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 do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]

Scripture vs Subjectivity/Human Reasoning

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

There are many people pretending to be representing Christ. Many pretend to speak for God but how do we know who is truly “of God” and who is “not of God”? Jesus gave us the answer to this important question because He desires His people to be protected by proper discernment. He has warned us repeatedly to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits. … And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 7:15-16, 24:11).

Jesus says to use that we shall “know” (discern) others “by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20)

“You’re taking things out of context” is what unrepentant heretics throw at you when you state the Word. And they say “rightly divide the word of truth,” using it out of context for their own self-serving agenda because they don’t like what the plain truth of God states in His written Word. They are clearly “not of God” according to Christ who also said “by their fruits” we are to “know” (discern) others (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Here’s the clear proof that most of the “church” is not Christ’s church, not His people at all. They falsely claim to be, as did the Jews of Jesus’ day. Memorize John 8:47 – who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.”

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

Simply put: We know who is truly “of God” and who is “NOT of God” by how they treat God’s Word.

True Heaven bound disciples of Jesus follow God according to the Bible (Psalms 119:105). All others follow a false god they concocted in their own deceived imagination (John 8:47).

One of the examples in this late hour of those who pose a threat to believers is the New Apostolic Reformation movement which has produced and sent forth an army of false prophets. Their false insinuations and claims include that their prophetic words, visions, apostles, prophets, and prophecies are equal to the divine authority of Holy Scripture. More on the New Apostolic Reformation Cult and its false teachings and false prophets is here.

When you or I or any other mere human claims to be hearing from the Holy Spirit, such is purely subjective and must be tested against the Holy Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). THAT’s WHY we have the written Word – to protect us from being misled from the “MANY false prophets” who are deceiving “MANY” as Jesus forewarned would be the case (Matthew 24:11). Final divine authority is the written Word, not some mere sinful man or woman posing as God’s voice.

The LORD gave us His Word in order that we could know Him who is “the truth” and not be “led away (from God) with the error of the wicked” by following “cunningly devised fables” (John 14:6; 2 Peter 1:16; 3:17).

2 Peter 1:16-21

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

19 We have also a MORE SURE WORD of prophecy (the written Word); whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Word of God is sure and steadfast as is its Author who is eternally perfect and unchanging in His divine nature. Our faith is not based on mere fables or stories, but rather on the Word of the very One who created and sustains all life in His vast Universe (Colossians 1:16-17).

“The apostasy is here. Everyone is a Christian until it gets biblical.” F.

You wanna know who is really “of God” and who is “NOT of God”? John 8:47 – memory truth.

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

Every person who is “of God” has their conscience captive to His Word. Any person who is casual about God’s Word instead of fervently attentive, is “not of God.” When the true follower of Jesus hears Scripture, they hearken, are comforted, corrected, edified, etc. They love God and therefore change to conform to the Word. His words are the highest authority of their lives.

Is God’s Word your final authority or not?

IF God’s WRITTEN Word is not the final authority of your personal life, we have nothing in common – you are not saved. Jesus says you are “NOT of God” (John 8:47).

LOTS of biblically-illiterate guys hanging out on social media arguing using subjectivity, lies, and false notions when they should be diligently studying and speaking only the Word. The problem is not only “lack of knowledge” but also the pride that underlies their refusal to be teachable (Hosea 4:6).

The godly man will own the truth – he will surrender and allow it to own him – even when it is correcting him (Proverbs 1:5; 15:32; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.).

IF you refuse to allow God’s Word to correct you, you are “not of God” (John 8:47).

The righteous declare with Christ’s apostle Paul to “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

IF you don’t love God enough to voraciously study His Word, you do not love Him!

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

We know who is truly “of God” by their resolved, unwavering love for God’s Word.

Those who preach the Word of God continue sending a whole slew of ungodly men packing! These ungodly men who vainly believe they are of God, prove their rebellion by their refusal to be corrected by God’s Word (Romans 3:4; Matthew 7:6; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Titus 3:10-11; 2 John 7-11).

