Mega Church Pastors of the Modern Church and Why they Flourish
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?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 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. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power (authority) thereof: from such turn away.6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 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. 3 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; 4 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: 9 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!
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***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.
Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]
The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]
That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]
Andrew Murray
Can and Will God Use You? [podcast]
Does God Use You Because You Are Special in and of Yourself, Have Never Sinned Since Being Saved, Or Have a Seminary Degree?
Can God still use you? If so, why? How?
“The religious people always get upset when God uses the people they thought were unqualified.” unknown
First off, if you are reading these words, you are “desperately wicked” and not wonderful. Jesus is the “Wonderful” One! (Isaiah 9:6-7)
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
Memorize Romans 7:18 today!
“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalms 130:3
In a certain sense, the LORD uses us in spite of, not because of us!!!! “ALL of our righteousness are as filthy rags,” right? (Isaiah 64:6)
God first found and saved us in spite of us while we were yet sinners, right? (Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 4:9-10, 19) And, if you truly trust and obey Him, He will use you IN SPITE OF you NOT BECAUSE OF you! (Titus 3:3-7)
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
If the beloved king David, who sinned greatly for a season, can repent and find full restoration with the LORD, so can we!!! Read Psalm 51 today.
David’s gross sin against God didn’t negate what he did, what God used him to do before and after that season of sin. God offers His mercy and forgiveness for the repentant – and if not, NOT ONE of us could be saved. Let that sink in beloved of God. See David’s psalm of repentance, Psalm 51. Anyone else super elated about this divine truth, about the mercy of this Great God of our salvation – JESUS CHRIST?
MOSES murdered a man with his bare hands before God used him to lead millions of His people out of bondage/sin. David committed adultery and murdered and God later used him… both these men repented and confessed their sins – and this is the kingdom key (Psalms 51; Proverbs 28:13). Peter denied Christ openly after walking with the Son of God in the flesh for over 3 years…. this these men of God did BEFORE the LORD then used them mightily in His ministry work. Is your sin greater than Christ’s blood? No! Repent of this evil idolatry and unbelief (Hebrews 3-4). GOD be praised that our past does not equal our future or matter if we are presently “IN CHRIST” whereby ALL our sins ARE washed away – “as far as the east is from the west (definition of infinity)“ (Psalms 103:10-12) …. BAMMMM Yes, we all will reap what we sow and yet that’s different in the mercy and kingdom economy of God. If any one of us does not have the blood of Christ presently applied to our lives, we are doomed (1 John 1:6-2:2). Accuser of the brethren be gone in JESUS’ name! If a saved person had to have a sinlessly perfect past AFTER begin saved, name just 1 person who could be used of God….. NONE! NOT ONE! Let’s live according to kingdom truth/perspective saints! God looks on your present state and not your past. All self-righteous religionists are more sure for hell than even the prostitutes and all other vile sinners (Matthew 21:31)….. Can and Will God Use You?
Psalm 51 record the repentance of the beloved David after he’d sinned!
Just because you sinned, done some things wrong, that doesn’t exclude you from answering the call God has placed on your life. Repent, pray, obey, and trust the LORD.
Let us cry out to the LORD as did beloved David in his psalm of repentance! Beloved David sinned grossly during a season of his life and yet, David could be convicted, drawn in, and repentant. Can you? Do you have a heart after God like the beloved David? May it be so, in the name of Jesus. Because God is good and David responded to His drawing him back to Himself, the Bible later records that the beloved “sweet psalmist of Israel” was “a man after” the heart of the LORD.
“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22
Like Paul, David finished strong and so can we! (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Anyone else super glad that in the divine economy it’s more about how we finish than how we started? Whew! Jesus!
It is utterly priceless that David, Israel’s greatest human king, was called by our LORD “the sweet psalmist of Israel.”
“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said.” 2 Samuel 23:1
Jesus is coming to reward His beloved people. May He bless each of us to live with the goal of hearing these words from His mouth … “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
“It’s doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” A.W. Tozer
What was once your weakness, your sin, can be turned into the strength of God – as He becomes strong in your weakness, your realization of nothing you are and how all-mighty, how all-merciful and loving He is (Genesis 32:10; John 15:5; Romans 7:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). This breaking must of necessity happen in the life of each of His disciples – just as we see in Jacob, in David, in Job, in Paul, in Peter, etc. Death. Burial. Resurrection!
” … for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
LIKE MANY OF YOU, this pauper is LEARNING AND KNOW MORE AND MORE DAILY WITH PAUL THAT THERE IS “NO GOOD THING” IN ME EXCEPT JESUS AND HE CANNOT AND WILL NOT REIGN IN MY LIFE UNLESS I CHOOSE TO DIE!!! LEARN THESE VERSES AND THE DIVINE TRUTH OF THEM (PSALMS 39:4-5; ROMANS 7:18, 24). WRITE THEM ON INDEX CARDS AND MARK THEM IN YOUR BIBLE.
