Abiding

“Lordship Salvation” Examined [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]

What does “Lordship salvation” mean? Who uses this term?

Recently I read the piece below, calling out “lordship salvation”:

“In the sinner’s prayer … it says “I am willing to turn from sin…” The Bible NEVER asks us to give up anything to receive God’s FREE gift of salvation except our unbelief. I hate the damnable heresy that tells people that they can’t get saved unless they turn from sin. Show me that in the Bible! This does not give us a License to Sin, it simply means that discipleship does not affect our salvation. Jesus NEVER asked us to follow Him to be saved, ONLY to believe on Him.”

Much of this is correct and yet, what’s left out is that after receiving Jesus and thereby being saved by Him (John 1:12), the whole of Scripture reveals that one must “abide” in Christ which means to continue, to remain in Christ. Such can only occur where one that Christ saved is continuing in Him, following Him – otherwise those who don’t remain in Christ after being saved will be burned (John 15:1-6). Jesus warned us that in the last days, the days we now live in “the love of many” would “wax cold” and then says that only those who “endure to the end” are going to be “saved.” (Matthew 24:10-13)

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

Keep in mind that those who condemningly ostracize those they say teach “Lordship salvation” are the exact same heretics who peddle Satan’s original life, which in our day is call things like “eternal security” or “once saved always saved.” (Genesis 2:17;3:4)

If one is not personally vested, engaged in, participating in an abiding worship-filled obedient relationship with Christ, he does not have saving faith nor a relationship with the Son of God. To speak to the issue of salvation as if it’s not a relationship where both parties must become engaged and remain an integral participant, is false. See Jesus’ parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.

When we worshipfully obey Jesus, we’re not earning our salvation, we’re simply walking with, engaging in a relationship with the Savior who saved us by His grace.

Did Jesus or His holy apostles ever once teach that those saved by Christ, who engage in a real relationship with Him which include obeying the Savior, are trying to earn, attempting to merit their own salvation? I’m still looking for any such verse in God’s Word.

If you don’t choose to love Jesus enough to obey His stated terms, you have rejected the Son of God for the love of sinful self and will perish in your own corruption (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6, etc.).

“We cannot pray in love and live in hate and still think we are worshipping God.” AW Tozer

Those whom Jesus at one point saved and yet they despise the Savior by ridiculing the necessity of being in an abiding relationship with Him, do so because they want nothing to do with Him. They simply vainly believe they are using Him to get them out of hell and into Heaven. As He will sentence them to eternal fire, they will soon hear Him declare “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matthew 25:40)

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Our obedience to God is simply the expression of our love for Him.

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14

Now that is an irrefutable statement and yet the one and done, lukewarm, cross-less eternal securist will say that’s “adding to the gospel” or “works salvation.” Yet God’s Word states:

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4

When His covenant people were in rebellion, living in sin, the LORD told them:

“IFFF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:19-20

Recently someone who is attacking what they call “Lordship salvation” said this:

“Lordship Salvation is the false gospel of works-based salvation (SELF reformation and perseverance) … (salvation is) God’s immeasurable undeserving unmerited grace.”

Yet God’s saving grace is not given to everyone, right? Right. Why? They refuse to meet His stated conditions. What are those conditions? Repent (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30, etc.). Believe (Acts 16:31). Abide – which means to remain in Christ to the end (John 15:1-6). God’s Blessings are Conditional, not Un-Conditional

What these grace-perverting heretics are actually teaching is that engaging in an abiding relationship with the Great Savior is somehow “works salvation.”

The man who wrote this obviously views loving and therefore obeying Jesus, the One he claims saved him, as works-salvation. Jesus commands:

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37

These are those who are preaching against what they call “Lordship salvation.” Here’s what they are saying…

The 7 “Problems” of So-called “Lordship Salvation” according the grace-perverters.

