Beware of the self-congratulatory grandstanding of those who establish their identity on what they are against. They are very proud, self-righteous, full of pride and arrogance, and blind. …Soon as you get off that bash-happy bandwagon, you will be the outsider and also under their cult-like attack.
Some base their bashing on historical knowledge. WHY do some give such strength to the catholic church and other devils throughout history? Is this not idolatry? If these people were truly righteous by Christ instead of self-righteous, perhaps they wouldn’t be giving such strength to Tertullian and the phony popes of Rome. It’s like they worship these devils by making THEIR word and evil doings final authority instead of the Word of God (John 8:47).
NEARLY everything in this fallen world is pagan and it doesn’t take a spiritual giant to see this simply truth. So, this season, WHY NOT posture ourselves to simply shine the light into the darkness of men’s hearts and ask God to use us to do what He sent us to do – to win someone to Jesus!? Perspective. Why waste time protesting instead of preaching the Gospel?
SOME OF THESE HARANGUING “BULLIES” ARE SO AGAINST DECEMBER 25TH THAT IF SOMEONE GOT UP ON THE MORNING AND READ ABOUT JESUS BEING BORN INTO THE EARTH, THEY’D STONE THAT PERSON! THESE PEOPLE ARE SCARY – MUCH MORE SCARY THAN THOSE WHO SIMPLY DO NOT REALIZE ALL THE PAGANISM SURROUNDING CHRISTMAS. YET, IF THEY ARE INNOCENT OF IT AND THEIR CONSCIENCE IS NOT DEFILED BY IT, IT’S NOT SIN. READ 1 CORINTHIANS 8 AND ROMANS 14 BEFORE YOU DRAW CONCLUSION ON THIS AND GET ON GOD’S PAGE!
The self-righteous christmas bashing zealots are quick and forceful in pointing out “that’s pagan!” …. but Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 ARE BIBLE! Have you studied and do you understand them? OR are you too busy studying Satan’s paganism?
PERSONALLY, I AM NOT GOING TO HAND THE VICTORY TO SATAN/PAGANISM BY NOT CELEBRATING JESUS AND HIS BIRTH/1ST COMING DURING THIS OR ANY SEASON …. YOU KEEP PROTESTING EVERYTHING IF YOU WANT…. I WILL NOT JOIN YOU…. JESUS CAME TO PREACH HIS HOLY LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS FALLEN WORLD AND NOT TO WASTE A SECOND CURSING THE DARKNESS WHICH IS FUTILITY. DID HE NOT KNOW ALL THE PAGAN DARKNESS BEFORE HE CAME? GO READ WHAT JESUS SPOKE IN HIS MINISTRY? WAS HE FOCUSED ON THE DARKNESS OR BRINGING THE LIGHT OF TRUTH? DID HE SAY TO HIS CHILDREN, “YE ARE THE DARKNESS OF THE WORLD” OR “YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”? (MATTHEW 5:13-16)
SO BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS ARE SUPPOSED TO STOP WORSHIPING JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE OF WHAT SATAN AND HIS PAWNS HAVE DONE???!!!! Man, some of you false watchmen need to repent and when you truly do, God will give you a kingdom clue! …
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Did Jesus say: “Let your light so shine before men EXCEPT DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”??? Yes or no please.
Some people will scorn you for not jumping on their condemnation bandwagon.
So, those who insist upon calling damnation down upon the immature Christians and the heathen during this season, are disqualified from being used of the LORD. God cannot used them to win anyone to Christ because they’ve self-righteously taken up an offense, a cause against obvious paganism and congratulate themselves for doing so in many cases. They have not learned a simple truth, captured profoundly in James 1:20: “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) God never instructed any of His servants to go out and hate sinners. Such would be completely unbefitting to rescued sinners now saved by the mercy of Christ alone (Titus 3:3-7). When Moses did so, when he chose to have unwarranted anger against God’s sinning people, the LORD pulled his rug and Moses was then disqualified to lead God’s people into the promised land, right? The Bible says that “God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalms 7:11) The fact that GOD is angry because HE alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” gives no mere man license to walk around all mad and protesting paganism and sin. To those who insist on being unduly angry, Jesus says “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Then Jesus informs us “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”(Luke 9:55-56)
This unrighteous, undue reveals a total lack of the cross in such people. When the cross is truly at the center of our lives, self is crucified and the life of Christ lived out. Are you God or are you a mere man? These fail to recognize they they are mere men and that the LORD alone is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Jesus is God and He didn’t act this way toward us “WHILE WE were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) No, the Son of God didn’t protest our evil but instead He left the glory of His Father and came and died for us. We were already in sin. He came to rescued, to save us (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).
