“LORD, Increase Our Faith”

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

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

Dare we pray as did the apostles…..

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

Here the twelve were asking the God of the universe to “increase” their “faith.” The reader will note that there is no hint in this passage that the twelve original disciples of Christ sought to believe in themselves more fully.

HOW DOES FAITH INCREASE? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word and is forged in us as we obey, right? Yes, see Romans 10:17. Yet Jesus’ disciples asked Him to “increase our faith” and were not upbraided for doing so (Luke 17:5). So, how should we approach receiving more faith toward God? By studying His Word and asking Him for more of it!

When facing enemies, obstacles, God’s people cried out to Him… grab this!

“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Did you catch the tail end of that? – “neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” In other words, “LORD, we don’t know what to do – BUT WE ARE LOOKING TO YOU FOR THE SOLUTION!”

I visited a church fellowship recently and the message was biblically good – except for when the pastor said that we should “believe in ourselves.”

The Son of God instructed us to “Have faith in God” – not self (Mark 11:22).

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Proverbs 28:26

Is not self-trust the message of the new age movement and all the cults – to look within because all you need is inside you? Wasn’t this the first lie Satan told to the man and woman in the garden, to which they hearkened? Isn’t Satan still using false teachers to perpetrate this same lure? Didn’t he convince Adam and Eve that they didn’t need God because they were sufficient in and of themselves? (See Gen. 3:1-5; 1 Cor. 10:13.) Isn’t this the message of all of alienated mankind (the world) who are not trusting in the total sufficiency of Jesus Christ?

The complete absence of even one instruction in holy Scripture to trust self should tell us something.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Isn’t self-reliance the very thing that separates the saved and the unsaved? Wouldn’t self-trust be the antithesis of trusting in God? Why would we need to “trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart” if we were sufficient in ourselves? (See Prov. 3:5-6.) Why would we need God if we have all we need inside us – without Him?

“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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21

Have you noticed that this self-trust message has infiltrated every segment of society and nearly all motivational communications? This is to be expected among those who are without God (Eph. 2:12). Most unfortunately it has greatly consumed the church world through the psychologizing of the faith, and most people in the Church world do not realize this. Most modern day church goers believe that they need a mixture of faith in God and self-trust and reliance.

Yes, we have our part in many things – but not justification. This is the free gift of God provided through Christ’s one sacrifice (Jn. 19:30; Heb. 10:12). In our daily lives, the LORD calls us to use what He gave us with all diligence while simultaneously trusting Him in and for all things (Phil. 2:12-13; Prov. 10:4; 1 Cor. 15:10, etc.).

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

Our “place of refuge” is in “the fear of the LORD” and it is there we have “strong confidence.”

Some have even taught that “God believes in you.” How could this possibly be – in light of what He establishes in His Word about mankind (doctrine of man)? No doubt that the LORD knows who His good stewards are, but to say that “God believes in us” is unfounded and can be misleading.

The LORD is all-knowing and the following is what He tells us concerning fallen mankind.

THE DOCTRINE OF FALLEN MAN (a foundational Bible doctrine)

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

“Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee:verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:5

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10

When we truly understand the doctrine of sinful man, we realize the utter futility of placing confidence in him.

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” John 2:23-25

Notice here that Christ “knew what was in man” therefore He “did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.”

Every human being has faith in something or someone. Would you agree that faith is only as valid as the object or person in which it is placed? Why place trust in any other than the eternal and all-knowing, omnipotent, God and Creator of all things?

“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3

The “manifold grace and wisdom of God” are totally sufficient to make His children excel in this life and be pleasing to Him in all things and at all times (Eph. 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:10). His surpassing greatness consumes and elevates all those who are pursuing ever-deepening relationship with Him, possess genuine humility, and truly trust in Him for all things (James 4:6-10; Ps 75:5-6). His grace is sufficient for them.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Let’s ask God to “increase our faith” in Him and diminish all self-trust which has never led to anything except failure, misery and sinfulness (Lk. 17:5).

Jesus Christ told us to “Have faith in God,” not man/self (Mark 11:22). Paul, the apostle of the LORD, said “we…have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil. 3:3) Self-trust and self-reliance are the antithesis of trust in God. Why would we need Him, if we are sufficient in and of ourselves because we can somehow draw power from within (as many teach). All must choose. If one claims to be a Christian and yet trusts in self, he is deceived. All godless philosophies foster such rebellion.

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:10

God requires faith from those who will please Him and He will exclusively and abundantly reward those who look to Him and not themselves or some other idol.

“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

When we read Hebrews 11 afresh, we begin to further realize that FAITH is not something we use to get things for ourselves but rather something He requires and is the blessed connection we enjoy between God and ourselves.

PRAYER: Holy Father, please forgive my sinful, evil unbelief. Here and now I repent of not trusting You. Thank You for all You have already provided. Every good and perfect gift, beginning with the breath of life, came from Your loving hand. I love You Jesus. Cleanse my wicked heart. Please grant this heart to be an heart of flesh and bless this life to walk, to live in the mind of Christ – worshiping and serving You, and serving others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen dear LORD!

Faith | Discipleship |

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Articles

Is there Power in Prayer? [podcast]

There is power in prayer but the power is not the prayer.

The power is God.

He’s the One answering the prayers of His saints.

This is done on the basis of Christ’s perfect sacrifice.

Yes God is the power. Is there “power in prayer”? Yes because when we pray we are blessed to access God the Father through Christ – who is the power, who has “all power.”

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18

Prayer is simply the venue God gave us to access Him.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

God’s desires to answer our prayers in the name of Jesus that our “joy may be full” in Christ.

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

Abiding in Christ according to the wisdom and counsel of His written Word is a condition for answered prayer.

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

“Lord, Teach us to Pray" [podcast]

“Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3 Prayer is simply communing with God. “One of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1 “Lord, teach us to pray.” Christ’s disciples today should ask the LORD to “teach us to pray.” The disciples called on Jesus to teach them to pray—to have a prayer life, to live a life of prayer, to commune with Him and the Father perpetually. Christ answered them and us by giving the whole Church a model prayer to be followed in spontaneous and joyful relationship. Here it is: “And it […]

The Daily Cross in Prayer [podcast]

Prayer is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3). (Excerpt from the book I Die Daily) “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3 Let’s isolate and dismantle these words of God a bit. Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David says to the LORD: That He (God) would hear his (David’s) “voice” That “in the morning” the Psalmist would arise and seek God in prayer Deliberately “in the morning,” he would “direct” his prayer and praying to the LORD – “in the […]

Abiding

Empowered by His Word and Cross [podcast]

Being Crucified with Christ Assures that we will Preach His Word.

Why do people get weak and compromise, and faint in the battle?

“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10

How to go from “small” “strength” to much strength

How to get built up, to be “nourished up” …..

“praying in the Holy Ghost.”

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude 20

“nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine”

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”1 Timothy 4:6

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” – running rich on the divine fuel of God’s Word.

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

“For I am the LORD, I change not.” Malachi 3:6

“Our love to the word of God is evidence of our Love to God”. Matthew Henry.

God, and therefore what He’s stated are unchanging, unfailing, everlasting, ever-living and ever-relevant.

The LORD would and will never contradict His own Word.

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89

“My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Psalms 89:34

The LORD’s Word cannot and will not change because He will never change. Divinity, eternal perfection, needs no change.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31

The Word of God is the authority of God – the very “thoughts of his heart.”

“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Psalms 33:11

Jesus called the Scripture the authority of God.

“Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:” Luke 11:49

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

“If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” John 10:35

To a man speaking of the “walking according to the present voice of God” the following reply was given:

Yet you speak of the “present voice of God” which is concerning. Has anything God has ever stated even minutely diminished? No. Impossible. God is unchanging and therefore so is His written Word. Ps 89:34; 119:89; Mark 13:31 …. Psalms 119:105 is the way we walk in the Spirit. The leading of the Holy Spirit can never be separated from the written Word. “God is not the author of confusion” and so will never contradict Himself (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Every part of His creation is changing, yet He is forever Constant.

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8

What God has stated in His Word will come to pass and has no expiration date.

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail.” Isaiah 34:16

As seen from the inception, in the very Garden of creation, Satan wants the “foundation” …..removed or diminished.

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalms 11:3

“that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”

“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

29 For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:24-29

Building the house of our lives on the Word, the only sure, eternal foundation.

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:19-29

May He bless His children to be strictly and inseparably cemented in and to His Word amen!

“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Psalms 33:11

Have you ever pondered why there is little or no Scripture being used when listening to someone pretending to be speaking about the LORD? You should wonder (Matthew 7:16, 20; 1 John 4:1).

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Isa 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

“Preach the word” is the divine mandate, command (2 Timothy 4:2).

Let us cease to pretend that we represent the LORD when everything we say isn’t coming straight out of His Word. Read that again please. He didn’t instruct us to entertain or to tell stories. He commanded us to preach HIS Word. King James Bible.

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

Think God is calling you to serve? Good. If He has saved you, He has called you (Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:7). Get lost in His Word every day (Jeremiah 15:16). Read it (Revelation 1:3). Study it (2 Timothy 2:15). Memorize it (Proverbs 4:4). Meditate upon it day and night (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1). THAT’s your prep for ministry, not going to an antichrist seminary. Jesus inducted you into His school of the Holy Ghost and Word the moment He saved you.

Are you daily devouring God’s Word, OR are you backsliding?

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

Speaking the Word of God in the Crucified Life.

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

It’s only those who choose NOT to love the truth who remain in darkness. Speaking of the “man of sin” (v3) to come and also all men, God’s Word states:

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

When one turns his heart to the LORD, the darkness, the blindness subsides:

“Nevertheless when it (the heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Will you love darkness or will you turn to God in repentance and love “the light of the world” Jesus Christ and His truth?

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

Prayer: Holy Father, I know You are unchanging, and Your Word is settled in Heaven. Thank You so very much for giving us Your unalterable Word, for preserving it for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Victory of the Crucified Life [podcast]

The victory of God in your life comes through the victory of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection. And thereafter, from adhering to His instructions on how to walk with Him – the way of the cross. “Praise be to God! Glory, glory, O what a wonderful Saviour we have in Christ Jesus! What salvation! What beauty of holiness that can change ashes into beauty! We praise Thee, Most High in all Thy beauty and holiness, and thank Thee for salvation found in Thy holy One, Jesus Christ.” Jon Crane WHO are truly Christ’s? “And they that are Christ’s have crucified […]

Teach the Bible [podcast]

JESUS IS COMING AND THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST IS “HOLDING FORTH (BOLDLY DECLARING) THE WORD OF LIFE” “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16 WHEN you speak God’s Word, you are speaking divine authority. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing […]

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The Perpetual Washing of the Blood of Jesus and the Water of the Word [podcast]

HERE’S WHAT BEING FULFILLED, WHAT’S COMING TO PASS RIGHT NOW

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

In the midst of the prophesied great apostasy we are in, Christ’s Remnant are…

Waxing hotter in their love for God v12
Enduring to the end v13
Preaching Christ’s kingdom Gospel to the lost v14

“God is love” and God is “Holy, holy, holy.” (1 John 4:8, 16; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)

He loves us. Fact.

He is holy. Fact.

Do we love Him?

Such will determine our eternal destination.

“And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33

Choosing to love God with….

“all the heart”

“all the understanding”

“all the soul”

“all they strength”

“We are commanded to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Mat 22:37). That means a total surrender of all that one holds dear, including yourself. It is a command from the LORD to love God with every fiber of our being and to have Him as our first love. This means a wholehearted devotion to Him, and Him alone. Let your heart be the dwelling place for the Lord.” Karen Cochran

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself 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

“IF”

“But IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”1 John 1:7

“IF we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

“Continually”

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

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]

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

What Church is Jesus Coming Back for? [podcast]

ETERNAL SECURITY DEATH NAIL. CASE CLOSED! Are you personally, intimately familiar with the words of Holy Scripture found in Ephesians 5:25-27? “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave […]