Many professing Christians, if not most, are spending their time and money searching for insight when the church age will come to a close and the Great Tribulation will begin. The question my Lord has placed upon my heart to ask the Church at-large is: WHY? It is written that no one will know the exact time or hour. That said, we are told we will know the season, i.e., when the time is near; therefore, the question we must now ask ourselves is why will we know when the end of the church age is near.

Are we to know when it’s near so we can get ready to hunker down in a custom-built bunker? No, because it’s written that during the Great Tribulation there will be no place to hide. Are we to know when it’s near so we can store up treasures on earth – our finances so we can make it through? No, because it’s written people will be throwing their gold and silver into the streets, and try to hide themselves – even asking the rocks to fall upon them to hide them from God’s wrath. Are we to know it’s near so we can store up food and water in order to survive? No, because there will be only a 50% chance you’ll even live long enough to partake of your storehouse of food and water.

So again, why are we to know the season? It’s so we can step up our efforts with the Gospel message as we see the time approach – which is the ONLY answer to the Great Tribulation – to God’s wrath. Which leads me to ask, are we seeing a new urgency within the Church at-large concerning the Gospel? Sadly the answer is no! Actually, I’m seeing just the opposite. Oh, I see great joy and enthusiasm within the Church at-large as they seek escape from the Great Tribulation and in seeking to get their general needs met, i.e., a self-seeking – a self-serving Church. Is this not the same reaction we would expect to see from the secular community? Unfortunately, yes! Offended yet? (Galatians 1:6-10)

If the majority of the Church at-large was truly born-again with God’s Holy Spirit would there not be tears for the lost along with a new sense of urgency from within our hearts for the lost as we see the time – the season approach? Why? Because if we have truly experienced this miracle of being born-again unto salvation, well, we would know within our hearts that without a shadow of a doubt that there’s only one way to be saved and that way is through God’s salvation plan, Jesus. With a broken heart, and I do mean with a broken heart, I do not see the tears nor the sense of urgency for the lost within the Church at-large. Of course there are the exceptions, but by simple observation the exceptions are at best a very small percentage.

For those of us who are genuinely concerned for the lost may I humbly remind you that we do indeed have a commission from our Lord regarding the Gospel message – and by our born-again heart (spirit) also have a genuine desire within to give the Gospel message to everyone, but only God can open the eyes of someone to see their need for God’s salvation. Therefore, we must always ask God the Holy Spirit to do the work of conviction as we tell people the Gospel (good news) of Almighty God. There is no pamphlet – no methodology – no technique – no wisdom – no argument which can take the place of the convicting power of God the Holy Spirit. And of course, how can we ever hope to have the strength we need to take up our cross and deny ourselves without our heavenly Father’s – Almighty God’s strength. Yes, in all things to God be the glory!

And you (we) must not be surprised if people get angry and try to hurt you – even kill you, because the self-righteous will always violently resist God the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin, thereby, rejecting Almighty God. This is what is called in Holy Scriptures as blaspheming the Holy Spirit, which is the only sin which cannot be forgiven. Why? Because the self-righteous will see no reason for God needing to supply Himself as a sacrificial Lamb (Jesus) for their sins, because in their eyes there are many ways of redemption – many ways (paths) unto salvation. Yes, they remain entrenched in mankind’s original sin: Saying to Almighty God, I have the knowledge of good and evil and I will determine for myself the right way – I will be like God and supply (be) my own sacrifice through self-martyrdom (works). That’s right, the heart of mankind has not changed since the fall of mankind; which is why we must have a change of heart (spirit) through the supernatural miracle of being born-again from above through God’s power – through His awesome salvation plan, Jesus.

As I was seeking God in prayer if the above message was from Him or not, He confirmed it to me in many ways. One of the ways He did was to lead me to reread the chapter in my book, The Portrait of a Christian, titled The Sound of the Trumpet; and He did it in a way which I could not ignore so I know without a shadow of a doubt that the above message to the Church is from God Himself; so please, I beg you, to take what I said above very seriously. And may I strongly suggest to you to prayerfully read or reread the chapter from my book as well.

The Sound of the Trumpet: Click Here

Finally, may I humbly remind you of what I wrote on our main web page as I believe it fits in very well with what I wrote above: “As God’s watchman the only purpose this ministry has is the salvation of souls both within and outside the ‘Church’ at-large. Therefore, this ministry will stay focused on delivering a narrow message – a message that will be both thought provoking and challenging. A message that will cause people to examine themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) to see if they’re truly born-again with God’s Holy Spirit from within – to a true and biblical salvation, a salvation that not only has temporal implications, but eternal implications as well. Messages that will also help people remain in the vine so they may be fruitful – yes, even a light which the world cannot put out.”

From my Heart to yours,
Minister Raymond D. Sopp

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

For about six weeks I’ve had a very heavy heart. Or to say it in another way, I’ve been feeling very brokenhearted. So much so, even my emotions have been very close to the surface as well — tearing up very easily. Although I’ve had a general sense as to why, I just could not see the entire picture clearly enough to share it with all of you until now.

Everything came into focus for me when God gave me a Scripture after I spent my customary extra time in prayer on Sunday morning. With the Scripture, everything just fell into place. I now could understand not only the heaviness I’ve been feeling, but also why I had trouble seeing it clearly enough to share with all of you. I simply did not have all the “pieces” until now, because the time was not right until now; therefore, as we move into 2011, we need to take what is said below very seriously.

Recently I was in a church service and I could not sense the presence of God’s Holy Spirit at all. I mean NOT at all! I was literally startled, because I should have felt God’s presence in this church. Yes, everything on the outside seemed okay and Scripture was indeed read; yet, I felt so uncomfortable that I could not get out of there fast enough. The unmitigated alienation of God’s Holy Spirit I felt was such a real and overwhelmingly powerful experience to me, I just wanted to cry out like Jesus did on the cross just before His death (Matthew 27:46).

The Scripture God placed upon my heart was from Genesis 6:3, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever.” (NASB) Knowing that God said this just before His global judgment — well, let’s just say it adds all the more to its implications. I believe with all my heart God has been not only telling me, but also showing me that He is beginning to remove His Holy Spirit in the midst of this end-time apostasy and the void will be filled with a very powerful delusion, because mankind did not love the truth. It definitely appears that 2011 will be a significant turning point in God’s timetable as to His dealings with mankind. This is a very serious change, please do not take this warning lightly.

That said, this is not about when the end will come, but that we are living in very dangerous and deceptive times. Please, I beg you, you need to make sure you’re ready — your lamps are full — that you’re genuinely born-again from within with God’s Holy Spirit. When? NOW! Why? Because God’s Spirit — the Holy Spirit shall not strive with man forever.

For those of you who are in a church leadership position, and as such will be held to a much stricter judgment, well all I can say is, please make sure you search your own heart carefully as well, and in every way stay alert. And please, I beg you to take this warning extra seriously — for the delusion will be very powerful (Matthew 24:24-25).

May I humbly and strongly suggest to everyone to read or reread the chapters in my book, The Portrait of a Christian, titled: Satan, Disguised as an Angel of Light and The Truth Shall Make You Free and Be Not Ignorant of Satan’s Schemes. (You can also read the chapters online for free as my “Heart-to-Heart” commentaries.) Also, I would very strongly suggest to you to read or reread my Blog post titled: A Dire Warning!

This was very hard for me to write, and I remain literally and extremely brokenhearted, because I truly know and understand how dangerous and serious the implications are of what I wrote. Yet, who will give heed to my words? Would you please give this Email to everyone you know?