In the podcast version of this message, we address the “free grace,” “grace only” counterfeits who claim that what they call “Lordship salvation” … They claim that “Lordship salvation” …

Changes the gospel.
Places an impossible burden on the unsaved.
Confuses justification (salvation) with discipleship (service).
Confuses the result of requirement for salvation.
Fails to understand salvation has always been by faith alone.
Ignores the reality of a carnal Christian.
Destroys the assurance of salvation.

None of these are true. What is needed is the whole testimony of what the full counsel of Scripture reveals about of salvation. The evangelical eternal security crowd is famous for syphoning out a few verses to the exclusion of the whole counsel of God’s Word and ignoring, negating any and all Bible verses that require their personal repentance.

Those who refuse to make Christ the LORD, the Master, the Ruler of their personal lives are the ones balking against any Scripture and minister that indicates that after being saved one must choose to engage in an abiding relationship with the Savior which will always produce good fruit (John 15). That’s the root of this matter. Did your personal responsibility end when Jesus died on the cross? No.

“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:10

Easy believism upended …

Jesus taught that if one isn’t bearing good fruit it’s due to his not being rooted in Christ, saved.

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 7:19

Is that what grace perverters call “lordship salvation” OR is that Bible? Who said those words? What else could they mean except what He stated?

Good fruit is only born out of true relationship and that’s what so many do not want. They want the crown but not the crown Christ commanded. Rebuke and run.

Satan has cross-less, Christ-denying compromising cowards at every level, at every turn. Beware.

They want to say “It is finished” and so nothing is ever required of God for His people (John 19:30). Christ’s redemption work was “finished,” that is the sin debt was “paid in full” to the Father, and yet that doesn’t alter the stated conditions He gave for appropriating His salvation and being in Heaven with Him. In short, His conditions are repentance, faith, and enduring to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Luke 13:3; John 15:6; Acts 17:30; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; Revelation 2:26, etc.). Scripture speaks repeatedly of initial and final salvation. Self-serving counterfeits are famous for perpetrating half-truths and not wanting to know the whole of what God stated concerning their personal responsibility to Him, the Judge of their eternal souls before whom they shall stand in judgment.

Christ’s perfect sacrifice does not negate what He commanded and requires of us AFTER He saves us by His grace where “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The words and works of our lives clearly reveal what’s in our hearts (Matthew 12:34). Those who lack good works do so because they haven’t chosen to have a good heart before the LORD (Luke 8:15). Good works are the fruit of being saved by grace through saving faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matthew 16:27

Of these words of Jesus, one brother notes:

“‘Works’ here in this verse ‘praxis’ means acts; the key point is that good or bad, Our acts will be addressed as we ALL shall stand before GOD. Faith without works is dead, meaning that one’s faith is hollow, TRUE FAITH produces GOOD WORKS which come from the cleansed heart.”

Does God have a plan for His people to be holy as He is holy? Yes, He always has, going back to His peculiar people Israel.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Those who preach against what they call “Lordship salvation” are 100% from the eternal security, once saved always saved, grace only, type evangelical camp.

“It is not in a doctrine, or a notion or idea, that we find genuine security, assurance. We do not find genuine security in a church, denomination, or religious leader. Security is found only in our relationship with God. In that relationship, we will discover benefits. However, people have historically worshipped the benefits more than the benefactor.” Cedric Fisher

It seems apparent that those who object to what they call “Lordship salvation” seek to justify living carnally, living like those in this fallen world, having little or no difference from the lost. They have no desire, prayer, or study of Holy Scripture concerning the cross – the crucified life – repentance, holiness, judgment, etc. They refuse to be bothered with the cross, the crucified life.

“Grace, Grace, Grace”?

For people who claim to be so strong on grace, this one is befuddling. They are the ones actually preaching another gospel, a gospel whose savior is not powerful enough to make holy those He’s saved, a false god whose grace is not sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Romans 6:14; Psalms 4:3. The cross is clearly missing from their gospel (Galatians 3:3).

