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Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] Curing the Dilemma of Diminishing Returns. If we want to see Heaven’s floodgates opened, we must examine what compliance, what agreement, what obedience the LORD may be leading us to render.

The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast] (below)


YOUR own bank statement tells you exactly who you are. Matt 6:21

A financial investor takes your money and multiplies it for your last few years in this temporal life, right? In contrast, laborers for Christ take your support and multiply it for Christ and themselves for all eternity. In Christ’s eternal kingdom – everybody wins, all the time, forever. King Jesus reigns forever!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Invest in Heaven and reap, be rich forever. Boom. Matt 6:19-21; 2 Cor 9:6-11

It’s interesting to observe that people will commit their money in advance for nearly anything, to anyone except the One who gave them that money. Unreal. The priorities of our hearts are openly revealed in how we spend, we put out the money God has placed in our hands.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38

Paul was not coveting any man’s money – “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” (Acts 20:33) No! He wanted God’s people to invest in Christ’s eternal kingdom – into eternal souls – and by doing so fill their “account” in Heaven. – “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Philippians 4:17)

Is God watching how much you give, monetary amount? OR is He looking for how much you kept back for self instead of giving to the Savior’s work and His people in need? Read Luke 12 and 16.

Read Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35. This is how disciples live.

SOLID investments get no better than Christ’s kingdom! (Matthew 6:19-21) The Only Eternal Investment.

Does the LORD get the first portion of your day, your dollar? (Mark 1:35; Proverbs 3:9-10).

In an hour when so many who claim to be saved are funding pet and political causes, will you be one who says “No! Jesus saved and sent me to spread His Gospel, to see eternal souls won into His eternal kingdom and not to fund frivolous temporal affinities! I am getting behind the teaching of HIS Word!” (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20)

Without exception, the happiest, “more blessed,” the most joyful people we meet are the givers (Acts 20:35). Their hearts are full of joy – because as they give they are freed of the sins of greed, covetousness and their hearts are filled with joy for participating in the Gospel of the One they love (Matthew 6:21).

God can split the Red Sea but an even greater miracle would be to split, to open the hearts of self-serving rebels who claim Christ as Savior but contribute nothing to His work – because THEY matter, not Him (Matt 6:21).

Those whom God has placed in your life to preach His Word into your life, to feed and equip you – are His gifts to you – and your opportunity to fund HIS work and lay up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21; Galatians 6:6). “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) Let’s roll saints, Jesus is coming!

When you give to our LORD’s work, you are fueling those He called out and ordained to communicate His Word, to do His work, daily. Amen. You are participating in Christ’s Great Commission, and laying up treasure in Heaven!

How much and with what heart posture we give is what the LORD looks at. Our giving to the LORD proves how much He means to us. It is shown in how we give to His kingdom people and work – the heart and the percentage (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41-44). He gave us the ability to earn money that we may have to give – which is an integral part of our worship of Him.

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

There’s no work so important or eternal as the work of our LORD’s Gospel! Let’s fuel it saints. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

ARE YOU supporting those God says have “beautiful … feet”?

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15

Saints, any man who is called out of God and obeying HIM by endeavoring to preach the whole of His Word, is not well supported. And, this is your opportunity to obey God whose graciously given you all you have, and to lay up treasure in Heaven as Jesus instructed you to do (Matthew 6:19-21).

When Christ is truly first in our lives, His cause, His Gospel is what we support – BEFORE we support any other cause which are ALL infinitely inferior to the eternal Gospel of Jesus. Jesus Christ first, not pet or political causes. SAINTS, LET PRAY FOR AND SUPPORT THE ETERNAL WORK OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Matthew 9:35-38). Supporting political or any other cause will bring no eternal reward (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 2:49; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9; John 4:36, etc.).

You’re going to spend your life and energy doing something. Should it not be that which holds eternal value? Isn’t everything else waste? Why waste your time, energy, and seed in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches

If all our resources go to the world, what does that reveal? That reveals that we love this fleeting fallen world and not the LORD. Time to re-turn to the LORD before it’s too late.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

Speaking of using what God has ALREADY given us for His glory, Charles Pray writes:

“Some have not received the Blessings of God just because they haven’t given out the blessings of God to all those around them daily!” Charles Pray

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I have had more practical needs met by people who don’t attend local churches than the people that are members of the same churches that I have been a member of. And some friends at church are audacious enough to cast judgment upon these same people that have more love in their pinky than most Christians have in their whole body. Sad, but true. What we do unto the least among us we do as unto Jesus. Not many people were/are willing to wash Jesus’ feet. Church can be more of a country club at times. Favoritism often dictates where the money goes instead of the church acting as a community like it is portrayed in Acts. Many real needs are ignored and overlooked while more money is allocated to further pad the pockets of people living in abundance.” Naomi Elliott

REPLY:

Yeah church-ers, church-goers many times say “We gave at the church.” In saying this they reveal that their life is all about a church, an organization of mere men which has deceived them to the point that they have no spontaneity of Christ’s life or conviction to give where there’s real needs. Instead they waste what the LORD gives them on funding a fraud in most cases. WHERE to Give

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I’ve had people tell me that, even attending and supporting a church for over a year, that the church they were attending would not help them in a time of crisis because they were not members of that church.” Mark C.

REPLY:

YES, have seen this same respect of persons many times brother! Sad!!! Matt 25 We shall all give full account to the One who said:

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. … 45  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” Matthew 25:40, 45


The cross and our finances: Will we choose to part with a bit of our earthly treasure that God’s work might be supplied? What did Jesus say in Matthew 6:19-24?


SO what does it reveal about you if you spend all of your money on yourself? Are serving the god of self or the Savior? Are you serving God or mammon? Read what Jesus taught here closely in Matthew 6:19-24.


Simple question: If God’s people were putting HIM first in their stewardship, do we really believe those He’s called out to labor for Him, to feed His sheep, would be lacking in supply to do HIS work, running on fumes? – “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) God be praised for those who are participating. Are you doing your part in Christ’s work?


You are proving exactly what value you place on God and therefore His work when you give into His work He sent us to accomplish (Matthew 28:18-20, etc.). Our bank statement reveals who we love most (Matthew 6:21).


God gives more to those who first use what He has already given them (Matthew 25:14-30).


Men and families that have answered the call of God to work full time in His work, are doing you a favor. They are the ox who are treading out the corn, doing the grunt work, and you are the one benefiting just as much as they are because every believer who participates gets the same amazing, eternal reward (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). 1 Samuel 30:24 says: “as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” In other words, it simply doesn’t matter which part you play in the matter of His work – you will be fully rewarded – as much as those actually doing the sweat equity! You may wish to consider making sure they are well fueled. Starving the that treads the corn works against Christ and His people. Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14. You do yourself a favor by doing so.


MGWGA = Make God’s Work Great Again …. it’s the only eternal work. See Matthew 9:35-38 and Romans 10:14-15.


SO you “don’t have money” to support the work of the God you claim is LORD of your life and yet you still waste money on junk, poisonous foods and drinks, etc?


The way we are treating the money He’s allowing us to bring in is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Deuteronomy 8:18).

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21


The eternal blessings abounding towards God’s people! Each of us shall be rewarded according to the eternal treasure we choose to lay up in our temporal earthly life (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

WHEN you see and are ministered to by people doing God’s work, that’s your opportunity to participate in, to fuel the Gospel of Jesus – and lay up treasure for yourself in Heaven, as Jesus instructed, instead of wasting those resources on the temporal, never to be able to use them or see any result again (Matthew 6:19-21). You have an “account” in glory. did you know that? What’s in your account? Read Philippians 4:17. Then read Proverbs 3:9-10. Want your barns filled with plenty and new wine bursting forth from your presses?

The way one uses God’s resources on earth clearly points to the condition of his heart. The way we spend our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Matthew 6:19-24).

The way one spends his money is a direct reflection of the priorities of his heart (Matthew 6:19-21). How, on what are you spending the money God is giving you and is watching how you spend, steward? (Mark 12:41-44)
What part are you playing, obeying in the feeding and equipping of Christ’s sheep? (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc).

Kingdom giving means we give to where the whole counsel of God is being preached-fearlessly! Acts 20:20, 27, etc.

THE WAY A PERSON SPENDS THEIR MONEY IS A DIRECTION REFLECTION OF THE PRIORITIES OF THEIR HEART (Matt 6:21). The reason people don’t support the LORD’s work reveals their disdain for Him who gave them life.


We cannot rightly say we are setting our house in order, readying to meet Christ, if we are not repenting and deciding to participate in His work, in the Great Commission He gave us (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28, etc.). To say we are Christ’s and yet do nothing to help HIS work, is be completely deceived (1 Chronicles 29:14).


Is it not a betrayal of God to not support His work? …out of that which comes from Him, from His hand? (1 Chronicles 29:14)


GOD has always and will always provide for His people! Ps 37:25


Are you taking care of your own business and not “the Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) If so, unlike Christ, you are all about yourself, your own self-serving business and not “the Father’s business.” The LORD created and saved you to be about His business first and foremost. How do we think that’s going to work out for you if you don’t repent and begin putting the LORD first in your life and finances? Diminishing returns. | Holes in Your Money Bags


Are we wasting our lives on this earth, spending the monies God has and is giving us, on temporal trinkets, instead of investing in eternal treasure? (Matthew 6:19-21) Do we sit and watch the work of God being done and not support it? What shall we answer the LORD when He brings us into accountability for this?


Ministry is a team effort where we all, each member of Christ’s body, gets to participate. Are you personally participating? Or is your time and are your resources simply feeding your own agenda in this fleeting world? Is God truly first or are you first? Is Jesus genuinely your “first love”? (Revelation 2:4-5) Matthew 25 God is watching.


Jesus promised “I will build my church” and He’s doing it today through those few laborers He instructed us to pray that the Father would send forth (Matthew 16:18; 9:35-38). Are you participating?

Are you personally participating in the Gospel by helping support the “few” laborers Jesus sent forth? (Matthew 9:35-38) He gives us money so we “have to give” to His kingdom work (Ephesians 4:28). In this way our work, how we earn money, becomes part of our worship.

Jesus says “A man’s life consisteth NOT in the abundance of things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) In other words your worth has nothing to do with how many toys or trinkets you have or don’t have. Memorize this truth now.


Maureen writes: “Supporting a ministry, that you know is sharing the true Gospel, will bring joy to your heart. When I was still part of a NAR church, it always felt like I had to give money. Now I can’t wait to give monthly so that others can hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”


It’s a good and godly thing to support the work of God – the preaching of the cross and the original Gospel, all of it 2 Tim 3:16-17.


Are you personally, in an absolute scheduled fashion supporting the work of Christ – the feeding of His sheep by divinely called-out servant elders? (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-19, etc.).