Finally, God told me not to reveal to anyone the church I mentioned above, because this is not about “a” church, but it’s about ALL churches in general; so please, don’t even ask. Besides, in actuality the real Church is just a gathering of saved born-again individuals; therefore, you as the Church — as an individual you need to make sure your lamp is full of oil (Holy Spirit) and the wick is trimmed of ash (flesh) so you’re burning bright every day with God’s light for the rest of your life — however long that may be. As it’s written, stay awake, alert and ready at ALL times for no one knows the exact time of our Lord’s return!

From my heart to yours,
Minister Raymond D. Sopp

Note: This Email was sent out to our mailing list on December 30, 2010. When you visit this ministry’s website below, please consider joining this ministry’s Email list so you can stay updated and informed.

In order to keep this ministry’s website focused and uncluttered, and for cost efficiency, we are relying on Email more and more. We will keep your Email address confidential and private, and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The following will likely cause most to be offended, but I beg you to please ponder and take what is said very, very seriously; for the following is a word not from me, but from the God of Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. Never before, as God’s Watchman, has my spirit felt such a heavy burden. Therefore, I also beg you to pass this Blog post on to as many people as you can.

A word from God: Before My Church age began and I placed Israel aside for a time, I warned My people, Israel, that the axe was at their root for I could find no fruit. They were blind to the fact that they needed to genuinely repent and seek My salvation through my Son, Jesus. They all needed to be born-again with My Spirit – the Holy Spirit from within as spoken of in the Old Testament. Why? Because after the fall of mankind, mankind’s spirit became dead to God – dead to Me, dead to My nature – dead to My ways. Yet they continued to trust upon the earthly, e.g., being from the seed of Abraham; and yes, even trusting in the earthly and ceremonial act of water baptism. An observance which they felt comfortable with for it nicely mimicked their ceremonial washing with water from their old traditions. Yet in reality, they remained totally lost because water could not – cannot wash their sins away, nor change their earthly, godless, and dead nature (spirit) within.

You say, “I know this.” Yet even today I see the same thing within the Church at-large as they also trust in the earthly ceremony of attending a church and/or professing with their mouth, “I’m a Christian! I love God and believe in Jesus as my Savior!” However, the Church at-large statistically continues to reflect the world in such things as divorce and pornography. So I now say to you, as I did to My people Israel: “Church, bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘I professed Christianity and have been baptized’; for the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’” Therefore, Church, search your heart and repent now for I come quickly.

Stop now! Quit meditating on your navel (self), looking for people who will comfort you with pleasant words to soothe your shaking heavy heart – a heart which is without peace. Beware of Shepherds who twist My words of love, grace, and mercy to trick you into thinking all is well when it’s not. Stop and think! Do you not realize your heart is heavy and without peace because I’m trying to wake you up? Do you not realize I’m trying to get you to examine yourselves to see if you recognize Christ, i.e., the Holy Spirit within you – to see if you’re truly born-again? Remember My word, unless you’re born-again you CANNOT see the kingdom of God.

Again, do not allow My words above to be twisted as the religious (Pharisees) love to do. I’m not talking about perfection in this world. Just as My apostle Paul stated: “I have not reached the finish line yet, but this one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind I press forward on to the finish line.” What finish line? The finish line of maturity, even My holiness.

For the one who is genuinely born-again, the work of sanctification begins from the inside and expresses itself on the outside as fruit – yes, holy fruit. The work of sanctification is indeed a process and is a progressive work. That said, do you still not realize, oh foolish one, that if the Church at-large is statistically reflecting the world, where is the evidence of a changed nature? There is none! This statistic cannot be justified – no, not even in the most fertile imagination. If the Holy Spirit was truly present in its members, let’s say even a small percentage, should not the Church at-large at least be statistically a little better than the world? Of course it should! Do you not realize this is just another warning sign of the end? As it is written, the end will not come before the apostasy, even the falling away from the true faith – a true repentant faith.

Yet, you still say in your heart, “I’m okay. It cannot be me. It must be the other person.” Well, that’s exactly what the Pharisees thought as they sought John’s water baptism. But I say, seek Me with all your heart now while I still can be found and I’ll show you the true condition of your heart, that is, if you love the truth more than yourself. Then go be a light for Me as I wish for none to perish.

Remember, many sought Me for food and for the things of this world, but again, only a handful remained when I talked about eating the Bread which comes from heaven, which is Me. Feeding the poor is good, but at best that only lasts for a day or two; you make sure to give them the Bread which comes from heaven which lasts for eternity. Would you see them put in the lake of fire for eternity with full bellies? Is that what you call compassion? Is that why I left you here? If you, who call yourself My Church and call yourself by My name don’t hold My eternal salvation of being born-again with My Spirit through My Son Jesus’ sacrifice of utmost importance, who will? If you do not, have you even experienced My salvation? For if you have, it surely would be of utmost importance. Why? Because there’s no greater miracle than being born-again. Store up your treasure in heaven, not here on earth. Wake up, oh sleeper, before it’s too late!

Are your priorities out of wack? Is it not because you have not sought Me with all your heart? Do your priorities reflect the world’s priorities? How can this be if your mind is truly renewed through My Word and My Holy Spirit truly resides within you? Are you lacking fruit? Wake up, oh sleeper, and seek Me while I still can be found. This age of the Church is passing away quickly. Is your heart and mind consumed with when the end will come? Well, that’s only for Me to know. But you, oh foolish one, who guaranteed you a tomorrow? Again I say, oh foolish one, seek Me with all your heart now – even today while I still can be found for I wish for none to perish.

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Now isn’t that interesting! The scribes and pharisees knew the Word of God by heart, yet, according to Jesus Himself, all they were doing with their great knowledge of Scripture was solidifying the people’s place in hell. How could this be? Well, just maybe it’s because the only thing that can deliver you from hell is the gospel – is God’s salvation – is Jesus. Satan just loves all forms of religion – yes, he’ll even promote religion, because “religion” absolutely has no power to save.

So what is religion? In a nutshell, religion says: I have the power to save myself through my own works. In other words, thank you God for Your willingness to help, but I can take care of my own salvation through works. That’s interesting, I thought Jesus prayed, as He sweated blood, Father, if there’s any other way, please take this cup from Me. Well, obviously, there was no other way. Ergo, there is no form of “religion” that can save you. Unless, of course, you’re ready to call God, God forbid, a liar or a masochist.

2 Corinthians 11:2-3: “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (NASB)

I find it so interesting that it’s Satan’s job to complicate the gospel. The writers of the New Testament did have a lot to say, but they never allowed the gospel (Jesus) to be out of sight for very long in their writings. After all, is it not written that the work of God – the power of God is the gospel, even Jesus.

We now have a lot of teachers – a lot apologists – a lot of “end time” studies – even great historians, but how is that working for us as we see things such as divorce and pornography ravish the “Church” at-large – even as we see this world becoming more hellish every day? Could it be because in all the clutter (knowledge) we’re losing sight of God’s work – God’s power, the gospel? Don’t get me wrong, there’s a place for things like apologetics, but if we don’t keep our eye on the work and power of God, the gospel, we’ve already lost the battle for souls. After all, God left us here on earth to proclaim the gospel, not to start a religion.

Titus 3:4-11: “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.” (NASB)

Are we losing the battle for souls to Satan, because we’re fighting over things which have nothing to do with God’s salvation? Again, I find it so interesting it’s written that a factious – a divisive man should be rejected and he is sinning, perverted and self-condemned. Factious? Look at the Church at-large today. Can it be any more divided than it is now? Let’s be sure we’re not part of the problem by keeping our focus on the good news – the gospel. After all, there’s really only one thing that will keep anyone out of heaven: The rejection of God’s salvation – Jesus

Through God’s salvation we are born-again from within – reborn out of this world into God’s kingdom. Yes, a supernatural change of our heart (nature) which was dead to God – to His holy heart (nature) which is vibrant and alive to God. Yes, a holy heart (nature) which desires to produce good fruit. Whereas, the Law could not reach our hearts (nature), now through God’s salvation – through being born-gain, our hearts can now reach the Law without the Law being burdensome. Why? Because fruit is just the expression of a work that has already been accomplished.

