There are many messages of great importance on this web site. But undoubtedly this is perhaps one of the most important messages you will find, if for this reason alone "it all pertains to the Word of God"! It is through God's Word that we are able to see clearly the obstacles before us and around us.

The "end times" can be seen clearly through the Word of God. False prophets are seen for what they really are, "false prophets" as they try to hide and maneuver among the sheep. Wolves in Sheep's clothing they are indeed! False doctrines are also brought to light, as the light of God's word shines on them.

"Strength for the journey" is also found in abundance in the wonderful Word of God. Guidance-faith-hope-wisdom-and love too, is found in God's Word. What ever your circumstances, or, place in your Christian walk with God, you will find His word sufficient for the guidance needed, to lead you safely home. So, let us take a look at the Word of God and see what "jewels" we can find for our particular situation and need.

In my own Christian walk with the Lord, there is no way that I would have been able to overcome, or, even survive the many trials that have come my way over the past 36 years, had I not known a good portion of the Word of God! When I became a Christian in 1969, I immediately had a deep hunger for the Word of God. I read it at every opportunity-on the job-off the job-at home-under the trees-down by the river-and later, as I began to Pastor a church, in my study.

I was quick to find, that "if any man lack wisdom" (and I did,) that he could ask of God, who gave to ALL men liberally (which means) that's all he needs, and upbraids (withholds) not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 I found that God gives much, or, most of His wisdom through His Word.

I also found out, that many of the teachings and doctrines I had been taught in some of the Churches I had attended, "wasn't even in the Bible"! I also found by the study of God's Word, that many of the things I had been taught, were either false-misinterpreted-or, on some occasions "purposely misused".  So, I made a promise to God. I said: "what ever I have been taught, or, would ever be taught, if it contradicts your Word I will not believe it, and, will only believe what your Word says on the subject".

Many times over the past many years, that promise I made to God has proven a great blessing to me, as I soon began to run into many (false teachings) that were the opposite of what the Word of God taught. It was easy for me to refuse those teachings, since I had promised God I would only believe what His Word said on the subject. I have never enjoyed any message that is preached, when it is absolutely contrary to God's Word, even if just a portion of it is constantly false.

I found that it was not a matter of thinking, or, contemplating on the false teaching, I just "threw it out" since it was in opposition to the Word of God.

Every "experience" -"teaching"-or "doctrine", can be brought to light by the Word of God, but, you must first KNOW the Word of God! This is one of the reasons the "cults", and "false prophets" of our day, are having a field day in the body of Christ. Many Christians do not know the Word of God, and worse yet-MANY DON'T WANT TO KNOW IT!

Let me say quickly, that we will NEVER grow spiritually strong in the faith, on our many "experiences" in the Church! "Good feelings and goose bumps", do not a strong Christian make! Just the opposite will happen. You will soon find your self, always looking for "blessings and experiences" from God. You will soon become weak-unfruitful-and thrown about by every wind of doctrine, simply because you do not know "God's Word". The Bible tells us that: God's word is forever settled in heaven!

Shouting-jumping-running- and, any other gymnastic feats you may perform in the Church will not strengthen you! Only God's Word will do that! Doctrines from Headquarters will not strengthen you. Singing will not make you strong in the faith! It may bless you, but it will not give you spiritual strength aside from God's Word. As the Holy Spirit works with the Word of God, and, as they "agree together", you can become a strong vibrant Christian-fruitful and ready for the Masters use.

If you wish to be that kind of Christian, then the rest of this message is for you. If you don't, and would rather play around the edges, or (play Church), hang on to your experiences and goose bumps-the rest of this message will be of little or no use to you. I trust that you want to be a strong Christian, and, one that does not have to have "milk" the rest of your Christian life. If you are, then get down your Bible and follow along in the Scriptures-as you begin to grow in the Grace and knowledge of God's Word.

There is "one sure way" of successfully traveling this Christian pathway, and that is: by trusting God's holy Word. If you are going from service to service, and, you are living on "personal prophecies", or, special words from the Lord (so called,) and waiting for that special moment for the Evangelist to (call you out) and tell you that God is going to give you a great ministry, and, use you in a great and mighty way, "you could be in trouble big time"!

