Dan A. Rodriguez Articles, Books, and Podcasts

Part 7: Faith in Jesus, or is it Faith in Something else?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A denial of the eternal importance of living righteously is running rampant in many churches, but don’t be fooled! In these podcasts, we look at these truths with the Scripture. We give you many verses so you will not be deceived and drink the false “grace” Kool-Aid!
Paul taught the exact opposite of what is heard in the hyper and pseudo grace books and by the ministers that promote it, and there are a smorgasbord of them! Many deny the words of Jesus, and some reject the doctrine of repentance from dead works as a foundational teaching of the church (Hebrews 6:1. 2) Some deny eternal judgment, and others reject the book of Revelation. Others think they are strictly living by Paul’s epistles, but they are not. They actually read only selected verses that appear to support their crazy and unsubstantiated doctrines, but worse than that, they reinterpret them in the light of their wrong ideas about grace. Repentance, confession of sins, and walking in holiness and righteousness are NEW TESTAMENT teachings, and never considered “works of the law” or as being “in the flesh” as many in the hyper-grace movement consider them.   
Should we go on sinning because we are under grace?  
What shall we say [to all this]? Should we continue in sin and practice sin as a habit so that [God’s gift of] grace may increase and overflow? … What then [are we to conclude]? Shall we sin because we are not under Law, but under [God’s] grace? Certainly not! (Romans 6:1, 15 Amplified Bible) 
How should we live under grace? Again, Paul taught us exactly how we should live under grace. 
That is the way we should live, because [For] God’s grace that can save everyone has ·come [appeared; been revealed]. It ·teaches [trains; disciplines] us to ·turn away from [reject; deny] ungodly living and ·the evil things the world wants to do [or worldly desires; sinful pleasures]. Instead, that grace teaches us to live in the present age in a ·wise [self-controlled] and ·right [upright; just] way and in a ·way that shows we serve God [godly manner](Titus 2:11, 12 Expanded Bible). 
Many deny the significance of godly and righteous living, and some churches reject it vehemently even with verses like the above. Yet, they have no answer for the numerous Scriptures in the NEW Testament that command godliness, holiness, and living in righteousness. They have no answer for the numerous verses in Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and John that insist Christians MUST live in godly and righteous behavior.
Here is one good example out of many verses that teach that responsibility of the believer to live holy and righteous before God:
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:13-19 NASB). 
Some have embraced the sinful ways of the world and downplayed the sins of homosexuality and lesbianism, and some churches have accepted same-sex marriage. They are like Sodom and Gomorrah. Some refer to a Christian man and woman sharing the same bed (living together without marriage) as a “problem” or something unimportant instead of calling it what it is: sin, sexual immorality, or fornication! The “s” word (sin) is almost forbidden in some churches. The same can be said about living in self-control and any teaching about eternal judgment of the wicked in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15, 21:7). Many will not address these issues. 
It's time to check up on ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). We should judge ourselves so that we are not judged (1 Corinthians 11:31). This message goes down a path less traveled by modern churchianity. This is the path of the Lord, though unconventional, and we are doing our part to make His paths straight.
Be blessed with Part 7! 
Get A Call to Return: Restoring The Roots of Our Relationship With Jesus as an ebook, softcover, or hardcover book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook, Westbow Press, or order it through your favorite bookstore.
From the Back Cover:
A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus explores the depths of the Scriptures to excavate, refine, and lift up its words of power, revealing deep truths that will radically change the lives of believers. By tapping into this rich vein of biblical insight, Dan Alan Rodriguez offers Christians the insights to enable them to set out upon paths of discipleship that follow Jesus closely and that lead to profound experiences of His presence and power.
Drawing upon the author’s study of first-century Judaism and Christianity and resting upon a diverse array of sources steeped in the foundational texts of these traditions, the twelve chapters of A Call to Return address a series of interlocking topics: a prophetic call to return; the revival of lawlessness; the revival, purpose, and preexistence of God’s commandments; the church’s commandments and their connections to faith, grace, and good works; the association of works of the law to Jewish tradition and ceremony; holiness; the fear of the Lord; each believer as a temple of the holy; and the meaning of loving the Lord Jesus.
If you have a sense that Jesus’s message and ministry are calling you to embark upon a walk with Him that might take you away from all in Christianity that requires no accountability or responsibility before God, then A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus is the right book for you to read. It will give you the keys for understanding and responding to the Lord’s call to return to Him and to follow where He leads.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:29 NASB).
The PDF of the entire book is free of charge! Use this link to go to the page and download it. Be mightily blessed!
 
Documento portátil (PDF) es completamente gratis.
 
 
More books have been published and they will become available again in the process of time.  

The Decision is Yours and An Alternative Keto Brunch!

What is brother Dan doing talking about his eating and food? No Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray type cooking show going on here. No, this is not something I plan to continue doing, but I have had some sweet victory in this area of weight loss, and wanted to share the "secrets" others charge a lot of money for, and do it completely free of charge. No sales pitch, no buying supplements, and no fad diets. Just a lifestyle change, one that actually gets results.
Is that OK?
I know many people struggle with their weight as I did, especially as you get older. I found what worked for me when exercise and regular lo carb stopped working for me. I was a 270 lb. weight lifter with rolls of fat over my muscles. Just very chunky! That all changed when I started doing what I am telling you about here. I went from a muscular fat ball of 270 to a fit and trim 215, and I plan to go a little lower to about 205. So, here is me having fun talking about all this stuff. 
 
My alternate and ULTIMATE brunch recipe:
Pour a little olive oil in the pan.  
I used minced garlic for this recipe, even though fresh garlic tastes better. Fresh garlic takes a little longer to peel. I know some people have ways to make the peeling easier, but I am a “traditionalist” and do it by hand if I use it. I’m generous with the garlic in the pan.
I chopped a medium yellow onion and put it all in the pan. Then, I added a generous serving of baby spinach, and lo and behold, I dropped some Sambal Oelek chili paste in the pan. Sometimes I will use jalapeños or other hot peppers. In this particular case, I also added some bacon bits. 
At the church I attend, they have 5 acres dedicated to growing organic whole foods, and hot peppers are a part of it. I’ve used several different hot peppers from that farm. I particularly like some small round ones that I don’t know their name, but they were HOT!!! Ghost peppers? Loved them for cooking. They also had the smaller red chili peppers like my grandmother had in her back yard in Puerto Rico. These were super-hot. I can’t write what country folks call them here because many of my Latin brothers and sisters in Christ would get offended. They are called by using a foul-mouthed phrase to refer to them. If you put them in your mouth, you might wind up cussing! Hopefully not, but they are that hot! AY!  
As you can see, I am a hot pepper fanatic.
Set heat on a little higher than mid-range.
Let all that cook until the spinach wilts well. Then sprinkle some parmesan and add three whole eggs. Top off with provolone cheese, lower temp to medium heat, cover the pan and let cook until eggs are done to your liking.
Often, I scramble the eggs and put them in after the garlic, onion, and spinach have sizzled for a bit. Sometimes I will also chop up some vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower and add it to the mix. I make a nice omelet out of it. I let the eggs cook until it’s a little crispy on the bottom, put cheese on top with meat or chicken (no breading of any kind). I add some Alfredo sauce and season to taste. I use sea salt, crushed red pepper, cayenne, or black pepper. I fold it like an omelet and enjoy!
 
