Apostasy

“Give Us a King!” [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

“Give us a King.” 1 Samuel 8:6

As it was at the tower of Babel where fallen mankind sought to have their own way, do their own thing without God, independent of their Maker, so it is today (Genesis 11). Nimrod, an antichrist, ruled over them.

Then when there was no king, anarchy reigned.

“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 17:6

Yet when the people wanted anarchy gone, instead of seeking the LORD, they raised up mere sinful men and yet, mankind is fallen. The final example of this will occur when the antichrist promises “Peace and safety” only to be met with “sudden destruction.”

“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Seems like the ultimate and final example of people demanding an earthly king in place of God will come forth with the coming antichrist.

The LORD’s Own People Reject His Headship

The Israelites were led by God out of Egypt which represents salvation (1 Corinthians 10). They were supposed to be led directly by the LORD Himself from that point forward. Yet, in their rebellion, they cried out “Give us a king” – a human king or leader (1 Samuel 8:6).

Is this relevant to New Testament saints today? Definitely. Most today are doing exactly what Israel did when they cried “Give us an earthly king.” The majority today who claim to be Christians are serving the god of self and therefore would rather cling to some pope, self-proclaimed prophet, or pastor instead of Heaven’s KING of all kings.

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17

Jesus told us that each and ever enemy of the LORD, those who refuse to make Him their KING, shall be slain down into eternal damnation.

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

Jesus says that “NO man can serve two masters” and so any person who doesn’t have Christ as the KING, the LORD, the Master of their life, is against Christ, is the enemy of Christ! (Matthew 6:24)

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30

Jesus is the “Head” of His body. This means that anyone not presently under His divine, matchless Headship, is not part of His glory-bound body. Those not worshipping Jesus Christ “in spirit and in truth” today have rejected Him as “Head” of their lives and are not going to be with Him – unless they repent.

“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19

Every backslider has something in common – their rejection of Christ as “Head” and “first love” of their personal life (Revelation 2:4-5). Just as Israel did, after being saved, they then rejected the headship of the LORD and went back to trust in the flesh, today many do the same.

In contrast, the remnant saint seeks, loves, worships, gladly obeys, relishes, delights in and celebrates Heaven’s glorious and soon coming KING!

“How shall we escape (judgment), if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:3-4

God’s people saw His mighty works, His plagues upon their enemy, His power and miracles and yet still turned away from Him. Read Hebrews 2-4.

We have the same thing today. People get saved and then they want to just go to a so-called church building on Sunday mornings and listen to a mere man – instead of following Jesus first and foremost in their own personal, daily life – which God requires (Luke 9:23-24).

The critical lesson for us to learn is that wolves step right in on the wings of this evil desire to put away the LORD and exchange Him for a mere human leader (2 Timothy 4:3).

God gave us not only a king but rather the KING of all kings! Why look ye elsewhere friend? Know Him. Seek Him.

Hebrews 11 is where we see divinely authenticated “heroes” of the faith but JESUS is the ultimate preeminent HERO – Col. 2:18-19. Today there are lots of men and women paraded as so-called “heroes” of the faith. Yet those subjectively esteemed today as heroes of the faith do not have the divinely authenticated honor of being heralded by God Himself as godly saints. So, we should ask ourselves if we are learning HIS Word and learning from people in the BIBLE… There’s a whole lot there – between Genesis and Revelation.

The LORD gave us His “will” when He said:

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

Two things are stated here as God’s “will”: The LORD desires and determines to 1. save, and then 2. bring those He saves to “the knowledge of the truth” which requires the individual participation and ongoing choice of the saved person (John 15:3; 17:17).

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

A sort of vacuum exists when a person gets saved. The question is, WHO is going to fill that vacuum? See Matthew 12:43-45.

Jesus and His holy apostles taught that those who are saved must “endure to the end” to be saved into eternal glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.).

