He That Overcometh (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “He that Overcometh” – those who overcome the spirit of the Smyrnian age, the spirit of persecution, tribulation, poverty, and suffering, will be given a “crown of life” and they “shall not be hurt of the second death” (Revelation 2:10-11). Beloved, the “crown of life” is the gift of life eternal that will be given to the martyrs in the resurrection. Those who enter into life eternal will escape “the lake of fire.” However, those who do not escape will hear our great King and loving God say, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). This is considered the second death. Christ has sent us this warning to prevent us from experiencing that horrific state. He wants us to overcome persecution, tribulation, poverty, and sufferings on this earth. Please do not think that this scripture is written to acquaint us with the “lake of fire.”

Precious Ones, those who will “overcome” sufferings here with Christ have the promise that they will “reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12). I will have you to know that “overcomers” will not have to wait until they get to heaven to reign with Jesus, either! Paul said that we overcomers “[who have] the gift of righteousness shall reign [both in this life and in eternal life, with the help of] one, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17).

Chosen Ones, those who endure the hours of suffering and tribulation – those who overcome – will be given a “crown of life” (not eternal life only, but also life in the present). Wouldn’t you say that it is worth overcoming sin and temptations down here on this earth, considering what is promised to us? Now I truly understand what Jesus meant when He said, “whosoever will save his life [cherish his manner of living] shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life [overcome his lifestyle, sacrifice it, and lay it down] for my sake, the same shall save it [he will invest more into his “crown of reigning life down here on this earth]” (Luke 9:24). Considering the “exceeding great and precious promises” that overcomers have been promised (2 Peter 1:4), it is worth striving to overcome sin – not indulge it! If you make a mistake, keep trying. You must believe that Jesus will help you to overcome your weakness someday! But keep trying!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

He That Overcometh (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “He that Overcometh” – Jesus was speaking of John when He said, “If I will [or choose] that he tarry [wait] till I come, what is that [what business is it] to thee [Peter]?” (John 21:22). This statement was a prophecy that John would not die a martyr’s death, as was foretold concerning Peter (John 21:18-19). This teaches us that all of the saints will have to “overcome” challenges in their own personal measure, and that Jesus is the only One who decides what measure all of us will have to “overcome.”

Precious Ones, with the exception of Judas, all of the other disciples met death by martyrdom, but John passed through all of those trials because he had evidently been “[given] to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). Why? The answer is obvious – John must have (in his measure) “overcome”! We know this because scripture says that only those who have overcome will be allowed to eat of that tree (see Revelation 2:7).

Chosen Ones, it is said by some theologians that John died at a ripe old age. Others report that John was translated, and yet others hold to the old tradition that John is still alive somewhere on this earth (like Elvis Presley :-). Beloved, how John died is beside the point. The real issue at hand is that the way in which John lived his life was pleasing to God. It is refreshingly obvious that John did not leave his “first love” (Revelation 2:4). Remember – John was the disciple who was so “in love” with Jesus that he testified in his own gospel that he would lean “on [Jesus’] breast at supper [time]” (John 21:20). Ask yourself the question, “Am I serving the Lord because I’m in love with Him, or have the challenges, difficulties, and hardships of this life stolen my love, causing me to serve Him out of duty instead of love?” If Christians do not get emotional over Jesus anymore like they used to, they have left their “first love” and need to “overcome”!

Children of God, we won’t taste death if we love Him, but we will have “everlasting life.”

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

He That Overcometh (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “He that Overcometh” – I would like to remind my Bible readers that anyone who overcomes the spirit that existed in the Ephesian period of the church shall “eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). Yet, God also told John that they must not leave (neglect) their “first love” (Revelation 2:4). Beloved, retaining one’s first love for Jesus Christ is the heart of the life of an overcomer.