No, eggs are not unhealthy. People that only eat the egg whites are shortchanging themselves. The white protein of the egg needs the fats in the yolk to get the best nutrition into the body. As you age whole eggs are an awesome food. They are super healthy and excellent nutrition. Don’t fall for the old wife fable that egg yolks are bad for you. Wrong!
Often, I start my eating with a big, beautiful salad. Avocados are a great source of food during keto. I will write about salads some more below.
For real keto you must eliminate all bread products, potatoes, carrots, sugary drinks, pasta, and even the diet sodas! Forget anything with sugar! Drink tea, some coffee, and water when you are thirsty. I drink a lot of tea, but I despise hot tea. Give it to me ICE cold only. Leave the hot stuff at home for the sick and dying! Oops! I know many countries have hot tea as a part of their daily consumption, so go right ahead. I just like tea very cold.
Get rid of the carrots, tomatoes, and ALL fruits. No bananas, apples, pears, grapes, etc. Forget fruit juices or dried fruit. As for me, I quit eating all cheese products for about 60 days when I started. That is optional, but I chose to do it. It worked for me. 
If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, you probably already removed all alcohol, but if you are not convicted that you need to refrain from wine and stuff like it, listen up: alcohol of any kind will wreak havoc on a ketogenic lifestyle. Get rid of it! Alcohol breaks down in the body into sugars, increases insulin, produces excess cortisol, and winds up helping fat storage. Alcohol cannot contribute anything positive to my life, so "von voyage" and stay away from me! 
Eat meat with some of its fat (cow, sheep, goat, and for the adventurous there is bison, deer, etc.), and don’t forget fatty fish like salmon. I also eat wild caught tuna and sardines in olive oil. 
There is is so much to tell you about concerning food options. Ever heard of cauliflower pizza crust made with Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese? What a treat! Very keto acceptable. Somebody, and I don't remember the name of the company, started making cauliflower pizza crust. They are made with zero flour. The gluten free stuff is gross to me and not helpful for keto at all. Most of it tastes like cardboard to me. I'd rather eat a leather shoe sole than eat the gluten free stuff. Hey, I have my standards and my own tastes. 
Those that tell you to stay away from marriage and/or meats are involved in doctrines of demons! Vegetarianism is a doctrine of demons! Did you know that? 
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. (1Timothy 4:1-4 ASV)
Animals are creatures. Plants are not creatures! The apostle was speaking of meats and not plants. Thought I would bring out these clear Biblical truths. God created MEATS to be received with thanksgiving.
I eat ground beef (no lean stuff) or steak. Even though acceptable as a meat during a keto lifestyle, I stay away from pork products. I despise the taste of baked or sliced ham, and just about pork products of any kind. There are some exceptions like baby back ribs from Texas Road House, slow roasted pork in a pit (Caribbean style), and “chicharones” (pork rinds), I may eat these occasionally. No pig's feet or ears. No cow tongue, liver, brain, and no other "exotic" parts for me except the meat! Some people like cow liver and chicken gizzards. These are extremely disgusting to me. Sorry for all you lovers of weird animal parts. 
The above being said, my triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and glucose levels are excellent, and I feel good! Some people think that eating fats will increase triglycerides and lead to hardening of the arteries and possible heart trouble. Wrong! I was shocked when I first learned about this. I ate too much fat free stuff and it was contributing to my weight gain! Big mistake. Eating some fat with a protein and sticking to a keto lifestyle will bring your blood levels and pressure back into a normal or better range. Believe it because it is a fact!
The goal of keto is to get the body to begin consuming the excess fat as energy, instead of depending on carbohydrates-sugars. There are all kinds of scientific studies done on all this, and people make the mistake of listening to fad pushers when weight loss is easy as can be if these things are followed consistently.
Let me say something to you over 55 crowd. I am 66 going on 67 January of 2023. Get into lifting weights. Walking is good, but not enough. Bicycling is good also, but not enough. Gardening is great during the summers, but it will not be nearly as good as weight training. Swimming is great, but we over 55 folks need some weight training on a consistent basis. Quit being a lazy cuss and get busy with the weights. 3 times a week would do you a lot of good, and frankly, it will change you physical life for the better.
Every once in a while I hear Christiaan people excuse themselves from any exercise by using a verse in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1Timothy 4:8 NKJV)
"See Brother Dan, exercise profits only a little! So, I am majoring on godliness and don't do any exercise." Yep, said the fatso preacher! Look, bodily exercise profiting a little doesn't mean that it is useless, but that compared to spiritual things it is of less value. That should be obvious, but nowhere does it say that it has no value. The old KJV and the NKJV use the word "little," but it is better translated as "for a little while." Natural exercise does not get permanent results. That is the emphasis here. EVERYONE and their mama knows that! Exercise must be engaged in continually. If you exercise today and forget about it, your body will reap no benefit from it. Consistency is what works. 
Here is another translation of 1 Timothy 4:8:
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future. (GNT)
A number of other translations point this out. Physical exercise has some value, and it is best to get out of it all the value you can without neglecting the greater value of spiritual training. 
You don't have to get fanatical and lift 300 lbs. at your age (unless you want to compete), but any weight lifting program would be greatly beneficial for anyone, especially as you approach 55 or over. I train consistently with weights and it has great health benefits. Older folks should stay away from crazy aerobics classes and go anaerobic. Your body and joints will thank you.
One more truth. Even if you have never trained with weights and are 75, you can start on a program today. It will not only strengthen your muscles, but it will make your bones, joints, and ligaments (connective tissues) grow healthier. Your skin will begin to look better and tighter, and many other benefits will follow.   
Then comes the fun part.
Don’t eat breakfast! Wait a few hours before eating anything. Eat after 10 am and cut off food by 5 pm. That is to start. I usually train with my workouts before I eat breakfast. Other people train in the afternoons. 
The key is to get your body to initially be without food for 17 to 18 hours before eating. As your body adapts, you can wait and eat by 12 noon and cut off all food by 4pm. A four-hour window for keto friendly food means you will be without food for 20 hours, that is what you want to accomplish until you reach your ideal weight. Even just getting close to 20 hours without food will have excellent results. I initially learned much of this from Dr. Eric Berg on his YouTube channel. What I like about him is that he consistently posts under the videos the scientific studies that back up his presentations. Very useful. No fad diets there! 
It may take you a month to reach a 4 hour window for eating keto friendly foods. I was radical, and after my first week, I pushed myself into the 4-hour food window. It was difficult, and I had some tiredness in the afternoons for a week. I started using MCT oil in the huge green salads I like to make. That helped me with the energy levels. Watch it with the MCT oil. Too much and you will have the runs. Don't ask me how I know. 
You must watch it with salad dressings. Stick with olive oil, MCT oil, vinegar (organic apple cider vinegar is best) and seasonings. Often, I've added fresh cilantro, parsley, or oregano to my salads. Most commercial dressings, steak sauces, gravies, ketchup, all are a NO-NO and they can be high in carbs or have unhealthy oils like soyabean, corn, and vegetable oils.
Most low carb or sugar free dressings use the wrong kinds of sweetener and defeat their purpose. READ every label and stay away from anything with sugars like cane sugar, maltodextrin, honey, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, glucose, dextrose, sucrose, and everything you can’t pronounce. Look at the list of 56 sugars and learn them: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/56-different-names-for-sugar. You need to stay away from all added sugars of any kind. These are very damaging. 
I know this all can be difficult at times, especially if you travel for work or ministry. You have to watch closer than ever on the road what you eat and at what time you eat it. NEVER eat after your cut off time come hell or high water! No late night eating! I used to fight to get to the kitchen and eat something before my 4 or 5 PM cut off time because I knew I was not having anymore food until the next day around 11am or 12noon. That was hard at first, but became easier and easier as I pushed through the bad eating habits of the past.  
There are only four sugar substitutes that are even worth mentioning, and they are xylitol, erythritol, stevia, and Monk fruit. Xylitol info is a little harder to come to a definitive answer on whether it helps or interferes. It seems the jury is still out on it, though leaning towards useful. Not so with erythritol, stevia, or Monk fruit. Those don’t spike insulin and don’t increase cortisol, which are found to be major contributors for fat gain and fat storage, but that is another subject. Saccharin and aspartame are bad news. Stay away from them. Even though Monk fruit is OK for keto, I don't like it because I have to use a much larger quantity to get the sweetness I want. It's really not as sweet as the other acceptable sweeteners.
Look, if you really want to lose the weight FAST, you must get your carbohydrate consumption down to as close to zero as possible and do intermittent fasting. That is what I have done. Now that I have gone under my target weight, I add 20 to 30 carbs a day- sometimes. I said- sometimes. Not often. I still watch very closely what I eat and at what time. 
The other day, I took my sons to Texas Roadhouse. It was our Christmas dinner! I hadn’t eaten all day and it was 2 pm! So, I ate everything I ordered and even ate… wait for it… their bread rolls! Uh! So, so good with that doggone cinnamon butter! It was a first for me in almost 6 months. It was weird. I felt so stuffed when I was done that I wound up not enjoying it much. My body did not see it with kindness. I ate nothing after that indulgence until the next day at 12 noon. See what I did? It was a VERY special allowance, but immediately I got back on the bandwagon. The next day, I ate as close to zero carbs as possible and continued on that for a few more days.
Men and boys should stay away from ALL soy products, that is unless you want to grow some feminine parts. Ha! Soy products consumed consistently can contribute to a feminized male body. Yuk man! Get at least some muscularity on that frame! Soy has the tendency to increase the production of estrogen, and that is bad news for boys and men. Boys, stop the soy lattes and all soy products!
Drink real coffee! I am from Puerto Rico and enjoy a big mug (not a cup) of piping hot coffee in the morning. No soy milk ever! I use half and half or light whipping cream for my coffee. They are very low to zero carbs. I rarely use whole milk, but I say no to coconut milk, almond, or rice milk! How can you possibly get "milk" from almonds and rice?? Those are not good for weight loss.  
Occasionally (once a month or so), I will get a sugar free chocolate bar sweetened ONLY with stevia. Have you heard of Lilly’s chocolate bars? Love the stuff, but it is not something to indulge in too often, but it makes a nice treat. I REALLY like chocolate. Anything chocolate!
One woman said pointing at and caressing herself, “I have all this dark chocolate here and it’s available”. Her lustful smile was dripping with the wrong spirit. It was Fornication 101. She was a very curvaceous, dark-skinned woman. Very nice to look at, BUT not for a lingering look. I’ve learned to turn my eyes and my head away from dwelling on the wrong thing. I mean, literally turn my head, and look at something else. The offer was rejected by not commenting and simply walking away. Don't engage a wrong spirit like that at all unless you are going to cast it out or you are doing a Jesse Duplantis. A what? 
Evangelist Jesse Duplantis was on an airplane and one voluptuous woman offered herself to him. He asked her to step back some so he could stand up. She obliged. He got up, pointed his finger at her and began to yell so everyone in the airplane could hear him, "Whore of Babylon!! She is a whore of Babylon!!" He said it a few times until the woman ducked her head in shame and ran off. Jesse stated, "If you don't embarrass sin, sin will embarrass you." That is the right spirit. 
Well, I am 100% male and as heterosexual as they come, but I am not on the market for the kind of chocolate that woman was offering! I’ll take Lilly’s, thank you very much. Lilly’s can’t hurt me, but the other is on the road to death and hell, whether she had dark chocolate skin, a rich white appearance, or anything in between! No way!
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. (1Corinthians 6:18-20 NIV)
See also Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Jude 1:7; Revelation 2:14, 2:20, 9:21.  
Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. (1Corinthians 6:13b NKJV)
The decision is in your hands. You have a choice and only YOU can choose between what is right and wrong.
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20 NKJV) 
There is so much in those two verses that I could preach and teach on them for at least an hour! Oh, wait a minute. I did preach on that very subject in Spanish at a church in Puerto Rico back in 2005. It's the podcast message attached to this post. If you can understand Spanish, you will receive tremendously from the anointing there that day. The recording is powerful! God did special miracles that day at that church. Be blessed!
 