Why should those who do the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth live in poverty? Are you participating in inducing poverty upon the elders who feed you? If so, do you not understand that the Almighty sees the deceit of your heart and how you’ve barricaded yourself behind lies? (Proverbs 3:27-28; 24:10-12; Matthew 25:45)


Luke 12 and 16, and James 1:26-28 give warning to all concerning the connection between the state of our hearts and how we steward what God has given us.


Do we really believe that Gospel ministries would be running on empty, barely existing, about to go under, if God’s people were rightly stewarding the money He is giving them and for which they shall give full account to Him?


Personally I support the Gospel and not pet or political causes, etc. That’s what Jesus meant when He spoke of laying up treasure in Heaven (Matt 6:19-21). Supporting political or pet causes doesn’t qualify.


The world is upside down. Proof: People will give their money to any and every thing under the sun, except the only eternal work going on in the earth and the only giving that lays up treasure in Heaven – the Gospel (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16:15).


THERE IS NOTHING, no-thing, not one thing happening on planet earth that is even remotely as important as the work of the Gospel. Talk is cheap and if we truly love Jesus we get behind HIS work which is the only eternal work transpiring on His earth. Politics, political causes, and politicians are temporal. The “Father’s business” Jesus came to do was winning lost souls and edifying, equipping, growing up those He saves (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 2:49; 19:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, etc.).


Are you putting your money where your mouth is? Is your love for this fleeting sinful world greater than your love for God? To find out, just look at where your money is going out to – where you are putting it. Now, read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21, memorize them.

As was the case with the rich religionists of Christ’s day, so today, some give lots of money but it’s a small percentage of what they have, what they temporarily possess. God sees it all. Remember the once “rich man” who is now in hell? (Luke 16:19-31) The LORD looks at 2 things concerning our lives, our giving:

1. The heart (2 Corinthians 9:7), and

2. the percentage (Mark 12:35, 41-44)


I’ll think about supporting a political or pet cause when every unborn baby is safe and when every person has heard the Gospel message and Christ’s sheep are being equipped, fed, and their souls watched for – when every true laborer of Christ is rightly supplied, supported in doing this eternal work of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-18; Matthew 9:35-38; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). In other words, personally, I exclusively supply and support the only eternal work transpiring on this planet – the communication and administration of the Word of God (Matthew 28:18-20).


WHY WOULD GOD’S PEOPLE SUPPORT THOSE INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE NOT PREACHING THE WORD, THE GOSPEL? Isn’t that why we are here? Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; 2 Timothy 4:2


WHAT are you giving to? Do they PREACH the Gospel? If not there’s no eternal value or reward. Beware of where you give. Most charity organization, the vast majority, are not preaching the Gospel and true disciples how not give to them. Let the world support them as they are part of the world system. It’s time to defund the wolves and fund those literally preaching and teaching God’s Word as Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).


When we give, we must give as unto the LORD and not as unto men.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23

God’s work is fueled by the loving support of HIS people. The devil’s children will never support God’s Word going forth!

WE WILL continue to preach on all Bible truths/topics – including stewardship. There are 500 verses on faith and 2,500 on stewardship. Think about that. Do the math.

The self-serving carnal will sign up to give monthly to ANYTHING except the Gospel. WHERE one puts there money is exactly WHERE their heart really is (Matthew 6:21). The things one spends their money on reveals exactly what they count to be important and what’s not important to them (Matthew 6:21).

Gospel laborers are the most important workers in the earth – and the least reward (for now) and most despised. They do the only eternal work – Feeding His sheep and carrying the message of Christ’s Gospel to the lost. Jesus instructed us to ask the Father to send forth His laborers into His harvest, right? Yes (Matthew 9:35-38). Are you praying for Gospel laborers and supporting them in HIS work for the feeding of His beloved sheep and winning the eternal souls of men to Him?


GOD only rewards those who are profitably using what He’s already given them. Everyone else is under the curse of diminishing returns. Read Matthew 25:14-30. Parable of the talents. Also Luke 16. “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” Matthew 25:29

IF we are truly seeking first Christ’s kingdom, putting God first, not self – He gets the first portion. “First” is absolutely literal (Matthew 6:33). Until we literally obey, bondage, misery, shame, guilt will remain (1 John 3). If we can put SELF first that means 1. We made the decision to do so, and 2. We can just as easily put the Savior “first” as He commanded His blessing upon (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33). | Stewardship Quotes

Jesus directly connected, tied together stewardship with eternal destiny (Lk 12, 16).

Lots of causes and organizations vying for your support: WHERE will you invest – in temporal or the eternal Gospel? (Matthew 6:19-21)


PERSONALLY, I will never give a penny to support a pet or political cause till every single human being has heard the Gospel of Jesus and every true disciple of Jesus is being fed the pure Word of God. LET’S SUPPORT THE GOSPEL SAINTS. Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus is coming. The LORD is not going to reward anything except that which is fulfilling HIS Great Commission of teaching and preaching His Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). Anyone giving to pet and political causes to prop up this fleeting, fallen world is 100% wasting their seed God gave them (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

NEVER pity the despised, shunned, and shorted Gospel labourers … no, rather fear those who watch and do nothing to contribute. Pity them, the fruitless (Matthew 9:35-38).


ARE YOU supporting the work of Christ? Who’s feeding you? (Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:17-18)


Saints, are we supporting our LORD’s work? 2 Cor 9:6-11


AS long as people are fed for free, most do not take responsibility to support the LORD’s work and yet they freely spend money on the frivolities of this fleeting life 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6). This is most concerning when it comes to God’s people who should be of the highest integrity before God and man. We are commanded to give and when we do, Jesus says He will make sure we are taken care of well – this is a promise and He gives the condition (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). Someone has noted that “We are never more like God than when we are giving.” He gave all for us and those who need to be reached by us, right? (John 3:16)

How much money and time are you wasting on things that have no eternal value? Read Jesus’ words in Luke 12 and 16.

When we support the workers of the LORD we are supporting the work of Christ. 1 Cor 9:1-14


So many pay a type of country club dues to their local church that is not preaching the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel and has replaced it with entertainment and social programs. So, those who pay these dues, if you will, are bidding Godspeed to, supporting and condoning the very enemies of Christ and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). Scripture teaches that we are to fund where we are fed the Word of God, not where we are entertained and receive social enrichment. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate (share with) unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Galatians 6:6


AS you, as a truth-seeker can imagine, divinely called-out ministries are not popular when it comes to being supported. Is this not an opportunity our LORD puts right in front of us?

What ministry or ministries are feeding you the pure Word of God? Are you supporting? Gal 6:6

The LORD has always been, is presently, and will always be your sole Provider. – “ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalms 37:25)


NOTHING is transpiring on earth that’s more important than the work of the Gospel!

Those rich in this world addressed: Letting go of temporary riches is integrally connected with laying hold on eternal glory … check this out
 
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may LAY HOLD on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

“Amen! Lord teach us to give out of a pure heart and not for what most promise we will get in return for our giving! For what we give to God’s work we reap in Glory Amen!” Charles Pray

Jesus gave us His command to “lay up treasure in Heaven” and He lays those opportunities right in front of us – through BELIEVERS in need and Gospel ministries that feed us His Word! (Matt 6:19-21; Acts 4:34-34; 1 Cor 16:1-2; Gal 6:6. etc.).

The work of God is fueled by the LORD’s people supporting it. God is good 2 Cor 9:6-11

Charles Pray says: “Many Christians today hope others will give so they don’t have to. This may sound a little harsh but it’s the truth. Jesus taught us that it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God!”

“Always remember it’s not so much how much you give but your heart’s motive in your giving. Do you give from your abundance or do you give from your need? Mark 12:38-44 in the King James Bible we read about the Widow’s Mite! See also in the King James Bible the following Scriptures on giving to the Lord and His work. 2 Corinthians 9:6 & 9:7, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38, Luke 12:33-34, Matthew 6:19-21, Galatians 6:6-10. Amen!” Brother Charles Pray

WHEN you are privileged to help a believer in need or the work of Christ, that opportunity is the very gift of God to you – to lay up treasure in Heaven as He instructed you to do (Matthew 6:19-21).

HAVE YOU NOTICED …. INTERESTING REALITY: Nearly every fraud with a ministry gimmick who comes along is made rich via lies and empty promises and yet the few who labor to equip, feed, fill and nourish God’s people with His truth are nearly completely shunned. Wow.

There were collections among the saints in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 16:1-3), Jesus had a treasurer in case people wanted to participate and lay up treasure in Heaven…. yet the prosperity scammers falsely teach people to give in order to get God to bless them instead of giving out of love, obedience, gratitude, and worship to the LORD.

Jesus assured us that NO good giving will go unrewarded! Not only will it be reward – that reward will be forever!!!

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

So you support and fund pet and politics causes and not the Gospel of Jesus? Wow! Repent!

IF we supported men/ministries in the past, whom we now realize were false, should we not much more now support the preaching of the truth? Riches


Julie writes: “I never give to the 501c3/gov churches anymore. They are silent and will not stand against same sex marriage or roe vs wade. America/Babylon is falling:( ” 

MILLIONS of dollars flow freely to false ministries weekly! God is going to judge those fund the frauds – these false prophets they support. He promised. Supporting them in any way is bidding God speed to them! Time to repent. 2 John 10-11 | Where to Give


WHEN you are brought into contact with a ministry that endeavors to preach the whole counsel of God’s will, fearing no man, you can know that it is under-supported and holds great opportunity for you to be partaker (1 Corinthians 3:9; 9:1-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). For the most part, only the ear-tickling ministries are well supported, over-supported in most cases, while the LORD’s few true under-shepherds who’ve remained true to Him are shunned.


THE SUM TOTAL OF THE RICHES WE HAVE IN CHRIST IS THE EXACT, THE INFINITE MEASURE OF HOW TRULY RICH WE ARE (EPHESIANS 1-2; COLOSSIANS 1-2).


MAY God bless His people to support HIS work. Jesus is coming.


Christ taught that our hearts – heart affections – follow our giving Matthew 6:21


Praise God for the few good preachers by which we hear God’s Word Rom 10:14. Please support them saints!


Satan’s children and churches will never support the LORD’s work. God’s people will.


WHEN you literally give, you get behind Christ’s Gospel. Matthew 6:21


“But my giving is between God and I!” Sure is and HE’s watching you! He’s watching the opportunities HE gives you! HE’s going to judge you for how you give or refuse to give out of what He’s put in your hands temporarily (Matthew 25:40-46; Mark 12:42-44). Where did the once “rich man” go when he died and where is he now and forever will be? WHAT is the stated reason for where he went and is? (Luke 16:19-31)


IF we choose to obey the LORD and put HIS work first, will He not bless that? Matthew 6:33, etc.


GOD be praised for the support of the Gospel proclamation by Jesus’ people.


“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Giving is our privilege. It’s YOUR opportunity to show your gratefulness to the LORD for what HE has given into your hands.


