Jesus stands before those who knew Him best.
As He addresses His Disciples…He defines SALVATION:
Matthew 10:22, 34-39 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved…..34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Jesus did not hesitate to make CLEAR that SALVATION would be MUCH more than some simplistic moment in time where a man repeats the “Sinner’s Prayer” and tries to do his best in life.
No…SALVATION can NEVER be measured by the BEGINNING of the race.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
We NEVER win the RACE simply because we START it…we WIN because we FINISH it.
Philippians 3:8-14 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul KNEW his SALVATION had not yet been “attained”…not yet “apprehended”…and…therefore…he continued to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul knew…in SPITE of GRACE…that DISCIPLESHIP required ENDURANCE…and…without it…he would not be found “in Christ.”
You doubt that assessment…that teaching?
Read Paul’s own words:
Philippians 3:10-12 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
You see…Scripture does NOT focus on how we BEGIN…on some MOMENT where we FELT BAD about our SINS and we repeated a “Sinner’s Prayer”…it focuses on how we END…how we ENDURE the TEMPTATIONS of life…how we OVERCOME the “weight which doth so easily beset us.”
Hebrews 12:1-4 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
You see…in Paul’s revelation here we discover that there WILL be those who START the race…but…they do not “endure until the end”…never FINISHING…never crossing the FINISH LINE.
ONLY those who ENDURE…those who OVERCOME sin…those who OVERCOME the LIE that says we do not have to live in OBEDIENCE to God…are those who will gain ETERNAL LIFE.
I…like Paul…have not yet “attained”…not yet “apprehended”…and my RACE continues.
Therefore:
“…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Am I SAVED today?
Yes.
But…the question is:
Will I be saved when my time comes? Will I RUN with ENDURANCE the RACE that is set before me…crossing the FINISH LINE?
When Jesus appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos…His words would ring out with the call to ENDURE.
Seven churches…ALL having STARTED the RACE…yet…only TWO having FAITHFULLY remained in the race.
Of the SEVEN…FIVE were in DANGER of LOSING the RACE due to DISQUALIFICATION.
Ephesus…Pergamos…Thyatira…Sardis…Laodicea:
To each the Lord speaks…and to each He cries “Repent!”
What had gone wrong? How did those who BEGAN the race end up in DANGER of never FINISHING the race?
Scripture gives us that answer:
- Ephesus
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
- Pergamos
Revelation 2:14-15 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
- Thyatira
Revelation 2:20-23 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
- Sardis
Revelation 3:1b I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
- Laodicea
Revelation 3:15-17 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Folks…no one remained SAVED simply because they were “added to the Church daily” on a day when they heard Jesus or Peter or Paul…or any OTHER Disciple…preach a SERMON…resulting in those same soon-to-be “church members” having FAITH and then FOLLOWING Jesus.
Not ONE.
That is the VERY reason Jesus appeared to John…telling him to “Write.”
And…Jesus would make it CLEAR with words similar to these…in EACH and EVERY case:
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” (Revelation 3:3)
The question is NOT:
Are you saved today?…
…the question is:
Will those of us who are saved TODAY remain FAITHFUL…OVERCOMING sin…ENDURING ’til the END?
You see:
GRACE is the LIFE PRESERVER thrown to us by FAITH…but…we CANNOT jump OVERBOARD once we WERE saved and expect to CLAIM we are STILL saved!
Many will DROWN in the SEA of FALSE GRACE…believing they can DIVE back INTO the RAGING SEA of SIN with some GUARANTEE they will end up back on the LIFEBOAT.
The “Modern Church” has LONG ignored the call to ENDURE…to OVERCOME…to FINISH the RACE.
Be SURE of what I now say…for it is TRUTH:
Being RESCUED from the SEWER does NOT give you some form of IMMUNITY from TOXIC microbes if you CHOOSE to DIVE back IN.
In the same way…being SAVED from your SINS does not give you IMMUNITY if you once again dive into sin.
That is NOT the definition of GRACE.