Part 6: Faith in Jesus, or is it Faith in Something else?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes, my statements fly contrary to centuries of traditional Christianity, but the truth is found in Scripture. What will you believe, what you believe or what the Scripture actually says. 
Let’s break the tradition-o-meter right now.
Jesus does not continue to live in those that practice sin without repentance. 
Ouch!
Is that Biblical? We’ve read it every time on these podcasts. 
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed youare disqualified(2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV).
A person could be disqualified from having Jesus in their life through an insistence to live sinfully, and by a refusal to re-apply the blood of Jesus to their lives through confession of their sins to God (1 John 1:7-9). The practice of sin, or living a sinful lifestyle is what disqualifies a born again Christian from having Jesus in them. 
The disqualification spoken of here is not that one was a pagan that never knew Jesus, and therefore has never had Jesus in their lives. No, the context of Paul’s statement here is geared specifically towards Christians that have drifted back into sin and have not repented. 
For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repentedof the uncleanness, fornication,and lewdness which they have practiced (2 Cor. 12:20, 21).
We also look at the two parts of righteousness in the New Testament. Specifically, we mention righteousness as the gift of God when we came to Jesus. Then we reiterate that we are told to live righteously, or that we are to practice righteousness. That speaks of keeping moral behavior in line with God’s Word and commandments. 
All that and a bag of chips, just for you! Sorry, no bag of chips and no bonbons. That’s right. No cotton candy, and no popcorn as you watch a movie. Only the pure and unadulterated Word of God here! That is what will make you grow up in Him. 
Be blessed with this anointed podcast!
Get A Call to Return: Restoring The Roots of Our Relationship With Jesus as an ebook, softcover, or hardcover book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook, Westbow Press, or order it through your favorite bookstore.
From the Back Cover:
A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus explores the depths of the Scriptures to excavate, refine, and lift up its words of power, revealing deep truths that will radically change the lives of believers. By tapping into this rich vein of biblical insight, Dan Alan Rodriguez offers Christians the insights to enable them to set out upon paths of discipleship that follow Jesus closely and that lead to profound experiences of His presence and power.
Drawing upon the author’s study of first-century Judaism and Christianity and resting upon a diverse array of sources steeped in the foundational texts of these traditions, the twelve chapters of A Call to Return address a series of interlocking topics: a prophetic call to return; the revival of lawlessness; the revival, purpose, and preexistence of God’s commandments; the church’s commandments and their connections to faith, grace, and good works; the association of works of the law to Jewish tradition and ceremony; holiness; the fear of the Lord; each believer as a temple of the holy; and the meaning of loving the Lord Jesus.
If you have a sense that Jesus’s message and ministry are calling you to embark upon a walk with Him that might take you away from all in Christianity that requires no accountability or responsibility before God, then A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus is the right book for you to read. It will give you the keys for understanding and responding to the Lord’s call to return to Him and to follow where He leads.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:29 NASB).
The PDF of the entire book is free of charge! Use this link to go to the page and download it. Be mightily blessed!
 
