By Tim Taylor May 26, 2021 - This past weekend I saw members of our church, of which some were public school teachers, interacting about Critical Race Theory.  My job description comes from the Lord Ephesians 4:11-15 where it says, and please note the underlines:

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ."

The goal is the equip each person to serve as a minister.  Now our folks discerned well.  But I have seen many in Christendom who do not know how to discern.  With that in mind, the scripture revealed that the standard is to which we compare ourselves to is Christ.  The challenge is immaturity, changing winds of doctrine, trickery of men along with their deceitful plotting.  My assignment, the believer’s assignment, is to speak the truth in love. 

To equip the believer in Jesus Christ to serve as a minister they must mature.  Hebrews 5:12-14 tells us that the mature believer can discern between good and evil. Discern also means judge.  1 Corinthians 2:14-15 teaches us that the mature, spiritually discerning one does not judge people, as that is the Lord's job, but they do judge things such as words and actions.  How do you decide?  You compare the words and actions you observe to God's word.  

That statement reveals one of the biggest challenges today.  That is ignorance of God's word.  The American Bible Society reported that in 2020 only 9% read their Bible daily.  Barna reported in a report about a decade ago that only 11% have read through their Bible once and recently they reported that only 19% of Christians hold a Biblical worldview.  

Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."

Without the knowledge of God's word, you cannot judge or discern.  You see my opinion means nothing.  God's word, which is the Truth, means everything for that is what will ultimately judge us.  Jesus said in John 12:47-48:

"And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."

Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, "...And there is nothing new under the sun." 

Racism is a relatively new term addressing an ancient problem.  What's the problem?  According to the Bible it is a sin problem. 

​According to secular humanism, which flows hand in glove with the godless Marxist ideology which seeks to exploit this issue, it is a skin problem.    A wikipedia article attributes the first recorded mention of the term in Oxford's Dictionary in 1903.   

Let's start with how racism is defined today.  Dictionary.com says it is "a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others.  

Bottom line, making any decision about any person or people group based upon the color of their skin or ethnicity is wrong.  Typically the moment anyone says, all whites, all blacks or African-Americans, all Asians, all Jews, all Muslims..... fill in the blank.  You are wrong.  Why? Because invariably not all fit the description which turns your statement into a half truth and a half truth mixed with untruth is a lie. The brush you used to paint the situation is to big. The inaccurate statement harms or wrongs the individual that does not fit the description.  They are maligned. That means evil was spoken of them.

Do you need to identify the racist or racism?  Find the one whose speech most frequently refers to color, race or ethnicity in a demeaning or derogatory way.    

The Same Problem Existed in the Early Church

by Tim Taylor, July 8, 2020: There is a precept in war that says you ought to know your enemy.  The principle of objective says it this way.  The objective must be clearly defined.  If it is not, casualties mount and defeat or stalemate is inevitable (see Developing Apostolic Strategy).  The real enemy manifesting through BLM has not been identified by most.  It is actually demons working through people.  In fact, that's part of the strategy of their founders. 

Consider this report by Religion News Service from June 15, 2020 in Black Lives Matter is "a spiritual movement," says co-founder Patrisse Cullors.  The article says and note, I've added my own underlines; 

Excerpt 1:  Abdullah and Cullors touched on the practice of calling out the names of the victims that they advocate for in protests and demonstrations. It's kind of a way to invoke their spirits, Abdullah said.
Uplifting the names of victims goes beyond creating hashtags, Cullors said.
“It is literally almost resurrecting a spirit so they can work through us to get the work that we need to get done,” she said.
By highlighting their names, Cullors said she feels "personally connected and responsible and accountable to them, both from a deeply political place but also from a deeply spiritual place.”
Cullors touched on West African traditions that center on remembering ancestors.

Excerpt 2: 

As part of the ritual, people recited the names of "those taken by state violence before their time — ancestors now being called back to animate their own justice," Farrag wrote.
After each name, Abdullah poured libations on the ground as the group in return chanted "Asé." The Yoruba term is "often used by practitioners of Ifa, a faith and divination system that originated in West Africa," Farrag wrote.
Abdullah on Saturday said it took her almost a year before she realized Black Lives Matter was much more than a racial and social justice movement.
"At its core, it's a spiritual movement," she said.
Cullors said it became clear to her they needed "spiritual protection" ...