While they claim to believe big on the grace of God, they intentionally ignore grace Scripture such as Titus 2:11-14 which states:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-12

According to the above passage, those truly saved by the grace of God are denying self (the cross, the crucified life), denying ungodliness and this world’s lusts and living “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” as they eagerly await the return of Jesus.

The lawless grace-perverters are those who hate, despise, and attack anything and anyone who suggests, who declares the myriad of Scripture which call for all who “nameth the name of Christ (to) depart from iniquity.”

“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

Can the saved person begin to live in sin and still possess divine saving grace?

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2

If the truth makes you doubt your salvation, perhaps you don’t have salvation. You only think you do.

Cedric Fisher masterfully writes:

“Salvation is a gift. A gift is not earned. One must have faith to receive the gift. If I give someone a diamond, considered eternal, they did not earn that gift. They do not have eternal possession of the diamond simply because it is eternal. If they are careless, and it is lost or stolen, it remains eternal even though their possession of it was lost due to carelessness.

Thus, the fact that salvation/redemption is eternal does not mean we have eternal possession of it in the temporal realm. Peter stated clearly that salvation is received at the end of our faith—when Christ appears. (1 Peter 1:9)

Furthermore, faith without works is dead. One cannot have workless faith and retain God’s gift. Also, we are ordained for good works (Ephesians 2:10). If you study all the other writings of Paul when he uses the word ‘works,’ you will realize that he is referring to the works of the Mosaic Law. Read the 10th verse to the end of the chapter in Ephesians 2. Consider that the ‘good works’ he refers to in the 10th verse are not of the Mosaic Law.

Accepting God’s gift and then turning back to one’s former lifestyle is piggery. God does not cause piggery nor does he force one against his or her will to remain a lamb. Obedience would be nonexistent if God were a puppeteer. Christ does not say ‘Well done’ to people with good works phobia.

Additionally, apostasy is departing from the faith. One cannot depart from where he or she has not been.

The bottom line (to avoid a small book of many scriptures and clear conclusions) is that individuals have believed the worst lie unleashed by Satan on humanity when they believe redemption cannot be lost in the temporal realm. It is as the lie the serpent told Eve.

The fact is, that the eternal security lie has been largely perpetrated by Calvinism. There are no verses that support it. It is the major reason for the apostasy, and currently the great and final apostasy.

Believing it accuses the one omnipotent God of being incapable of having a godly and obedient people—that in spite of making them new creations, partakers of the Divine Nature, sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in them, giving them His Word, and allowing them access into His presence by prayer, they continue to be corrupt, vile, and willful sinners merely hidden from His view.

Cut-n-paste hermeneutics with verses and snippets of verses snatched away from their actual context can produce any type of heresy.

My testimony is that I was delivered from deep darkness of alcohol, drugs, and other bondage. He did not redeem and deliver me from darkness to spend the rest of my life longing for the light. I was translated into His kingdom—into the light of Christ. There is light in me. The Son set me free indeed. I am not a sinner saved by grace—I was a sinner, now I’m saved by grace.

Grace is not a license to sin. I am not forced to sin daily to keep up with a mythical sin quota. I am to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). Where in God’s Word does it declare that Christ lived in bondage and sinned daily? That is the same goal as the unredeemed ones.

If one’s redemption does not produce Christ-likeness in him or her, it is not redemption (1 John 2:4; 3:10, etc.). It is an attempt to climb into the sheepfold by another route (John 10).

The fact is, God did not promise to keep anyone or anything that is not given fully over to Him. If everyone that claims they have eternal security were committed fully to Him, they would not need, or even reference eternal security, as a benefit. Security is a comfortable emotional feeling—very difficult to maintain. We should follow God’s will even when we do not feel secure.

It is not helpful to cling to or defend a doctrine as if it were an talisman (lucky charm).