WHO do we think we are?! You are no hero for seeing the very very obvious sin and paganism in this fallen world. But what did the ONE you claim to follow do about it? He died to conquer it. He didn’t walk around all upset and mad at the rampant sin in this fallen world…. He conquered it through death (Hebrews 2:14-15) and calls us to do the same – re-enacting His death, burial and resurrection in our daily lives – so that He can reign in and through us (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:10-12, etc.).
He’s coming soon. Who are you personally leading to Him? Notice that it’s “He that WINNETH souls (who?) is wise” in God’s eyes and not those who yell at, unduly condemn, and harshly speak to them…. but the wisdom of God is proven to be in those who actually “WINNETH souls.” (Proverbs 11:30)
Beware of those who Beat Up God’s People
Perhaps Jesus would say to us today …”Shut your mouth, get on your face, lay down your life in this world, die the death, and go win someone to Me!”
Saints, we are not heroes or highly enlightened to recognize the evil around us – 24/7/365!
Again, in case some seek to say that I am justifying my own participation in Christmas, be informed that I do not participate….. yet worship Him, thank God for the gift of the eternal Word, and choose to ask Jesus to shine His light in and through His vessels during this and all seasons of the year (Matthew 5:16). Did Jesus or His holy apostles walk around all mad, with no divine joy, because of the myriad of paganism that was all around them as they walked the earth? Yes or not please. The Bible speaks of the great joy Jesus had (Psalms 45:7; John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9). Protesting paganism is going to lead not one lost soul to Jesus and is actually preventing them from being saved through the lives of those who are too immature to simply winsomely minister to them.
SOME are saying that trees are evil because during this season people decorate them. So, they judge those who have Christmas trees today. Yet, do you know anyone who worships that tree? I don’t. No, I don’t have a Christmas tree. Just attempting to make a point. ……. To attempt to demonize ANY part of God’s creation – what He purposely created for His own purposes – is treading on thin ice. the MIS-use of anything by mere humans in no way negates the purpose for which God created the thing being misused. The misuse of any part of the LORD’s creation does not make that something evil. Only Satan, fallen angels, and the hearts of men can be evil because they are created being with choice, free moral agency. Inanimate objects cannot possibly be evil. They have no breath of life in them and therefore have no free will to exercise themselves for or against the Maker of all things. …. WE must truly submit ourselves afresh to the LORD, crying out to Him for His understanding and wisdom and to establish our hearts with His grace (Hebrews 13:9). See 1 Corinthians 8.
Jeremiah 10
Jesus and His apostles came around LONG after trees were used to perform idol worship (Jeremiah 10)…. Did Christ or even one of His holy apostles ever mention, much less call out this sin? chapters and verses please
FOR THE RECORD, to further denigrate the modern pharisees, this believer does not celebrate Christmas, does not have a tree or any associated decor. Yet will those who do be damned for it? This disciples DOES, with no apology ever to any mere man or devil, celebrate Jesus 24/7/365 …. and is defending the God-given liberties for each and every Christian in the way they worship, as long as it’s not an essential – which this is not. There is no hint or attempt to justify paganism and yet, if a person’s heart is not deliberately worshiping another god (false god), they’re not committing a soul damning sin. Read Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.
“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 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. 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. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:7-22
NO AMOUNT OF ATTENTION PAID AND SPENT ON DIGGING UP THE EVIL OF PAGANISM NEGATES WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS FIRST COMING BY WAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND A VIRGIN.
Is it pure idolatry to celebrate Christmas or birthdays? Does that not depend on the person’s heart as in all these non-essential matters? So if someone participates in some sort of Christmas celebration, does that mean they are not saved? Hardly. It’s a non-essential on either one of these and that’s the point. Read Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8.
Ryan Dudley wisely writes: “Ignorance isn’t having a , ignorance is thinking a Jesus worshipper worships a .”