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3

Any person peddling the eternal security/once saved always saved heresy, is a false teacher. | Eternal Security Exposed as a Doctrine of Devils

Most today who claim to be saved, do not seek the LORD for themselves. No, instead, they depend upon a man or men to tell them what God says. Because of this, they are biblically ignorant instead of biblically intelligent, and have no clue that they are being misled. They don’t know God’s Word for themselves and therefore have no idea how much their local pastor or favorite preacher personality is leaving out of the original Gospel message. Sad but truth. They are not “valiant for the truth,” they don’t love the LORD and His truth enough to study and know what He said (2 Timothy 2:15). They therefore shall be deceived and turned over to “strong delusion” and ultimately be “damned.” See 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.

Are you seeking the LORD Jesus for yourself dear friend?

Memory verse:

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

Is Christ the very “first love” of your life? See Revelation 2:4-5.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14

Sadly, most ministries and ministers today are set on branding themselves and not Christ! Paul says:

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”2 Corinthians 4:5

They want you listening to them because they need return customers to continue to keep the circus wheels rolling. Just as the Holy Spirit foretold, false leaders are exploiting the people – “through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (2 Peter 2:1-3).

The true disciple, though they be few, cries out daily as did the Greeks – “We would see JESUS”! See John 12:21. They seek no king but Jesus! They seek no mere men because they are too busy seated at the feet of their Master – KING Jesus!

The righteous cry: LORD Jesus, be my KING, my only KING. I love You dear LORD!

The vital lesson for us to learn is that wolves step right in on the wings of this evil desire to put away the LORD and exchange Him for a mere human leader (2 Timothy 4:3). Ear-tickling charlatans now occupy the vacuum created as Jesus is rejected as the supreme “Head” of His body (Colossians 2:18-19).

In the days of the kings, when God’s people rejected His leadership and sought a mere human leader, they were led into great trouble. We see the same transpiring today as we see church goers who swear they know the LORD and yet are in reality submitted to men and not God. The lack of kingdom fruit in their daily lives makes this clear. Their energies and supplies are wasted on helping build the kingdoms of mere men, and not Christ’s eternal kingdom!

Father, I here and now repent before Your Majesty for not seeking You for myself and for elevating men to the place of leadership, Kingship and reign, reserved only for Thee. Father, in Jesus’ Name, please forgive my sin of idolatry. I now ask You alone to reign in my heart and life. Amen.

“Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.” Zechariah 11:17

The “idol shepherd” is the man who sets himself up as king over the people in place of Christ. This is “the spirit of antichrist” working (2 Thessalonians 2; 1 John 2:18; 4:3). This is all empowered by people who want to follow a visible mere man instead of seeking “the invisible God” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” Colossians 1:15

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27

God is “invisible” to the human eye and yet visible only to the eye of faith and “must” be worshipped “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Faith is a non-negotiable must, an essential.

“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

Many today, who have been saved sometime in the past, have fallen away from the LORD in their hearts, which is exactly where His holy eyes are (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13). He sees that they are “fallen from grace,” backslidden – fallen away and in deep trouble and danger of hell fire (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39).

“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” Proverbs 14:14

IT IS FUTILITY TO LOOK UNDULY TO MEN, EVEN SAVED MEN. YET, THOSE WHO DO NOT TRULY AND PERSONALLY SEEK AFTER THE LORD “IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH,” INEVITABLY REVERT TO LOOKING TO MERE SINFUL MEN WHO ARE AUTHORS, PREACHERS, TV EVANGELISTS, AND PASTORS THAT ARE APOSTATE IN THIS LAST HOUR (JOHN 4:23-24). THE LORD NEVER INTENDED FOR MEN TO VICARIOUSLY EXPERIENCE HIM AND HE DOESN’T ALLOW SUCH. NOT EVEN BETWEEN FATHERS AND SONS (EZEKIEL 18:20). IN THE ALL-WISE DIVINE ECONOMY, A MAN EITHER GOES DIRECTLY TO THE FATHER IN AND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, OR THERE IS NO RELATIONSHIP (JOHN 10:9; 14:6; 1 TIMOTHY 2:5, ETC.).

The Sin and Curse of Idolatry

The Israelites, having been saved out of Egypt (the world) turned back to walking in the flesh and not walking in the Spirit by faith (Galatians 3:3). The calamities they brought upon themselves are incalculable! The same is true for those today whom after being saved by Christ, by grace through faith, turn back to living in the flesh, to trusting mere men. Read Hebrews 10.