Luke 17:1-2: “And He said to His disciples, `It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.’” (NASB)

In these last of the Last Days, we better make really sure we’re not trying to hang the ponderously heavy millstone of religion upon someone’s neck, because if you are, in the day of God’s judgment you will wish for that millstone to be around your neck as opposed to facing God’s judgment – even His wrath.

This Blog post does not paint a pretty picture, but if I don’t paint it for you, woe to me. Yes, woe to me as God’s watchman if I do not give you His warnings and admonishments. For if I kept silent, how could His love – His nature be in me? You (we) must not be deceived anymore, for you (we) will surely be held accountable now that you (we) know.

Prayer: Father, may Your Holy Spirit open the eyes of those who read this Blog post. In Jesus’ name. Amen and Amen!

God bless you,
Minister Raymond D. Sopp

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Wall Street’s Destruction of Wealth:

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (NASB)

Losing or Lost Your Job:

Luke 16:4-9: “‘I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the stewardship, they will receive me into their homes.’ And he summoned each one of his master’s debtors, and he began saying to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ And he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ And his master praised the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” (NASB)

Your Savings Account:

Luke 12:15-21: “And He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’ And He told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a certain rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (NASB)

He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit is saying!

God bless you,
Minister Raymond D. Sopp

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

That Sunday morning, as it is my custom to do, I proceeded to spend at least an hour with my Lord in prayer in order to prepare myself — my spirit to hear and receive what my Lord had for me that day. As I did, the following Scripture came to mind:

Luke 22:39-46: “And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, ‘Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.’ Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.’” (NASB)

I then immediately knew what my Lord was trying to tell me by waking me up three times. Although, it is written in the Old Testament by God’s foreknowledge that the Shepherd would be struck down and the sheep would be scattered, could it be by Jesus saying, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation,” He was telling His disciples that the fleeing (scattering) did not have to happen? I believe so! If they stayed awake and prayed with Jesus would they have entered into this temptation and fled from Jesus’ side? Jesus seemed to be saying, no!

Although Jesus is the Son of God — Emmanuel (God with us), it is also written that He also identified with us by coming in a body of flesh and blood. Therefore, in order to have the strength that He needed to face His temptation — His cross, a temptation so great that His sweat turned to blood resisting the temptation to turn away from His cross — His cup, He relied solely on prayer.

Yes, Jesus received the strength to face His cross — His temptation from His Father only after He endured in prayer, thereby, giving us an example to follow. If that is what Jesus had to do, how much more do we need to endure in prayer to find the strength to face our temptations?

Now what I’m about to say next is not from me, but from God. And yes, I’m very aware of the consequences I face if I attribute something as coming from God which is not from Him. So let me reaffirm this to you again. The following is not from me, but it is from God: “Temptation and deception, and the evil one are now afoot — on the move globally in a mighty way — more powerful than ever before, because he knows his time is short. So why then are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation and deception so you will be kept safe from the evil one and his lies!”

He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit is saying!

Prayer: Father, during this church age we are Your ambassadors of light in this world — there is no other light. Darkness cannot overcome light, yet we see darkness doing just that; therefore, we must conclude that the light through Your Church is becoming dim — going out, or perhaps even false, i.e., proclaiming an adulterated gospel, ergo, darkness is filling the void that is left. Father, as Your prophets of old felt alone and brokenhearted so do I — even knowing, according to Your word, there always remains a godly remnant. Father, even if a few — or none are willing to listen, don’t allow us to fail in these last of the Last Days. Fully equip us in Your Holy Spirit so that we may burn bright with Your glorious unadulterated gospel message; as You have given us Your heart for those who are lost, or those who merely profess being a Christian without Your Spirit. My Lord, is there anything I — we have left undone? If there is, please my God, show us now! Father, may we hear Your voice clearly and be found in the exact center of Your will — and doing Your will when your Son returns for His bride. Father, as our Lord instructed us to pray, also keep us from temptation, deception and the evil one. May Your Holy Spirit give us ears to hear and eyes to see. In Jesus’ name. Amen and Amen!

God bless you,

Minister Raymond D. Sopp

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Although it would take away from this ministry, about four weeks ago I was considering a part time job. I sought our Lord for direction. Over those few days as I was seeking Him, I have never felt such a heaviness – a solemnness in His answer. Four times in different ways and through different people, His message to me was the same: “If I do not warn the people, their blood will be on my hands.” Needless to say, doing anything else is just not an option for me anymore.

Shortly thereafter, during this last National Day of Prayer, our Lord seemed to tell me that this nation, and this world in general, have gone past the point of no return. Although, the individual will still have an opportunity to be saved, this world will be going from bad to worse very quickly now. Surely, His return for His bride cannot be far off.

Please continue to keep me and this ministry in your prayers, because even if I take my eyes off our Lord for even a second, I begin to sink with a heavy heart as I see more and more people turn away with a deaf ear – unwilling to hear what God is saying.

Thank you and God bless you,

Minister Raymond D. Sopp

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Knowing that my friend was hurt deeply, yet innocent, i.e., did not deserve the pain and abuse that were afflicted, nonetheless, how much more could Jesus say the same thing.

I know I’m going to sound very unfeeling – uncaring – cold and hardhearted, but to the contrary, I actually care so much that I’m willing to be vilified in your eyes for the sake of the truth. I also know I’m not being very diplomatic, but I believe time is too short for me to be so with you, or even to my own fleshly desires as I look into the mirror of God’s awesome holiness.

Reference: Grief Process:

My friend, I do understand, yet it is also written that we are a new creation in Christ Jesus.

My example to follow after is Jesus Himself. Through excruciating overwhelming grief, He never lost sight of reflecting His heavenly Father in both word and deed. I could also say the same for the Apostle Paul. Therefore, we must also have that same objective, that is, if His spirit is now dwelling within us. Or, do we choose to manipulate God’s Holy Word to validate us not reflecting our Lord for a period of time – for a time to process?

Easy? No! Denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily is no easy task. Yet, although I found it to be the hardest road I’ve ever traveled – I also found it to be the most blessed as well.

The Church in every way today is reflecting the world. Does that not indicate that we are doing something very wrong? Yes! If so, let’s throw out the old way of thinking and take a fresh second look at the Holy Scriptures – saying to ourselves, show me not my way, Lord, but Your way.

We must give no room for our flesh to wallow in self-pity while people are going to hell. Since the Church is called to be Jesus’ earthly Ambassadors, where else will the lost hear about or see Jesus – their only hope of salvation? We who call ourselves “God’s Church” must get this right in these last of the Last Days.

Time is too short! Therefore, let’s just eliminate the word “process” from our vocabulary and move into the very high calling of God in Christ Jesus. If we don’t, then where is our light – our saltiness during this time we use to process? Where is the Gospel? Where is the Great Commission? Since we do not know for sure the time or hour, would it not be wise for the servant to always be about his Master’s work? If the Master returned suddenly, would it be a good thing to tell the Master that you could not be about His business because you were in the middle of some kind of a process? Would it not be better, and Scriptural, just to nail your hurt – your grief – your grievances to the cross and get on with the Master’s business – the salvation of mankind? Is that not a better reflection of Jesus? Is that not being salt and light to a dying world? Is that not our collective calling?