Ryan Dudley makes a good point saints. No, a tree won’t send anyone to hell so please get over that legalism. Idolatry is sin and ask yourself: Have you ever met a person who worships their christmas tree? I don’t even know any that is a lost soul who does such.
Was Jesus born on December 25th? No. …. “I don’t wanna be bound to a day for Christ Jesus being born, but everyday knowing that He was born into this world to save the sinners. Amen.” Jason Cherry
Personally, I don’t celebrate or protest either actually and yet and blessed that these holiday occasions present times for people to come together and for Christ’s love to be shown.
Here Jesus makes it clear that pharisees over emphasize minors and under emphasize majors.
THE REAL SINNERS …. ARE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, BLIND, PHARISEES WHO MAKE A BIG ISSUE OUT OF 1) CELEBRATING ANY PART OF CHRIST, OR 2) SINNING BY JUDGING OTHER CHRISTIANS ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-ESSENTIAL. AFTER ALL, WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS BOWING DOWN AND WORSHIPING A CHRISTMAS TREE? I DIDN’T DO THAT BEFORE I WAS SAVED, DID YOU?
SO YOU have more faith in Satan and his paganism than you do JESUS CHRIST? Wow! Is that not the sin of idolatry? If you are so discerning and so holy, why not preach Christ instead of dwelling on His enemy and paganism?
Those who are “weak IN the faith” are still God’s children and we should be praying for and feeding them and helping grow in grace and not wasting our time bashing obvious paganism. Mature Christians do not participate in blatant paganism and yet, they also help those believers who are “weak in the faith” learn and grow. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom. 14:1)
IF IN FACT this is Satan’s busiest time of year (December), why not preach Christ – the light of the world – into the midst of it? … WHILE pretending to be “holy,” the self-righteous, self-serving legalist is so weak that he fears that doing a neutral activity will cause him to backslide and so he seeks to impose restrictions on others instead of minding his own business and working out his own salvation with fear and trembling, allowing God to work in himself and others. Philippians 2:12-13; Psalms 138:8
These people who come out viciously concerning all the paganism they study about in Christmas are consumed with self-righteousness which is sin. It’s like all they can think of and worship is the paganism they dig up and focus on …. “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” Prov 16:27
So you are saying someone who gets a Christmas tree is going to hell? Chapter and verses please?
The word “heretick” concerns causing unnecessary divisions. Titus 3:10 Such are to be rejected.
Let’s get a clue saints: The world was covered in darkness for 4,000 years when Jesus fulfilled prophecy and came into this world. The world – every human being – was fallen, guilty before God and separated from Him. So why did Jesus say He came? Did He come to condemn? No, the world – all of us – were ALREADY condemned!
There is no Scripture that forbids Christians from celebrating Jesus on any of the 365 days He made …. the rebuke is biblical and is to those who seek to infringe upon the God given liberty of each believer in NON-essentials. Read Romans 14 please.
Memorize this truth and it will change your life:
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17
Shine the light of truth saints! Show and communicate God’s love for those around you by ministering He who is “the light of the world” and sent you to be His “light” and “salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
These devilish pawns who run around pounding paganism have never led anyone to CHRIST! Do we not begin to see their darkness now? Who would want the false “jesus” they have anyway? No one. Prudes don’t know Christ who “was anointed with gladness (joy) ABOVE all his fellows.” (Hebrews 1:9) “The JOY of the LORD is your strength” to make Him known! (Nehemiah 8:10) When a person truly abides in Jesus, the Bible says they will have “the fruit of the Spirit” which is “Love, JOY, peace …” (Matthew 5:22-23) Do you have the joy of Jesus? (John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9, etc.)
“Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
SO MANY people hear some half cocked novice preacher say something and live by that message for years – never stopping to compare it to the whole counsel of God’s Word. For example, I’ve heard 10 people say lately things like: “We are not to celebrate Christ’s birth, only His death.”
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus … His incarnation into flesh as He came to redeem us (John 1:14).
Jesus Christ is divine and had no beginning or end as such … yet He did have a day in which we were blessed beyond measure to have Him born into this world – to save us. THAT’s what Christians celebrate 24/7/365. We don’t know what exact day that was and so we magnify the Lamb of God every single day!
The Shepherds and the Angels
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11
Though we don’t know nor need to know the exact day Jesus was born into this earth, there was a certain day He was born into this world to redeem us as is indicated by verse 11 above – “this day.”