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

The best of men are wholly frail sinners. Remember, ALL men, EVERY mere man, even in “his best state is altogether vanity.”

“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5

IF JESUS IS NOT YOUR ONLY HERO, YOU ARE A CHRIST-DENYING IDOLATER, AND ALL “IDOLATERS” ARE GOING TO THE LAKE OF FIRE (REVELATION 21:8). GOD IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE. HE WILL NOT OVERLOOK THIS CORE SIN. HELL AND THE LAKE OF FIRE ARE CERTAIN FOR ALL WHO HAVE A MERE “FORM OF GODLINESS” AND YET DENY CHRIST’S REIGN IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE DUE TO SELF-IDOLATRY (WHICH IS THE ROOT OF ALL IDOLATRY AND SIN).

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22

IF you are surprised that a mere man (leader) has slipped or fallen, you don’t yet have a mature understanding of man who “at his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:4-5). Didn’t even the great apostle of Jesus tell us all that “no good thing” dwelt in him, that is, in his flesh? (See Romans 7:18, 24.) The Bible tells us that Jesus “did not commit himself unto … men, for he knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25). What is it that our LORD knew about men that we should begin to understand?

Pour prayerfully over John 2:24-25 and 1 Corinthians 4:6.

Like the Israelites, you may be saying in your heart “Give me a king” – “Give me someone tangible in the flesh to look to!” (See 1 Samuel 8:6.) In essence, this is saying “Give me an idol to worship because I don’t want to live by faith, worshiping God in spirit and in truth!” (John 4:23-24.) But friend, we don’t come to God on OUR terms but rather HIS. – “They that worship the Father MUST worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

MANY TODAY WHOM THE LORD HAS SAVED ARE NOW DEMANDING AN EARTHLY REPRESENTATIVE, SOMEONE TANGIBLE THAT THEY CAN TOUCH, AND HEAR AUDIBLY, ETC. BUT THIS CIRCUMVENTS WHAT GOD REQUIRES – FAITH IN HIM WHICH MUST BE PURE FAITH. THIS IS UNMITIGATED REBELLION AND IDOLATRY, A DAMNING SIN.

“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

God has given regenerate men His Spirit and the ability to know Him and to worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” No other mere man can be in this equation or all is lost. Idolatry is wickedness and rebellion – “Thou shalt have NO other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). God is “Holy, holy, holy” and will not coexist with any rebel who insists upon having any idol (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

“For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” Psalms 96:5

“For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.” Psalms 97:9

Vicariously experiencing God through another person is a farce. It is not possible. The sin of idolatry will be damning (Revelation 21:8). You must repent, return to Him, and place all your faith and trust in the only nail-scarred, risen Savior and LORD Jesus Christ.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22

Instead of looking to any mere man, woman, or ministry, the Heaven bound child of God looks only to the King of all kings – the LORD of all lords. That disciple alone will be with Christ eternally. All others claiming to be saved, yet having any other false god/idol, will be terminated into the bowels of eternal damnation (Revelation 21:8).

“Jesus said (a divine command) unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

It’s all or nothing. Jesus says:

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30

Any questions?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

“Give Us an Idol King”

Many churches today are built upon the personality of a mere man. The personality of the pastor is like their church business branding. There’s a particular church in this area and nearly every time I have met someone who goes there, they say “How we love Pastor Such and Such.” Upon listening to some of his messages online, I was flabbergasted at why people are so enamored. It could only be those who are carnal and are only looking at personality and not substance. As God’s Word foretold, there are many today who love to be stimulated by a good orator and are apparently willing to give up the substance of Christ Himself and truth in exchange for it.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul made sure he did not do anything to cause people to unduly look to him, a mere man. As he ministered, the apostle refused to use “excellency of speech” in order to dazzle people and build a ministry on his own personality. He knew that many would rather cling to a mere man whom they can see instead of putting their faith in God Himself. This is no different than when Israel rejected the LORD and called for a human king who God gave them. This resulted in great pain and suffering.

When Samuel the prophet was old and about to retire to Heaven, the people of Israel called out for a human king to replace God. This grieved Samuel.

“But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.” 1 Samuel 18:6

When the people rejected the reign of God Himself in their lives, God-fearing Samuel was “displeased” and “prayed to the LORD.” Like Samuel, God-fearing people today are greatly grieved when they see people worshiping and giving undue attention to mere human leaders.

The story continues …

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:7-9

Nothing has changed in our day. Back then the people of Israel wanted to be like the God-less:

“That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.” 1 Samuel 8:20-22

Many today refuse to die to self and seek God “in spirit and in truth” which is the only way He can be rightly worshiped by faith (John 4:23-24). Instead, they would rather put their trust in a tangible mere human being who even in his very “best state” is “altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:4-5). In this, they reject the LORD Himself.

False leaders are much easier on people than God is. The LORD is holy and demands that His people be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Most people don’t want to hear that message. So, they flock to smooth talking deceivers who offer them a false hope, all the while never realizing that it’s for their very eternal soul.

“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 4:3-4

Have we ourselves set our affections upon a mere man? Have and are we seeking the face of the One who is our Maker, Savior, Friend, and the Judge of our eternal souls?

Have we heaped to ourselves human leaders who tell us what we want to hear – smooth messages that do not call us to repent and live a laid down life?

Is it time for you to turn in repentance and look directly to the LORD, the God who made you and said He is Jealous – His very name? (Exodus 34:14.) When you do look to Him who had infinite mercy upon your wretched soul, do you think He will fill you with His love and mercy toward others so that you will then be able to view them from His perspective, allowing His love to cover the multitude of sins in order to help them grow in His grace? (1 Peter 4:8; Ephesians 4:3, 32.)

The Most High God, Jesus Christ, says to you today:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Prayer of Repentance to be Restored to the LORD: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and by His precious blood He shed to make me one with You, I come to you – in my sinful state. LORD, I openly acknowledge that I have departed from You and sinfully rebelled against You in the sin of idolatry. Right this moment, if never before, I call upon You Holy Father, asking You to forgive my sins, to change my life, to break me to the core of my being. I fully believe that Jesus Christ is God Almighty, that He came in the flesh, lived a sinless life as the very only begotten Son of God, died on the cross for the sins of mankind, was buried, rose again from the dead, and is soon going to return! I love You my LORD Jesus and from this moment forward, I am all Yours! I will follow Thee according to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Please fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me every day of my life that You grant! In Jesus’ Name, amen!

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Upholding Jesus, the Only Head of His Body [podcast]

YOUR first thought when you hear “God” or “Christianity” should be JESUS! Not some church, pastor, or church program! The ministry continually receives emails from people who have latched on to some mere man, his personality – instead of worshipping Christ supremely (Colossians 2:18-19). And in doing so, they defend those mere men angrily, doggedly, having never stopped to put them to the biblical test. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 “Not everything is at it seems. Their […]

The Reign of Christ! [podcast]

God counteracts death by the promise of resurrection – now and in eternity! (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Three Dimensions of the Reign of Jesus Christ: 1. Christ Reigning Over His Creation, 2. Christ Reigning in Your Life, and, 3. Christ Reigning Over the Wicked. Christ Reigning Over His Creation “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there […]

2 BIBLICAL EVIDENCES PROVE THAT AMERICA IS OVER [podcast]

How do we know, from the Bible, that America as we know it, is over? As the true saying goes, “Normal isn’t coming back but Jesus is!” Why did Sodom and Gomorrah go down? What were the sins of Sodom that God cited as the reasons He rained down fire and brimstone upon them? See Ezekiel 16:49-51. PFA = Pride, Fulness of Bread, and Abundance of idleness. The Sins of Sodom: Sins Jerusalem cited for in Ezekiel 16:49-51: “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in […]

Ministries and Ministers have become Idols: IDOL SHEPHERDS [podcast]

Beware of the “Idol Shepherd” pastors God is toppling all the heart idols (Ezekiel 14:3)… because He’s Jealous and wants us looking to Him and not these mere men, these vile wolves, these celebrity sinners posing as His representatives (Exodus 34:14). “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14 Regrettably, due to the gross lack of the cross message, with most ministries, it becomes more about THEM and not about CHRIST. Have you noticed that some ministries put far too much emphasis on themselves – the mere human […]