THE WORLD HAS ENOUGH PANSIES IN THE PULPITS! IF YOU don’t like “in your face” (direct, no patty cake) preaching of divine truth and warning – MOVE ON. The apostolic model is PWT – Preach, WARN, Teach (Colossians 1:28). GOD is preparing a people and all those not hearing, repenting, and obeying will be excluded (Matthew 7:19-23; Luke 21:34-36; Ephesians 5:25-27; James 1:22; 1 John 2:4; 3:18-20, etc.). This page needs to be filled with REAL, authentic disciples of Jesus. Wolves entertain goats, true under-shepherds feed sheep! WHO Else is Tired of Wimpy Preachers? 


God is able….. we didn’t set up His kingdom, He did in His infinite divine wisdom. And, when we simply do things His way everything just seems to flow and flourish, amen? Have you noticed? Have you engaged the LORD by putting Him first – literally? What did He say is going to happen when we do? Matthew 6:33


IF you are supporting anything but the whole counsel preaching of God’s Word, you are funding the enemies of Christ! Pure waste! Repent. 2 John 10-11


In this fallen world, everyone who works gets paid except those doing the most important and only eternal work of Christ’s Gospel. Saints, remember that money doesn’t grow on trees for Jesus’ called out ministers and neither will Satan’s children support God’s work. So, if you don’t support the LORD’s work with what resources He’s giving you in this fleeting world, it won’t get supported. God is watching (Mark 12:41-44).


IF YOU HAVE JESUS – YOU ARE RICH BEYOND DESCRIPTION! YOU HAVE EVERYTHING! (Hebrews 13:5) Life is not about you getting even more stuff than you already have. No, God gave you this life to serve Him and others, not yourself (Matt 22:37-39; Phil 2:3-5). hell is full of self-idolaters. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Tim 6:8


No, saving money is not a sin in and of itself. Yet, if we choose to keep back money that a brother or sister in Christ is in need of, what does that tell us about who and what is most important to us?

“Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” Proverbs 3:28

The Bible verses referenced make it clear that loving God means we love our neighbor as ourselves.

1Jn 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.


There are minuscule few who attend to the LORD’s called out “labourers”, taking responsibility to make sure they are supplied to do His work (Matthew 9:35-38; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.).


MAY God’s people in this late hour have “all things common” as far as the temporal supply of this fleeting world (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).


It’s a RARE blessing to find those who are obeying God by giving where He leads. Regrettably, so few who claim to love and know Jesus give nothing and many that give are supporting Christ’s enemies.


HEARING from people whom God is blessing due to their rightful giving to HIS work. Isn’t that exactly what He promised He’d do? Prov 3:9-10; Lk 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Mal 3:8-12. Am I missing something?


WHEN we put God “first” in our spending, only then is our conscience is clean to enjoy the remainder (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33).


Are you honoring God by supporting HIS work? “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) HOW do we “Honour the LORD”? … here’s the answer and remember that in God’s eyes, talk is cheap…. it’s not real till you act, till you obey…. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

How are we treating the LORD? How are we treating His work, His workers? THAT’s exactly were we are at, our true spiritual state is —seen in this (Matthew 25:40-46).


AS we take care of GOD’s business, will He not take care of us? Matt 6:33 Do it and watch!


Those Jesus calls out to do His work – the infinitely most important and only eternal work transpiring in the earth -must continue to feed Christ’s flock at His command – regardless of who does or does not support HIS work (John 21:15-17; 1 Corinthians 9:16).

WHEN you encounter that rare ministry outreach that fears no man and endeavors to preach the whole counsel of God’s Word boldly, get behind it. You will thereby make the wise choice to be one of the few truth-seekers to support it.


Are you trading eternity with Jesus for the pitiful trinkets of this life? Mark chapter 10:23-25


Saints, let’s support and pray for the preaching of the original Gospel.


WHEN your life is truly given to the LORD, all you temporarily have in possession belongs to HIM. 1 Chron 29:14; Luke 6:38


The work of the Gospel is work and is the only eternal work transpiring in the earth.


ARE you taking the personal responsibility before the LORD to support His work with what HE is allowing you to earn?


The only one you are doing a favor to when you give is yourself. Jesus taught us that rich men who refuse to be charitable reveal their wicked hearts and are going to hell irrevocably (Luke 16:19-31). Seems to me that Jesus taught that IF you die with money in the bank that could have helped other believers, you are in big trouble (Luke 12, 16, etc.).


Saints, it’s our privilege to thank God for what He’s giving us by supporting needy saints and the work of Christ.


Gospel workers are dependent on individuals around them to be supported in the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” saints (1 Corinthians 3:9) Taking the opportunity to support the work of Christ in this late hour is our privilege and duty saints.


Believers don’t give an order the get and yet that doesn’t change the divine promises of God’s blessings specifically to those who give (Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).


LOOKING, PRAYING for the right Gospel work to invest in? Here’s a biblical grid to discern the true from the false:
PWT Colossians 1:28. Please get to know and own this truth:
  • PREACH
  • WARNNNNN (for the protection of God’s people-Christ’s blood bought sheep)
  • TEACH
The CROSS!

If each believer in Christ was rightly stewarding the money He’s giving them, would there be any of the few true New Testament ministries that were impoverished?


YES, the LORD cares for you – and He wants you to obey Him. (1 John 2:3-6)


God’s Word instructs us to fund where we’re being fed (Galatians 6:6).


On your watch, are the LORD’s “labourers” that Jesus instructed us to pray would be sent forth being supplied? What will God think of our actions or inactions toward the workers HE has sent forth? (Matthew 9:35-38)


Should those elders GOD calls out to do His work full time have to trust in miracles or go without the basic things in this life? No.

Believers are commanded to compensate the elders who perform the most important and only eternal work in the earth by feeding and equipping them and helping them grow in the grace of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14


God only holds us accountable to give out of what we have and not what we don’t have. Check out 2 Corinthians 8:12:

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

“Thank you for continuing to patronize and support my wolves!”~SATAN


Anna Lisa writes: “Misguided ‘Christians’ who AREN’T SEEKING GOD are putting their tithes and offerings into the FAKE, COUNTERFEIT churches (buildings, religion) instead of giving to the REAL TEMPLE, the REAL BODY of Christ where it is needed.”


YOU’RE not vested in the Gospel till you give to it. Matt 6:19-21


WHAT follows what? Read Jesus’ words here …“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) When we obey the LORD by laying up treasure in Heaven and not on earth, He makes us to flourish. Our hearts flourish in Christ! Giving


WHY did Jesus say the once “rich man” was sent to hell, irrevocably? Luke 16:19-31


2 Things God is Watching When we Give: The widow gave a very small amount of money, right? Yet, she gave all and Jesus applauded her. God looks on the heart posture and percentage apparently (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

ARE we feeding or muzzling the mouth of the LORD’s called-out oxen who plow the harvest fields of men’s hearts by feeding Christ’s sheep and preaching to lost souls? How does God view how we are treating those He’s called out to help us grow in grace? (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:1-6)


SO you earn $1,000 and don’t have enough of GOD in you to apportion $20 month to HIS work?


IF you aren’t intently reading God’s Word and obeying Him, you will not be with Him. You simply do not love Jesus. “Going to church” has nothing to do with your walk with LORD. True fellowship as defined by Scripture, yes but not what we call “church” today. We’ve been mislead and it’s time to return humbly in authentic repentance to Christ, yes Christ! Remember Him? You know, the ONE the modern frauds we call “pastors” won’t spend any time preaching about? No, they’re too busy tickling your ears, coddling you in your sins, withholding the truth, etc., so they can take your money to build their own kingdom. You won’t hear the essential doctrines of the original Gospel such as repentance, holiness, the cross-crucified life, judgment, hell, or the return of Jesus for His spotless Bride!


He’s been prompting you and is waiting for you to respond in true repentance and obedience.


“Judgment to come”, “eternal judgment” is coming (Acts 24:25; Hebrews 6:2). Ready or not.

“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]


THOSE running from the biblical reality of stewardship are evading the repentance that would otherwise bring refreshing! Acts 3:19


The apostate churches ARE NEVER going to support the preaching of the original Gospel! Only the LORD’s remnant can do that!


JESUS plainly taught that the way you are treating others in your stewardship reveals exactly how you are treating Jesus and exactly where you will spend eternity (Matthew 25:40-41, 46). Judgment Day! Are you going to run from His truth and thereby sprint into eternal damnation? Or, are you going to stop your life, get before God in true repentance, crying out for Him to break you before it’s too late? “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found…” (Isaiah 55:6) Riches


The way we steward the resources temporarily in our possession identifies where our hearts truly are – as opposed to where we may think they are. Matt 6:19-21


We should all wonder why it’s “okay” that any called out Gospel ministry is under-funded. It’s not okay with God (1 Cor 9:1-14; 1 Tim 5:17-18). We should all ask ourselves if we ourselves are doing our part and consider using the opportunity to be part of the solution as God has instructed and out of a “cheerful” heart (2 Cor 9:6-11).


“I marvel to think of all the things we do in vain, for no purpose or gain for Christ and His Kingdom!” Charles Pray


ARE YOU taking personal responsibility to take care of God’s business? WHEN we take care of God’s business, will He not take care of ours? Giving God’s Way


Ministering is a body, a team effort: “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9


IDOLATERS HATE stewardship preaching from Scripture (Ephesians 5:3-6).


Do YOU spend all your money on your god – self? If you aren’t a giver, that seems to be the case.


If you aren’t cheerfully giving, it’s because your heart is not right with God who gave His all for you and the world (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).


DOES God or the god of self come first when you get paid? Regular, scheduled giving keeps the soul-damning sin of greed at bay (Prov 3:9-10).


THOSE who are someday going to “get around to” reading the Bible never do. THOSE who are going to “get around to” putting God first in their finances never do (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:9-10).


I know, I know, I’m the “bad guy.” (Gal 6:14) I pray this truth preaching will lead to at least 1 person truly repenting which will always lead to a laid down life and a giving heart and had. 1 Chron 29:14


ARE YOU supporting a church busine$$ or the preaching of the kingdom Gospel?


IF you support apostate wolves it’s only because you are apostate and will be damned with them (2 John 10-11).


MANY have their wallet ready to pull out for any temporal trinket that comes along. Yet, they grip it tightly when GOD shows them opportunity to lay up treasure in Heaven – which Jesus commanded His people to do (Matthew 6:19-21).


Speaking of using what God has ALREADY given us for His glory, Charles Pray writes:

“Some have not received the Blessings of God just because they haven’t given out the blessings of God to all those around them daily!” Charles Pray


The way one spends, stewards the money allotted him in this life is the real litmus test of the true spiritual state and priorities of his life (Matthew 6:19-21). God told us He’s watching (Mark 12:41-44).