First let me say that we are to make no mistake that ANY and all attempts to draw attention away from Christ are coming from an antichrist who is under “the spirit of antichrist” who is Satan himself (1 John 4:1-3).
Throw the first chapters of the Gospels away and the prophets and their prophetic utterances. They greatly glorified God for the long awaited Messiah. They certainly, incontrovertibly celebrated the very Word God becoming flesh to dwell among us and die for our sins (John 1:14).
One sister writes:
“No matter what time of the year it is, just thinking about the birth of Jesus is enough to put a smile on everyone’s face… His birth is as important as His death… From the throne room to the manger to the cross, Christ came so that in Him we might pass from bondage to freedom, from death to life. Thank God for His Son–His gift too wonderful for words. Most important for us is that the Son of God did come. He that made man was made man… And on that fact hangs our life. Christ came at the Father’s bidding to release us from the death-grip of sin. How He accomplished this is the story of the cross. Isn’t it that Christ first advent is a wonderful gift for us to celebrate?”
Throw the whole Old Testament away and all the prophecies of the Messiah away if you are going to vainly attempt to diminish aught from celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. By audaciously attempting such, you are taking away from the Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). When we read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2, we see among others, the following divinely authenticated created beings celebrating the birth of the eternal Word Himself, Jesus Christ:
- The angels
- “a multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13)
- The wise men
- Mary
- John the Baptist
So, you herald JESUS at His death but not His birth? Really? Wouldn’t a true Jesus worshiper not glorify the Son of God in every aspect of His pre-incarnate, the beginning of His incarnation (virgin birth), life, ministry, mission, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection? After all, all of it is in God’s Word, right?
It’s absurd to say it’s un-biblical to celebrate ANY part of the pre-incarnate, birth in the flesh, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah. Have you read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 to see all the biblical characters who celebrated His birth into the earth? Angels, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, etc. Seems like you are letting paganism neglect the LORD and the myriad of Scriptures – prophetic and the fulfillment of His first coming without which He could not have died for our sins…..
“Come now let us REASON together” (Isaiah 1:18) It’s simply unreasonable to judge others for using this season to thank God for the first coming of Christ – the eternal, divine Word made flesh to die for our sins.
IT’S LIKE SOME ACT AS IF GOD TAKES A VACATIONS DURING DECEMBER. THEY’D HAVE YOU THINK JESUS DOESN’T WANT TO DRAW IN AND SAVE SOULS THAT MONTH BECAUSE THIS THING CALLED PAGANISM IF BIGGER THAN GOD IS HAHA
Let’s stop passing on things that do not pass the test of the whole testimony of God’s Word. After all, let’s forget trying to find a Scripture in all of the Bible that forbids (calls a sin) celebrating the birth of the LORD Jesus Christ, Heaven’s King.
We are simply observing the Bible’s testimony of worship Jesus Christ every hour of every day of every year and also defending the God-given liberty for each and every believer to worship as he or she wishes in non-essentials. Those who infringe upon the personal liberties of other believers are in sin. Read Romans 14 and repent.
SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE HUNG UP ON CHRISTMAS TREES THAN THEY ARE ON JESUS! WOW THEY BASH THE PAGANISM OF CHRISTMAS TREES MORE THAN THEY PREACH CHRIST. DOES SOMETHING SEEM AMISS? ARE THEY NOT ACTING AS IF A CHRISTMAS TREE IS A SOUL DAMNING SIN? ARE THEY NOT ELEVATING A CHRISTMAS TREE ABOVE CHRIST HIMSELF?
Seems to me that it could only be Satan who would draw attention away from Christ and people celebrating His 1st coming. …. All in the name of paganism. These people who protest the celebration of Christ’s birth seem to know all the facts about Satan’s paganism while completely ignoring the numerous Scripture passage in Old and New Testaments about the 1st coming of the Messiah and the many who celebrated it. In fact, such people must be under the control of “the spirit of antichrist.” 1 John 4:1-3
IDOLATRY AND PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE:
IN LIGHT OF THE FOLLOWING BIBLE PASSAGE, IS A PERSON WHO SETS UP A CHRISTMAS TREE AUTOMATICALLY COMMITTING IDOLATRY? ARE THEY GOING TO HELL? THAT IS A YES OR NO QUESTION PLEASE.