That said, this can only be accomplished in the power of the Holy Spirit, ergo, to God be the glory! God bless you. Minister Raymond D. Sopp

Prayer: Father, may You completely equip us with Your Holy Spirit in these last of the Last Days in order to fully fulfill Your will and calling in and through our lives. May Your Holy Spirit be in – be upon – be beside us every moment of every day according to Your will – according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name! Amen and Amen!

Book: The Portrait of a Christian by Raymond D. Sopp

Book Website: www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Oops! I guess just believing in God isn’t enough. So what is enough? John 6:29: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’” (NASB) Why? So you can be born-again with God’s Holy Spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

When are we going to stop trying to do the work of God when God has already done the work through His Son Jesus? What kind of sense does that make? Particularly when, even from the start, our works of righteousness are doomed to failure. The Law tells us – shows us that much.

Prayer: Oh Lord, deliver me from my works to Your work through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, before I miss You completely – before I’m estranged from You for eternity. Amen and Amen!

Is it worth a little of your time and $18.99 to make sure you don’t miss God’s glorious salvation?

Guided by God’s calling upon my life as His Watchman, I spent six years and countless hours in prayer to give you an opportunity – to give you a device to examine yourself – to give you a spiritual mirror to see if God’s Holy Spirit now dwells within you before it’s too late.

Seeing that God’s judgment is now upon us, would you please take advantage of this opportunity afforded to you? Utterly consumed by this burden God placed upon my heart, I just do not know how I can make this any clearer to you.

Book: The Portrait of a Christian by Raymond D. Sopp

You can order my book anywhere books are sold, and all royalties go toward helping this ministry reach the lost.

Note: You can read an unedited version of my book online for free, but if you can afford it, I’m told by everyone that the book is a much easier and better read.

For more information:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Note: I awoke with the following chapter from my book upon my heart. My heart was so burdened that tears came into my eyes. So burdened that words fail me as to how to encourage you to click on the link below to read the entire chapter, and then perhaps, prayerfully consider ordering a copy of my book through the other link offered to you below. So allow me to say it in this way: By the authority given to me by my calling as God’s Watchman, I encourage you – no, I implore you to at least read this entire chapter from my book, and if possible, order a copy of my book for you or to give to a friend. And please, please encourage others to do the same. Whatever your response is, thank you and God bless you for at least reading about the burden God placed upon my heart.

Chapter: Jesus said in John 8:32, “. . . the truth shall make you free.” But, how can you know what the truth is with so many voices saying so many different “truths” about God, and Christianity in general? The first thing you must do is place such a great value in your heart for the truth that you will seek it with all your heart. Matthew 13:44-46: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

The truth can only become that valuable to you if you come to understand that you have a need to be set free. For example, we see that the Pharisees thought they had no need to be set free in John 8:33, “They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, You shall become free?’” The Pharisees knew the Scriptures inside and out; they could quote volumes of Scriptures at the drop of a hat. Almost every day they spent the day debating the Scriptures but somehow they did not know they were slaves to sin and needed to be set free.

John 8:34-36: “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.’” In the pride of their heart the Pharisees thought they already had the truth; they were Abraham’s offspring, holy, and God’s chosen people. Therefore, Jesus’ statement, “the truth will set you free” had no real value to them; upon seeing no value in the truth, (being unteachable — unyielding — stubborn) they turned away from the truth and embraced a lie. The Pharisees’ pride blinded them to the truth. Jesus had said something to them that they did not want to hear; after all, they already knew the “truth” — or so they thought.

But you might say, “That was the Pharisees; what does that have to do with me?” The Apostle Paul, talking about the last days in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 said, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.” If this is indeed the last days, should we not be careful that we do not reject the truth simply because it was not what we wanted to hear? Millions are going to hell, because they (like the Pharisees) don’t like being called a sinner, and therefore, they accept the myth, “it’s an alternative life style.” Beware that you don’t reject the truth for a lie because you are too proud and hardhearted to accept it. If you think that cannot happen to you — think again. Jesus told us — no, He commanded us, that we must forgive. But how many of us quickly reject that truth because that is the last thing we want to hear after someone has deeply hurt us?

Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” If you want to be blessed with the discernment to know the difference between truth and error, you must be humble and teachable. The word “fear” as used here just means you respect God — respect God enough to take His Word seriously. To fear (respect) God enough to esteem His Word even if it is not what you want to hear; allowing God’s Word, and not your emotions, to be a lamp unto your feet.

You can read the entire chapter from my book at:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index15.htm

Book Website: www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

1 John 3:7-10: “Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices (lifestyle) sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot (remain in) sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.” (NASB)

Just a thought: There has been a movement formed within God’s Church called “accountability” in an attempt to keep people, pastors, and ministers from sinning. This movement pairs you up with another person to keep you accountable – to keep you from sinning. Can I ask you this question: Why? In my Christian walk there have been times in my past when I’ve stumbled and sinned, but when I did, the above passages of Holy Scripture came alive within me. Oh, there were times that I tried to be recalcitrant, but as my vitality drained away from within me, I soon found myself face down in repentance. I think the record for my recalcitrance was about thirty days. Believe me when I say that thirty days is a very, very long time to remain beneath God’s heavy hand. And that’s an experience that I never want to repeat as I felt my heavenly Father’s heart break – yes, even His heart within me; through which, I’ve learned the meaning of being constrained from sin by His love – by His Spirit within me. How can I remain in sin as it now breaks my heart – His heart within me? I’m kept from sin by knowing its sinfulness – by knowing its ability to bring death and separation.

So I ask again: Why do we need to pair up with mankind to keep us (mankind) accountable when we have God’s Holy Spirit within? By using mankind, isn’t that a little like leaving a fox to guard a hen house? After all, we can hide from and lie to man, but not so with the Holy Spirit. Did we need to begin this movement because most people, pastors, and ministers within the Church at-large are not born-again with God’s Holy Spirit? I’m asking, because you cannot find such pairing up in the Holy Scriptures. I see pairing up in the Holy Scriptures to eliminate the possibility of accusations, but not for the purpose of keeping someone “accountable” – of keeping someone from sinning. Isn’t that the Holy Spirit’s job? If you need mankind’s presence to keep you from sinning, perhaps – just perhaps, you need to be born-again with God’s Holy Spirit!

Prayer: My Father, my Lord, search my heart to see if You see Your Holy Spirit within me. Lord, if I’m not sure, may I stay on my face until I am, because it is written that no one will see Your Kingdom – Heaven without being born-again with Your Holy Spirit. It is also written that without holiness no one will see You, and that holiness must be produced from within – not from without. Therefore, may I also seek You without delay, for again it is written: Today is the day of salvation – the day of Your favor. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

In the Pursuit of Holiness:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index3.htm

Before I even begin, I want to make sure I’m not misunderstood so I’m making the following statement: I do believe all sickness and death began with the original sin of Adam and Eve. However, in the following paragraphs I’m not saying that all personal sickness is due to personal sin and/or personal lack of faith, and may God forbid anyone from saying I do.

Just a thought: Being personally heavily involved in prayer networks for more than twenty-five years, I’ve noticed a seemingly vast increase of sicknesses within the Church at-large over the past couple of years. And now, for the past couple of weeks, I have not been able to get the above verse of Scripture off my heart and mind. If I combine the above Scripture with the fact that the Church at-large is now statistically identical to the world, ranging from divorce to pornography, the above verse of Scripture has to give you pause, doesn’t it?

That said, perhaps if we find ourselves sick, we should at least take a spiritual examination before we do anything else. This is something that only you can do. And perhaps, we should not be so quick to encourage someone to even take communion without first encouraging that person to take the time to look within – to reflect – to take a spiritual self-examination.