Documento portátil (PDF) es completamente gratis.
 
 
More books have been published and they will become available again in the process of time.  

In Spanish: ”Redeemed From the Curse” book, and Recorded Message, ”The Name of Jesus”

This anointed recording on the Name of Jesus IN SPANISH, was recorded in 2017. The Hands in Motion Studio (Brandon, Florida) under the brother and anointed Latin Music Grammy winner, Lannie Battistini, who was in the studio recording this as I preached and taught the Word. Lannie is my brother in law and like the blood brother I never had! He was gracious and gave some studio time at his music and production facilities for this recording. There were a few people present but it was mostly a closed session. 
The book "Redimidos de la Maldición" was first published in 1983. I found the copy of the book today and decided to publish it now. 
Para mis hermanos Latinos. Sean ricamente bendecidos con esta grabación ungida y libro. 
Redimidos de La Maldición 
Este libro fue primero publicado en el 1983, pero es tan bueno el mensaje hoy para TODO creyente como lo fue entonces. Si nunca has oído este mensaje, no te lo pierdas. Incluye un capitulo sobre Job. Es super necesario porque hay mucha mala interpretación entre muchos en el Cristianismo. 
Descarga el libro entero gratuitamente aquí con este eslabón. 
 
 

Keto Friendly and Healthy but Anointed With Power!

Yes, it's a weird title, but here we go. What is that stuff in the pan? Above is a pic of my excellent and very spicy keto friendly brunch at 10:40 AM this morning. While my sons were on break from homeschool, I got to cooking. The food in the pic is raw. I usually don't eat till around 11am and sometimes after 12 noon, and I cut off all food consumption by 4 or 5pm. I made that recipe myself. Let me tell you about it.  
 
My recipe:
 
Put butter on frying pan. I made a smaller homemade waffle (yes, it has some carbs) surrounded by sliced pepperoni, topped with pepper jack and baby Swiss cheese, three whole eggs, with a finishing touch of a generous amount of the tasty Sambal Oelek (oriental) ground and fresh chili paste. Put a lid on the pan because the chili paste will splatter some as it cooks. Also, the lid helps the eggs cook without having to turn them over. Let it cook a bit. I like to crisp the bottom for a little while. 
 
I love ALL the hot stuff from just about everywhere on planet Earth! I evangelically baptize (not sprinkle like Catholics) everything with hot sauces, chilis, and hot peppers. Yes, it was a joke but a real thing. 
 
Here is the bottom line. My recipe was awesomely delicious, filling, and very satisfying! Period! Wow! 
 
Pic of the finished product before I chowed it all down:
 
 
Yep, I am a good cook, and I have a lot of interesting recipes in my head that I have used over the years. I have a Latin background together with growing up in my dad's and mom's chain of Italian restaurants in Puerto Rico, and it gave me a rich and varied food experience. Dad was of the Olivieri family of Italians that migrated to Puerto Rico in the mid 1800's. So, it's in my blood. My parents traveled often with my sister and I, and we were exposed to cuisine from many quarters of the globe.  
 
I am 66 years old going on 67 in January of 2023. Keto alone quit working for me some years ago. I couldn't control my weight. I had to change my approach and some of my eating habits. I was praying for over a year on what to do about my weight. The Lord first impressed my spirit with a starting point, so I began by cutting off some unnecessary food items. I added keto friendly stuff, but with little weight loss results. Something was missing, and then I found my answer. I needed a combination of healthy and VERY strict keto (as close to zero carbs as possible) together with intermittent fasting. That was my breakthrough moment, and within a week, I started seeing results. It hasn't stopped working, so I will stay with very low carb and be very strict for a little longer. 
 
Yesterday, for the first time since I started my healthy keto and intermittent fasting plan in June of this year 2022, I weighed myself and was shocked! In the picture of myself that appears with this podcast, I was weighing about 230. Needless to say but probably important here is the fact that I have triplet 10-year-old boys at 66 years of age! So, a massive increase in stamina and strength were needed when I weighed 270. Now, thank God, I have increased stamina and strength! I lost a lot of weight after the triplets were born. You try it some time. You will get it. Not so easy to deal with three babies at once, and especially because you get very little sleep. 
 
When I started my lifestyle change, I was aiming for 225 or 230, about 45 lbs. of fat loss. I started at a muscular 270 pounds, BUT covered in a lot of excess and UGLY fat! My apologies to all of you struggling with weight loss. Not really. You have to get off your fat behind and do something about it. Nothing will change until you change what you are doing. I am giving you a body-altering solution here. The recorded message will be rich for your spirit and soul, but this here is for the body. Our bodies must be under subjection to our spirit and soul. We cannot allow it to get away from us. It is not to do its own thing in sin or bad habits. (See 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.)
 
Now, I am ab-showing and muscular and slightly under 215 lbs.! I haven't weighed that since the 90's. Don't be concerned. I am not selling anything. There is nothing for you to buy. I don't sell supplements or anything like that. I don't even have a subscription for a fee thing going on. It's all free of charge.
 
Do the math. I've lost at least 55 pounds of fat !! There has been NO muscle loss and I increased my workout with weights substantially. Maybe I'll continue till I get to 205 or 210. We will see. 
 
I don't do aerobics! Yuk! I like long walks, leisurely outdoor bicycling, swimming, and practice with the Jo (Japanese style staff of approx. 4 feet) and the forms associated with it, BUT I do this with weighted bars and not a wood stick. As of a few weeks ago, I do these forms with a 42 lb. hybrid bar I made from two other bars. 
 
 
They don't make 42 or 45 pound bars that are also 4 feet long. A six foot bar or longer is VERY uncomfortable. I was using a 36 pound bar before using this hybrid I put together, but it was 6 feet long. I smashed my toes with it twice. Not any fun and highly painful for a few days. My toes screamed at me, "Ok, Dan, raise your arms a little more when twirling the stupid 36 pound bar!" In the pictures above you can see the main 30lb. bar. I've used that one for a very long time before I upgraded to the 36 pounder. Recently, I added a 12 lb. bar to the 30 lb. bar and then attached them with some glorious duck tape. Who knows. I may post a short video of what I do. For now, know that I started doing the forms with 5 pounds back in 1996. I didn't get to 42 pounds overnight! There were a few breaks in there over the years for other reasons, but mostly I kept doing the forms, and kept increasing the amount of weight. I first learned all the forms and got pretty good with my custom made wood Jo. I still have that jo. 
 
Sometimes I put a 12 lb. wrap on each leg and do leg lifts and kicks, though not too fast. I don't want to injure anything "down under". I have gone from a tight fitting pant size 44 (big as the side of a barn) to a loose fitting size 36. I won't post a picture of my fat former self. It is too embarrassing and super awkward. I know people like posting before and after pics, but I don't want a picture of that fat dude in my head or floating around for posterity. The fat guy (and I don't mean Santa Claus) is long gone and won't be back in Jesus' Name.
 
Losing all this weight did a number on my wardrobe. I went from a closet full to a handful, and no suits to boot. It's become a great opportunity for an upgrade, overhaul, and makeover, but not a radical one. I still won't wear printed stuff with too many colors like my pastor does. He looks good in that stuff. He wears it well, but I would feel out of my own skin dressed like that. I also dislike flannel or country style stuff. Keep your boots and big cowboy hats to yourself. I won't wear them. I tried and my feet felt suffocated and my head wasn't any better. I like wide and airy shoes and beach sandals. I like the beach and I like sunshine. If I have my way, I prefer no shoes at all. Surprise! I wonder what would happen if I preached barefoot with my size 11 to 12 Flintstone toes (as my sister calls them) out in the open? Haha!
 
This was a really different kind of testimony. Hope you enjoyed it. Now to the Word.
 
Love all of you,
 
Dan A. Rodriguez
 
***The recorded message attached to this post was one I preached at a church on St. Thomas (USVI) in 2000. The service started with a wonderful move of the Holy Spirit. Many fell out and were all over the floor under the powerful anointing present there. It was a glorious meeting where Jesus showed up in a demonstration of His holy presence! Listen to the 30 minute message preached AFTER the power fell in that place. The message title is, "Anointed with Power."
Be mightily and supernaturally blessed!

Part 5: Faith in Jesus, or is it Faith in Something else?

Let’s talk about living righteous. This is a part of faith in Christ as Paul taught Felix and Drusilla.
But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.  But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.” (Acts 24:24, 25 NASB) 
If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been fathered by Him (1 John 2:29 NET). 
Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Jesus is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning (1 John 3:7, 8 NET). 
It is deception to believe that if you practice sin as a Christian you are righteous. NO! ONLY those that practice righteousness are righteous just as Jesus is righteous. Did you get that? According to these verses, the one who practices sin is of the devil. There is no such thing as practicing sin and being righteous at the same time. 
This next verse will cause traditional ideas to burst like a balloon.
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother(1 John 3:10 NKJV)
Can the phrase, “whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God” be any clearer? I don’t think so, but many still fuss with these truths. Believe the Word of God and reject erroneous theology that espouses that you can be righteous and practice sin.
Hear this message! Be blessed with these short 15 to 20 minute podcasts! You are loved!
____________________
 
 
Get it as an ebook, softcover, or hardcover book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook, Westbow Press, or order it through your favorite bookstore.
From the Back Cover:
A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus explores the depths of the Scriptures to excavate, refine, and lift up its words of power, revealing deep truths that will radically change the lives of believers. By tapping into this rich vein of biblical insight, Dan Alan Rodriguez offers Christians the insights to enable them to set out upon paths of discipleship that follow Jesus closely and that lead to profound experiences of His presence and power.
Drawing upon the author’s study of first-century Judaism and Christianity and resting upon a diverse array of sources steeped in the foundational texts of these traditions, the twelve chapters of A Call to Return address a series of interlocking topics: a prophetic call to return; the revival of lawlessness; the revival, purpose, and preexistence of God’s commandments; the church’s commandments and their connections to faith, grace, and good works; the association of works of the law to Jewish tradition and ceremony; holiness; the fear of the Lord; each believer as a temple of the holy; and the meaning of loving the Lord Jesus.
If you have a sense that Jesus’s message and ministry are calling you to embark upon a walk with Him that might take you away from all in Christianity that requires no accountability or responsibility before God, then A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus is the right book for you to read. It will give you the keys for understanding and responding to the Lord’s call to return to Him and to follow where He leads.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:29 NASB).
The PDF of the entire book is free of charge! Use this link to go to the page and download it. Be mightily blessed!
 
Documento portátil (PDF) es completamente gratis. 