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]

Do We Have Time to Learn More About the LORD Jesus today, OR, are We Just looking for Yet Another Quick Fix, Self-Serving Feel-Good Message like so many professing Christians today? The modern church is too busy to study Christ Himself because they’re too busy trying to use Him to get what they want. Let that soak in as you remember how long it’s been since you’ve heard a message specifically about Heaven’s King. Most modern “pastors” probably don’t even know what the word Christology means. God created us to know Him and yet, such doesn’t happen without the recipient […]

Abiding

LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

The First Lie and the Fall of Man

“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ~ Genesis 3:1-5

Have you ever wondered what the first lie ever told was? Who told it? Why was it told? What was the result of it? Can the fruit be seen and felt today? Can its effects be traced throughout history and even into the future?

According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the sanctuary of the Most High, where He communed with the first man and woman He had made in His very own image. The Garden was a sinless, guiltless sanctuary of unimaginable relational bliss between the LORD Almighty and the man and woman. The Garden of Eden was the place of pure truth and love—a place where lies were not even suspected.

Enter Satan.

Enter the lie.

Enter the seduction.

Enter no fear of God.

Enter stolen restraint.

Enter sin.

Enter the fall of man.

Enter alienation from the Creator.

Garden Scene—The First Lie

Do you think this first lie may hold some insight into the work of Satan and his war against God and His treasured people today?

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…(Now here’s what the woman said:) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Now here’s what Satan said:) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” ~ Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4

In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doctrine is rooted (has its beginning), there can be found the keys and answers to life. Mankind’s Maker, his beginning, his ultimate enemy, temptation, sin, the resulting fall, and the redemption of man are revealed in the first chapters of this all-important first book of the Holy Bible.

Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the student of Scripture to undertake, pour over, pray over, and dismantle the first three chapters of the book of Genesis. In this endeavor, he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of creation, pitfalls facing mankind, divine restoration, and the keys to living a victorious life in harmony with his Creator.

Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and fall of the first man (Rom. 5). By this the enemy gained a foothold and has warred with that sole creation made in the image of the Maker Himself. But it is sin that is man’s problem, not circumstance or self-esteem nor any other diagnosis. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (See Jer. 17:9.)

Someone has wisely stated: “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”

From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe that breaking the commandment of His Maker was not to be feared or avoided and could not harm him. The temptation for man is if he is going to determine truth on his own terms and how it fits his own lifestyle, or repent and humbly accept and obey what God says.

Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD because he chose to do things his own way instead of God’s (Gen. 4:1-7). In his pride, Cain wanted to make up his own rules – he was lawless. Religion is where men have created a god in their own image and follow those teachings which render obedience to that false god. The most deceptive and evil form of religion is that which is close to the truth and uses Bible Scriptures out of context to make up that doctrine which circumvents obedience to the plain truth of God. (See Jesus rebuke the Pharisees in Matt. 23.)

Who are we going to believe and trust? Whose report will you believe? Since the LORD and the devil stated something in direct opposition to each other, we know that one of them is a liar. As He gave the first man and woman the option, so the LORD gives us the choice to trust and obey Him or not to obey Him. Each of us will decide who it is that is going to be a liar in our hearts—the Almighty, or Satan.

God said (Gen. 2:17): “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”

Satan said (Gen. 3:4): “And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.”

The lie of the ages began in the very cradle of creation. The aim of the enemy of all souls was the first man and woman who were uniquely created in the image of the One who made all things. Adam and Eve were the subjects of Satan’s deadly lie—the first lie ever told. Apparently, this cunning enemy understood that if he could cause the man and woman to take things into their own hands and violate the instruction of their Maker, they would be ushered out of His Garden (presence) and forfeit their place with Him.

Mankind’s enemy led him to believe that he could violate the instruction of his holy Maker and still remain within His approval. Like Adam and Eve, it is readily observed that men naturally internalize this philosophy as “I can sin with no fear of consequences.” Is it possible that this lie is still leading men and women to believe that they “shall not surely die” if they live in direct opposition to the LORD?

Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the serpent, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible states:

“‘YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE’…The first lie proposed by Satan was a form of antinomianism (lawlessness), denying the judgment of death for sin and apostasy. One of the basic sins of humankind is unbelief in God’s word. It is believing that somehow God does not really mean what He says about salvation, righteousness, sin, judgment, and death. Satan’s most persistent lie is that unrepentant, deliberate sin and rebellion against God will not necessarily bring separation from God and eternal condemnation.”

As he did with the first man and woman, the adversary tells us “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4).

Escaping the judgment of a holy God has long been the vain imagination of depraved men, fueled by the enemy of all righteousness who has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10).

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11

“Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.” ~ Psalms 10:13

Question: “Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?

Answer: “He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.”

The hearts of those who are not in fellowship with the LORD say “The LORD will not ‘require it’ of me. He will not bring me into accountability for my life in this world. After all, He has not done anything to me for my wrongdoing thus far. I am okay in my sins; God will just overlook them.”

Lucifer’s lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying upon his desire to be his own god, controlling his own destiny. Somehow, according to this revelation and others, it is within man’s makeup to believe that because his Creator is not presently executing tangible judgment for his sin, he believes that God is not going to judge him at all. So, unregenerate man goes on sinning with reckless abandon, not realizing that that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment lies just ahead.

The first man and woman bought into the first lie that claims there is no consequence for violating the command of the one true God. Such self-deception is no new thing. Since the first man and woman, people have sought to define right and wrong on their own terms instead of simply acknowledging what the LORD says. As the first couple found out, it is a losing endeavor to determine truth by how it fits one’s lifestyle instead of by God’s non-negotiable counsel given us in His Word (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). Defining truth on one’s own terms is buying into the lie of the ages presented to every man by the evil one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

When men seek to redefine truth on their own terms, they unwittingly create a god in their own image—one who accepts them in their sins with no judgment. They then migrate to pastors and teachers who will tickle their itching ears with smooth messages void of the full-counsel revelation of Holy Scripture (Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).

After Adam and Eve, it was their son Cain who sought to make up his own way to God on his own terms. He failed. To Cain and to all who seek through religion, whether self-styled or organized, the Almighty would ask: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door” (Gen. 4:7).

The LORD says to Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” This simply means “If you will do things the way I prescribed, will I not fully accept you as I did your brother Abel?” Cain hardened his heart and refused to do things God’s way by offering the type of sacrifice God requires. Due to his own choice to rebel against the Most High he became so filled with the enemy that he killed his own brother (Gen. 4).

This is a classic example of how the enemy led this man Cain to believe that he could make up his own rules, violating the holy Creator and still escape His just judgment. Like Cain, millions of faithful religionists today have a mere formula of godliness while denying the power of a truly surrendered life to the one true God who sent His only begotten Son as the only sacrifice for the sins of men (2 Timothy 3:5).

When he was able to successfully persuade the first man to violate the command of the LORD, Satan gained access to authority over the man by the sin of the man (Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7). Jesus re-gained that authority for His highest and prized creation and all those who come into relationship with Him experience the abundant blessings that come along with being saved by His precious blood (Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ~ John 3:16-17

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please unite my heart to fear Thy name and keep it from falling prey to this same lie that led to Adam and Eve’s fall. Quicken my heart in the fear of the LORD. Please teach me that there are many harsh consequences for disobeying You, by not doing what You say, by sinning against You. Convict my heart of sin, and I beg You to make my conscience extremely sensitive to Your conviction and leading. Change my heart, O LORD. Grant me a heart of flesh that delights to live in Your presence and do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Apostasy

“The Certainty of the Words of Truth” [podcast]

Nicholas, the Apostate Deceiver

Historians say that Nicholas (Acts 6:5), a deacon in the first century church, backslid, and led his followers to believe that living in sin would not affect one’s relationship with Christ. The term Nicolaitans is said to come from those who followed Nicholas. Nico-laitans is a compound Greek word. Nico means “to conquer,” and laitans means “the laity.” Satan used Nicholas to conquer his followers through the lie of lawlessness. The evil spirit of Nicholas lives on today through many lawless leaders who operate in the church world in this late hour.