Prayer: Father, it concerns me greatly to see so many sick among us. If we fall sick, please my Father, and my Lord, help us by way of Your Holy Spirit to spiritually examine ourselves, before we even take our next step – our next breath. Help us to at least eliminate the above possibility first – not only for the sake of our temporal lives, but more importantly, for the sake of our eternal lives. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Portrait of a Christian:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Just a thought: Forgiveness toward others will always follow as we begin to understand within our heart the awesome unsolicited sacrifice of God’s only Son; just to provide to us the bridge of forgiveness in order to restore the intimate fellowship with mankind that He once enjoyed. Yes! Even if no one used that bridge, it was still provided. That selfless – that loving act of my heavenly Father literally takes my breath away.

Prayer: My Father, my God, how can I hold back an unsolicited act of forgiveness toward another after what You did for me? May it never be! Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Neither Can Salt Water Produce Fresh

www.SoppMinistries.org/index24.htm

Just a thought: When it comes to the Great Commission – the salvation of souls, it transcends someone’s so called territory and/or denomination. It must be a joint effort as a body with Jesus as the head.

Prayer: Father, it is written that we need each other in order to properly function as a body. Can the mouth say to the foot, I have no need of you? Of course not! It is also written that there is consummate unity within the God Head for the salvation of mankind. My Lord and my God, may we begin to see that same selfless unity reflected in Your ambassadors here on earth. Please, do not allow Satan – the Devil even a small victory over the proclamation of Your glorious Gospel message through any form of division or territorialism within Your Church. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Priceless Gift!

www.SoppMinistries.org/index14.htm

1 Timothy 4:1-2: “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron.” (NASB)

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12: “With all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” (NASB)

Just a thought: The most important end-time sign of God’s coming judgment, and then the return of our Lord, can be found within the “Church” at-large. What makes this “Dark Age” different from the past, and absolutely bone-chilling to me, is the fact that this apostasy is happening in the face of the widespread knowledge of God’s Word. Whereas, in the past, God’s written Word was cut off from the general public. For the first time in human history, we are seeing the confluence – the fusion of apostasy and blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (calling evil good, and good evil) not in ignorance, but in the face of knowledge, i.e., the only unpardonable sin. (Note: We’re seeing this same scenario take place outside the “Church” as the Gospel is now being preached throughout the world. Again, another very important end-time fulfillment.)

In reference to the apostasy, right now, the fruit that the Church at-large is manifesting is statistically identical to the world, ranging from divorce to pornography. This cannot – it must not stand. Can God’s judgment be far off? After reading God’s very clear and precise warnings, none of us can afford to be looking to our left or to our right, can we? We must start looking into our own spiritual mirror. Let’s look at this logically: Looking at the dreadful statistics of the Church at-large, it cannot always be the other person, can it?

2 Corinthians 13:5: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you – unless indeed you fail the test?” (NASB)

The following quote is taken from the Preface of my book, The Portrait of a Christian: “If there was ever a time in the entirety of mankind’s history to take the above verse of Scripture seriously – it is today. In the above portion of Scripture, the Apostle Paul was not speaking to the unbeliever, but he was directly addressing his admonishment (warning) to those who identify themselves as Christians. This is very significant as Paul seemed to be very concerned about the very real possibility that everyone in Corinth who identified himself as a Christian may in fact not be a genuine born-again Christian at all.”

1 Thessalonians 5:3-6: “While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” (NASB)

Prayer: My Lord, my Father, through the mirror of Your Word and the warnings of Your prophets, give me the eyes to see my true spiritual condition before it’s too late and terminal darkness – terminal blindness invades my heart. Oh Lord, I clearly see the labor pains of this world all around me, please open the eyes of my heart before destruction – Your judgment suddenly falls upon me and this world. Wipe the sleep from the eyes of my heart so that I may be alert and sober. For it is written, that today is the day of salvation. In fact, there may be no tomorrow for me, or Your age of grace may suddenly come to an end. Today is the day! Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Book: The Portrait of a Christian: Preface:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index36.htm

Book: The Portrait of a Christian:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

I did not pay much attention to its significance until I received an Email the very next day from a long time friend of this ministry, and a dear brother and friend to me. He is a disabled veteran who told me he was going through a time of depression that he could not shake off; until our Lord spoke a couple of words to him in what seemed like an audible voice. I knew exactly what he meant about an “audible voice,” because it happened to me when my Lord called me into His ministry. It has happened to me only once, but if it ever happens to you, you will never be able to forget it.

In essence, the message – God’s words to my dear brother in the Lord were the same as the sermon the night before: Restore your intimacy with Me – return to your first love. He went on to tell me that during the past several months, he has been studying hard for an advanced degree in Theology, and yet, he found himself going deeper and deeper into depression. Yes, he was learning much about God, yet at the same time, he was losing his peace and joy.

He wrote specifically to me, because he began to read my book again, The Portrait of a Christian, and he also read a few of his favorite verses from his Bible. As he did this, his peace and joy started to return to him. I guess my Lord knew that I also needed a bit of encouragement. I was so blessed to learn that the Holy Spirit was using my book to help restore his intimacy with God (to God be the glory). I have always felt the main purpose for the book, that I believe God wrote through me, was not to tell people “about” Him, but to bring people back to an intimate knowledge of Him – to an intimate relationship with Him, i.e., return them to their first love. Again, to God be the glory!

I’m reminded of the Pharisees who knew a lot “about” God, but never really knew Him on an intimate level. Why? Well, perhaps it was because they treated the Word of God as an instrument of study – an instrument of Theology. But the Word of God is really God’s written conversation to and with mankind. And it should be treated as exactly that, a conversation. When you have a conversation with someone, do you study and memorize their words, or do you use it as an opportunity to get to know them? Believe it or not, God is a someone who wishes for you to get to know Him on an intimate level. God is not an “object” which you need to study and memorize each and every written word as a Theology. Indeed, with that approach, the Pharisees could not recognize God’s Word in flesh, Jesus. If we Christians want to truly be set free and possess His peace and joy despite our circumstances, we must, through His Holy Spirit who now dwells within, not only walk close to God, but also know and talk with God intimately on a daily basis.

Prayer: My Father, every time I lose my peace and joy, may I realize that it is the first warning sign that I need to return to my first love. May Your Holy Spirit help me to know You more intimately every day for the rest of my life here on earth. May Your Holy Spirit also help me to truly understand how precious and intimate the words “my Father” are. In fact, so precious and intimate it’s hard for my heart and head to believe it. Father, thank you for adopting me into Your family through the precious sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Truth Shall Make You Free!

www.SoppMinistries.org/index15.htm

I have few clear static-cling vinyl window signs for your car’s rear window, or for a store front window. The clear vinyl sign measures 2 inches by 14 inches with the following in white letters: SoppMinistries.org

The signs are designed to be placed on the inside of any window, and being made from static-cling clear vinyl they do not impede your view and the sign can be removed and replaced many times so you can easily clean your windows, or just move it to a new location.

If you would like to help in our outreach by placing a SoppMinistries.org sign on your car’s rear window, or store front, please Email me with your first and last name, and your current mailing address. (Please specify one or two.) Remember, I only have few left so when I run out – I run out.

I will not be confirming your request, so if you do not get one in the mail in about three weeks, well, I just want to say thank you for your willingness to help in our outreach.

God bless you!

Raymond D. Sopp

Email: RDSopp@SoppMinistries.org

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Just a thought: After reading the above verses of Scripture, it reminded me of the great and awesome power that our heavenly Father displayed in order to deliver His children (those who accept His salvation through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ) from our ultimate adversary, Satan.

