Recently I was remembering a song by Glenn Campbell called, "like a rhinestone cowboy."  As I reflected on it and its lyrics I thought about the book of Ecclesiastes.

9      That which has been is that which will be, 
         And that which has been done is that which will be done. 
         So there is nothing new under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 NASB

The rat race has always been since sin came into the world.  What is saddening is people want to escape the rat race after they have done everything they can to succeed in it.  But, as a Christian we are called to get out of it and leave it alone.  So, how do we do this?  Watch and discover how.

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When sin entered the world it changed the very nature of mankind.  Instead of looking too and enjoying the presence of GOD our CREATOR we began to seek our own lusts.  Over the millennia this nature has devolved into more and more evil.  Looking at the world around us it becomes evident we are in need of greater grace.  We must always be on guard, especially now, against the flesh and desires of our own hearts...it leads only to destruction.

This is an urgent plea for us to be on guard and to mourn; to be prepared for what may lie ahead in the very near future.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.

Be dressed in readiness!  let him who has ears let him hear.

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As I was praying and thinking about the next episode something traumatic happened at a political rally.  After taking some time to just think about what had happened it became apparant what topic I should discuss.

GOD'S Word tells us one of the main signs of the last days, before the coming of the LORD JESUS, will be a massive increase in lawlessness - things will continually go from bad to worse.  But, what does that mean, when these things begin to take place, for the Christian.

This episode we examine what it will look like, what to expect and how we (as Christians) should live in those times.

I pray this episode will be used of GOD to help strengthen you and have you walk in love and faith.  Above all may GOD the FATHER be glorified, through the LORD JESUS CHRIST by the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT.  Amen.

18      “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 
19      “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 
20      “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 
21      “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 

(John 15:18–21 NASB)


1      “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. 
2      “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. 
3      “These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. 
4      “But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. 

(John 16:1–4 NASB)

**use of video or sound from United In Christ Jesus (UCJ) is permitted on by approval of UCJ.**

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Prior to attending church today I still had not firmly fixed on the topic for the podcast.  During church we were having communion and then it came to me.

Communion is all about the incarnation, death burial, resurrection and return of CHRIST JESUS.  We, in Scripture, are told to be on the alert and dressed in readiness for the return of our KING.  Then it struck me so very clearly - we don't know when we are going to give an account.  Are we ready?

This episode I look back at three people GOD brought in my life.  Two of which I know have already passed away and I feel fairly certain the other person has as well (though I do not know for certain).  These three people all had something in common though they are different ages. 

Above and before we get to them there is one message I MUST share with you!  It is of the most urgency that I share it with you.  Please please please watch and listen!  Please!

1      Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 
2      by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 
3      For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 
4      and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 
5      and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 

(1 Corinthians 15:1–5. NASB)

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There is a quote from a Pastor Allen Jackson that has stuck with me ever since I heard it.  He says, "If you're going to have strength you should expect a little resistance."  Many who profess to be Christian think our life should be one of smooth sailing.  We should not expect much in the way of persecution for our following of CHRIST.  But what we find out ids the Christian life, if it is in pursuit of following CHRIST, will result in challenges often to difficult for us to handle on our own.

5      “If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, 
         Then how can you compete with horses? 
         If you fall down in a land of peace, 
         How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? 
6      “For even your brothers and the household of your father, 
         Even they have dealt treacherously with you, 
         Even they have cried aloud after you. 
         Do not believe them, although they may say nice things to you.”

(Jeremiah 12:5–6 NASB)

If we desire to follow CHRIST in a holy manner we must expect to have gradually more and more difficulties.  Join in and find out why and how we meet these challenges.

Grace and peace.

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Have you ever heard, "GOD is for you."?  Have you ever though about the meaning of that statement?  Who is GOD really for?

Join us on this episode as we delve into the truth that GOD is for GOD.    

11      On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 
12      The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year. 
13      Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” 
14      He said, “No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” 
15      The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. 
(Joshua 5:11–15 NASB)

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The title of this episode comes from a quote I heard from Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church ( https://wochurch.org/ ).  I was listening to one of his sermons when he mentioned how the church, in his opinion, has not done a good job of preparing us for desperation.  The statement has been with me ever since.

Christianity in much of the world, more and more of it each day, is being looked down upon with hostility toward it growing.  Most Christians in the world know and accept this treatment particularly because they are following in the steps of the LORD JESUS, who HIMSELF was treated with contempt and hostility.  Most Christians do not have the freedoms that the western church, epically those in the United States, have and enjoy.  Because they have "skin" in the game the blood of JESUS is so much more precious.  Sadly that means we who live in the western church and especially the United States have become apathetic towards the idea of suffering or being desperate for the grace of GOD to sustain and carry them.  We have indeed turned our backs on GOD and HIS SON JESUS.

This episode we take a hard look at being desperate to be with and in the presence of JESUS CHRIST the LORD.  Are you seeking the freedom that awaits on the other side of this life with JESUS?  Are you desperate to run this race following in the steps of CHRIST?  Are you prepared/made a firm decision to follow CHRIST regardless of the circumstance?  With all my being....you should!  Are you the unbeliever desperate to flee from the wrath to come and be with and in the arms of your Great GOD and Savior JESUS?  Then watch and listen to find out how.

 The Scriptures that are mainly used for this episode are:  John 16:33, Romans 5:1-9, 1 Peter 4:12-19, 1 Peter 5: 8-11


    12      Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 
          13      but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 
          14      If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 
          15      Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 
          16      but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 
(1 Peter 4:12–16)

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.  Amen.

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One of the most common misconceptions about being a devoted faithful follower of CHRIST JESUS the LORD is we are always full of gloom and doom...there is no joy or fun in our lives.  It is either that or those who do have "fun" are having fun according to the world standards.  Sadly, there are way to many "Christians" who engage in that behavior.  The world simply says, "your one of us".  How horrible!

The title of this episode comes from a quote made by Pastor David Gallamore of Rock Springs Baptist Church ( https://rockspringsbaptist.com/ )  Ever since I heard him say it from the pulpit that statement has been with me.  Why, because it is so very true.  Truly in this world we are going to be persecuted (if you desire to live godly) and have tribulation.  But for those who truly follow CHRIST JESUS our eyes are on HIM and in HIM we have joy!

Indeed, there is fun in the Christian life!  Want to know the secret (it shouldn't be one though)?  Take time to watch (listen if your on a podcast platform). and find out.

As always, if you have questions, comments or have a topic which you would like discussed be send me a message.  I cant promise we will address it, but it will be looked over and prayed over.

The main Scriptures used in this podcast are:
Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 1:4-8, 1 John 1:1-4, Ephesians 5:15-21

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We are kicking off our seventh season of "That They May All Be One" and it is an exciting time for us!  This season the LORD has placed on my heart eighteen episodes covering a wide variety of topics and issues.  We are also for the first time going to be doing one to two short videos each week bringing even more current content!  This season is a return to the very first Scripture the LORD placed on my heart many years ago - Jeremiah 1:7, "everywhere I send you you shall go and all that I command you you shall speak."  Every topic is one the LORD has placed upon my heart and I know it is important for believers and the church.  Amen.  Lastly, this season is special as it is the first time the LORD has granted for me to have a completely separate office devoted to CHRIST, this ministry, study and prayer.  Praise be to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for entrusting this gift. I know, "To whom much is given much is required."  May the LORD bless and use it for HIS glory, praise and kingdom.  Amen.

The first episode comes from the gospel of Luke:
      51      When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; (Luke 9:51)

The LORD JESUS had just confirmed to the disciples HE was indeed the CHRIST.  But, HE was also beginning to share that the mission of the CHRIST was not to come in and overthrow the Romans, but to suffer, die and rise again.  The LORD JESUS had set HIS face like flint towards Jerusalem to finish the mission the FATHER sent HIM to accomplish - salvation for the lost for all the people GOD had given HIM!  JESUS knew what awaited HIM in Jerusalem and for the joy set before HIM HE pressed on.  How much more should we, HIS slaves, unworthy of even being called unworthy, deny ourselves and follow HIM where HE leads! 

The church has never been in more need of realignment than today.  The last dying gasps of the evil one are more and more diabolical and deceitful! HIS time is short and he is full of wrath.  The church, especially the western church, is in desperate need to not feel comfortable...but alarmed, repenting and urgently seeking the LORD'S face!  In short, we must be like our KING JESUS following in HIS steps - resolved to finish HIS works and be with HIM where HE is and see HIM as HE is!  Amen!

Scriptures used in this episode (other than those mentioned) are:
    
          23      And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 
          24      “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. 
          25      “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? 
          26      “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 
(Luke 9:23–26)


          57      As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 
          58      And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 
          59      And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 
          60      But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim e

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Well, it is a sudden end to Season 6 of “That They May All Be One”…but for very purpose of declaring the praises of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

The main message I always want people to hear is the gospel, the very best news ever!  Regardless if you are a non-believer or a believer (especially a believer) the gospel is great amazing eternal news!!!!

This last episode of season 6 I make a comparison of planning a vacation to seeking the Kingdom of GOD.

Take time to watch or listen…it could save your life!

Philippians 3:10–14 (NASB95): 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 
 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 
 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 
 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 
 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Luke 14:26–30 (NASB95):  26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 
 27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 
 28 “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 
 29 “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 
 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ “

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