Is God Unable to Use You Because You’ve Sinned?
GROWTH IS NOT ALL AT ONCE: One brother in Christ testifies: “I see the change in me. From last year to today. I’m so far from where I want to be in Christ. But I’m so far from where I used to be when I was deceived.” Spiritual Growth
“By little and little (little by little) I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.” Exodus 23:20
The answer to the above question is YES when you confess and draw close to Him in an abiding relationship (Psalms 51; Lamentations 3:19-26; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 4:6-11; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:1-2, etc.).
So you sinned? Join the club! One thing’s for certain and that is that it was my fault when I chose to sin and not God’s who “cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13-15) Yet, when I acknowledged and confessed that sin in drawing back nigh to Him in intimate fellowship, my sins were washed away “as far as the east is from the west.” (Psalms 103:12)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12
So, is your past sin greater than Christ’s cleansing blood applied when the transgressor repents/confesses?
If we think that our past sin is greater than the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, should we not repent of this idolatry of lifting sin above Jesus and at once get the precious blood of Jesus up highest? Confess it, turn from it, and march on saint! Learn these truths well – Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:3-2:2; Isaiah 44:22; Micah 7:18-19, etc.
Friends, if this doesn’t encourage you, I don’t know what will!
“JACOB WAS A CHEATER, PETER HAD A TEMPER, DAVID HAD AN AFFAIR, NOAH GOT DRUNK, JONAH RAN FROM GOD, PAUL WAS A MURDERER, GIDEON WAS INSECURE, MIRIAM WAS A GOSSIPER, MARTHA WAS A WORRIER, THOMAS WAS A DOUBTER, SARA WAS IMPATIENT, ELIJAH WAS MOODY, MOSES STUTTERED, ZACCHEUS WAS SHORT, ABRAHAM WAS OLD,… AND LAZARUS WAS DEAD…. NOW, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE? CAN GOD USE YOU OR NOT? GOD DOESN’T CALL THE QUALIFIED, HE QUALIFIES THE CALLED.”
All have sinned and we all must reap what we have sown (Romans 3:23; Galatians 6:7-8). Yet, when we repent, returning to our LORD on HIS terms, submitting our lives to Him afresh, He will do a work in us (James 4:6-10).
Divine grace empowers!!!!!
Paul wrote “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)
God’s grace is “manifold” according to 1 Peter 4:10-11. Scripture defines divine grace as the LORD’s divine influence on our hearts and His operational power, His divine ability in us to do His will and be used of Him!!! This is exactly why Paul could say here in 1 Corinthians 15:10 that he “laboured more abundantly than they all.” He said that it was “yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Yes, the apostle was extremely diligent and yet, when all is said and done, it’s God’s ability in us who are surrendered in true repentance to Him that brings Him praise and produces the fruit that is to His eternal glory! (Ephesians 3:7; 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
Coming Boldly
Christ’s perfect sacrifice alone made every divine blessing available to us!
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest (Jesus Christ), that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly (with full confidence) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
We can come boldly because of the blood of Jesus Christ. You must be deepened in this understanding! | The Blood of Jesus Christ
His grace and mercy sure are amazing aren’t they? Yes, because He is amazing and freely offers His forgiveness and restoration to those who fear Him (Psalms 103:11).
It’s when we are weak in self, broken, contrite in heart, and fully fallen upon His sheer mercy, that the LORD can raise us up in His grace and power.
“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. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
BEING USED OF THE LORD IS NOT ABOUT LEARNING SERMONS OR GOING TO SEMINARY OR BIBLE COLLEGE. THOSE METHODS CAN BE FULL OF WASTE. THEY CAN BE THE FLESHLY WAY TO BE PREPARED AND CAN ACTUALLY LEAD US AWAY FROM BEING USED OF THE LORD. IT SEEMS FROM OUR READING OF SCRIPTURE THAT WHEN WE LOOK AT THOSE GOD USED THROUGHOUT HISTORY, THEY WERE PREPARED IN HUMILITY, BROKENNESS, REPENTANCE, AND GIVING HIS BLESSED WORD FIRST PLACE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.
Most of those I know who have seminary degrees have no clue of the Scriptural truth revealed on this page. They have traded knowing Christ by His Word alone for the cheap substitute, accolades and approval of mere sinful men.