No greater display of power has ever been seen on this earth than when Jesus was raised from the dead after being brutally crucified! No greater miracle has ever taken place on this earth than when we became born-again from within with God’s Holy Spirit! No greater display of love has ever been seen on this earth than God offering us His only begotten Son for our salvation! No greater display of a selfless love has ever been seen on this earth than when Jesus willingly gave up His life for our salvation, even as we hurled insults at Him and spit upon Him!

God forbid that we would ever let our circumstances dictate – cause us to question God’s power to deliver us from our adversary; to question God’s provision for us; to question God’s comprehensive salvation for us; to question God’s love for us!

1 Timothy 6:6: “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.” (NASB)

The closer I get to God, the more profound 1 Timothy 6:6 becomes to me. Truly, truly, godliness is an awesome gain! Truly, truly, I find great contentment in godliness for man does not live by bread alone! Truly, truly, godliness from within is great gain as it confirms my deliverance from this world – from this Egypt to God’s Promised Land, i.e., His Kingdom, i.e., Heaven! Truly, truly, what else do I need? Whether or not I live or die, I thank my heavenly Father for His awesome salvation.

Prayer: Father, despite my circumstances what can I do, but humbly fall at Your feet and say thank you. Father, despite my circumstances what can I do, but humbly fall at Your feet and give You all my praise. Father, despite my circumstances what can I do, but humbly fall at Your feet and give You all my heart. Father, despite my circumstances what can I do, but humbly fall at Your feet and thank you for Your great and awesome salvation. Father, despite my circumstances what can I do, but humbly fall at Your feet and thank you for Your great and awesome provisions for me.

May my heart – my lips never bring accusation against Your love, against Your deliverance, or against Your provision through words of complaint. For truly, truly, godliness with contentment is indeed great gain. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Portrait of a Christian:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Just a thought: My heart began to weep within me as I considered the state of God’s Church at-large. It is undeniable that in every foundational way – in every meaningful way, the professing Christian Church is statistically identical to this fallen world.

That being the case, and in view of the above Holy Scripture, the questions which came upon my heart were profoundly bone-chilling to me: 1) Is the majority within the professing Church at-large spiritually blind? 2) Is the majority within the professing Church at-large both ineffective and unproductive in the true and intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ? 3) Is the majority within the professing Church at-large even born-again with God’s Holy Spirit unto salvation?

How can I answer such eternal – such ponderous questions? Actually, I don’t want to, because I fear – no, I dread the evitable answer. Yet, I can fervently pray: God forbid!

Prayer: Father, every day help me to have – to see Your divine qualities within me in ever increasing amounts in my daily life; for I wish to be both effective and productive in the true knowledge of You; for I wish not to stumble; for I wish my entry into Your eternal kingdom to be abundantly supplied unto me. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

We Are Not Blind Too, Are We?:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index30.htm

Just a thought: The above verses of Holy Scripture make it very clear that we need to count the cost of becoming a Christian, but are we? Have we transformed Christianity into a feel good – a self-seeking – a seeker sensitive religion? If we have, then all we have is just another religion. Yet, true biblical Christianity is so much more than religion.

I know the above Scriptures are hard to understand, but if your eternity depends on understanding the above apparent paradox that’s found within Matthew 10:38-39, as Jesus declares to all that it does, should you not invest a little of your time to seek understanding?

Indeed, be very diligent not to become one of the many who are ridiculed by this world, because they did not finish well!

Prayer: Lord, my God, may Your Holy Spirit allow my heart to hear – to understand Your warning so I may fully count the cost of being a Christian. Holy Spirit, please help me to finish well! Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Burn the Plow to Cook the Oxen:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index26.htm

Just a thought: Late last night, seemingly out of nowhere, I began to weep over the concern I had for persecuted Christians worldwide, mainly overseas, but not only overseas. I felt a real dread within for what’s coming upon this world.

Whether my weeping was for us just before God’s rapture, or those converted after, I’m not sure. All I know is, this feeling of dread within me goes very deep – indeed, the burden I feel within is very great. God, please forbid what I’m feeling within to be true. I so pray I’m wrong.

At first, I thought it was just me after spending so much time in both religious and Christian Internet forums the past four weeks. Truly, I witnessed 2 Timothy 3:1-5 come alive. Therefore, I decided not to mention my experience to anyone, but I changed my mind this morning when I opened my Email. Within was an Email prayer request for persecuted Christians. Believe me when I say this is not the normal prayer request that I receive through this particular channel. Coincidence? I think not!

Prayer: Father, Your Word warns us of a last days scenario which looks, even to the casual observer, like the world we live in today. Although, it’s written that no one knows the day or hour, it’s also written that day will not come upon Your children completely without warning, as it will to those who live in darkness. Father, grant us the humility to examine ourselves before that day so we are sure we are indeed born-again – grant Your children the strength they will need in times of persecution – grant Your children the strength they need so the flames of persecution will cause Your light to burn bright, i.e., bring glory to Your name despite our weaknesses. For as it is with You, we also wish for none to perish. Therefore, help us all to be Your light in these most troubling times. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Portrait of a Christian:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Just a thought: Throughout Christianity’s past we have had our dark days – days of spiritual darkness and horrendous deeds, but an argument can easily be made that the deeds were done in ignorance. Before the printing press, the people had to rely on their spiritual leaders for their knowledge of God. That being the case, if corruption was found in the spiritual leadership, then even the Word of God became corrupt through their faulty and corrupt interpretations, ergo, the people – the Christians of that day became corrupt as well. Therefore, God in His mercy would not judge a world which was debased through ignorance.

However, today we have a much different situation. Having the Word of God available to all, that is in a practical sense, neither the individual nor this world has the right to call upon said mercy due to ignorance, i.e., “then the end shall come.” God, being a just God, would not judge an entire world which laid for the most part in ignorance of Him and His Word. Accordingly, in His mercy, He proclaimed that the end should not come until His Word – His unadulterated Word was made known throughout the world.

The above scenario concerns me greatly as I see holiness diminish within the Church at-large, even though the Holy Scriptures are widely known – widely read. Rejection and wickedness in the face of truth is a very scary place for this world to be in. Could not that kind of rejection be called blaspheming the Holy Spirit on a worldwide scale? Yes it can! Sin cannot be forgiven if the Holy Spirit’s conviction has been dismissed as evil, i.e., no personal repentance. That being the case, can global judgment be far off? You can find my concerns elaborated on by reading the preface to my book, The Portrait of a Christian. You can find the link to my Preface below.

It is written that the Word of God is alive and active so you can always count on a reaction to God’s Word to take place within the heart of mankind, i.e., a softening of your heart or a hardening of your heart to God and His Word. Right now, as God’s Word goes out around the world, I see a hardening of hearts taking place in this world on a scale which is unprecedented in mankind’s history. Lines being drawn so hard – hearts becoming so hard that repentance will soon become impossible as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit takes hold globally, which is the only sin which cannot be forgiven. Why? Because there is no genuine repentance. God forbid!

Some believe that everything is okay, because of the good circumstances in their lives. However, could it be that God is indeed patient and merciful toward us wishing none to perish? Yes! We must never, never allow circumstances, good or bad, to become the sign in our lives of God’s approval or disapproval. The only Scriptural way to tell a good tree from a bad tree is from its fruit. What fruit do you find in your life, that is, as it’s measured against God’s Word? Please, I beg you, examine yourself right now to see if Jesus Christ dwells within you before it’s too late and you find yourself crying Lord, Lord; while at the same time God is saying, I never knew you. I cannot make that examination for you. I can only look at the fruit at-large within the “Church” and place a warning before you. The rest is totally up to you. Again, all I can do is warn you, which I’ve just done.