Nicholas taught free love. He and his followers taught that the deeds of believers could not affect their relationship with God. This is antinomianism, which means lawlessness. The Bible clearly refutes such a lie as we will witness in our walk through the Holy Scriptures.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

The Bible states here, that those who “profess that they know God” and yet “deny him…in works,” are “abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

By this lie of lawlessness, the enemy of souls conquered the people.

“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans (means “conquer the laity”), which I also hate…So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:6, 15

Here is some modern terminology for this age-old doctrine:

Once Saved, Always Saved
Eternal security (unconditional)
Calvinism, perseverance of the saints doctrine

In Revelation 2, Jesus Christ tells us that He “hates” two things — “the deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” The Son of God despises the doctrine that teaches that the deeds of men have no effect upon their relationship with Him.

The Scriptures continuously reveal the divine hatred for the acceptance, and even doctrinal authorization, for living in the sins which the LORD tells us violate His holiness, reveal a wicked heart, and will prevent one from entering into the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8, 27).

The word “lasciviousness” appears six times in the Bible and means “lack of restraint (from sinning); license for sin; licentiousness.”

To underscore the utter, divine hatred against this lie of lawlessness, it should be noted that this is the only place in Scripture where Jesus Christ, Himself, states that He hates something.

Though they may vary in packaging, these are all kin to the same lawless “ye shall not surely die” lie, which is the lie of the ages.

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2

“For ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36b

“Thus saith the Lord; Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” Jeremiah 26:2

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

“Hath God said” ?

Always remember that whenever you have someone casting doubt on God’s Word, words, you are dealing with a person who is under Satan’s control, is a rejecter of the LORD, and therefore His truth, and is a child of the devil. Every time.

Notice what we see Satan doing in the Garden of Eden just before he changed, altered, added one word to God’s words:

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1

Then, in verse 4 we read how Satan added just one three-letter word which changed the meaning of what God said and changed world history.

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” Genesis 3:4

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17

“Thou shalt surely die” from God was then changed by Satan to “Ye shall NOT surely die.”

This is the first time we see what’s known as the “eternal security” lie. It’s also known as “once saved always saved” or “perseverance of the saints” heresy. Any person teaching or believeing this lie has partnered with Satan himself.

Knowing “the certainty of the words of truth”

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21 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 22:17-21

“that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth” – and how can we “know the certainty of the words of truth” if we aren’t even reading them – if we are not reading the preserved Word of God but rather a cheap counterfeit?

Bible Versions Category

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages The First Lie and the Fall of Man “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye […]

PEDDLERS OF THE LIE OF THE AGES

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” ~ 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Did you notice in this passage that the Holy Spirit of God reveals to us that “Satan himself” has “his ministers”? Do you personally believe that Satan has people in strategic places who serve him—wittingly or […]

God’s Word is Inspired and Preserved

Divinely Inspired and Preserved Many things establish that the King James Bible is the preserved Word of God for the English speaking peoples. Here’s one of those indicators. “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7 See the fulfillment of this prophecy? 1. Tyndale Bible (1525) 2. Coverdale Bible (1535) 3. Matthews Bible (1537) 4. Great Bible (1538) 5. Geneva Bible (1560) 6. Bishop’s Bible (1568) 7. King James Bible (1611) […]

"Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief" [podcast]

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24 God wants us to depend on HIM, not self. What a prayer from this father who was seeking Jesus for his possessed, embattled son! “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:24 Now that is a great prayer for us today—“Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark […]

Apostasy

8 Classes of Sinners Guaranteed to Spend Eternity in the Lake of Fire [podcast]

8 Classes of Sinners Guaranteed to Spend Eternity in Hell

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

“The second death”

[which is the second death] The second death is the lake of fire, or the second separation from God in hell (Rev_2:11; Rev_20:14; Rev_21:8).

Of Revelation 21:8, Adam Clarke writes the following:

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful – Δειλοις· Those who, for fear of losing life or their property, either refused to receive the Christian religion, though convinced of its truth and importance; or, having received it, in times of persecution fell away, not being willing to risk their lives.

