the watcher

 Philippians 3:21  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. A very partinent question for anyone who thinks about eternity, what are we going to be like? Like the angels, ghost like, what exactly? The answer to that question is answered and seen in Christ Himself: Matthew 28:7,9-10 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” Luke 24:31,36,39,42-43 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing

Philippians 3:14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. The believer's focus should be on finishing the race,  there should be no going back. Definitely our time moves forward so also should our faith walk. Forgetting or letting go of the past we move forward towards the accomplishment of the purpose. Paul explains that in moving forward we do not let go of the progress we have made, NO, we rather improve on it. Peter teaches:  2 Peter 3:18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. For we do not think that we have finished the race till we actually finish it. This ignorance is what makes some to begin to act out strange pride, thus leave the humility of the faith to display that which is not of the Lord. Paul says NO, yes I may have achieved so much but I keep in line I know it is not over until it is over. Phi

Philippians 3:3-4,7-8 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ We do not get tired of teaching this truth - "Put no confidence in the flesh!". For we cannot save ourselves, see, really we cannot attain by ourselves, it is a "spiritual something", there is salvation in no other but in Christ Jesus, the Heavenly Father has already done it, you cannot add or remove from it, it is a finishe

Philippians 2:26-27,30 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away. There has been the question, does the believer face ailments? Can a believer be sick? Let us look at this, for it is crucial. There is a grace for health. The believer is promised healing from the Lord: 1Peter 2:24  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Is there a need for healing for the believer, yes, thus it implies that the believer could be ill. Listen: 1 Corinthians 12:7,9 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. The same Spirit gives g

Philippians 2:21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:21  For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. Even from the first generation of believers it has been there, the self seeking lot, whose heart is not really with Christ but for themselves. Paul commended Timothy: Philippians 2:20,22 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. If we do an appraisal of our lives and activities as believers, what do we find? Do we find a heart that is faithful and committed to Christ, or do we find a self seeking heart? Ministers, clergy and Laity alike, who really has their heart dedicated to the Lord, there are so many who wear the collar but their recognition does not surpass men, the heaven does not recognize them. It doesn't matter the denomination or sect. So

Philippians 2:12-13,15 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. The Lord brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light 1Peter 2:9, thus you hear Christ say: Matthew 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Believers do not practice "eyeservice" this word is actually used in scripture - Ephesians 6:6. It is for secular work where the servant only works when the master is around. Some do not do the

Philippians 2:5,8-9 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, Many believers live with that hope of eternal glory that we will enjoy dominion with Christ through eternity. There is a price. Just as we learn from Christ Jesus, He humbled Himself in obedience and then obtained. Paul teaches that we should be like Christ. Philippians 2:7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human form,  When I look at some supposed Christian leaders today I wonder whose example they follow. That mad rush for accumulation of wealth, power and relevance is a total contrast to what Christ sent us out for. I wonder, whom really they serve. Help us Good Lord. There is nothing wrong in having earthly wealth, but when it repl

Philippians 1:27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Well, the heaven consciousness expected in believers have become hazy to some because they are too busy with another kingdom - the kingdom of this world! We understand that the kingdom of these world was actually given to man (at his creation), however the same way Esau sold off his birthright for a plate of porridge, man sold off his dominion for the desire for what looks nice to the eyes, good to eat and could make one wise, AN ILLUSION! How many still fall for this today? When Christ came this was His message: Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Man was to be restored to

Philippians 1:12-14 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Glory to God. This is the testimony of the believer, for the persecutions and trials yet work out God's great purpose. Paul was in prison, it was as if they had succeeded in caging him, oh they assumed they had silenced the message but no: Philippians 1:12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. They helped him spread the good news. Philippians 1:13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. He became a living testimony that all in the place of power knew about

Philippians 1:6,9-11 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. The Christian walk is a lifelong one, it doesn't have breaks, or holidays or retirement, it is the life itself. Ephesians 5:15-17 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. It is not an "off and on" switch, you stay faithful because

Philemon 1:18-20,25 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. i, paul, write this with my own hand: i will repay it. and i won’t mention that you owe me your very soul! Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Forgiveness and the grace for another opportunity is one good nature of the good leader. That great aura that transforms the life of those that encounter us, Jesus had that type of effect on those who came His way. Yes, there are those who have been hardened especially those who feel they know, or dog bent on religion, they encounter - but are not transformed: John 9:38-41 “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and a

Philemon 1:4-7 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. The true Christian leader is like the true shepherd Christ always talked about. Yes, we have one True Shepherd who is Christ Himself, He yet has: Ephesians 4:11-13 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and

Titus 3:14  And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. The children of God's kingdom are known to do good, yes it is our nature. Every teaching points to that very fact and why is it so? Matthew 5:45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. It is because we are like our Heavenly Father. Who takes the glory? Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. We must understand that all that God made was by default good, for those that want to argue this? Genesis 1:31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day. Li

Titus 3:5-8 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. This is the part religious folks and self righteous people don't want to hear. However when something is finished, it is, you canNot do anything for it or about it. John 19:30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. The work of salvation was finished by Christ Jesus, you cannot do anything about it. It is either you receive it or you reject it. Simple. Where the religious

Titus 2:1-7 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Read through the seven verses again. When we look at the present day believers, do we see the reflection of the true gospel, is

Titus 1:7-9 An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. Some say that the teachings of scriptures are time specific, that it only applied to that period and should not be applied to the present time: they are not correct! Jesus said: Matthew 11:21  Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. The Lord kept comparing His time with centuries and millennials before His

Titus 1:1-3 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. The sender, the deliverer and the message. The Sender is the Heavenly Father, the deliverer are those who He has saved and called and the message is eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ wh

Acts 28:25-28 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet, ‘Go and say to this people:  When you hear what I say, you will not understand.  When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand,  and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.” For no one is forced to believe anything, No. Listen, why should you account for what you are not involved in. It is abnormal to kill another because they do not follow one believe or another, No, it is their choice. However, the power of choice which gives man liberty is also the same power that could de

Acts 28:14-16 There we found some believers, who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God. When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier. They finally arrived at Rome, notwithstanding the troubles on the way. Paul was still a prisoner, but he had his own lodging and a soldier at his guard. He was under arrest yet he was working. He was using the situation. Remember, your persecution as a believer is not pointless, the Lord will yet use it for good: Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. It was during these periods he wrote the great letters we have today as scriptures. What do we do

Acts 28:3-6,9 As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god. Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. There are some who say, I do not care what people say about me, it doesn't matter, I can do what I like and ignore the representation. Wait a minute, it does matter, we do not represent ourselves - we represent Christ. Hebrews 11:39  And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 1Timothy 3:7  Moreover he must have a good report of t

Acts 27:29-36 At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight. Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away. Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat— You will not understand fear until you actually face it. I have not been on open waters for more than two hours, yet I had the fee