Prayer: God, please open the eyes of my heart to the truth – Your truth, before the end comes and Your judgment falls upon an unrepentant world. Amen and Amen!

Book Preface:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index36.htm

The Truth Shall Make You Free:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index15.htm

Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the gentle (humble), for they shall inherit the earth.” (NASB) A heart characterized by gentleness or humility is our next “sign of life”. Humility is not a weakness, but a virtue born out of immense inner strength — the inward strength it takes to admit we are not always right, nor are we the center of our own universe. It takes immense inner strength to deny yourself and allow God’s holy light to expose your weaknesses and imperfections. Only the weak cannot allow their imperfections to come to light, because their fragile egos could not handle the perceived indignity of ever being wrong and/or in a state of helplessness! Instead, as the light (Holy Spirit) attempts to expose their imperfections, they gnash their teeth and growl like a frightened animal that’s backed into a corner. Agitated and provoked, they again look for the comfort of their familiar territory of self-deceit and sin, i.e., the world they were born into. Whereas, the humble are willing to accept God’s dealings as good and do not dispute, nor resist His work within; as they have learned by experience to no longer question God’s love for them and they begin to trust implicitly God’s wisdom over their own.

Isaiah 66:1-2: “Thus says the Lord, ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being,’ declares the Lord. ‘But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.’” (NASB)

Prayer: Father, it is written that You resist and hate the proud of heart, but the humble and contrite You embrace and make Your home. Help me to understand the difference so I may also embrace a heart of humility and contrition; making it part of me so Your Holy Spirit may find a dwelling for eternity within me. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Signs of Life:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index25.htm

For example, after reading the opening two paragraphs about me on our website (which is less than 1% of what’s available), it was labeled as not Christ centered. Don’t you want to know up-front a little about the person whose writings you’re about to read, and where he is coming from? Again, my book, The Portrait of a Christian, was tagged as “ignorance” without reading one word. Oh well, I guess that’s just another sign of the times.

It does, however, break my heart as all I’m trying to do is point you to God’s hand which is already outstretched to you. Is it too much to ask you to at least take a second look at what you believe when your eternity hangs in the balance? I guess for some it is.

That being said, if you are interested, you can read an unedited copy of my book for free through our website, A.K.A., my “Heart-to-Heart” commentaries. Notwithstanding, I’m told by just about everyone who has read both, that the book is a much better read if you can afford it. I did publish it in paperback to keep it as inexpensive as I could.

There’s my two cents, for what it’s worth. The rest is up to you. Everything I have to say, well over 100,000 words, can be found through our website: www.SoppMinistries.org

I do pray some will find my writings and MP3 sermons to be a blessing.

Well, there’s my “treatise” nailed to the wall.

My Prayer: Father, after being exposed to how widespread the hardness of hearts appear to be, I’m asking You to use me and Your ministry through me to its fullest extent. Don’t allow me to get discouraged, nor shrink back. I’m not sure how many You assigned to me to reach – to give a warning, but I need to be sure I complete my assignment fully as my heart breaks knowing what I know about eternity. Therefore, Holy Spirit possess every ounce of my being – completely immerse me in Your power – come alongside of me – keep me from temptation and the Evil One every moment of every day for the rest of my life in order that I may completely fulfill my Father’s calling upon my life and His ministry through me. In other words, Holy Spirit, please bring glory to the Father and the Son despite my many weaknesses. Amen and Amen!

Just a thought: What an amazing word portrait of Jesus taken from God’s Word! How it so differs from all the artist depictions we see today. The deliverer of all mankind – God in flesh had no stately form, nor an appearance that would turn anyone’s head. Yet, this is the form – the tent God chose to live in during His brief earthly visit. Furthermore, Immanuel – Jesus was born in an animal’s cave, laid in an animal’s feeding trough, and raised in Nazareth, the slum area of their times. Indeed, can anything good come out of Nazareth?

The forerunner for God – for Jesus, John the Baptist, not groomed, nor polished, but an outcast from the general public. He lived on wild honey and locust, and covered himself in a burlap type of fabric made from camel’s hair. A pitiful sight indeed!

Do you get a picture that God did not want to use this world’s so called attractiveness to draw people unto Himself? Indeed, who has believed our message? Yet, today we try to use the attractiveness of this world to draw people unto God’s salvation. Did God get it wrong, or do we have it wrong? Yes, we have it wrong. Using God’s way our (Christian) numbers will likely go down, but we have to ask ourselves this question: By using our ways, are our numbers now just an illusion? Well, the overall fruit of today’s church seems to indeed confirm an illusion as it conforms to the world much more than it conforms to holiness.

Maybe, just maybe, we should return to the ways of our Lord and rely totally on the Holy Spirit to draw mankind unto Him – to convict the world of sin – to convict the world of righteousness – to convict the world of judgment? Right now we seem to be offering people two different roads to Calvary – to salvation. One paved by the world with the pride of life, and the other paved by the Holy Spirit with contrition. However, there is truly only one road which will bring genuine salvation! John the Baptist, filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, used the road paved by the Holy Spirit with contrition – a baptism of repentance.

Are we losing our saltiness? Is darkness coming in like a flood? Yes! Then maybe it’s because we are pointing people to the wrong road in order to fill our churches with numbers – in order to pay our bills so we can keep up our worldly attractiveness. What a vicious and insidious trap to keep the “Church” ineffective in winning souls! Do we want to count numbers – count heads, or do we want genuine salvations? If it’s genuine salvation, then we must come to understand the following verses: Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” (NASB) The Christian must never confuse numbers with success. The only way we have to tell a good tree from a bad tree is its fruit.

Prayer: My God – my Father, if in my zeal to see loved ones saved I’ve used the means of this world to draw mankind to You, please forgive me. If I have, then at best all I have done is to have placed myself within an illusion to soothe my breaking heart. No longer do I want to live in an illusion. I need to see the truth so I can work effectively for You. I must no longer use a whitewash to say all is well – to say peace when there is no peace. Salvation can only be found through the cross – our cross – my cross. Not pleasant, nor of this world, but then again, salvation is not of this world. God, forgive us for whitewashing, for indeed, today’s “Church” at-large appears in so many ways to be like this world, i.e., not holy. Help me, through Your Holy Spirit, to be yet another voice in this spiritual wilderness saying: “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14-17) Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index21.htm

Just a thought: Many are looking for the return of our Lord with great anticipation, but the above verse screams out a warning that many, not a few, will be sorely disappointed. How could this be? I believe it’s stated very clearly above; Jesus never knew them. How do you know if Jesus knows you? You know by having in the here-and-now the Kingdom of God within you. In other words, if God reigns within your heart and mind today – manifesting itself outward in ever increasing holiness – manifesting itself outward in ever increasing God likeness, then Jesus knows you.

Are you saying we must work our way into heaven? God forbid! Yet, do not our outward actions reflect our inward heart and mind – does it not reflect the presence which dwells within? If the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you, would not the very natural outward expression be an ever increasing Holiness – an ever increasing reflection of God’s nature?

Coming to Jesus out of a fear for Hell, or out of a fear for the coming global judgment is not the right heart motivation – it’s not the right road to Calvary. This kind of fear is born out of a heart of self-love – of self-preservation, which has its roots in pride. In contrast, the right heart motivation is contrition, which has its roots in humility. You must see sin as sin and desire a cleansing from its defilement, and then, embrace God’s holiness. In other words, you must genuinely repent and desire with all your heart God’s nature, and then, reflect God’s kingdom in your life – in your heart in the here-and-now, i.e., you must be born-again.

