did not start His ministry without the Holy Spirit how much more do we need the Holy Spirit?
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 22
John 1:32
New International Version
32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.
Matthew 3:16
New International Version
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
Luke 3:21-23
New International Version
The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,
the son of Heli,
Mark 1:9-13
New International Version
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[a] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Luke 4:14
New International Version
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
Jesus did not begin his ministry until He was Baptized in the Holy Spirit. It’s not by might, nor by power but the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 21
Acts 1:1-5
New International Version
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit you must seek the gift or Baptism of the Holy Spirit. These supernatural gifts come only after receiving the Baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Not to all say somebody could not be used in faith or healing but would not have that continual gift in operation in their life. The Apostles were told not to go anywhere until they were equipped with the Holy Spirit for service. Today many think they can replace that equipping with education. They substitute God’s power for a form of Godliness.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 20
1 Corinthians 12:1-14
King James Version
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
One of the gifts of the Spirit is faith. This is supernatural faith. Not human faith. It is not just a mountain moving faith, but a faith that you might say moves mountain ranges. It can’t be mustered up or learned but a gift granted by grace only by the Holy Spirit. It can be sought after, and we can ask for it.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 19
Matthew 15:21-28
New International Version
21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Gentiles were looked down on like dogs. Jesus was sent to Israel first then the gentiles. She believed in Jesus’s love and compassion. She did not doubt He could heal but would He heal a gentile? She dared to believe He would and Jesus called it great faith.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 18
Luke 7:1-10
New International Version
7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
The synagogue leader trusted that if Jesus came and touched his daughter she would be healed, in contrast the centurion (A Gentile) believed all Jesus needed to do is say the word. Jesus saw this and called it great faith. Greater than anything He saw in Israel. Oh how this should make us happy, because that means Jesus could heal anyone any time anywhere. He does not have to be physically present.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 17
Matthew 9:18-26
New International Version
18 While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples….
23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.
Jesus said you have not because you ask not. Faith is asking God because you believe He will do it, but let's contrast this in our next devotional.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 16
Matthew 9:27-31
New International Version
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
These blind men were healed “According to your faith” Jesus said. If Jesus came to your house would He find faith? God has done all He needed to do to heal you and now it’s up to you.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 15
Matthew 9:20-22
New International Version
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
This woman was considered unclean and was supposed to yell out unclean, unclean. She most likely would have been stoned by the crowd if they knew she was unclean. She risked her life to touch the prayer tassels on Jesus’s prayer shawl. She was so sure she would be healed that moved by this faith she pressed forward until she touched Him. Jesus told her your faith has healed you. Her faith healed her. She acted on what she believed. Remember Jesus is ever interceding at the right hand of the Father for you. Push in and touch Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 14
I was sixteen and just started working for KFC. It was my second night and while cleaning a fryer vat something broke and pull my hand down into the hot grease. The grease burned the skin and fingernail of my fingers and burned my hand up to my wrist. That night my father took me home with my hand wrapped. The doctor wanted me to go to my own doctor so he could initiate skin grafts asap. I was in pain and could not sleep even with the pain killers. I prayed and asked Jesus to take my pain away so I could sleep and He did. I was given enough pain killers for six weeks. The next morning the pain did not return so I pray Lord if you could take the pain away you could heal me would you. The accident happened Saturday night and now Monday morning we were in the doctor's office having the bandages removed. The doctor said: “Who wrapped your hand like this? Get out of here I have sick people to look after.” We went home in silence. Then my mother said I have to call the doctor and tell him what happened. My skin was grown back, fingernails restored, and the hair was restored on the back of my hand. It was completely restored! Praise God!
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 13
I want to share some of my own experiences concerning faith. When I was in seventh grade I had a piece of steel cut a ditch across the center of my eye. The doctor said it had cut through a third of the cornea deep and left rust in my eye. He said it was too deep to operate and remove the rust and furthermore he was unsure as to how much or all of my vision I would lose. I had to return the next day so he could rebandage my eye and make sure that infection had not set in.
That night I prayed a very simple prayer. “Lord, I need my vision. Would you heal my eye”? I felt a peace and heard Jesus say: “You will have your vision and you will always have your vision.” The next day the eye doctor removed the bandages and there was a scar that formed across the center of my eye. He had me take an eye exam and I had 20/20 vision even though he could not see in my eye. It is still there to this day. The Lord later would tell me He had scars also. Three more times I would go through losing site and being healed when relying on this word Jesus spoke to me. I was young and never doubted Jesus could heal me. I just didn’t know at the time He would. He took me where I was and overlooked my ignorance of His word that He had already healed me like He had already saved me I just had to ask. Salvation is for everyone who would receive as well as healing. You just have to ask.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 12
1 Peter 1:3-9
New International Version
Praise to God for a Living Hope
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Like silver and gold refined in fire, so is our faith. As we go through suffering in this life our faith is refined and we learn to persevere in our faith standing firm and unmovable knowing that Jesus will not disappoint us. We will overcome and receive the promise, the end result of our faith.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 11
Genesis 41:48-49
New International Version
48 Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. 49 Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.
