A STORY TO TELL

A STORY TO TELL

Every Christian has a story to tell. If you’re one then I hope this message will encourage you to take it to the world. Most folks seem to have been raised in churches where their parents carried them as infants. Before long they were baptized [many sprinkled] where promises were made in their behalf. This is how I was first introduced to the Lord. Whoever, besides my parents, made promises for me I truly appreciate them. It took me almost 33 years to surrender my all to Jesus but 39 years ago I did and I’m so grateful.

Some were not so blessed but at some point in time they were confronted with the Gospel. This simple message of God’s unconditional love changed them forever. The cross is the center piece for on it Jesus died for us. His death was enough, for the brutality heaped upon Him by the Romans was vicious. All sin is terrible in God’s sight and He has promised to punish it. He did once and for all by allowing Jesus to bear ours. He was innocent and had lived a perfect life. Never did He forget who He was nor why He was here. Once we’re born again we must never forget who we are and why God has left us here.

Some denominations claim to be the only true Church and when you hear it you should beware for it isn’t true. We should remember that when we repent of our sins [turn from them with true remorse] God is willing to forgive us when we ask. He has a plan for our lives and the first, is to add us to His family or the Bride of Christ. Some claim their church is the Bride but again it isn’t true. The Bride of Christ is composed of born again Christians from every place on the planet including the darkest jungles. Did you know that the Lord said, “And this Gospel shall be preached all over the world and then the end shall come”? This is TRUE!

In the beginning men and women strapped on their sandals and followed the Holy Spirit to far off places. Much of St. Paul’s life is chronicled for us in his letters. He had nothing but an incredible love for Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We, on the other hand, have countless ways due to modern technology to take the story of our life changing experience with Jesus to the world. For nearly 36 years God has given me the burden to share with the world by writing what He places in my heart like this piece. The vast majority, encourages the “Christian” to become born again.

I’m convinced by what I see that most aren’t yet filled with God’s Spirit. I wasn’t for nearly 33 years. There’s a huge difference, for in the beginning I went to church and did what I was allowed feeling good about myself. After my wife met Jesus in our living room I could see she had a relationship with Him. This is what being born again is all about. Only you and God know if you’re born again. I can believe you are when love flows from you.

Stop and think for a moment. Do folks speak to you as if the Lord lives in you? If they don’t, what’s the problem? You may love Him as much as anyone on the planet but is He in you? There’s a very important statement in First John 5, “Those who have Him have eternal life and those who have not Him [Jesus] have not eternal life.“ You see, we must possess Jesus to be saved. Believing in Him is extremely important for it’s the key or beginning of our intimacy. But repentance is necessary for when we confess our sins and are washed in His Blood, our hearts are cleansed enough for Him to come in and live by His Spirit. The Bible makes this very clear.

There will be an apostasy or falling away from the Lord, some would say it’s happening now. I’m one of them for I meet so few who are excited about Jesus. How can anyone who possesses Jesus and eternal life not be excited? We know we are sinners deserving of hell for our consciences tell us. But when Jesus comes in we realize God calls us saints [true believers or holy ones]. He’s told us the wages of sin is death, but we’re not afraid anymore, for Jesus has not only paid for our sins but now lives inside us. He calls it, “The Peace that passes all understanding.” You see, He’s the Peace of the world. He’s also the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must have Him inside us [The mystery hidden from the world.] to be saved.

Perfect attendance in our denomination with enormous generosity plus millions of acts of kindness can’t save anyone. Ephesians 2: 8-10 makes this clear. We’re saved by faith given to us by God. Will you use yours and surrender everything to Jesus, trusting Him and Him alone? Do it and gain a story to tell. Billions are still lost and need to hear it real soon.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

WHAT’S THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

WHAT’S THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

It’s the power of God that came upon Jesus when He was baptized by John the Baptist at the Jordan. Until this event Jesus was powerless. He’d left His power in Heaven but never forgot who He was and His mission. For about 30 years He lived as a humble and obedient son to Mary and Joseph.

Few seem to understand the Baptism so let’s see what John the Baptist is saying in Luke 3:16. “I baptize you with water for repentance but He who follows after me is mightier than me. I’m not worthy to even untie the thongs of His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

How much do you think the Lord’s disciples could have accomplished, after His Ascension, if the Holy Spirit hadn’t fallen on them at Pentecost? Do you remember Jesus met with them 50 days after His Resurrection where He breathed on them so they could be “born again“.

Do you remember how excited they were afterwards and when Thomas returned he was doubtful and said, “I won’t believe unless I place my finger in the holes of His hands and my hand in His side?” When Jesus returned 8 days later Thomas fell to His knees and said, “My Lord and My God.“ Isn’t it interesting Jesus didn’t correct him?

Is Jesus your Lord and God? If He is, you can be immersed too. Those who ask are called “Pentecostals” and those who won’t are called evangelicals. Both need the power of God to witness effectively. Every disciple is to tell the world about Jesus! Are you verbally witnessing? Some say they witness by their lives but the first disciples went out and shared the Gospel and their testimonies. All born again Christians have a story to tell.


One day God spoke to Joan as she awakened from a nap. “In my Kingdom I have both citizens and soldiers.” It excited me for I now could understand why some denominations are full Gospel and why some aren’t. I don’t believe this division is His will. Read John 17 to see why.

After my baptism He gave me three very clear dreams. The first revealed the coming collapse of the Roman Church. The second He corrected me as I was advising folks wrongly on reading the scriptures. The third showed me evangelizing criminals in the county jail resulting in a two year jail ministry.

God performed miracles during these visits. I’ll never forget some of the most powerful ones. Due to them the sheriff and his wife went into the ministry went he left office. They had witnessed God at work and were led to join a full Gospel church to serve in His power.

I’ve met some folks who’re disappointed after asking God for the anointing and not receiving it. It seems God chooses certain folks for one ministry and others for another based upon what’s in their heart. For instance, a man chosen as a pastor has a different attitude than one chosen to be an evangelist. The first is more gentle and caring compared to the second who speaks and acts like a prophet on a mission.

In First Corinthians Paul tell us the gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, discernment and prophecy. And the Lord gives them as He wishes. I suspect pastors get the best for they care constantly for His sheep. The evangelist needs His power to demonstrate God’s love in meeting the needs of those who’re lost. It’s very hard to resist Jesus’ offer when He’s just healed you.

The bottom line: God wants us to have His power to witness and so we can grow in our service to Him. Why not ask Jesus to baptize you in His Spirit after you‘re born again. He said, “Ask and you shall receive.”

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

DECEIVING CHRISTIANS

DECEIVING CHRISTAINS
How do you know you are actually saved? Did you go through some church ritual and were told that now you were going to Heaven? Perhaps you raised your hand after an invitation to be saved. I’m guilty of giving some hope when now I know I probably inoculated them from coming to the born again “experience”. I gave them the Truth of the Gospel but didn’t wait on the Holy Spirit to bring them under conviction of their sins.

I wish I’d spent more time preaching the cross. Jesus died in the most horrible way for us. God sent Him to die and chose everything for He knows us. We can become very content and “cocky”. Did you know some have told me they would get saved later? They said they wanted to have some fun later. I know for a fact they have been deceived when they say things like that. I lived almost 33 years as a sinning Christian. How I wish someone had preached the Gospel and put me on my knees. Now 39 years after being born again I have an insatiable desire to bring the lost to Christ, especially those sitting on pews and chairs having their “ears tickled.“

If you’re truly born again, you feel uneasy too. Born again folks have a hunger to read the Bible. When we do the Holy Spirit becomes our teacher and reveals “spiritually” God’s Truths. While reading our faith has increased constantly. We need it for Jesus has told us we are to walk by faith and not by sight. Try and understand, Jesus walked by obedience to the Father. In Romans 8 we’re told, “The sons [daughters] of God are those who follow the Holy Spirit.“ Do you offer your life to God each morning? You can for it will give you more joy than you can handle sometimes.

Jesus had no trouble attracting a crowd. He must have been smiling all the time for He knew who He was and He knew He was pleasing the Father. His smile was a great tool in drawing those hurting and in need. There wasn’t medical clinics and high tech medical compounds available like we have here in America. Many quality medical supplies are available at stores like Dollar Tree which cost only one dollar.

Jesus is God and when He spoke to illnesses and diseases they left. One of my favorite stories is when ten lepers came to him with their flesh rotting off their bones. No one would come near them but Jesus did. He simply said go and show your selves to the Priest who can declare you clean. They believed him and after walking a ways they were instantly cleansed. Only one returned to thank Him and he was a half-breed Samaritan. This bothered Him for He asked, “Where are the other nine?” They were so excited and relieved they were like many of us and forgot the mercy they had received. Have you been thankful for God’s blessings? Do you awaken with thanksgiving for His love and protection? If you don’t could it be that you are in need of being born again? Do you know that no one but the born again will be in Heaven?

When we “die” to this life and become born again of His Spirit we have every sin erased and forgotten by God. The Blood of Jesus has washed us clean and acceptable to God. Did you know even one sin is enough to cause one to be sent to Hell? No one has just one but thousands or more. Do you feel clean now? I’m pushing you for your eternal life is hanging in the balance. Why should I care? My Heavenly Father cares and He’s left me here to be a “fisher of men”. I take His Words seriously and can tell you I sleep well for I know “If I should die before I wake an angel will to Heaven take me.“ I didn’t know that in the first part of my life. Let me be clear about one thing, all the works in the world can’t save us, they define us.

