Abiding

How to Walk in the Certainty, the Assurance of Salvation [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

Real, actual assurance only comes from possessing authentic salvation – which begins with humility and true repentance, an original Gospel essential (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.). Heretical calvinists and eternal security frauds rob people of true assurance which ONLY comes from having a faith that works, is obedient to Christ. Read 1 John chapter 3 and embrace what the LORD is saying. Here’s a taste – “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” (1 John 3:18-19) False “grace teachers” deceitfully attempt to sell people on a false “assurance” that is not coming from a truth loving, worship-filled obedient, abiding life in Christ and therefore doesn’t produce “peace” which is the fruit of the Spirit (John 15; Galatians 5:22-24). Those without this true relationship, vital abiding union with Christ will never have assurance because they don’t have salvation. They are being lied to and God holds them personally accountable for not loving His Word enough to study it diligently for themselves (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.).

Regrettably, so many today who profess to know Christ have a mere “form of godliness, but denying the power (authority) thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5). They want the crown but not the cross. They want to have security, the assurance, but have not truly repented and are not living a crucified, raised up life (Luke 9:23-24).

Assurance only comes from obeying God. Assurance does not come from assuring ourself of assurance or that we’re eternally secure.

God’s promises are conditional, not un-conditional (Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Joshua 24:15; Matthew 6:33; Revelation 2-3, etc.). Only the rebellious balk at such a truth due to their own heart rebellion and refusal to lay down their life in this fleeting world. They love darkness rather than light because their own deeds are evil (John 3:19-21).

According to the whole counsel of Scripture, we only have the assurance of eternal life if we are 1. born again, and 2. presently abiding in Christ.

No one is going to walk in peace and assurance just because they speak of it, claim it, hear it preached, or because they desire to have peace and assurance. No, it’s only when we obey the Word of God that His peace and assurance flood our being. There’s no short cut to obedience (1 John 3:16-18).

False teachers, including all who teach eternal security, will never tell you this. They are lying to you, tickling yours ears to maintain your attention, accolades, and coin. You are being played for the fool. Nothing replaces obeying God.

“Assure” appears 1 time in the Bible.

Assurance comes from obedience to God, not by contriving, convincing or assuring one’s self that they are secure. The false teaching of eternal security and the way assurance is taught today make them kissing cousins in the family of heresies today.

How do we have assurance? How are our hearts assured in Christ? Answer: by faith that is real and literally obeying God. Talk is cheap. The first verse contains the condition to having assurance. Read this closely:

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby (by obedience) we know that we are of the truth, and shall ASSURE our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:18-21

Assurance of salvation in our hearts comes from abiding in and with Christ, from obeying Him (John 14-15).

Convincing people who aren’t abiding in Christ that they are eternally secure is criminal, sinful, and perpetrated by “ungodly men” (Jude 4). Instead of teaching them that God requires that we love and obey Him, false teachers sidestep this unpopular truth, this divinely given condition, and evilly, insidiously tickle the ears of their prey. They peddle half-truths in the form of giving people promises without the biblically-stated conditions.

We should rid our lives of the selfish desire to feel assurance. Instead we should honestly assess and live by the Scriptures – the full counsel of God’s Word. It’s only then that the Son of God shall make us free from fear, anxiety, shame, guilt, and unrest (John :31, 32, 36; Matthew 11:28-20).

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27

Peace and assurance are inseparable. To appropriate the peace of God, the assurance of that relationship, one must be a true worshipper of the “Prince of peace” Himself, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7).

“Assurance” appears 7 times in God’s Word and in the following 3 applications is connected inseparably with abiding, obeying…

“And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none ASSURANCE of thy life.” Deuteronomy 28:66

“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and ASSURANCE for ever.” Isaiah 32:17

“And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full ASSURANCE of hope unto the end:” Hebrews 6:11

Being one with the LORD, abiding in Him, will cause His love to flood the heart of the true disciple and irradicate all fear.

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

Jesus says:

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

The works save no one and yet, they are a measuring standard for who is truly remaining in Christ and who isn’t. Only the unrepentant unaccountable hate this truth. But these are the words of Heaven’s King and this is His stated condition.

Enduring “unto the end” in vital union with Christ is a requirement for eternal glory, otherwise you will be vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation irrevocably. And it’s going to be worse than if you’d never known Him.

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21

If you desire true assurance in your heart, in your life, you must worship and obey the only One who can grant that gift.

One saint notes that “His sheep prove they are electing Him over all others, they hear His voice and follow Him John 10:27-29.”

Yet, those not born again, not presently engaging in an abiding relationship with Christ the Great Bridegroom, will be shut out of His eternal kingdom (Matthew 25:1-13).

The eternal security cowards, HATE Jesus’ teaching on the absolute necessity of abiding, continuing with Him after being saved – or else suffer the consequence of eternal fire. It’s time to man-up, read John 15 honestly, and take personal accountability before the LORD who uttered those words (John 15:6).

Could it be that many who said a prayer and were told they were saved have never truly repented?

Why eternal securists do not have assurance: False assurance is when somebody believes a lie and God turns them over to it (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Such as the assurance, the fake assurance of the eternal securest.

God wants us to seek Jesus, not assurance. When we are one with Christ, His assurance will fill our hearts and lives.

What do eternal securists, homosexuals, and atheists have in common? – They all want everyone else to condone their sin, their rebellion.

Eternal securists are walking in lies and yet seek to have divine assurance by convincing their deceived minds of Satan’s first lie – “eternal security.” See Genesis 2:17; 3:4. This is why they do not have true assurance and are perpetually in anguish. They’ve forfeited the bless-ed benefit of divine assurance by their own rebellion. Instead of laying down their lives in true saving faith in the LORD and literally OBEYING Him, they spend their lives attempting to convince their corrupted minds of something the Holy Ghost simply will not coincide with or confirm. God only grants His “great peace,” an assurance in the hearts of those who truly trust, worship, and love Him, which is proven in that they literally obey Him.

Believing a lie doesn’t come with the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. “Great peace” is reserved exclusively for those who love the Word of God (Psalms 119:165).

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165

Have you spent endless hours seeking to convince yourself that you are “eternally secure”? Why not repent today truly and trust the One who will keep, who will be the keeper of your eternal soul if you simply “abide” in Him? And the proof that one is saved and abiding in Christ is the good fruit He will produce in their life (John 15:1-6). If after being saved you are not abiding, continuing with, remaining in Christ, you will ultimately be cast into the fires of eternal damnation.

“If a man abide (continue, 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.” John 15:6

Abiding, continuing in Christ is essential for those He’s saved. Those who don’t will be “cast … into the fire, and … burned.” To say otherwise is to call the Son of God a liar.

Simple Question: Did the 5 foolish virgins who were engaged to be married to Christ the Bridegroom make it into the bridal chamber of eternal glory? No. They were shut out due to not continuing to be faithful to the One they were espoused to marry. See Matthew 25:1-13.

Why is it that some believe that while an engaged partner should be dumped for unfaithfulness, that the Son of God is going to marry a spiritually adulterous fornicator? Blasphemy!

We can be certain, fully assured of 2 things:

1. In and through Christ alone, we are presently saved, and
2. As His sons, Jesus says that in order to have His true assurance in our hearts, we must “endure to the end.” Such is the condition to be with Him eternally (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Revelation 2:26; 3:15-16, etc.). As seen in these passages and many, many more, the Word of God speaks of both initial and final salvation. So many today want to treat the Son of God like a cheap prostitute – where they get what they want with no commitment.

The saved must abide, remain, continue to follow to the end of their earthly life (John 15:1-6). Those saved from sin by Christ must deny self, take up the cross daily, and follow Him to the end (Luke 9:23-24, etc.). Only cross-less rebels balk at this because they don’t wish Jesus to truly reign over their personal lives and therefore migrate to the grace-perverting lie of “eternal security” (Jude 4).

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

Christ’s apostle Paul is never on record saying things like “I’m saved and assured that I am eternally secure.” But he did declare things like “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12). Here Paul openly declares his own need to keep under his body, that is to live the crucified life, or he too would ultimately be cast away from God who is “Holy, holy, holy” – into hell (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

If those preoccupied with being sure they will be Heaven no matter what, would spend their time worshipping, obeying, trusting, and abiding in Christ, they’d have His assurance instead of some conjured up fake assurance.

This truth is borne out throughout Scripture. Notice in Romans 8:1 that there are 2 conditions necessary to be met to abide in grace instead of condemnation:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

Those in Christ are under grace, not condemnation.
Those presently in Christ must walk after the Spirit, not the flesh, or they too will be under divine condemnation.

Beware of the many fake “bibles” which chopped Romans 8:1 in half. | Fake “bibles” Exposed

Only those whose hearts and lives are washed from all sin will enjoy the blessing of deep peace and assurance. And, it’s only those who truly abide in Christ, who “walk in the light, as he is in the light” who enjoy the blessing of His cleansing blood and full assurance.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7

Jesus confirms this truth:

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:6

PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ. I return to You in repentance, asking You to forgive my rebellion, for being wise in my own conceit, and for doing things my way instead of Your way. Please wash me afresh with the precious blood of my LORD Jesus Christ and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Please use me dear LORD. I love You Jesus. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear [podcast]

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 “Perfect peace” can only come as our hearts and mind are “stayed” upon our LORD, as we truly trust in Him. And, such does not come without fighting “the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12) It’s a “GOOD fight” because as we “labour to … enter into that rest”, we win with Christ (Hebrews 4:11). “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from […]

Love Mercy [podcast]

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8 We should never lose sight of the fact that the very same precious blood that was shed for our sins was also shed for the sins of any and all we may be tempted to condemn. They also can be forgiven even as God has so mercifully forgiven us. With this in mind, may God bless each of us to “Love mercy.” (Micah 6:8) Growing up […]

IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING?

Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each of us. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 Notice “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not endure to the […]

The Old Man Must be Put Down [podcast]

The correct preaching of the full counsel of God’s WORD creates in us the desire to be set apart to our LORD (holy) and to cease the things, the sins that defile such purity necessary to abide in vital union with our Maker who is our Savior! Colossians 3:1-10 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. […]

Abiding

How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]

**“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”** Isaiah 55:11

“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake

“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.

“For the word of God is quick, 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 intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The power of God’s Word when it enters the human heart:

“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29

The Harvest is Plentiful – So many lost souls hungry to hear the Gospel – the Laborers Few

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Sin separates men from God.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.

Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.

Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.

John 4:34 – 38

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

“In the elderly home we minister in, we met a new resident, that had been there only a few months. When she came to our meeting, she seemed down, so I began to talk with her. She said, “well I don’t leave my room much anymore as my very good friend just passed away.” She stated her name and said, “before she passed I gave her the gospel and she received Jesus.” God is so good, as we had ministered to her friend as well, and seeds were planted, and this new Lady watered! The more I continued to talk with her, I learned she has been preaching the gospel and some residents are getting saved. Alleluia! Next week, we will give her some Jesus tracts.” Karen Cochran

Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.

The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29

“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke

In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.

“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Harvest is Coming for all those Sowing the Seed of the Word [podcast]

The Joy and Expectation of Seed Sowing What we sow, we can expect to reap (Galatians 6:7-8). As we continue to sow the good, the incorruptible seed of God’s Word into the hearts of men, good news will continue to flow, will continue to be reaped – because God’s Word prospers in the thing where He sends it! See also 1 Peter 1:23. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” […]

The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped. BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18 Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward […]

Bearing the Precious Seed of God's Word [podcast]

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6 A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23). The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15). Our cute […]

The Seed of Salvation [podcast]

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 When we follow Jesus He makes us fishers of men: “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.” (Mark 1:17-18) We must forsake the nets, the world’s ways in following Him. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, please use […]

Abiding

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]

What was Jesus demonstrating and teaching us when He washed the feet of His disciples?

The Washed Way – begins with “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost” – being born again (Titus 3:5-7; John 3:3, 7).

“On the way back from the public bath, a person’s feet would get dirty again. He didn’t need another bath but did need to have his feet washed. ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.’ There is a difference between the bath and the basin. The bath speaks of the cleansing received at the time of one’s salvation. Cleansing from the penalty of sin through the blood of Christ takes place only once. The basin speaks of cleansing from the pollution of sin and must take place continually through the Word of God. There is one bath but many foot-washings.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“If these last words of our Lord had any spiritual reference, it is not easy to say what it was. A common opinion is the following: He who is washed – who is justified through the blood of the Lamb, needeth only to wash his feet – to regulate all his affections and desires; and to get, by faith, his conscience cleansed from any fresh guilt, which he may have contracted since his justification.” Adam Clarke

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. – John 13:1-17

Those not happy prove they are not humble nor holy (John 13).

“If loving the person in front of you seems like too small of a ministry opportunity, you’ve forgotten the simplicity of the Gospel.” unknown

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet as an Act of Final Sealing of His Mercy, His Will

“Before the feast – Namely, on Wednesday, in the paschal week. Having loved his own – His apostles, he loved them to the end – Of his life.” John Wesley

Adam Clarke writes:

“He loved them unto the end – Continued his fervent affection towards them to his latest breath, and gave them that convincing proof of it which is mentioned Joh_13:5. That the disciples alone are meant here every man must see.”

Of these cornerstone verses of John 13, F.B. Meyer writes:

“John 13:1-11

JESUS GLORIFIES HUMBLE SERVICE

In the Temple the laver preceded the brazen altar. It was kept filled with pure water for the constant washing of the priests; Exo_30:18-21; Lev_16:4. We cannot have fellowship with Christ at Calvary or on Olivet unless we draw near with our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

The Synoptic Gospels tell us that on their way to the feast the disciples had yielded to contention and pride. It was needful that these should be put away, and our Lord’s love was equal to the occasion. He loved them to the end of His life and to the end of love. Only such love could have made saints and apostles out of such material.

Jesus began a work which has never ceased, and which will continue “till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more.” When we have contracted guilt, we have not to begin our whole life over again, but to go back to the place where we dropped the thread of obedience and begin there.”

May we never forget how merciful our LORD Jesus was to the woman at the well (John 4), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8), and the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8).