Once again, we see faith that saves. Joseph obeyed God and took Him at His word and saved most of the known world at that time. He could have thought why should I stick my neck out for these people or what if I am wrong. He simply did what God said and saved the grain that not only saved Egypt but his family and it made a place of refuge for the Jews. Like Noah his faith was lined up with his deeds. Faith without deeds is death and would have led to death.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 10
Hebrews 11:7
New International Version
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
So Noah by faith did what God said. It may not have made sense at the time but he did not question God, he simply did what he said and saved his life, his family, and humanity including us. It may have condemned those who did not obey but that was their choice. The world says God is hateful and mean but God is just and how can we talk back to Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 9
James 1:22-24
New International Version
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
As I have said you are not saved just because you Listen to the word but you must obey it. If you don’t you are deceived as Eve was.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 8
James 2:14-26
New International Version
Faith and Deeds
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James does such a wonderful job making the point that faith without action is useless. If we believe we will be moved by faith and that will save us and the hearer.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 7
Romans 10:17-21
New International Version
17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course, they did:
“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.”
19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;
I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”
20 And Isaiah boldly says,
“I was found by those who did not seek me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But concerning Israel he says,
“All day long I have held out my hands
to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
It’s not just simply hearing the word that makes faith work, it is believing the word. So many have a stubborn and obstinate heart and will not act upon that word. Believing is doing. It is an action. Knowing the word is not enough; we must act if we truly believe.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 5
Hebrews 11:7
New International Version
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Here we see an elder of our faith. He was moved by Holy fear of God, that God could and would fulfill His word and cleanse the world by a flood. So he built an ark according to the dimensions God said not trusting in his own knowledge but God’s. He was saved from the flood but also for eternity because he chose to take God at His word and believe. His actions lined up with his beliefs, because if had not acted he or his family would have been saved.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 6
Genesis 41:48-49
New International Version
48 Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. 49 Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.
Joseph acted by faith not only saving Egypt but his family as well. If he had simply heard from God but did nothing Israel would have been wiped out from hunger, himself and Egypt as well. He could have been vengeful and not helped Egypt or his brothers but by faith he forgave them and so he with them were saved.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 5
Hebrews 11:4
New International Version
4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
Abel because of his love for God gives back to God the best of his flocks. Cain, moved by greed, gives God an offering but holds the best for himself. Cain is not moved by faith but greed. Abel’s faith and love for God is rewarded with eternal life with God. Cain's actions put him out of the presence of God for eternity. Love makes faith work.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 4
Genesis 5:24
New International Version
24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Hebrews 11:5
King James Version
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Hebrews 11:5
New International Version
5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
Here we see the first rapture by God of a man. Why? Because Enoch so loved God he walked with Him everyday and became so close to God That God just took Him to heaven. He was translated or raptured to heaven. We see faith in action. Faith brings about change. Enoch pleased God so much by faith God just took him up. The world is soon to see the next great rapture. Are you ready? Is the church ready? Is the church walking by faith as it should? Now you know why I said it is a time to walk by faith.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 3
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
1 Cor. 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
God gives us the faith to be saved. Our very walk with him is through faith. We do not go by what we see but by what His Word says. If His Word says it, we need to take it by faith and believe, for salvation and whatever else we need. Trust Him and ask Him to increase your faith as you read His Word and He will do so.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 2
Hebrews 11:6
New International Version
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
James 2:18-19
New International Version
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
God loves you and wants you to believe in Him. Nothing says I love you like action. If you have faith in God then you know He desires to show you that love and has shown you through His son. He will move for you when you believe in Him. Demons believe He exists, but don’t believe in Him. Their actions are always actions of rebellion. Our actions must submit to Him in trust that He will bless us by obeying Him. Our faith must be done in love as His has been to us. We see this in John 3:16. He loved us and gave His best to us, so we must love Him like Able did and give our best to Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Increasing Faith Part 1
Romans 8:24
New International Version
24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
Hebrews 11:1-3
King James Version
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Romans 4:17
New International Version
17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations. ”He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Who goes to God for what we already have? We go to Him for what we do not yet have. Things not seen. He calls them into existence and commands us to. Release His will by declaring His will not ours. Walking by faith is believing God for His will, Then not only do we see the evidence but others will too. The substance of our faith will appear out of what does not. By His Spirit He brings life to the word spoken over us. WE receive what was not by faith.
Pastor Jeff Lane
A Little Something About Your Enemy Part 5
Ezekiel 28:17-19
King James Version
17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
It was because of Satan's beauty and wisdom that he began to think of himself more highly than he ought. It led to his downfall. Pride goes before the fall. You are the sanctuary of God and don’t defile God’s temple.
Pastor Jeff Lane
A Little Something About Your Enemy Part 5
Ezekiel 28:17-19
King James Version
17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
It was because of Satan's beauty and wisdom that he began to think of himself more highly than he ought. It led to his downfall. Pride goes before the fall. You are the sanctuary of God and don’t defile God’s temple.
Pastor Jeff Lane
A Little Something About Your Enemy Part 3
Ezekiel 28:13-14
King James Version
13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Exodus 35:27
New International Version
27 The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
Satan was in the garden of God and that’s how he deceived Eve. He was in heaven and he led worship. He wore a breast piece of precious ones as did the priests who served in the temple. He led worship in heaven and ascended the mountain of God to do so. He was given pipes or a beautiful voice for worship. He was anointed by God to lead worship. You start to get a glimpse of who satan was in all this.
Pastor Jeff Lane
A Little Something About Your Enemy Part 2
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
New International Version
13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Jesus is the way the truth and the light. Satan masquerades as Jesus or the word. He claims he is the light for your path but in him there is only darkness. He comes as a religious person with high sounding ideas that leads his followers into destruction. If you know Jesus you know who is not of Him. The only way to know the truth is to know the true one.
Pastor Jeff Lane
A Little Something About Your Enemy Part 1
1 Corinthians 14:33
King James Version
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
We do not serve God of confusion but peace and order. Satan is the author of confusion and chaos. He comes but to steal, kill and destroy.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Peace Part 5
Mark 4:37-40
New International Version
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Jesus cares for you in the storm though you may think He is a sleep He knows do you know Him. He simply says peace be still. Walk by faith and know He is God. Every storm must obey Him, and He will quit the storm for you.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Peace Part 4
Romans 8:36-39
New International Version
36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Don’t see yourself as the world does. Satan sees you as sheep to be slaughtered, but God will never leave you or forsake you. If God is for you what can be against you. His love endures forever. He will never withdraw that Love. Be at peace.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Peace Part 3
Romans 8:28
New International Version
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
There is a qualifier for this to apply to you. You must Love God and how do we know if we love Him? We obey Him. Then all things will work out for our good. Be at peace. This verse is one of my wife’s favorites because it Has carried her through the worst of times.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Peace Part 2
Philippians 4:4-7
New International Version
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Rejoice in every situation for we know our God has delivered us over to life though His death. Why be anxious when you can pray? It is through prayer we have the victory over all we know and see and can walk in the peace of God that overrides all situations, circumstance and earthly things that can vex us. No matter what we see we know we will come out on top with Him.
Pastor Jeff lane
Foundation of Forgiveness Part 5
Luke 24:45-47
New International Version
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Let God open your minds to what scripture says. The life and death of Jesus was all about repentance and forgiveness so we could be reconciled to Him and each other. It is the beginning of our relationship with God not the culmination.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Peace Part 1
Hebrews 4:8-11
New International Version
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
We enter God's rest through our obedience to Him and His word Jesus. If we disobey His Word we reject Him and His rest for us. It is so simple, but many think they can do their own thing. Just trust and obey His Word and find that Sabbath’s day rest you so dearly need.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Sing a New Song Part 5
Revelation 5:6-14
New International Version
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign[b] on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
We have a new song in Christ that only we can sing. We have our own story to tell in Jesus. He deals with us individually and that makes our song unique.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Foundation of Forgiveness Part 4
Luke 6:37-42
New International Version
Judging Others
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.
41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Forgive and you will be forgiven with the same measure you use. I would like mercy poured into my lap wouldn’t you? You reap what you sow.
If we don’t forgive others we are just blind leaders. It will end in destruction. How can we help others get a speck of sin out of their lives when we have a plank of sin in ours. If we don’t forgive we are no better than any other sinner. Let it go!
Pastor Jeff Lane
Foundation of Forgiveness Part 3
Matthew 18:21-35
New International Version
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
There is a price for unforgiveness and it is great suffering for the one who was harmed. We must forgive as we have been forgiven. Period. We have no right to hold people’s sins against them no matter what the sin. God withheld His judgment not counting men’s sin against them until He came to offer us salvation through His death and resurrection, so how can we who stand guilty hold anything against anyone. We stand condemned already and have been shown mercy so we might be saved.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Foundation of Forgiveness Part 2
Matthew 6:9-15
New International Version
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Jesus Made it very clear that when teaching the Apostles how to pray that they must forgive others to have their sins forgiven. No forgiveness ,no relationship with Him. Without forgiveness your prayers are futile. This obviously implies we try to restore our relationships with others to have one with Him. Wow! Now that’s something to chew on.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Foundation of Forgiveness Part 1
Luke 3:1-3
New International Version
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Forgiveness is the foundation of our relationship with Christ and each other. It is what reconciles us in our relationships. John laid the foundation of forgiveness so Jesus could come and that we might know Him. Think about it, it is the beginning of our relationship to God and what He came to do for us. No forgiveness, no reconciliation. No reconciliation, no relationship.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Sing a New Song Part 5
Revelation 5:6-14
New International Version
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign[b] on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
We have a new song in Christ that only we can sing. We have our own story to tell in Jesus. He deals with us individually and that makes our song unique.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Sing a New Song Part 4
Revelation 3:12-13
New International Version
12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
We are given a new name. A new identity in Christ.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Sing a New Song Part 3
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
New International Version
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
In Christ we are a new creation. New beginning.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Sing a New Song part 2
John 3:14-15
New International Version
14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
When the Israelites were in the wilderness on the way to the promised land they began to sin, so the hedge that God put around them came down. Snakes entered the camp (the devil) and began to bite them and they died. God had Moses put a bronze snake on a poll and all who looked at it when bitten would live. Jesus became sin and the curse for us nailed to a cross like the snake. All who look to Him will have eternal life and live. A new beginning.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Sing a New Song Part 1
John 3:3-7
New International Version
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
It’s the new year and a time of new beginnings. Jesus was all about new beginnings. This is why He said we must be born again. Nothing in the old man will save us, so He came that we might be born all over in the Spirit and start anew.
Happy New Year! \
Pastor Jeff Lane
Tears Don’t Cut It Part 5
1 Samuel 15:22-23
New International Version
22 But Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”
Saul like Esau sight the Lord favor but wanted it his way. God liken it to witchcraft and idolatry. When we disobey God we reject His word and remember Jesus is the word to reject Jesus is to reject what He did for us and salvation. God is not interested in tears and whining. He wants obedience. Faith obeys. It so simple just obey Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Tears Don’t Cut It part 4
Hebrews 12:16-17
New International Version
16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.
Then as now nothing is new under the sun. People believe they can live in sexual immorality and still be blessed by God and saved. They do as they see fit and make their own laws and rules and expect God to smile on them. Grace is not a license to write anything you lines in this new covenant you want and expect God to honor them. He is the deal and you either live by it or not. Esau sought the blessing but not righteousness and lost everything. Tears don’t cut it.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Tears Don’t Cut It part 3
Judges 17:5-6
New International Version
5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest. 6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
Deuteronomy 12:8
New International Version
8 You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit,
In the days of the Judges they did as we do. They made their own Gods and did as they saw fit. They decided what was righteous and Holy instead of obeying God Almighty.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Tears Don’t Cut It part 2
Judges 2:10-17
New International Version
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger 13 because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 14 In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. 15 Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress.
16 Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. 17 Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them.
As I said you can’t compromise with the devil. The Israelites drifted so far from God that in the third generation the children neither knew the Lord or what He had done for them. In our society we have the same problem. Not only have they forgotten but they are trying to rewrite history so that God had nothing to do with it. They even make God and the church out to be a villain in our nation. Causing nothing but trouble and discord. Our nation has turned to materialism as they did selling their souls to the dollar. They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the Lord’s commands. We now worship the God of money thinking that wealth made this nation not God blessed us with wealth. As a result, the nation is becoming an enemy of God instead of His friend. If God is for you who can be against you, but if God is against you who can be for you. The only thing that can save us now is in 2 Chronicles 7:14 New International Version 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Tears won’t cut it, we must repent and obey Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Tears Don’t Cut It part 1
Judges 2
New International Version
The Angel of the Lord at Bokim
2 The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land I swore to give to your ancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, 2 and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.’ Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? 3 And I have also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; they will become traps for you, and their gods will become snares to you.’”
4 When the angel of the Lord had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud, 5 and they called that place Bokim.[a] There they offered sacrifices to the Lord.
When the Israelites took the promised land They were told by God to drive out the inhabitants of the land and not to do as they did, because that is why God was destroying them. They became satisfied and complacent and did not do as God had ordered them to do. This angel tells them what will happen to them because they disobeyed God. Their children soon began to inter marry them and took up their gods and ways and it became the downfall of the Jews. The Lord warned them but they only wept and were sorry but they did nothing about these sins. God is not interested in sacrifices but obedience. This time period reminds me of what is going on today. People seem to see no need for purging the land of sin but have a live and let live attitude. It will never work. Satan does not compromise and neither will God. This walk is an all or nothing proposition from God. He is a jealous God and will not share us or our children with the world. Sorry and tears don’t cut it. True repentance is totally selling out to God and forsaking this world. It is to turn from wickedness and sin and obey God. Crocodile tears mean nothing. Abraham was saved by faith and what he did, not just because he believed. Scripture says even the Demons believe God but don’t obey Him. We are to sell out to Him with all our heart, our soul, and mind. Not just a form of godliness but denying the truth.
