Abiding

Beware of False Promises and Half Truths and the Pawns who Peddle them! [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

BEWARE OF THE MANY PROPHE-LIARS!

Many today dish out God’s promises to disobedient rebels. Those promises are GOD’s, not yours, sinner. And the LORD has stated conditions that must be met to receive those promises (Example: Jeremiah 29:11-15). He didn’t give those promises so you could run around using them for your own self-serving purposes to get people to like and follow you.

There’s so much flattery floating around today, posing as being Christian, as being biblical, and yet, there’s no cross, holiness, judgment, or repentance in it. Counterfeit. False gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Run.

It’s time to stop prophe-lying. It’s time to stop lying to people by giving them promises God is not going to fulfill for them and will not give them unless they do things His way which is to truly repent, to deny self, take up the cross and followed Jesus. God’s blessings of condition. He doesn’t indiscriminately dish out His blessings. WHO exactly is the LORD going to reward? – “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

It seems very dangerous to give out indiscriminate promises to everyone. God is not going to bless anyone who is not born again and presently abiding and Christ according to the written Word of God. John chapter 15.

There are conditions for God’s blessings and those conditions are clearly in His Word and yet many ignore them and syphon out on the promises. For example, read Jeremiah 29:11-14 and notice the conditions. Most only read verse 11.

The indiscriminate empty promises demonic frauds perpetuate of how “God is getting ready to bless you” are sickening. As was foretold of this last hour, we live in a day when many run to have their ears tickled (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Because the LORD is not important to them, is not their “first love,” many refuse to get into God’s Word for themselves and just want someone else to tell them about God (Revelation 2:4-5). They are tossing their eternal souls into irrevocable eternal damnation.

We see a continual stream of promises being given out indiscriminately. In other words, people are pushing out the promises of God and yet never the conditions stated in His Word. The LORD is only going to bless, to give His promised blessings, to those who are “willing and OBEDIENT” to Him.

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:19-20

I don’t know about you, but I want God hearing and answering my prayers!!!!

“The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me” Psalms 18:20

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psalms 66:18

The LORD does not hear and answer the prayers of those lliving outside of His stated will.

“IF ye abide in me, and my words abide in you (on HIS stated terms, the cross), ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

God’s promises, His blessing are conditional, not un-conditional.

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND DO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT.” 1 John 3:22

You must meet the condition to receive the blessing. The condition is to let go and let God – to lay down your life and let Him take it up. There can be no divine raising upward until there is a death and burial, a surrender.

So many false prophets dishing out promises these days on social media. Everyone and their brother and sister is trying to be the oracle. But the LORD gave us HIS oracles, in the Bible – and commanded that we preach that Word, THE WORD.

“ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness … are given unto us” in the “exceeding great and precious promises” of His written Word (2 Peter 1:3-4).

“If any man speak, let him speak as the ORACLES (written Word) of God.” 1 Peter 4:11

“Preach THE WORD.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Anyone who is truly known of Christ is not impressed with the social media circus clowns who always have a word, a dream, a vision that they falsely claim is from God.

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16

“Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.” Jeremiah 14:14

So many false prophets who ALWAYS have “a word” they claim is from God and yet they never point to THE WORD – to your own need to study God’s Word for yourself. Isn’t that exactly what Paul told Timothy? Yes it is.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God (YOU do it), a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

These “many false prophets” want you dependent upon them, upon their supposed word from God (Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1).

Make no mistake, these people are operating under the power of the spirit of witchcraft, where they are drawing your heart affections, your attention to themselves and away from Christ, the Head of the body (Colossians 2:8, 18-19, etc.).

God’s promises are conditional – not unconditional. If you truly repent and choose to follow Jesus on His stated terms, your life is going to be blessed beyond measure! When you die and are buried, He will then raise you up and His blessings will flood your life (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). Otherwise you are self-willed and the LORD will not raise you up and bless you and anything that seems, that appears to be God’s blessing is a lie. The “MANY false prophets” who are promising God is going to bless you without including the divinely-given conditions, are misleading you (Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1, etc.). The blind are leading the blind into the ditch of darkness and eternal destruction.

“Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?” Luke 6:39

FLASHPOINT: God is not getting ready to bless the life of anyone who isn’t born again and serving Him with a whole heart on HIS terms (Jeremiah 29:11-14). Such a lost soul is hanging by a spider thread over the flames of eternal damnation.

Let’s repent afresh and cease giving people false hope! Be like Jesus! Full disclosure! Only false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing, hide the truth, preach half-truths, and refuse to teach the whole counsel of God’s Word! (Acts 20:20, 27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:2-4, etc.).

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11

Beware of those who reduce the Bible to a book of promises that God “owes” them or that they can use against God to get what they want. And they are peddling this to others as “ministry.” Ever notice how these types never mention the biblically stated conditions, hell, sin, rebellion, judgment, holiness, or the cross?

False promise peddling false prophets are nothing new. Backslidden Israel were many times cited for their lying prophets:

“Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. 14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. 16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.” Jeremiah 14:13-16

*Promises without conditions is what we see being peddled. There are so many on social media doing this. The same people never preach the cross or other divinely-required essential conditions to be met. Therefore we must conclude that they are preaching “another gospel” – which is anything but the original Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9; Jude 3).

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOUR “CHURCH” OR FAVORITE PREACHER? It’s real simple… if they are not preaching the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel given to us in the New Testament, they are preaching “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9).

Jesus told us plainly that in order to follow Him, one must do a few things. What are those things and why are they absent from the modern gospel?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

To follow Jesus you must die to self – you must deny self daily, otherwise you are not following Him and are going to hell (Luke 9:23-24). Ear-tickling, flesh-flattering counterfeits are a dime a dozen in this late hour as was foretold to be the case (Matthew 24:11; 2 Timothy 4:2-4, etc.). If you don’t like the raw, un-sugar coated truth of the original Gospel, you are not a repentant, honest, truth-seeking disciple (Luke 8:15; Galatians 4:16).

Like Esau who sold his birthright for a bowl of soup, many a church leader today has traded his eternal soul for fleeting temporal trinkets.

So you are listening to some slick talker preach and yet he’s not using the BIBLE essential words like hell, repentance, holiness, the cross, the blood of Jesus, the return of Christ, etc? Repent and RUN!

The ministry continually receives emails from people who have latched on to some mere man, his personality – instead of worshipping Christ supremely (Colossians 2:18-19). And in doing so, they defend those mere men angrily, doggedly, having never stopped to put them to the biblical test.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

What is his doctrine? This is the very first thing to judge (Acts 17:10-11)

“But thou hast fully known my DOCTRINE, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.” 2 Timothy 3:10-11

Any person who’s been born again and yet is not continuing in the doctrines of Holy Scripture, no long has the LORD – but rather has departed from the faith! (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in (does not remain in) the DOCTRINE of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

False teachers today refuse to preach on paramount biblical doctrines such as:

The divinity and uniqueness of Christ (John 1; 8:58; 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:8, etc.).
Hell (Matthew 8:12; 13:42; Mark 9:43-49; Luke 16:19-31, etc.).
the cross – crucified life (Matthew 16:24-25; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).
forsaking all (Luke 14:33; 17:33, etc.).
judgment (Psalms 9:16; Acts 24:25, etc.).
persecution (Matthew 5:10-12; Luke 6:20-25; 1 Peter 4:12-14, etc.).
repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19, etc.).
holiness (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc.).
readiness for the return of Christ (Matthew 24:10-13; Luke 21:34-36; Ephesians 5:25-27, etc.).
etc.

Yes, there’s truth in this meme featured on this post and yet, it’s interesting that we seldom see any biblically-stated conditions, any cross – crucified life – Scripture in these sayings, memes. So, in the absence of the whole counsel of God being represented, false hope and imbalance are being perpetrated.

The Appeal of Wolves

Satan’s wolves appeal to your flesh. The Holy Spirit told us that “they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19). The Holy Ghost calls you to repent, lay down your life in this world, walk the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 8:12-14, etc.).

“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:18

“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.” Jude 16

Those who withhold vital truth from God’s Word preach a partial and therefore a false gospel and spread a net for your feet – you are their prey.

“A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.” Proverbs 29:5

The self-serving Savior-rejecting compromised pansies many call “pastor” of the modern church world never speak of “the severity of God.”

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and SEVERITY of God: on them which fell, SEVERITY; but toward thee, goodness, IF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

False prophets simply want to tickle the ears of the people in order to “make merchandise” of them for their own self-serving purpose (2 Peter 2:1-3). But God ordains that we hear His Word and fear Him, obey Him and teach our children to do the same.

“I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deuteronomy 4:10

Indiscriminately giving promises is out of the whole of biblical context. God’s blessings are not coming upon rebels so stop lying to people by indiscriminately putting out promises that God never gave to rebels.

What ever happened to all the “IF”s in Scripture which denote conditions and consequences? For example:

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 IF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But IF ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:18-20

There are no shortcuts in serving the LORD. One must meet the LORD’s stated conditions. Yes He gives us the grace to do so and yet leaves the choice to us.

The more we honestly read God’s Word for ourselves, the clearer it becomes that He is being misrepresented by today’s priesthood of “pastors.”

Here’s another example: Notice the whole text below. Notice how people only post verse 11 and it’s always from some lame fake “bible” version and nearly never the King James Bible. Notice the different picture that painting when you read more of the text, the passage. See if you can find the divinely-stated conditions that must be met:

“when ye shall search for me with all your heart”

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:11-14

Beware of those who preach a partial, a false gospel. Half-truth kill !

“ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Notice below how the apostle Paul gave God’s people “ALL” of His counsel and not just bits and pieces of it.

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house … For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:20, 27

David hated “every false way” which includes misrepresenting what the whole of Holy Scripture communicates to us from the LORD.

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4).

Any man not guarding, not protecting Christ’s flock, by warning of false teachers and false doctrine, is himself a wolf!

The true man of God fears God and therefore fears no man (Luke 12:4-5). He will speak the truth no matter what the cost.

“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” Thomas Sowell

Busting Hell Wide Open while Believing You are "Blessed" [podcast]

Lots of People Claiming they are Blessed who aren’t ARE YOU TRULY BLESSED OR CURSED? IS GOD ANSWERING YOUR PRAYERS? IS THE LORD’S BLESSING TRULY ON YOUR LIFE? Be not deceived …. the promises of God are reserved exclusively for those who serve Christ ON HIS STATED TERMS (John 15:7). And, if you aren’t in His Word daily, you don’t even know those stated terms and conditions (John 14:21-23, etc.). Any person who is not born again and presently abiding obedient in Christ is kidding themselves to think God’s blessing is on their life (Galatians 6:7-8). You’re not blessed because […]

Self-Appointed and Greedy Prophetic Pimps [podcast]

—- RADIO …. Self-Appointed and Greedy Prophetic Pimps with Todd Tomasella ….. 30 min. explosive expose’ of false leaders and how to know exactly who they are …. please listen and share to help others in this late hour before our LORD’s return…. The Equipping of Christ’s Saints by the true, unknown servants of Christ is Putting False Prophets Out of Business! (Ephesians 4:11-15) LOTS of witchcraft posing as being the Holy Spirit. Litmus: Are they grounding you in Christ, in the crucified life, in the “MORE sure word of prophecy” which is the Holy Scriptures, the written Word???? (2 Peter 1:19-21) IF […]

Overcoming Whoredom [podcast]

Whoredom vs Wholesome “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” Leviticus 19:29 Any land will “FALL to whoredom”…. in other words whoredom causes divine judgment to fall on any people who commit this sin against the Almighty. “Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” Hosea 4:11 Read Hosea 4. Wow. The heart is taken away from God, from worshipping the LORD, when we choose to partake of sin. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, […]

Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast]

SATAN’S LAUGHABLE FRAUDS: When you hear some dupe, some warlock or witch pretending to be a prophet of God, using cultic regurgitated buzz words like “I feel a shift coming” , a “realignment”, a “release”, or “God is repositioning you”, “your destiny is at hand,” etc., run! Note WHAT’S MISSING: Where there is no cross – God isn’t in it!!!! Their prophetic words are speaking of ministering and yet ministering, God’s way, always comes out of the crucified – the dead and buried – life! God uses crucified vessels that He raises us and their is no crucified life […]

Abiding

“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]

“All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:8-14

The true remnant of Christ are known in that they are enduring to the end in the midst of iniquity, abounding and preaching the Gospel of Jesus the King to the world.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.

Evangelism

Here are all the ministry’s shorts (60 sec) videos. Feel free to share and subscribe to the ministry YT channel:

See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.

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DID YOUR “CHURCH” DIE FOR YOU…. OR DID JESUS DIE FOR YOU? “I see many exalting their church but nothing about Jesus Christ.” Tina A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE CAUGHT UP WITH THEIR “CHURCH” BUT NOT WITH CHRIST! (REVELATION 2:4-5) You only love your fake “church” because the fake “pastor” is a gutless self-serving coward who refuses to preach the whole counsel of God’s Word, including – sin, repentance, the crucified life, and the holiness of God and how He commands you to be holy as He is holy (Acts 20:20, 27; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Oh and he uses a fake […]

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The future belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ and His followers. Read the book of Revelation! “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 Is your hand on “the plough” – that which God has called you to do in His kingdom work? Have you looked back? “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17 Have you grown weary in well doing? “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due […]

The Result of Real Repentance [podcast]

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16 WE DON’T NEED JUST ANOTHER “CHURCH SERVICE” OR “SERMON,” WE NEED TO REPENT AND WHEN WE REALLY DO, WE WILL OBEY GOD—OTHERWISE WE DIDN’T TRULY REPENT. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way […]

Articles

Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]

“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?

Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.

“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….

“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso

—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15

“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14

LOVE is the governing factor:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:

“In John 14:15 and 15:14 (KJV), Jesus teaches that love and obedience go together, meaning real love for Him naturally leads to doing His commands rather than separating love from works.

What the Verses Say

- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.

How Love and Works Connect

- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”

Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.

“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20

Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!

“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21

“His commandment are not grievous”

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37

“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).

Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).

“IFFFF you love me keep my commandments” and not “prove you love me by keeping my commandments” (John 14:15) … big difference. Jesus isn’t interested in any law keeper keeping His commandments …. He desires and calls His people to love Him! If not, there’s no reason to try to obey Him.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).

1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10

DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.

If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.

One writer notes:

“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”

IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5

So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. ³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. ⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. ⁴¹And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: ⁴²But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)

At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ⁴He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ⁶He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6

“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13

Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?

Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).

After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

LOVE IS THE CARDINAL EVIDENCE OR FRUIT THAT ONE KNOWS GOD.

Do we truly know Him who “is love”? (1 John 4:8, 16) Love is a divine attribute that is, without exception, resident in every man who is truly in right standing with God (Galatians 5:22-23)

PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Uphold Jesus (audio)

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Abiding

FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane

By Jon Crane

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).

The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5). Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).

Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.

“But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25

More Thoughts…

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of love – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11

When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.

Remember whose you are …

“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23

Take heart…

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18

Romans 3

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Romans 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26

Confession made…

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13

Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

Making Peace with God

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