Though None Go with Me, Still I Will Follow

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]

Feel Alone Sometimes?

“Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10

The lady who was most instrumental in leading me to Christ, who invited me to the meeting where I was saved, later departed from Christ. The man who preached that night when the LORD saved my wretched soul also departed from Christ, committing heinous crimes. So, who saves us saints? CHRIST! Why would we ever blame our dear LORD and Savior for what mere sinful men do?

We must continue to choose God – to love Him with all our being, heart, mind, spirit, and strength.

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

The LORD is with us as we are with Him.

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

When our LORD Jesus had fed the 5,000 and they departed, He turned to His 12 and asked “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67) In other words, Jesus asked them, “are you also going to leave me?” Watch Peter’s answer:

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:66-69

WHERE would we go if we left the Almighty? Where is there to go? Selah.

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

“I am realizing that the closer we get to Jesus’ return, the tougher it is to find those who want to go with you.” Stacy Strother

Remember when Elijah thought he was the only one left following the LORD?

“Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18

Jesus assured Paul that he was not alone either …. “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.“ (Acts 18:10)

Will we follow Him, even when it costs us “friendships” with people we thought were true friends? Consider this important question which should test our hearts as to whom we love the most.

“NO MAN stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Even when “no man stood” with Paul, He knew Christ was with him and He pressed toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). The apostle Paul is a blessed and God-given example given to us. We are following Paul as he followed Jesus – no matter who else does or doesn’t!

Is Jesus worth it to you? Is He truly your very “FIRST love”? (Revelation 2:4-5)

Have you driven this stake in the ground yet? If not, would you consider doing so today?

The girl who invited me to the meeting where I was saved backslid shortly afterward. So, I was faced with the life decision as to where my attention – the affections of my heart – were going to be focused. And, I was forced to seek the face of the One who saved me and who I was going to serve. This was not difficult due to having that personal, intimate relationship with the LORD. – “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

The man who preached when God saved my wretched soul was a false prophet.

So what? Shall this be my excuse for not serving the LORD? Shall I walk away from God for what men do? How foolish would that be!?

I used to drive an Acura (an old one), so should I go dump it in the lake since I found out that a bank robbery was performed in an Acura?

“They are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

Am I not 100% responsible before my LORD, God, and Maker for my own life?

“For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10

Judgment Day is on the way. Can you see this? On Judgment Day, there will be many who say “But LORD, the people who were supposed to be following You weren’t truly following You and when I found that out I waned, and then that caused me to backslide.” Then will He say to them “Depart from Me ye cursed and ye worker of iniquity, into everlasting fire!” (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:46)

Should I have left the LORD Jesus Christ because of what men were doing?

Should I have condemned them or prayed for them? What shall I do today toward them? Condemn or lift them up? Is God wanting them to perish or is He “not willing that any should perish”? (2 Peter 3:9)

The LORD is calling us to soundness of doctrine, soundness of heart and mind, and soundness of Christlikeness, being evermore conformed to the image of the Son of God who is coming soon (Romans 8:29).

Beloved, let us never blame the Almighty, immutable God, even Jesus Christ who is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” for what faulty, sinful men do! (Hebrews 13:8).

“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

It’s only those who are not truly seeking the face of the LORD who condemn and turn aside their hearts from the LORD when others fail. Instead of praying for them and being sorrowful for the lapse of another, they foolishly scorn, never stopping to admit their own failings, heart wanderings, and sin.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Are you a restoring agent (Galatians 6:1-2) or are you a self-righteous modern Pharisee who sits in the seat of the scornful? (Psalms 1; Matthew 23)

Never forget that the self-righteous need to be saved too!

While witnessing with a pastor on the streets as a new believer, we came upon a lost man who was down and out, living on the street. When he heard the Gospel, the sinner said “There’s too many hypocrites in the church!” To this the pastor immediately responded with: “Would you rather go to church with the hypocrites OR do you want to go to hell with them?”

That pastor stated this well over 20 years ago and it stuck in my mind by God’s grace. He’s so good to us!

Never judge God for what men do!

Never judge God for what men do! Jesus taught that those who have been saved MUST “endure to the end” or they will be lost in hell forever.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13

Many Believers have and are Currently Suffering for Christ

YOU are not alone in your sufferings and afflictions and persecutions our LORD promised to ALL who will truly follow Him (2 Timothy 3:12). In fact, if you are not being persecuted, you’d better “examine yourself whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:7-10

Note 1 Peter 5:9 – “knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

it’s Time to get happy if you are being persecuted for Christ OR it’s time to mourn that you aren’t!