Pastor Jeff Lane
A Child is Born Part 5
Luke 2:1-21
New International Version
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Jeff and Becky Lane
A Child is Born Part 4
Luke 1:57-80
New International Version
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”
61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”
62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
Zechariah’s Song
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72 to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit[b]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Jeff and Becky Lane
A Child is Born Part 3
Luke 1:39-56
New International Version
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Jeff and Becky
A Child is Born Part 2
Luke 1:26-38
New International Version
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Merry Christmas,
Pastors Jeff and Becky Lane
A Child is Born Part 1
1:1-25
New International Version
Introduction
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Merry Christmas,
Pastors Jeff and Becky Lane
Take Captive Your Thoughts Part 4
Philippians 4:8-9
New International Version
Final Exhortations
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I love these verses. Think on what is good and from Jesus not on the things of this world. We are not just to think about these things but put them into practice. What kind of world would it be if we did this? What kind of life would you have if you did this? What a wonderful world it would be indeed.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Take Captive Your Thoughts Part 3
Philippians 4:4-9
New International Version
Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When we take captive those thoughts we need to rejoice in the Lord in every situation. Not living in anxiety but trusting that He will work all things out for our good. We accomplish this by being in continual prayer. When we stay in that state of prayer in His presence, we have that peace that overrides our thoughts and takes on His.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Take Captive Your Thoughts Part 2
Isaiah 55:8-9
New International Version
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
We must have the mind of Christ for His way and thoughts are far above anything we could think or imagine. Only the Spirit within a man knows the thoughts of the man so also, we must have the Holy Spirit that we may have the mind of God Himself in us.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Take Captive Your Thoughts Part 1
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
New International Version
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
We don’t wage war as the world does against each other, but we are to wage war on our thoughts. We must take captive or control over our thoughts and bring them into submission to Jesus. Punishing every thought that does not exalt and edify Christ in every way. Until every thought is obedient to Christ.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Who’s My Enemy? Part 6
Proverbs 29:25
New International Version
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
If you have more fear of what man thinks of you than what God does it will be a trap and a snare to you. Speak God’s word without fear boldly and He will lift you up. Let no man lord over you or your words; it will be your downfall.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Who's My Enemy? Part 5
Psalm 97:10
New International Version
10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
If you love God you will hate evil. God will deliver and protect you from evil if you hate it.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Who's My Enemy? Part 4
Proverbs 8:13
New International Version
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
How do I know if I fear the Lord? I will hate evil. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If your lips are perverse, so is your heart. You will know them by their speech and actions will follow.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Who's My Enemy? Part 3
Proverbs 1:7
New International Version
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
{ This word used for fool here means a person who is morally deficient}
To know God’s word is to fear God. Jesus is the word by the way. People often attack what the Bible calls evil or sin. They are but fools. How can we know we are sinners if we don’t have the plumb line in our lives? Measuring oneself by oneself is to suggest we are God. We are to measure all things by God; anything else is reprobate. Without fear of God we have no incentive to improve. Satan would tell you fear is not an incentive.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Who's My Enemy? Part 2
Hosea 4:6
New International Version
6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
“Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also reject you as my priests;
because you have ignored the law of your God,
I also will ignore your children.
A Lack of understanding of what sin is will lead to your destruction. To ignore or shun God’s word will is to reject the knowledge of God. It leads to wrongful desires and destruction. I have found people don’t want to hear about sin and what it is. They attack me by saying you are legalistic or under the law.
Matthew 5:17-20
New International Version
The Fulfillment of the Law
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
I prefer to be called great in God’s eyes by teaching the truth rather than whatever would please these people. May they perish with their false doctrine and sin.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Who's My Enemy Part 1
James 1:14-15
New International Version
14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Knowing your enemy is a must for Spiritual Warfare. Looking in the mirror will help find that enemy. Satan does not make us sin nor can he do so. It is our own desires that battle within us that leads us into sin and death. It is out of what is in a man that these desires are birthed out of. Start the battle at ground zero and quit blaming others for your sin. They cannot make you do something you don’t already want to do. Fill yourself with the word and the Holy Spirit so you can change your desires.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Christianity 101
What does the Bible say about Astrology and the Zodiac
Today I see so many people and Christians basing their life upon the zodiac, but here’s what the Bible says about it.
The Bible talks a lot about the stars. We see in His Word and understand that it is God who created them. They show His power and majesty. The heavens are God’s “handiwork” (Psalm 8:3; 19:1). He has all the stars numbered and named (Psalm 147:4).
We see that He also created and arranged them In recognizable groups know as Constellations in Job 9:9, 26:13 and 38:31-32. They have been studied for Millennia.