It’s of interest to note how this 13th chapter of the glorious Gospel of John begins with Christ’s love to His disciples and closes with His command for them to “love one another” as He taught and personally demonstrated to them:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

“When you fall in love don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops? He, the man you are in love with, is all you talk about! Should be the same with Jesus! You want to tell everyone about this man, the Savior who saved your life! Just as the woman at the well did! She told the whole city. ‘Come, and see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is this not the Christ?’ John 4: 28-29.” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please reduce me to love.

First Love Disciples [podcast]

TODAY, if you are not living to worship, love, and serve the LORD Jesus, you are building the house, the house of your life, on sinking sand (Matthew 7:19-29; Luke 6:46-49). You will have all eternity to gnash your teeth in utter remorse if you do not choose to cry out to the LORD is utter repentance. You may wish to begin this moment with a sincere, simple prayer, such as: LORD, please grant my heart Your gift of true repentance, in Jesus’ name. Amen. If you are called out by Him, His elect, your highest priority is Christ. He […]

How to Make Sure You are One of Christ's Remant Disciples [podcast]

“Abide” “When I thought on the error of my ways, and then submitted my whole self to the righteousness of God revealed in Christ. (the call to abide: John 15:1-16) Then, my heart cried out to the God of my salvation, and his peace quieted all my fears. -Lam. 3:19-26 God is plenteous in mercy and willing to forgive, (He chose us) but we must (be willing to reciprocate that love) by choosing to walk in His ways (daily cross) to truly know Him and have Him and be His child. (John 17:3) “Thou wilt keep him in perfect […]

Be Ye Kind One to Another, Tenderhearted, Forgiving One Another [podcast]

“We pray earnestly, O God, that we may not be found among those with hardened hearts, no longer able to hear Thy voice.” AW Tozer We must have mercy on others as we ourselves are utterly in need of divine mercy. Truth: Any person who dies in the sin of un-forgiveness will burn in hell irrevocably, eternally (Matthew 18:21-35; Mark 9:43-49; 11:25-26; James 2:13). Memorize Ephesians 4:32 today. KJB. Leveling with God…. Dear heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, and ask You to wash afresh the most unworthy person alive on the earth, […]

Abiding

Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]

Recorded at a fellowship in Colorado.

Who is truly reigning in my heart?

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

Am I an antichrist?

Are there professing Christians who have “the spirit of antichrist” reigning in their hearts, their personal lives?

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

If I am sitting upon the throne of my own heart in this my temple (myself), I am an antichrist. God forbid!

Anti as in antichrist means in place of: It’s the “spirit of antichrist” working through Satan’s false ministers that robs the glory from Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Colossians 1:18; 2:8-10, 18-19; 1 John 4:1-3, etc.).

anti – a. Against, opposed to. b. Before, predating. c. Usurping, in place of.

“Deceived people have no idea that they have been deceived, so they fight those who attempt to direct them back to the truth of the gospel.” Jim Borge

Those not excited for Jesus to return simply love this fleeting world and are not ready to meet the KING! Jesus is coming

We know when “that spirit of antichrist” is working through a rebel when he speaks contrary to God’s Word (John 8:47; 1 John 4:3). “That spirit of antichrist” – anti (in place of) Christ is anything that contradicts what God’s Word says, working to subvert divinely stated truth while posing as Christ’s minister (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

“That spirit of antichrist” is witnessed in the human agents, possessed by devils who make it all about something, anything but Christ. The emphasis is taken away from Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:18-19). They make it about the church, Zionism/Israel, a nation, a genealogical people, a mere pastor, a man or men, an organization, a creed, a fraternal order, etc. This becomes clearer as the word “antichrist” is broken down. Anti means in place of.

Read Colossians 1 and 2 each morning this week.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:1-4

The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast]

The LORD is Holy. He will not compete or coexist with any idol – beginning with the idol of self. “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8 The LORD Almighty is above all and greater than any idol. “God, the mighty Creator, now addresses the Messiah and tells what He proposes to accomplish through this One whom He has called . . . in righteousness. God will not share His glory with another, and least of all with carved images.” Believer’s […]

Burn Baby Burn or Bliss Baby Bliss?

Preaching and Feeling the Flames of Eternal Damnation As sure as you are now reading these words, if you are not right with God – on HIS stated terms – you are as sure for eternal hell as if you were already there. Eternal hell is the judgment of God coming on every soul that dies outside of Christ. IF people under your influence don’t repent and receive Christ, God forbid that it’s because you didn’t call them to come to Christ! Do you have blood on your hands? God judges your present state – not that of the past. […]

Walking in God's Love

1 Corinthians 13 YOU SAVED? Not if you are not practically, literally loving God and others! If our “love” isn’t literal, practical, it’s pitiful and plastic. Read 1 Corinthians afresh. Read this closely: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our […]