Luke 3:7-9: “He therefore began saying to the multitudes who were going out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ (or say you’re a Christian) for I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. And also the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’” (NASB)

Obviously, reflecting God’s kingdom – God’s nature does not dwell in the projection of power, nor with your lips alone. Are you truly saved? Are you known by Jesus – by God? Now is the time to make sure, before you become part of the many that are left behind. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2: “And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain – for He says, ‘at the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you’; behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’” (NASB)

Prayer: My Lord and my God, please expose the true nature of my heart to me today so I can be sure that I am indeed known by You as I should be known, before I’m tragically left behind. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Tragedy of Being Left Behind:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index29.htm

Book: The Portrait of a Christian:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Just a thought: What an awesome prophetic statement of God’s salvation plan for mankind! Yet, more than ever we are seeing an ever increasing number of people fall into religion; which is nothing more than man reaching out to God to win His favor – to win their salvation, trying to win God’s favor and their salvation through self-imposed sufferings and/or the shedding of their own blood. The most tragic example of all is the Islamic terrorists (martyrs) killing themselves and shedding innocent blood in order to gain salvation for themselves and for their families. Eternal salvation is a very powerful motivator, but zeal that’s based on a lie is the definition of the word “tragic” to the utmost.

Why is it that mankind continually tells God, “I will provide for myself the sacrifice”? What a silly notion! Can the sacrifice of the imperfect make someone clean – make someone perfect? What a silly notion indeed! Can the imperfect tell the Perfect One, “No, You must do it this way,” or “Thank you for Your salvation, but it’s not good enough for me,” or “I will decide for myself the right way – the right penitence – the right atoning sacrifice”? Or how does this sound to you? “I will force reverence for God upon the world by the law and/or by the sword.” Is reverence truly reverence if it’s forced? Of course not! What profound arrogant statements!

From the beginning, God’s plan of salvation was to sacrifice the Perfect One for an atonement which could not be broken – which was not dependent on mankind’s abilities, but on His all-powerful ability. Ezekiel 36:25-27: “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.” (NASB)

Now that’s salvation! A salvation which begins from within – from a born-again heart, working its way outward unto holiness. A holiness neither contrived, nor forced, but created within by the Creator Himself. A love for God and His ways neither contrived, nor forced, but created within by the Creator Himself. And you want to say no to this profound salvation? If so, that would not only be profoundly arrogant, but also profoundly irrational and absurd! (Read Matthew 23:23-28 and Galatians 3:22-29.)

Prayer: Lord, my God, it’s never been by might nor by power, but from the very beginning it’s always been by Your Spirit. I humbly accept Your free gift for my salvation through the sacrifice of Your Perfect One – Your only son, Jesus. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Priceless Gift:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index14.htm

www.SoppMinistries.org/index28.htm

Just a Thought: The above Scripture is what I call God’s seminary, which is much different than man’s. Man’s seminary has a focus on knowledge, which in itself is not a bad thing, but knowledge alone will only beget mere “professing” Christians, also known in the Holy Scriptures as sons of hell. (Read Matthew 23:15.)

Whereas, the minimum requirement for entry into God’s seminary is a new heart – a new born-again spirit. And then, if you spend time with Jesus, you will beget born-again Christians, also known in the Holy Scriptures as sons of God. (Read Acts 4:13.) You now might ask: “If Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, how do you now spend time with Jesus?” You spend time in God’s Word, inasmuch as, Jesus is the Word made flesh. And then, just allow the Holy Spirit, now within you, to become your instructor. (Read the Gospel of John 1:14 and 1 John 2:27.)

Always remember flesh begets flesh (sons of hell), and spirit begets spirit (sons of God). In this, there is no leeway. It is a fundamental truth. However, because of God’s awesome love for mankind – wishing none to perish, through His grace and mighty power, He can use His Word alone to beget sons of God, despite man’s weaknesses. (Read Philippians 1:18.) Yet, as an individual you will be judged more severely. (Read James 3:1.)

Solution: Go to God’s seminary, and spend time with Jesus – God’s Word. You will not get the acclaim of man, but someday you will hear from God Himself: Well done good and faithful servant.

Prayer: Lord, my God, the mighty One of Israel, please sign me up for Your seminary so I may beget sons of God, and not mere professors of the faith – sons of hell. Examine my heart and see if You see Your Holy Spirit within me. If not, please reveal it to me so I can make the much needed transformation. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

The Shepherd Boy:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index10.htm

Book: The Portrait of a Christian:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index37.htm

Just a thought: I’m hearing the above Scripture quoted often lately, but are we really “hearing” what’s being said?

Humility has two different branches. The first branch involves being teachable – having a willingness to carefully listen to what God is trying to tell us. The second branch involves knowing the reality that you do not have the power to save yourself physically, or especially spiritually.

Seeking God’s face relates directly to humility as you are seeking God’s ways, over and above your own – knowing full well, from your heart, that you do not know everything. If indeed, you actually truly know anything at all.

Turning from your wicked ways (a sign of true repentance) is simply the walk – the fruit of genuine humility. Also take note, that by God saying His people must turn from their wicked ways implies that His people were indeed acting wickedly.

Did you notice the word “then” within the above Scripture? The word “then” is a conditional word. In other words, God’s people were either not praying at all, or more likely, praying amiss without humility – without seeking God’s face – without a repentant heart. Either way, your sins cannot be forgiven without sincere – genuine repentance, nor will the land be healed, because God will not hear you.

Prayer: Lord, my God, may I never pray amiss from my heart, or with my words. But if I do, show me so I can pray and worship You in both spirit and in truth. Amen and Amen!

For a free four part in depth MP3 study on Prayer, please visit our website below:

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Just a thought: From the beginning it is written: God is my salvation. Yet religion, yes, even so called Christian-based religion (philosophy) can offer you an attractive alternative to God’s salvation. Through His only Son Jesus, God reached down from heaven and held out His hand to mankind. Do we now slap God’s hand away and say within our heart; thank you God, but I need to choose a way that’s right for me – that’s right in my own eyes? Does that sound like the original sin to you? Good, because it is. In essence you’re saying: God, I will decide for myself the good way from the evil way.

If anyone comes to you with a different gospel, or comes to you saying I have a revelation, but the effect is slapping God’s hand away – even mocking God’s salvation, please, I beg you, do a “Joseph” and run away from that temptation as fast as you can before you succumb to the original temptation. Like with Joseph, doing things God’s way might cost you in this world, but you don’t really think after slapping God’s hand away, thereby partaking in the original sin, that you will now be part of God’s accepted, do you? (Galatians 1:6-10)

Note: God certified His way – His salvation through Jesus’ bodily resurrection, and the release of His Holy Spirit to those who choose His way.

Prayer: Dear Lord – my God, please deliver me from mankind’s original sin. Open the eyes of my heart to see Your gospel – Your good news, not man’s; which is no gospel at all. Lord, please deliver me from my false notions of salvation to Your true salvation, Jesus. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

Just a thought: Salvation out of this world into God’s holiness, through His mighty power as displayed in the resurrection of His Son Jesus, is alone true blessedness.

Prayer: God, please continue Your work within, resurrecting my dead spirit to one who is alive to You. Create Your kingdom within me more and more every day, until I see none of me and all of You. I’ve tasted Your holiness, Lord, and now I desire all of You. Resurrect me from dead works which only restrain, but cannot save. Build Your kingdom within more and more each day, until I’m full of Your holiness – until I see You face-to-face. Only then will I be satisfied, Lord. Through the power of Jesus’ resurrection, forgive my sins and place Your Holy Spirit within so I too may walk in Your Holiness more and more every day. Now that I have tasted Your holiness from within, I have no other desire. Amen and Amen!

Website: www.SoppMinistries.org

In the Pursuit of Holiness:

www.SoppMinistries.org/index3.htm