Bottomline, this practice invites demons to work through people in the Black Lives Matter organization.  That in and of itself should make things abundantly clear who the real enemy is.  by Tim Taylor, July 6, 2020: 

by Tim Taylor, June 10, 2020:  Or we could call this "Discover Brilliant Solutions by Consulting the Creator of the Universe." The George Floyd case has been hijacked by various organizations and groups using witchcraft, lies, manipulation, and half-truths to play with the emotions of people serves as the context for these thoughts from God's word.  The goal of this article is help us view problems and solutions through a Biblical worldview.  That means God's word is used to frame the issues, not Islam, not Republicans, not Democrats, not any other religion and certainly not the major media of today.  Let us begin with some fundamental truths.

1.  My Personal Opinion Does Not Matter
The only one whose opinion matters is God's truth compared to your opinion.  Why?  Because one day each one of us will stand alone before Him to give an account of our life (Revelation 20:11).  Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37 "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  In John 12:47-48 7 He says, "And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day ."  

Our words will be compared to God's words.  He spoke first!  Therefore, it is up to us to compare our words and actions with His word.  Bottom line, you and I have to judge.  Do we choose to abide by and honor His word?  Or, will we choose to ignore His word. 

2. God is the Creator of the Universe
God knows how everything works.  He is the Creator.  The Bible He gave us is His operator's manual.  It describes how everything works and it describes the consequences for trying to operate life outside its design parameters.  In fact, there are actions which if taken can void the warranty if you know what I mean.  The cool thing is, if you choose to change your mind you, or repent, then you can also reinstate the eternal warranty.  Bottom line, God knows how the world works. He designed it.  Not me nor you!  

By Tim Taylor, May 24, 2020 - Tomorrow, in America, we celebrate Memorial Day.  It is a day we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.  To learn more visit History.com's Memorial Day.  Its origin dates all the way back to the Civil War.  According to PBS over 303,000 were buried in national cemeteries.  One the major reasons for this war was to "set the captives free."  

As I contemplated this morning the Lord spoke to me about our, the Christian's, Memorial Day.  Did you know that heaven watches for your Memorial Day?  I'll explain but first let's celebrate this Memorial Day by remembering. 

1 Peter 2:17 says, "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."  It is right that we remember the sacrifices of those who defend our freedom.  I saw a meme a few years ago that said this.  "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.  Jesus Christ and the American fighting soldier.  One died for your soul and the other died for your freedom."  

So, to all of our veterans who've lost members of their unit who were like family, and to the families of all those who've lost loved ones we thank you for your sacrifice.  Many of us in this nation are still truly very grateful.  It is my sincerest prayer and hope that the generation that follows will correct the mis-steps of our nation in recent decades and once again return this nation to God so that it fulfills its role and uses its freedom and liberty to serve as a beacon of hope and that the Church in this nation would use their liberty to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Heaven Watches for Your Memorial Day

By Tim Taylor, May 21, 2020 - As I was praying and contemplating this pandemic and considering the fear that has gripped most of the Church I heard, 1 Samuel 17:26...For who is this uncircumcised Philistine....  That's what David said of Goliath who's threats had paralyzed all of Israel with fear. 

Immediately, I heard it not as a question but rather a statement.  WHO, is this uncircumcised Philistine!

W.H.O. the World Health Organization's role in this current pandemic came to mind. At the start, they became the voice of this pandemic. There are people who are using WHO just like the Philistines used Goliath to incite fear so they could control Israel.  This virus is an instrument of fear being used just like the descendent of the Nephilim, Goliath, was being used by the Philistine government.  It's about using fear to control a population.

But this situation turned out to be the very scenario which set the stage for the real king to come forth.  The one who had the heart of our heavenly Father and whose heart God had.  I think the stage has been set for a people to emerge who carry the heart of the Father just like King David did.  We are about to see the army of the Lord emerge in great power.  It reminds of Joel 2:2-3 which says: 

A people come, great and strong,
The like of whom has never been;
Nor will there ever be any such after them,
Even for many successive generations.
A fire devours before them,
And behind them a flame burns;

That fire is the love of God.  It's the fire that purfies the hearts of men and sanctifies their motives.  It's like the fire that fell on Pentecost in Acts 2.  There is a people coming forth like whom the world has never seen.  

I learned in the Navy War College why armies exist.  They exist to project power to enforce the will of the government they represent.  Jesus taught us to pray, Lord, let your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. This army, the Lord' army will burn with a passion for His presence and will be captured by God's love for the lost. 

The enemy of our souls, Satan, has captured the minds of many through a false governmental philosophy which has sought to use this giant pandemic to advance their cause through the use of hyper-fear. Ultimately, their goal is control. They can only fulfill that desire if God's people are either destroyed or paralyzed with fear just like the nation of Israel was when Goliath stood unopposed by a David. 

