Forbid Him Not

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]

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4

IN their early days, it was pride in the disciples that caused them to question and seek to get Jesus to shut down other ministries. They were judging another man’s servant as Paul puts it (Romans 14:4). Jesus replied and shut them down by forbidding sectarianism. Watch this:

“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50

Jesus’ disciples here sought to shut down others doing what Christ apparently saw as legitimate ministry.

Do we not become the enemy of Christ if we stand in the way of His work, His workers?

The LORD grants us discernment to “know” (discern) who His body is and who isn’t a true disciple – “by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20)

Let us give God thanks for each and every member of Jesus’ body today and the work He’s called them to do! (1 Corinthians 12)

Flash Point: Other people doing ministry aren’t illegitimate because they don’t follow your exact pattern or gather with your group. Let’s humble ourselves in repentance and God will give us a kingdom perspective saints.

Jesus commanded the members of His body to …

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Especially in our day, where Daniels’ prophecy of exponentially increased technology is playing out, there are many ways to communicate God’s Word to people (Daniel 12:3-4). Which one of those many communication mediums is it evil to use in communicating God’s Word? None! In fact, ministries which also use the internet, in addition to local ministry, reach exponentially more saints and sinners with God’s Word.

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalms 68:11

Examples of Judging another man’s Servant

At times we’ve had folks balk that we “sell books” as if every author and every worker on the planet is worthy of his hire except those who do the most important and only eternal work of the Gospel. SMH. For the record, the ministry makes no money on the sale of books. Most of that small amount of money goes toward sending books into prisons! Every time a book is ordered through the ministry website, we have to pay the publisher (amazon) for that book(s) and the shipping to send it to the person who ordered it.

Because this outreach ministry is quite visible on the web, some may not realize that reaching the world via the web is but one phase of the outreach. Evangelism, feeding and clothing the poor, and engaging other pastors and saints in biblical discussion is also ongoing daily. Check out the Because You Care page here for a taste of other ministry operations that a transpiring.

Wouldn’t it be a kingdom-minded perspective to flood the marketplace of books with Scripture-rich books? Does amazon and other booksellers need more secular or more biblical based books for people to choose from?

Over the years we’ve received a couple of fiery emails about just giving the books away. Yet you can’t give away books when the publisher charges for each copy! Books on amazon have to be bought.

The Scripture-rich books we offer is ALL done to reach people with God’s Word in every possible place.

Laugh of the day … is when people say we’re in this for the money. If you only knew how under-supported the outreach is, you’d laugh too!

Saints, if the LORD is choosing to use us, we must not become pride-filled and act as if we are greater than any other disciple. If we do, we will be prone to wrongly judge other believers which is sin. We should be praying that all other of Christ’s saints will be used MORE than Jesus uses us! (Philippians 2:3-5)

Just because your Gospel ministering happens in a physical building on Sunday mornings, doesn’t mean it is illegitimate nor does it mean the ministering of others is not just as important. The day of the week nor the communication medium and physical location do not determine the divine legitimacy of ministering. Did Jesus and His holy apostles minister out of or in a “church building” or did they go to the people? Didn’t Jesus command us to “GO”? (Mark 16:15)

Perhaps some need a fresh, attentive, sobering read of the books of the Gospels and the book of Acts. Note: Not 1 dime was collected for a physical “church building.” Such came around later with the great apostasy.

It is pride and high-minded arrogance to vainly believe that our ministry work is more significant than that of other members of Christ’s body. Pride is evil. Pride never emanates from the crucified vessel.

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12

God alone saves and places the members of His body where He chooses to use them. Jesus bled to redeem each member of His body and He’s in charge of what He prepares and leads them to do, not man.

“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Corinthians 12:18

We are “one body in Christ” saints. Let us lift up, edify, and pray for the greatest fruitfulness in each member and rejoice when God blesses others!

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-28

“Would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!”

Let us hear Moses today. Moses wished all of God’s people were doing ministry! In this passage, we see how a young man ran and warned Moses of others doing ministry among God’s people. What was the response of Moses?

“But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. 27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. 29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!” Numbers 11:26-29

Like Moses, the godly today desire to see God anoint and use each and every one of His people mightily! They rejoice at such! They rejoice that Christ is glorified in the hearts of men through the ministry of the Word and Spirit of God – regardless of the vessel used! (1 Corinthians 12)

It doesn’t so much matter WHO is preaching the Word. No, it matters most that the Word of God be preached!

Are you threatened by the ministry of others? What in us might still need to be crucified?

It’s the blessed crucifying cross that makes us free from the bonds of self and puts to death all self-glory and wrong judgment of others! Christ alone is LORD and worthy of all glory! (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5)

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Liberty in Non-Essentials: Receive Ye One Another [podcast]

God gives each of His saints liberty in NON-essentials, that is, in things not clearly stated as being sin. Read Romans 14 prayerfully, carefully. The decisions other believers make concerning NON-essentials is none of your business. Read Romans 14 and obey God. Concerning this important chapter, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes: “Romans 14:1-23 In Relation to Other Believers (14:1-15:13) 14:1 Romans 14:1-15:13 deals with important principles to guide God’s people in dealing with matters of secondary importance. These are the things that so often cause conflict among believers, but such conflict is quite unnecessary, as we shall see. A weak […]

"Warn them from Me": The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God's People [podcast]

The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast] Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in […]

Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast]

Revolutionary! Is there a reason your bag has Holes in it? “Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. 7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5-7 The people who were supposed to be the LORD’s people had alienated the affections of their away […]

Articles

Rich in Faith [podcast]

“Them that Love Him”

——WHAT one temporarily has in this fleeting world or doesn’t have, has NOTHING to do with that person’s spiritual state. This is what Jesus taught: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) In fact James says:

“HEARKEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, HATH NOT GOD CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?” JAMES 2:5

James says God chooses those for His eternal kingdom “that love him,” namely “the poor of this world.” We are justified by “faith” and not by what we do or do not temporarily possess in this fleeting life.

IF in your mind you rate people by what they have or don’t have in this fleeting sinful world, you are deeply deceived and in utter need of repentance and the washing of water by the Word of God. You are carnally minded (Romans 8:5-6).

Regrettably, it seems that most people professing to be following Christ, the One who gave all, are not the least bit concerned if their brother or sister has a need. God have mercy upon us and grant us repentance in Jesus’ Name! Are these people truly saved?

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 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 3:16-19

“If we are in Jesus we have the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran

Some have tens of thousands in the bank and could care less to find out if a sister or brother has a need. The Bible assures us that they are not saved. If you have even a little to give and don’t, it’s because you simply have chosen not to know and abide in Christ.

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17

The financial institutions and their salesmen are vying for your money. They want your money to invest so that you and they earn a financial gain in this life. Christians in need, orphans, and Gospel workers are also available to invest in. To help them is to invest in the LORD’s kingdom and be repaid dividends for eternity. Oh, and your heart will follow where you choose to place your money. Jesus says “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me and make me Your authentic follower. Jesus I love You. Let me walk as You walked, live as You lived, love as You love. Bless this life You gave to be truly crucified with You – dead, buried, and raised up – a vessel of honor for Your glory! In Jesus’ name.

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Giving at it's Best! [podcast]

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 Whenever we do things they way our LORD prescribes in His Word, blessings abound. “And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 31:14 What’s the purpose? What is our giving to be used for? To feed the poor saints (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). To supply the […]

Treasures In Heaven [podcast]

Being Possessed with an Eternal Perspective The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven. True worshipers of the One who gave all rejoice to give a portion back to the LORD who provides all we have had, do have, and ever will have (James 1:17). Are you truly trusting God for your provision? “Without Faith it is Impossible to Please Him” Hebrews 11:6 Our LORD Jesus teaches: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where […]

Abiding

Safety in Wise Counsel [podcast]

“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” Proverbs 20:18

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 37:23

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

“Safety” in wise counsel from God’s wisdom, Word, and including at times with the help of His beloved saints.

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31

“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:6

Caprice means a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:13-18

The Power and Blessings of God's Wisdom [podcast]

Proverbs 3:13-23 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy […]

Judgment to Come Necessitates the Crucified Life [podcast]

“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 In light of “eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:2), the apostle speaks here of his preparation for it. Paul knew that eternal damnation awaited him if he dared not keep under his body, to crucify the deeds of the body to “bring it into subjection” by the daily crucified life. Keeping under our bodies speaks of a continual essential. Keeping under means subduing the old man by crucifying it daily. “For […]

Articles

“Let Brotherly Love Continue” [podcast]

“Let Brotherly Love Continue.” Hebrews 13:1

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2

1 John 4

God Is Love

“7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 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.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

1 Corinthians 13

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 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. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

The Cardinal Characteristic of Knowing God [podcast]

The word “love” appears 311 times in God’s Word. It’s one thing to know the Bible. It’s another thing to know the God of the Bible. “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 This is why He created you – to know Him. “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 The disciple has nothing more important […]

13 Times the Bible Commands Us to "Love One Another" [podcast]

“Love One Another” “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE ONE ANOTHER; as I have loved you, that ye also LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” John 13:34 “This is my commandment, That ye LOVE ONE ANOTHER, as I have loved you.” John 15:12 “These things I command you, that ye LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” John 15:17 “Owe no man any thing, but to LOVE ONE ANOTHER: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to LOVE ONE […]