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17

IF it is discovered that God’s written Word is not your absolute final divine authority, you will be rebuked and sent packing if you don’t repent. You are “NOT of God” (John 8:47). Time to clean house! Time to flip the tables of the hypocrites.

The only way to be rooted and grounded in Christ is to be an ardent student of His Word. There are no shortcuts and all who are not rich in His Word will be misled for not loving Jesus enough to prayerfully, daily pour over, learn, apply, and walk in His Word.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:6-10

We are “complete in Christ” and Christ is revealed to us in His Word (John 5:39-40, etc.).

IF you are living by human reasoning instead of strictly by God’s written Word, you are a lost soul in need of repentance. Repent now and when you do, the proof will be that God’s Word will become the authority of your life (John 8:47). Those who truly repent are in Christ and live by His Word and nothing else.

There are so very many people today acting like they know Jesus while His Word is not the final divine authority of their lives – which clearly proves they have either never repented or have since backslidden and are lost!

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Satan is able to master the lives of those who “received not the love of the truth. … for this cause God shall send them strong delusion.”

Not getting into God’s Word will cost us everything. Those who do not love God’s Word, clearly prove they do not love Him.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

Many modern “pastors” are little more than those who entertain goats/counterfeits and we know this because they are not fervent but rather casual about the Holy Scriptures and most of them use fake “bibles.”

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep (John 21:15-17). Christ never instructed Peter or anyone else to merely hold church services. Of course believers are to gather and yet, when we gather, what’s most important is feasting on God’s word (Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 2:42, etc.). Instead though, today most gatherings called “church” are little more than an hour of empty entertainment, void of the fear, the holiness, and the Word of God.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Hireling wolves aren’t getting people into the Word for themselves because they want people to need, to depend upon THEM instead of God so they can build their own brand, church, club! They are using people, building a busine$$ on the gullibility of their prey! (John 21:15-17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2-4; 1 Peter 4:11).

Sink or swim! Get into God’s Word daily for yourself and stop trusting entirely on your Sunday morning gathering – which if you attend such, should be just one of many times you are fellowshiping with God and His people in a week’s time frame and not an end in itself -which inevitably it becomes!

After Pentecost, the birth of the New Testament church, the earliest believers are seen in temples (Jewish church buildings) for a time. They are also seen fellowshiping “house to house.”

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (the Word) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47

Jesus told Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Perhaps more like “Go feed them” as Jesus and His apostle did. They went to the people (Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 1:8; 8:4; 10:38, etc.), and not “Go get them to come to you for their weekly entertainment and so you can fleece them with your church membership program and system you’ve set up to catch unsuspecting souls.” Gathering together is God’s will and yet, being corralled to be preyed upon is something about which we see warnings throughout God’s Word.

Corralling and entrapping unsuspecting souls is one of the schemes, devices used by beguilers. In my opinion, this is what the apostate modern church world has become – a baited trap, a stage performed on by pied pipers who use music, bands, and story-telling to seek to capture, to ensnare souls.

“For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.” Jeremiah 5:27-28

Those who allow themselves to become indoctrinated and ensnared in this system become “twofold more the child of hell” and continue this campaign of evil for generations (Matthew 23:15).

“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:2-4

PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, I come to You now solely on the basis of Christ’s perfect sacrifice for my sins. Please forgive my sin of self-idolatry and spiritual adultery where I have not put You first but had other false gods before You. In this very instant, right now, I repent. I turn back to You dear Jesus and ask You to wash my sins afresh in Your precious blood. I love You LORD Jesus and from this moment forward, I am relishing, worshiping, loving, obeying, and seeking Your holy face relentlessly. Please fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and use me dear LORD. Also, please give me the deep desire for more of You and for a photographic memory of Your words. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Word of God

Beware of the Scripture Twisting Jezebels [podcast]

The name Jezebel is spelled in Hebrew as “LYZEBEL” and it means “Baal exalts, un-husbanded one, without cohabitation and unchaste.” This spirit hates authority, despises correction, hates being subjected to authority and loves attention. Some today attempt to use the following passage to justify women being elders, overseers in the body of Christ. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on […]

Doctrine, Correction, Reproof, Instruction in Righteousness [podcast]

Doctrine, Correction, Reproof, Instruction in Righteousness 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17 ARE you learning sound “doctrine”? Are you being corrected by the LORD? Are you being reproved by Jesus? Are you being instructed in Christ’s “righteousness”? RED FLAG: You attend a “church” and yet aren’t searching, diligently and daily digging into, devouring, and memorizing God’s Word daily. Backslidden! Under the bless-ed weight of the true original Gospel, men are convicted, broken, and crushed to repentance! (Matthew 21:44; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:20; James 4:8-10, etc.) WHEN a minister’s message is all about encouragement, prosperity in this fleeting life, […]

Why Did God Give Us His Word? [podcast]

The 4 Pillar Purposes for the Holy Scriptures There are 4 reasons detailed in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the Holy Scriptures being given to us by God. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Paul wrote: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 According to this verse, the Bible, God’s very Word, has been given to the people of God for 4 reasons: Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Let us take a brief look at these 4 reasons for […]

Abiding

The Blessing of Being Born of God, Born Again [podcast]

QUESTION:

“What does it mean to be ‘born again’?”

REPLY:

Great question. I am praying for you now. Born again is the same as regeneration we see in Titus 3:5-7. When the sinner (ALL of us) comes to God humbly, in repentance, turning his life to the LORD, and putting all of his faith now in Jesus Christ alone, God does a miracle in the person’s life—a change on the inside that is unmistakable and transforms that persons nature and life forever. From that moment onward, Christ reigns in that person’s life, filling him with love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). The LORD works from the inside out. First He saves, washes our sins away, and then dwells in that newly saved, born again temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

To be born again you have to go to God directly…. admitting you have sinned against Him, and receive Jesus into your life. It has to be personal. Religions are designed to keep you from God while claiming to be the way to God. Beware.

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (2nd birth).” John 3:7

“The birth for which Christ contends is from above—by the agency of the Holy Spirit. Every man must have two births, one from heaven, the other from earth—one of his body, the other of his soul: without the first he cannot see nor enjoy this world, without the last he can not see nor enjoy the kingdom of God. As there is an absolute necessity that a child should be born into the world, that he may see its light, contemplate its glories, and enjoy its good, so there is an absolute necessity that the soul should be brought out of its state of darkness and sin, through the light and power of the grace of Christ, that it may be able to see, or to discern, the glories and excellencies of the kingdom of Christ here, and be prepared for the enjoyment of the kingdom of glory hereafter. The Jews had some general notion of the new birth; but, like many among Christians, they put the acts of proselytism, baptism, etc., in the place of the Holy Spirit and his influence: they acknowledged that a man must be born again; but they made that new birth to consist in profession, confession, and external washing.

The new birth which is here spoken of comprehends, not only what is termed justification or pardon, but also sanctification or holiness. Sin must be pardoned, and the impurity of the heart washed away before any soul can possibly enter into the kingdom of God. As this new birth implies the renewing of the whole soul in righteousness and true holiness, it is not a matter that may be dispensed with: heaven is a place of holiness, and nothing but what is like itself can ever enter into it.” Adam Clarke

“I can remember after getting saved my friends and my family immediately saying What happened to her?’ There was an immediate and complete change in me. God cleaned me from the inside out. I was made brand new and people noticed. My family asked ‘What has happened to her?’ Does anyone know? Yes! Jesus happened to me! Alleluia!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER TO GOD TO BE SAVED, TO BE FORGIVEN

Are You Ready to be Saved? Okay here’s a prayer to be God’s child. You have to admit the obvious, that you have sinned against God and turn to Him fully, turn your life over to Him who made you, and confess Jesus Christ as the new LORD and Savior of your life. Pray this …

Your Prayer to God … You must honestly admit your sins and receive Christ… Apply His holy blood to your life so that you may be saved, forgiven, and live eternally with Him. You must completely turn your life over to Him in repentance and faith. Now, pray the following prayer to God with all that is within you, from your heart and out loud:….

Dear heavenly Father, right now, if never before, I come to You as a broken and sinful person. Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to die in my place for my sins. Thank You Jesus for coming to this earth to die and rise again to rescue me from sin and eternal hell and to save me for Your eternal glory. Right this moment, if never before, I receive You LORD Jesus. Come in and take over my whole life. I am all Yours and You are all mine. I love You Jesus and I will follow You from this moment forward till I am with You in Heaven forever! Please use me to help others know You dear LORD. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

How do we know someone is “born of God”?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; … Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20

First off, if you are born again you are changed from the inside out … you desire to do God’s will now…. and are learning the need for the cross, the daily crucified life (Luke 9:23-25).

Let us remember that the biblical words “born again” (John 3:3, 7), “born of God” (1 John 4:7), “regeneration,” and being a “new creature” in Christ go hand in hand or we can say, are synonymous.

“Born of God” appears 6 times in God’s Word and are all found in the book of 1 John:

1 John 3:9
Whosoever is BORN OF GOD doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is BORN OF GOD.

Those who are “born of God” do not live in sin. They repent or return (turn back) to the LORD, confessing all sin. If not they will “fall away” and be outside of Christ (Luke 8:13). See Can a Born Again Man be Un-Born Again? [podcast]

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is BORN OF GOD, and knoweth God.

Those who are “born of God” walk in His love toward others.

1 John 5:1
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is BORN OF GOD: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Those who repent and believe upon Christ are “born of God” and they love all other of Christ’s saints.

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is BORN OF GOD overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Those who are “born of God” overcome this fallen world. By present and perpetual faith, they “overcometh the world.”

1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is BORN OF GOD sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Those “born of God” do not live in sin. Rather, they “keepeth” themselves from sin and therefore Satan. This is accomplished by what we read in 1 John 1 and 2—which spells out the walk of the true disciple of Jesus.

MAY GOD bless each disciple of Jesus today to abide in Christ by walking crucified and raised up by Him today (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). May “the fruit of the Spirit”—the “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance” be abundantly produced in the life of every saint of Jesus! May it be 100 fold LORD! Read John 15. If you have been drawn in by Christ (John 6:44; 12:32), have repented (Luke 13:3), have received Christ (John 1:12), and are born again (John 3:3), you are bought by the precious blood of the LORD Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:17-18).

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You found and saved me into Your eternal kingdom by way of the precious blood of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. I stop this life here and now, and I give You praise. I love You LORD Jesus. I am no longer my own but Yours. I am crucified with Christ. Please work in me both to will and to do of Your good pleasure. I am all Yours LORD and I know You are all mine! Please fill this vessel with Your Holy Ghost afresh, and please use me. In Jesus’ name, amen Master Jesus!

Your Life Will Never be the Same [podcast]

The “More Blessed” Life “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 The “more blessed” life is the cross life our LORD calls us to. “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24 These are the words of the Messiah – who gave His life to purchase His church. And dare we say […]

Born Again: What Does That Mean?

Understanding and Communicating the Born Again Experience No man merits, works, or earns his way into the salvation, the family of God, the body of Christ. The only entrance is to be born into Christ’s kingdom, to be “born again,” to be “born of God,” a work done by God Himself as the sinner is drawn in by Him and bows in repentance and faith (John 3:3, 7; Acts 20:21; Titus 3:5-6; 1 John 5:4, etc.). ATTN: Religion and being good enough are a farce. If you are not born again, you are not in God’s family. But you can […]

Born Again Podcast

Send us a text Order the BORN AGAIN book here or on amazon: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/store/ Support | STORE | Podcasts | H.O.T. Bible Study [podcast] | Divine Blessings | Exhort One Another Daily | The Return of Christ | The Joy of Fulfilling the Great Commission | The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold | Lie of the Ages (book) | Soul Damning Sins (small book) | Why We Need not Fear Death | Revelation Bombshell! HOMEPAGE: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/ MAKE PEACE WITH GOD NOW: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/peace-with-god/ SUPPORT: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/support/ STORE: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/store/ ABOUT: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/about/ email Todd: info@safeguardyoursoul.com Background Music by: Thad Fiscella https://www.thadfiscella.com/ […]

Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]

“Repent and be baptized.” Acts 2:38 Water Baptism (PDF) (Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.) Water baptism is important. Every believer should understand and be water baptized. Yet water baptism […]

"Buried with Him by Baptism into Death" [podcast]

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3 Every person “hid with Christ in God” is saved and under divine grace, saved by Christ. Everyone not “hid with Christ in God” is going away in judgment (Colossians 3:3; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:19-21, 24). When we are “hid with Christ in God,” we are safe, secure, and under the blessings of His divine grace instead of His condemnation. “Of the doctrine of baptisms” Hebrews 6:2 Baptized into Jesus Christ and Baptized into His Death “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were […]

Abiding

“David Encouraged Himself in the LORD his God” [podcast]

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, … but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Gathering from several commentaries on this passage, one source notes the following:

“Faced with the devastating loss of Ziklag and a mutinous army threatening to stone him, David found supernatural resilience. Rather than yielding to panic or despair, he actively turned his focus away from the overwhelming crisis and strengthened his faith directly in God.

Key Context and Lessons

- The Crisis: Amalekite raiders had burned the city and captured all the women and children, including David’s own wives.
- The Breaking Point: His loyal men were now grieving and broken, turning their deep anguish into violent anger against their leader.
- The Shift: David did not look to his men, his own strength, or his circumstances for hope. He preached truth to his own soul, drawing on his past history with God’s faithfulness and inquiring of the Lord for his next steps.

Practical Takeaways

- Self-Talk: When no one else is around to lift you up, you must learn to speak God’s promises to your own heart.
- Refocusing: Encouraging yourself in the Lord means anchoring your identity and security in His unchanging character rather than shifting public opinion.
- Actionable Faith: David’s inward strengthening immediately led to outward action—he sought God’s direction and pursued the enemy, resulting in complete victory and restoration.”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“In the world ye shall have tribulation”

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

During seasons of great stress, this man after God’s own heart sought the LORD. This time only served as a blessing, hastening David to the feet of Christ. Beloved David gave us the most amazing Scriptures concerning seeking God.

“My soul followeth hard after thee.” Psalms 63:8

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1-2

“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

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8

Prayer: Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please grant me, Your mere servant, to be possessed with a heart after You dear LORD. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Having a Pure Heart Requires the Cross Life [podcast]

“Great Podcast. Thank you. When I think about Matthew 5:8 I think of Psalm 24:3-4, ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.’ Who is worthy to stand in God’s holy presence? Only those who are living holy and righteous lives! Those disciples who are free from pride and sin and are maintaining inner purity. With no idolatry, hypocrisy and deceit in their hearts! They are hungry and thirst […]

The Importance of Pureness of Heart [podcast]

“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11 With pureness of heart, our words shall issue forth with grace and seasoning and be more readily received by those who hear. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6 David’s Prayer “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they […]

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]

Ready or Not – Jesus is Coming “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 Here’s how you know if you are ready to meet Jesus—whether by dying or His soon return. The context of the Bible verse above is the return of Jesus and being ready for it (1 John 2:24-3:3). Those who live for Christ long to see Him and look expectantly for His soon return. This world is not their home. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all […]