It is not in a doctrine, or a notion or idea, that we find genuine security, assurance. We do not find genuine security in a church, denomination, or religious leader. Security is found only in our relationship with God. In that relationship, we will discover benefits. However, people have historically worshipped the benefits more than the benefactor.

I am secure in God because I fully surrender to Him. The OSAS apologists would call that works-based salvation, belief in sinless perfection, establishing self righteousness, and trying to earn my salvation. Thus, they worship their false doctrine and attack the genuine Christ-following disciples.

God requires us to surrender fully to Him—not a doctrine. Our free moral choice will remain until we enter eternity. Any doctrine that denies full surrender, or teaches people that it is not necessary, is not of God.

I oppose and expose such doctrines because I do not wish people to enter eternal hell. On that point, consider that hell is eternal. I was set on the path to eternal hell. It did not mean that I had no choice to continue in sin, yet if I did I’d be cast into hell. I left the path to eternal hell just as people leave the path to eternal heaven. I was not secured to that path, and no one is secured to the path to eternal heaven. We are not riding safely along in a ‘keeping’ zone. We fight the fight and finish the race. We are opposed by the powers of darkness. It’s a war, not a game of checkers. It requires diligence, discernment, praying, godliness, effort, perseverance to the end, et cetera. Denying that is denying God’s Word.”

The eternal security myth debunked as a doctrine of devils.

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

“The horrible travesty we have in America today is Christianity without holiness.” A.W. Tozer Grace and holiness come only from God. The LORD is Holy and He extends salvation by grace to repentant, believing sinners at the moment of conversion. Grave vs Holiness: WHY is one of these two so overwhelmingly overemphasized by today’s pastors and self-appointed “grace teachers,” when the other is prioritized by God as is demonstrated by the number of times it appears in Holy Scripture? Which word appears more times in the Bible?: Grace, or Holiness LET’S DO THE MATH: Comparing Grace and Holiness 170 to […]

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]

Ready or Not – Jesus is Coming “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 Here’s how you know if you are ready to meet Jesus—whether by dying or His soon return. The context of the Bible verse above is the return of Jesus and being ready for it (1 John 2:24-3:3). Those who live for Christ long to see Him and look expectantly for His soon return. This world is not their home. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all […]

Is YOUR Work Finished just Because Jesus' Work is Finished? [podcast]

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30 These are the 3 most powerful words ever uttered. What did this mean? What did it not mean? Did “It is finished” mean that those who believe on the LORD Jesus, receiving initial salvation, are free from all present and future responsibilities before God? The finished work of Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity, but His accomplishment does not arbitrarily guarantee the final salvation of the individual believer. Christ’s perfect and completed redemptive work to […]

Abiding

“David Encouraged Himself in the LORD his God” [podcast]

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, … but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Gathering from several commentaries on this passage, one source notes the following:

“Faced with the devastating loss of Ziklag and a mutinous army threatening to stone him, David found supernatural resilience. Rather than yielding to panic or despair, he actively turned his focus away from the overwhelming crisis and strengthened his faith directly in God.

Key Context and Lessons

- The Crisis: Amalekite raiders had burned the city and captured all the women and children, including David’s own wives.
- The Breaking Point: His loyal men were now grieving and broken, turning their deep anguish into violent anger against their leader.
- The Shift: David did not look to his men, his own strength, or his circumstances for hope. He preached truth to his own soul, drawing on his past history with God’s faithfulness and inquiring of the Lord for his next steps.

Practical Takeaways

- Self-Talk: When no one else is around to lift you up, you must learn to speak God’s promises to your own heart.
- Refocusing: Encouraging yourself in the Lord means anchoring your identity and security in His unchanging character rather than shifting public opinion.
- Actionable Faith: David’s inward strengthening immediately led to outward action—he sought God’s direction and pursued the enemy, resulting in complete victory and restoration.”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“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

During seasons of great stress, this man after God’s own heart sought the LORD. This time only served as a blessing, hastening David to the feet of Christ. Beloved David gave us the most amazing Scriptures concerning seeking God.

