8 OCT 2019 · The Lion Chronicles – Quick Snippets of Truth in A World Full of Wolves I’m your host, Pastor John, and this is the show where I bring you the honest truth of God’s Word, in 3 minutes or less. A common problem, in the body of believers, is the problem of being unequally yoked. Said plainly in 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? It is one thing to welcome sinners with open arms and it is another to befriend sinners. A false theology, that’s gained widespread popularity among the majority of churches, is that Jesus Christ was friends with sinners. This is no closer to the truth than mixing oil with water. The Bible simply does not support this claim. Jesus Christ welcomed sinners to turn from their sins and their worldly desires to follow Him, but He never chased anyone down. To the lame, He said in John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. To the rich, young ruler in Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. It is important we witness to those around us and share our faith. The blood of Jesus Christ and our testimonies are the most important things we have, as born again believers, as per Revelation 12:11, but we are never commanded to fellowship with those who are not born again. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Separate yourself from those who are still in darkness. You are the light of the world. Do not fellowship with darkness. Thought challenge of the day! We’re all sponges. Who do you know is a bad influence to your personal walk with Jesus Christ? Name each person.

7 OCT 2019 · The Lion Chronicles – Quick Snippets of Truth in A World Full of Wolves I’m your host, Pastor John, and this is the show where I bring you the honest truth of God’s Word, in 3 minutes or less. A lost part of leadership, in the church, resides in the wrong focus. As the Bible says in Proverbs 29:18a “Where there is no vision, the people perish:” The main focus, for the church, should not be on doing good works, rather simply asking the question, “Are you born again?” The idea of being “born again” is a very confusing statement to say to those who haven’t experienced the power of God in their lives yet. Said best by Nicodemus when Jesus told him it was a requirement to entering into the kingdom of God, we see in John 3:4-7 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Nicodemus was truly interested in who Jesus Christ was. He came by night in order to not garnish the negative attention from the other Pharisees during the day. He understood that Jesus Christ was a great teacher and wanted to know how He was performing all of His miracles lest God was with Him. Nicodemus would be considered a pastor in today’s day and age who hasn’t been born again yet, but is willing to seek for truth. If I were to die today, the #1 mission I would desire above all else would be to make sure you understand that being born again takes precedence over every other thing you could do in this life. You must be born again or you go to hell when you die. Thought challenge of the day! Are you born again? If yes, what makes you so sure you’re born again?

5 OCT 2019 · The Lion Chronicles – Quick Snippets of Truth in A World Full of Wolves I’m your host, Pastor John, and this is the show where I bring you the honest truth of God’s Word, in 3 minutes or less. One thing that’s lacking in the majority of churches today is the law of God. Mistaken for legalism, pastors choose not to tackle the subject of the law of God, rather they take for granted the grace and mercy of a Holy creator. As the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. We see that the law of God is a requirement to understand what sin is. He also expounds upon this in Romans 7:7 when he says What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. The law of God is a necessity in understanding how salvation works. The sinner won’t understand the need of a savior if he or she doesn’t first understand why he or she needs salvation. The Bible is very clear that the law of God reveals to us a mirror of our true selves, that until Jesus Christ steps into our lives, we are all sinners before God and we will all have to give an account of our own sins on that terrible day of judgment. As it is written in Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The foundation of the law of God starts with the 10 commandments and from that foundation the Holy Spirit can show us the error of our own ways and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Thought challenge of the day! How many of the 10 commandments can you recite from heart? Say them out loud.

4 OCT 2019 · The Lion Chronicles – Quick Snippets of Truth in A World Full of Wolves I’m your host, Pastor John, and this is the show where I bring you the honest truth of God’s Word, in 3 minutes or less. There’s an ongoing problem in today’s Christianity and it’s growing almost every day: a lack of spiritual discernment. How many times have you heard of certain preachers abusing their power? The prosperity gospel is one specific example. The Apostle Peter warned us of this in 2 Peter 2:3a And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: While most full-time pastors take a salary from tithes and offerings, the Apostle Paul never took advantage of the donations of God’s people. As it is written in Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. While money is not the root of evil, the love of money is. So how can we differentiate between the true shepherds of God and the wolves in sheep’s clothing? Thankfully the Bible already gives us a litmus test! And it’s found in John 16:8 when Jesus says, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” Jesus, of course, is talking about the Holy Spirit. Here’s the simplest of simple litmus test. Ask these three questions when you’re listening to whoever is teaching from the Word of God. Am I being convicted of any sins in my life? Am I challenged to live a life of righteousness? Am I being reminded that I will one day stand in front of Jesus Christ to give an account of every word and deed I’ve ever committed in my life on that terrible day of judgment? If none of these topics are being addressed, I would be careful w/ continuing my stewardship under that leader. They’re not speaking from God’s Holy Spirit. They’re simply tickling your ears. Thought challenge of the day! How can you spot a wolf from a true shepherd of Jesus Christ?

3 OCT 2019 · The Lion Chronicles – Quick Snippets of Truth in A World Full of Wolves I’m your host, Pastor John, and this is the show where I bring you the honest truth of God’s Word, in 3 minutes or less. My mission is to teach you everything God has taught me. I’ve been bestowed a gift of wisdom throughout my life because it’s the #1 thing I’ve always prayed for. Like Solomon at an early age, I asked for wisdom above anything else, even faith. The Word says in James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. The wisdom that has been given to me freely, I also give to you freely. I pray every seed that gets planted and every seed that gets watered bears an overabundance in harvest. I also pray that you apply these pearls of wisdom in your everyday life. Now let’s get started. As with all things, challenges will come along the way. We see this in the life of Jesus in Matthew 4:1 which reads, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness TO BE tempted of the devil.” Jesus, the Man of God, went 40 days and 40 nights into the wilderness where He knew the devil would be waiting for Him. And we see how Jesus Christ defeated the devil’s temptations when He used the words, “It is written” exactly three times. Jesus Christ knew the Bible like the back of His hand. As it is written in Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. The Word of God is our only line of defense against the workers of darkness. Without it, we have no weapon to defend ourselves. We must stand ready, at all times, to give an account of every word and every deed we bring into existence. Today’s closing thoughts: What are some ways you’ve integrated the Word of God into your everyday life?