Do you think people who do hateful and mean things are saved? Of course not? Do you do things that you are ashamed? If you should instantly the Holy Spirit will bring you under conviction. Then we can use First John 1:9 to receive a “clean up”. You should memorize this verse for it’s God’s way for us to get back into fellowship after we sin. Lost folks can’t use it for they aren’t born again “yet”. Their sins are still accumulating like sand being piled upon sand. It takes true repentance [remorse and a going in the other direction] before God will forgive anyone. The cross is the only way!

First John 3 tells us those who constantly sin have the devil for their father. Once we’re born again we’re God’s children and He no longer sees us as sinners [the wages of sin is death] and won’t kill us. However, He’ll take us to the “wood shed” if we sin and don’t instantly repent. He says that He disciplines His own and if He doesn’t, we’re illegitimate. Over 35 years ago I began asking God for correction. When He did, I could endure it. Some folks resisting God’s correction now are suffering. Please don’t be deceived anymore, be born again and discover His fellowship and peace.

In His Service,
Capt. Ben Marler captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

OPENING THE FLOOD GATES OF GOD’S GRACE

OPENING THE FLOOD GATES OF GOD’S GRACE

The last place anyone should want to be is under the flood gates of a reservoir when it’s being drawn down. Lots of folks have drowned by not heeding the warnings. This has happened all over the place even in NW Florida. The purpose of this message is a warning of the opposite and I’m praying that everyone, born again or not, will take it very seriously.

Unless you know God, by having a born again experience, it’s difficult to understand His Love or Grace. Most Christians think of God as harsh and demanding. He will be to those who refuse His offer of forgiveness and inclusion into His family. Do you know Jesus paid a huge price for everyone ever born or yet to be born while hanging of the Cross? Most still don’t understand the brutality of the Romans who tortured Him with a scourge ripping His body to shreds. How Jesus could carry His cross for even a short distance is a mystery to me. You may remember He fell three times and finally a man passing by was forced to carry it the rest of the way.

Don’t you know God was watching from Heaven on all of this? Don’t you know He was insulted with every slur and hateful remark? You bet He was, but He had sent Jesus to endure it so you and I wouldn’t have to suffer. We deserve it for we’ve broken God’s laws over and over. Please try and understand, God created us for Himself. We weren’t born for ourselves. Anyone who thinks so can‘t find God’s mercy and grace.

The Gospel message is simple and clear for those seeking peace in their lives. Sin doesn’t supply any peace. It may have it’s moments but God created us with a conscience. Mine was constantly warning me to not do things that God hated. But I did them just as you have. The day I “received” Jesus into my heart [5/23/71] He lifted tons of shame from my back, I felt it go. Never had I felt such joy and peace. It can be yours too.

Right now there’s a smooth river of grace flowing from the Throne of God. It’s a delightful experience for anyone who will move towards it. The Holy Spirit is the flow of Grace. You can have Jesus live inside you or you can refuse. God won’t compel anyone to be saved. However, I’m convinced He hears prayer after spending two years in a jail ministry. I saw with my brother in Christ, John Moore, the prayers of moms, dads, brothers and sisters bring the criminally lost to Christ. How did this happen? Mercy from the Father of mercy and His Own Love for everyone.

Will you respond to it today? It isn’t “church” or religion so please don’t resist it. To understand God’s Love you must experience it. If you don’t have an experience, you may end up in the apostasy. This “falling away” in the in last days. Just to say, I love Jesus and I asked Him into my heart one day by holding up my hand can’t produce an “experience” for no one can know Jesus with out repentance. This means giving up of your life and going the other way. To be born again you must do that. The Baptism service is descriptive. When we’re submerged in water we’re in our grave. As we are uplifted we breathe again but now as new creatures. The Breath of God has entered into us. Like Paul said, “The mystery hidden from the ages is Christ within you, the hope of glory. Is His Breath in you?

If you were sprinkled as a baby like I was, you may not be saved. Can you believe I was nearly 33 before I surrendered to God? Where was I for all that time? I was sitting in and serving God in my church! My parents and those at my baptism promised me to God and that’s good. But in no way could I have repented as a baby. I probably needed to for I wasn’t perfect at all. I was born a sinner just like you or whoever reads this message. The Blood of Jesus is applied “after” repentance and confession of sin. If you believe otherwise, I’m going to miss you in Heaven. We must have our own experience with Jesus. When you do, you’ll want to become His servant and not simply attend a church somewhere.

What’s going to happen to those who don’t want to surrender to Jesus? Read Revelations chapters 6-8 and you can see just a portion of what God is going to bring upon mankind. The flood gates of mercy have been closed and the gates of retribution will take away any who aren’t in Jesus.

When we give ourselves to Him, we are placed in an Ark, Jesus Himself. We are eternally secure, and now with God’s anointing, we can go out and labor in the fields white for harvest. Here in Salt Lake there are many lost folks. He’s sending me out to smile and speak as His ambassador. He’s given me great power to share His awesome LOVE still flowing from the gates. Will you do the same where you are? If Jesus is first in our lives, as He demands, why wouldn’t you? There is much to be done and little time left. Let’s get started today, OK?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CHURCH

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE CHURCH

There’s an incredible number of folks who claim to be Christians and never go to worship services. I’ve met some here in Montana on this trip. When I ask where they go they spread their arms and say “right here”. They say they commune with God in the out of doors or spaces. This is terrible and only God can do something about it. Perhaps this message can help some to find their way back to fellowship and can help some stay connected.

First of all, please understand true Christianity isn’t a religion. There are many man made religions and one God made. The Jews were given a religion through Moses but when I speak with them few follow it. If they do they’re called “Ultra Orthodox”. I can understand why many remain Jews when the offer to have an intimate relationship with Jesus is made. They look at us Christians and they don’t see Jesus. Allow me to explain, where in the Bible did God say to become divided into denominations? In John 17, a must read, Jesus prays to the Father that His disciples [are you one] might be One even as He and the Father or One. Then He adds, “And not only these but all who will believe in Me through them.”

You and I can’t bring this about but we sure can pray for God to do it. Actually, He will for Jesus tells us at the end He is going to send angels to separate the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the tares. He points out the tares will be gathered and burned. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like that. Jesus paid the same terrible price for those who’ll be rejected as He did for those who are chosen. Odds are, the majority of folks who read this message are in danger now. If I had died within the first 33 years of my life I would be facing judgment and condemnation. God would have me cast into hell for I was black in sin. Jesus, even though I believed in Him, had not yet washed me in His Blood. His Blood is the Only thing that can remove sin. If you aren’t washed, what are you waiting on?

Religion is hateful and deadly for it attempts to take the place of God’s Gift, Jesus Christ. He alone is life. If He isn’t in you, He can be. Salvation is from the Lord but He doesn’t impose it. Folks, allow me to say, God is picky. Reading the scriptures bears this out for He chose Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Peter, Paul and many others for they would obey Him. He’s doing the same today. Did you know, Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.“ Do you think He’s kidding? He’s deadly serious. If you haven’t read Matthew 25 you must do it today. It can help save your life.

Please understand [it seems I have to keep adding this disclaimer] none of our works can save us. Jesus accomplished Salvation while hanging on the Cross. Nothing can be added to His agony and suffering. It was enough! God permitted the sacrifice of Jesus to be all that’s needed for anyone to be saved. But, the works revealed in Matthew 25 are incredibly important to God. Read His Words for yourself. You will see He rejects those not doing them. The reason is simple, Jesus isn’t in them. That’s what the oil and lamps in the chapter are speaking about. The Holy Spirit comes to live in a sinner when he or she is led to the Cross. Until we meet Jesus there how can we truly repent? WE CAN‘T!

God says we must repent [turn around with remorse] of our sins. This doesn’t mean, I’m sorry. It means God, I hate my sinful past for Jesus had to die to set me free from it. Do you know that when God forgives us He has the record of our sins removed from the Books of Judgment? He even removes them from His memory. I’m so thankful for I can also forget them, but never the agony Jesus suffered for me personally.

I’ve been in God’s employment now 39 years [I was born again 5/23/71] and His Word to me has always been the same. We must be born again. We must “have” Jesus by the Holy Spirit. He wants every Christian to be Baptized by Jesus. Please read and memorize Luke 3:16.

If you’re attending a “church” and you aren’t praying for the pastor and leadership you’re not being a good disciple. Many have been called to the ministry by the Holy Spirit and some just came to it “on their own” and the difference is huge. If your pastor isn’t following God’s Spirit, go into your prayer closet, pray for him and his family then ask the Lord if you are to stay in fellowship there. He may not want you there, God has a unique plan for everyone and you may be useful somewhere else. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Verse 10, God says, “Come and I’ll put you to work doing my business.”

Please change every prayer into praise, one that exalts the Lord. Jesus said, “If you abide [live] in Me and My Words live in you then ask and it shall be done for you.“ Read from the scriptures daily. Make God proud of you and you’ll be part of His Church and heaven bound.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot

STANDING ON A TRAP DOOR

STANDING ON A TRAP DOOR

Of all the ways to kill folks today nothing must be more unnerving than standing with a noose around your neck standing on a trap door that you know will fall beneath your feet. Folks let me assure you, no matter who you are, there’s one beneath you, unless you’re born again. How I wish I could shout this from every house top in the world. Everybody is going to die and no one can tell you when it is but God and He isn’t telling.

A few days ago a WW2 AT6 or “Texan” aircraft impacted the gulf taking the lives of the pilot and a relative. Do you think they knew they were going to die when they awakened that fateful morning? As I’m writing this message of warning there are folks dying all around us. Some in autos, some in hospitals, some by acts of violence and some from just old age. Death is a sure thing and very few are ready to face it.

How about you? Have you made your peace with God? There is only one way, it’s to come to the place you hate your sinful past. Until we realize the price God paid in sending Jesus to die on a cross for us, we can’t repent. Repentance is absolutely necessary, for without it, we’d try to live as sinners and saints at the same time which is impossible. Why do you think God says we must be born again? Doesn’t it mea we must die to the first? Of course, no one can live two lives. When we feel the pain inflicted on Jesus as He hung on the cross all we can have is religion. I hate religion and consider it the most dangerous thing in the world. It’s man made and no one can be saved from hell by it. Please chip this in stone!

The baptism of John brought repentant sinners by the hundreds to the river Jordan where he heard them confess their sins and he then submerged them as a reminder of what they had said. This was very important, Jesus was coming to complete the baptism later on. He was going to baptize in the Holy Spirit [Luke 3:16] so we could have the same Holy power that was upon Him. God the Holy Spirit was leading John to baptize but he couldn’t do more for Jesus hadn’t yet died for mankind. Please read the Book of Acts and you will see what it means to be submerged in the Spirit of God.

Being born again is the first step. In John 1:12 we read: “To as many as those who “receive Him” to them gave He the power to become the children of God, even those who believe in His Name [Jesus]. Do you understand this? It’s incredibly important. We inhale the Spirit of God like air by faith. Ephesians 2: 8-10 are some of the most important verses in the Bible when it comes to becoming a child of God. “For by grace [undeserved mercy] are we saved by faith and that not of ourselves. It’s the gift of God and not of works less any man should boast.“ Verse 10 reveals the purpose of 8-9, “For we are His workmanship. We have been created in Christ Jesus to do the works prepared beforehand by God Himself that we should walk in them [or do].” We are now the servants of Almighty God!

Like He’s taught us, we aren’t saved by our works even those done in obedience. The Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross has already made us acceptable to God. But we must not stand idly by and resist the Spirit of God and expect Him to approve of us. He didn’t choose us to be lazy sons and daughters but those of whom He can take pride. Read Matthew 25 and you can see clearly what the Lord says to some of His kids and what He says to some others who claim to be His. He tells them, “I never knew you.” Could He say that to you? You better believe He can and will if you aren’t born again. John 3 is so important for Jesus says we MUST be born again. What are you waiting on if your aren’t His? Get off the trap door!

I’m willing to help anyone come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. I lived on the door for nearly 33 years unaware of the danger. I was always very religious but had no peace. I was becoming a “professional sinner”, I was good at it. I’m ashamed of much of my past and thanks to God’s warning us to not look back I try not to for it is painful. Besides Jesus isn’t behind me.

Are you ready to surrender to Christ? Just remember, it’s all or nothing. He’ll take you like you are “unconditionally” but He will remake you into His likeness. Is that what you want? Tell Him right now on your knees. He’ll meet with you if you do. When His life is inside us we’re heaven bound, no longer in danger. Get off the trap door now. Jesus died for you, Don’t make it needlessly. You are incredibly important to Him. Amen?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

IS GOD MEAN?

IS GOD MEAN

It depends upon which God we are talking about. The one that some follow who tells his disciples to kill the innocent with bombs and to berate women and treat them as common cattle or worse is definitely mean in my estimation. Now if we are speaking of God who is the Heavenly Father revealed by Jesus the answer is “Are you kidding?” Some would say, “No I’m not kidding for I’ve read the Bible.“ What they are referring to is the account of God raising up a family from the introduction of Abraham’s relationship with Him. In the Old Testament [agreement between God and Abraham’s descendents] we can see God was very strong when they sinned.

Without going into the actual times when He “lowered the boom” on them we will always see they were in rebellion against God first. Until we come to know His Character we won’t be able to understand the most important of all things. God is bringing humans to the place where He can stand them through out eternity. He isn’t taking us on a cruise or long vacation but is actually bringing us to where He can adopt us and consider us sons or daughters whom He loves the same as He loves Jesus His Only Son.

To bring this about we are able to see “by the Holy Spirit”, Jesus dying on the Cross for us personally. There is no Gospel message without the suffering and abuse heaped upon Jesus for us. If you’ve heard another then you’re still lost in your sins, if you’ve depended upon it. To understand this, please understand, sin hardens our hearts, the more we sin the harder it becomes. A two year jail ministry I learned the validity of this statement.

When in the jail you can actually feel the presence of evil, it permeates the place. Fear is everywhere for no one is safe. In an instant an inmate can attack another inmate or correctional officer. Demons are raging within many and they are very violent. On the other hand a prisoner who comes to the place where he or she comes to know Christ as their Lord His peace begins to reign where before anger and unforgiveness controlled them. How did this happen? The Born Again experience has claimed another sinner.

Did you know some major denominations don’t even mention this term? Consequently they raise up members who might tell you they believe God is mean. Or, that He can be mean towards them. Do you believe God is mean? I sure hope not but if you aren’t sure read on and discover the Truth.

For God to change us He had to do some drastic things. He asked Jesus to become a man [through birth to the virgin Mary] and live for nearly 30 years as a human without His Divine powers. He asked Jesus to teach over a three year time frame what He would give Him to say and do. Then He asked Jesus to lay down His life for mankind. This was going to be very difficult for Jesus, who was absolutely sinless and would now have to accept all of mankind’s sins to be heaped upon Him as He died. Unless you understand that sin separates us from God, you can’t understand how difficult this was for Jesus.

Jesus and the Father are ONE. They love each other on a level far beyond our understanding. He lived in the Father and the Father lived in Him. To be separated even for a few hours was almost too much for Jesus. We see Him in the garden prior to His arrest laying upon the ground with His sweat becoming bloody as He felt the anguish of what was coming. Yes, He knew that the Romans would beat Him with a scourge. In Psalm 22 David, God’s prophet, revealed the scenes of His passion. He knew from Isaiah 53 the horrible stripes from the beating and the wounds inflicted by the spikes and thorns would bring healing to us as we trusted them.

He also knew that the very ones whom He came to save would stand near and make fun of His sacrifice, rejecting Him and His purpose in coming in the first place. He knew all this but His love for the Father was so great He endured the cross for us and the Father. The Bible tells us God bestowed a Name upon Jesus so that everyone under the earth, on it and above it would one day bow down and proclaim Him Lord. Are you willing to do it now?

The only thing that can save us is for us to accept the sacrifice of Jesus as our own. Once we repent and receive Him as our Lord we are living in His death and Resurrection. When God raised Jesus from the dead He proclaimed eternal life too. When Jesus lives in us we are heaven bound now. From that very second our names are enrolled in the Book of Life. Our sins have been removed and cast as far away as east is from the west. And our Heavenly Father has erased all memory of them from His mind. Now you tell me, is our God mean? No, He’s kind and loving beyond our understanding. Now, if we’re in Jesus aren’t we kind and loving too?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler
captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

GOING FOR BROKE

GOING FOR BROKE
Somewhere in my past I heard this term and I believe it was where a gambler placed all he had on the table for a single bet. He knew if he won he would win big but if he lost he wouldn’t have a single thing left. To be honest with you, I hate gambling for it’s destroyed many lives and will continue as long as folks do it. Today we have lotto’s and casino gambling most everywhere and those foolish enough to participate always lose.

This brings me to a “bet” that you can’t lose but you must go for broke to win. In the scriptures Jesus told a parable where a man discovered a treasure in the ground and he went and sold all he had to purchase the field. In another a man discovered a pearl of great price and sold all he had to buy it. It’s a picture of giving up our lives for His. Salvation isn’t what most think. It isn’t a “get out of hell card”. It’s so much more; Salvation is the gift of God of forgiveness of our sins and a brand new life in the family of God.

John 1:12 says it well. “To as many as those who receive Him, to them gave He the power to become the children of God even to those who believe in His Name.” God isn’t having anyone into His family that doesn’t repent. The Lord’s first public word after the temptations of the devil and the beginning of His ministry was REPENT. Most folks don’t like the word for it has been besmirched by cartoonist and loud mouths. They like to make fun of the theme of repentance for they’re ignorant and perhaps in the devil’s employment. You do know there are people who work for the devil don’t you? Many are in Congress and state Legislatures. They have traded their souls for power and are using it to enslave the innocents.

Most can talk a good game but when their backs are against the wall they will not repent but attack. Jesus said Satan was an attacker. He called him “a liar, thief, murderer and accuser of the brothers.” He tries to win folks like he did Jesus by promising them the world. Those who are ignorant of the teachings in the Bible often fall for it. You and I know folks who live near us who have fallen for the lie. Think for a moment, what on earth is equal to living in eternity with God in Heaven? We will have brand new supernatural bodies that look like these but that are absolutely perfect and never age. I was allowed to see my dad and my Aunt Vera Walter in their resurrected bodies in two different dreams, no one was more beautiful or perfect. What we read in the scriptures is absolutely true.

The question I must ask, do you believe the Bible is the Word of God? There can only be a yes or no answer. If it’s yes, are you reading and following the teachings of Jesus? Can you give a testimony of when you began and how it came about? Aren’t we born to our moms in a single day? It may have taken a few days for the main event to arrive but there was a specific time when we first breathed air. It’s called our birthday.

We are also brought into our New Birth in the same way. God may have worked on us for a long time, probably a lot longer than the nine months our moms carried us. Then, on a specific day we emerged from being sinners to being a son or daughter of God. Repentance brought us to the place where the Holy Spirit could be inhaled by faith and we received His eternal life.

Some folks think that they became a Christian over a long time but it isn’t true. I can tell you exactly when I received Jesus. I felt shame leave my back like a heavy weight. When my pastor had me invite Jesus to come inside me I experienced the best “feeling” in my life. I was free for the very first time. Satan had no more power over me, the opposite was now true. God had now given me power over him in Jesus Name.

Thirty nine years later [as of May 23rd] I live in Christ’s victory. He won the war with Satan for men’s souls. When His Blood poured from His wounds God was satisfied and would forgive and claim any one who would “go for broke”. I can assure you of one thing. You can’t have part of Jesus. Either you have Him all or you have nothing [religion]. Today you can make a choice or you can put it off and perhaps not receive another. What will you do? Will you continue to seek after the world and it’s valuables or will you give yourself lock, stock and barrel to Jesus. It’s all or nothing. Please accept His offer. You aren’t too bad. Satan is telling you that you are, but remember he’s a liar. Jesus loves you. Will you love Him back?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

A FIRESTORM IS APPROACHING AMERICA

A FIRESTORM IS APPROACHING AMERICA

What you are about to read isn’t something I will enjoy writing but how can I not place here what the Holy Spirit is saying to me. Have you watched the fires that rage ruthlessly in the west on TV? They consume all before them and after it passes there isn’t anything left but devastation. You and I can prepare for what’s coming by spending time on our knees before the Lord. God hears and answers prayer, He’s promised to do it. He says, “If two or three will gather together [in spirit] and agree as on touching anything I will do it.” Why would He make such a statement? Why because He lives inside the born again Christians [his kids] and the prayers will be from the Holy Spirit.

Do you know the Holy Spirit? In Acts some who had been baptized with John’s baptism [of repentance] didn’t even know there was another baptism. In Luke 3:16 we’re told that Jesus is the One who baptizes in the Holy
Spirit and with fire. Fire fights fire folks and those who place their lives in danger fighting forest fires use this technique a lot. They back fire or consume areas before the raging flames arrive. This creates “barriers” which can slow or end the fire. Many times though the embers can “jump” the space already burned and restart the fire again.

If you’re concerned about your family and loved ones, isn’t it time for you to go to Jesus and ask Him to baptize you in the Holy Spirit? When He does you’ll receive His power to witness. At last you’ll have the ability to approach anyone, even those who are hostile, to tell them that Jesus loves them. When you do you can back it up with your own story of Amazing Grace.

Please understand all that is happening to America now is because of sin. God is Almighty God and He’s going to bring Judgment to those who are hostile towards Him and His Son Jesus. Few preachers are telling the lost to repent or they’ll be caught up in eternal fire. Do you hear it where you worship? Do you see folks responding to the warning?

Part of the responsibility of a child of God is to pray for the teachers and preachers whom the Lord has raised to equip the saints for service. There are five ministries mentioned, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Only in some instances do you hear of the apostle and prophet anymore. Their ministry is just as important now as ever. So pray that the Lord will bring whoever He has chosen to fore so the Gospel can be preached and obeyed all over the world. Don’t be one who believes the Lord is content with us living luke warm lives. He’s told us He will spit us out of His mouth if we are.

Are you willing to tell God often how much you love Him and then prove it by submitting to the Holy Spirit? If you aren’t, what do you expect Jesus to say to you on Judgment Day? How can He say, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of your Master.” He can’t and He won’t for He always keeps His Word. Please stop now if you have your Bible near and read Matthew 25. Jesus is saying these things and we had better listen.

We can’t be saved by our works for we are saved by faith and that’s not of ourselves but from a faith given to us by God as a gift. But is your faith real? In James we are told I will show you my faith [genuineness] by my works. Are these things [works] something we’ve decided to do on our own? Of course not, they’re works prepared beforehand by God our Father for us to do. Read it for yourself in Ephesians 2:8-10. Accept these Words and live with God forever. Remember, everything on earth will be burned up one day. His Word written in our hearts is eternal. This is why we should read and digest the Word and allow it to strengthen us so we can serve Him.

The vast majority of folks who say they’re going to Heaven have no Biblical discipline. Their major complaint, “I don’t have time” but don’t they have time to watch TV? Make sure the Lord doesn’t say the worse words in the Bible to you, “I never knew you.” We must be born again to know Him.

Please believe me there is safety only when we are in Jesus. Do you remember the fiery furnace into which the Persian King had three of God’s servants thrown? And when he looked, he saw there were now four. Jesus was in there with them protecting and keeping them safe. When they were removed them wasn’t even the smell of smoke on them. This Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Folks, we can count on Him. Can He count on us?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot.com

REVELATIONS FOR CHRISTIANS ALONE

REVELATIONS FOR CHRISTIANS ALONE

From time to time God allows me to see what I should have realized years ago. His timing is always perfect so I’m happy whenever it appears for it’s all about Jesus in the first place. It is never about us and the sooner we realize it the more quickly He can use us. I bet that’s a revelation for many reading this.

If you’ve grown up in the church you know there are tiers of opportunity. If you’re ordained the top levels of preaching and teaching is yours. But, if you aren’t, then those in charge will limit you. Now this changed back in the 1970’s where I was serving the Lord. The outpouring of God’s Spirit allowed the Lord to uplift the “common folks” into powerful ministries.

My cousin Betty Moore was given an extremely important prayer ministry that is still fruitful decades later. Her husband John and I were sent to work in a jail ministry that lasted two years. One, a former inmate, began a prison ministry, “Reconciled Ministries”, based in Pensacola that is still bearing fruit as I write. There are more but these two examples should suffice in revealing that God can use anyone who is willing. Are you willing?

The most important thing is to be born again. This means you have died to your old life and have received Jesus into your heart as Lord. The most recent revelation given to me is simple, we must live in Him. We may have heard this before like in John 15. However, we can find ourselves just outside, trying to walk along side the Lord rather than “inside Him.” My favorite verse reveals it, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for or unto good works that God Himself has prepared for us to walk in.”

Do you see the “in Christ Jesus”? Before you brush this off, think for a second about a water baptism. Those submerged and uplifted while being baptized in the “Name of Jesus: as in Acts they should have understood the water is a grave. Graves are where we place dead people. While down in it all possessions as well as our life is buried. When uplifted the Holy Spirit comes to stay. Now think for a moment, if we’re in Him shouldn’t we stay there? We can by listening to Jesus who said, “we must pick up our crosses daily and follow after Him“. Doing so won’t make us “more saved” for we are already His but it causes our flesh to die which is absolutely necessary.

If you’ve been struggling as a Christian, could this be the reason? You aren’t dead to your desires and may feel overwhelmed by them. If so, you’re in the vast majority of Christians struggling with you. Do you want to change? It’s up to you, for God will never force us.

There is one thing that can help you and it’s a daily visit to the Cross. If you want freedom to serve God with all your heart don’t go anywhere else. God allowed Jesus to die in the most horrible way possible. There was a very good reason for He knows that our hearts are hard and will get harder as we struggle to live. We can see this in ourselves by our wanting to be first or to put others down. This is the opposite of true Christianity and we know it. I’m not saying we will be able to completely conquer it but we can sure try.

I’m not saying we can make ourselves “humble” for if we try we are doomed to fail. Humility is an award given by God to those who have learned to walk in Jesus. Just as an apple tree doesn’t strain to make apples neither will a Christian in Jesus need to struggle either. He is moving along and allows us to see what He sees. Then the Holy Spirit nudges us to do “something”. We know what it is and sometimes have to argue with our flesh over doing it. The less arguing we do the more peace we enjoy in our relationship with the Lord, simple isn’t it?

Now if you aren’t born again there’s nothing more important, Jesus said you can’t enter into the Kingdom of God without it.? Read John 3. If your denomination doesn’t teach or better yet preach it, run for your life. If there isn’t any joy in your life, run for your life. If you’re being controlled by your denomination, run for your life. If you aren’t being encouraged to read the scriptures daily, run for your life. If you’re being “fleeced” or forced to pay a tithe, run for your life. Our giving is up to the Lord and many times He’s telling us to give way beyond a tithe. It all belongs to Him now.

The most important gift is the giving of yourself to God in Christ Jesus. Will you do it? Time is getting shorter and you must not put it off any longer. Today is the day of salvation.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

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DID GOD REALLY SAY THAT

DID GOD REALLY SAY THAT

There are many “man made” religions and they all have gods or a god but we who are Christians have but one God and His Name is Almighty God. If you want to come to know Him He’s made it possible by giving us the Holy Bible, His written Word. If you try and understand it intellectually you will be troubled for He says within it, It’s spiritually discerned. This means you need the Holy Spirit of God to help you. I learned this back in 1971 when He drew me to Himself by allowing me to believe that Jesus died for me.

I’ve written extensively about it and won’t do so here again but I will repeat I melted before Him. This means when the Holy Spirit brought me under conviction of my countless sins [I was 32 at the time] I knew I was undone. I had committed sins for which I’m so ashamed now but are now gone forever. God my Heavenly Father had them erased from the Books to be opened on Judgment Day and from His mind. He gave me eternal life and the peace that passes all understanding. He left me here to witness His goodness and mercy called Amazing Grace.

He has told us, “I will not strive with man forever”. That’s the theme of this message and if you’re wise you’ll heed it. Please ask yourself the important question, “Do I know about Jesus or do I have an intimate relationship with Him?“ Some might ask it another way, “Do I know for sure if I were to die right now I would definitely go to Heaven?” This isn’t as good a question for many believe they can add to His sacrifice on the cross. When asked they’ll tell you how “good” they are or how they aren’t as bad as someone else like a murderer. Religion has allowed them to do this and if you are one and want to help yourself please pray this prayer with all your heart. “Dear God, I know there must be some religion in me somewhere and I ask you in Jesus Name to remove it from me now.”

Some major denominations are not able to bring anyone to salvation for they are being led by the lost themselves. Please allow me to explain. Salvation is simple, God made it simple to confound the wise. Salvation is when we come to the place we are under conviction of our sinfulness [by the Holy Spirit] and admit it. Somehow we can see our sins on Jesus as He hung on the cross. As planned by God the scene breaks open our heart so we can “receive Jesus” by faith into our hearts. Paul tells us, “The mystery hidden from the ages is Christ within you the hope of Glory.” Once He is inside us our old life is over and we are now “in Christ“.

Ephesians 2:10 my favorite verse, tells us. “For we are His workmanship created “in Christ Jesus” to do good works that God Himself has prepared for us to walk in [do]” Please see “in Christ Jesus” for until we are in Him, we’re still lost. In First John 5:11-12 we’re reminded, “Those who have Jesus have eternal life. Those who have not Jesus, have not eternal life.” Please see it doesn’t say, “Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life but those who have Him. In John 1:12 He tells us. “To as many as those who “receive Him” to them gave He the power to become the children of God even those who believe in His Name [Jesus].” Do you understand Christianity isn’t a religion which requires us to do things but a brand new life in Christ Himself.

He gave us two laws, Love God with all we are and have and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. If you are in Jesus, are you keeping these two laws willfully? If you are, then help me to take the Good News to the lost while we have time. God is running out of patience with mankind. If you’re wondering why, please understand He hates violence and it’s increasing world wide. Because of violence He sent the great flood that destroyed all breathing life except for Noah, his family and an ark full of birds and animals. When He did it He was giving mankind one more chance and we’ve “blown it”. As I write Iran is preparing to nuke Israel or use chemical weapons capable of mass murder in an attempt to irradiate them.

What they should realize Israel has the power now to place Iran back in the stone age and will, unless the Lord intervenes. Israel has been God’s people since God sent Abraham to the land thousands of years ago. Read the Exodus in the Bible and you can see how it was given to them. Later, due to their disobedience they lost control of it and were cast all over the earth as was prophesied. Then in 1948 by a true miracle it was returned to them by an agreement with the British and other countries involved after a war. It’s their’s now and no one will ever be able to take it away from them. Jesus is coming again and He will place His feet upon the mountain from where He left after His Resurrection. Do not disappoint Him by not being prepared when He comes. Be born again today. If you need help, just ask.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

DEMONCRATS AND DEMOCRATS

America has two major political parties the Democrats and the Republican. Both have folks in them that should be removed for not keeping their oath of office. Just watching TV now is nauseating for the party in power is being led by Demoncrats. Before you become angry allow me to say I am judging them according to the Word of God. There is no way He, who forms all humans in the womb, “knitting them together” can approve of the willful killing of the innocent. With out going into it just what political party champions abortion? There are Republicans who are also guilty for they have been tempted to join the slaughter to keep their positions in Congress.

How I wish for a great revival to spring forth now where the Holy Spirit can bring conviction and true repentance not only to them but to the masses that support them. Please pray with me for one that will be accompanied by God’s mighty power to save, heal and deliver.

Folks we are running out of time for the world is in great danger now from the threat of armed conflict between Israel and Iran. When this happens the repercussions will be felt world wide. Like it or not we have allowed our economy to be supported by foreign oil when we have plenty of our own. The nuclear power plants should be widespread giving us energy but there are folks who are determined to destroy this country one way or another.

As much as I detest the impact the oil spill is having on our ecology and lives we need to keep our eyes on Jesus instead. Let’s leave the work and anger to those hired now to clean it up. Unless you are employed and trained you have no business messing with it. What you can do instead is go into a closet and ask God to finish His business so we can come home.

If you’re born again of the Spirit of Jesus you have an eternal home, heaven. If you are still lost in your sins, today is the day you can become free from them and have God adopt you too. He leaves that up to us but hurts each time a lost person dies for He knows on Judgment Day, to keep His Word, He will have them cast into hell. If we’re born again and don’t feel His pain we must go and ask for it. Until we experience the agony of Jesus there isn’t anyway we are going to “really care” if people get saved, not even our own family members. This is a terrible shame.

Why do you think God left us here after adding us to His family? We are to be servants and stewards so He can reward us later on. Not everyone in Heaven will serve Him the same way. Those who put God and His purposes first will be first there. Many tell me, “Oh, I will just be glad to get inside the door.” They are ignorant and must be told that God wants to use them as a conduit for His saving love. Jesus wants to love “everyone” through us so “they” will know we are His disciples. Are you open to be used?

One of the first things God does when He adds us to the Family is give us the Holy Spirit inside us. This is being born the second time. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us into all Truth. He is with us to anoint us to have the same power Jesus experienced. Few seem to believe it and never have the power to witness making Satan as happy as a lark. Please read Luke 3:16 and ask Jesus to baptize you. Your Pastor or someone probably baptized you in water for repentance but may not have even understood the second baptism. Many tell me they have it but can’t produce a testimony confirming it. It is up to you for God gives us a lot of freedom to serve or not. Please read Ephesians 2; 8,9 and 10 as a package.

The bottom line is simply this, we can be like the Demoncrats who are headed for judgment [unless they repent and are born again] making a mockery of God’s purposes. I hope and pray you will take this message very seriously for it has eternal consequences. Stand up for the unborn and speak out as Jesus would be doing now. Never support a politician who you know isn’t serving God and his or her country honorably. Finally, submit yourself to Jesus 24/7/365 and allow Him to work through you to bring Life to those who are dying. You’ll be shocked as to all that He has for you.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

ARE YOU READY TO FLY

ARE YOU READY TO FLY

No one knows when Jesus will return to earth. He said that only the Father in Heaven knows. So I won’t venture a guess other than to say there’s going to be an event that will shock the world before He does. When He finally returns His foot will set down upon the spot from which He ascended. You can read about it in the beginning of the Book of Acts. What you’re about to read here is something very special and only a few will make the flight. You can be on it “if” you’re willing to give up your life [will] and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. Trust me, only those born again will go.

Paul tells us in First Thessalonians 4:13-18 that there will be a shout by the arch-angel and those alive [living in Christ] along with the dead [who died in Him] will arise and meet the Lord in the air. This is called the rapture or great snatch. Please notice Jesus meets us in the air not here on earth. Please read the verses above and see it for yourself.

I believe this can happen at anytime now for I’m watching Israel surrounded by it’s enemies vowing to utterly wipe it off the map. Iran, it’s main enemy, is working hard to make nuclear weapons to use in attacking Israel. Personally, I don’t think they’ll get the chance for Israel is led by Benjamin Netanyahu an Israeli patriot who will strike them first.

Israel’s air force is perhaps the best in the world considering it’s size. It has it’s own IBM’s with small nuclear warheads. These Jericho 2 missiles are accurate and devastating. Now there are also new submarines with cruise missiles. I believe God has all of this under His control. Before He allows this conflict that will bring on the Great Tribulation He’ll remove His children to safety with Jesus.

The last verse says, “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” I’m not comforted that billions will be left during a time that Jesus said, “Unless my Father had shortened the days not even the elect could be saved.“ I hope you will believe these scriptures for they can save your life. Together, we can warn our loved ones to prepare too.

There’s no way anyone can be saved except by true repentance and then placing their full trust in all that Jesus did. His death and resurrection was for us and if we “receive Him” into our hearts [life], He’ll come in giving us a brand new life with “an experience“. We can’t have His and ours too for if we try, we’ll end up with a man made religion and not intimate relationship. I’ve been in both places, and there isn’t any comparison.

Until we experience forgiveness there isn’t anyway we can love Jesus as we should. When I surrendered [melted] before Jesus I literally felt shame and guilt leave me like a heavy weight being removed. Satan had used this load to keep me “guilty”. That night the Holy Spirit met me in my bedroom and anointed me so I could witness. And I have plus I’ve written extensively about it and won’t include any here except to say He led me with vivid incredible dreams that I can still remember 39 years later.

He also gave me this prophetic gift to share encouragement with the church. If you are being encouraged by these words please give Jesus the glory for I’m just His typist. If you’re still lost in yours sins afterwards it isn’t His fault nor mine. You must surrender your life [all of it] to Him.

There’s a verse that should help you do it. “Seek you first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and then all things shall be added unto you.” Do you understand what He’s saying here? In the Lord’s prayer we pray, “Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done..” We are already praying for it but just not willing or able to bring it to where we live. Isn’t this true?

God’s righteousness is our righteousness and was given to us when Jesus died for us. His most righteous act was to go to the cross for us. If we’re picking up our cross and walking with Jesus daily under the anointing of the Holy Spirit all things we need will be added unto us, so we can stop worrying. Please understand we aren’t earning our salvation, Jesus did that for us. What we’re doing is becoming true servants of the Lord like He intended. Our “works” reveal our faith just as it says in James. “Faith without works is dead.” It isn’t what we do on our own but what He leads us to do. If you are busy doing His labors you can rest in the promise that one day you’re going to zoom off earth and meet Jesus just above the earth just as He said and I’ll be there with you, to forever be with the Lord. Isn’t He wonderful?

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

GOD IS IN CONTROL

GOD HAS EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL

Are you stressed over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? If you aren’t, consider yourself as part of the minority. The 24 hour news services won’t let it become anything less than a national disaster. It may turn out to be a horrible blow to us, and then again it might not. I’m not saying that there won’t be folks greatly impacted for many are already in bad shape. I’m speaking on a larger scale now so please consider the words that follow.

Do you know why you were born? There was an excellent chance you wouldn’t have been except for one thing, God loved you before you were conceived in your mom. From biology class on human reproduction it was pointed out that it took a small miracle for a tiny sperm to reach a fertile egg at the proper time to provide God the ingredients to make us. The Bible tells us that God knits us together in the womb. Why do you think He did, for most of us have bad histories and certainly didn’t reward Him for His good work making us. Isn’t this true?