Lord, where is the Davidic Generation? 
How should we respond?  I submit just like David did.  He starts with question in 1 Samuel 17:26, "Is there not a cause?"  David was referring to the word, the history of what God had spoken.  He took the word and then he acted by meeting the threat head on with the word, his words, saying "your servant has killed both the lion and this bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God."  David went on to describe how God would deliver him.  Then David put his faith into action and ran and met the threat. 

Dealing with this threat requires the truth be proclaimed followed by actions based on the love of God and informed by His wisdom.  David sets the example illustrating that defeating the Goliath of his day began by proclaiming the truth.  So that is where we will start. 

By Apostle Charlene Allen, Wisdom MInistries International, May 8, 2020 - Charlene was on our Call to Pray for our Nation yesterday when we first heard of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.  As she was prayed an anointing came upon her and I asked her if she'd write something for us to inspire and challenge the Church to pray and act.  She poured out her heart through her pen saying:

How memories, for some, are realities for others…

Some remember how America fought for Independence while others live with the realities of their struggles for independence.

Some remember how America had a Civil War while others live with the realities of their struggles in a civil war.

Some remember how America fought for Segregation while others live with the realities of their struggles with segregation.

The dogs biting at the feet of one running from a slave owner or a water hose sprayed on a child sitting on a curb outside a store with a sign that read “For Whites Only” has been replaced by bullets tearing the heart out of youth or “responsible citizens” beating a boy for riding a bike or running a marathon because the upright citizen was protecting their neighborhood from a “thief”.

The thought that one mother can be proud of her son buying a new care because he worked and earned it brings fear to another mother whose son buys a new car because he will be stopped for being in a stolen vehicle or “popped” because there is no way this vehicle could ever belong to someone who looks like you.

Why does skin tone or gender determine the worth of a child?

Why does the color of skin automatically place a person in a political party or economic class?

How can a rip in one child’s jeans mean poverty, while for another child, a rip means wealth and prestige?

Why must a mother of one son fear her child riding across America alone while another mother’s son can be excited about the adventure he will have?

By Dr. John Roddam of Pleroma International May 7, 2020 - ​  John has been a great friend for more than 18 years.  I wanted to share this great article.  If you'd like to contact my friend visit his ministry Pleroma International by clicking here. 

​I have never heard a sermon on Humility. This is a Biblical topic that is little understood and even less practiced. In a culture of “rights and privileges” the idea of humility runs counter to the broader community and within much of the Church. The newly-elected Pope (Francis 1), known for his humility, is quietly causing a significant upheaval in the Vatican.
 
Why is humility, one of the main character traits of Jesus Christ, such a revolutionary concept? The self-emptying, intrinsic to humility is core to the Kingdom of God – living into the reign of Jesus as Lord of our lives! We are called to become like Jesus –
 
He who says he abides in Him (Jesus) ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:6 NKJV)
 
Jesus encourages His followers to:
 
… learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart… (Matthew 11: 29)
 
Jesus reflected humility in his life and ministry –
 
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8)
 
Jesus gave up certain rights, privileges, and divine characteristics in order to “be found in appearance as a man.” This self-emptying is an expression of humbling oneself. Jesus further humbled Himself and took the place of a servant, stating:

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 says (emphasis mine), "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

The Greek word translated "war" means to "execute the apostolate."  Apostolate literally means the "office of apostle."  The word translated "warfare" comes from the Greek word that means "apostolic career."  The word translated "thought" is the same word used in 2 Corinthians 2:11 which says, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." 

The word translated devices, means a perception, or the intellect, or a device, mind, or thought.  Now that.... is revealing! 

The real warfare begins in our mind and in our thoughts.  Second, Satan's goal is to trip up our thinking. He does this by setting traps in our thoughts and minds and God gave us the apostolic gift specifically, to help with our strategic thinking.  Satan's goal is to blow up God's plans in people's lives while Jesus calls us to follow Him and Jesus' purpose is to destroy th works of the enemy (1 John 3:8). 

Satan's devices are like the IED's (improvised explosive devices) used by Islamic terrorists to kill, maim and destroy using great violence or the threat of violence to intimidate and manipulate a people to comply with their wishes.  Unbridled fear is a very useful tool for the devil and his children.

Paul's admonition in 2 Timothy 1:7 gives insight into how to guard against unbridled fear.  He says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  God did not give us a "spirit of fear."  But He has given us love perfect love which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).  He's also given us power and the ability and the choice, to develop a disciplined thought life.  When we do that we can pull down strongholds, arguments and every proud that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.