And unbelieving – Those who resist against full evidence. And sinners, και ἁμαρτωλοις, is added here by about thirty excellent MSS., and is found in the Syrian, Arabic, some of the Slavonic, and in Andreas and Arethas. On this evidence Griesbach has admitted it into the text.

The abominable – Εβδελυγμενοις· Those who are polluted with unnatural lust. (sodomites, lesbians Romans 1)

And murderers – Φονευσι· Those who take away the life of man for any cause but the murder of another, and those who hate a brother in their heart (.

And whoremongers – Πορνοις· Adulterers, fornicators, whores, prostitutes, and rakes of every description.

Sorcerers – Φαρμακοις· Persons who, by drugs, philtres, fumigations, etc., pretend to produce supernatural effects, chiefly by spiritual agency.

Idolaters – Ειδωλολατραις· Those who offer any kind of worship or religious reverence to any thing but God. All image worshippers are idolaters in every sense of the word.

And all liars – Και πασι τοις ψευδεσι· Every one who speaks contrary to the truth when he knows the truth, and even he who speaks the truth with the intention to deceive; i.e., to persuade a person that a thing is different from what it really is, by telling only a part of the truth, or suppressing some circumstance which would have led the hearer to a different end to the true conclusion. All these shall have their portion, το μερος, their share, what belongs to them, their right, in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. This is the second death, from which there is no recovery.

“21:8 But not all are overcomers. Some are cowardly, afraid to confess Christ; unbelieving, unwilling to trust the sinner’s Savior; sinners, all those who remain in their sins, whether guilty of the gross iniquities listed here or not; abominable, given over to disgusting immorality; murderers, malicious and savage killers; sexually immoral, practicing fornication and other forms of sexual sins; sorcerers, those who traffic with evil spirits; idolaters, insulting God by worshiping images; and all liars, compulsive deceivers. These will be assigned to the lake of fire as their final destiny.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. … 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:10, 14-15

One source notes the following:

“Brimstone and fire” refers to the fiery imagery of divine judgment and eternal punishment found in the Bible. It symbolizes God’s wrath, often describing the fate of sinners in hell, and is a phrase used in religious sermons and literature. “Brimstone,” an old word for sulfur, is a key component of this imagery, evoking a smell and heat associated with inescapable, fiery destruction.

Biblical origins

Old Testament:

The phrase originates in the King James translation of the Old Testament, used to describe God’s destruction of enemies. A key example is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

New Testament:

The imagery is used to describe eternal damnation, a common theme in both the Old and New Testaments. In the book of Revelation, for example, it describes those who worship the beast being tormented in a lake of fire and brimstone.

Etymology:

The phrase is a calque of the Biblical Hebrew and Ancient Greek words for “sulfur and fire”.

Geological evidence:

Archaeological and geological evidence of sulfur deposits and charred formations in areas like the Dead Sea region have been noted as consistent with biblical descriptions of fire and sulfur-related events.”

“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:12

Hell Category

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Sodomy is Sin [podcast]

The LORD made an example out of the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah Here’s what led up to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. WHERE do you think the town of SODOMy got its name? When the perverts of the city wanted to have carnal knowledge with the angels God says they attempted to do “wickedly.” “But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are […]

Did God Tell Us Who's Going to Hell? [podcast]

With no exception, each and every eternal soul who now and forever will occupy hell would do anything to be in your position – to have just one more opportunity to cry out to Jesus to be forgiven, saved into His eternal kingdom! Today is the day of salvation – the moment to repent and put your full trust in Jesus Christ, before it’s too late. Making Peace with God now – before it’s too late. The original Gospel prominently includes the judgment of hell coming to every person who dies on sin (Mark 9:43-49, etc.). EVERY preacher not preaching […]

The Wicked Shall be Turned into Hell [podcast]

Rebels Beware “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27 The “enemies” of the LORD are those who do not allow Jesus to “reign over them” and shall be slain down into hell. EACH one of us shall be soon, irrevocably transported – to Heaven OR to hell (Luke 16:19-31). “And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 22-23 The ministry continues to receive contact […]