Gospel Preaching versus Anemic Sermonettes

Because we are approaching the Christmas holiday season, let me talk to you about the story of the birth of Jesus and what the good news (gospel) brought to the world when He was born in Bethlehem. I say that regardless of the fact that Jesus was probably born in April. Even though that is probably right, thank God that we celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus. He was born as a baby IN THE FLESH (John 1:14), and that is what really matters. So what if the ancient Roman pagans worshipped in their Saturnalia celebrations which were in honor of their god Saturn, and so what if their celebrations ran from December 17 through 23? We are not celebrating a pagan holiday when we celebrate on the 24th and 25th of December. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus our Lord! No pagan worship allowed here!
Since this article is about Gospel preaching versus weak and anemic sermonettes, it is important for YOU and me to understand the part of Gospel preaching that has to do with joy unspeakable and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:8) Actually, JOY is a powerful indicator of what the gospel brings into the environment whenever it is ministered under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. More happens in the environment, such as healing and deliverance, but real Holy Spirit joy (Romans 14:17) is God's amazing strength in manifestation. (Nehemiah 8:10) 
And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at His birth. (Luke 1:14 NKJV)
That is why we celebrate His birth with rejoicing. The Savior, the Deliverer, the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, the Provider, and the Healer came to earth in the flesh of a baby in Bethlehem. 
The wise men saw the star announcing the birth of the King-Messiah in Bethlehem, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (Matthew 2:10 NKJV)
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. (Luke 2:10 NKJV)
The good tidings are the good news or GOSPEL of great joy, and it is for everybody that will receive it. Frankly, if you leave a service depressed, down and out, and miserable, either you heard the Word but refused to receive it with joy (Matthew 13:20), rejected the joy, or the preacher was dead and joy-less!
The anointing of the Holy Spirit comes to preach good news to the poor, heal the sick, open blind eyes, set the captives free, and to bring the OIL of joy in place of mourning! 
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me, To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-4 NKJV)
Jesus read from this portion of Scripture in Luke 4:18-19. The Lord's coming was to preach the good news under the anointing of the Spirit, and to give us the OIL OF JOY for mourning. Gospel preaching will always carry an element of the oil of joy just like it will carry deliverance, healing, and so on. It also will carry the "acceptable year of the Lord AND a certain element of the day of vengeance of our God. That is all a part of powerful Gospel preaching and teaching. 
Now I get into other aspects of Gospel preaching we must know about, but note how this all meshes together in one beautiful and glorious tapestry. 
24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self- control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid (became frightened, “trembled” in at least 7 translations, terrified, much alarmed) and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you.” (Acts 24:24, 25 NET- parenthesis- my comment)
Faith in Christ was defined in this passage as a message that expounded on righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come.
What? Really? Does that sound like most modern-day “gospel” messages concerning faith in Christ? 
Some would say that there is no need to tell sinners they need self-control or to speak of judgment because that would not be very loving towards them, but Paul did that. Some may think that to speak to sinners about righteousness is a waste of time, or not something that will be conducive to their conversion, and that it may turn them off to the gospel. Tell that to the Apostle Paul. The text calls righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come a “faith in Christ” message. That was the gospel message that Paul preached. Have our gospel messages been missing some things?
Most evangelicals think that John 3:16 is the only gospel message there is! Paul preached more than a "God or Jesus loves you" message. He preached more than a "believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess with your mouth that He is Lord" message! (Romans 10:9) It was more varied and it included themes not generally thought of as pertaining to a gospel message.
Righteousness, self-control, and judgment as the definition of ministering faith in Christ sounds almost identical to what Jesus said the Holy Spirit was sent to do, and it is not even close to an evangelical type gospel message.
“And He, when He comes, He will convict (lit., expose, convict, reprove, rebuke) the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8 NKJV)
What Paul stated to Felix was identical to what Jesus said to His disciples about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Paul used the term “self-control” when talking about “sin”. The connection between sin and a lack of self-control should be obvious. If you sin, it is because you did not exercise self-control. Self-control is control of your actions by the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Self” infers that the action starts with you. The Holy Spirit is your Helper. (John 16:7) In other words, the Holy Spirit will not make you obey God’s Word, but He will help you to do what is right according to God’s Word.
The word convict (Gr. elegcho) in John 16:8 is translated in Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” The same word is found in 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13, 2:15; Hebrews 12:5, and in the words of Jesus:
Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will]. (Revelation 3:19 Amplified)
Rebuke, that is, to reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault must come when a lack of self-control is evident. (See also elegcho in John 3:20, 1 Corinthians 14:24, and Ephesians 5:11.)
Sin is the result of a lack of self-control that opposes God’s Word and commandments. James 1:14-16 in the Amplified Bible clarifies the process of sin from lust or some evil desire, to conception, and finally, to execution. 
The word elegcho in Luke 3:18, 19 is translated rebuked:
18 And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil deeds that he had done.
John the Baptizer was proclaiming the “good news” or the gospel to the people, and it was not at all sugar and spice and everything nice. Go back into Luke chapter three and begin reading at verse three. You will see all the elements of rebuking, such as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” He called those practicing sin “offspring of vipers”! That was not your typical sermonette with all smiles, soft tonalities, and niceties!
7 Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Luke 3:7-9 NET)
To top it all off, he called Herod the tetrarch to account because of his adulterous relationship with the wife of his brother. Verse 18 says that John’s rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account was THE GOSPEL, the proclamation of the good news!
And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. (Luke 3:18 NKJV)
Good news of the gospel? Does Luke chapter 3 sound like our interpretation of what is a good gospel message? No, it does not! Something is missing from gospel messages if they only preach salvation, healing, and the blessings of God! Yes, there is something terribly missing if that is all the people hear out of a preacher or at church. Sometimes, there must be rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account. These cannot be left out when necessary, that is, IF it is a real gospel message. John was a minister according to the meaning of a true gospel message. It may not seem like everything John the Baptizer preached was good news, but that would be an assessment from a human perspective. From the Scriptural perspective, and therefore from God’s viewpoint, it was all good news because it brought conviction and correction. Regardless of whether the people heard and received the messages, or they rejected it. John’s gospel message called people to account and allowed the Father to work on their hearts so repentance would come, and real change could take place in their lives! Think about that.
A real gospel message is preaching and teaching whatever the Spirit of the Lord gives you. If it comes from Him, regardless of anyone’s feelings or offense at it, it will carry the anointing to set the captives free. 
Did you get that?
Even though Jesus was tough and no-nonsense often, He was anointed to announce the good news or gospel message. (Luke 4:18) Power stood behind His messages. The preaching of the true gospel always manifests the power of God in some way. (Romans 1:16) If nothing happens and there is not a message that shakes things and people up, then it did not come from the Holy Spirit.
Look at Matthew 23 where Jesus viciously rebukes the hypocritical among the Pharisees (because not ALL were hypocritical)), and slams Jerusalem for killing the prophets sent to it. Read the whole chapter. It's an eye opener concerning “good news”.
Does the following sound like any "good news” message we know of today? Remember, Jesus said this, and it was not "sugar and spice, and everything nice." I say this because many think all Jesus taught was love and acceptance (tolerance of sin), and He was always soft toned, and tame as a little lamb. Nothing could be further from the truth! Here are some excerpts from the fiery preacher and astonishing powerhouse known as Jesus:
"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!... Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation... Fools and blind... You make your followers twice the sons of hell that you are... “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence... For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness... " 
And, one more to clarify (Ha!): "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" (See Matthew 23.)
Jesus was no pushover, monotone, long-haired, guru of love, sissified, “kumbaya” preacher! He didn’t put up with sin, hypocrisy, unbelief, or talking against God or His Spirit. He was tough, no-nonsense, strong, and never capitulated or quit, and he was THE bearer of the good news of the gospel! He didn’t just say “believe the gospel”. No, He told people to REPENT, and that was first! (Mark 1:14, 15)
In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, His rebukes and calling into account were hard and often harsh. It is true He also praised the churches when they did what was right, but He held nothing back in His messages to the churches when a sharp rebuke was necessary. Go study the two chapters! It will set straight that “good news” preaching from Jesus (Luke 4:18, 19) included much more than what we have called “good news”.
Mathew 11:20-24 has the Master's rebuke to the cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum because even though great miracles were done in them, they refused to repent. He condemned Capernaum to hell (Hades)! That was good gospel preaching, but wait, because there is more.
So, you want acceptance or tolerance in the words of Jesus? Here is His idea of acceptance and tolerance for those that refuse to repent and continue in their sin. Are you ready? It's a spanking for the backside!
23"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23, 24 NKJV)
There's your tolerance and acceptance! 
I’ll never forget one brother in the Lord, himself a minister and teacher, that told me before I stood to preach and minister, “Brother, just preach Heaven to them. Give them Heaven!” That sounded really good. Of course, if it came from the Lord, it would be His will done on earth as it is in heaven, but there was something else involved with his statement. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time. I knew something was off, but it took me a while to learn from the Lord what it was. If all you do is preach “inspiring verses” or uplifting and positive messages without the other as the Lord leads we have been talking about, then we have missed Heaven’s idea of good news.
The Scripture is not only given for inspiration and what we call "good news."
Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 Amplified Bible)
Are you ready for a shift in your thinking? It will shock all those that think “gospel” is sweetie pie and kind preaching. It will shock all those that think we should have sweetness in our gospel message because if it gets too harsh people will leave or tune out the message. 
Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. (Revelation 14:6 NET)
Next follows the eternal gospel proclaimed by this angel, but pay close attention to the content. It covers areas not traditionally understood as a gospel message.
7 He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” 8 A second angel followed the first, declaring: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great city! She made all the nations drink of the wine of her immoral passion.” 9 A third angel followed the first two, declaring in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and takes the mark on his forehead or his hand, 10 that person will also drink of the wine of God’s anger that has been mixed undiluted in the cup of his wrath, and he will be tortured with fire and sulfur in front of the holy angels and in front of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke from their torture will go up forever and ever, and those who worship the beast and his image will have no rest day or night, along with anyone who receives the mark of his name.” 12 This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:7-13 NET)