The safe path is to read God's Word. Then and only then, can you be safe in your decisions for God, as He directs your path. I have seen some big problems in the past many years, as I have watched Christians place much of their trust in what man says. In some of the following scriptures, I will give an occasional comment, as to some of the insights I have found along the way in my personal walk with the Lord. I again urge you, to study God's Word for your self- "and then believe it".

I have done so before, but I feel it necessary to once again explain the "false teaching" of the "hundred fold blessing". As Jesus is teaching in the scriptures we have just read, He takes the time to repeat again and again, that the SEED referred too "is the Word of God". It is not finance! It is not a pledge! It is not a "love gift"! It is the word of God, and that only!

Notice the return on "sowing the seed-the Word of God". Matt.13:23...some a hundred fold, some sixty-and some thirty fold. Have you ever heard just once, that those that pledge money on TV, that they might get thirty, or even sixty fold in return? No, they will always promise a "hundred fold" if money is given to their ministry. Please read our message: "THE HUNDREDFOLD HOAX" on this site.

Luke 8:11...Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. Enough said on this!

One Preacher tells his TV audience, that if they will send him $50.00, with a list of "all their debts", that he will pray over the pledge, and God will wipe away all of their debts! Remember dear reader, you can't ask God on your own, it won't work. It will only work when the Preacher couples his faith with yours, (along with the fifty dollar love gift) then God will move for you. An outright lie!

Only God's Word will show the light on these charlatans. If you don't " know" His word-you are in big trouble!

Satan hates the Word of God! He cares little or nothing at all, about our man made doctrines and traditions, but he still "hates the word of God"! How many churches do you know of today (be honest now) that have some of the most ridiculous doctrines and traditions that men can devise? Jesus had this to say:

I have noticed many times in the Ministry, that some folks would much rather have their "tradition" and your thoughts, than just the plain Word of God. One man asked me years ago: "Brother Bill, what do you think about using tobacco"? I said: the Bible teaches.he quickly cut me off by saying: "I know what the Bible says", I want to know what YOU think? He had already felt condemned in his heart, but he wanted someone else to agree with him in his continued use of tobacco.

When you would rather hear or believe, what mans opinions are, rather than the clear teachings of the Bible, you are headed for big trouble down the road! By applying our thoughts and our traditions, we make the Bible (Word of God) of no effect to us-because we won't believe it, or obey it.

Ministers today, are supposed to be ministers of the word, and not Hollywood Actors-Clowns-and Showmen. Christians, (born again believers) are to follow what the Word of God says, instead of their favorite television preacher. "You don't hear me out there" they yell from the platform. ! Turn to your neighbor and say: I'm listening!

You will notice in Luke 8:11-13...that the word is sown, and the Devil comes immediately to steal the word of God. None of our "gymnastics" scare the Devil in church, (as matter of fact he may enjoy it at times), but, if the Word of God is taught, and preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the Devil is furious, and (will try and steal it from the hearer.) The thing that disturbs him most in any Church, is the preaching of the WORD OF GOD, AND, SINCERE PRAYER!

Notice closely please. Jesus said: "that those that heard the word, and had an honest and good heart). AND KEEP IT. So, not only hearing the word, but "keeping it" it is the key to maturing and growing in the Christian faith. Friend, when searching for the truth with an honest and good heart, you will always be doing your best to obey what the Word says.

There is little use of hearing the word of God, if we have no intention of obeying it and keeping it when we hear it! God said: Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Dear friends there is nothing else to preach, at least that matters much, except the word of God! Our own thoughts-doctrines-traditions-schemes-dreams-and customs, matter little unless laced with the word of God. I am quite sure there are those that will read this message, that already know the importance of God's word. But there are others also, who's experience with God , is many times based upon a lively service, or, "having a time tonight" as they call it.

I sat down in a restaurant with a brother some months ago, as he began to tell me of the "great service" they had that night. I asked him what was the message about? He replied: "the preacher didn't even get a chance to preach, the "Holy Ghost just took over the service". I then asked: What was the service about last week? He said: I don't remember. I then asked him: "what have been any of the messages about in the past few months? He said: I don't know.