God knew that and provided a way for us to be redeemed and we all need redemption, including all the “goody two shoes” among us. We’ve all sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God. He knew we would and devised a plan to bring us sinners into an intimate relationship where our past, no matter how black, could be washed as clean as new snow. Only one thing could accomplish it, His Own Blood which Jesus shed on Calvary. All God requires is our repentance [a look at our past with repugnance and a willingness to turn and go the other way] and a confession of our sins with a sincere request for God’s forgiveness by faith.

Instantly we receive it “if” we aren’t playing games with God. How stupid for anyone to do it but it happens constantly. I believe with all my heart this is the result of a lack of preaching on the cross. We have hard hearts and they must be opened for the Gospel. The cross upon which Jesus hung was a place of execution, easily the worse way devised by the evil in man. Jesus hung there for 6 hours as His Blood spilled upon the ground for us. He had already been beaten to the point of death by the Romans using a scourge. His beard had been ripped out of His face and He was spit upon by His tormentors. He listened to their cruel and hateful words all the while loving and forgiving them “for they didn’t know what they were doing.”

Well folks lets admit it we do know what they were doing. They were killing Jesus for us. We haven’t an excuse if we don’t care He suffered so much. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you of your sins that were placed upon Him, you are most blessed. Someone somewhere loves you and is praying for you. I saw this in the jail ministry where some prisoners could hear the Gospel and to others it was nonsense.

Right now Christians of all stripes are ignorant of God’s love for them. If they had a clue they would be out on the street corners, in public places and definitely in houses of worship testifying of His goodness to them. Instead they have joined with the lost and condemn God for allowing an oil spill or earthquake or other natural bad thing to happen. Forget it folks this is God’s good earth and not ours. God gave it to our forefather Adam and he sinned along with Eve and the devil grabbed it. Satan doesn’t own earth for he doesn’t own anything but a place in hell. But temporarily he has “lordship” here. If we want to follow him we can but we’ll end up with him in hell.

Have you read chapter 3 in First John? You need to do it today and while you’re at it, read the other four chapters. It should cleanse you of any religion. I hate religion for it’s man made and has robbed God of millions of sons and daughters. Only Jesus saves and it’s His desire to bring everyone under His Lordship by coming to live inside them. This is called being born again. If you aren’t born again, you’re lost! You don’t have to be lost for God’s amazing grace is still available for a while longer. It’s up to us if we want to live “in Christ” so He can live in us. Once He does, you’re an immortal. You can’t die, your body can, but you will live with God forever in Heaven. This is a promise from Him. “To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord.”

Now considering God is willing to take someone as bad as you and me as a son or daughter, cleansing us with His Blood, could He not clean up His Gulf? You bet and besides, the Bible tells us the world will be destroyed and He is going to start over with a new earth [no oceans] with a city 1500 miles cubed sitting upon it. We who are His will live there, even though we deserve to be sent to hell. God will live there too and it will always be light and filled with Joy and Happiness. Read Revelations 20-22 to see this along with who won’t be there. Surrender to Jesus now and live forever.
For Him, Capt Ben Marler
captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

WALKING BY FAITH

WALKING BY FAITH
“Who me? Walk by faith, you must be kidding. I have eyes and a good mind and if I can’t see it, I’m not going to believe.” Lots of folks don’t utter these words but deep down inside that’s exactly how they feel. The evidence is everywhere. How many people do you know live as if they believe the Bible is true? Most might believe it’s the “Good Book” but that’s about all. If they believed it was the Word of God, given to us so we could have fellowship with Him and eternal life, they would believe in all He says within it.

There are things we see everyday that might cause us to fall from fellowship with the Lord. He won’t release us from His family, but like the prodigal, He will allow us to go just far enough to see that all there is beyond Him is hog food. Some folks spend fortunes eating out when they really don’t have the means. With what one meal costs they could buy a week or two worth of groceries. Some also leave tips that’s are huge when they wouldn’t give a dime to the work of the Lord. I’m not against restaurants and waiters for one of my grand daughters is an excellent waitress who earns more money in a night than I did working for Vitro services in a week when still at FSU.

The equipment we used could track a B 47 bomber 75 miles off Destin. I was happy one day when the pilot began his turn to the left for he was disappearing from view in the 12 power tracking binocular on my side of the Contraves Photo- Theodolite. I can assure you, I also operated on a lot of faith when I had to load and unload movie cameras inside a black bag. In this case the bomber was making a 30 mile circuit between runs where it would make simulated “toss bombing” runs off our coast. Time was very short between them and the three cameras ate film at 30 frames a second.

If you’re one who’s struggling with your faith, and everyone does sooner or later, you need to take this up with the Lord today. Nothing is more important if you call yourselves a Christian. Hebrews 11:6 is so incredibly important I’ve memorized it. “For without faith man can not please God for we must believe that HE IS and that HE IS a rewarder of them that “diligently“ seek Him.“ He also tells us faith comes from reading and hearing the Words of Jesus. Are you reading the Bible and listening when He’s uplifted? If you aren’t, how do you expect to walk by faith and not by sight? I don’t believe you can.

Religion might allow you to walk by sight but God won’t. He tells us we must be like a child to even enter into the Kingdom of God. Do you think a child checks out the food his or her mom is feeding them? They might not like it, but if hungry enough, they’ll eat it and may even learn to like it. When our daughters were little we had to cover the yellow and green stuff with applesauce. It’s “sweetness” allowed them to eat the vegetables which they needed to be healthy.

God is willing to give us some sweetness too if we’re hungry enough. Through the decades from time to time He has given me revelation on something that thrilled my soul. It encouraged me to get up daily and read what I’ve read countless times before. What I can see, but sometimes others can’t, is from a faith that can’t be bought. It’s like He is adding gold dust into my account when I read. The dust is so fine it’s almost invisible until it lands upon a mound of it where it adds to the value and weight.

How much is in your account? Not much, if you aren’t reading the Bible. If you start in Genesis it won’t be long before you’ll stop. So, do yourself a favor and begin with the Gospel of John or First John which is right before the Book of Revelations. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit it teach you for it’s He who gives us revelation. He’s in love with you and cares that you become a devout follower of Jesus. This means you will seek to walk daily as if you were in the party of disciples closest to the Lord. You’ll be surprised as to how often you’ll find yourself walking in His sandals.

I’ve walked a lot in them, and looking back, those were the best days of my life. He’s promised me that one day He’s going to lift me up and I’ll be with my loved ones who’ve gone before. I believe Him and I don’t fear death at all. “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me even if He die yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.“ Do you believe Him too? If you are, you’re already walking by faith in Jesus.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
http://captben61.blogspot.com/

EVERLASTING UNTO EVERLASTING

Folks you must grasp this fact. We are going somewhere when we die. According to Jesus the rich man who was found in the flames was there forever. He had no hope none at all. Lazarus an old beggar that used to beg for scraps at his door was instead being comforted in the arms of father Abraham in Paradise. When he spotted them he begged for Lazarus to be allowed to come and cool his lips with some water for he was in torment. He was told it was impossible for there was a deep chasm between them that couldn’t be crossed either way.
Get it in your heart and mind right now this message is to bring you to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jesus saves and only He can but for you to experience it someone must pray for you first. The fact you have read this far should allow you to know someone has prayed for you. I’ve asked God to allow all who read it to find their security in His promises.
The next thing you must realize is Salvation was earned by Jesus as He hung on a cross with His precious Blood being spilled upon the ground. There isn’t a work we can do to earn favor with God. This is His way of making sure there isn’t a speck of pride in Heaven. Pride is the worse sin in His sight. We must live humbly with Jesus as our Lord. If you don’t know what the word Lord means allow me to explain it for you. It is the title of Almighty God the Creator of the universe. He alone has all power and authority. What He says is how it is and everything He says is Good.
The only time we don’t agree is when we are following our flesh instead of His Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to live in us when we repent of our sinful life with remorse and “receive” Jesus into our hearts. Paul said, “The mystery hidden from the ages is Christ within you the hope of glory.“ It is the Holy Spirit within us that truly makes us acceptable to God for He is One with Jesus and the Father. It’s as if God accepting Himself.
I won’t blame you for not understanding all of this for it must be spiritually discerned. Much of what God does defies our ability to comprehend it. For instance I can’t understand why mosquitoes were made and why they love me so much. Some of them carry terrible diseases that can kill us. They are hateful creatures to us but in the high artic they are the food of the water fowl that arrive after spending the winter down south. Every place a caribou steps he leaves a depression in the bog.
When the snow melts each become a small lake or nursery for zillions of mosquitoes. I’ve seen the ducks, geese and other critters eat the larva as it rises to the surface. If there weren’t so many the waterfowl would starve. How I wish they didn’t breed here too for they stress me.
One thing for sure there won’t be any in Heaven where I’m going to live. All who have accepted the Gospel will live there too. Much of what we will do there has been hidden from us but God has said, “Eye has not seen nor ear heard all the things God has prepared for man that loves Him.“ Remember this verse as it has an important clue for us. We are to love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength so that we can love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This is paramount to the Lord, nothing surpasses it. James tells us that we reveal our faith by our works and there are some prepared for us to accomplish. Ephesians 2: 8-10 makes this clear. Our works don’t save us but they do identify us as His.
If you don’t have an inclination to help those around you who are hurting I would take it up with Jesus. I’d want to know why my heart is hard when His is so soft. It may be that we aren’t born again YET. In Matthew 25 you will see Jesus turn away half the virgins who represent the Church. The worst words in the Bible are spoken here, “I never knew you.“ They had lots of religion but none of His Spirit. I was one myself for nearly 33 years so I know the difference of experiencing the New Birth and not having it.
In John 3 Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus and us too that we MUST BE born again. You can believe your church leaders or Jesus. There are some huge denominations who don’t teach this as doctrine. These same ones are in big trouble with the priests involved in horrible sins with young boys. This should be a wake up call to the laity who are following along in error.
Just remember God has the New Jerusalem prepared for those who surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. If you have, from everlasting to everlasting you will live there in a brand new perfect body like His. If this is what you desire, tell Him. He loves you with an everlasting love.
In His Service,
Capt. Ben Marler
captben61@gmail.com

SANDBAGGING GOD

There have always been people who want nothing to do with God and there’s a very good reason for it. They see Him as stern and mean instead of Loving like we who are born again know Him in Jesus and this isn’t a small problem for them. We’re the only ones He has now to rescue them from sudden doom which looms before them. Jesus told us only a few would be saved, even though God said He desires all men to repent and be saved. This message will offer some ways to overcome their resistance. Read on and see what you can do to bring the Kingdom of God to where you live.

Today I encountered a man on a street corner with a cardboard sign. I’ve decided that to give them money is unwise for it will end up being spent on anything but nutritional food items. In my vehicle I had lots of bananas to give away here in Destin and also through the fellowship where Joan and I worship. I motioned for him to come over to the window and handed him a bag full. His eyes lit up and he said, “bananas, thank you.” As I looked at his face my first thought was, no one would hire him. It was obvious he had wasted his life away with alcohol and drugs. I hurt for him but there wasn’t a thing I can do in cases like this, unless God says, “Do something“. I know we can do something for some folks before they are this far gone.

We, who are God’s kids, must spend time with Jesus and allow His Spirit within us to flow in worship and service. There isn’t anything we can do “outside” of Him. He said, “You can do nothing apart from Me.” So let that sink in or you’ll become very frustrated in a hurry. Yesterday, after I made some copies of some messages to hand out I met a clerk who refused one saying, “I don’t believe in God.” To be honest, I didn’t handle this as well as I would have liked for he seemed proud of his atheism. I tried to engage him in some rational thought, like why does he think the water moves under the bridge at Destin. I wanted to show him that the Lord placed a perfectly sized moon the correct distance away to create a gravitational tidal flow to oxygenate the bay so the shrimp, etc., could live.

His arrogance made it impossible. When I spoke to his boss he said, “I believe in the big bang.” Lord, help me now! I told him I’m a retired boat captain and I saw many flying fish [which is my favorite fish to see] while out on the gulf, how did they come about from the big bang? He was arrogant too and said, “I believe in flying fish.“ It was obvious this wasn’t going anywhere so I headed for the door. Then all of a sudden, I turned to the first guy and said, you know lots of folks think I’m crazy and I am, for I love you. Before he could reply I turned on my heel and left the store. As I reached the sidewalk I prayed Lord, let him chew on that for a while.

I blame religion for most of these problems. No one wants to be controlled and God doesn’t approve of it either. In Revelations Jesus said He hated the work of the Nicolaitans. God gives us freedom to live and love as Jesus loved. Jesus had one desire and that was to please the Father. If we are his disciple shouldn’t we be the same? You bet, and the sooner we get to it the better. Every time I see these two clerks I’m only going to love on them. If God wants more then He’ll have to tell me. Otherwise, they’re on their own.

You may have some in your family who are like these two. Why not ask God if He’s assigned someone else to reach them. Just love on them with “unconditional love” and rest in the fact that God can get them. I do believe in praying a “Boma” or corral of protection around folks, but after almost 40 years trying, I still haven’t been able to save a single soul.

Jesus is the Savior but that will happen when we stand before Him on Judgment Day. We shouldn’t call Him our Savior unless we’re living in Him and for Him. Countless “Christians” proclaim Jesus as their Lord when there isn’t the slightest bit of evidence He is. There isn’t a flow of love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, longsuffering, temperance and faithfulness coming from them. Until we’re walking in Jesus, there can’t be any.

Please realize we’re to have Jesus as our Lord [boss] and to do as we’re told, then the fruit of His Spirit will be pouring from us. He said He’s the Vine and we’re the branches who must abide in Him. [John 15] If you aren’t reading daily from the Bible, from mostly in the New Testament, you’ll remain ignorant and lifeless. Our life is to always be a blessing to others just as Jesus is a blessing to us. Can God count on you to serve Him? Be born again and it’s a slam dunk. If you need help, ask and you shall receive.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com

ENERGIZING THE BASE

This is a very familiar term in American politics. There seems to be two schools of thought on most everything and from time to time each will galvanize folks into political groups. The most prevalent here in America are the Republican and Democratic parties. From time to time others will surface [like the tea party one now] but all seem to sink out of sight until later on when the same issues will resurrect it or them. Politics has become nothing more now than where a few are attempting to grab as much power as possible to control the rest of us.
I’m not saying every politician is a “pole cat” but once many get into office they have one thing in mind and that’s to get re-elected. This drives them to scratch the backs of some who are down right dishonest. The Bible tells us, “Bad company corrupts good morals.“ I suspect it more appropriate in politics than anywhere else. Well, this message isn’t about all this but to alert you to the coming of the LORD JESUS CHRIST to rule on earth.
Just as God raised up John the Baptist before Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to minister to the Jewish Nation we who are His have the same job to do today. You may have been led to believe that salvation comes without responsibility but you are about to get a wake up call right here. If you are one of the millions who “got saved” by lifting a hand in church or by being baptized I hope you have a viable testimony to back it up. This means you must be able to tell when you died to your old life [should have happened in mere minutes] and came alive in Jesus by being born again. If you can’t I would counsel you to consider yourself lost.
To give you an idea what this means, Jesus when living in us causes us to love everyone even those we don’t like. Do you love everyone? You can by going to the cross and getting a picture as to what God did to His Son for you. It boils down to this: Do you care that Jesus was whipped to near death by the Romans using a hateful scourge that removed flesh? Do you care that He was slapped, slugged in the face where His beard had been ripped out? Do you care He was verbally abused as they spit in His face? Does it bother you that He was thrown down and nailed to a rugged cross to die? Do you care that while hanging there all but a few deserted Him including God the Father? Do you recall Jesus crying out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken ME? Yes God turned away for your sins and mine were on Jesus and God hates sin.
Jesus was left hanging on those cruel spikes for six hours. That is a very long time to die and we know it. As He hung there His Blood dripped from the many wounds. They didn’t know then and many today don’t know the Blood of Jesus is the only thing that can remove sin. It can still remove sin and God will use it to cleanse you if you are willing to repent. This word doesn’t mean “I’m sorry“. It really means God I’ve very sorry for my sins and hate them as you do. How I wish I had never committed them and I now choose to go the other way and live my life for you instead of myself.
If this is from your heart you’ll be forgiven for them and made clean as new snow. God won’t call you a sinner again but a child of His. “To as many as those who receive Him [Jesus] to them gave He the power to become the children of God even those who believe in His Name.“ John 1:12 Trust me in this you can not receive the Spirit of God into a dirty heart. Anyone who says you can is wrong, dead wrong. Paul tells us that “The secret hidden from the ages is Christ within you the hope of glory.“ If you knew Jesus was coming to your house would you clean it up first? Of course you would and I would too. I’d hire extra help to get it done right.
If you’ve received Jesus as your Lord would you be so kind as to send me an email and tell me about it? I’d walk a good mile to hear a real testimony. I’ve heard many and one that still blesses me is one told by one of my customers. He said he and his wife were sitting on a pew in their church when the most terrible man in their town came and sat next to him. He was a bit shocked and said, “Why are you here?” The man said, “I come to get saved.” He said he told him to go to the altar. I asked, did he go? He said, “He ran”. When the Holy Spirit is after us we run to God for we know we are lost and in danger of being cast into hell. There are so many ways the Lord can draw us to Jesus, yours may be unique too. Please share it with me.
While you’re at it, share it widely for it will help energize the Lord’s base where you live. The scriptures tell us “They defeated the devil with the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Use yours and defeat Satan when he’s after you. Are you a child of God? Win your battles!
In His Service,
Capt. Ben Marler
captben61@gmail.com

THE JUDAS KISS

When Judas betrayed Jesus he inflicted unbelievable pain on the Lord. It would have been better if he had not been born. If you recall, in the account he soon realized that he had made a horrible mistake and hung himself. Just prior though he went back to the Sanhedrin admitting it. They didn’t care for they wanted Jesus out of the way and Judas threw the thirty pieces of silver into the sanctuary. They said, “This is the price of blood and can’t be placed back into the treasury.” So they took the money and bought a field where indigents and foreigners could be buried. It was called “the field of blood.”

I don’t know why, but I hurt for Judas and know that he may have been forgiven when Jesus went to the place of “departed spirits” during the three days His body was in the tomb. The scriptures tell us a host of captives were released from that place. How I hope Judas was in the group. You see, anyone cast into hell on Judgment Day will be there forever.

Jesus, in obedience to the Father, chose Judas when He was gathering the 12 Apostles and Judas walked for many miles with Him. On the other hand the scriptures tell us Judas was a thief and often pilfered from the collections given to Jesus and the group.

Have you and I ever stolen anything? I hate to admit it but I have and it grieves me. When I listen to Amazing Grace it moves me in my spirit for I know Jesus paid for my sins, including theft. How about you, are you grieved over your sins? If you aren’t this message is definitely for you. It was a very difficult thing for God to watch Jesus betrayed, beaten, cursed and nailed to a cross. The worse part for the Father must have been when the sins of the whole world were heaped on Jesus where He became sin for us. Think of some of the things you have done for which you would go into hiding if they became known. The embarrassment and shame would be way too much to bear. Some of them may even place us in a prison too. Jesus hung for six hours paying for these things, do you care?

