“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove (expose), rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
WE have no instance of Christ or His apostles praying for a wolf. But we often see them openly exposing them and instructing them to do the same. Warning
Have you ever attended the meetings, seen or read the books, heard the tapes, or visited the sites with the supposed prophetic words given from self-appointed prophets and apostles? It takes little reading to see that these guys do not represent the LORD at all as they suppose, but they do use His holy name in vain by attaching it to their own false visions and false burdens (Lam. 2:14). Like the false prophets of old, their messages are missing the elements of the true prophets and the LORD’s message. Most of it is flattery. Are these things to be addressed by God-fearing men?
“And they (true servant-leaders) shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:23-24
The disciple who diligently, relentlessly studies to show himself approved unto God, will rightly divide what is true and what is false (2 Timothy 2:15). The one who knows and uses the written Word, “the more sure word of prophecy”, will not be deluded by the fancy speeches of these false apostles and false prophets who speak a vision of their own deceived hearts to be seen of men (Heb. 5:11-14; 2 Pet. 1:16-21).
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16
The LORD has magnified and lifted His Word ABOVE even His own name, so where does that leave the words of mere men who are in their very best state – “altogether vanity”? (Ps. 39:5; 138:2) If we truly honor the LORD and uphold His holy Word as final divine authority, we will cease to be impressed by the words of mere men.
“Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.” Proverbs 25:14
Isn’t it time we cease from defending these false prophets and instead, begin to violently uncover the darkness of these emissaries of the devil who are leading millions astray? (2 Cor. 11:13-15) Where do you stand? “With” OR “against” Jesus Christ? (Matt. 12:30)
“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16
MARK of an agent of Satan: One who is not warning the flock of God in order to protect Jesus’ people and then attacks those who are warning them to protect them!!
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TYPICAL DEFENSE OF A WOLF:
“But wait, he’s led many thousands to the Lord!”
REPLY:
Jesus saves all by Himself, even using wolves at times. That is a front, intentionally taught to you by the wolf to cover, to keep himself from being detected, like sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). After witnessing the “ministry” of this false teacher for years, I highly doubt most of those people truly were saved. He doesn’t even speak of the chasm their sin has caused so how can they truly be convicted and repent? They can’t in most cases. Luke 13:3…. If God truly did save some of them, it was in spite of White, not because of him.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I do applaud your zeal for truth! I personally just think it is wise exercising prudence about knowing the hearts of men or women, only God knows. He will separate the wheat from the chaff.”
REPLY:
Jesus commanded us to “KNOW (Gr. discern) by their fruits” and told us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 15-16, 20; 12:34) ALL men are known by the fruit of what they teach – either sound or false doctrine (Titus 2:1). Why would the Son of God told us to “KNOW” people by the fruit of their lives if He didn’t want us to discern, to “Judge righteous judgment”? (John 7:24)
MESSAGE RECEIVED IN DEFENSE OF JOEL OSTEEN WHO WAS BEING EXPOSED:
Folks Your Spiritual Ignorance Will Limit The Word Of God In Your Lives…”
REPLY:
Speaking of ignorance….. you are bidding Godspeed to (condoning, defending) an obvious false teacher which means you will be judged with this wolf. Repent. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 2 Jn 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11
It’s interesting how you condemn others (wrongly) by saying they are wrongly judging. Wow. Hypocrisy. Matt 7:1-5
ALL of God’s true people are His anointed (2 Cor 1:21; 1 John 2:20, 27, etc.). You are using that verse out of context.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“We are not to come against God’s servants.”
REPLY:
They AREN’T God’s servants and any astute student of Scripture knows that… we are divinely mandated to mark them – Read closely – “THEY SERVE NOTTTTT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST” …..
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such (false teachers) serve NOT our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Rom 16:17-18
See something wrong with this statement?
Keith Abrahams says: “I think the issue of women (in ministry) is very, very important in the end time church. I think it is very biblical – in the past there has been a lot of controversy over it. Lots of women have been put down in the church. But I believe that in the church of the last days we are going to have a lot of women (in ministry). I just returned from Europe, and I had the opportunity to speak with a pastor from the Ukraine. Most of the people on his apostolic team, in the largest church in Europe, are women. Now I think we need to back up (re-examine) Scripture . . .”
Our response: Notice how he starts off – “I think…” Who cares what this false prophet thinks? Do you? Concerning each and every issue, the one who is true to Christ asks “What saith the Scriptures?” Aren’t the Holy Scriptures the primary way God leads His New Testament people? See 2 Tim. 3:16. According to Keith Abrahams, the Jezebelian apostasy Jesus foretold us would revive in the churches in the last days, is now the measure of truth – especially in the nations of Europe which have largely rejected the truth for centuries now? See Revelation 2:18-29. Has Abrahams never read about the “more noble” believers at Berea who tested what even the apostle Paul stated against the Holy written Word? Did Paul arrogantly complain that someone would dare question him or his teaching? Not for a minute! (Acts 17:10-11)
One of the qualifications to be an elder in the kingdom of God is that one must be “the HUSBAND of one WIFE.” (1 Tim. 3:2) Can anyone tell us how that any woman possibly be “the HUSBAND of one wife?” In the same list of qualifications, we also read that the overseer must be “One that ruleth well HIS own house, having HIS children in subjection with all gravity.” (1 Tim. 3:4) Can anyone produce even one single verse in the New Testament canon which refers to a woman as an elder or overseer or bishop or apostle, prophet, evangelist of teacher? This doesn’t mean women don’t have gifts and ministry callings, but their role (not significance) is unique and different that that which God made man to fulfill. Why don’t we just do things God’s way – by simply adhering to His Word? It seems that there is a great lack of backbone among so many men who are in leadership. So many faint-hearted spiritual pansies are always trying to follow the least line of resistance and pander to the spirit of Jezebel in certain women who demand authority. Axe to the root!
Beware of the Apostolic Roundtable organization which is the nesting place for false apostles and false prophets. | NAR (New Apostolic Reformation Cult Exposed
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“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11
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Does this guy and this foolishness need any explanation?
Todd Bentley: “Somebody emailed our ministry and asked a valid question. He said, “Todd, you are going to have all these men – prophets and apostles – get together and talk about the emerging apostolic movement. My fear would be that there wouldn’t be a representation of the Goths, the Punks and the Ravers – the whole underground world that God is moving in today – the movement that offends and scares most people in the church. You know – the punked and colored hair with all the earrings and piercings in every part of the body. Is there not room for true apostle and prophets in that sub-culture? From that question I realized that we need to be very careful in the whole new emerging (apostolic) movement, not to just package it how we think it should look. I am going to make some statements now: There are punk apostles; there are biker prophets; there are ravers that are apostles; there are skinheads that are part of this prophetic movement…I don’t have any here right now. I’d be the closest thing. We must not forget that these (sub-cultures) have a voice in this whole prophetic movement too. The teenage apostles and the teenage prophets are being raised up, and it’s also happening in other spheres of life too.”
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“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:17-19
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At a recent conference, Jim Goll said: “In the beginning of the book of Acts, Jesus went about doing and then teaching, so this night there has been an example set before this great congregation (referring to himself and another self-appointed prophet). There has been an example of doing and teaching. And the Lord says this is the model of the book of Acts of the Apostles. For there has been the calling for the strategic keys of an apostolic age to be released (total deception). The Lord would say that this is significant, that this is important. That this consecration would occur in the middle of this celebration, for it is a doing and a teaching. It’s a catching of fish and a releasing of them to go forth and to multiply. And the Lord would say to you Todd, “I am going to surround you with elders. I am going to surround you with the elders of My counsel. I am going to bring them around you, those that are even twice your age and even some that are three times your age. I am going to bring them around you, both men and women, and they are going to be a safety net. They are going to be put around you for the birthing canal of which you are, and they will look in upon you, and they will wonder, and they will be fascinated, and they will wonder how in the world is all this happening in five years.”
Response: Note this deceptive statement slipped in here: “For there has been the calling for the strategic keys of an apostolic age to be released.” Whose “calling”? Where did the LORD tell us there is “the calling for the strategic keys of an apostolic age”? Do you know why these brood of false apostles and false prophets all say things like this? It’s simple – THEY are those people who are to rule over everyone else. Interestingly they themselves prophesy themselves into prominence, taking the name of the LORD in vain by placing it upon the dreams and visions of their own hearts. Remember that it was John the Baptist who announced the coming of Jesus and not He Himself (Matt. 3:3; Jn. 1:29).
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If you have ever wondered about the gold teeth fillings and gold dust manifestations, you will never wonder again after this page, which includes a historical sketch of the occultic roots of this phenomenon. Gold Rush – End-Time Lying Signs & Wonders
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“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” Jude 12-13
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Dialogue with pastor concerning Rick Warren:
It is truly regrettable to see those in leadership today so zealous to read other men’s words while neglecting the words of God. This manifests itself in that so many churches today have programs which virtually never feature the study of a book of the Bible but rather a book or media production from a mere human author (many who are adding to or taking away from the Word of God). Where is the discipleship in the Word? (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:15-4:4) No wonder such deception and deceit abounds in the visible church world (Matt. 24:10-13). Today, the spiritual empty apostate leadership in the visible American church world has learned well how to read what someone else says about the Bible and to follow trends and fad books from best-selling mere human authors. Take a look below at a recent dialogue I had with the pastor of a large congregation concerning fad book author Rick Warren. I had referred this pastor to our page on Rick Warren and here is his response and mine:
RESPONSE FROM THE PASTOR:
- “Todd: Rick Warren has been used of God to lead thousands of people to saving faith in Christ. I would be very careful in labeling him a false prophet. Jesus said, “You shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Based on the fruit in his life and ministry, I would call him a true follower of Jesus Christ. Does he do it all perfectly? No… but neither do you and neither do I. Would to God that you and I had ministries that brought untold thousands of people from “the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of His beloved Son” (Col. 1:13)” J. S. Pastor, FBC
RESPONSE:
“Thanks Brother Jeff…God bless you in His truth and peace brother. Thanks for emailing.
Does Warren even give the Gospel in his purpose book? Does he boldly and fervently call men to repentance before a holy God as John the Baptist and Jesus did – Matt. 3:4; 4:17. “Repent” was the very first word they each preached. They didn’t preach “believe” first but rather “repent”. Neither did they seek to draw men using entertainment. Remember, hirelings entertain goats while true under-shepherds feed Christ’s sheep and unwaveringly preach the original Gospel.
Did you realize that Warren was trained under Robert Schuller, a known false prophet? and he uses his methods and philosophies today….Warren is on the cutting edge of the seeker-sensitive movement which has removed repentance and therefore the alter call to call men to repent) and turned to entertainment in order to draw the nickels, noses and numbers. Jesus commanded His true followers to preach repentance (Lk. 24:47). He said it was essential to salvation (Lk. 13:3,5). This alone should prove the lack of genuine Bible fruit in Warren’s ministry. Preaching repentance is not conducive to drawing and keeping crowds so it is simply removed by the enterprising circus leaders of our day who are fashioning a “christianity” in their own image. Jesus help us before it is too late – Matt. 7:15-29.
Brother Jeff, this is how I see it after much observation so have no problem marking him in order to warn others and see Christ’s sheep protected – which is the mandate of every true servant of Jesus (Rom. 16:17-18; Col. 1:27-29; 2:8,18-19; Acts 20:27-32, Jude 3-4, etc.). Paul marked 8 men by name in the 4 chapters of 2 Timothy – “Naming Names – Is It Biblical?” Jesus is Coming, todd
Personally, I refuse to follow or fall into the politically correct silence of those who refuse to cry wolf on the wolves who operate in our midst and deceive and damn souls (Isa. 9:6; Ezek. 22:25, 27; Rom. 16:17-18; Col. 2:8). They must be marked as commanded by the LORD. Spiritual cowards who do not want to lose their lives (reputations) in their circles (among men) appear to have forsaken Jesus and His truth for the admiration of mere men (Mk. 8:34; Lk. 6:26; Gal. 1:10; 4:16; Jude 1:16).
Saints, the sad thing is that those who protect, defend and support these fad authors/works of fire-consumable stubble have made popular their works which do not present the true Gospel clearly given in the whole of Scripture (Hos. 4:6). Where is the discernment? Where are the Berean believers of this hour! (Acts 17:10-11) Those who fund these ministries are making them financially wealthy while many times those in the trenches who like Jesus care for several and also that one wayward sheep, and communicate the whole counsel of the Word, go hungry.
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, bless us never to fund the work of those who are accursed, those who turn aside from Thee and lead others astray with deception and lies, another gospel, another Jesus, and by another spirit, crassly denying and ignoring Your precious precepts. Nay rather bless us to get behind and prayerfully and diligently push upwardly, further forward those works and Gospel workers true to Your Word and Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Apostasy
Jesus Promised Judas an Eternal Throne in Heaven but He Chose to go to Hell #shorts [video]
Judas died and went to eternal hell, irrevocably as every lost soul shall experience (Acts 1:25). Judas is the “son of perdition” and “perdition” means damnation (John 17:12).
Here’s all the ministry’s shorts (60 secs) videos. Feel free to share:
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
Judas was even sent out with the other apostles to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 10:1-8). He was real, then backslid and is in hell (Acts 1:16-25).
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones (not 11), judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)
Judas wasn’t kept and Jesus specifically and irrefutably promised him an eternal throne in Heaven – Matthew 19:28. “TWELVE” not eleven~!
At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abundantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ would have never given this promise to the “twelve” which includes Judas Iscariot (Matthew 19:28). It is only after this that Judas allowed iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).
“Saying, I (Judas) have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.” Matthew 27:4
“Eternal security”? Don’t kid yourself. Moral cowards who refuse to take person accountability for their every thought, motive, and deed love this lie. Satan’s first lie – which led to the fall of mankind (Gen 2:17; 3:4).
“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
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Articles
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?
Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.
“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….
“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso
—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15
“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14
LOVE is the governing factor:
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:
- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”
Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20
Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!
“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21
“His commandment are not grievous”
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37
“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).
Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).
1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.
If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.
One writer notes:
“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”
IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13
Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 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
Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?
Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).
After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Uphold Jesus (audio)
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Abiding
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
By Jon Crane
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).
The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5). Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).
Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.
“But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25
More Thoughts…
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of love – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11
When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.
Remember whose you are …
“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23
Take heart…
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18
Romans 3
“Moreover, brethern, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Rom. 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26
Confession made…
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
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