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Anatomy of a Mega-Star, Popular Wolf – How Does this Happen?

Anyone who doesn’t see that most pastors today are preaching a false Gospel, do not know the true Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).

SCAM “PASTORS” have invaded every town in America and are spreading their poison across the globe! Just who are they? ALL who know and are diligently seeking and experiencing Jesus Christ daily are not the least bit impressed with the self-serving “pastor” who has set up his local church business where he entertains the gullible to get their business and keep their business!(Philippians 3:6-14) These enterprising, self-serving hirelings see the successful business model and opportunity being utilized by the modern seeker-friendly, emergent church wolves and have set out to experience their own “success” in the church business industry.

First off, just why are false prophets so popular in this last hour? Is popularity among the sinful masses of mere men a sign of godliness or ungodliness?

Did you realize that Jesus warned us to beware of any leader who is popular among sinful men? – “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26

Think about their messages which are not at all what we see Christ and His apostles saying when we simply read the Bible. Right?

Is life really a country club?

Is it safe to buy into a fairy tale with Christ’s holy name tacked on to the end of it as an afterthought and to somehow lure in the people?

Wouldn’t a second grader know that there is a distinct difference between the message of the Bible and that of smooth talking rainbow promising mere men like Joel Osteen?

Weren’t Christ and His apostles all martyred? Were they not poor in this world? Did they not live for the next world?

Didn’t Jesus say to His people “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)

This is intellectual dishonesty to begin with and much more insidiously, this is a scam – a flowery message intentionally put forth to deceive the people in order to gain their allegiance and money (Romans 16:17-18; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Why is Joel Osteen so popular? Joel Osteen Exposed Why do millions of dollars flow into Joel Osteen’s coffers monthly? Why are the word of faith wolves so popular? Why do Rick Warren’s books sell by the millions? Why are the Emergent Church deceivers so popular?)

Those who love and are willing to defend beguilers like Joel Osteen do so because they love what Osteen tells them. They love lies. God is not important enough for these people to investigate and study His Word as He told them to do (John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.). “They are not valiant for the truth.” (Jeremiah 9:3)

Joel Osteen has risen to mega-celebrity status on the wave of self-loving people who claim to be Christians but have no fruit to prove such a claim.

Are YOU being swept away in this prophesied tidal wave of deception which will end in eternal damnation? Did the Son of God not warn about this exact thing?

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. … And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. …  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24: 3-5, 11, 24

Here is exactly the reason that so many wolves are loved by millions of self-serving counterfeit “Christians” in this late hour:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;Having a form of godliness, but denying the power (authority) thereof: from such turn away.For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7

We cannot possibly understand the whole picture of what we see transpiring before our very eyes in this late hour until we understand both sides of this equation which is primarily driven by God-less, self-loving souls who claim to be Christ’s.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering 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

These celebrity deceivers would not be popular today if there were not so many Savior-rejecting selfish souls who pay and promote them.

Wolves who are celebrated by millions today are popular only because there are many people who do not wish to lay down their lives to truly follow Christ on His terms. Jesus taught:

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

Mankind has fallen by his sin. He is corrupted and “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5, 12)  Unredeemed and back slidden men are ruled by “The heart” that “is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” (Jeremiah 17:9)  Sin: Man’s Core Problem

Unrepentant men do not love Christ. They do not want and reject the light of His holy 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

Scam leaders and authors would have us believe that we live in an enlightened age. That is a pure and unadulterated poisonous lie.

You see, the Bible told us that “there is NO NEW THING under the sun.” – “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

“Ditch the Truth and Bring On the Lies Please!”

Cried of the unrepentant counterfeits: Nothing has changed since the prophet Isaiah wrote this:

“Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law (written Word) of the Lord: 10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy NOT unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits (tell us sweet little lies please)11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path (truth), cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. 12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. 14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. 15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” Isaiah 30:8-15

The people who claimed to be God’s children in Isaiah cried out for their leaders to give them “smooth”messages that cost them nothing. Like millions today, these willingly deceived people wanted to vainly believe they were safe and secure for eternity, but did not want to obey the One they claim is their Savior. Then, the LORD pronounced judgment upon them if they did not return to Him (repent). The same goes for today (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 9-12). The eternal lake of fire awaits the souls of all who have been saved and have refused to “endure to the end” trusting Christ in sincerity and obedient faith (Matthew 10:22; 24:10-13; Revelation 2-3). Any person who has been saved and thinks that they are “eternally secure” no matter what, is utterly delusional and the very dupe of Satan himself.  Read Lie of the Ages.

Osteen and many other smooth-talking, silver tongue, flesh-flattering devils are telling you to seek “your best life now.” Jesus is saying “love Me supremely not yourself and die to yourself and I will raise you up and give you riches untold for all eternity.” Who shall you follow?

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. … 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.” Matthew 7:15, 21

Any ear-tickling message will do because those messages are counterfeit and do not call one to die to self which is exactly what Jesus commanded.

THE UNGODLY who vainly think they are saved, will listen to, pay, celebrate, and fiercely defend anyone who tells them what THEY want to hear. WHY? Because they love self, not the Savior. Isn’t that what the Holy Spirit warned us would be the apostate state of the masses who have a mere “form of godliness but deny the power (authority) thereof”? (2 Timothy 3:1-7) The reason why people love Joyce Meyer, Creflo “holla fo yo” Dolla, Joel Osteen, and other frauds, is because those people are serving SELF and not Christ who said “MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME.”(John 10:27) Notice that Jesus says that His sheep follow HIM and not mere men, especially not the smiling clowns who are merely entertaining them by telling them self-serving niceties. It’s a scam! Jesus’ sheep follow Him via HIS Words, period. Do we begin to get it?

The love of self is at the root of this matter. Men who love self refuse to die to self and instead worship self. They then must sacrifice Christ on the altar of self. Either a man will sacrifice self or will sacrifice Jesus on the altar of self. Is this not exactly what Jesus taught? – “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24)

Those who are selling you on the idea that God just wants to make you happy and rich in this temporal, sinful world are leading you AWAY from God and not to Him. Jesus told us that “In the world ye SHALL have tribulation.”  (John 16:33)  Does that sound like what Osteen and popular leaders are teaching? What are they wanting to hide from you? Are they afraid you may stop patronizing THEIR ministries? Whose interest do they have in mind – yours or their own?

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

Jesus’ apostle Paul promised:

“Yea, and ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:12-13

When have you ever heard Osteen or other modern deceivers quote this Bible verse? What might they be afraid of you finding out?

They are lying against LORD and clearly misrepresenting Him. Their message is quite contrary to what He told us in His unchanging Word.

Leaders Who Scam their Gullible, Truth-Denying Audiences

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully.” Jeremiah 48:10

It is utterly heartbreaking to see just how ungrounded so many of these people are who flock to see and support these scam wolves. To start a “revival,” all you need to do is get a slick-sounding guy who sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, play some good music in the background, and WHAM you’ve got a “revival.”

Most people who claim to be Christians don’t even know Acts 17:11 much less use it to discern. Do YOU know what that truth says? Have you memorized and put it into use daily, or, will you be deceived and damned also?

A building and gathering does not make the leader a true pastor. All in leadership must be tested against the Word of God beloved saints. “Be not deceived!” (Ephesians 5:6)

The car doesn’t make the man. The house doesn’t make the woman. The money doesn’t make the person. The building and pulpit don’t make someone a pastor.

If you went to Burger King every day for the rest of your life, would you become a hamburger? No. Neither is a man a pastor due to having a following, a pulpit, a committee, or a building. No divine authority is invested into any mere man other than that that man is regenerated, broken, humbled, and obediently living under the authority of Jesus Christ (John 3:34; 14:23; Acts 5:32; 2 Corinthians 10:6; 2 Timothy 2:20-21; 1 Peter 5:1-8).

What does God’s Word teach concerning the fruit and characteristics of a true servant-leader?

When speaking of “false prophets” Jesus said we would “know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16) Let’s look at the fruits of a true apostle/servant:

“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity,patience, Persecutions, afflictions …” 2 Timothy 3:10

Paul says here that “thou hast fully known my”:

  • “doctrine”
  • “manner of life”
  • “purpose”
  • “faith”
  • “longsuffering”
  • “charity”
  • “patience”
  • “Persecutions”
  • “afflictions”

There are many things to meditate on here in this list and measure character by. Note the “persecution”and “afflictions” this apostle of Jesus suffered. Most men in leadership are in such compromise that they don’t draw any fire from the enemy of all souls. That alone points to their falsity. In fact, in this same passage, Paul tells us that “ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Preaching the true Gospel – the Gospel Christ and His apostles preached – will bring great persecutions in this life and unspeakable reward in the next life to come.

The Modern CEO-Type “Pastor” is a Fraud

What most don’t realize is that these guys have gone to seminars and school to learn how to build their church business because that’s exactly what it is to them–a business. They see themselves as the CEO and have no idea or heart to truly feed Christ’s sheep and watch for their souls (Hebrews 13:7, 17). For this reason, no true disciple should ever submit themselves to any such wolf. Read Hebrews 13:7, 17 closely.

Most people never discern whether or not that most men in leadership do not know the Word of God. They are biblically illiterate. Recently, a man who has been a pastor for years and has a college degree from a supposed “Bible” college, confessed to me that he does not even know the Word. He shows great and coveted humility! After several conversations concerning biblical truths on various topics, he admitted that he does not know God’s Word and is therefore unfit to be a servant-leader for Christ.

Could your “pastor” quote the Ten Commandments by heart? Does he know the six principle doctrines of Christ? (Hebrews 6:1-3) Is he “instant in season and out of season” to preach the Word? (2 Timothy 4:2) Is he filled with divine wisdom due to seeking and waiting upon the LORD and searching the Scriptures daily? Is he full of the Holy Ghost like the earliest believers where and Stephen? (Acts)

The goal of hirelings is to fill their seats and coffers. So, they farm their communities using marketing techniques such as postcards (without Scriptures on those cards) as they prey upon unsuspecting souls using the typical lite fanfare messages such as family relationships, success, coping, and prosperity to lure in more biblically illiterate prey.

“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.” 2 Peter 2:18

Those susceptible to these wolves and their tactics are those who are not truly seeking the LORD themselves and therefore not enduring sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

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

With little or no use of Scripture references or Scripture, counterfeit men in leadership positions major in the “connecting point” or “life groups” or “recovery” gimmicks to get folks to become loyal to their programs and they social club they call church. They use new terminology for a deceived generation of biblically illiterate souls. It’s the lite generation. They want everything now. They don’t want to suffer or have to wait or seek the LORD in His process and according to His terms. So, these scam “pastors” cater to this. These business owner CEOs don’t desire or bother with being righteous in God’s eyes but rather “relevant” to those they wish to have patronize their “ministry.” From church to church it’s the same old lie with a slightly different colored wrapper. Their uniqueness lies only in the flavor. It’s the same old lies of the enemy in a new wrapping. “Life teams,” “life coach,”  “life partner,” “accountability partner” are also buzz terms utilized by these scam leaders who resemble motivational speakers more than true men of God who declare the pure, unadulterated living Word of God.

These men almost never use the words of Holy Scripture, namely from the King James Bible. Why? They don’t know the Word thoroughly and they don’t desire God’s Word because they are not serving Him. His truth actually gets in their way and they won’t have that. Their position is more of a social organizer, entertainer, or marketing guru. They themselves are gullible dupes, captive to their own lusts (Philippians 3:18-19). Their goal is to be somebody special in this fleeting life (John 12:25). These understudies follow wolves like Warren instead of the “wonderful counselor.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) They set aside the very “Prince of Peace,” trading the very Son of God in for pied pipers like Bill Hybels, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Robert Schuler, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson, or Patricia King. Why? – Because they are lusting after the temporal “success” of these false prophets they have set up as idols in their hearts (Ezekiel 14:3).

The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!

To accomplish this goal of being a “success,” they follow their mentor-deceivers who have reached “success.” They subscribe to their newsletters and bring their pagan, new age theology into the fold via the poisonous books and media of their antichrist gurus. These scam pastors set up their buildings with modern décor that appeals to the senses of people and makes them feel elated and comfortable in their flesh. It’s nothing more than a marketing strategy.  Music is also a calling card they attempt to establish by bringing in “relevant” singers who are performers and not born again, God-fearing, broken worshippers. They themselves wear the latest trendy garb, smile, and give the people a Bible verse or two wedged in-between their stories, poems, and other “relevant” data about how to be a “success” in this brief life. These lite trimmings keep the wheels of the circus spinning. Oh, and they dare not use the real Word of God, the King James Bible. No, instead they use a corrupted, artificial fairytale version that deceitfully has the words “Holy Bible” on the cover.

They cast their visions and dreams that are not Scriptural. These false dreams originate out of the base, depraved nature of sinful men who pose as Christ’s representatives but are the very wolves in sheep’s clothing Jesus warned us to “Beware of.” (Matthew 7:15)

“Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, andcause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:32

There is no fear of God in their message or personal lives. It’s all about fun and games, band aiding issues (coping), and being a “success” in the eyes of mere men.

Seeker-friendly wolves are not sober or temperate. These essential characteristics must be resident in the lives of those who lead. Nothing less than broken servants are able to be used of the LORD.

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.” 1 Timothy 3:2

“But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate.” Titus 1:8

The demeanor of the counterfeit leader is more of lightness, lavishness, and worldliness.

Notice that no list of qualifications for elders in all the Bible mentions being a good showman, charismatic personality, a good money-raiser, a good entertainer, or a good or eloquent speaker. Yet, this is what most “search committees” are looking for with no regard for what God’s Word says concerning the characteristics for servant leaders. They are worldly and looking for a man who can look good, make them feel good, and raise a lot of money and bring in more people. This is tragic!

The biblical qualifications for being an elder, a servant of God to oversee His flock are found in 1 Timothy 3. Go read it and notice that no where do we see that a pastor must be cool, be eloquent of speech, a good entertainer, wear fancy clothes, have a piece of real estate he calls “church,” run a choir, etc.

If a man is not truly concerned about you Christ, what He and His apostle said of His church and eternal kingdom, Jesus’ Great Commission commandment, and your eternal soul, then he’s counterfeit beloved. Now, that being said, it is YOUR personal responsibility to die to self, worship God, and obey the Word of God (Luke 21:34-36). There is no excuse. An overseer cannot seek the face of the LORD for anyone except himself. Yet, the person posing as a representative leader of Christ who is doing things other than preaching God’s pure Word, praying without ceasing, and watching for the souls of those they oversee, is not right with God himself. If an overseer is caring for his building fund, his life in this world by not telling the whole truth, his job, his latest marketing scheme, his wife and children, growing his “church” numerically instead of trusting God to do so, etc., he himself is not right with the LORD. If these things are more important to him than Christ, he is being called to repentance and has no business being in a place of leadership. When a man refuses to tell the whole truth or full-counsel of God’s Word, it is evidence that he is not wanting people to be offended because if they get offended they will cease patronizing his church business. Such a man does not fear the LORD and has no personal revelation of Christ and His blessed Gospel.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:10-12

If you are a leader that has not come out boldly against the modern wolves as God commanded you to do, it’s time to repent and get right with God before it’s too late. When you repent, you will be given a spine. There will be much to answer for if we lead even one soul astray.

It’s time to simply preach CHRIST and Him crucified for the sins of the world!

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

***SCAM “PASTORS” have invaded every town in America and are spreading their poison across the globe! Just who are they? ALL who know and are diligently seeking and experiencing Jesus Christ daily are not the least bit impressed with the self-serving “pastor” who has set up his local church business where he entertains the gullible to get their business and keep their business! These enterprising, self-serving hirelings see the successful business model and opportunity being utilized by the modern seeker-friendly, emergent church wolves and have set out to experience their own “success” in the church business industry.

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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).

The Truth about Judas

“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

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSASAccounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed?The Return of Christ | SupportLie of the Ages [podcast]10 Questions about Eternal SecurityIs Salvation Eternal?The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)

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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:

“In John 14:15 and 15:14 (KJV), Jesus teaches that love and obedience go together, meaning real love for Him naturally leads to doing His commands rather than separating love from works.
What the Verses Say
    • 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.
    How Love and Works Connect
      • 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).

    “IFFFF you love me keep my commandments” and not “prove you love me by keeping my commandments” (John 14:15) … big difference. Jesus isn’t interested in any law keeper keeping His commandments …. He desires and calls His people to love Him! If not, there’s no reason to try to obey Him.

    “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 commandmentsHe that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 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

    LOVE IS THE CARDINAL EVIDENCE OR FRUIT THAT ONE KNOWS GOD.
    Do we truly know Him who “is love”? (1 John 4:8, 16) Love is a divine attribute that is, without exception, resident in every man who is truly in right standing with God (Galatians 5:22-23)

    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 loveMatthew 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

    Making Peace with God

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