The Bible also says the stars as well as the sun and moon were given for ‘signs’ and ‘ seasons’ , Genesis 1:14 . Helping us to mark time and aide in Navigation. They are a reminder of God’s faithfulness in our lives, Genesis 15:5. We also see in Isaiah 13:8, Joel 3:15 and Matthew 24:9 that the final judgment on earth will be accompanied by astronomical events.
But are there hidden meanings beyond that and are we as Christians supposed to follow and base our destiny upon them? I will continue this study and show you what God says about it tomorrow to answer that.
Pastor Rebecca Lane
Blow the Trumpet part 5
Isaiah 47
New International Version
The Fall of Babylon
47 “Go down, sit in the dust,
Virgin Daughter Babylon;
sit on the ground without a throne,
queen city of the Babylonians.
No more will you be called
tender or delicate.
2 Take millstones and grind flour;
take off your veil.
Lift up your skirts, bare your legs,
and wade through the streams.
3 Your nakedness will be exposed
and your shame uncovered.
I will take vengeance;
I will spare no one.”
4 Our Redeemer—the Lord Almighty is his name—
is the Holy One of Israel.
5 “Sit in silence, go into darkness,
queen city of the Babylonians;
no more will you be called
queen of kingdoms.
6 I was angry with my people
and desecrated my inheritance;
I gave them into your hand,
and you showed them no mercy.
Even on the aged
you laid a very heavy yoke.
7 You said, ‘I am forever—
the eternal queen!’
But you did not consider these things
or reflect on what might happen.
8 “Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure,
lounging in your security
and saying to yourself,
‘I am, and there is none besides me.
I will never be a widow
or suffer the loss of children.’
9 Both of these will overtake you
in a moment, on a single day:
loss of children and widowhood.
They will come upon you in full measure,
in spite of your many sorceries
and all your potent spells.
10 You have trusted in your wickedness
and have said, ‘No one sees me.’
Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you
when you say to yourself,
‘I am, and there is none besides me.’
11 Disaster will come upon you,
and you will not know how to conjure it away.
A calamity will fall upon you
that you cannot ward off with a ransom;
a catastrophe you cannot foresee
will suddenly come upon you.
12 “Keep on, then, with your magic spells
and with your many sorceries,
which you have labored at since childhood.
Perhaps you will succeed,
perhaps you will cause terror.
13 All the counsel you have received has only worn you out!
Let your astrologers come forward,
those stargazers who make predictions month by month,
let them save you from what is coming upon you.
14 Surely they are like stubble;
the fire will burn them up.
They cannot even save themselves
from the power of the flame.
These are not coals for warmth;
this is not a fire to sit by.
15 That is all they are to you—
these you have dealt with
and labored with since childhood.
All of them go on in their error;
there is not one that can save you.
This is what will happen to America the mother of prostitutes and those who sit idly by and say nothing of thee killing of babies, turning our backs on Israel, not feeding the hungry, letting our leaders destroy the righteousness of the church. Oh how the people run after the prostitute as they fall in a pit!
Pastor Jeff Lane
Blow the Trumpet Part 4
I want to say if you can’t see the problem in our country then you are the problem. You are who Jude was talking about. Jude 11 NewInternational Version11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Blow the Trumpet Part 3
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said “ silence in the face of evil is evil itself” Noelle-Neuman concluded if you do not speak, you are not being neutral, but are contributing to the success of the things you refuse to name and condemn. ( taken from page 52 in the book Letters to the American Church by Eric Metaxas) Please read this book. How perfectly put what more can I say.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Blow the Trumpet Part 2
Esther 4:12-14
New International Version
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Do you think if you remain silent you can make a deal with the devil. Satan can’t save you only Jesus can. He is our judge and all who don’t take up their cross and follow Him will die in their sin. Put yourself on the cross for others and lay down your life or be impaled on it and die in your sin. Complacency is a choice to sin. If you're not for Jesus you’re against Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Blow the Trumpet Part 1
Ezekiel 33:1-6
New International Version
Renewal of Ezekiel’s Call as Watchman
33 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’
For some reason the people of God refuse to sound the trumpet. They can clearly see the Sodomites are in the house of God turning our children from God. They can see the government passing laws to take down the church and yet they remain silent. If you know the good, you ought to do and don’t do it you sin. Do you fear man more than God? Do you think you can put on your fig leaf you call grace and God will turn His wrath from you. Unless you repent you are not saved and that means to turn from your sin. As Hebrews says, what if we keep on sinning what sacrifice is left to save us? We must stop the insanity and quit calling it love and put sin and the government out of the house of God now. You cannot stand on the sideline or you will watch as the government destroys the church and then come after you. Look at the communist, Nazis, and Fascists. They all understand that Christianity holds them back and they have and will destroy the church and take our children. They come alongside and act like they are one of us like an angel of light all the time planning our demise.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Shut the Door to Satan or Jesus will Shut the Church Doors Part 5
Isaiah 1:10-15
New International Version
10 Hear the word of the Lord,
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the instruction of our God,
you people of Gomorrah!
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.
Your hands are full of blood!
It is not Satan or the world who says your assemblies are worthless but God. He says I will no longer listen to your prayers unless you truly repent and seek Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Shut the Door to Satan or Jesus will Shut the Church Doors Part 4
2 Timothy 3:1-5
New International Version
3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Paul warns Timothy to have nothing to do with those who have a form of Godliness but deny the power of the blood to cleanse them of their sin. They seem to repent but don’t let the Holy Spirit cleanse them from sinning again. They look at those who stop sinning and think it is strange that they don’t join them in their drunken state of sin. They have a form or ritual that deceives them and their followers that they are clean and can keep doing what they always have. God will rid the earth of them.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Shut the Door to Satan or Jesus will Shut the Church Doors Part 3
I had not been a chaplain long when I was called to a patient’s bedside. It was obvious she was very old and spoke broken English. I knew she was of German descent. She seemed very disturb and said she had to tell me something before she died. She began by telling me she was a nurse during WW2 in Germany and how she survived the war. She went on to tell how she watched as her beloved country was taken over by Hitler and His ideas, how he slowly swayed the people, and destroyed the church. Also, how the church instead of fighting what was going on simply accepted these ideas and like the Jews before a firing squad simply stood there and let it all happen. She told of how America to her horror was heading in the same direction. Brainwashing the people to accept, adopt and believe in their ideas and morality. The fear for our country was all over her as she trembled at her own words. She began crying out ‘Jeff tell them what I said’. Stop the madness if you can. You must not stay silent but save them if you can. I sat there and thought who am I? What can I do? She seemed to have been sent to me personally with her message. The things she told me I did not know started in with the Nazis. They seemed so good at first. How could anyone think they were so evil? The church adopted these ideas and thought they were Christian and anyone who thought otherwise was Satan himself, but they were lies and deceit. Soon they were killing the Jews and anyone who would contradict them. She said “Jeff this is coming to your country. It is here and your people don’t see it. It is coming fast and stronger than anything we saw in Germany. We simply didn’t realize what was happening until it was too late. Wake them up. You must or you will die with them”. This took place about thirteen years ago. I wonder if she was alive today what she would say.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Shut the Door to Satan or Jesus will Shut the Church Doors Part 2
Revelation 3:14-16
New International Version
To the Church in Laodicea
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
God is at war with His church. They have become the enemy of heaven. Adam and Eve were cast out of His presence when they rebelled and ate the fruit. How much more when we have tasted of the divine grace of the blood of Jesus and take for granted all He did for us. Living a life where we nonchalantly let the lost go to hell, spend our riches on the lust of our flesh and say nothing when they legalize sin. When our government kills babies and we say it is a right and cruel not to allow such actions. When church going is an option not a desire. When we cave because we don’t want to be bothered and let the government dictate to the church morality and not us to the government. Who made them God. God told us to rule the world, not the world to rule us. Where is your zeal for God and His commands? Where is the church's love for God, country and our children? Somebody shut the doors to these evil assemblies please!!! Wake up, blow the trumpet, sound the alarm. But if you sit there and do nothing God will be your enemy and then how will you stand?
Pastor Jeff Lane
Shut the Door to Satan or Jesus will Shut the Church Doors Part 1
Revelation 2:4-5
New International Version
To the Church in Ephesus
2 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
This is a stark contrast to the Jesus I hear preached today. Here Jesus is saying. He will judge and remove the church if they continue in their lackluster love for Him. Jesus my friend, will judge the church according to what we have done. Faith is not a one-time thing but a way of life. To repent means to turn around and run back to God. Not just one time I am sorry for my actions. It is a way of life and laying down one’s life for God and others till we die. It is a repentance in which we give all ourselves to God and others everyday, not just an event in our past. It is a life that is eventful. It is not that we get married and drift apart but till death do us part. It is till death do us part or it will be. Where is the church’s love for God? Unless we do as we did in the beginning, He will remove us from His presence. People die and then others flippantly say they were a good person and they went to heaven. People are going to hell! Why, because they have not lived in love with Him. They don’t live a repentant life. One where they lay down all everyday for Him. They have taken the way of Cain, following Balaam in his error, living for themselves outside of the presence of God. They go through the motions but refuse to die for Him. The church has lived so long out of the presence of Jesus they no longer know right from wrong. They follow astrology, wokeness, liberalism, and the things of this world for guidance. They are no longer the plumb line for morality but seek the Government to dictate morality. They follow a government that is responsible for killing more lives than Hitler or communism. They even vote and give approval to those who do such things. They no longer stand up and say to the government this far you shall go and no further, Therefore God will give them over to their god. That god will crush them through famine, the sword and plague. Then Jesus will wipe them out along with that same government as He did in times past. Have we learned nothing?
Pastor Jeff Lane
Saved But Lonely Part 5
Matthew 12:46-50
New International Version
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Your real friends are those who truly seek the Father. The blood of Jesus binds us together for eternity. If you see somebody doing the will of the Father you can trust them. If they claim to know Him but don’t do His will they are liars and the truth is not in them. Don’t be yoked to them. You will know them by their fruits.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Saved But Lonely Part 4
1 Samuel 17:26-29
New International Version
26 David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
27 They repeated to him what they had been saying and told him, “This is what will be done for the man who kills him.”
28 When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”
29 “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?”
Poor David, moments before he would deliver Israel he had to put up with division and sibling rivalry. He was alone when he faced Goliath. He had three older brothers who stayed in the camp. Think about that.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Saved But Lonely Part 3
Mark 6:1-6
New International Version
A Prophet Without Honor
6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.
People look at the flesh, not the call or office. Jesus was separated from family and friends because of the call and so will you be. He could do very little for His own due to lack of agreement. We must have agreement. Where two or more are in agreement God can do. Relationships are vital to the work of God. Ministry is about reconciliation not dividing. Are you lonely? Maybe you're called of God. Look at so many who God used in the Bible and how often they were standing alone. It is the cost of the call.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Saved But Lonely Part 2
Genesis 3:14-15
New International Version
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
Sin separates us from each other. The enmity here is not only between man and satan, but Jesus and Satan. When we have Jesus in our lives the children of this world will hate you. One of the best reasons a saved person should not marry an unsaved person. It will only lead to heartache and pain. We are not to be unequally yoked. When we sin, it puts a wedge between us and God, but also each other. Look at Cain and Abel. Why do you think it strange when you have your friends that have scattered? It is the way of salvation. It is a narrow lonely road sometimes. We must assemble ourselves together even more so in these last days. You are not an island. You belong to the body and for a body to live we must stay together. It never ceases to amaze me that one could think that putting more distance between them will heal the problem. It doesn’t work with God and it doesn't work in marriage.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Saved But Lonely Part 1
Genesis 2:18
New International Version
18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
God said it is not good for us to be alone. God made us social beings. We need each other for good mental health. Loneliness Kills. When people are alone their thoughts tend to spiral down. Depression can set in. It appeared that Adam had everything that could make a man happy, but he needed eve. Obviously, God cared about man’s loneliness. He met man’s needs and will meet yours. I hate it when somebody says you don’t need a man or a woman in your life. It shows a lack of respecting others' needs. It is cruel. God says you do. Try arguing with God. Let me know how it works out for you. Lol.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Are You In Christ? Part 5
1 John 2:9-11
New International Version
9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
If we hate our brother, sister or spouse who we can see then how can we love God who we can’t see? We are blind to God and who He is. We stumble around in the darkness. Forgiveness is not an option, it is a command. No exceptions. We neither know God nor hear His voice. Hatred and unforgiveness blinds us to the truth.
People are always telling me they want a ministry position. How can a forest ranger be a good ranger if he has no love for a tree. If you don’t love the individual, you don’t love the crowds. Our position of ministry is one of love for the person, not the crowds. Love the one in front of you and start there. Christ always started reaching people through the one. (See woman at the well) Think about it.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Are You In Christ Part 4
1 John 2:3-6
New International Version
Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
Obeying Jesus and His word is not optional to our walk with Him. It is imperative. We must walk as He walked to know Him. If we don’t obey Him, we don’t know Him nor are we walking as He walked always obeying the Father. We must obey Him to have the love of God complete in us and God is love. Listen to what God says if we claim to know God but don’t do what He says we are liars. Liars will not inherit the kingdom of God. Wake up sleeper and walk as Jesus walked.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Are You In Christ? Part 1
John 1:1-5
New International Version
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.
How can we understand the light unless we come into the light. Only a person’s spirit knows what is in a person or his thoughts. We must be in Jesus to know Jesus. We must come into the light. Anything outside the light is darkness and cannot see the light. Can one read the word in the darkness? We must have the light of God in our souls to understand the Word.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Are You In Christ? Part 3
1 John 2:1-2
New International Version
2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Jesus did not come into the world to condemn us, but to forgive us. When you sin you can go back to the cross and He will forgive you. It is when we don’t think we need to back we get ourselves in trouble. If we keep sinning, we lose sight of Him and fall away. Many are deceived and believe they can live in sin and still know Him and His voice.
Pastor Jeff Lane
Are You In Christ? Part 2
1 John 1:5-10
New International Version
Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
If we walk in darkness, how can we know God? Sin is darkness and if we think we don’t sin we are in that darkness and can’t see Him or know Him. Only the blood of Jesus can take away sin. He brings us into the light that we might know Him.
Pastor Jeff Lane
