Pastor Joel Laswell

Message 268: Spiritual Violence

What if I told you that exercising faith in the merits of Christ righteousness was committing spiritual violence? What would you think? Meditate on that for a moment and look at Matthew 11:12, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." What is this spiritual violence that Jesus is talking about? In the old covenant, you were dependent on a human priest to go into the sanctuary for you. But, in the new covenant, you can go in yourself. You do not need to wait for some preacher or priest or someone else to get forgiveness for you. You can go directly to God yourself and if you exercise spiritual violence you can get the answer to your prayer right now.

Message 263-2: Heavenly Citizenship part two

When Jesus came the first time, while preaching the Sermon on the Mount, He actually explained the goal of how to be a restored citizen of the kingdom of God, as well as the incentives to righteous living (being an exemplary citizen), and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in the kingdom of God. Step by step we see a growing in character like that of Christ in these verses.

Message 263-1: Heavenly Citizenship part one

When Jesus came the first time, while preaching on a mountaintop at the beginning of His ministry He actually explained the goal of how to be a restored citizen of the kingdom of God. We find it in Matthew chapters 5-7. I want to concentrate specifically on the first twelve verses of chapter 5, how to become a citizen of heaven. Jesus is revealing in these verses quite a lot to us about the goal of character perfection as well, if we will listen.

Message OTM8: ”Marching Orders”

Just as we see in today’s military, there is a general commission and a specific commission pertaining to individuals in the Lord’s army. We are going to take a look at the general or great commission for each member of the body of Christ... our Marching Orders!

Message OTM7-2: ”An Inoculated Army Misconceptions”

I want to take a look at some Scriptural misconceptions concerning God's Inoculation Principles, and maybe more specifically the diet of man. The four scripture references that we shall examine are in apparent conflict with scores of other clear declarations scattered throughout the Old and New Testaments on the subject of proper diet. The Bible will explain itself if we use proper study habits and this topic is no different, so lets clear up these misconceptions.

Message OTM7: ”An Inoculated Army”

Inoculations are a way of life in the U.S. Military. All new recruits (both officer and enlisted) are vaccinated against various diseases during enlisted basic training or during officer training. God has His own inoculation plan for all who join His army. This plan will help protect His army from the physical and spiritual attacks from the enemy and the consequences of sin. It will strengthen His army for the battle against the enemy of souls and be an incredible witness to the world that God's laws are binding and best.

Message 357: ”Why the Cross?”

People do not understand what the cross means and when you tell them its meaning, they usually do not want to hear about it as it cuts straight to the heart and then tough decisions are required. So the preaching of the cross and its meaning isn't preached much in churches today. A different cross is preached... one that tickles the ears of the listeners. But the truth of the cross is not heard much today. So much so that Ellen White said on one occasion, "The cross has been almost lost sight of." White, Our High Calling, p46. That does not mean that people are not seeing the cross on the churches or around other peoples necks or on the rear view mirror of the car. People see all those things but they do not really see what it is about or what it really means for them. And I want to tell you that if you take the cross away, it is just like taking the sun out of the heavens. Everything is lost and we have no hope! What does the cross mean for each of us? Lets find out...

Message OTM6: ”Powered Armor”

A powered exoskeleton, also known as powered armor, is a mobile machine consisting primarily of an outer framework worn by a person, and powered by a system of motors or hydraulics that delivers at least part of the energy for limb movement. Think of the fictional Iron Man. The main function of a powered exoskeleton is to assist the wearer by boosting their strength and endurance. They are commonly designed for military use to help soldiers carry heavy loads both in and out of combat. Can you imagine the advantage of such armor? Did you know that God has provided powered armor for His people to aid them in their fight against the enemy of souls? I want to talk about this powered armor with you at this time.

Message OTM5: ”Code Talkers”

God has His own code of communication in this great controversy and those who accept Jesus will learn to become His code talkers. Each of us must learn how to talk to God. A relationship cannot survive if there is no communication and neither can a war be won without it. There are different ways to communicate with God, prayer being just one of the ways that I want to look at with you.

Message OTM4: ”Weapons Training”

Throughout history every successful army has had a corps of engineers and workers that helped them to victory. None of these victories could be successful without designing and then building what was needed for success by using the right tools for the job at hand. The same can be said concerning our work as Christians and spreading the present truth of the Three Angel’s Messages. We must have the right tools to do the job that we have been asked to do. The great thing about it though, is that God provides the tools we need for our work to be efficient, effective, enduring and profitable! God provides the weapons and the training for His people in this conflict between good and evil to have victory over our enemy.