PREACHING the raw, whole counsel of Holy Scriptures brings conviction of sin and scatters the many counterfeits who feign to be saved. THAT convicting preaching is the very reason there is no conviction in the vatican apostate modern so-called “churches.” They want your money and approval, yet you must reject Christ to “bid Godspeed” to these very wolves Christ and His holy apostles so often warned us to beware of. The LORD is not a liar. He promised that in the final days “iniquity shall abound, (and) the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12) And “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous …. lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; … evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:2, 4, 13)


IF you can’t give up, give out a small portion of the money GOD GOD GOD gave you, money is your god and it cannot save (Matthew 6:19-24).


When we give – We are doing no one a favor except ourselves and those our love offering help – lost souls and fed saints! Matt 6:19-21


God ordained ministries should never have to do fund raisers. No, if those claiming to know Jesus are correctly, obediently stewarding the money HE gives them, the LORD’s ministers will have what is needed to do His Work (Acts 4:32-35).


EVERYTHING else is scheduled in to your expenditures, WHY isn’t God? Like clock work, bills get paid for temporal possessions, but what about putting God first as He instructed? – “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)


Most who claim faith in Christ will commit monthly to anything, except the Gospel.


IS the LORD a 1st or 2nd class citizen in your life? Look at where your money goes for the real answer to this question (Matthew 6:19-24).


Some are praying and hoping that God straightens out their finances and yet they aren’t putting HIM first (Proverbs 3:9-10).


YOU can get them to throw money at anything under the sun – except the Gospel. Giving


SAINTS, when we give, it’s our privilege to simply take the first portion of what God gives into our hands and worship HIM with it (Proverbs 3:9-10).


Some don’t support God’s work because the LORD isn’t important to them. Simple.


DID God not repeatedly promise blessings to those who give? Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.


A sister in Christ said: “When I became a widow, my church would not allow me to use their food pantry…it broke my heart!”

WHY do you still “give at the church” or really give to a circus operated by overpaid frauds? Making Merchandise of You


WHEN a man is prepared by the LORD and answers the call of God to obediently endeavors to preach His full counsel, that man will be financially ruined. Why? People claiming to know and love Jesus will gladly spend all their money on the trinkets of this fleeting world that they love, and give little or nothing to Christ’s work.


The most important and only eternal work in the earth is the least rewarded or not rewarded at all. Why? Are you supporting the preaching of the kingdom Gospel, which begins with the divine, essential command to repent?


WE can know we are backslidden when we whip out our wallets for some new gadget or service yet hold it tight when the opportunity to help the Gospel sits at our feet.


Tares run from those who preach the divine truth that causes them conviction of their sin. Yep, they run back to their damnation by migrating back to the “many” prophesied ear-tickling wolves (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 2 Timothy 4:2-4). Stewardship


Those who preach the Word to you, warning you of judgment to come, perform the infinitely most important and only eternal work in your life. They get paid little to nothing in this life due to the very sin they are warning of – covetousness, greed, idolatry, and the love of this passing world. If they were in it for the money instead of Christ, they’d have quit long ago – there is no money in it due to the “few” who obey God in this life. A preacher must lie to people, tickle their ears, coddle them in their sin in order to get paid in this life (2 Timothy 4:2-4).


IF those claiming to know Jesus were obeying HIS stewardship instructions, would true ministries be destitute?


Most people claiming to be saved spend more money on candy and trash drinks monthly than they do on the work of the Gospel.


Are you ready to change your ways so God can do a new, greater work in you? Nothing happens till we repent and obey (Isaiah 1:18-19). NOT enduring sound doctrine – running from the conviction instead of returning to the LORD and confessing – is apostasy (2 Timothy 4:2-4).


HAS GOD EVER ONCE failed you?


Is this difficult? Why? Could it be plainer? WHAT are you vested in?

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 | Stewardship


EVER wonder what would happen if you actually gave God the first portion of what HE alone allows you to earn? You willing to trying it?


NEVER feel sorry for the LORD’s labourers, no, instead you may want to pray for and pity those who are fed and do nothing to contribute to the furtherance of the Gospel of the One they claim to be saved by.


Yesterday I saw a guy who does political videos and he currently he has a growing list of nearly 500 people who monthly support his work. Yet, true New Testament ministries today go unfunded. This is apostasy.


This is a truth we should read, study, memorize and meditate on today. This helps us see this temporal world the the eyes of the LORD, His kingdom. Perspective! “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life (value, substance) consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15


God addresses rich Christians, instructing them to be generous, and yet He makes it clear that no disciple of Christ should desire to be rich or pursue the riches of this fleeting world. He warns that great peril and the danger of eternal damnation lie in such a trap. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-17. | Riches


TODAY: Thank you for praying for the 2 David’s and Chris who have recently received ministry! Follow up under way! Part of this includes giving them the Born Again and What Next! books! Jesus is moving in the hearts of men in this late hour and – “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” in this matter! (1 Corinthians 3:6-9; Matthew 9:35-38) Because You Care


Simply put: IF God’s people don’t support HIS work, it doesn’t get supported. 1 Cor 3:9


THE type ministry you support clearly reveals exactly who you are (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Are you supporting the preaching of the whole counsel of God’s Word or “another (“accursed”) gospel”? (Galatians 1:6-9)


IF the stewarding of what GOD is giving you isn’t in order, it proves your life isn’t in order. “It is MORE blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)


ARE YOU doing your part? “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9


ARE you support the preaching of the original Gospel or a fraud? Discernment: Where to Give


It’s our privilege to support our LORD’s work and on top of that He promises to reward us for doing so (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).


Those who love the LORD’s truth should support the preaching of it.


God’s work is furthered by disciples who make the quality, obedience decision to put God first with what He allows them to bring in (Proverbs 3:9-10).


When you see a ministry endeavoring to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God, know that that ministry is under-supported. Also, such is the occasion and your opportunity and privilege to jump in and be a part of the Word of the kingdom of Christ being communicated into the hearts of men – both saints and sinners. No work on the earth is as important! 1 Cor 3:9


If earthly riches are an indication of godliness, Jesus Christ and His apostles certainly were ungodly. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5. Any person equating earthly wealth with heavenly faith or godliness, is a complete devil. Run! Filthy Rich [podcast] 


THIS fallen world will reward ANY and EVERY work under the sun – except God’s work – which is the only eternal work transpiring today in the earth. Are you supporting the Gospel work of the One you say saved your soul? (Matt 6:19-21) Real Success


God’s Word says that “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” (Psalms 62:10) When more money comes in, a raise or a settlement or inheritance, the LORD instructs us to increase our standing of giving and not our standard of living. We are simply passing through. This is not our home.


Jesus came and died for the eternal souls of men! Many waste their lives on the pursuit of temporal treasures. Hell awaits. Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12, 16


People can do nearly anything in this world and be paid for doing so – except the infinitely and most important and only eternal work of the Gospel. No, not getting a job at a “church” and misleading people. Rather, doing to true work of endeavoring the preach the whole counsel of God’s Word. Such will lead to utter poverty in this world. Such is a shame – a shame on those who are fed and refuse to support the work of the One they claim to love and claim to be serving. Riches


Supporting Christ’s work is the privilege and mandate of every one of His true disciples.


Saints, according to Scripture, may we today be exhorted to 1. take care of those in need among God’s people (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and 2. support His work (1 Corinthians 9:1-14). Empty barns will be filled! Presses shall burst forth with new wine! (Proverbs 3:9-10)


Holy Scripture repeatedly promises that those who give as unto the LORD shall never lack. Prov 3:9-10; Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11


ARE you supporting a Sunday morning circus act OR the work of the Gospel? Because You Care


IF you truly trust God, why not obey Him by giving the first of what He gives you Prov 3:9-10


Don’t bother giving if you can’t do it out of a cheerful (thankful, hilarious) heart – because. “God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7) What God’s Word says about Giving


Being called out by God to minister full-time puts a man in a precarious place because giving is voluntary and few participate.


Worried about your finances? Why not try putting God first?


When needs arise among the people of God and when there are ministries before us preaching the Gospel truth … this is our opportunity from God, our privilege to support (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).


The lost will never support God’s work Jesus sent US to do 1 Cor 3:9


No one has ever been hurt when obeying God by supporting His work Matt 6:19-21


Supporting the work of Christ is laying up treasure in Heaven as Jesus instructed Matt 6:19-21 Because You Care


You going to worship God for real with what HE has given you? 1 Chron 29:14


May God raise up those who will pray for His “labourers” to go forth and also support HIS work (Matthew 9:35-38).


The devil’s children will certainly never support the work of Christ. Will you?


Talk is cheap. Do! James 1:22; 1 John 3:18


A parable is an earthy story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus’ parable of the talents is a teaching and severe warning of stewardship and the eternal consequences of obeying or disobeying God in the matter of our handling of His resources in this fleeting life.


WHEN you choose to take care of God’s business, do you not think HE will take care of yours? Matt 6:33


Are you laying up treasure in Heaven, or wasting God’s resources? Matt 6:19-21


WHEN we literally put God first in our expenditures, are we not blessed to have the priceless gift of a clear conscience?


There’s a time when some whom God has called out to ministry, must do it full time (Acts 6:4; 2 Tim 2:4). He is then at the mercy of those who support, or not. God is able saints. If we take care of His business, He takes care of ours – and He’s told us that throughout His Word (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 6:37; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, etc.).


IF God’s people don’t support HIS work, it simply does not get supported.


You know if God is truly first in your life when you get paid – and what you do with that money HE allowed you to bring in. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the FIRSTfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10


Does He not promise to replenish and fill up those who give out of what He gives? Proverbs 3:9-10 Riches


ARE you wasting your life and resources helping someone build a church busine$$ OR are you building the kingdom of Christ in the hearts of men by supporting the preaching of the whole counsel of God’s Word?


If God could get those who claim to love him to give up their lives in this world, they’d cheerfully put Him first in their finances and the Gospel workers He told us He sends forth would not be hindered by lack of supply to do His work. … Saints. God will resurrect our finances if we by faith literally obey His stewardship instructions (Proverbs 3:9-10; Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Riches


Certainly we don’t expect religious organizations to support the true Gospel. No, they never will. Supporting the preaching of the original Gospel is solely reserved as a privilege for the remnant of Christ’s elect.


Truth preaching ministries are only supported by those who agree and are fed by them. Satan’s children, including the many tare religionists are not going to support the truth saints. Counterfeits support their ear-tickling wolves (2 Timothy 4:2-4).


God only requires you to give out of what you have – and that’s everything to him! Remember the woman who gave the 2 mites? Jesus was fully pleased and said she gave all out of her own poverty! Mk 12:41-44 Because You Care


DO WE really think that the few “labourers” Christ has sent out would be scraping up pennies if God’s people who are being fed were biblically stewarding the resources He is giving them? (Matthew 9:35-38)


YOU can only give what you can give – out of what you have – and yet, that’s all God requires. 2 Cor 8:12 says: “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”


The widow with the 2 mites (equals less than a penny) gave all and will be forever rewarded for such (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus celebrated her giving and condemned the wealthy who gave large amounts monetarily yet kept back much for themselves. In the divine economy it’s percentage and God looks for a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).