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:13

Being hated, shunned, and persecuted is a reason to rejoice! Jesus told us so! Listen to your Master, your LORD, your Savior:

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Some are so very clueless because they are not walking in the light and therefore walk in darkness. Though they are church attenders, they are out of touch and out of step – not abiding in and with Christ and therefore don’t know Him and have no fruit to prove such (John 15). These will be cast into the fire (Matthew 7:21; 25:14-30; John 15:6; 2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.). These counterfeits have not chosen to truly engage in a relationship with Christ and therefore have borne no fruit and do not qualify for the blessedness of being purged by the Potter who is the Savior – “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2) They mock and scoff and wonder about the true body of Christ – that minute remnant of saints who are genuinely following their LORD and consequently suffering greatly as was foretold. They ask “Why” such and such is happening to you without ever stopping to realize that as a remnant, rare disciple of Jesus, you are actually obeying Him and doing what HE told you to go do and that’s spread His Gospel. And for such you are suffering “the afflictions of the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:8)

Those who said a prayer to be saved in the past, attend church, confess they are saved, etc., and yet have no real walk of obedience to Jesus, have a mere “form of godliness, but denying the power” or rule and reign of Christ in their lives because they are “lovers of their own selves” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Clear Proof that Jesus' Flock is a "Little Flock" [podcast]

“Fear not, LITTLE FLOCK; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 You know, looking around us at this fallen world, namely in this late hour, it’s becoming ever more and more clear just how “little” the “flock” of the LORD is. Question: But how do we know who’s truly part of our LORD’s eternal “flock”? Answer: Didn’t Jesus tell us “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Let’s widen the scope on this passage where Jesus tells us that His flock is little: “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; […]

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, […]

Doctrinal Purity [podcast]

—-IS WHAT we believe important? Is doctrine important? … It doesn’t matter how nice someone is, that doesn’t save anyone. Only the LORD Himself can save and He promised that if a person does not continue in the doctrine of Christ, they do not have God. – “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9 Those who do not continue in the doctrine of Christ are no longer of God. “Look to yourselves, that we […]

Articles

A PLACE CALLED HELL [podcast]

How does God’s Word describe hell?

A PLACE CALLED HELL ….. Below is a detailed list of the unending realities of eternal damnation!

Hell is the ultimately judgment of God upon all who refuse to repent and receive Christ and therefore die in sin.

“Let death seize upon them, and let them GO DOWN quick (alive) into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.” Psalms 55:15

Details about hell revealed in God’s Word, the Bible:

A place of complete consciousness (all feelings)…..Lk. 16:25
Torment with fire and brimstone…………………………Rev. 14:10
Weeping and gnashing of teeth……………………….…..Matt. 8:12
A place of eternal remorse (devastating regret)…..Luke 16:25
A place of torments…………………………………………..…Luke 16:23
No rest day or night forever (eternal misery)……….Rev. 14:11
A furnace of fire with wailing…………………………..….Matt. 13:42
A place of everlasting burnings…………….…………..Isaiah 33:14
A lake (ocean) of fire……………………………………..…….Rev. 20:15
Unquenchable fire (ferocious flames)………..…….……Mark 9:45
Outer darkness (blinding loneliness)………………….Matt. 22:13
No 2nd chance to escape (utter hopelessness)……Luke 16:26
A place of sorrows (seething remorse and despair)….Ps. 18:5
A place of everlasting destruction……………………..2 Thess. 1:9

Even though sinful man is still looking for life on mars and the moon….. there’s only 3 places, locations that men exist:

“And no man in HEAVEN, nor in EARTH, neither UNDER THE EARTH, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” Revelation 5:3

1. “in heaven”
2. “in earth”
3. “under the earth” which is where hell is (Matthew 12:40).

Jesus used the words “eternal damnation” to reveal to us that hell if forever, unending (Mark 3:29). The fires of eternal damnation shall feed upon the eternally conscious helpless souls of all who die in sin (Mark 9:43-49).

The reason people preach hell fire and brimstone is because they’re trying to save your eternal soul from hell fire and brimstone. Love!

PREACHING the biblical doctrine of hell, which is the eternal judgment of God, puts a fire behind believers, convicting them to forsake their lives in this world, to deny self, take up the cross and to follow Jesus, to press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Are YOU preaching hell – the eternal judgment of God in the domain of the damned reserved for all who die in sin? Please hit share. | Hell

“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” Proverbs 15:24

Heavenly Father, please grant to Your children an eternal perspective, in Jesus’ name. Amen dear LORD.

If you don’t think hell is divinely designed to be a loving deterent (motivator) from a merciful God, go read the words of the only Savior recorded in Mark 9:43-49 in the King James Bible. Satan’s new “bibles” removed this all-important passage.

ALL who don’t slow down, take the time to seek and listen to God’s Word, to hear His voice, will have all eternity in hell to burn in conscious misery, in utter fury and remorse to sulk on how they sinned away their day of grace. Going to hell is a choice. It’s irrevocable. There are no do-overs. If you sinned your whole life away, sinned away your day of grace, you will pay for your own sins in hell forever. If you reject the only sacrifice for your many sins – the blood of the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ – the domain of the damned will be your eternal abode. If you aren’t washed in the blood of Jesus and presently serving God, abiding in Christ, you are going straight to hell if you die today. …Don’t you dare share this, unless you want people to be saved…. from eternal hell.

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish (in hell), but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

You soul is eternal and will be conscious for all eternity – either in the bliss and comfort of Heaven or in hell.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

What’s more important to you than the LORD? Who? What? What organization? What affiliation? What religion, religious affiliation? What family member? What friend? Is it really worth your eternal soul? Is Your Sin Really Worth Going to Hell for?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

Denying that hell exists changes nothing….

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Rational and educated people realize that our sun will not last for ever and will self destruct at the end of it life. When that happens it will most likely also destroy all of the planets in our solar system. Sense Hell has always been considered to be located deep within the bowels of the Earth….yeah, right…. it too will be destroyed. So Hell really isn’t for ever. And you’re just making stuff up.”

REPLY:

Hell is forever. Jesus died for our sins. Rational and educated people know basic science reveals that a molten mass is in the middle of the earth which only confirms that God’s Word is truth. God’s Word repeatedly speaks of this reality.

How to be forgiven and saved:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

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

Hell | Making Peace with God – Now, before it’s too Late

ALL who seek to hide/cover their sins instead of repenting and forsaking them, will perish. (Proverbs 28:13).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

There are no “secrets” with God because He sees all.

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Romans 2:16

“The secrets of men” are hidden from other men and yet nothing is hidden from God.

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD [podcast]

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD (Spanish version here) Are you ready to Pass from Death to Life? God desires to pardon you – before it’s too late. Jesus beckons you to “Come unto me” — while you can (Matthew 11:28-30). “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 GOD sees all sin and will either […]

Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]

How Do We Know, Right Now, Who will be Seated at the at the Table, at the Great Supper of the Lamb? (Matthew 22; Revelation 19) The remnant, those who will be present at the Great Supper of the Lamb in Heaven, are ALREADY feasting at the banqueting table of His Word. All others whom Jesus has saved in the past, are not fueled or flourishing but are rather famishing, fainting, and falling away. The “little flock” of Christ desires to be with Him both now and forever, not just forever (Luke 12:32). They’ve been born again and present “abide” […]

Fresh Start with God

You can Have a … Jesus is the Great Shepherd of His Sheep (Heb. 13:20; Lk. 15) A FRESH START WITH GOD (First, if you are not certain that you are genuinely born again, please go here first) Let’s get something straight…. the disciple, the mere man writing this message is more in need of JESUS than anyone who ever lived! No one needs Jesus more than I do and yet, we must do things HIS way, not our own (Ephesians 3:8). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs […]

Hell’s Menu

The Bible’s Vivid Description of the Domain of the Damned Violent flames rage like endless waves that roar in a fierce ocean tossed to and fro by hurricane winds. Deafening voices shriek, hopelessly tormented in the turbulent fire that dominates their defenseless souls. One million years have passed and yet there is not a trace of relief from the horrifying torment that has enveloped their helpless souls. Vivid memories of their earthly life, when they had precious opportunity to escape this horrible fate, torment their bitter and remorseful beings. Welcome to the world of departed souls who died after refusing […]

Is Hell Forever or Temporal? [podcast]

The original Gospel prominently includes the judgment of hell coming to every person who dies on sin (Mark 9:43-49, etc.). EVERY preacher not preaching hell is a false prophet who is preaching “another gospel” and is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Jesus and His holy apostles taught it and there’s no excuse for not doing the same. Repent now self-serving coward. Are Hell and the Lake of Fire Eternal or Temporal? As an eternal memorial of the holiness of God, the pit of hell will be an open, visible display of what happens to those who do things their own way instead […]

Abiding

Following the Faith of Abraham [podcast]

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; ALL came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

The LORD Keeps His Promises to His People

God could trust Abraham:

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19

Of Abraham who lived by faith, the LORD says “For I know him” and if we love God, like Abraham, we are known of the LORD also.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

Does the unchanging God ever tell His people to leave where they are and go to another place? Yes.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him…” Genesis 12:1-4

Abraham met the condition and God fulfilled His promise. Could the LORD have blessed Abraham had Abraham not trusted and obeyed Him?

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“The key is to say ‘Here I am.’ Abraham responded 3 times to God in Gen 22, when God called His name. It was an immediate response of obedience. Did he know exactly why God was calling him? No! It was the posture of his heart. Because of his faithful obedience the Lord knew Abraham was a God fearing man, who only cared about doing God’s will.” Karen Cochran

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23

“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

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my unbelief, which is a sin. Please wash this heart afresh in Your precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Fill my heart with faith, with love, joy, and peace. Please order my every step and be glorified in this life You gave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"Though He Slay Me, Yet will I Trust in Him" [podcast]

DO WE have the “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” spirit and disposition of the beloved Job? “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 Going though a season of testing and trials and yet not worshipping God through it all, is a waste. Personally I had to learn this the hard way. God has been so wonderfully gracious! “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, […]

Are You a "A FAITHFUL MESSENGER" of the LORD? [podcast]

The faithfulness of God is where we begin …. every word in the Bible. His Word oozes with His faithfulness. He was faithful to us “while we yet sinners” (Romans 5:6-8), to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). ruling over cities – see Luke 19 See examples of faithfulness to God in Hebrews 11: “he pleased God” “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 “But whoso looketh into the perfect […]

Abiding

The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]

The Divine Prescription is Clear and there are No Shortcuts

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

The law brings repentance, salvation while thereafter the crucified life, the cross keeps us from that sin which once separated us from the LORD, who now has saved us (Psalms 19:7; Romans 6).

There are lots of people peddling the lie of “self care” which is ultimately nothing more than absolute selfishness. Pure evil. We need SAVIOR care! Such “self-care” only perpetuates the prey, the victim, in their misery. The only way to deal with the wicked iniquitous nature, is to crucify it, not pamper it (Luke 9:23-24). It’s your time to get into God’s Word and follow Jesus (KJB). Repent, deny yourself, lay down your life and serve God and others, not yourself. Loving your wicked self IS your problem and so all “self care” is accomplishing is to make your problem bigger, to fortify the evil within (Galatians 5:16-24). Crucifying that evil by the power of the Holy Spirit who is then raising your upward in His grace, glory, and power, is the divine prescription (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Read Philippians 2:3-5 each morning this week. Jesus commands you to love God. Worship God. Obey God (Matthew 22:37-39).

All whom Jesus has saved make a decision every day, including this day. All who were initially saved and yet aren’t searching out and taking up the cross daily, prove they do not love Him, even though they may claim such. Each of us prove who we really love by who reigns in our lives, and by who dies. See Matthew 6:24.

“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?” Romans 6:16

WHO we yield ourselves to today, proves who we truly love – either the Savior or self.

“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9

We must declare and establish “the sentence of death in ourselves” so that our trust is in God who raised Christ from the dead and raises up all of His saints as they are crucified with Christ.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Tired of sinful self and wanting it out of your way? Here’s the divine prescription: “But I keep under (subdue) 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).

The fact that Jesus is coming back for a church, a people who are holy, let us peer into what the Bible tells us concerning overcoming the flesh, sin (Romans 6-8).

Jesus never said to try or try harder. no, Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.).

Jesus is sanctifying and cleansing by His Word a people, a church “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Times of fasting and prayer are doing yourself a favor and not God. Yes. You are crucifying self, getting self out of God’s way so that Christ is reigning in your life in place of sinful self! This should be viewed with absolute delight! (See Psalms 37:4; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13, etc..) You are crying, you are driving a stake in the ground and declaring: “LORD, You must increase but I must decrease!” (See John 3:30.) That’s the “daily” operation of the cross God has ordained to be transpiring in our lives (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

What’s your plan for a special time of fasting and prayer this week? There’s no mystery – you will not overcome the flesh, sin, without being crucified with Christ and there’s no better way than fasting and prayer. It’s the most direct route to being dead, buried, and raised up in the victory Christ alone can grant. Lay it all down, now. Memorize Colossians 3:3 and walk it out.

We simply can’t know just how deep we are buried in pride until we begin to obey God in fasting and prayer. Isaiah 58

Overcoming the flesh, walking in victory requires continually delighting in the LORD, worshipping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

HOW many of us know that the flesh is never going to behave itself, never going to be tamed …. until it’s slain by the cross, crucified?

The flesh IS going to rage, be bent toward and do evil. That’s a given (Romans 7). This is why the cross, the crucifying of the “old man” and putting on “the new man” are essential to God bringing the victory in our lives! (Romans 6-8; Ephesians 4:23-25; Colossians 3:5-10, etc.)

Doesn’t the fact that our flesh does not like the cross, only confirm the need for it? What are the “works of the flesh” that will separate a once saved Christian from God? (Galatians 5:16-21) Though it’s never heard in the apostate modern church world, Jesus commanded the cross in the life of each and every person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). The fact that our flesh hates the cross in no way changes God and what He said concerning the severity in which we are to deal with the flesh, with sin – and the eternal damnation that awaits all who don’t crucify the deeds of the body (Mark 9:42-49; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.). When’s the last time you read the words of Jesus recorded in Mark 9:42-49 and took Jesus at His Word? IF you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).

God fully expects for His people to induce, to participate in the crucifixion of our flesh, putting the self-life to death (Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Holiness is not the way to Christ but rather Christ is the way to holiness. Abiding in Christ IS abiding holy – in the divine definition of holy. The key is that holiness is NOT the way to God but rather Christ is the way to holiness, His way, His definition – which is the daily cross (Luke 9:23-24). Abiding fellowship with Christ, on HIS terms, is holiness – being set apart to the LORD, in the LORD (Psalms 4:3; John 15).

Sin is man’s master until Christ is man’s Master (Matthew 6:24).

No one overcomes by accident. Those who love the LORD, truly, not just in mere profession, will seek Him diligently and obey Him and therefore are brought into His victory by Him (Matthew 7:21; 22:37-39; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6; Revelation 2-3, etc.). The disciple must truly repent and cease all excuses for the sin that displeases God and walk as “MORE than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:1, 5-6, 13-14; 37, etc.).

Jesus came from Heaven to earth and successfully confronted evil, sin, death, and the devil by going to the cross and defeating them! Read Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8. In Christ, with Christ, we defeat death by dying, laying down our lives (Hebrews 2:14-15). And Jesus, who conquered death, hell, sin, Satan, and the grave, sends us to the cross – co-death with Him to defeat all of our sin and Satan also (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 8:29, 37; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). His precious blood alone atoned for our sins positionally, and yet to enforce that victory in defeating sin and Satan in our daily lives, Jesus prescribed to us the cross life (the practical).

The only thing we can do about this reality – about the iniquitous fleshly nature – is to crucify it (Galatians 5:16-24). There can be no negotiation.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

The one way to master sin is bow to Heaven’s Master and let Him master sin! The cross.

BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ROSE AGAIN, ALL WHO ARE BORN AGAIN IN HIM ARE RAISED UP SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE TO OVERCOME ALL SIN, SATAN, AND THE WORLD, AND WILL SOON be RAISED UP INTO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HEAVEN’S KING.

Rhetorical Question: What’s your fasting and prayer plan beloved? Your answer to this important, prompting question is before you and your LORD….

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. The fact that you don’t want to fast is the clear proof that you need to fast. Currently, your flesh is in control! Once you are broken, you will delight in, you will look forward to those times of regular fasting! Read Isaiah 58. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer

Times of Fasting and prayer get YOU out of the way so Jesus can reign supreme! Isaiah 58

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

“He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30

FASTING IS STARVING THE FLESH AND FEEDING THE SPIRIT IN ORDER TO BE BROUGHT BY THE LORD INTO FULL ONENESS WITH HIM AND THE FATHER, AND INTO THE COMPLETE VICTORY AND FRUITFULNESS HE’S ORDAINED YOU TO WALK IN (ISAIAH 58).

Read Romans 6-8.

I am not a good person. Neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The Bible and our own failing experience in this life clearly reveal such to be the case. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently that there is “no good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a fresh, deeper work in us! See Romans 7:18, 24—the cross!

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9

The SINNER, the vile wretch I must first and foremost confront, is myself! See Job 19:28; Rom 7:18, 24; Ps 39:4-5 and Eccl 7:20. It’s essential to begin to understand the flesh, the fallen man, the iniquitous old man, in order to realize what we’ve been saved from and what must be crucified daily. The cross is God’s solution, His prescription to “put off the old man with his deeds.”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” Ephesians 4:22

The cross subdues the flesh, it separates us from being held captive to the dictates of the old man, the carnal fallen nature.

The Root of the Matter is in Me! | The Daily Cross

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