{Editor} This happens much in the Mountains here in West Virginia- and Kentucky. Quite often I have been to services where the "Holy Ghost" is supposed to be taking over the service. It is true, there are times of great refreshing from the Holy Spirit, but seldom ever have I seen an occasion where the Preacher is unable to preach the "word of God" because the Holy Spirit took over! Most of the time, it is an excuse for having not studied the Word that day, or, just plain laziness.

The Holy Spirit ALWAYS MAKES ROOM FOR THE WORD OF GOD! It is the "Word of God" that the Holy Spirit anoints to preach, and, you don't have to tell the Church, that you are under a "great anointing" they will already know it.

The Apostle Paul did not tell Timothy to "let the Holy Spirit" take over the service! He instructed him, and charged-(commanded him) before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (those alive) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; PREACH THE WORD: be instant in season (when you feel like it) and out of season (when you don't feel like it) reprove, rebuke, (something that is seldom done today in any church) exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4: 1-2.

I said: "Brother, I am told that you are having "Rock and Rap music" at your church, is that so"? Yes, he said-we are "rapping for Jesus". I said: "Dear Brother, you can't even remember ONE message that your Pastor has preached for months, yet you "Rock and Rap for Jesus" as you call it? The Word of God is the only thing that is going to help you grow and mature in the Lord, not "Rock and Rap music". You will certainly not mature listening to "Christian Rap-and Christian Rock" so called".

As I prepare to close this message, I want to leave you with some scriptures that concern YOU, and the Word of God. Please check them out, and then obey them. By doing so, you can be a great soldier in the Army of God. There is no use to dress up like a soldier, if YOU DON'T HAVE ANY AMMUNITION TO FIGHT WITH! God's word is your ammunition! We have shared enough word I think, to let you know that the Word of God should be paramount in our lives. Read these next few verses carefully.

There was no creation without the word of God.

There are those that teach that it is not necessary to "continue in the word", but that is not what Jesus taught.

To teach that it is not important or necessary to keep the word of God to remain a Christian, is completely foreign to the teachings of Christ. You must hear-obey- and then keep.

Nothing will bring faith, like the word of God. Paul says: that faith comes by hearing.we must first HEAR the word, before there can be faith in our hearts. There is no substitute for THE WORD OF GOD! No skits-plays-puppet shows-music-singing-program, or any other substitute will replace the word of God. If you remember, among the qualifications of being a Pastor, here are some of the MUST BE'S.

I have seen so many Churches, Pentecostal-Full Gospel-Charismatic, where the Pastor-(Bishop) has never taught the Word of God in years! When Paul says that the Pastor MUST BE able to teach, and then he never teaches-something is drastically wrong. It is also true that God has placed "teachers" in the Church, but still yet, the Pastor is supposed to be APT (or able) TO TEACH! This is the greatest opportunity in the Pastor's ministry, to be able to teach the flock God's Word.

Teaching, helps the Word to soak in so to speak. You can remember for years what has been taught, when sometimes you can't remember from "last week" what was preached. Preaching and teaching, are two different functions of the Ministry, but that is another message.

I hope that you put God's word first in your life. You will avoid many "spiritual pitfalls" in the days ahead if you do so. You will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, and, the false claims of man, if you know God's word. If you don't, you will wind up going from "experience to experience" trying to sort out what this preacher (or prophet) is saying to be true. You are (prime bait,) for the "Prime time rip-offs"! (Also a message by the same title on this site.)

May we close with these comforting scriptures.

I trust that this message has helped you in some way. If it has, would you recommend it to a friend? Thank you so much. If we can be of any spiritual help to you, our e-mail address is below. Don't hesitate to write us.

Let me close by saying: "the days ahead will be days of great turmoil-(believe me!) You need Jesus Christ as your Savior NOW! Repent of your sins today, and invite Jesus into your heart. He wants to come in if you will only ask Him. Then, study His word daily", for Jesus said: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word shall never pass away. God bless!

Yours because of Calvary

The Watchman. Billy E. Blankenship

Email address: globaloutreach2@msn.com

Web Site: http://www.sigm.net/