“My soul followeth hard after thee.” Psalms 63:8

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1-2

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8

Prayer: Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please grant me, Your mere servant, to be possessed with a heart after You dear LORD. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Having a Pure Heart Requires the Cross Life [podcast]

“Great Podcast. Thank you. When I think about Matthew 5:8 I think of Psalm 24:3-4, ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.’ Who is worthy to stand in God’s holy presence? Only those who are living holy and righteous lives! Those disciples who are free from pride and sin and are maintaining inner purity. With no idolatry, hypocrisy and deceit in their hearts! They are hungry and thirst […]

The Importance of Pureness of Heart [podcast]

“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11 With pureness of heart, our words shall issue forth with grace and seasoning and be more readily received by those who hear. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6 David’s Prayer “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they […]

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]

Abiding

10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]

The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

“The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold”

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

Did you notice in verse 14 that those who hot for Jesus are participating in the preaching of His Word to the end of the earth (Mark 16:15).

Anyone not devouring God’s Word daily is falling away, is not enduring to the end, is choosing the let their love for Jesus wax cold, and on the wrong, the losing end of this prophecy Jesus gave here on record in Matthew 24:10-14.

“I will spue (vomit, reject) thee out of my mouth”

“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:” Revelation 3:16-17

Praying God will help you love Him more (Matthew 22:37-40). It really all boils down to WHO we love most. THAT is exactly who we are serving (Romans 6:16).

Loving God is everything as far as what’s in our control – because it’s a choice, daily, and will determine if one remains in Christ to the end.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

“Thou hast left thy first love”

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

1. When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in prayer each and every morning… When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in His Word each and every morning (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Chronicles 16:11).

2. When your love for God’s people is being reduced instead of increased (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 John 5:1) Marks of the True Christian …. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Romans 12:9-11) See John 13:35.

“And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:20-21

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE.

3. You are not denying self and not taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23-24; 19:27; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).

4. You aren’t communicating the light of truth to others because you no longer seek or fear the LORD and so His divine virtue isn’t teeming in and flowing out of you. Your cup no longer runs over but instead is running empty (Psalms 23). You have a lampshade over the light and are not letting His light shine in and through your life and words… “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

5. You live in fear instead of faith and the joy of being with Jesus (Luke 21:28; 1 John 4:16-18; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 2:11).

6. You preach promises and not conditions…following the apostate modern church and you don’t preach the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel which we are commanded to “earnest contend for.” (Jude 3) You begin meditating on and living by trends instead of truth (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:1-2).

7. You have little or no true fellowship with other born- again Bible believing disciples of Jesus as is defined in God’s Word and not by the modern church world (Acts 2:42).

The Word of God is to run rich, to be abundant among God’s people … “In all wisdom” and “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” … “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

8. You know you are backsliding when your main thrust and identity become politics, not the work of the Gospel. YOU are a blood bought disciple of Jesus, not a conservative. You are a Bible believing follower of Christ (Luke 9:62; Galatians 6:14).

9. When you love this world…..When you spend more time and money on hobbies and the things of this fleeting world than you do on attending to knowing, walking with the LORD and preparing to be used of Him (Mark 4:17-19; 1 John 2:15; James 4:4).

10. When you spend more money on trash and trinkets then helping the work of the One you claim to love and the poor. You know you are backslidden when you are not obeying God with what He’s placing in your temporal possession. He shall bring you into full account for this.

Regrettably, people will give their money to any and every pleasure under the sun but make excuses when the opportunity to support the work of the One they claim to love and serve. The Holy Spirit foretold that in the final days before the return of Jesus, there would be those with a mere “form of godliness”, “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) According to the LORD, one of the main ways to measure our true love for Him or lack thereof, is by peering into our personal stewardship of the resources He’s placed into our temporary possession. Luke 12 and 16 offer a plethora of divine wisdom and warning concerning the judgment to come, the judgment we shall endure in giving account for our stewardship in this life.