Gospel announcement included revelation, instruction, rebuke, correction, mention of God’s anger and wrath, the lake of fire for the followers of the beast, and the hour of God’s judgment! It pointed out the immorality of those following Babylon’s example. Notice that gospel preaching includes faith in Jesus, but also mentions obedience to God’s moral commandments. It even speaks of the coming judgment where believers will be rewarded for their good works.
Wow, all that and a call to the fear of God to headline that gospel message! Does that sound anywhere near to what many believe to be a gospel message? Gospel may include a whole lot more than salvation, healing, deliverance, and the blessing of God. Gospel can include more than telling people about the plan of salvation and the Lord Jesus. 
I am not saying every message has to be the same and include all these elements. What I am saying is that the definition of gospel preaching has been limited and much has been left out because churches have gotten away from preaching anything that could offend or make people feel uncomfortable.
Actually, if a gospel message doesn't make you feel uncomfortable at some point, it is not from the Holy Spirit. (See John 16:8.) When the message is the mighty and unstoppable two-edged sword of the Word of God that divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart, there will be discomfort, and the Lord will confront you! (Hebrews 4:12, 13) When you feel your very thoughts and intentions are on display before God as the Word is preached, you will not feel comfortable, and that is good! There should be a fear of the Lord flowing as the ministry of the Word and the Spirit comes forth. (Acts 2:43, 5:11)
Let me tell you something. When anointed ministers preach and teach, the message will get you! My God, I felt that way when my dad preached! When some truly anointed men and women of God preach the Word, something will shake you up, and sometimes the power of God will grip you! Those are the type of messages we need today. 
Here is more proof of what I am writing about.
9 Realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers—in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. 11 This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11 NET)
What?
Paul says that these are in accord or agree with the glorious gospel message. That means that within the gospel message there will be preaching against these sinful lifestyles and practices. Why? Because at times there must be exposing of these evil things. There must be correction and a calling to account even before the lawless, rebellious, ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, murderers, sexually immoral, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers and for all those that live contrary to sound teaching. That means that sound gospel teaching will teach people to live contrary to all those things mentioned or inferred. Take that to your traditional dead church and see what happens!
The references in Luke, Revelation, and First Timothy reveal that the gospel includes all these elements usually not associated with “gospel preaching.” What gospel message are you listening to or preaching?
In general, many in churches have gotten away from such preaching themes. How do I know? How can I make such a sweeping statement? Listen for yourself, (or better, DON'T listen) to the garbage preaching and teaching by churches and ministers around the globe on YouTube! What a mess of no anointing and no real gospel! Of course, there are some great exceptions, but unfortunately, they are few and far between.
Personally, I go to a church in Southwest Florida where the pastors are anointed and there are supernatural results in every service. Every service is full of the unadulterated Word of God, but there is demonstration of the Holy Spirit as people are born again, healed, delivered, receive the fire of the Holy Spirit, and are Baptized in the Holy Spirit with accompanying other tongues. You see Mark 16:15-20 and Acts 19:1-20 in demonstration during EVERY service as God's Holy presence permeates the atmosphere. All these things cause supernatural joy in each service and it is awesome! 
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. (Psalms 5:11 NKJV)
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalms 16:10 NKJV)
If you go to some dead church where nothing supernatural happens, and all they have is a Hollywood style musical production and a weak, sissified, sermonette, then I have a word for you: "RUN before you die with all of the dead already there!" 
Messages from most churches you hear on the internet have been watered down to the place they often sound like psychological hogwash tolerance of sinful lifestyles, or lifeless educational stuffed potatoes with no resemblance to the book of Acts! Most have become more self-help positivity and affirmation messages rather than messages that preach and teach the Scripture without compromise and with a continuous demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power! (1 Corinthians 2:4)
Many have moved away from real strong gospel messages, and have embraced messages of self-help, cotton-candy, sugar-coated fluff meant to “inspire” the senses instead of informing, rebuking when necessary, correcting weird and wrong ideas, exposing sin, bringing joy unspeakable and full of glory, and revealing the truth of God’s Word. Churches have often become country clubs and entertainment venues with no power from heaven, no anointing, little to no joy, and no conviction. Some started with an anointing to set the captives free, and later lost it by trying to become respectable and likeable. 
Some have gotten away from ministering to the sick through the laying on of hands (of course, dead churches don’t do that anyway), and many no longer pray in public for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. I am speaking about so-called Spirit-filled churches or Pentecostal, Charismatic, Full-Gospel churches. Many no longer have altar calls. If they pray for people to receive Jesus, it is done without an altar call. The manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 are missing and basically unknown in manifestation. I'd rather jump into freezing Artic water in my underwear (a big stretch for a guy from the Caribbean) than sit for an hour with the dead in churches devoid of the glory and power of God.
I know first hand what I am talking about. I was once the pastor of a powerfully anointed church in San Juan, Puerto Rico with thousands in attendance every week. (Iglesia Fe Es La Victoria) We saw the Holy Spirit at work in EVERY service. People were saved by the thousands, healed, delivered, and baptized in the Holy Spirit with the accompanying supernatural tongues. It was glorious from 1977 -1989. I know how and where I got lifted up with pride and refused to obey the Lord on some things. My stark disobedience to my call and God's direction caused the anointing to wane and finally fizzle out. It took a few years, but I remember the service in late 1988 while I was preaching when the anointing began a nose dive. It was a sick feeling in my gut. I've never experienced anything else quite like that. From a church that ministered to thousands weekly through its live services, television, radio, recorded publications, Bible school, etc., slowly but surely it became a dead nothingness church for a few years until I found myself broken, busted, and disgusted and left the church in 1993.
It took a few years for me to admit that it was ALL my own fault, but I finally recognized my sin and repented in 1999. It all started going well after I repented until it didn't because of a serious misstep and it almost cost me my life in 2020. I am here to tell you that God forgives and restores ALL that the cankerworm has eaten and the locust consumes and He will restore the years to me that were lost because of disobedience and a huge misstep! (Joel 2) All I can say is that Satan fired his best shots at me and he failed miserably! He thought he could take me out and destroy the legacy in Christ of this family but he failed! Instead of running from Jesus when my life took a downward turn, I got even closer to the Lord, His Word, and His Spirit! In fact, I'm closer and more on fire than I've ever been, and it is glorious. So, "Watch out devil! Your worst mistake was trying to take me out, and boy, YOU will pay for it at least seven times in Jesus' Name!"  
What has happened in so many churches? Entertainment has invaded many churches with their “broad is the way” (known as Broadway) replacing the straight and narrow way Jesus taught.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14 NKJV)
So, what did Paul preach according to the faith in Christ to Felix and Drusilla? Here it is in a nutshell.
Righteousness:
The main points:
* It is a gift (Romans 4:23-25, 5:17) received upon initially believing and trusting in what Jesus did and provided for us when God raised Him from the dead and we confessed Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9, 10).
*The gift can be interrupted by sin, but confessing our sins before the Lord, we can be forgiven and cleansed from all un-righteousness, restoring our relation to God. See 1 John 1:7-10, 2:1,2.
*Righteousness includes righteous living according to God’s moral commandments.
If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him… Little children let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous… In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1 John 2:29, 3:7, 10 NKJV)
See also Titus 2:11, 12; and compare it with Titus 1:8, where a leader must be “righteous”. If righteousness is only a gift that has nothing to do with conduct or lifestyle (Christian character) then why bother to list it as a qualification? No, Paul taught that righteousness is also a lifestyle of doing what is right. See also 1 Timothy 6:11-“pursue righteousness, godliness” and 2 Tim. 2:22- “flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Even after our initial cleansing in the blood and the renewal in the Spirit that placed us in His righteousness, we must pursue righteous living as an everyday reality.
Self-control
Main points:
Self-control is “self-restraint, temperance, control of one’s passions, desires, and sexual impulses.” It means to control yourself according to God’s word and commandments, His requirements.
You dominate your body’s unruly desires. The Holy Spirit will not do it all for you. He requires your personal and individual participation. He will empower you to have dominion over your body and rule over any passion or evil desire that would try to get you off the Word and holiness.
God’s armor is His personal armor, but we must put it on. God will not put His armor on you. (Eph. 6:10-17)
We are to put off the old man and put on the new man. (Eph. 4: 22, 24)
We cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and we put on the Lord Jesus (Romans 13:12-14)
The above means that every Christian has a daily responsibility. Every day we are to take up our cross and follow Him. If we do not put on Jesus today, then we are without Him during that day. If we do not put on the armor of light daily, then it never will come on you on its own. Nothing is automatic in God’s kingdom and you have responsibilities, orders, commandments, requirements, duties, and something is demanded of you daily.
Some have said, “Oh, I just couldn’t help it. I just had to do it.” Lies, Lies, Lies! That person didn’t submit to God and did not resist the devil. (James 4:7) They yielded to the unrenewed mind, conformity to the world, and the old man. They yielded to works of the flesh. Nobody made them do anything. They did it!
Examine every time you ever did something wrong. I have and I know that I yielded to sin because I flat out desired the wrong thing. I let the wrong thing get into my mind and work on my flesh, and I sinned! It was not God’s fault but my own.
An admission like that demonstrates spiritual growth when you are willing to admit or confess your faults and receive forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord. (See James 5:16. And 1 John 1:9.) That truly demonstrates humility when you admit your wrongs and come before God in repentance. (See Proverbs 28:13.) The humble are the ones that get the grace (1 Peter 5:5, 6). Examine yourself whether you are in the faith! Isn’t that what 2 Corinthians 13:5?
Coming Judgment
Main points:
Eternal judgment in Hebrews 6:1, 2 is one of the principal teachings of Christ. Eternal judgment is both for the righteous and the wicked. There is eternal judgment and a judgment that comes on those that refuse to repent and continue to practice sin.
*Judgment on the wicked: Revelation 20:4, 12, 13, 21:7.
*The judgment seat of Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:10.
*Judging yourself so you stay out of coming under God’s judgment while on the earth: See 1 Corinthians 11:29, 34.
First John 1:9 is a great and powerful gift to the followers of Jesus. It is our way out of certain judgment and our way back into cleansing, forgiveness, and the unchanging righteousness of Jesus. For forgiveness and cleansing, all we have is His shed blood for us. He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins (1 John 2:1, 2), and His blood cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
Much more could be said about all this, but that is sufficient for today. Be mightily blessed!

Freely download my books, messages, and articles!

I want to make easily available to you on this post some of my most downloaded books, messages, and articles. My podcast timeline will not show posts without a recording, so I included a recorded message with the title, "Why Everyone Needs Jesus". Everything is free of charge. My sowing into lives or giving freely as I have freely received. 
My most downloaded book so far is in Spanish with almost 800 downloads: Tres Días y Noches en el Corazón de La Tierra and it has almost 300 pages.  
Other books:
A Call to Return: Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus
Faith That Receives the Grace of God  
(More than 150 downloads)
Most Downloaded messages:
How To Receive the Baptism in The Holy Spirit (with other tongues)
(Close to 200 downloads.)
Como Recibir el Bautismo en el Espiritu Santo (y otras lenguas)
Faith in Jesus or is it Faith in Something Else? Almost 11.4k downloads! By far, our most downloaded message! These are real downloads and not a fluke or a glitch! The number of downloads is on the page, and Podbean podcast service confirmed them as real downloads. I was shocked and overwhelmed! May MANY come to the knowledge and reality of the Lord Jesus as Savior, Healer, Deliverer, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and all He is in the people from 129 countries (6 continents) that downloaded this message!
62 Page mini book that goes to the Word mainly in the New Testament in context to show the truth about this  important subject:
Did God "X" out All the Commandments under Grace?
Same subject matter as previous but in Spanish, and it has been downloaded hundreds of times:
La Diferencia Entre Mandamientos Morales y Rituales y La Responsabilidad del Creyente Conforme a La Epístolas Apostólicas
There are others but this will be good for now. 
Blessings on all of you in the mighty Name of Jesus!