That’s the bottom line with God, do you really care? If you do it is obvious to Him and you are instantly seeking forgiveness with a promise to “never do it again.“ I would bet this promise is broken more than any of them we make to God. Satan is always nearby listening and he is devilish in his cunning to get us to sin over and over unless we become born again. This means we can become a brand new person, with “no record” of having ever sinned, by repenting and receiving Jesus by faith into our hearts as LORD.

If you haven’t “received Jesus” as your Lord I guarantee you there have been times when you betrayed Him over and over. For instance, if you call yourself a Christian but act unloving to others, isn’t this the same thing? Jesus is LOVE. His love is called agape or “unconditional” and He loves everyone including His enemies. He forgave those who crucified Him while hanging on the cross. Isn’t that love? He said, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they were doing.”

What they were doing actually benefited mankind more than all the sermons preached afterwards put together. The act of these cruel Roman soldiers and the members of the Sanhedrin caused the spilling of the Blood of Jesus so God could erase the sins of all repentant sinners. All of the horrible wounds on Jesus bled. At the end a soldier pierced His side with a spear and the Bible tells us out came Blood and water. How precious is this Blood for without it, no one from Adam to the end of time could be saved.

Folks, I’ve had it with religion. Religion is man made and doesn’t have a thing to do with the intimate relationship offered by God to us. Jesus said, “True religion is ministry to widows and orphans in their need and to keep oneself unstained from this world.” If your denomination or fellowship is demanding more of you run as fast as you can to Jesus who will set you free. Yes, free to live as a servant of God who will be rewarded when we stand before Him. Please read Matthew 25 today and see it for yourself.

You need to make a decision today. Am I going to kiss Jesus like Judas? Am I going to live as if I don’t know Him? Am I going to continue to deny Him when I have opportunities to make Him known? Am I going to ask God to fill me to over flowing with His agape so others can come to know Jesus too? Or, am I going to just keep on keeping on as I’ve been doing?

You’re in my prayers to make the right choice and become a dynamic servant of the Living God Who will reward you with eternal life and a residence in Heaven. What are you going to do? Don’t put it off!

In His Service,

Capt Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com

ARE YOU POSSESSED

Before you say you aren’t, read on and discover a truth the Lord is showing me. Did you know the vast majority of Christians are “possessed by their possessions“? I know I am and this has to change. There are some things I don’t share with anyone. Some are very dangerous things and in the hands of a child or irresponsible person someone could lose their life or be seriously injured. Then there are other things like motor boats and automobiles that could make me liable if misused creating financial havoc beyond my insurance policy limits. It’s wise to keep them in my care.

The most important possession most folks have is money. If it becomes our god we’re in real trouble for it can lead us astray in a hurry. Some folks gamble theirs away which is my definition of being stupid. If you’ve worked as hard and Joan and me it’s the last thing you would want to do. I still remember penny bubble gum and nickel cokes. I’ve been known to drive across town to save a few pennies a gallon on gas. When we were in college, we darn near starved. I made about $1.56 an hour working for Walgreens and Sears. I had to drop out for a while when Athena was coming. I made $65 a week working for Vitro Services and glad to get it.

God set me free from ownership of money even before I was filled with the Holy Spirit. I won’t give details here but He showed me that money is a only a tool, and when in His hands, some really great things can happen. One thing is He begins to bless us with more and more. There’s a wonderful verse that declares, “Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down into your cup even spilling over into your lap.” God doesn’t do it to make us “rich” but to make it possible for us to help others. Think of God’s Love as a verb and you’ll get the idea.

If you are one that’s financially comfortable make sure you don’t own your wealth. There’s a simple reason for God said, “Do not lay up treasure for yourselves here on earth where rust and moth corrupts and thieves can break in and steal. Instead lay up treasure in Heaven where rust and moth can not corrupt and where thieves can not break in and steal.“ Do you have any laid up there? By the way, this isn’t a suggestion but a command.

My dad was a man who enjoyed giving more than anyone I’ve ever known. He grew up “dirt poor”. He told me of times when he was in Pensacola penniless. For .25 cents he could have bought a bowl of beef stew but he didn’t have a quarter. Later if he saw someone he thought was hungry they were fed and it became a joy for him. My mom began to become concerned for some took advantage of him. But he didn’t mind. God is like that too. We are fed by God daily and don’t we take advantage of Him?

What do we have including our next breath or heart beat that He isn’t giving us? No one is more generous that our Heavenly Father. He gave the most important person in His life when He sent Jesus to die for us. I can assure you I wouldn’t give one of my daughters or grandchildren to die for anyone. I would die for them, if necessary, and defend them to my grave. I bet you would say the same thing.

As much as we call them “ours” we aren’t being truthful for they all belong to God who formed them in their mom. Did you know when He first saw you He told you how much He loved you? The fingerprints He printed on your fingers are His mark on you. You are very unique and special to Him.

Did you know that once you’re born again you’re God’s possession in a very special way? He has used the Blood of Jesus to wash all repentant sinners as clean as new snow. Nothing else will work so don’t try religion or “good works”. We must simply believe upon the works of Jesus believing in His death and resurrection for us personally. That’s not too hard, Amen? Before Jesus can come inside us we must repent or turn around from our sinful lifestyle. Don’t say you can’t for many millions who have already done it are proving you wrong. If you gaze upon Jesus dying on his cross, it won’t be difficult at all. He paid a huge price for each of us.

There are folks who’re possessed by evil spirits. I met a huge number during a jail ministry. If we give ourselves over to evil spirits they will at first “oppress us” or have us abusing ourselves. Alcohol, drugs, promiscuous sex, gluttony, reckless behavior are only a few ways demons use to ruin our lives. After a while they can actually enter into our spirit where we could become a monster. Without belaboring the point, watch the news and you will see demonic “monsters” who’ve become horrible murderers. When we surrender to Jesus and filled with His Spirit we become lovers like Him.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com

Fishermen Pray for Divine Guidance

http://dothanfirst.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=107535

THE BLOODY GOSPEL

Dear Jim, As you might imagine the captains, crew members and their families are in shock here now. I've been asked to lead a prayer time tomorrow at 9 AM. I will enlist others to help me but I'm going to preach a Bloody Gospel first. The majority are not born again and live lives that don't flatter them. Please being praying with us, 10 your time. Here is a message composed as this whole opportunity arose in my heart. May God honor the preaching of His Word with signs and wonders following. love you capt ben
THE BLOODY GOSPEL

There isn’t a Gospel with out the shedding of Blood. If you aren’t familiar with the Old Testament you probably don’t know that God allowed Moses and Aaron to use the blood of animals and birds in specific ways where the blood from them would atone or cover the sins of the people when they repented. This actually began when Moses was leading the people from slavery by the Egyptians in the Exodus. The blood of a small “unblemished” sheep or goat was sprinkled on the door lintel and post causing the angel of death to “pass over” those inside.

Why God chose this way is further understood when we see John the Baptist telling those who were coming to confess their sins and be baptized that there was One coming after him who he was unworthy to untie His sandals. This One would baptize them in the Holy Spirit and with FIRE. We know He’s Jesus the Christ who came to save us sinners. John also revealed Him as the “unblemished lamb” to be slain for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus had a miracle ministry of about three years. During this time He raised up disciples who could take His message of redemption to the ends of the earth. His message is one of unconditional love meaning He loves us no matter what we have done or not done. He proved His love when He allowed Himself to be thrown down and nailed to a cross to die.

His death was absolutely horrible and bloody. Isaiah and David told us it would be in Isaiah 53 and in Psalm 22. They were looking forward as prophets and Jesus was sacrificed for us as they said. I hope you will watch the movie The Passion of the Christ for it has scenes within it that can break your heart.

The horrible beating Jesus received was to gain the stripes that we can look upon to be healed. By His stripes are we healed is in Isaiah 53 and also in 1st Peter 2. If you’re a child of God, look upon them when you’re ill. Then go to the elders of your church congregation and have them anoint you with oil as you confess your sins. Their prayers will be honored by God setting you free from the illness. This is a sincere promise of God. He only requires us to believe it. He doesn’t promise instant healings but we will recover. Many don’t and therefore spend fortunes within the medical community.

Allow me to say, I love doctors and nurses. They are God’s ministers to our bodies. God is very good to give us this “secondary” level of grace. I strongly recommend you pray over all your medications asking God to bless them so they can’t hurt you. Some of it is the right thing but some might not be for doctors, even while doing their best, don’t always get it right.

Are you willing to come to God in repentance? If you aren’t, understand there is no way you can be saved. He has a record of every sin you’ve committed written down for Judgment Day. Nothing was hidden from Him and the angels who recorded it. You can face them or you can have them erased by accepting Jesus as your Lord.

He wants you to give up your life voluntarily, and then He’ll give you His. Born again explains this perfectly. Your old life for His and the baptism in water is the best illustration. The water is your grave and when you’re immersed in it’s become the grave for your old life [you only put dead people in graves] and when your uplifted and breathe it’s symbolic of your new life in Christ. His death and resurrection has become yours.

This isn’t religion folks for it isn’t controlling, but liberating. For nearly 39 years now God has set me free to serve Him. Without Jesus dying on the cross for me I would be headed to hell where I belong.

Will you allow Him to take charge of your life? If you will, tell Him. Tell Him how you feel that He hung in shame and pain with your sins upon His body. Tell Him how you feel about the beating, the curses, the abuse and the crown of thorns beaten into His scalp for you. Tell Him you love Him and then receive Jesus as your Lord.

If you refuse, you’ve committed the greatest of all sins, you’ve told God you don’t care that Jesus died for you. Please don’t do that. You are precious to God and He proved it while hanging on the cross for you.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com