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

To underscore the importance of stewardship, we should realize that 16 of our LORD’s 38 parables involved stewardship. Those who now do not wish to face and confront this truth, are apparently those who are in the most need of hearing it.

PRAYER: Father I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ. Please cause my conscience to be super sensitive to Your conviction, Your leading, and to evade all that defiles me in Your holy eyes, sin. Here and now I submit my life afresh to You dear LORD. You must increase but I must decrease. I am crucified with Christ and thank You for conforming me to His holy image. I am all Yours LORD and thank You that You are all mine. I love You Jesus. Please make me one with You and the Father and with Your beloved body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fresh Start with God

You can Have a … Jesus is the Great Shepherd of His Sheep (Heb. 13:20; Lk. 15) A FRESH START WITH GOD (First, if you are not certain that you are genuinely born again, please go here first) Let’s get something straight…. the disciple, the mere man writing this message is more in need of JESUS than anyone who ever lived! No one needs Jesus more than I do and yet, we must do things HIS way, not our own (Ephesians 3:8). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs […]

Dollar Dialogue [podcast]

Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] Curing the Dilemma of Diminishing Returns. If we want to see Heaven’s floodgates opened, we must examine what compliance, what agreement, what obedience the LORD may be leading us to render. The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast] (below) YOUR own bank statement tells you exactly who you are. Matt 6:21 A financial investor takes your money and multiplies it for your last few years in this temporal life, right? In contrast, laborers for Christ take your support and multiply it for Christ and themselves for all eternity. In Christ’s eternal kingdom […]

The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]

If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all […]

Abiding

David’s Farewell Prayer [podcast]

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:13

May God bless His people, in their times of tribulations, to find comfort, guidance, with Holy Scripture, and may they find His peace during seasons and transitions.

The most famous biblical farewell is Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17:1–26, where He commits His disciples into the Father’s care before departing.

Classic Farewell Blessings

The Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24–26): “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
The Pauline Benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14): “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
God’s Promise (Jeremiah 29:11): “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

At the end of his life, David prayed to God for His kingdom and people. One source notes the following:

“King David’s life is defined by extreme highs and devastating lows. Rising from a humble shepherd to an unbeatable warrior-king who established Jerusalem, he suffered catastrophic personal failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah, and tragic family calamity that culminated in his son Absalom’s rebellion.”

At the end of his life on earth, David, the man after God’s own heart, prayed.

Of this magnificent kingdom prayer of David, one source notes the following:

“King David’s famous prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 (King James Version) is a profound declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty, majesty, and ownership of all creation. Spoken near the end of his life, it serves as a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication for the materials gathered to build the Temple.

Summary of Key Verses (1 Chronicles 29:10-19 KJV)

- Verses 10-13: David blesses God, declaring His greatness, power, and glory. He affirms that God owns all things in heaven and earth, including riches and honor.
- Verses 14-16: David expresses humility, noting that all gifts come from God and that human life is short and temporary.
- Verses 17-19: He prays for the people’s continued devotion and asks for Solomon to have a “perfect heart” to keep God’s commandments and build the temple.”

1 Chronicles 29

David Prays in the Assembly

10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.

17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:”

Ephesians | Galatians Outline | Grounded in Grace |

The Prayer Life of Jesus [podcast]

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Prayer Mission of Epaphras [podcast]

Praying daily, diligently, God’s will for others, changes you. EVER wonder how or what to pray for others? Wonder no more! Amazing! 1 Bible Verse to a changed life! The all encompassing prayer!!! Simple and biblical!!! Life changing! Never again wonder how or what to pray for others or yourself! Do you have specific people you lift in prayer each morning? “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:” 1 Samuel 12:23 WHEN you ask someone to “pray […]