IF you’ve been given much you are that much accountable. When God increases you financially, it’s not to expand your own portfolio but rather your giving. Read Christ’s severe warning on this in Luke 12. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)


People become wealthy talking about every UN-BIBLICAL thing under the sun. People will support every frivolous foolish thing under the sun and yet not the Gospel they claim to have believed.

Phil Butler writes: “Don’t let your lack of faith rob you of the amazing blessings God wants for you. Sure the bills being paid is nice. But what’s even better is when God blesses you with Himself . For the word of God is quick (alive) and powerful ,and sharper than any twoedged sword,piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intent of the heart. Heb. 4:12.”


EVER notice how self-serving cross-less counterfeits use this following verse to greedily run after the fleeting riches of this fallen world….. ignoring the many Bible teachings that warn against doing so? – Proverbs 13:22  “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”


“If anyone thinks God has Blessed them to be selfishness is totally deceived.” Tina H.


From time to time the topic of dirty money comes up…… see what you think and feel free to comment beloved saints….. Perhaps this is God’s answer….

Should ill-gotten gain be given to the work of the LORD? Apparently not. “Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Deuteronomy 23:18


WHEN we spend all our money on ourselves, we simply feed the god of self. Repentance necessary.


The way we are stewarding God’s resources reveals who we really are – regardless of what we merely claim with our lips (Matthew 6:19-21).


PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, I come to You now in repentance for having squandered Your resources, for being hardened in heart, for not truly trusting You to replenish what You gave as I give it out. Please forgive my sins. Right now, if never before, I lay my life into Your holy hands, I release my spirit unto You now LORD and all that is in my temporal possession in this brief life. In Jesus’ name.


The LORD replenishes… those who sow the seed they presently have 2 Cor 9:6-11


Provision for Christ’s work happens when His people obey Him by giving out of what He’s given them (1 Chron 29:14; Prov 3:9-10; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11; etc.).


Saints, let us worship God in gratitude by giving out of what He gives (1 Chronicles 29:14).


God’s people, those who love the whole truth, should support His work. Satan’s counterfeits certainly won’t!


WHEN we give of what He gives us, we express our allegiance and worship to the LORD.


“Do not be anxious about the future. Use your life and all its resources for God, and he will care for you. No tongue can exaggerate the goodness and mercy which God lays up for them that trust in Him before the sons of men.” FB Meyer


Instead of boasting that everything we have comes from the LORD, we’d better be spreading it around like He commanded. He’s watching! What happened to the once “rich man” who didn’t spread around what he’d been given? He’s been irrevocably in hell for at least 2,000 years, right? Right! (Luke 16:19-31)


If you love the truth, put your money where your mouth is and support the truth (Matthew 6:19-21).


ARE WE willing to do for the truth what counterfeits do for lies?


MONEY HAS WINGS – AND LOTS OF PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE CHRISTIANS ARE COVETING IT: “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5) Wisdom in stewardship


“Those who do the least complain the most.” unknown


GOD does not hold the world accountable for supporting His Great Commission He gave us but rather His own people – and He even set up an eternal investment fund for them to reap eternal rewards for doing so (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).


ARE YOU giving to the LORD out of that which HE alone allows you to bring in OR are you spending all on the god of self? Do you know and obey the Word of God given us in Proverbs 3:9-10? …. Are you freeloading? It’s quite amazing how people can and do spend money on everything under the sun except the furthering of the kingdom of Christ.


Saints, let’s please pray for more people to take the personal responsibility to make sure the LORD’s work/workers are fully supplied. The hour is late.


INSTEAD of prayerfully, obediently looking where to support Christ’s Gospel work, the counterfeit looks to further embellish his flesh, his own reputation, and entrench himself in this fleeting world – Read Luke 12:15-21.


People could care less that the work of the God they claim to know is being done! Most who claim to be saved care only for their own little trinkets in this fleeting world. Their earthly treasures will perish with them (Luke 12, 16, etc.).


WE must become so deeply dead and buried with Christ that we are truly “hid with Christ in God” from the snare, the lure of lusting after this world’s treasures and trinkets (Colossians 3:1-4). It’s for our souls! Read Luke 12 and 16.


THE real Gospel includes truly laying down your life, and when you do, ALL will be God’s, not yours. You will finally be set free (1 Chronicles 29:14).
 
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

If you have money tied up in the bank, in any account or possession that could be used to help God’s people and work, He’s going to hold your eternal soul accountable for it and hell awaits! (Luke 12, 16; Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35)

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18


SB writes: “Sad but very true as the majority that are deceived are constantly giving pearls ($) to the swine, instead of investing in those who are actually preaching the true word!”


IF you lend to your brother, do not charge interest: “Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury: 20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” Deuteronomy 23:19-20


WOULD any true Gospel work be lacking if those who claim to serve Christ put Him first in their hearts and therefore finances?


“ALL things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14


YOU cannot out give God. Try it. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11


When’s your next pay day? What ministry/ies are you supplying so Christ’s true Gospel work can be done in this late hour as we look for His soon return? 1 Cor 3:9


WHEN God is “FIRST” He’s first in everything and not an afterthought (Matthew 6:33).


Giving to the poor or even going so far as to give your body to be burned, will save no one from sin and hell. God’s love in us can only come from intimate relationship with Christ. Do you truly know Him?

“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 13:3


Would to God more men would take their place in supporting Christ’s work.


“WHERE” did Jesus tell us our hearts are? – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)


YOU CLAIM to worship Jesus but contribute nothing to Jesus’ work?


Did Jesus instruct us to lay up treasure? If so, where?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Matthew 6:19-20


WE prove what we think about God’s work by how we support it. 1 Cor 3:9


WHEN in doubt, just “GIVE”! Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35


NEVER pity those who are called out of Christ into His full-time ministry. Instead, pity those who sit there and contribute zilch to the work of the One who bled to save them, the very Once they claim to love, serve, and be saved by.


IN the richest country in human history, we have a very few God-fearing preachers and they are broke due to lack of support! Unreal saints, unreal apostasy. Now do we see what Jesus meant when He told us only a “few” will enter glory? (Matt 7:13-14)


REMEMBER that when you give, you are doing no one a favor except yourself (2 Cor 9:6-11).


There is no virtue in being poor financially. The simple observation is that if a man is called out of God and that man does not compromise but rather endeavors to preach the whole counsel of the Word, he will most likely be supported by the “few” and broke. He will also be “poor, yet making many rich.” (1 Tim 6:10) Even people who claim to love God will do nothing to support Christ’s work (2 Tim 4:2-4). Many will waste their money on any and everything under the sun and not give $20 month out of the thousands they earn monthly. Matthew 6:21 says it all. The only ministers who get paid are those who feed the flesh, tickle the ears of the unrepentant hearts who refuse the cross and to “endure sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).  Stewardship


Seems like the Bible teaches that if we put God first in our giving then our conscience will be clear in spending the rest and He will fill our barns with plenty. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 9 and 10


So you have money in the bank or other investments while believers go without? How are you going to explain that to Jesus who gave all … and gave into your possession those things He is holding you personally responsible for rightly stewarding?


When you look at/view an occasion to give, see it as YOUR opportunity. It’s your privilege to jump in and help others.


“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10


Concerning stewardship, Phil Butler writes: “’Oh, but I can’t afford to!’ Uh-uh—you can’t afford not to. Lesson learned! And I have peace and confidence about my future even though bills went unpaid. I haven’t lost anything. Nothing has been shut off. He always miraculously comes through. He disciplined me hard two weeks ago when I thought, ‘I better hold on to this just in case.’ Well praise God that ‘just in case’ formed into the chastising hand of God, and this young one got a huge smack on the butt by my Father. It was then that I truly knew the loving hand of my Father…in the form of a good ol’ spanking. I’m living right now in the peaceable fruit it produced. I’ve never felt this sure that God truly is my Father. I’m excited to see what direction He’s going to move me next. Wow! Hallelujah Jesus! So yes, honor God. The peace and confidence in a renewed relationship with Him outweighs any ‘just in case’ I might be considering.”


The poor in our midst (especially God’s people) and those who oversee, equip, and feed us the Word, are God’s gift to us – our opportunity to participate in His worship-filled giving plan. NEW Testament giving is our privilege: to the poor and the LORD’s true ministers – 1 Cor 9:1-14; 16:1-2; Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:17-18.


WHAT needy saint and Gospel ministry are you giving to this week? You got paid right?


Regrettably, Jesus is the last Person in mind when some get paid. Wow! Proverbs 3:9-10


ARE you giving? IF SO, what is your giving supporting? God is watching. The idea that God is pleased no matter where you give is false.


JUST WHAT does it tell us that the same people who give when a basket is passed have no conviction to support Christ’s work? Giving when a basket is passed is usually the occasion to give to a temporal building instead of the building up of Christ’s body (Matthew 16:18)


LET us never abandon a biblical truth because some have abused or misused it.


God’s servants are to be supplied, not millionaire wolves. Are you participating? (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18)


Often, we hear people brag, proudly proclaim that everything they have came from the LORD. It’s almost like they are saying “Look at how special I am! God gave me these things and so that proves I am special!” Not so. Yes, everything we have comes from the hand of God AND He is holding us personally accountable for our stewardship of it. Material and financial gain does not equal godliness (1 Timothy 6:3-5 KJB). If that were the case, the largest cults in the world would have to be considered to be godly.


IF something is in God’s Word, why would we evade it or be uncomfortable/convicted about it?


SO you are getting FED but you’re not FUNDING? Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18


The only reason we’d be uncomfortable about a Bible topic is that we’re not obeying (1 John 5:3).


Regrettably, the vast majority of those who say they’ve given their lives over to Christ, do little in obedience to Him.


IGNORANT OBJECTION: “BUT brother, you are in the ministry, why don’t you just give everything away?” REPLY: “Sure thing. Will be glad to: Now I need YOU to just give that support to the ministry so we will be ABLE TO GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY!” …. unreal blindness. We cannot possibly give what we have not received – That’s YOUR part! …. Please pray for the support of this outreach beloved saints. Thank you kindly, in Jesus’ name. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)


MYTH BUSTED: IF a true servant of Christ, called out of God, were in it for the money, WHY would he even be in the ministry? Such a notion is laughable – BECAUSE those who are true to Christ preach the whole counsel of His Word and are therefore shunned and shorted by the many who have departed from the faith, do not “endure sound doctrine,” and simply flock to those who tickle their ears (2 Timothy 4:2-4). They are broken much less getting rich. Such a notion is pure lunacy.

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Apostasy

The Goal of the Ungodly Eternal Security Teachers [podcast]


“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4

“This is AWESOME! You got all over it. It really flowed. Excellent! In the delivery, your excitement and passion for this subject are unmistakable. How can ANYONE listen to this and not want to check out the Word of God for themselves?” Debbie L.

“Thy prophets (false leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered (exposed) thine iniquity (have not uncovered your sin), to turn away thy captivity (to get you set free from it); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (ultimate termination into hell).” Lamentations 2:14

COUNTERFEITS who hide behind their OSAS fairy tale HATE this biblical reality and are willing to call the LORD a liar in order to retain this heresy – “And he that overcometh, and KEEPETH my works UNTO THE END, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Revelation 2:26)

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Parenting and the Eternal Destiny of Your Child [podcast]


There’s no such thing as a Christian who is a parent and isn’t teaching their child(ren) God’s Word.

So you programmed and indoctrinated your own child to “go get an education” from a commie university, with nothing but antichrist’s as “professors”, who merely read and teach marxist textbooks full of every evil known to mankind. And yet you still wonder why they turned from Christ? – if you even taught them the Bible in the first place. Time for you to get saved. God holds you personally accountable for allowing and inviting evil upon the minds and hearts of the child(ren) He gave you temporary stewardship over. Judgment Day is on the way. Time to repent – before it’s too late.

Are you teaching your children God’s Word? (Proverbs 22:6)

Are you teaching your child to study God’s Word and get a biblical education? (2 Timothy 2:15)

The LORD didn’t say to “go to church” or make yourself or your children good church members. No. Repent, put your whole faith in Christ for salvation – then deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus everyday to the end of your life. | Church Membership Exposed

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

No such thing as a Christian who doesn’t teach their own children God’s Word. No such thing. Anyone who claims to be a Christian and isn’t teaching their children the Word of God is an absolute fraud, 100% (Titus 1:16). Oh and teach them using the King James Bible – never mind your lame groundless excuses. That’s the whole problem (John 3:19-21).

Few things infuriate and evoke such indignation as this evil going on under the sun – and it’s going on in the lives of those who falsely claim to be saved. If such weren’t so pitiful, it’d be laughable.

Beloved of God, your child needs to see you worship and obey God… read His Word, pray, and minister to others – to serve God by serving others. Let them see Christ alive and working in you or you will simply produce another self-righteous religious pharisee. They will never forget how you served God with a pure heart and joy-filled spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

God didn’t give you those children so you could exploit, use them to think you are so amazing. No, sinner, He commanded you to teach them His Word every day of their life, and train them up in His holy ways. If you didn’t/aren’t, that’s clear proof you are a hell bound unsaved counterfeit and wouldn’t know Jesus if He stood in your face.

“And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 11:19

Read Deuteronoamy chapters 4, 6, 11.

“Ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law”

“And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 32:46  

Read that again and notice that we are to set our hearts upon the words of God and command our children also to observe them.

“If you don’t train your child at a young age how they should act and live, then Satan will. Make no mistake about that! You will be judged and held accountable at the judgement seat of Christ. Proverbs 22:6 in the King James Bible.” Charles Pray

Those who do not attach pain, punishment with wrong doing, will reap wicked children and give account to God for not teaching them to obey authority. Repent now and train up your children in the right ways of the LORD.

ARE YOU training, correcting, guiding your children?

“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Proverbs 29:17

Being a “good” parent doesn’t mean you are a God-fearing, a godly parent. In reality, you are not a good parent if you are not training your child(ren) up in the pure Word of God. You prove to be a lost soul if such is the case. Repent now sinner. The Almighty will bring you into full account for how you’ve brought up HIS children.

Parenting and Eternal Life are Connected

“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” Proverbs 23:13-14 

Unless our children learn to submit to and obey our authority, they will very likely never submit to the authority of their Maker before whom they shall stand in judgment.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18

Obey God and do not trust your own wicked heart: If you are not obeying God it’s because you do not fear Him and are in utter need of truly repenting now – before it’s too late.

Is your child born again and walking with Jesus?

Obey God’s Word concerning your children and crucify your own feelings:

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26 

Chasten your child(ren) now – before it’s too late.

“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Proverbs 19:18

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Proverbs 29:15 

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 

Some of the things children are to be taught be their parents in training them up in the right ways of the LORD …

  • Read and memorize God’s Word (Proverbs 4:4; Revelation 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-16; Colossians 3:16, etc.).
  • Know the books of the Bible – Genesis to Revelation.
  • That they are sinners. Give them the law, the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20: Romans 3).
  • To know the 10 Commandments by memory (Exodus 20). This is a basic structure of what the LORD requires and what He calls sin.
  • God requires that they obey – Him and their parents (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6, etc.).
  • How to be saved (Romans road; 3:10, 23; 6:23; 10:9-10, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
  • To love God and their neighbor – Golden Rule Living (Matthew 7:12).
  • If you cant say something good, don’t say anything at all (Proverbs 17:27-28; James 3).
  • Honor authority. Children learn this as they are taught to honor and obey their parents.
  • To walk in utter integrity and honesty (Proverbs 20:7; Luke 8:15).
  • To always be serving God and others ABS (Matthew 23:11; Acts 20:35)
  • To help the poor (Proverbs 19:17; Galatians 2:10; James 1:27, etc.).
  • To trust God no matter what the circumstances look like (Mark 10:27).
  • To pray (Matthew 6:6-13, etc.).
  • The beatitudes of Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
  • Eternal perspective (Proverbs 23:14; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9; John 14:1-6).
  • To praise the LORD with great joy. To praise and worship and sing to the LORD (Psalms 149; 150; Hebrews 13:15).
  • To give thanksgiving to the LORD for everything they already have and what’s to come (Ephesians 5:20; Hebrews 13:5).
  • That the joy of the LORD is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
  • Teach them to read (Revelation 1:3).
  • Teach them consistency – to finish what they start, to endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.).

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“The Cross”

Excerpt from the book I Die Daily

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

“The cross” is all about relationship. “The blood of His cross” purchased us back to God from sin (Acts 20:28; Col. 1:20). Paul here says in essence that His love for the Savior, who bled for his sins, warranted his full allegiance to Him and crucifixion with Him. Nothing was more important to this servant apostle than knowing Christ and remaining in Him (1 Cor. 9:27; Phil. 3:7-10). All else was counted as “dung” compared to the supreme and surpassing importance of his relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the “mark” the apostle pressed “toward” with all of his being (Phil. 3:7-14). Paul knew the eternal danger of not keeping under the sins of his body and in the end becoming a “castaway.” (1 Cor. 9:27) He was fully aware of the five specific sins that kept God’s own people out of their promised land, and would keep him out of the promised land of Heaven if he allowed his sinful nature, which was at “enmity against God,” to rule in his life, bringing defilement in the eyes of a holy God (Mk. 7:20-23; Rom. 8:7; 1 Cor. 9:27-10:12; Heb. 12:14-16). God’s stated will is to bring people “out from” spiritual death and “in” to the place of His divine life, that He might preserve them alive (with His life—Deut. 6:23-24; Rom. 8:1-13).

The purpose and point of “the cross” is not that God is trying to deprive anyone of something valuable, but rather that He seeks relationship with that person—“for our good always.” (Deut. 6:23-24) It is by the blood of Christ’s cross that we are saved, and “through faith” in Him that we are “kept.” (1 Pet. 1:5) Those in Him must “endure to the end.” (Matt. 10:22; 24:13)

It is “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” (Rom. 2:4) From the beginning, He made us for relationship with Him (Exod. 25:8). This is why Jesus came to the earth—“And this is life eternal (the reason for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

Since the LORD is holy, and the self-life or nature is sinful and at enmity with Him, it must be put to death because He who is “Holy, holy, holy” will not commune with a sinful vessel (Isa. 6:3; 59:2; 2 Cor. 6:14 -7:1; 1 Jn. 1:3-9; Rev. 4:8). Sin breaks that fellowship (Rom. 6:23). Like it or not, “the wages of sin is” still spiritual “death” and always will be, due to God’s eternal and unchangeable nature of holiness. The cross of Christ is the answer.

Holiness or pureness of heart and thought is of supreme importance in the eyes of the Almighty. His eyes are upon our hearts and the thoughts that we are dwelling upon (1 Sam. 16:7; Ps. 51:10; 139:23-24; Prov. 15:3; Matt. 5:8; Acts 15:9). The cross, which must be daily applied to the inner life by the disciple, is the implement of death to the sinfully self-loving, self-driven, self-willed, and self -consumed life. The fervent worship of Jesus, which always leads one to the application of the cross, brings the glorious liberty that only Christ can grant—to be fully filled, led, and made free by the Holy Ghost of God.

One manifests his love in relationship with the LORD when he chooses to obey Him in denying the iniquitous deeds of the sinful nature, in order that he might commune with and serve the Father and Savior, who died on the cross to reconcile him to the One who is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isa. 6:3; 1 John 1:3-10; Rev. 4:8) Otherwise, sin will prevent his relationship with the LORD. Sin must be confessed to be cleansed (1 John 1:9). Saving faith will always drive one to obey Christ, which includes the premium He places on His people being “pure in heart.” (Matt. 5:8; 1 John 2:3-5; James 1:22) Christ told us that only the “pure in heart” will be blessed.” (Matt. 5:8) If one who has been saved goes back and ceases to obey Christ, it’s because he no longer loves Christ supremely, nor does he now possess saving faith (1 Tim. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:10; James 2; 2 Pet. 2:20-21).

If a person does not want more of Jesus, he is not a part of the remnant of Christ’s elect (Rev. 17:14). If a person is always looking to circumvent the “daily” cross, and looking for doctrinal ways to justify not giving over his whole will and being to Christ, he is willingly lost (Rom. 12:1). Those who are truly His “depart from iniquity,” as they daily “present” their “bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.” (Rom. 12:1; 2 Tim. 2:19)

If one will guard his heart and be preserved to the end in his relationship with Christ, he must beware of the numerous cross-less and Calvinistic wolves who occupy positions of leadership and influence in the modern church world. Millions have already been deceived and will be shocked on Judgment Day (Matt. 7:15-23; Luke 13:27-28).

The LORD bless you richly today, and fill you with His Holy Ghost afresh to subdue your own self-life, that Jesus’ life might be manifested in your life (2 Cor. 4:10-12). God is able as we do things His way. His grace is fully sufficient for us (Rom. 6:14; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).

