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Have you ever left a local church and been attacked for doing so?

“We were ‘excommunicated’ from a church we had been to for almost 10 years. All because we had the audacity to point out the scriptures to the pastor contrary to what he was preaching.” C.

EVER NOTICE when you leave a church …. It’s observable that like the mafia and satanist covens, when someone goes to leave, to cease being a member of these cults, they are viciously attacked or even murdered? This is how Satan’s Kingdom operates (John 10:10a). Is this not exactly what happens when a Christian goes to leave most local churches these days? Are they not character assassinated, scorned, mocked, and persecuted? This is because the satanic operators hate it when they can no longer control or manipulate or exploit their prey or victims. Such a scenario, the attack of the wicked, only confirms that you were to leave that antichrist cult that is pretending to be a gathering of Christ’s saints. Not. Yes it’s a cult. Any group that attacks those who dare to depart, proves to be a cult and not a true Christian fellowship.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35

By definition, the members of any cult are indoctrinated by wolves to believe that they alone are God’s and no other. Yet it is clear by their fruit, that they are of their father, the devil (Matthew 7:15-16, 20; John 8:44).

If you have departed from any group that persecuted you for leaving, please know that you were hearing from God to leave that congregation of counterfeits.

“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

Those who become divisive, who slander and participate in strife when someone in the group chooses to leave, demonstrate by their hatred, bad fruit, that they do not care about your place in God’s kingdom, in Christ. No, instead, they have their own best interest in mind and are in need of true repentance.

Christ’s Remnant Body is Living Organic

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23

THE ORGANIC (no additives) remnant body of Christ walks in God’s truth and love daily – no matter where they are on HIS planet (John 13:35; Ephesians 4:15, etc.). Their lives are sanctified always – not just on Sunday mornings. They belong to one church – the body of Christ which is bought by His precious blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23).  They love ALL the brethren of Christ – not just the folk that show up in an “official” so-called “church building” (1 John 4:7-8; 5:1).

A close friend of mine once said, the definition of a hypocrite is “someone who is just not quite themselves on Sunday mornings.”

2 Times the Bible uses the words “false brethren.” The reality of such is made clear by the biblical presence of these words.

“In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;” 2 Corinthians 11:26

“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily (insidiously, secretly) to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:” Galatians 2:4

Those who attack, who slander, or in any way persecute a true saint who chooses to leave a certain fellowship, are “false brethren” in need of true repentance before it’s too late. And for any pretending pastor to allow such proves he is false. In fact, in most cases, he’s the one who fostered such a cultic climate.

YOUR PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please make us Your authentic disciples. Purify our hearts and cleanse our lives of every trace of fakery. Please remove all false brethren from our lives and grant the blessing of fellowship with Your true remnant saints. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Set Free to do Christ’s Great Commission

ANYONE claiming to be Christ’s and yet is not about the “Father’s business” which is the Great Commission Jesus gave, does not have the fruit to prove they are Christ’s (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49, book of Acts, etc). Such a person is serving the god of self and Jesus says “no man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). All who are not serving the Master, Jesus, are serving the god of self and are idolaters, going to the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).

Is your life more about going to some “church” than it is about seeking, worshipping, loving, and serving Jesus Christ?

“Those apostate churches don’t serve Jesus, they serve self! Puff each other up in their flesh! Want to find the true Jesus of the Bible? Stay home and read your King James Bible! And find other true disciples to fellowship with. Not easy to find in the churches!” Karen Cochran

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

If Jesus is truly our LORD, Savior, “first love,” we are about HIS business and not our own (Revelation 2:4-5).

Sister Karen Cochran writes:

“We absolutely were attacked and stalked on FB (after leaving a certain local church). But now I say ‘thank You’ to the Lord for pulling us out! How can you learn the true doctrines of Christ under a Synagogue of Satan? All praise to Jesus and now we are free to participate in the Great Commission He has called us to. Matt. 28: 16-20. Since leaving the Lord has done exceedingly abundantly above what we could ever think or ask. Ephesians 3:20. False fellowships keep you in bondage with their false doctrines (corralling their prey for their own self-serving agenda). And most of all Jesus is not their first love! They have no love in them except for themselves! Jesus has set us free! When the Son sets you free you are free indeed. John 8:36. Come out from among them and be separate. 2 Corinthians 6:17, Revelation 18:4. All praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”

Speaking of being held back, corralled, used, exploited, wasted….

Regrettably, most local churches want to employ you, free labor, to do their bidding and not Christ’s Great Commission to teach, to preach His Word, His eternal kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47, etc.). Wolves want to send you out as their salesman to sell other pawns on the idea of joining that church country club.

Are you being exploited? (2 Peter 2:1-3)

If a person or group cannot respect that GOD gave you free will …. they are operating in witchcraft, in undue control and manipulation of God’s creation – you! Run!

This shows that they are reacting based upon losing control over the person leaving. This clearly reveals the witchcraft.

Beware of the Nasty Nico-laitans. Nico means to control and laitans means the laity/people. Jesus says He hates this (Revelation 2:6, 15).

“My sister was asked to leave a church. She and her husband refused to go and in the end it was the pastor that left. My confidence in our churches is so low I’m not sure it would be worth it. But she took that route, and stayed.” Arlean

“When you leave a church, you find out who the real Christians are! They should wish you well in your future endeavors.  I went through it over 40 years ago. And there are still scars.” Jerry Lambert

REPLY:

SO true brother. In fact, regrettably, in most cases they lash out viciously which only proves it was GOD calling you out! 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 etc. The wicked are filled with hatred for those they can’t control, exploit, and manipulate. They have the fruit, the characteristics of their father devil – who has come to steal, kill, and destroy, and deceive (John 8:44; 10:10; Revelation 12:7-12).

“Matt. 12: 34 Our outer appearance should match our inner self. Impossible for an evil heart to produce good fruit. Your words should match how you live. The fruits of Christ only come from a pure and honest heart. Otherwise your fruit is rotten because your inside is corrupted in sin and filth. By your fruits you will know them. Matt 7:20.” Karen Cochran

ANY time you are attacked because you chose to leave a certain “fellowship” or so-called “church,” your choice to leave is clearly confirmed to be of God, His doing. And, it’s proven in that Satan’s human agents are persecuting you. You just left a cult, a “synagogue of Satan,” full of divisive people who are in need of repentance (Revelation 2:9; 3:9). They are biting and devouring one another.

“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Galatians 5:15

When people left Jesus, He never once attacked them. Selah.

Example: When Jesus answered the rich young ruler, informing him that in order to inherit Heaven and not go to Hell, that he must give up that which he was trusting. Even though the man walked away from Jesus, Jesus “loved him.” Jesus spoke His truth “in love” (Ephesians 4:15). He leaves the choice up to the individual (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15).

“Then Jesus beholding him LOVED HIM, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” Mark 10:21

So we see from this exchange and others in Scripture that the LORD doesn’t attack people for leaving Him. When the 5,000 men walked away from Jesus after He fed their stomachs and taught His Word to them, did He attack or scorn them? No. See John 6.

Remember when the LORD’s disciples were young in Christ and how they sought to have Him call down fire from Heaven upon the heads others, of those who did not receive Christ? Read Luke 9:51-56.

What was Christ’s reply, rebuke to them and to all today who wish to bring judgment on those they lose or have no control over?

“But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:55-56 

Testimonies from those who’ve experienced attacks while departing from certain local fellowships

“We left apostate fake Churchianity a few months ago because we could no longer tolerate their false unbiblical doctrines and due to harassment from the pastors when I started sharing the truth on social media. It took quite a toll on me and my husband but the Lord drew us even closer to Him through this experience. We continue to pray for all of them.  The Pastor was making snide remarks about ‘those who don’t agree with us’ during services! That was a bridge too far. The Lord spoke to us clearly that we were to leave that place. We were obedient and have been blessed greatly with peace and comfort. These wolves in sheep’s clothing (pastors); show their true selves when you leave their ‘fellowship’ even if you do it in the most positive way that you can do it. Informing them that the Lord has directed you to move on. We were getting attacked in a passive aggressive way in messages and on other church members’ social media posts. We never answered in kind … They were obviously trying to bait us into reacting in an inappropriate manner which we never did. We have certainly found that to be true sadly, that when you leave a fellowship, they viciously attack you. Not to mention being ‘ghosted’ or scorned or even pitied by your ‘brothers and sisters’ in the ‘fellowship’ / cult. It’s very disturbing and disconcerting to say the least. They show their true colors when you depart. But GOD will keep you in his perfect peace and you will feel like a huge burden has been lifted when you are obedient to His call to leave. We both (my husband and I) heard it distinctly. The confirmation was when the pastor started making little rude remarks in his ‘sermons’ about ‘those that don’t agree with us’ type comments. Unbelievable.” Barbara

“Jesus isn’t looking for church goers. Most of these are the ones who would crucify Him all over again for speaking the truth. The truth they hate. Repentance, holiness, the cross, purity, and hell. All hated words. Jesus is looking for real disciples. Where are they…where are there found those willing to lay down their lives, forsake all, live holy and pure lives…those who are willing to lose their lives if necessary for the sake of Christ…because they have lived for Him and not self?” Karen Cochran

“I am so tired of the evangelical industrial complex justifying their greed and sexual abuse and bullying. No wonder the under 30 group are saying goodbye to church. And so have I. Joined a small group that meets once a week. Don’t need the large meetings with rock music and parking headaches and entertainers with impulse control issues claiming it’s the Holy Spirit in them. No it’s not. It’s all a show for people to be conned into thinking you’re being godly. It’s where two or more are gathered not where two or more thousands are gathered.” G.

“January of 2019 was our exodus from the Babylonian system. God has equipped us bountifully ever since.” George

“Left the church world 1 1/2 yrs. ago.. no regrets!” Nelline

Persecution Proves Sonship

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Being Persecuted? Are you rejoicing when persecution hits?

Have you ever been called a devil or told you have a devil? Perhaps you are in good company.

Interestingly, John the Baptist and Jesus were both told by the religionists of their day that “He hath a devil.”

“For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, HE HATH A DEVIL.” Luke 7:33

“And many of them said, HE HATH A DEVIL, and is mad; why hear ye him?” John 10:20

WE had better get concerned if we aren’t being persecuted.

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26

WHO were the main persecutors of Jesus, the prophets, the apostles, and earliest followers of Christ? – the Jews, those who falsely claimed, professed to be serving God.

The Hidden Haters

EVER notice how some people never say a word, they are invisible, you barely remember seeing them … and THEN, boom, you are freely choosing to leave that fellowship where you met them and they come out of the woodworks blazing, to defend their false church and pastor?

Notice how they never once had enough of God in them to edify you and yet now….  when you dare make the decision to leave their local fellowship. This all just appears to be more proof of being a counterfeit cult fellowship.

Just saying the truth. Anyone else observe this phenomenon?

Does belonging to a “church” take the place of your personal daily relationship with the LORD. No. In most cases though, church goers are indoctrinated, sold on the false idea that they need, have necessity of the local church they attend. No such concept taught by Christ or His apostles or the early church. We need JESUS and to be in His perfect will and not to be in some certain “church.”

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

Most “Christians” have basically been deceived, intentionally indoctrinated to believe that going to church, falsely called “fellowship,” is the pinnacle, the most important thing in their life as a Christian. Not. They were sold this notion by the wolves who benefit from those attending their meetings. Those same wolves never teach their prey to get into God’s Word for themselves, to live a cross/crucified life, a life of prayer, and to seek the face of the LORD “continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). They are not taught the utter importance of continual repentance and confession of all sin.

“Psalm 51 is a model prayer of of repentance. He admits his sin before the Lord as he says v3 ‘I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.’ He says my sin. David accepts full responsibility. He recognizes the cost of his sin. As he asks God to not hide his face from him. He recognizes that he has sinned against the Lord. He then asks God to purge, cleanse him white as snow, and renew a right spirit within him. And also to restore the joy of His salvation. David’s broken and contrite heart was his sacrifice to God. V 17 says ‘the sacrifices of God are broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’ The Lord will bless and cleanse those who come with honesty and humility before His throne of grace. Which is just what David did in this prayer of repentance.” Karen Cochran

God is calling you, yes YOU, to seek His holy face – daily in His Word and prayer.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

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Articles

Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]


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

Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?

Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.

“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….

“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso

—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15

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

LOVE is the governing factor:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:

“In John 14:15 and 15:14 (KJV), Jesus teaches that love and obedience go together, meaning real love for Him naturally leads to doing His commands rather than separating love from works.
What the Verses Say
    • John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
    • John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
    How Love and Works Connect
      • Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
      • Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
      • They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”

    Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.

    “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20 

    Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!

    “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21

    “His commandment are not grievous”

    “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

    IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.

    “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37

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

    IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).

    Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)  IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).

    “IFFFF you love me keep my commandments” and not “prove you love me by keeping my commandments” (John 14:15) … big difference. Jesus isn’t interested in any law keeper keeping His commandments …. He desires and calls His people to love Him! If not, there’s no reason to try to obey Him.

    “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

    Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).

    1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.”  “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

    When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

    “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8 

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10 

    DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.

    If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.

    One writer notes:

    “Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”

    IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM.  MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?

    “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5 

    So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)

    “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

    The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.

    “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

    Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

    Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)

    At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:

    And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandmentsHe that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6

    “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13

    “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13

    Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?

    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

    Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?

    Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).

    After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”

    “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

    LOVE IS THE CARDINAL EVIDENCE OR FRUIT THAT ONE KNOWS GOD.
    Do we truly know Him who “is love”? (1 John 4:8, 16) Love is a divine attribute that is, without exception, resident in every man who is truly in right standing with God (Galatians 5:22-23)

    PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

    Uphold Jesus (audio)

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    Abiding

    FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane

    By Jon Crane

    “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

    A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).

    The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5).  Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).

    Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.

    “But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

    23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

    24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

    25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25

    More Thoughts…

    “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

    8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all

    9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of loveMatthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.

    10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

    11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11

    When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.

    Remember whose you are …

    “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23

    Take heart…

    “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.” Titus 2:11-14

    If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…

    “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

    16 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.

    17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

    18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18

    Romans 3

    “Moreover, brethern, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;

    2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

    3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

    4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

    “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.

    20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

    21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

    22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Rom. 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

    23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

    24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

    25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

    26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26

    Confession made…

    “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we  preach;

    9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

    10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

    11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

    12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

    13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13

    Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

    Making Peace with God

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    Abiding

    “THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]


    In Eternity “THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.”
    (Isaiah 65:17)

    Our LORD Jesus will soon return to “make all things new.”

    “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5

    “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.” Isaiah 65:17

    “I create – I am about wholly to change the state not only of my people, but to bring a new face upon the world, which shall abide until a new heavens and earth appear, in which shall dwell nothing but righteousness. Not be remembered – That state of things shall be so glorious, that the former state of my people shall not be remembered.” John Wesley

    “Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire!” FB Meyer

    “65:17 The closing verses of chapter 65 describe millennial conditions. The new heavens and the new earth here refer to Christ’s kingdom on earth; in Revelation 21 they refer to the eternal state. In Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth there is still sin and death; in Revelation 21, these have passed away.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

    Of Isaiah 65:17, another commentator writes the following:

    a    [I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind] Here God declares that He will create or bring into existence renewed heavens and a renewed earth which will be so wonderful that the present ones will be forgotten in the glory and blessing that will then be enjoyed on the earth by the eternal society.
    b    [new heavens and a new earth] This term, “new heavens and a new earth,” is found only four times in Scripture, being used twice by Isaiah (Isa_65:17; Isa_66:22-24), once by Peter (2Pe_3:10-13), and once by John (in Rev. 21:1-22:5). Making the heavens and earth new will be accomplished at the close of the Millennium after all rebellion is put down on earth, all enemies are destroyed, and God has become all in all again, as before rebellion was started—first by Lucifer and later by Adam (Rom_8:18-25; 1Co_15:24-28; Eph_1:10; 2Pe_3:10-13; Rev. 21-22).
    c    [former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind]

    Great Millennial and Eternal Changes

    This could not mean that the former heavens and earth will never be recalled in any way whatsoever. The idea is that comparatively speaking, the new ones will be so wonderful that people will not meditate on, long for, or regret the passing of the old ones. Mentioning the new heavens and the new earth here as an introduction to a passage about the Millennium (Isa_65:18-25) can be best understood in this light—that God’s program concerning the new heavens and the new earth is His ultimate purpose in the work which he begins in the Millennium.

    Fifteen Millennial and Eternal Changes:

    1.    A new earthly and eternal Jerusalem will be created as the earthly and eternal capital of the whole earth (Isa_65:18; Isa_2:2-4; Eze_48:30-35; Joe_3:16-20)
    2.    Eternal Israel (Isa_65:18)
    3.    Eternal rejoicing of Israel for their eternal city
    4.    God rejoicing eternally in Jerusalem (Isa_65:19)
    5.    God rejoicing eternally in Israel
    6.    Eternal removal of all weeping and crying in Israel and Jerusalem
    7.    Eternal change in length of life—no more an infant of days nor an old man who will not fill his days (Isa_65:20). Men will live as long as trees (Isa_65:22) and eternally in natural bodies (Mat_25:46)
    8.    Change in the appointment of death for the righteous, who will not sin (Isa_65:20; Mat_25:46)
    9.    Change in the economy—everyone building and possessing his own home, and planting and enjoying his own crops without fear of losing any through debts (Isa_65:21-22)
    10.    Removal of the curse of hard labor (Isa_65:23)
    11.    Eternal change in purpose and production of material goods—nothing will be produced for war and trouble (Isa_65:23; Isa_2:2-4; Mic_4:1-13)
    12.    God’s eternal blessing upon all labor and business (Isa_65:23)
    13.    Eternal change of results in prayer (Isa_65:24)
    14.    Eternal change of animal natures (Isa_65:25; Isa_11:6-9)
    15.    Eternal change in society—none to hurt or destroy in all God’s kingdom (Isa_65:25)

    Jesus is Returning to Make Peace by Violence, by Force

    “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12

    No one can and will fulfill these words above more perfectly than the One who spoke these words.

    “Blessed are the peaceMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9

    In this fallen world, peace cannot be kept, it must be made – that is, it must be forcefully accomplished by destroying the wicked doers.

    “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Matthew 12:20 

    Jesus will bring forth His judgment unto victory when He returns.

    Jesus came to divide between the righteous and the unrighteous.

    “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34

    Our LORD’s Gospel message which presents the occasion for some to believe and some to reject. This is the “sword” of division that divides between the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The Gospel brings division and strife in families and nations, because some love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21).

    The unrepentant wicked will not repent and change. The LORD will return to crush and to force them into His bowels of damnation, a place of incarceration called hell.

    Jesus came as a lamb the first time and will return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to dispossess His earth of His enemies.

    “A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26

    All tears shall be wiped away from off the faces of those who choose to be Christ’s!

    “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:45

    In a certain sense it doesn’t matter what has come against you, what you have gone through, what you have suffered and endured. The end is near and this life is not even going to “come into mind” for the righteous when Jesus returns! When the unrepentant wicked are vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the righteous shall reign …..

    “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

    “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:3-11 

    Future Glory

    “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 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. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 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 8:17-39

    God’s Everlasting Love for His People…..

    “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3

    In and through Christ – as you are dead with Him and raised up by Him – He makes you to be, He declares us to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

    Historically the righteous have disrupted the plans of Satan and have therefore been persecuted… a type of what’s called “political prisoners” who are imprisoned and persecuted for disagreeing with the ruling evil doers.

    Let us be reminded saints, that it’s how we finish that matters most, not how we began, and not how we may have stumbled along the way. We are “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” (Hebrews 12:2).

    “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

    No saint of Christ has ever gone unscathed, unscarred in this life! It’s actually proof you are HIS! You have no earthly idea how much Jesus loves you! In fact, are we not warned by our LORD that if we are not receiving persecution, that we are not His?

    “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:22-26

    “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”

    “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” 2 Timothy 2:11-12

    Jesus promised us, His people, that we’d suffer for being His (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Luke 6:22-24; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14, etc.).

    “They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

    “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

    In this life, you don’t even have the ability to imagine the blessings that await you!

    “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

    “Joy and Peace in Believing”

    “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13

    PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You afresh, right now, in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Father for filling Your beloved saints in the earth with all joy and peace in believing. Please bless your saints with hope dear LORD as our lives are blessed to be laid down, crucified with Christ our LORD! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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