When we are “saved by grace through faith”…Jesus says:
“Go and sin no more.”…
…not…
“Go and live as you wish! You now have gained an IMMUNITY to SIN!”
Church…hear me:
We have MIS-DEFINED…and REDEFINED…Biblical GRACE.
Being saved TODAY does NOT guarantee our salvation TOMORROW!
Remember THIS parable spoken by Jesus?
Read it…and DISCERN its TRUTH:
Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Will we ENDURE?
Will we OVERCOME?
SALVATION awaits those who FINISH the RACE…not those who simply BEGIN the race.
Yet…today…in churches EVERYWHERE…people stress the BEGINNING of the race…not the END…much less the ENDURANCE needed to even COMPLETE it.
And…it is then cries of “Grace!” become an EXCUSE for lives lived in DISOBEDIENCE…as UNHOLY “Christians” fill TEMPLES of COMPLACENCY…and FALSE DOCTRINE is most often IGNORED due to the DECEPTION of “an ENCOURAGING word.”
Folks…let me be CRYSTAL clear:
It is NOT enough to GET saved…we must STAY saved!
Only by GRACE through FAITH can we BE saved…but…ONCE saved…God requires OBEDIENCE.
Anything LESS is a life lived in DECEPTION…NOT a life lived “in Christ.”
GETTING saved does not equate to STAYING saved.
Folks…here is not only TRUTH…it is COMMON SENSE:
The very reason Satan and his demonic army fights AGAINST us is because we CAN be DEFEATED…because we CAN give IN to TEMPTATION…we CAN be DECEIVED.
Satan is NOT so STUPID as to waste his ENERGY and MAN-POWER on those he CANNOT ever WIN!
Trust me:
We ALL can FALL!
Look at the words of Peter…spoken to BELIEVERS:
2 Peter 3:14-18 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
“Lest ye also” WHAT?
“Lest ye also…FALL.”
“Fall” from WHAT?
“Lest ye also…fall from your own STEADFASTNESS.”
To be STEADFAST means to be SURE…ESTABLISHED…STEADY…FIRM…IMMOVABLE…COMMITTED…
…FAITHFUL.
Under the direction of God…Peter writes to BELIEVERS about the POSSIBILITY of FALLING…saying even though we are faithful NOW…we STILL could ONE day be found UNFAITHFUL.
And…LOOK what Peter says could CAUSE this:
FALSE DOCTRINE…as those that are “unlearned and unstable” USE Scripture ITSELF to DENY the very TRUTHS of Scripture…CLEARLY noted as Peter states:
“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (Verse 16)
In his first letter…Peter had also addressed the issue…noting that SALVATION is “ready to be revealed” for those who ENDURE “manifold temptations.”
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
The POINT?
The RACE is not WON until the RACE is COMPLETE.
And…MANY who BEGIN the RACE by GRACE through FAITH will not FINISH the RACE…simply because they FALSELY believe their SALVATION is SECURE no matter HOW disobedient they BECOME.
How? Why?
Because they were taught a MOMENT of salvation instead of a LIFE of salvation.
Did you GET that?
Folks…my Mom died January 19, 2017…and my Mom is SAVED…having ENDURED the TEMPTATIONS of this life…now being present with the Lord.
Me?
I am SAVED by GRACE through FAITH…but…I have MUCH more LEFT to ENDURE.
I have NOT yet “made it!”
Be sure…I WILL “make it” IF…IF…IF I will ENDURE…doing so until the very END.
If I FAIL to ENDURE…if I FAIL to remain FAITHFUL to the Lord…if I FAIL to live in OBEDIENCE to Him?
Without ENDURANCE…without taking that “way of escape” when I am TEMPTED…I WILL hear the Lord say “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:23)
THAT is the TRUTH as found in God’s Word.
Period.
You STILL doubt that TRUTH?
Notice again the story of the ten virgins:
Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Note this truth:
All TEN had oil in their lamps. The problem came when FIVE virgins failed to MAINTAIN the oil in their lamps.
Jesus WAS painting a picture of those saved by GRACE…those FILLED with the Spirit…yet they FAILED to MAINTAIN their RELATIONSHIP with God.
I have taught this principle…this TRUTH…before…but I repeat it here again:
Why does Scripture mention being BAPTIZED in the Spirit AND being FILLED with the Spirit?
In my 57+ years…I have OFTEN heard it taught that BAPTISM and FILLING were INTERCHANGEABLE words.
They are not.
You see…these two work TOGETHER…and they are fully noted in the Book of Acts:
Acts 2:1-2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
The ROOM was filled…thus IMMERSING the Disciples in the PRESENCE of the Holy One.
In Scripture…BAPTISM is ALWAYS an IMMERSION.
So…first the Disciples were IMMERSED in His PRESENCE…then they were FILLED with the Spirit:
Acts 2:3-4 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Now…all of this did NOT occur simply to allow people to speak in TONGUES.
So…why DID it happen?
The first answer is simple…as Jesus CLEARLY answered that question in Acts 1:8:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
But…Jesus was ALSO teaching the Disciples a POWERFUL lesson…one that would help them MAINTAIN their SALVATION.
Remember:
BAPTISM is an IMMERSION process…as we are BAPTIZED…SURROUNDED by…the Holy Spirit.
But…being FILLED is an INWARD work…and…according to Scripture…THAT process must be MAINTAINED.
Within the New Testament we find that truth played out REPEATEDLY.
But WHY? WHY is being FILLED so CRUCIAL?
I say it as I have said it before:
Imagine an AQUARIUM of water. Now…imagine taking an empty plastic water bottle…a bottle with the cap tightly secured…and placing it in the aquarium.
Having done so…imagine trying to SUBMERGE the water bottle just as it is.
What would happen?
The water bottle would IMMEDIATELY pop back up out of the water…only able to float on the SURFACE.
What would it take to allow the water bottle to be IMMERSED in the water?
The water bottle would have to be FILLED with WATER.
You see…we CANNOT remain IMMERSED in the Spirit if we fail to remain FILLED with the Spirit.
But…WHY is remaining IMMERSED in the Spirit so CRUCIAL to our SALVATION…to our “Christian walk?”
Let me answer that question this way:
Imagine with me a HURRICANE bearing down on the East Coast of the United States.
As the raging storm begins its trek toward Norfolk, Virginia…the SHIPS raise ANCHOR to ride out the STORM at SEA.
Timing is everything.
If the SHIPS fail to SAIL at the proper time…they will be tossed to and fro by the WINDS and WAVES stirred up by the STORM.
You see…SHIPS are more VULNERABLE during a STORM than their Naval COUNTERPARTS:
Submarines.
A SHIP in the MIDST of a STORM is in DANGER…and it can be SWAMPED by the WIND and WAVES.
But…a SUBMARINE can dive DEEP during the STORM…and…no matter HOW strong the WINDS and WAVES may be…the STORM has LITTLE to NO EFFECT on the VESSEL.
Though it REMAINS in the MIDDLE of the STORM…it often cannot even feel the EFFECTS of the storm.
THAT is why we MUST be FILLED with the Spirit…NOT so we can “speak in tongues”…but that we can remain IMMERSED in Christ…no matter the “category” of the STORM!
So…why is all of this SO IMPORTANT?
Just as Jesus KNEW the DANGERS His Disciples would face when He GAVE His INSTRUCTIONS to them to “tarry” in Jerusalem…
…Jesus ALSO knows that in this day and age of FALSE TEACHING…FALSE DOCTRINE…FALSE PROPHETS…HIRELINGS…and WOLVES…
…and…
…in this day and age of FALSE “grace”…FALSE “love”…and FALSE “salvation”…
…that “Christians” would DENY any call to ENDURE.
Jesus knew SOME would QUIT the race right after STARTING the race…simply because they repeated a “Sinner’s Prayer.”
Is that TRULY all there is to it…a “Sinner’s Prayer?”
Not…in…the…least.
BEING saved is just the BEGINNING…STAYING saved is FINISHING the RACE!
And…before someone without WISDOM cries “You promote a works-based salvation!”…let me be clear:
We are SAVED by GRACE through FAITH…but…once FORGIVEN…once CLEANSED…then we must remain PURE before God.
(Questions? Feel free to read Paul’s teaching on this in Romans…as Romans 6:15 says “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”)
It means IF we FAIL…IF we FALL…IF we SIN…we do not IGNORE that sin…nor EXCUSE that sin…by crying “It’s ok! I am under grace!”
Trust me…UNREPENTED sin becomes a HABIT…and HABITS become ADDICTIONS…and ADDICTIONS are PROOF that we FAILED to take that “way of escape” OFFERED by God.
It is like traveling on I-666…KNOWING we should EXIT this ROAD…but we simply drive on…NEVER bothering to take ANY of the EXITS the Lord has PROVIDED.
Be sure:
OBEDIENCE to God is NEVER defined as “works” in Scripture…and ANY definition of GRACE that DENIES the need for OBEDIENCE to God is a LIE.
And…ANY gospel that denies our need to ENDURE the trials and temptations of life…to remain FAITHFUL to God…is ALSO a lie.
If we are to be TRULY saved…we are called to ENDURE.
You see…we ONLY receive the CROWN of LIFE when we FINISH the RACE.
So…are you SAVED?
I pray you ARE.
Will you REMAIN saved?
I pray you WILL.
Is this post LONG?
You bet it is.
So is LIFE…so be willing to ENDURE.
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Abiding
Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]
How Do We Know, Right Now, Who will be Seated at the at the Table, at the Great Supper of the Lamb? (Matthew 22; Revelation 19)
The remnant, those who will be present at the Great Supper of the Lamb in Heaven, are ALREADY feasting at the banqueting table of His Word. All others whom Jesus has saved in the past, are not fueled or flourishing but are rather famishing, fainting, and falling away.
The “little flock” of Christ desires to be with Him both now and forever, not just forever (Luke 12:32). They’ve been born again and present “abide” in/with the Savior (John 15:1-6).
No good man wants an arrangement but rather a marriage with a virtuous, faithful wife. He rightly desires a beloved wife in holy matrimony, not a whore to shack up with! Those who espouse OSAS are spiritual adulterers, whore mongers. They want a quick fix, an illicit affair that requires no commitment, carries no requirements.
The God fearing wife has set aside all else to serve her husband (1 Peter 3:1-7). She is not sidetracked nor does she waiver in her love and duty to her man. And this is what the true bride of Christ is doing today – setting aside the distractions and pursuits of this fleeting world and are seated at the feet of Jesus, waiting upon Him (1 John 2:14-17).
Her life is all about Him, not herself.
The heart of a true under shepherd is heard in these words from Christ’s apostle Paul: “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
It’s the adulterous heart, the heart where Jesus is not truly the “first love,” the highest priority, that migrates to this sin-justifying system of theology called “eternal security” (Revelation 2:4-5). Jesus’ teaching concerning the five foolish virgins who were espoused to the Bridegroom (Jesus), and were later shut out of His bridal chamber, is clear proof that all who begin with Christ will not be with Him eternally (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus invented the term “fall away” and told us that some who initially believe will later “fall away”—they will not “endure to the end” with Him (Luke 8:12-13; Matthew 10:22; 24:13). So, someone’s lying and it’s not the Son of God. Why would He use such words as “fall away” if these things weren’t possible, if it weren’t essential to “endure to the end” to be “saved”?
Paul says we, the saints of Christ on earth, are “espoused” to Christ the Bridegroom – engaged, not married (2 Corinthians 11:2-4).
With no exception, ALL wise virgin believers are in the Word daily. They commune with the Bridegroom and He fills them daily with His heavenly virtue, oil (Matthew 25:1-13).
Just because one is “espoused” to Jesus, that is, engaged to the Bridegroom of Heaven, doesn’t mean they will ultimately be married to Him as is proven in Christ’s parable of the 10 virgins where only 5 made it into the eternal bridal chamber with the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). They other 5 were shut out for treating the engagement/espousal as a mere arrangement.
The most elaborate, the most grandiose dinner awaits the saints of Christ! Words cannot possibly express the grandeur of Christ’s welcoming dinner…. a celebration to end all others – the beginning, the inaugural celebration of eternity with Christ and His saints of all ages.
The foolish virgins are making excuse for sins (Proverbs 28:13a. The wise virgins are hastening to repentance (Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 3:3; Revelation 19:7-10).
“Revelation 19:7-9: We are to ‘bear the image of the heavenly.’ (1 Cor 15:49).Our sinful nature crucified, sanctified, dead and buried, and then we take on the heavenly glorified nature of Christ! Our whole spirit, soul and body is being transformed more and more into the image of Jesus! (1 Thesolonians 5:23). We must be fully clothed in righteousness and holiness to enter the marriage supper of the Lamb! This is the only way to be accounted worthy! And not have our names blotted out of the book of life.” Karen Cochran
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
Mocking at sin relates to any lax or crass attitude toward what He that is Holy declares to be sin – which separates men from God. There’s is divine grace and favor on all who are honest, repent, and forsake sin.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE HATH MADE HERSELF READY. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
WHAT’s the use of talking about end times and the events of these final days if we aren’t even going to be “READY” when Jesus does return?
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40
Read the passage below as to exactly, specifically what Bride Jesus will return for and please explain how a person who genuinely got saved and now is living in sin is going to be Christ’s Bride eternally:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:12-13
As the husband and wife require their intimate personal time together for relations, so the bride of Christ must have her individual, set apart time of intimacy with the Bridegroom, Jesus. This is biblical imagery (Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:25-30; Revelation 19:7-9).
Christ’s bride that He will soon return for is holy and holy means set apart. Christ’s Heaven-bound disciples are known by their fervent loyalty to their Master, Jesus. Sweet fellowship with Christ is at the cornerstone of their schedule. The LORD is their undisputed priority. Having a daily, set apart time with Christ is essential of the infusion of Heaven’s nutrient-rich substance, to remaining in an abiding relationship with the Bridegroom (Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 5:6, etc.).
Drinking from the well of Heaven daily is the mainstay duty and practice of every true wise virgin believer (Matthew 25:1-13). Their relationship with their Bridegroom is their most important occupation. He’s absolutely first. Jesus is not a second class citizen in their life (Revelation 2:4-5).
Do we remember how Paul spoke of a man and wife coming together and how if they don’t, if they neglect intimacy, they will be tempted to migrate to someone else other than their mate? (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” 1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Are we, are you rendering “due benevolence” to your LORD and Savior, the Bridegroom of Heaven? If not, you are being drawn away to another lover, a false god, an altar of idol worship.
You are Cordially Invited to this Great Supper of and with the Lamb of God
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
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Worshipping the God of all Grace through the Fiery Trials [podcast]
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
“In the world ye shall have tribulation”
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21
WE the body of Christ, are a separate entity from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are here on earth for but a short time more—saved and sent to do Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 4:34-38). Jesus foretold that these final days before His return would be tumultuous (Matthew 24; Luke 21). And to “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).
“Let not your heart be troubled” … and when we begin to perceive the big picture of the LORD, it will be easier to not be “troubled” in “the sufferings of this present time” (Romans 8:18).
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Making biblical sense of the suffering.
Makes us want to go home and to live like it (Daniel 12:10).
“The sufferings of this present time” are a mere speed bump saints. We are going to eternal glory with our King Jesus!
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
Nothing can separate God and His true saints—those who are hearing His voice presently and following, walking with Him, abiding in vital union with Jesus (John 10:27-29; 15:1-6).
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39
DO WE have the “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” spirit and disposition of the beloved Job?
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
Going though a season of testing and trials and yet not worshipping God through it all, is a waste. Personally I had to learn this the hard way.
God has been so wonderfully gracious to teach this disciple!
“I am understanding Job in a new way. Old Adam wants to see it as a punishment, or an injustice, and this belief is subtle and corrosive.” Justin Ballis
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11
Final Greetings
“By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.” 1 Peter 5:12
Knowing it’s God’s stated will for us to worship, love, and trust Him at all times—and in particular in the midst of that which He sees fit to allow us to go through….. is vital. Personally I chose initially to do laps in the desert and so such delayed getting to His promised land of peace. God is able beloved.
The LORD is “a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons” of His kingdom.
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
Are we worshiping our LORD in the midst of our seasons of suffering? Have we of late looked up and said, “Jesus, I love You“?
What’s God worth to me? How much does He matter? Is Jesus truly my very “first love”? See Revelation 2:4-5.
Worshiping God in this presently dark world will bring sufferings and ultimately eternal glory with Him and the true body of Christ.
What would we think of the man, the husband who didn’t defend his wife? He’s a self-serving coward, who loves himself more than his wife, right? What if we refuse to suffer for Heaven’s King that we claim to love? Wouldn’t this prove that we love self more than the Savior?
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11
It’s in our sufferings that we discover, we find out, we come to understand about God’s sufficiency. See James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:10.
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
Being “hid with Christ in God” is how the LORD powers us through, past the many afflictions to be suffered by Christ’s saints.
“There is a beauty in being rejected, misunderstood, unseen, and unsupported by people. It teaches you to rely on God for everything.” unknown
“the fiery trial which is to try you”
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:5-9
“Weeping (death and burial—suffering the death of self) may last through the night, but joy (resurrection) comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5
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The Book of Titus Overview [podcast]
“Loved this podcast. Thank you. One word that stuck out to me was pattern! Titus 2:7. I missed that word in that verse. The Holy Spirit is aways teaching us. Since this word was new to me I went to King James Dictionary: ‘Anything cut of formed into shape of something to be made after it. Pattern to imitate or follow.’ I think I now understand. Let Him shape and mold you. Pattern your life after Christ. Jesus was our perfect pattern!” Karen Cochran
“Though the Old Testament never directly mentions Crete (shown in inset), this island had a significant impact on the history of Israel. Crete was home to the ancient city of Knossos and the great Minoan civilization, the first advanced society in Europe, which flourished from before the time of Abraham until around the time of Moses. As this civilization declined, many people from Crete and mainland Greece began to migrate in vast numbers to new lands further east, including Israel. This is likely how the Philistines came to inhabit the Mediterranean coast of southern Israel. In the centuries that followed, various world powers gained control over Crete until finally it came under the rule of Rome, which grouped it together with the area around Cyrene on the North African coast to form a single province. (Cyrene was the home of a man named Simon, who carried Jesus’ cross for him after Jesus was no longer able to carry it.) As Paul was on his way to stand trial in Rome (Acts 27), he sailed along the southern coast of Crete, and there the captain lost control of the ship in a storm while attempting to reach safe harbor at Phoenix. The sailors became terrified that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, but instead they were driven by the storm to the island of Malta much further west, and the crew was saved.”
Abraham was born around 2166 BC
Moses – between 1391–1271 BCE.
Acts 27 and the Journey to Rome:
“The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on Crete while on his way to Rome. His ship took shelter at a harbor on the southern coast called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.”
Of the book of Titus, one source notes the following:
“The Book of Titus is a letter from Apostle Paul to his protégé Titus, who was tasked with establishing order and appointing leaders in the churches on the island of Crete. The letter contains guidance on selecting qualified elders, combating false teachings, and instructing believers to live godly, grace-empowered lives that demonstrate the gospel’s transforming power through good works and upright conduct.”
The Holy Ghost led Paul to set up God-fearing “elders in every city” to rebuke and to stop the deceivers and their lies and to establish the truth “sound doctrine.”
“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: … 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” Titus 1:5,9-10
To the “young men” and every disciple of Jesus (Titus 2:6).
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Titus 2:7-8
“Good works” or “Good work” appear 6 times in Titus.
“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
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of GOOD WORKS: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” Titus 2:7
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of GOOD WORKS.” Titus 2:14
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8
“And let ours also learn to maintain GOOD WORKS for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Titus 3:14
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