Oswald Chambers well captures this poverty of spirit the LORD is looking for:
“HE TOOK THE TWELVE ASIDE . . . —LUKE 18:31
OH, THE BRAVERY OF GOD IN TRUSTING US! DO YOU SAY, “BUT HE HAS BEEN UNWISE TO CHOOSE ME, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING GOOD IN ME AND I HAVE NO VALUE”? THAT IS EXACTLY WHY HE CHOSE YOU. AS LONG AS YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE OF VALUE TO HIM HE CANNOT CHOOSE YOU, BECAUSE YOU HAVE PURPOSES OF YOUR OWN TO SERVE. BUT IF YOU WILL ALLOW HIM TO TAKE YOU TO THE END OF YOUR OWN SELF-SUFFICIENCY, THEN HE CAN CHOOSE YOU TO GO WITH HIM “TO JERUSALEM” (LUKE 18:31). AND THAT WILL MEAN THE FULFILLMENT OF PURPOSES WHICH HE DOES NOT DISCUSS WITH YOU. WE TEND TO SAY THAT BECAUSE A PERSON HAS NATURAL ABILITY, HE WILL MAKE A GOOD CHRISTIAN. IT IS NOT A MATTER OF OUR EQUIPMENT, BUT A MATTER OF OUR POVERTY; NOT OF WHAT WE BRING WITH US, BUT OF WHAT GOD PUTS INTO US; NOT A MATTER OF NATURAL VIRTUES, OF STRENGTH OF CHARACTER, OF KNOWLEDGE, OR OF EXPERIENCE— ALL OF THAT IS OF NO AVAIL IN THIS CONCERN. THE ONLY THING OF VALUE IS BEING TAKEN INTO THE COMPELLING PURPOSE OF GOD AND BEING MADE HIS FRIENDS (SEE 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31). GOD’S FRIENDSHIP IS WITH PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR POVERTY. HE CAN ACCOMPLISH NOTHING WITH THE PERSON WHO THINKS THAT HE IS OF USE TO GOD. AS CHRISTIANS WE ARE NOT HERE FOR OUR OWN PURPOSE AT ALL— WE ARE HERE FOR THE PURPOSE OF GOD, AND THE TWO ARE NOT THE SAME. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT GOD’S COMPELLING PURPOSE IS, BUT WHATEVER HAPPENS, WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. WE MUST NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING TO DAMAGE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, BUT IF SOMETHING DOES DAMAGE IT, WE MUST TAKE THE TIME TO MAKE IT RIGHT AGAIN. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CHRISTIANITY IS NOT THE WORK WE DO, BUT THE RELATIONSHIP WE MAINTAIN AND THE SURROUNDING INFLUENCE AND QUALITIES PRODUCED BY THAT RELATIONSHIP. THAT IS ALL GOD ASKS US TO GIVE OUR ATTENTION TO, AND IT IS THE ONE THING THAT IS CONTINUALLY UNDER ATTACK.” OSWALD CHAMBERS, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, AUGUST 4
Andrew Murray wrote:
“The great secret of abiding in Christ is the deep conviction that we are nothing, and He is everything.” Andrew Murray, Abide In Christ, p. 160
“Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray. To know how to speak to God is more than knowing how to speak to people. Power with God is the first thing, not power with people. Christ loves to teach us how to pray.” Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer, p. xxiii-xxiv
Jesus’ disciples never ask the LORD “Teach us to preach” but rather “Teach us to pray.” Right? (Luke 11:1) Did they realize something so many today have no clue about?
Jesus sure did send His original twelve and us forth to “Go … preach.” (Mark 16:15) Yet, He never taught them how to preach such as we have today in seminaries (homiletics). If we are in His Word daily, walking in the Spirit and not the flesh, we will be “instant in season and out of season” to “preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Your usefulness to the LORD has to do with your poverty or poorness of spirit, utter humility, obedience, and also your knowledge and application of His Word in daily living (2 Timothy 2:20-21).
***I am memorizing a series of verses now. Wrote them on index cards. … Ezra 9:13-14; Ps. 103:10-11 …. Go see why!
Some wonder: “But why am I not growing faster? Why does the spiritual maturity seem so slow or gradual?”
NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE SPIRITUALLY?
The LORD has a reason for delivering His people “little and little” which means little by little. Exodus 23:29-31 says: “I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. 30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. 31 And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.”
THIS TRUTH IS RESERVED ONLY FOR THOSE WHO TRULY FEAR THE LORD. AND, ALL WHO TRULY FEAR THE LORD ARE DAILY SEEKING HIS HOLY FACE AND OBEYING HIM. ANY PERSON WHO BELIEVES THEY ARE SAVED AND ISN’T SEEKING THE FACE OF THE LORD DAILY AND DILIGENTLY, HAS ALREADY FALLEN AWAY AND IS LUKEWARM AND APOSTATE.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with ALL your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“God is Greater than Our Hearts”
To those who still feel ashamed …
“And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:19-21
- “God is greater than our heart, and …” – Think on this: Is your own heart and the thoughts of it greater than God? No.
- “God … knoweth all things” – He’s not surprised by anything.
- The LORD desires to grant His children a clear conscience and that will occur as we choose to go about things His way – “Now the end (divine goal) of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
Remember how Peter openly denied Christ three times? Is it not a denial of Christ that we commit if we choose to sin – That is, when we deny Him the place of reign in our lives? Did Jesus forgive Peter?
When Jesus foreknew that Peter was going to sin, what did He tell Peter? Did Jesus say “Peter, I know you are going to sin and when you do, I’m going to be done with you”? No.
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted (restored), strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
JESUS just as easily could have said that He was going to condemn Peter after he sinned. Yet did He? No. No, instead He restored Peter, His son.
KNOWING PETER WAS GETTING READY TO SIN YET AGAIN BY DENYING HIM THREE TIMES, COULDN’T CHRIST HAVE SAID: “PETER, NOW I AM DONE WITH YOU! I ALLOWED YOU TO WALK ON WATER AND YOU TOOK YOUR EYES OFF OF ME AND DENIED ME WHILE WE WALKED ON THAT WATER AND SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THAT. YOU ARE GOING TO CUT OFF THE EAR OF MALCHUS AND I’M GOING TO HAVE TO PUT THAT EAR BACK ON HIM TO HEAL THE HURT YOU BROUGHT TO HIM! THEN, YOU ARE GOING TO GO SO FAR AS TO TRY TO STOP ME FROM GOING TO THE CROSS, THE VERY REASON I CAME TO THIS EARTH. AND NOW, YOU JUST CURSED AND OPENLY DENIED ME BEFORE OTHERS, VIOLENTLY REJECTING ME! I’M DONE WITH YOU! NO MORE MERCY! YOU ARE SHUT OUT OF MY KINGDOM FOR GOOD NOW!”?
Yes He certainly could have but did Christ say any of these things? Nope!
Has Jesus changed? – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”(Hebrews 13:8)
So if Jesus didn’t condemn Peter when he deserved it fully and Christ hasn’t changed, just what makes you think He is done with you?
AFTER SINNING AND BEING RESTORED, PETER WAS SHORTLY AFTERWARD USED OF THE LORD TO WIN 8,000 PRECIOUS SOULS TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD! (ACTS 2-3) GOD USED PETER AFTER HE SINNED AND THEN REPENTED. GOD USED MOSES TO LEAD MILLIONS OF HIS PEOPLE AFTER MOSES MURDERED A MAN. GOD USED DAVID AFTER HE COMMITTED ADULTERY, DECEIVED, LIED, AND MURDERED. THE LIST GOES ON … CAN GOD STILL USE YOU?
If the LORD can use a donkey, or worse yet, even me, just WHO among us can He not use? (Ephesians 1:6)
Who among us is sinless perfection or would even dare tout such a lie?
“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
I got rebuked by a guy this week who is part of the Mike Desario cult. As usual, he was totally self-righteous, acting as if and teaching that we can decide to never sin again and accomplish such by our own will, without Jesus. Total devils.
“God be merciful to me a sinner” is what I must declare (Luke 18:9-14).
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
Personally, it seems that the more open I am about this as was Paul Romans 7, the more victory takes place in my life. Jesus is able – through the daily cross life (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
Check out and get to know these: Ecclesiastes 7:20; Job 9:20; Proverbs 20:9
May God have mercy on us in Jesus’ name, and make us holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
What About When Others Condemn Me For What I’ve Done?
First off, one way to look at the condemnation of other mere men, is that when someone is condemning you, they’re giving someone else a break! Think on this.
What about the judgment of others? God’s Word assures us that “the wrath (condemnation) of man worketh not the righteousness of God” and that those who are heavy handed at condemning others (in attitude and/or word) are full of sin themselves – which they seek to hide from men but God sees it (James 1:20).
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:1-3
Ever Felt Forsaken?
Have you ever felt like you just sinned your last sin and that God was surely done with you?
How often are the LORD’s mercies renewed?
Lamentations 3:17-26
“And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace (“I feel forsaken”): I forgat prosperity.
18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD (“I feel deflated”):
19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.”
The Bottom Line – The Real Score
When we do things our own way instead of God’s, there will be consequences that are going to cost us much (Galatians 6:7-8). We certainly will reap what we sow. Yes the LORD says “Be ye holy for I am holy” and yet, God’s not interested in anyone seeking to be holy unless they are approaching Him in the clear realization of their own sinful depravity and hopelessness and on the basis of His sheer mercy and to be in an abiding, saving relationship (John 15:1-6; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
“For in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.” Isaiah 60:1
“O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help. ” Hosea 13:9
We have destroyed our own lives by sin. You and I are no different at all than Israel whom the LORD was specifically addressing above. Yet, in Him is our help, our hope, our salvation!
We have made ruin and a huge mess out of the lives He gave us and yet in Him is our hope and help! – Only in Him!
IN HIS HEART THE HELL BOUND SELF-RIGHTEOUS DEVIL BELIEVES HE IS INHERENTLY RIGHTEOUS AND THEREFORE BETTER THAN OTHERS. SO, HE BELIEVES IT’S OKAY TO HAVE A CONDEMNING ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS WHO ARE OF COURSE, LOWER THAN HE IS. SUCH A PERSON HAS NO CLUE AS TO THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND (INCLUDING HIMSELF) AND THE SHEER DIVINE MERCY THAT WAS DISPLAYED IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST (TITUS 3:5-7).
The humble servant, who realizes his own depravity and utter need for divine mercy, hangs his head in shame and says in his heart: “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) The God-less, hell bound self-righteous religionist goes before God touting the sham of his own righteousness. He says in the attitude of his heart: “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:11)
IT’S CERTAIN THAT SIN IS A CHOICE WE HAVE MADE THAT WE DIDN’T HAVE TO MAKE AND THAT SIN IS NOT GOOD AND THAT IT WILL SEPARATE US FROM GOD WHO IS “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.” (ISAIAH 6:3; REVELATION 4:8) YET, THAT’S NOT THE END OF THE STORY! IT’S ALSO JUST AS TRUE THAT THE LORD DESIRES TO RESTORE AND NOT TO CONDEMN US – YET HE WILL IF WE DON’T COME TO HIM IN HOLY FEAR TO BE RESTORED (ROMANS 11:20-22; 2 PETER 2:20-21; HEBREWS 10:26-39, ETC.).
The Door Is Open Not Closed!
To His own people who were at the time backslidden and in imperative need of repenting, Jesus says:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man (backslidden) hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
Will we answer the door? Will I answer His call to come to Him with an honest heart?
Does God wish for you or any one of His children to perish? Is God trying to condemn you? Is it His ultimate will to shut you out of His kingdom?
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward (toward His own people), not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Are you ready? Is it time to take a few moments alone with the LORD? Pray this to the LORD with everything that’s in you….
PRAYER: Father, in Jesus precious name, I come confidently before Your blessed and holy throne of grace in order to receive Your mercy for my sins. And to be empowered by Your blessed, enabling grace! I here and now openly acknowledge, admit, confess that I am utterly impoverished outside of Your saving grace granted exclusively through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ! I am hopeless without Your help. Please forgive me for _______________ …… LORD, please restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and fill me with Your Holy Spirit afresh, strengthening my inner man by Your Spirit. I love You LORD Jesus. Thank You for coming to this earth, born of a virgin, for living a sinless life, for dying on that cross for me, and that You were raised from the dead for my justification! In Jesus’ name! Amen.
Victory in Jesus (life-changing audio message)
Learn to live this Word from God by obtaining I Die Daily and Raised Up.
“LESS THAN THE LEAST OF ALL SAINTS”???? Me argue with the apostle Paul? Yes, you bet! And I can tell you right now that I am right and he is wrong!!! (Okay, read on before you conclude that I am a heretic.) PLEASE HIT SHARE – Bone to Pick with Paul?
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Articles
The Highest Form of His Creation
“What is man”? Psalms 8:4
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Genesis 1:28
The LORD created mankind, exclusively, in His own image and everything else in His creation He created to serve Him by supporting His prize creation, mankind.
THINK: CREATIVE DESIGN
EVER wonder why God attached the most pleasurable experience to what? – To Being fruitful and multiplying the highest form of His creation?
Read afresh and it’s fresh, what Genesis 1:27-28 says.
The LORD wants more babies!
Selah beloved of God.
Connect the dots please.
Get married, “be fruitful, and multiply!”
Boom.
Knowing that his time is short, Satan has come down with great wrath upon God’s creation, especially the highest form of His creation, mankind (Revelation 12:12). Man, created in the image of God, is under evil, denigrating assault by Satan and his human agents and agencies (1 Peter 5:8).
One example would be: Animals have been exalted over mankind. One bumper sticker captures the reality of animals, beasts, being made more important than mankind:
“Be a hero save a whale. Save a baby, go to jail.”
On TV we see very few commercials to save or help the humans, the innocent babies being murdered in cold blood via abortion. Yet we are bombarded with emotional pleas to save the forsaken or endangered animals. Be not deceived. We must hold to the priorities set forth by our Maker to whom we shall give account (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10, etc.).
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1
All of God’s creation matters and has a purpose for which He ordained it and yet He establishes that He made only one part of His creation in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Everything else He made revolves around that part of His creation – mankind. See Psalm 8.
The fact that mankind is the highest form of creation is a divinely stated and self-evident fact. Ever had a two-way conversation with an animal? No. Why?
We should keep in mind that Jesus Christ came to the earth to die for mankind, not animals. All else in His creation exists to serve Him by serving the highest form of His creation, exclusively created in His very image, mankind (Genesis 1:26-28).
Godless parents allow their children to watch the cartoons which indoctrinate their children to believe that animals are higher than mankind, that animals can talk and reason just as men and women can. We know this to be completely false, yet in the mind of the young child, this becomes their reality. So, instead of growing up to be saved and seek to help others be saved (the Great Commission), we have a whole generation of young people who in great disproportion spend their time tending to peripheral parts of creations like animals and trees. We have very few who give their life to serve God by serving mankind’s need for God.
Believers in particular are to care for human beings created in God’s image more than any other part of His creation.
A quick look at the billions of dollars being raised on crowd funding sites today for causes not related to helping reach mankind for salvation in Christ, testifies to this complete disparity, this gross imbalance.
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1
Personally, I only give into and support the cause of Christ – which involves the salvation of the eternal souls of men! Anything else is waste!
Cancer, endangered animals, cats, dogs, horses, houses, etc. do NOT matter in the eyes of God as much as do the eternal souls of men for which Jesus came and died. The LORD only made mankind in His own image and likeness. All of the rest of His creation revolves around serving mankind, for the blessing of the highest order of His creation. Prove it wrong with Scripture. Can’t be done.
Anyone who has a problem with mankind being the highest form of creation and worthy to be aggrandized as such, has a problem with their Maker.
The relationship between God and man was lost when Adam sinned and thus Jesus came to earth as a man to die for mankind.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
There is no inference in this post that these other things don’t matter (animals, trees, etc). They do. Yet they are not the highest ranking in the order of divine priorities. All of the LORD’s delight are in His people.
“But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.” Psalms 16:3
Is our delight in the LORD and in people? Do we put people, made in God’s image, at the top of our priorities, just under God Himself? If not our priority system is broken and should be immediately repaired to line up with God’s Word. We must repent, confess our sins to God, and change our ways (Hosea 10:12; Joel 2:12; James 4:6-10, etc.).
The highest form of creation are those made in the image and likeness of the Creator – mankind (Genesis 1-2).
So, with this biblical priority in mind, where should we be giving our time, our energies, and our resources? What does Jesus mean by commanding us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven”? (Matthew 6:19-21)
All of God’s creation matters and yet He establishes that He made only one part of His creation in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Everything else that He made revolves around that part of His creation – mankind. See Psalm 8.
Hearkening back to Genesis, the psalmist pens the words of Psalms 8.
Psalms 8
1 A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Of this Psalm, one noted:
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands. An evident reference to Gen_1:28, ‘Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.’ By these words man’s right of dominion was established. His actual dominion only came, and still comes, by degrees. Thou hast put all things under his feet. In their fulness, the words are only true of the God-Man, Jesus Christ (Mat_28:18).” The Pulpit Commentary
Of this glorious Psalm, Donald Stamps writes:
“8:4-6 THE SON OF MAN. The N.T. quotes these verses from the Septuagint (The Greek translation of the Hebrew O.T.) and applies them to Jesus (Heb. 2:6-8; cf. Eph. 1:19-22). It is only in Him that these truths are perfectly realized. He is the One who, as a representative of the human race, will be given the full dominion over all creation (v6-8; cf. Phil. 2:10).
8:5 WITH GLORY AND HONOUR. This psalm expresses the amazing honor that God has bestowed upon humankind. It affirms that we as humans were created by God for a glorious purpose; we are not just animals, the product of natural evolution and chance (v. 5-6). So valuable are we to God that we are special objects of His concern and favor (v4). He has honored us by choosing us to rule over His creation (v 6-8; cf. Gen. 1:28; 2:15, 19). Yet the consciousness of our favored position is no reason for praising ourselves, but a reason for giving thanks and glory to the Creator (v. 9).” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 813
Of this wonderful chapter, Psalms 8, William MacDonald writes:
“8:4 God is interested in every individual! He has a personal, intimate concern for every human being.
8:5 God made man in His own image and after His own likeness. Though lower than God, man shares with Him some faculties that are not shared by any other order of creation on earth. Everything God made was pronounced to be good, but the verdict on the Creation of man was ‘very good.’
8:6-8 As God’s representatives on earth, man was given dominion over all kinds of animals, birds, fish, and reptiles. There was nothing that was not put under him.
But the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we do not see man enjoying this undisputed sway at the present time (Heb. 2:5-9). Dogs bark at man, snakes bite him, birds and fish elude him. The explanation is that when sin entered the world through Adam, man lost his unqualified sovereignty over the lower creation.
Yet God’s purpose still stands. He has decreed that man shall indeed have dominion, and nothing can block God’s purposes. So while we do not see all things subject to man right now, we do see Jesus–the one Person by whom man’s dominion will eventually be restored. When Christ came to earth, He become temporarily lower than the angels so that as Man He could die for the human race. Now He is crowned with glory and honor at God’s right hand. Someday Christ the Son of man will return to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. In the Millennium, the dominion that was forfeited by the first Adam will be restored by the Last Adam.
8:9 Then God’s redeemed people will join to sing with new appreciation, “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 557-58
With this in mind – that mankind is the LORD’s highest form of creation for whom He died, was buried, and raised again, let us live and give and act accordingly with our affections and actions.
“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
Apostasy
Direction in God’s Word? [podcast]
Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]
“Great podcast. Thank you. If you want to really fall in love with the scriptures, read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year reading, studying, and memorizing it. This Psalm was written for us, to begin to love God’s Word as much as the Psalmist did, which is what happened to me. My heart was truly transformed. The beloved David’s whole heart was dedicated to studying, obeying, meditating and learning all of the Word of God, so he could live a righteous and holy life, fully devoted to the Lord. We should live and breath the Scriptures and meditate on them day and night (Psalm 1:2).” Karen Cochran
“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
Remaining “nourished up” in the Word of God is essential to enduring to the end. God’s Word is the divine fuel for all of His beloved saints.
Ingesting, devouring God’s words daily is invigorating to our spirits and essential to our lives in Christ!
Biblical Topics Sampling:
- Love/Charity: 1 Corinthians 13 “The love chapter”
- Origin of all Life/Civilization: Genesis 1-11
- 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17
- Revelation 2-3: Christ addresses the 7 churches of Asia. There are many all-important truths and rebukes completely applicable to us now in being ready for Christ’s return.
- Fearing the LORD: Josh. 24:14; Ps. 2:11-12; 86:11; Prov. 1:7, 29; 8:13; 14:26-27; 22:4: Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:4-5
- Sin: man’s core problem and dilemma: Gen. 3; 6:5; Jer. 17:5, 9; Rom. 3; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2
- Proverbs: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. 1 per day for a month complete the book.
- Prayer: Matt. 6:6, 26:41; Mk. 1:35; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12
- Overcoming Sin: Romans 6; 13:14
- The 7 Abominations: Prov. 6:16-19
- Forgiveness: Matt. 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26
- The Crucified life: Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3
- Humility: Prov. 22:4; Matt. 20:20-28; James 4:6-10
- Spiritual Maturity: Heb. 5:11-14, 6:1-3
- Marriage/Dating/Divorce/ReMarriage: Deut. 24; 1 Corinthians 7
- The Written Word: Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
- Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
- 6 Principle (foundational) Doctrines of Christ: Heb. 6:1-3
- Correction/Rebuke: Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:16
- Sin/Grace Righteousness: Romans 1-5
- Abstaining From Fornication: 1 Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Cor. 6:13-19
- False Prophets/Teachers: Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; Jude 1; 2 Pet. 2
- Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
- Love/Truth/Light: 1 John 1-5 First John Is Called ‘The Book of Certainties’
- Return of Christ: Luke 12:40; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16-18, etc.
- God of Restoration: Luke 15, 19:10
- Disciple’s Prayer Model: Matt. 6:9-12
- Riches: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16; 1 Timothy 6:5-19
- The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Gospel of John (Hi-Lite & cross-reference every reference to Christ’s divinity); Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Rev. 1:8
- Wisdom: Prov. 8; James 1:5; 1:13-17
Putting God first in your day is a deliberate decision and act. It’s non-negotiable to the truth disciple. Such will never happen by accident. Take control of your time for Jesus or your time will continue to take control of you. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and obey the LORD.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16
Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Becoming familiar with these texts will help you in your own walk with the LORD and in helping others (being able to teach and refer to these passages). You will be well on your way to a rich and full life of Bible literacy & usefulness in God’s kingdom as you begin to learn the above listed topics of truth. Hi-Lite, underline, cross-reference.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The KEY to understanding the mind of Christ being communicated in any book of the Bible: First, read that book 10-20 straight through to gain a knowledge of it, to begin to grasp the divine transmission. Then, go back and study it verse by verse in a more in-depth break down of the text.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Let’s not come up empty handed any longer! Make the quality decision to learn God’s Word for yourself and stop depending on others. Embarking upon diligent topical and systematic Bible study is the answer.
“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:20-21
The Word of God is learned, one truth at a time, “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:13)
YOU cannot possibly be flourishing in Christ if you are not dwelling “richly” (abundantly) in His Word – both in your own personal, daily life and concerning Christ’s true body! (Colossians 3:16) If you are not surrounded with people you can have BIBLICAL conversations with, you have surrounded yourself with counterfeits!
“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include Old Testament, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” T.
“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason
“I am reading Mark.” Michele
“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe
“I’ve been Reading James And 1st and 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie
“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan
LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.
MORE TOPICS
Adultery Matthew 5:27-28, 32
Adversity Romans 8:28
Afraid Psalms 34:4, 56:3
Alcohol Ephesians 5:18
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Anxiety Philippians 4:4-7
Apprehension Matthew 6:31-33
Astrology Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Backbiting Hebrews 12:14-15
Backsliding Psalms 51
Bereaved 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Burdens 1 Peter 5:6-11
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Contention Proverbs 13:10. 22:10
Confusion 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Covetousness Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7
Crisis Psalms 121
Criticism Romans 12
Cursing James 3:10
Daydreaming 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Deceit Colossians 2:8
Defeated Romans 8:31-39
Depression Isaiah 61:1-3. Psalms 34
Despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
Destruction Psalms 103; Proverbs 18:12
Disaster Threatens Psalms 91
Discouragement Isaiah 42; Psalms 23
Disobedience John 15:14
Divorce Mark 10:2-12
Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 11
Drugs 2 Corinthians 7:1
Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36
Envy Proverbs 14:30
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Faith Falls Psalms 42:5
Fantasy 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Fatigue Isaiah 40:31
Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5
Fear 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:5
Fear of Rejection Ephesians 1
Fornication 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Friends Fail 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Gluttony Proverbs 23:2
Gossip Proverbs 13:3
Greed Matthew 19:24
Grief Isaiah 53:3-4
Guilt Romans 8:1
Hatred 1 John 2:11
Heartbreak Psalms 147:3
Heaviness Isaiah 61:1-3
Hurting John 14
Idleness Proverbs 19:15
Idolatry 1 John 5:21
Inadequacy Philippians 4:13
Incest Leviticus 20:11,12,14
Inferiority Philippians 4:13
Impure Thought 2 Peter 2:10
Insomnia Proverbs 3:24
Intolerance 1 Corinthians 13
Irritability 1 Corinthians 13
Jealousy Proverbs 6:34
Judging Romans 14:10-13
Laziness Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 19:15
Legalism Galatians 3
Lethargy Proverbs 21:24-26
Loneliness John 14; Psalms 23
Lying Revelation 21:8
Lust Matthew 5:28
Manipulation 2 Peter 2
Masturbation Romans 1:24-28
Materialistic 1 John 2:15-17
Mocking Proverbs 17:5
Murder Exodus 20:13
Negativism 2 Corinthians 1:20
Nervousness Philippians 4:6
Obsessive Behavior Galatians 5:16-25
Occult Deuteronomy 18
Overly Sensitive 1 Corinthians 13
Passivity Matthew 10:33
Pouting Matthew 6: 14-15
Prejudice James 2: 1-13
Pressure Proverbs 3:25-26
Pride Proverbs 16:18
Profane 1 Timothy 1:9
Protection Psalms 27
Quarreling Ephesians 4:25-32
Rape 2 Corinthians 7:1
Rebellion 1 Samuel 15:23
Rejection John 14
Resentment Hebrews 12
Restlessness Psalms 46:10
Retaliation Romans 12
Revenge Matthew 5:43-48
Sadness Nehemiah 8:10
Scorning Proverbs 22:10
Selfishness 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Self-pity Philippians 4:8-9
Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14
Self-rejection Psalms 139:14
Self-will Isaiah 53:6
Sensuality Galatians 5:16-26
Sexual Impurity Proverbs 6:24-35
Sin Psalms 66:18; 1 John 1:9; John 8:34-36
Slow to Forgive Matthew 18:21-35
Sorrow Isaiah 53
Spite Isaiah 50:6
Stealing Exodus 20:15
Strife James 3
Stubbornness 1 Samuel 15:23
Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17
Suicide Exodus 20:13
Suspicion Exodus 20:16
Swearing Colossians 3:8
Temper 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tempted Matthew 26:41
Too Quick to Speak James 3:1-13
Unbelief Hebrews 3:12-13
Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
Vanity Galatians 5:26
Violence Ezekiel 45:9
Weariness Hebrews 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Witchcraft Galatians 5:20
Workaholic Romans 10:3; Ephesians 2:8-9
Worldliness 1 John 2: 15-17
Worry Isaiah 35:3-5; 26:3-4
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