In God’s economy, holiness in His people is a must, and it’s the blood of Christ that enables the recipient and possessor of His salvation to experience overcoming victory through the cross (Rom. 6; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 21:8, 27). His enabling grace was made possible through Christ’s redemption, and there is therefore no excuse for living in sin (Rom. 6). There can be no variance from such biblical truth in true Christian preaching. Sin separates and hell awaits all who die in sin—no matter what their previous relationship with God may have been (Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:11, 15). Relationship with Christ, personal holiness, the cross, overcoming sin, and repentance, go hand in hand; and today, none of these essentials can be found prevalent in the mouths of most so-called “Christian” pastors, writers, and leaders (Isa. 9:16; 1 Cor. 1:18; Phil. 3:18-19). By “the blood of his cross,” Christ made us holy in our position with God, and He commands each of us to take up our own cross and count ourselves crucified with Him in our daily lives, that His holiness might be manifest experientially in our lives (Rom. 6; 2 Cor. 4:10-11; Gal. 2:20).

David Kupelian, vice president and managing editor of WorldNetDaily.com, writes:

“‘I die daily’

In ages past, Christians dwelt a lot more on the concept of taking up the ‘cross’ than they do these days. Today, the phrase ‘it’s my cross to bear’ is usually a somewhat self-congratulatory reference to the fact that we have to put up with a vexing medical condition, or a child in trouble with the law, or perhaps an overbearing, live-in mother-in law.

Admonitions from the pulpit may not shed much more light. Oh sure, a well-intentioned minister will reverently read one of the scriptures cited above on ‘taking up the cross,’ and he might even briefly plug the ideal of self-denial. But too often this amounts to a polite nod to a notion that seems both archaic and almost irrelevant, or at least unattainable, and the pastor just moves on to more pleasant topics—like how grateful we are that we’re saved by Christ’s death and resurrection.

It wasn’t always so. Throughout past centuries, Christian philosophers and mystics dwelt at length on the crucial, life-and-death need for repentance, resignation, ‘mortification,’ the ‘crucifixion’ of sin in man, and the ‘death of the carnal man’ or of ‘the creaturely self’ and so on. The Apostle Paul said it most powerfully and succinctly when he wrote: ‘I die daily.’”

If they are not crucified on the cross we are instructed to “take up,” the deeds of the body will cause one to displease the LORD by the manifestation of the soul damning “works of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:19-21)

There is perhaps room to see Paul’s words “I die daily” both concerning our lives being laid down and subject to being martyred daily and also in dying daily to self that the Savior might reign (John 12:14; 2 Cor. 4:10-12). These two truths seem to dovetail together; Being dead to self is going to be essential to dying as a martyr.

The Two Cross Deaths

There are two kinds of dying seen in the Scriptures—positional and experiential.

Positional death speaks of our oneness with the death Christ experienced when He died on the cross, when he did “taste death for every man.” (Heb. 2:9) Positionally we are dead and buried with Him (Rom. 6:3-4).

Experiential death of the inner self-life = the willing crucifixion of the personal will out of a far surpassing love for and desire to see Christ reign supreme. When we love Him more than ourselves, we will die so He can live. Life can only spring out of death (Jn. 12:24). The problem is that most people who claim to be Christians love themselves more than Christ (2 Tim. 3:1-7). They have freely chosen to resist loving the LORD with all of their hearts, souls, minds, and strength (Matt. 22:37-40).

The Positional Cross 

The word “baptized” is used in more than one way in the Bible. It is used to express both a literal and a figurative immersion. Immersion simply means being placed all the way into. In Romans 6, speaking figuratively of our baptism into Christ (not water), the apostle writes:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4

We have been immersed (baptized) completely into Christ figuratively—“we are buried with him by baptism into death.”

Our justification and sanctification are wrapped up in being buried with Christ. We are then raised with Him and enabled to “walk in newness of life.” Our position—buried with and in Christ—enables the literally manifested life of Christ to be experienced in our daily lives.

We are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The phrase “in Christ,” seen throughout New Testament Scripture, is short for our immersion into Him—His death, burial, and resurrection and our own death, burial, and resurrection with Him. Jesus died and was raised up once, and we died and are raised up with Him in type/proxy.

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:5-7

THE LORD has “raised up” those He has found and saved out of their sinful state and into His eternal kingdom. They are “raised up” to “sit together” with Him—“in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This He did for His eternal purposes. He “made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” so this is our positional standing with Him; yet His desire is that such a positional place become an experiential reality in our “daily” lives, as we “follow” Him. And how does such a translation happen? This manifested “newness of life” occurs as we lay down our self-will in full surrender to His Majesty, crying out “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) Victorious living in this “newness of life” happens when we follow His instructions to “deny” ourselves and “take up” the cross, and let His will and life reign in our mortal bodies in place of our own. This positional seating in Christ and with God in heavenly places becomes a reality in our daily experience as we sentence our lives to death, being rooted in Christ, as we “take root downward.” (Isa 37:31) He then raises us upward in “newness of life”—with His life to bear fruit to His pleasing.

Our positional place with Him means that we died with Him, and we are seated in heavenly places in Christ. Yet, we are still on earth and subject to temptations. This is why the experiential cross is so important.

The Experiential Cross

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:5-6

The believer, who is buried with Christ and raised in “newness of life,” is told that he “should not serve sin.” Serving sin or the Savior is always going to be a choice as long as we are on the earth.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14

Paul told us that he had to keep under the sinful desires/deeds of his body so that he would not become a “castaway” from Christ in the end (1 Cor. 9:27). What can we learn from this? Our relationship with Christ is both positional and practical. It began in our past when we were born again, and exists now daily as we deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him. This is our personal participation with Christ as we take up the yoke and walk with our Master—His blessed Gospel—dying, being buried and then raised up daily with Him.

In studying the subject of dying daily and Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:31, “I die daily,” I have read a few commentaries which seemed to only acknowledge the positional death of the believer. This is because the misguided Calvinist wants no part of anything that might cost him the suffering of death to his own will. He wants to believe that God did it all, and subsequently ignores the commandments of the very same God for him to personally experience dying to self and self-will. The Calvinist is a moral coward who wants the crown without the cross, so he objects to and flees any notion of personal responsibility. In the face of a mountain of Scriptural commands and conditional blessings, he insists that there are no requirements placed upon him. If that were so, why were we then given the many commandments of Christ and His holy apostles? The diabolical dynamic of Calvinism is to escape and deny by any means possible, any teaching that calls for a personal cost. In contrast, the Bible teaches us that to lose is to gain (Matt. 10:3839; Jn. 12:24-26; Phil. 1:21). The spiritual coward wants to hide away in his false security zone, where he is protected from all that would cause him to suffer—the circumcising sword of the Word, persecutions, tribulations, dying to sin and self, purging, and the chastening of the LORD. This is why this theology always migrates to the line of least resistance to the flesh—no baptism in the Holy Spirit or lordship of Christ, due to the myth of ‘once saved always saved,’ and a pre-tribulation rapture. (Actually, although he holds no strong position on the exact timing of Christ’s return, this writer believes that there is the possibility of a pre-tribulation rapture. In the previous statement, I was just making a point.)

Some may despise the idea that people teach the Scripture “I die daily” as something that needs to be done by the individual recipient of salvation. The Calvinistically infected mindset believes that everything that needs to be done has already been done, and that man has no choice or accountability in the matter of participation. It’s true that Christ initiated and earned our salvation, and that without Him we are hopeless. It is also just as true that this same Jesus instructed those who would follow Him to be “daily” crucified with Him, by denying themselves and taking up their crosses. Romans 6 says “Our old man is crucified with him” (v 6), and yet it also says:

  • “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” (v 1)—The question “Shall we” denotes volition, option, and choice.
  • “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” (v 5)—The “if” here speaks of volition, option, and choice.
  • “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (v 11)
  • “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” (v 12)
  • “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (v 13)
  • “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (v 16)

The honest student of the Bible, the one that refuses to allow himself to be infected with any predisposed notion, will see this.

The work of Christ to position us in heavenly places is a settled fact and truth (Eph. 2:6). As we are discovering from Holy Writ, the experiential cross of the individual must be taken up and died upon. Paul the apostle of Christ said, “I KEEP under my body.” (1 Cor. 9:27)  The denial of the self-life and following Jesus is only accomplished by the enabling grace and Holy Spirit of the LORD, who is perfecting that which concerns us as He continues His good work in us—we who have been apprehended by Him for His purpose and glory (Ps. 138:8; Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13). This occurs as we “work out” our “salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil. 2:1213) It is “through the Spirit” that we are blessed and empowered to “mortify the deeds of the body.” (Rom. 8:13)

There are those who know only the positional application of the cross, where we “are dead” and buried with Christ, and raised up by the faith of the operation of

God, and seated together in heavenly places in Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Eph. 2:6; Col. 3:3). In spite of understanding that we are dead, buried, and raised up with Christ, men misunderstand or do not know about the doctrine of the daily cross—the keeping under or subduing of the sinful nature on a daily basis. The essential nature of such a biblical and vital truth is tragically seldom, if ever, spoken about in most “ministry” that transpires in the modern church world.

Love is a daily test.

Love is a daily choice.

That person who has a mere “form of godliness” and yet denies the power of Christ to reign in his life, will never experience the fellowship of His sufferings and the blessed “fruit” He desires to bring forth “upward” to His glory (Isa. 37:31; Rom. 8:11; 2 Tim. 3:5). Many seek to render rote adherence to the command of Christ while lacking the positional revelation of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Gospel. In contrast, the true disciple of Christ is that one who is driven by the greater desire and love that possesses his heart for Christ. His love for Jesus far surpasses his love for self and the pleasures of this world.

Throughout Holy Scripture, we are afforded the blessing of witnessing the joyful delight many had for the LORD. Here is a sampling:

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” Psalms 73:25

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death … Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:10, 13-14

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4

The “one thing” that most deeply and profoundly moved these men and women was knowing Him more and more, seeking His face in earnest as they experienced Him daily.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” 1 John 3:1

The love we are blessed to possess of Him, and the cross, go hand in hand. Because of His love in us, and our own decision to reciprocate that love, we make a daily choice to experience the cross. The daily cross is the application of death applied into our life and will in order that Christ’s will and life might be in control and reign in our mortal bodies (2 Cor. 4:10-12).

God made man with a choice (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Gal. 6:7-9). Firstly, it makes no sense at all biblically speaking, to say that the person and volitional will of the individual believer plays no part in his decisions. That is a diabolical and Calvinistic heresy that has no biblical ground beneath it. Those in denial of the cross Jesus commanded us to “daily” take up, simply do not wish to deny self and sin as Christ commanded. Many of them have placed the teachings of mere men—who were heretics—above God’s Word. Instead of setting aside the “doctrines of men” for Christ’s teachings, they set the teachings of the Son of God aside for the teachings of mere men (like John Calvin). Like the Pharisees of Christ’s day, these men love their traditions more than the LORD and His Word (Mark 7:6-9). Every generation in history has its pseudo-theologians, who cast away the Word of God for their own traditions of mere men. Every day also has a remnant, which says, “Let God be true and every man a liar.” (Rom. 3:4)

Letting “God be true” in our personal lives includes silencing the call of the sinful nature, Satan, and the voices of the myriad of cross-denying wolves, who come in Christ’s name yet do not preach His original 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.” Luke 9:23

Throughout His teachings, the Son of God taught us that following Him was a “daily” experience and not a onetime event. He made it abundantly clear that this “daily” experience of His life was only possible in conjunction with the disciple’s self-denial, and his choosing to prefer the Savior above himself (Matt. 16:24-26; Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-26).

“Many admit the positional death (at initial salvation), but there is also a present salvation (progressive sanctification or transformation) that is experiential, the daily death, burial and resurrection. The Leviticus 1 burnt offering occurred daily. The first thing the invader always did at the Temple was to do away with the daily sacrifice. This will also be 1st order of business for the antichrist, and for those who possess the spirit of antichrist today.”

Christ told us that if we would follow Him, we must “daily” take up the cross and follow (Luke. 9:23-24). As one writer has pointed out here, the daily sacrifice is attacked by the invader and enemy of our souls, and this is seen in the absence of such preaching in that which calls itself the church today. The Bible tells us that “Satan” has his “ministers,” and these men are “deceitful workers” who have infiltrated the modern church and so-called higher learning institutions (seminaries, etc.). See 2 Cor. 11:12-15. These “false apostles,” who are imposters, have hi-jacked the pulpits and publishing houses of this last hour with a message that is void of the cross and is sending many to eternal darkness (2 Pet. 2:1-3).  They can be identified as the “enemies of the cross of Christ,” who do not take up their own crosses daily, and therefore do not preach the cross as a daily implement of death to self and self denial (2 Cor. 11:12-15; Phil. 3:18-19). Instead, they “mind earthly things,” even using Scripture to justify their misplaced affections (Phil. 3:18-19).

The “adversary, the devil,” can “devour” us by drawing and seducing us out from our daily and experiential death and burial with Christ, where we are “hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3) When the enemy is able to draw one out into the open, he is then vulnerable as a deer that comes out of the forest and is no longer hidden and protected by the camouflage of the trees.  When a deer is out in the open and in a prairie clearing, he is then prey for predators. The lions can then see and smell him, and will seek to devour him.

Taking up the daily cross and experiencing knowing Him in “the fellowship of his sufferings” demonstrates our agreement with God that we are utterly depraved in our Adamic nature, and wholly in need of His righteousness and life to reign in our “mortal” bodies (Rom. 6; 2 Cor. 4:10-11; Phil. 3:10).

In this following passage, watch for the daily experiential cross to be practiced by every true disciple of Jesus:

“Always (daily) bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest (a reality) in our body. For we which live are alway (daily) delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-11

As we related earlier in this chapter, the removal of the “daily” cross is the work of our “adversary.” The same vulnerability (removal of the daily cross) exists today wherever the redeemed saint allows for the “daily” sacrifice to be stolen from his life. The daily presenting of ourselves to Him as “a living sacrifice” is our “reasonable service” in light of what He has done for us (Rom. 12:1).

Because He loves us as His own, Christ instructs those He saves to “daily” deny themselves and take up their crosses to follow Him (Luke. 9:23-24). It is only in being

“dead” to sin and self that our lives “are hid with Christ in God.”

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

“Precious Things” Stolen

There is a conspiracy of her prophets (leaders)in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.” Ezekiel 22:25

Ezekiel the prophet of God is writing here concerning the leaders of the very nation of Israel. This “conspiracy” he speaks of is a reality and not a theory. We have the divine word on it here. The Bible tells us definitively here that “There is a conspiracy of her prophets” or leaders who claim to be representing the LORD. We are also informed here that these beguilers “have taken the treasure and precious things.” They have stolen away those things which are most important for believers to be aware of, believe, dwell upon, and do.

The enemy invader is now empowering his agents in the pulpits and those who hold the pens of modern publishing. This is seen in the deafening silence of the modern messages we hear. There is a gross lack of hearing the essential truths of Holy Writ spoken or written by men who have positions of influence. In fact, in fulfillment of last day’s prophecy, hoards of self-serving people (who claim to be Christians) are heaping these smooth and deceitful messages, and the messengers who give them, to themselves. Their un-crucified sinful nature seeks out ear-tickling messages that feed their sinful nature instead of beckoning them to crucify it (Rom. 6; 12:1).

In his messages, the beguiling leader feeds the sinful nature, while the leader who is a  true servant of Christ calls for the denial of and death of it (Rom. 16:17-18; Phil. 3:1-3; 18-21; 2 Pet. 2:1-3).

Many who love the truth, and therefore deeply desire more of Christ, are coming out of the cross-less and apostate modern church system. Like Paul, their deep desire is “to know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Phil. 3:10) They have seen the folly and the “famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.” (Amos 8:11)

Where We Stand

In a passage often referred to as defining the true Gospel, the apostle Paul reveals that this “gospel” is that “wherein ye stand.”

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

As those found and regenerated by Him who first loved us, we “stand” in the Gospel of Christ—both positionally and experientially. In fact, the very next words speak to the essential responsibility of personal participation of the individual recipient of His “so great salvation.” (Heb. 2:3)

“By which also ye are saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2

The “if” here clearly denotes condition. Our salvation is contingent upon “if” we “keep in memory” the original “gospel” the apostle Paul preached, “unless ye have believed in vain.” Our initial salvation becomes ineffectual if we do not “continue” in Christ or “endure to the end.” (Matt. 10:22; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Pet. 2:20-21)

Daily experiencing death to self and the raised up life of Christ, is essential to keeping in memory the work of Christ, the coming King.

See if you can identify both the positional and the experiential standing of the believer in this Colossians 3 passage:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

He has accomplished salvation for us and we are thereby “risen with Christ,” positionally. In light of this, we should then follow suit in seeking “those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” This includes setting our “affection(s) on things above, not on things on the earth.” Positionally, we are to count ourselves “dead,” and consider that our lives are “hid with Christ in God.”

Some erroneously teach that the believer’s positional place with Christ is irreversible, but the Bible tells us differently in a myriad of places. Only when we keep our place or position “with Christ” are we “hid with Christ in God.” Otherwise we are not hidden away from the wrath of God and the enemy. Such a place of being “hid with Christ in God” is conditional upon the recipient of His salvation remaining in Him.  One’s place with God is reversible if one does not “abide” or remain “in Christ.”  Jesus told us that “If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (Jn. 15:6)  Our LORD also told us that there are those “which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” (Luke. 8:13) It should be more than obvious that someone could not possibly “fall away” from something he has not previously possessed. Also, the basic fact that Jesus invented the term “fall away” plainly reveals that such is possible.

That positional standing He purchased for us is ours only as we remain “with Christ,” and “if” a redeemed person chooses to cease following Christ, he is no longer “in Christ” or “with Christ,” and is therefore no longer the recipient of any of His blessings. The Father told us on several occasions that it is only in His only begotten Son that He is “well pleased,” so anyone presently outside of Him is not pleasing to God (Matt. 3:17).

The sacrifice of Christ is a fixed reality. He is invariable and unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Jn. 19:30; James 1:17). But the experiencing of the cross of Christ in the daily life of the recipient of His salvation is volitional. One must count all else “dung” compared to knowing Christ, and in order to “know him,” one must be willing to experience “the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Phil. 3:7-10).

All of Holy Scripture testifies to the truth that God’s blessings to individuals are conditional (Deut. 11:26-28; 28:1-67; 30:19-20). The fulfillment of His promises and blessings are contingent upon the obedience of the individual (Gal. 6:7-9; Heb. 6:11-12). The recipient of His free gift of eternal life must by faith “abide” or remain in Him, or he will be “cut off.” (Ezek. 33:12-13; Matt.

10:22; Luke 8:13; Rom. 11:19-22; 1 Cor. 15:2; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Jn. 9; Rev. 2-3)  This important subject is covered extensively in the book titled Lie of the Ages, which can be ordered on this site.

“Many of His Disciples Went Back”

In the record of John 6, we read of “disciples” who continued not with Christ after He taught them. They chose not to partake in His death and life. They did not want to suffer for His sake, and therefore “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” John 6:66

These people forfeited their place with Christ and all the associated benefits, both here and eternally (Ezek. 33:12 -13). Suffering is part of following Christ, and those who “draw back,” not esteeming Christ and being unwilling to suffer for His sake, will lose out (Rom. 8:17; Phil. 1:29; Heb. 10:38-39; 1 Pet. 4:1-14; Rev. 2-3).

According to God’s Word, those who refuse to follow up in their daily lives with experiential living with Christ, partaking of His blessed sufferings and the associated benefits, will lose out on their positional place they once had with Him (2 Pet. 2:20-21). Those who after being bought by His blood, “deny him,” will also be denied by Him for having “trodden under foot the Son of God.” (2 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 10:29)

One will not experience His resurrection life if he refuses to experience a dying with Him—to self, sin, Satan, and this world.

Many today are seeking to gain, but they are trying to go around the cross. These people do not yet realize that it’s only in dying to self that God’s “gain” will come to them. It’s only in dying that they can live by the resurrecting power of God in Christ, who is “the resurrection and the life.” (Jn. 11:25) He promised to raise up by the power of His Holy Spirit those that be bowed down in death to self and sin (Ps. 145:15; Rom. 8:11). The LORD promises to raise upward in fruitfulness those that “take root downward.” (Isa. 37:31)

The cross is the place of safety—being in the center of God’s will. We are safe on the cross, buried, sunk down, and hidden in Christ while being “raised up” by His power and to His glory (Rom. 6:3-4; 8:11; Col. 2:11-12; 3:3). Beware of the wiles of Satan, who seeks to lure us off the cross where we are “hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3) The enemy’s design is to keep you ignorant of the necessity of the cross—to keep you from experiencing Christ’s resurrection power. When you do choose to learn of Christ to get on the cross, the enemy’s scheme will be to get you to come down from that cross—to keep you from dying that Christ’s life might reign in you and over the enemy (Luke 10:18). Is this not what he did to our LORD? (Matt. 27:42)

The only way to have upward mobility—divine resurrection power—is to plant yourself deep into the death of Christ. The further down one descends, the more powerful the raising up will be (2 Cor. 4:10-12).

Jesus told us that we must lose our lives to gain His life and eternal life.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:24-25

PRAYER: Father, not my will but Thine be done. You must increase and I must decrease. I now this moment, choose to lay my life down—to die to self and all of its fleshly facets. I honor You, LORD Jesus and Father, and joyfully bow in humility before Your Majesty. Grant Your enabling grace to my life, so I might please You in all things. I am crucified with Christ. I am dead, and my life is hid with Christ in God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Capture Points

  • Discuss John 12:24-26 and what it means to “fall into the ground and die,” as pertains to Christ and also all of those who would follow  Him.
  • According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, what is “the gospel” that we stand in defined as? (KJV recommended)
  • What did Jesus tell us was the purpose for which He came? John 17:3

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