1 Corinthians 8
“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
One saint writes: “The Lord used trees to adorn His sanctuary. If I use ornamental trees to adorn my yard, does that make me a pagan and idol worshiper? If I string lights on those trees, am I paying homage to it? You see the logic? I am a gardener, so I love plants, trees, shrubs, flowers etc. It doesn’t make me a pagan.”
“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.” Isaiah 60:13
More from this disciple here:
“FYI brother, the early church DID celebrate Christmas on the 25th of Dec, though it was not called Christmas. Here is what I discovered…
The birth of Christ or ‘festival of Christ’s birthday.’ Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus recorded this event:
‘At Nicomedia (a city of Bithynia) when the festival of Christ’s birth-day came, and a multitude of Christians in all ages had assembled together in the temple to celebrate that birth-day. Diocletian the tyrant, having gotten an advantageous occasion whereby he might accomplish his madness and fury, sent men thither to enclose the temple, and to set it on fire round about, and so consumed them all to ashes, even twenty thousand persons.”
John Selden in his monumental work, Theanthropos (1661, pp. 33, 34), confirms Nicephorus’ report, saying that ancient Greek and Roman martyrologies date this event to Dec. 25th. It is probable that this occurred in A.D. 303-304. -Levi Madison’”
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
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Abiding
Following the Faith of Abraham [podcast]

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; ALL came to pass.” Joshua 21:45
The LORD Keeps His Promises to His People
God could trust Abraham:
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19
Of Abraham who lived by faith, the LORD says “For I know him” and if we love God, like Abraham, we are known of the LORD also.
“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3
Does the unchanging God ever tell His people to leave where they are and go to another place? Yes.
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him…” Genesis 12:1-4
Abraham met the condition and God fulfilled His promise. Could the LORD have blessed Abraham had Abraham not trusted and obeyed Him?
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“The key is to say ‘Here I am.’ Abraham responded 3 times to God in Gen 22, when God called His name. It was an immediate response of obedience. Did he know exactly why God was calling him? No! It was the posture of his heart. Because of his faithful obedience the Lord knew Abraham was a God fearing man, who only cared about doing God’s will.” Karen Cochran
“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6
“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my unbelief, which is a sin. Please wash this heart afresh in Your precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Fill my heart with faith, with love, joy, and peace. Please order my every step and be glorified in this life You gave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Abiding
The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]

The Divine Prescription is Clear and there are No Shortcuts
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24
The law brings repentance, salvation while thereafter the crucified life, the cross keeps us from that sin which once separated us from the LORD, who now has saved us (Psalms 19:7; Romans 6).
There are lots of people peddling the lie of “self care” which is ultimately nothing more than absolute selfishness. Pure evil. We need SAVIOR care! Such “self-care” only perpetuates the prey, the victim, in their misery. The only way to deal with the wicked iniquitous nature, is to crucify it, not pamper it (Luke 9:23-24). It’s your time to get into God’s Word and follow Jesus (KJB). Repent, deny yourself, lay down your life and serve God and others, not yourself. Loving your wicked self IS your problem and so all “self care” is accomplishing is to make your problem bigger, to fortify the evil within (Galatians 5:16-24). Crucifying that evil by the power of the Holy Spirit who is then raising your upward in His grace, glory, and power, is the divine prescription (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Read Philippians 2:3-5 each morning this week. Jesus commands you to love God. Worship God. Obey God (Matthew 22:37-39).
All whom Jesus has saved make a decision every day, including this day. All who were initially saved and yet aren’t searching out and taking up the cross daily, prove they do not love Him, even though they may claim such. Each of us prove who we really love by who reigns in our lives, and by who dies. See Matthew 6:24.
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16
WHO we yield ourselves to today, proves who we truly love – either the Savior or self.
“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9
We must declare and establish “the sentence of death in ourselves” so that our trust is in God who raised Christ from the dead and raises up all of His saints as they are crucified with Christ.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Tired of sinful self and wanting it out of your way? Here’s the divine prescription: “But I keep under (subdue) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
The fact that Jesus is coming back for a church, a people who are holy, let us peer into what the Bible tells us concerning overcoming the flesh, sin (Romans 6-8).
Jesus never said to try or try harder. no, Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.).
Jesus is sanctifying and cleansing by His Word a people, a church “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Times of fasting and prayer are doing yourself a favor and not God. Yes. You are crucifying self, getting self out of God’s way so that Christ is reigning in your life in place of sinful self! This should be viewed with absolute delight! (See Psalms 37:4; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13, etc..) You are crying, you are driving a stake in the ground and declaring: “LORD, You must increase but I must decrease!” (See John 3:30.) That’s the “daily” operation of the cross God has ordained to be transpiring in our lives (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).
What’s your plan for a special time of fasting and prayer this week? There’s no mystery – you will not overcome the flesh, sin, without being crucified with Christ and there’s no better way than fasting and prayer. It’s the most direct route to being dead, buried, and raised up in the victory Christ alone can grant. Lay it all down, now. Memorize Colossians 3:3 and walk it out.
We simply can’t know just how deep we are buried in pride until we begin to obey God in fasting and prayer. Isaiah 58
Overcoming the flesh, walking in victory requires continually delighting in the LORD, worshipping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
HOW many of us know that the flesh is never going to behave itself, never going to be tamed …. until it’s slain by the cross, crucified?
The flesh IS going to rage, be bent toward and do evil. That’s a given (Romans 7). This is why the cross, the crucifying of the “old man” and putting on “the new man” are essential to God bringing the victory in our lives! (Romans 6-8; Ephesians 4:23-25; Colossians 3:5-10, etc.)
Doesn’t the fact that our flesh does not like the cross, only confirm the need for it? What are the “works of the flesh” that will separate a once saved Christian from God? (Galatians 5:16-21) Though it’s never heard in the apostate modern church world, Jesus commanded the cross in the life of each and every person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). The fact that our flesh hates the cross in no way changes God and what He said concerning the severity in which we are to deal with the flesh, with sin – and the eternal damnation that awaits all who don’t crucify the deeds of the body (Mark 9:42-49; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.). When’s the last time you read the words of Jesus recorded in Mark 9:42-49 and took Jesus at His Word? IF you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).
God fully expects for His people to induce, to participate in the crucifixion of our flesh, putting the self-life to death (Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 2:20, etc.).
Holiness is not the way to Christ but rather Christ is the way to holiness. Abiding in Christ IS abiding holy – in the divine definition of holy. The key is that holiness is NOT the way to God but rather Christ is the way to holiness, His way, His definition – which is the daily cross (Luke 9:23-24). Abiding fellowship with Christ, on HIS terms, is holiness – being set apart to the LORD, in the LORD (Psalms 4:3; John 15).
Sin is man’s master until Christ is man’s Master (Matthew 6:24).
No one overcomes by accident. Those who love the LORD, truly, not just in mere profession, will seek Him diligently and obey Him and therefore are brought into His victory by Him (Matthew 7:21; 22:37-39; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6; Revelation 2-3, etc.). The disciple must truly repent and cease all excuses for the sin that displeases God and walk as “MORE than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:1, 5-6, 13-14; 37, etc.).
Jesus came from Heaven to earth and successfully confronted evil, sin, death, and the devil by going to the cross and defeating them! Read Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8. In Christ, with Christ, we defeat death by dying, laying down our lives (Hebrews 2:14-15). And Jesus, who conquered death, hell, sin, Satan, and the grave, sends us to the cross – co-death with Him to defeat all of our sin and Satan also (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 8:29, 37; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). His precious blood alone atoned for our sins positionally, and yet to enforce that victory in defeating sin and Satan in our daily lives, Jesus prescribed to us the cross life (the practical).
The only thing we can do about this reality – about the iniquitous fleshly nature – is to crucify it (Galatians 5:16-24). There can be no negotiation.
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11
The one way to master sin is bow to Heaven’s Master and let Him master sin! The cross.
BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ROSE AGAIN, ALL WHO ARE BORN AGAIN IN HIM ARE RAISED UP SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE TO OVERCOME ALL SIN, SATAN, AND THE WORLD, AND WILL SOON be RAISED UP INTO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HEAVEN’S KING.
Rhetorical Question: What’s your fasting and prayer plan beloved? Your answer to this important, prompting question is before you and your LORD….
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 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 12:1-2
You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. The fact that you don’t want to fast is the clear proof that you need to fast. Currently, your flesh is in control! Once you are broken, you will delight in, you will look forward to those times of regular fasting! Read Isaiah 58. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer
Times of Fasting and prayer get YOU out of the way so Jesus can reign supreme! Isaiah 58
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
“He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30
FASTING IS STARVING THE FLESH AND FEEDING THE SPIRIT IN ORDER TO BE BROUGHT BY THE LORD INTO FULL ONENESS WITH HIM AND THE FATHER, AND INTO THE COMPLETE VICTORY AND FRUITFULNESS HE’S ORDAINED YOU TO WALK IN (ISAIAH 58).
Read Romans 6-8.
I am not a good person. Neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The Bible and our own failing experience in this life clearly reveal such to be the case. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently that there is “no good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a fresh, deeper work in us! See Romans 7:18, 24—the cross!
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
The SINNER, the vile wretch I must first and foremost confront, is myself! See Job 19:28; Rom 7:18, 24; Ps 39:4-5 and Eccl 7:20. It’s essential to begin to understand the flesh, the fallen man, the iniquitous old man, in order to realize what we’ve been saved from and what must be crucified daily. The cross is God’s solution, His prescription to “put off the old man with his deeds.”
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” Ephesians 4:22
The cross subdues the flesh, it separates us from being held captive to the dictates of the old man, the carnal fallen nature.
The Root of the Matter is in Me! | The Daily Cross
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Articles
Gospel Preached at Funeral of a Decorated United States Marine Officer in Mexico [podcast]

This past Sunday, here in beautiful Mexico, a saint’s temporal body was laid to rest. Brother Mark and I were given the opportunity, asked to speak to the whole group.
Our LORD Jesus’ Gospel was preached and everyone there was invited to repent and receive Christ before it’s too late—because Jesus died for them to be forgiven and receive eternal life, and that hell is forever (Revelation 22:17). Oh, the funeral attendees were also informed that “purgatory” is a lie, and that when they die, they will be going to Heaven or hell.
After a bit, an interpreter helped, joined in, and so every attendee heard the Gospel in their language—Spanish or English.
Trevor and Trish are the couple’s names. The way brother Mark met Trish, the now widow was 100% a miracle. Two weeks ago, we were invited to this couple’s home and spent the afternoon with them. Little did we know that the husband would pass shortly thereafter. God knew and orchestrated the events according to His perfect will.
Saints, thank you for your prayers for sister Trish.
After the people disbanded, several came and asked us about further fellowship. The preaching of God’s Word ignited them. A breakfast group fellowship had recently already begun to form, so they were invited.
Life springs out of death – “Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die” (1 Corinthians 15:36).
Christ’s economy is a cross economy. Here we see that very thing where out of one of His saint’s death and burial, the life of Jesus is at work, raising up others. Life springs out of death (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13
God is so very good, saints. See Psalm 86.
Here’s comfort from “the God of all comfort” for each of you, concerning losing loved ones, namely born again loved ones! You can be assured that they are with Christ and the Father and protected from ANY and ALL danger, forever! See 2 Corinthians 1:2-5, also Revelation 21:4.
“The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Isaiah 57:1-2
Interestingly, the LORD brought together 4 United States Marines/Marine vets in Mexico to bring this to pass….
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15
The Brevity of Life in this World
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14
We all face death and judgment, and the Good News is that Christ’s perfect sacrifice, as we humbly appropriate it, means we are forgiven and will avert the judgment of eternal damnation.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27
Our Prayer with Isaiah for God to Prepare and Send Us
It’s the “Here am I; send me” LORD prayer in action! (Isaiah 6:8)
Child of God, are you ready, today, to lift your heart and hands to your Maker and dare to declare this prayer to Him? – “Here am I; send me!”
If you dare to freshly surrender the life God gave you and cry out to Him, get ready beloved for the fruit-bearing adventure of your life! Remember that Abraham was in Haran (means barren, dry, fruit-less) until he was instructed by God to get up and leave. That’s when the promised blessings began to unfold in his life. See the end of Genesis 11 and thereafter.
When you cry out to Him with the prophet Isaiah, the LORD is going to hear, answer, and do things that are utterly miraculous.
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
Just “Go” and watch God! (Mark 16:15). Your life is never more richly blessed by God than when you live by faith, when you surrender afresh and ask Him to take all of you, to prepare and use you.
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