Precious Ones, there are many who cherish their first matrimonial love, their first crush, their first car, their first home, etc. However, the beloved apostle John evidently reached the place where he retained his “love” for God. Jesus is my first true Love, and should be yours also. I did not know what love was until I became acquainted with the love my God has for me. I am sure that some of you will admit to that statement. John was considered the “Beloved Apostle” because his letters primarily dealt with the subject of love. God must have known that John was the most loveable of the twelve apostles, and thus He shared His heart with John – He shared things with John that He did not share with the others. Does this not teach us a principle here? If you want God to give you things that He would not give to others, you must “overcome” by showing more allegiance and love toward Him than others.

Chosen Ones, there is more recorded about eternal life in John’s gospel than in all the other scriptural writings, including Paul’s. This teaches us that Love is eternal. To “overcome” all of your adversity, strive to “love” like our God!

I will write more on this subject later. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

He That Overcometh (Part 1)

Beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ has laid a new subject on my heart to minister unto you, entitled simply, “He that Overcometh.” Rarely do we hear of the concept of “overcoming” anymore, because many Christians are taught that they do not have to “overcome” anything. They are taught that since Jesus did it all on Calvary, they can continue to indulge whatever weaknesses they have and expect Jesus’ blood to cover their lifestyle (and I emphasize lifestyle, not errors) of infirmity. While it is true that the blood of Jesus has the power to “[cleanse] us from all sin” (1 John 1:7), Jesus did not shed His blood to give us a license to sin, but rather to give His people the power to overcome it.

Precious Ones, all of the over 32,000 recorded promises of God are to those who overcome – those who are constantly improving and getting better by conquering their weaknesses! According to the Word of God, those who fail to overcome will suffer loss. They will not gain anything. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus reveals to John the promises given to overcomers. “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God [they shall never taste spiritual death, but will enjoy the luxury of heaven]” (Revelation 2:7). “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death [they will not know the torment of hell nor the regret of not taking advantage of life in Jesus]” (Revelation 2:11). “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it [Jesus will give them the power to perform hidden miracles through the “stone” of Jesus’ Name, which is white – full of pure righteousness. Only those who have the revelation of Jesus will receive their healing]” (Revelation 2:17). “[To him] that overcometh…will I give power over the nations [all the areas of the world will submit to overcomers]” (Revelation 2:26). “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5). In other words, the righteousness of overcomers will be inspired by true doctrine, not false. They will stay in the grace of God to reach heaven, and will receive validation from the voice of God Himself – “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out” (Revelation 3:12). Overcomers will reach a state in God where they are thoroughly convinced of who He is, and they will not be deceived. They will be like the “foundation of the [twelve] apostles” (Ephesians 2:19-22). “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame [overcomers will be just like God]” (Revelation 3:21).

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Glory of the Son of Man (conslusion)

Beloved, this is the conclusion of our series of letters entitled “The Glory of the Son of Man” (which we are, as His children). Greater things than we have ever witnessed are near at hand. The Bible stated it this way, “then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). The opportunity for the “Glory of the Son of Man” to shine through us, which now apparently lies dormant, may revive and burst forth at any moment. Don’t you want to be a part of that move of God, Beloved?

Precious Ones, the Church is rapidly coming to exemplify “the unity of the faith [the eradication of denominational churches], and of the knowledge of the Son of God [more people acknowledging Jesus Christ], unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

Chosen Ones, the works that Jesus Christ did in the days of His flesh must also be carried out by the Church in order for the “Glory of the Son of Man” to be manifested. According to scripture, “He that believeth on [Jesus], the works that [Jesus did] shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do” (John 14:12). The people spoken of by the prophet Joel (the Lord’s army of saints, Joel 2:1-11) are about to appear. Even Paul concurred when he prophesied that God “shall come to be glorified in his saints” (II Thessalonians 1:7-10).

Children of God, Jesus prophesied about our time when He said, “Now is the Son of man glorified [manifested], and God is glorified [manifested] in him” (John 13:31). In closing, Beloved, we (the saints) are all members of Jesus’ body, and the glory that He had shall be given unto us, that He might be glorified (see John 17:22). So, let us “walk in the light [of God’s glory], as he is in the light, [so that we can have] fellowship one with another” (I John 1:7).

I will write more from a different subject next week. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy