Category: Evangelical Christian

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father but through Me.”

Is Jesus a liar, lunatic or Lord? (You must answer this question to press on!)

SHUT EYES

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SHUT EYES

By Rick Mathes

It is because we shut our eyes that we become so sadly blind. I once questioned a donor about his Lutheran faith. I asked him, “What do you as a Lutheran believe? What is your doctrine?” He responded, “I believe what our church believes.” I pressed further, “What does your church believe?” He fired back, “They believe what I believe.” I insisted, “What do you both believe?” He answered, “The same thing!”  This is called circular reasoning as opposed to objectivism. It is a perfect example of “shut eyes.” There can only be one 12 inch ruler. It can’t be 11 inches for the carpenter and 10 inches for the mason and 13 inches for the electrician. This would be chaos.

I was born with two questions in my mind that have hounded me to this very minute. What is truth” and Why? I need to know the root cause and effect and this pursuit has been an exciting adventure I have no regret of continuing. All my thinking is proceeded with these two questions and they have got me in a lot of trouble over the years.

So I seek the greater truths and I chase down the “Why?” to it source. It has and continues to challenge my world view and provide an apologetic for my faith. What is greater than man personified in Christ, the God-man or Son of God?

There are greater truths in His Word:

  • Greater depths of experience
  • Greater heights of fellowship
  • Greater works of usefulness
  • Greater discoveries of power
  • Greater expressions of love
  • Greater levels of wisdom

Remember my question, “What is truth?” He makes the answer crystal clear when He announced “I AM the way, the truth and the life.” My follow up question “Why” is answered:

  • We see Him in His truth without shadow and deception in His Word.
  • We bask in His unbelievable love of sinners so much so as to wash dirty feet.
  • We reach to His level of excellence to realize our level of mediocrity.
  • We drop to our knees and give all submission to His Sovereignty

So here we are, back at the beginning. Shut eyes won’t help so take a good look at reality and turn your eyes upward to His guidance, not downward to spiritual blindness..

SAY WHAT?

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SAY WHAT?

By Rick Mathes

Have you ever noticed that you are watching people who are watching people watch people? It’s a fun game to play as you size them up by looks, occupation and temperament. Well, there are roughly four categories to choose from: manlike, beastlike, Satanlike and Christlike. Learn to spot these personalities and you will have a leg-up on communicating with them.

Manlike: This is the “good neighbor” guy that is always falling over backwards to be accepted. This is what I call the good-for-good deeds and he’s a great guy to know: good for good.

Next is the Beastlike character. He is the one that always replies in kind. If you slug him, he will strike a blow back. You stab him and he will shoot you: bad for bad. This is normal in the animal kingdom but civilized people should know better to show restraint but instead we exercise retribution. God said, “Vengeance is mine” and He meant it!

Satanlike is the nastiest personality of all: bad for good. I shudder when I reflect on all the good people I hurt and trampled with no regard for the pain I caused. The devil delights in having you  damage those who love you so when you return love with hate, or bad for good you are in the image and likeness of Father Lucifer himself.

Now is good for good is manlike and bad for bad is beastlike and bad for good is Satanlike, what is Christlike?

That’s right! Good for bad. Jesus called us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek and wash dirty feet. When others get to know us do they get to know the peace and love of our Savior? We may be the only gospel that they will ever encounter. They will know us by our love. We are certainly called to protect our Lord, family and church from the evil one, including war against deadly force but in all other cases we are to return bad with good. Say what? You got to be kidding me.

THE HAMMER

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Guest Column

By Dr. D. James Kennedy

As early as the seventh century, Muslim forces led campaigns to spread Islam across the Middle East. At one time the Islamic Empire eclipsed that of the Roman Empire. However, attempts by Muslim forces to push their way into Christian Europe were stymied by the famous 732 a.d. Battle of Tours in France. Charles Martel, popularly known as “Charles the Hammer,” led this battle against the Muslim armies and is largely credited for preventing Europe from succumbing to Islam’s control.

Today, militant Islamists are back and willing to lay down their lives to destroy both Europe and America. The President of Iran has promised that, “The wave of the Islamic revolution will soon reach the entire world.

Now is not the time to cut and run. Now is not the time for retreat. We need patriots and Christians like “Charles the Hammer,” to rise up and oppose those who would destroy this country.

Rick Mathes, minister of Mission Gate Prison Ministry in Missouri is a real Christian patriot standing up for the truth. Several years ago Mathes participated in a training session in which Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim clerics explained their respective beliefs to inmates.

Afterwards, during a question and answer period, Mathes asked the Muslim Imam this questions: “I understand that most Imams and clerics of the Islamic faith have declared a holy jihad (this is a holy war) against the infidels of the world and that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured a place in heaven. If that’s the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel? As Mathes recounts, the Imam answered immediately: “A non-believer.”

“So let me make sure I have this straight,” Mathes said. “All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith, so that they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?” the Imam sheepishly answered, “Yes.”

Mathes, not surprisingly, told the Imam he had a problem with being his friend when he, his  fellow  clerics and followers, wanted to kill him.

“Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to Heaven, or my Jesus, who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven, and He wants you to be there with me?”

Mathes asked. The Imam offered no answer.

There needs to be more champions like Mathes who are willing to stand against those who spread deceptive teachings. I believe such patriots exist. I also believe that America is not going to cut and run. I believe that we are going to take our stand and defeat the plans of the unrighteous. The future of our nation depends on it.

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Press ON!

Rick Mathes

www.MissionGateMinistry.org

www.RickMathes.org

 

REMEMBER HIM

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REMEMBER HIM

By Rick Mathes

He broke the bread, lifted up the wine and asked His best friends to remember Him. Are you kidding me? How could we possibly do otherwise? Of course, we will remember Him! He is our only salvation form the flaming furnace of Hell and He is the only Life we will ever have because of Him. Oh precious Jesus, how we love and remember you!

When you consider Christ in the Word, to really understand the message there are a few things I would suggest. First, consider who is saying it to whom: not everything in the Word is directed to you and I. Next, ask yourself, “How did their Jewish minds understand this” and lastly, “What is this saying to me.” We need to get into His head and develop the “mind of Christ.”

Jesus had feeling well tuned to ours. When we hurt, He hurt. This is an empathy for others that would do us well to emulate. How do you feel, often greatly influences your actions. For example: when He looked to Jerusalem, He wept. Descriptions of Him that have lasted over the years sate that He was often sad and not seen to laugh or launch in to merriment.

For sure, blessed is every Word that comes from His breath. When I first became a Christian the only words I wanted to read were His. In my Bible they were in read so I was lovingly referred to as a “red letter theologian.” If you read just His words at the speed you are reading these, it only takes three hours to read them all. Consider, I can give you a “knock-dead sermon” and two days later you are looking for the next quick fix of the Holy Spirit. Jesus preached for 3 hours and over two thousand years later we are astonished at His Words!

How can we forget He gave sight to the blind, legs to the cripple, eyes to the blind, life to the dad. His miracles are unforgettable. The greatest reason to remember Him, more than the miracles is His intersession for us.

Can you get your mind around Him interceding for us to the Father? I can imagine it where Jesus approaches the Father and says:

“Daddy, look at my wounds. I allowed them for Rick’s atonement. See the scars on my head and back. They were received in excruciating pain as a punishment for his sins. Don’t miss the sword that pierced my very own heart so that I might die and he might live. Daddy will you let Rick in?”

“Of course, my Son.”

REAL DEAL

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REAL DEAL

By Rick Mathes

A real Christian feels he can never think enough about Jesus. Obsessive, compulsive disorder? Maybe, but that will do it is a genuine response to His effectual calling. There are two unshakable pillars of faith that must precede a conclusion on this issue: 1. A deep conviction of sin and 2. A lively faith in Jesus Christ. In either case there is an awakening trek to holiness.

Let’s take a quick survey of the attributes of the real deal:

  • He is born of God
  • He has faith in Christ
  • The mark of His new birth is holiness
  • He is spiritually minded
  • He claims and has victory over Satan’s world
  • He is meek but not weak
  • He delights in all the blessings of grace
  • He has a new love toward others

What is a natural man in comparison? He is a wretched slave to the opinion of the world.

Back to your examination of yourself: let me challenge you with this question, “Do you want holiness more than drugs, sex or alcohol?” If not, you’re going to take a fall.

You thoughts should be focused on spiritual matters as they once lingered on skin magazines, mentally undressing women, using drugs and alcohol.

A real Christian is not a loser anymore. He stands against the evils of Satan’s kingdom because He has certainly in God’s word that we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus our King of Kings.

Don’t mistake meek for weak when it is really controlled strength that is most effective in loving your enemy. The love of Jesus wins all wars and those that a born again thrill at the new vitality then’ve been empowered with to press on!

