SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Psalms 33:11) "The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
(Proverbs 16:3-4) [3] "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established" [4] The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
(Jeremiah 29:11) "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
(Romans 8:28) " And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
(Isaiah 14:26-27) [26] "This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations." [27] "For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"
PREFACE SUMMARY
"The dogs may bark, but the Gospel train rolls on" is a phrase that speaks to the perseverance of faith in the face of adversity. Like a train moving along its tracks, the Gospel continues to spread its message of hope and salvation despite the noise and distractions of the world around it.
The phrase suggests that those committed to their faith should not be deterred by the barking of dogs, which can be interpreted as the obstacles and challenges they may encounter on their spiritual journey.
The Gospel train is a metaphor for the unshakeable faith that drives those dedicated to spreading the good news of the Gospel. It represents a powerful force that no external factors can stop or slow down. Its mission is to reach as many people as possible, to offer them the hope and salvation that comes with a life of faith.
Despite the dogs' barks, the gospel train continues to roll on towards its destination. Its journey is unwavering, its course unshaken. The power of the gospel transcends any obstacle that may come its way, and it remains steadfast in its mission. So, let us join this train with our hearts and minds set on the glorious destination ahead, and let nothing deter us from reaching it.
Therefore, this phrase is a call to action for believers to stay true to their faith, no matter their challenges. It reminds us that there will always be obstacles and distractions in life, but we must stay focused on our spiritual path and remain committed to spreading the word of God. So, let the dogs bark, for they cannot stop the Gospel train which is a metaphor for the plan and purposes of God from fulfilling its divine purpose.
"THE PLAN AND PURPOSES OF GOD."
Dear reader, back in the 1970s, I came across and article written by Dr. John R. Rice stating that the Bible is the most comforting and discomforting book in the world, so it can both lift the lowly and cast down the proud.
Dr. Rice stated that the word of God suckers the suffering as a mother hugs a weeping child, but it also slaps us in the face. It says those who are alive are dead, but those who are dead and in Christ are alive. He stated that the bible repels men, yet it casts them into despair.
As I start to write this message, I am reminded of the powerful meaning behind the song “The Long Black Train” by Josh Turner. The song is an emotional illustration of an older steam engine, often referred to as a long black train, representing life's temptations.
Beloved, the train is depicted as a dark, alluring force, pulling people towards it. It is a metaphor for the various addictions and habitual sins that can enslave individuals and lead them down a path of self-destruction.
The songs lyrics describe the train as being driven by the devil himself, who is seeking to destroy souls. It is a powerful and vivid image of the dangers of addiction and the consequences of giving in to temptation. The song is a cautionary tale, warning listeners to be wary of the allure of temptation and the destructive path it can lead you down.
This song delivers a powerful message that resonates with many people. It reminds us of the importance of remaining vigilant and resisting harmful habits. We are tempted by various vices that seem enticing initially but can ultimately lead to destruction and chaos. The song serves as a reminder that we must be cautious and mindful of our actions, as they can significantly impact our lives.
Let me tell you about an unstoppable train, always on time and never misses its destination. It brings to mind the old steam engines of the past, with their distinctive sounds and visuals. The conductor would shout, "All aboard!" and the engineer would pull the steam horn a few times, signaling the start of an exciting journey.
In the same way, we must be ready to embark on our life journeys with enthusiasm and optimism. However, we must also be aware of the potential pitfalls and challenges. This means staying vigilant and resisting the temptation to give in to harmful behaviors that can derail our progress. Like the train, we must stay on track and remain focused on our goals, even in adversity.
Do you remember the huffing of the engine as the steam would push a piston and turn the wheels? The huffing or puffing sound would be caused by the back pressure of the steam going in to push that piston, which would be routed back through special tubes into the train boiler. Using your imagination, can you picture a bunch of ferocious dogs running the tracks behind a train as it enters and exits a town?
Dear friend, I want to share a message of hope and faith with you. No matter how many people or obstacles try to derail God's plan and purposes, they will never succeed. I want to use a metaphor to illustrate this: imagine a train moving forward on its track. Despite the barking of dogs or any other attempts to stop it, the train continues moving towards its destination. Similarly, God's plan will continue to move forward, no matter what tries to stand in its way.
Speaking of faith, I recently read about the prophet Isaiah, who, despite being sawed between two boards, was able to give us a glimpse of future events. He prophesied about the coming of Jesus Christ and his ultimate sacrifice, which would provide atonement for our sins. Isaiah's prophecy foretold of a virgin birth, the supreme sacrifice of Jesus, and the redemption of humanity into the family of God.
This prophecy was fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which has provided a way for us to be reconciled with God. I hope this message comforts you and encourages you to trust God's plan for your life. Remember, no matter what happens, God is always in control.
Throughout history, many nations and kingdoms have attempted to thwart God's plans and purposes from being fulfilled. Despite their efforts, God's plans have always prevailed. This is evident in that although many nations and kingdoms have disappeared over the years, God's people are still around to fulfill His cause and purposes in their lives.
Looking back, we can see how various nations and kingdoms have tried to stop God's plans from coming to fruition. From the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt to the Roman Empire, each of these powers attempted to halt the spread of God's message and the growth of His people. However, their efforts were in vain.
We can see how God used these nations and kingdoms to further His plans. For example, the Babylonian Empire conquered the Israelites. It took them captive, but this allowed God to refine and shape His people into a nation better suited to fulfill His purposes.
Despite the rise and fall of various nations and kingdoms, God's people have persevered and carried out His will. Today, we can still see the impact of God's plans on the lives of His people. They are a testament to the power and faithfulness of God, who continues to work through His people to accomplish His purposes.
Beloved, God has a unique and specific purpose for every individual on earth, and this purpose is intricately linked to the destiny of the entire universe. God's plan is vast and far-reaching, extending beyond our earthly lives and into the afterlife. It's not only limited to our individual lives but encompasses the entire universe and beyond.
The plan is so complex and intricate that it's woven into the very fabric of our existence. It's present in every moment of our lives, guiding us toward our ultimate destiny. Even though we may not always understand God's plan, we can trust that it's for our ultimate good and the greater good of the universe.
As we strive to understand and fulfill our role in His divine plan, we can take comfort in knowing that everything happens for a reason. Every challenge we face, and every joy we experience is part of a larger tapestry that God is weaving together for His ultimate purposes.
Prayerfully navigating through the journey of life, we must align ourselves with the divine plan of the Almighty. By doing so, we can trust in His wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love to help us overcome obstacles and challenges that come our way. As faithful servants, we should strive to play our part in unfolding His grand design by living a life that reflects His teachings and values.
This may involve showing kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others, being grateful for the blessings in our lives, and seeking His guidance through prayer and meditation. Ultimately, we can find peace, purpose, and fulfillment by surrendering ourselves to His plan.
"THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF ONE HOLY ANGEL."
(2 Kings 19:32-33) [32] "Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it." [33] "By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD."
(2 Kings 19:34-35) [34] "For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." [35] "And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."
Dear reader, King Hezekiah was the son of King Ahaz. Ahaz had defiled the temple furniture and brought in false idols. Additionally, he had sacrificed his son to pagan gods and even invented the sundial to tell time. However, Hezekiah was quite different from his father. He studied the life of King David and aspired to follow in his footsteps. He loved the Lord and was determined to clean the temple of idols his father had brought in. Furthermore, he reinstated temple worship to the God of Israel.
During King Hezekiah's reign, the King of Assyria conquered the surrounding nations and set his sights on Hezekiah. The king sent messengers with threatening letters to Hezekiah, who then spread them out before the Lord in prayer. In response, God answered Hezekiah's prayer and informed him that the heathen king would not prevail, nor would he even be able to shoot one arrow against the city.
It is worth noting that the Hebrew word for city in this context means a divine constancy, which is better understood as a family. This is significant because God mentioned King David, who had already been dead for more than 500 years, and referred to him as if he were still alive. God was speaking of his promise, stating that the kingdom of David would be like a covenant of salt that can never be altered.
This covenant will ultimately enthrone the Lord Jesus upon that throne, who will sit and rule from that throne throughout the thousand-year reign. Beloved, this passage shows that despite the wickedness and idolatry of the past, God's covenant promises remain unbroken. Through King David's lineage, the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, will reign always, fulfilling God's promise to his people.
The ruler who followed pagan beliefs had warned that he would capture the city and use its inhabitants as his prize by dragging them behind him with hooks in their jaws. He also threatened to seize the sacred objects of worship and place them in a location where his deities could hold them captive. However, God sent an Angel that night into the enemy's camp, and the Angel slew 185,000 battle-hardened soldiers in their sleep. When the King and a few men awoke the following day, their entire army had been destroyed.
It is remarkable to think that it would take as many as three days to gather just a few thousand people into an event such as a race or even a convention, whereas one holy Angel of God took 185,000 lives in one night!
According to the Bible, in the book of Revelation, chapter 20, verses 1 to 3, only one Angel is required to bind Satan and cast him into the bottomless pit. This passage speaks of the end times when Satan will be defeated and bound for a thousand years, after which he will be released for a short time before being defeated and cast into the lake of fire. This event fulfills God's plan to restore order and establish his earthly kingdom.
Beloved, I have had instances where witches attacked me in public places, declaring to me that they were witches and had power. I am no stranger to witches. I have had preacher friends married to them, and I once had one in my ministry and did not even know it.
My recent encounter was in a post office in Tennessee. My mother had devoted thirty-five years of her life to the postal service. One day, I dropped by to speak to one of her friends, and the subject of witches came up. It turned out that the young lady standing next to me, purchasing some stamps, recognized me and informed me that I was a witch and that she had power.
Beloved, that is not the place or the time to confront me in front of others because the presence of God rose in my causing me to inform her that she does not have control over the next breath she takes, nor can her god (Satan & demon spirits) that she serves is able able to create her. I went on to say that she has to stand in her little circle when they gather together in case the demons from another witch that does not like her would attack her.
Dear reader, she started running in high heels for the door with most people inside jumping up and down in excitement as I yelled, "Don't run off, witch, when the word is getting good because I got some more." I politely said, "When you die, those spirits you have been bowing to are going to come to get you and take you to eternal judgment, and one day, one holy Angel of God is going to strip your master bare in front of all creation and cast him into a bottomless pit."
In conclusion, we need to start acting like sons and daughters of the highest God and take back what the enemy has stolen from us. Remember, "Greater" is he who is in us than he who is in the world, and one of us can chase a thousand, and two of us can put 10,000 evil spirits on the run.
MY CONCLUSION
Dear reader, we're looking at dangerous times, but we're looking at exciting times. The enemy of our soul has lost an all-out attack upon the people of God. They tried to get us but lost the Supreme Court battle the other day.
Beloved, their lawyer had nothing to say about same-sex marriage. God struck that down. If that had gone through, they could have caused our bibles to be taken out of our hands. They could have caused us to be put away in reform camps.
As we step into the 21st century, we hope and pray that the world will witness the emergence of individuals who have the courage and resilience to face life's storms. These individuals will be unafraid to confront the kingdom of darkness and reclaim the lost ground of past generations. We fervently wish that raising such people in this generation will fulfill God's plan and purpose.
Chapter 21 of the Book of Proverbs reminds us that the King's heart is in the hand of the Lord, and he can turn it in any direction he chooses. This verse reminds us that God is in control of everything, including the hearts of rulers and leaders. It assures us that we can trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose for humanity.
As humans in a changing world, we are surrounded by temporary things such as governments, kingdoms, and people. These entities are not permanent and only exist for a certain period. However, as believers in the power of his resurrection, we need not fear any person or any power or leverage they may think they have over us. We understand their power is temporary and can be here today and gone tomorrow.
It's important to note that our faith in the resurrection and his ascension allows us to see beyond the temporal world and focus on the eternal. We understand that our purpose is not just for this world but for the world to come. Therefore, we should not be afraid of anyone who tries to put us down or control us through their power or influence. We need not fear any person or power that is temporary, and we should focus on the eternal purpose that we have been given.
All we need is hope and faith in a mighty living God who has stretched forth his hand, breaking the edges of time as he walked into our history and became a man showing and demonstrating his plan and purpose and taking our sins to his cross. At the cross, he got a hold of us with one hand, reached up, and got a hold of God with the other. When he bowed his head and declared it finished, the sizeable 30-foot-high veil in the temple was split from the top to the bottom, allowing the people to see into the holy of holies.
Dear reader, it's important to remember that God, who knows the end from the beginning, has specifically chosen for us to be here in the 21st century to fulfill His divine purpose and plan. This means we have a unique opportunity to use our time, resources, and energy to complete the assignment, knowing that our efforts are ultimately for a greater cause.
It's essential to understand that while we may face challenges and obstacles, we should not fear any man who can only harm our physical body. Instead, we should have a deep reverence for God, who has the power to destroy both our physical body and our soul, casting it into eternal judgment. This understanding should motivate us to live a life that is pleasing to God and to fulfill our purpose without hesitation or reservation.
This message serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that we should not let the distractions and noise of the world derail us from fulfilling our divine assignment. We should instead remain focused on God's plan and purpose for our lives, knowing that no matter what happens, we can trust that all things will work together for our good. So, let us board the gospel train and embrace our unique role in God's plan for the world.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