PREACHERMAN

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PREACHERMAN

By Rick Mathes

The gates of hell have unleashed counterfeit preachers that have graduated from our finest seminaries. They have gravitated to an estimated seven out of ten pulpits, from small country churches to large mega-churches where thousands are lied to. No lies of commission, commission or permission. A mass of our earth’s population will be destroyed by the conflagration of flames St. Peter has prophesied.

How can we know the minister we learn from speaks fresh from the throne of Jesus? What test can we put them to so as to be certain we are being taught by God? We will never know until our Lord returns but I do have a few guidelines that I go by.

My minister must have holiness of character. Even a minister occasionally worldly is an indication that his integrity is soiled and what you get may be what you see. Any minister that winks at sin does not hate sin and thus does not love the Savior. Look closely for Christ-likeness!

He must have a high degree of spiritual life in his family as well as in darkness it is in light. I would be suspect if he is inclined to abuse any of the seven deadly sins or violate the Ten Commandments. I know we’re all human but this minister of yours cannot just be called he must be chosen to be the Lord’s ambassador. When you get to know your minister do you get to know Jesus? If not, tread carefully.

He must live out the faith he professes. If he doesn’t walk is he should be restrained from talking it. I would rather see the sermon than hear it. His true self should mirror Christ with his most earnest effort. We are able not to sin and he should be the highest example for you to emulate.

Now I’m not trying to make your minister some kind of super human being. I just expect that he should be fully committed to Christ in the simplicity of his heart. Look deeply into his soul and discern if he has complete surrender to God. He must example what he preached and encourage how to rise to our Lord expectation of your fleshly levels of mediocrity.

To be holy we must be wholly God’s and our minister must lead the way.

POWER OR PROVISION

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POWER OR PROVISON

By Rick Mathes

It is very heartbreaking to see the sheep fooled and they destroyed so subtly by the ravenous wolves of the faith, speak it into existence charismatic movement. The greatest proponents of this works driven nonsense begin with Kenneth Hagen and now Joel Olsteen. Both are agents and work for Satan.

The ways of deceit are so subtle but the red flags are all around.

The most likely to be taken in by these snake-oil salesmen are those that are attracted to them because of the crowd they draw. That’s no surprise because the road to hell is a wide one. They are looking for the supernatural excitement of the original signs and wonders that faded out with Apostle John’s death. Drug users are very attracted to the music, lights, and often stage productions and laser shows before the star preacher (poacher) shows up!

To a man they are seeking earthly, materialistic benefits. God is just a great big jolly Santa Claus waiting for their requests, so eager to please them. The more they are blessed the more indifferent they become to true and holy worship. Chattering in tongues, gyrating in seizures, falling in the spirit and even holy clucking replaces prostration at the feet of a Holy God.

They all seek personal prosperity and that is the weak like in man that Satan seizes upon. Their relationship to God is measured by their limos mansions, jewelry and bank accounts. Everything on the outside but hollow and empty on the inside. All they are consumed with is, “What can God do for me,” instead of, “What can I do for God.” They are selfish instead of selfless.

Do you feel fulfilled in God? When you confess Jesus AS Lord, you have made your last selfish statement. Everything is Christ only to true believers.

Please make a special note: Satan is an expert at counterfeiting feelings. I almost wish I were Dr. Spock: pure logic. Feelings lie to you. Loving Jesus is not a feeling necessarily, but rather a decision. Feelings frequently follow but don’t trust them. There are a legion of demons all over America that make us promises and make us feel good for a season. But eventually the truth will prevail!

OUR FIRST BUSINESS

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OUR FIRST BUSINESS

By Rick Mathes

Once you look to heaven for your employment, the world under your feet experience a metamorphosis of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, black and white to vivid color, blindness to sight, nothing is ever the same again. You are now under new management and the author of your “owner’s manual” will remind you when maintenance is necessary.

Your full-time employment is to make His business your business in every sense of the word. Now you may have to drive a bus or flip hamburgers or perform delicate surgery or stand before a judge to plead a case to afford your full-time job, so be it. Rise to His level of excellence in all you do for income but don’t fall to your level of mediocrity or wore yet abysmal failure.

Do His work and His blessings will immerse you in a world of miracles, love and grace like you have never experienced before. Exchange all you are for all He is and your words will become His. Out of the well of the Holy Spirit living rivers of life will flow. You will truly become a fountain of life for all who will step into the deep end of the pool with you. Faith is truly amazing when it is exercised where a leap would not do.

The only remnant of our “business life” down here is to take our best developed character and integrity up there so to speak. Man is a trinity: mind, heart and soul. When we carry out His will and not our own, this is welcomed baggage on that one-way journey home.

If all heaven is but absorbing His love, that’s all it needs to be to satisfy me forever. The employment for Him new is to n His love before an evil and unloving would which close up might begin right in our own families.

WE know that the wages of sin is death but uppermost to the wages of His righteousness is eternity with Him! He promised that He went before us to prepare our “retirement mansion” and He meant it. What a joy it is to do His will on earth as it is in heaven. Try it, you will like it!

OFF MY CHEST

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OFF MY CHEST

By Rick Mathes

There are many issues I would like to expound on and they have all piled up on me so I am just going to unload the “whole bale” on you and invite you to agree with me or throw rocks but at least have some thought and an opinion. For me and my purposes I precede all I say with this question and you might do well to do likewise: Does it exalt Jesus Christ?

There cannot be a divided Christ. There is one faith, one baptism and one Body. Any cleric or group that teaches otherwise is an agent for Father Lucifer.

The Epistles do not advise they command. God so loved the world that He didn’t send a committee! When the Word speaks to you it only expect one answer, “Yes sir!” We are not to arm-wrestle with the Holy Spirit.

Carnal Christians till have the seed of salvation in them. They just don’t know that they know. So teach them and don’t give up.

You have been forgiven so act like it! If you don’t walk your talk then don’t tell anyone that you are a Christian and shame those of us who are elect. Just shut up.

On our own, we would never choose Jesus to be our Savior and repent of our sins. Be blessed that He chose you before the beginning of time before you became an obvious low-life sinner.

The Word of God is His breath, indestructible, eternal, uncompromising, authorative and forever awesome, inerrant and immutable. There is nothing in all of creation comparable.

His almighty Word and power has leaped down from heaven much to the Devi’s dismay.

God’s holy Word is both our terror and our only hope. Mark Twain said that it wasn’t what he didn’t know about in the Bible that worried him it was he did know that made him tremble.

Everything, from God’s perspective is recent, temporal and transient until He returns in glory. Imagine if you can, heaven forever.

Luther sowed, Westley watered and Edwards reaped. The best is yet to come so put on your seat belt and prepare yourself for the ride of your life; an experience you won’t soon forget.

Above all: take heed lest you fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NASB77) 12  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

P.S. Thanks for letting me get these issues into ink before I explode!

 

 

NO ESCAPE

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NO ESCAPE

By Rick Mathes

We are in a revolt against God: as a nation, as a civilization, as a church and personally. We are warring against heaven itself. Satan is our Lord because we are obeying him. Scary isn’t it? But it is the truth. We have been in rebellion with God since we left Eden and there is no sign that we will be letting up.

Think about it. Man has renounced Divine Lordship. Even professing ministers hare rejecting the light of God’s Word and being consumer friendly with large music productions and stage shows instead of a solid sermon from God’s Word. This is a complete rejection of the purpose of the Holy Spirit to bring to our remembrance God’s Words and guide us through the deep knowledge of who Jesus is and what He did: the words and works of our Savior.

Church after church has turned a blind eye to adultery, active homosexuality, incest, child molesting and all responsibility to account for the sheep before the throne of God. The revenue of offerings cannot be disturbed because the costs go on for salaries and overhead expenses that must be met, no matter what. We must keep our doors open to everyone! A practical of choice made is to actually avoid messages that mention death, sin, or hell. You will never hear the words “believe and obey” ring from the pulpit of a church for fear of losing tithing membership! The church has totally ignored man’s last condition before the throne of judgment. We can’t be judgmental can we?

Why has Christianity degenerated to a helpless pool of wimps?

The answer is the unsaid escape plan man has of 3 ways to avoid God’s wrath. His first thought and probably yours is you won’t get caught. Somehow your plans to escape the detection of your sin will succeed to allow you to continue to sin freely undetected. You next consideration is that you can escape the jurisdiction of the sin by making life changes of where you live and the people you associate with. If that don’t work you will have to fall on the errors of our legal system and depend on your attorney to find a loophole in the system that lets you beat the charges. But when all this fails your only recourse is to escape!

The formidable difficulty is that none of this will get by the Paraclete and there in no escape from hell but for you to repent right now, this very moment!

The time will come when it will be too late. You must settle out of court of face the consequences, there is no escaping the truth.