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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

The Laid Down Life [podcast]

Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)


“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).

Living in the Spirit

Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!

“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

WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”

Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18

We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.

“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18

The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).

“What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian

God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

“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

The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential

Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:23-26

Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5

This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.

“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11

There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.

Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)

If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.

Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24

The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).

Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.

Oswald Chambers wrote:

“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329

Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)

Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4

Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).

Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?

The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32 

“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729

Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3 

Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26

When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20

“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13

What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.

What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.

“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9

“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21

Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.

“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14

Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.

The Path of Our LORD Jesus

Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).

“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42

He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.

“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7

PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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Abiding

Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]


“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

  • “Ye have not chosen me”
  • “I have chosen you”
  • “and ordained you”
  • “that ye should go and bring forth fruit”
  • “and that your fruit should remain”

Of this truth, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:

“15:16 Lest there be any tendency for them to become discouraged and give up, Jesus reminded them that He was the One who chose them. This may mean that He chose them to eternal salvation, to discipleship, or to fruitfulness. He had appointed the disciples to the work which lay before them. We should go and bear fruit. Fruit may mean the graces of the Christian life, such as love, joy, peace, etc. Or it may mean souls won for the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a close link between the two. It is only as we are manifesting the first kind of fruit that we will ever be able to bring forth the second.

The expression “that your fruit should remain” leads us to think that fruit here means the salvation of souls. The Lord chose the disciples to go and bring forth lasting fruit. He was not interested in mere professions of faith in Himself, but in genuine cases of salvation. L. S. Chafer notes that in this chapter we have prayer effectual (v. 7), joy celestial (v. 11), and fruit perpetual (v. 16). “That whatever you ask … .” The secret of effective service is prayer. The disciples were sent forth with the guarantee that the Father would grant them whatever they asked in Christ’s name.”

Adam Clarke writes;

“The first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ; no wonder, then, that they were so successful. Those whom men have since sent, without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry.

To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must –

1. Be chosen of God to the work.
2. He must be placed in the true vine – united to Christ by faith.
3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor.
4. He must not wait till work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it.
5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord.
6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work.
7. He must take care to water what he has planted, that his fruit may remain – that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock.
8. He must continue instant in prayer, that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God – Whatsoever ye shall Ask.
9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name. – Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, etc. See Quesnel.”

God alone ordains His people to His work and brings them through many purging seasons to cause His fruitfulness in them, preparing them to bear more of His fruit. God chose us and blessed us with the ability to repent and receive Christ. As His people, He’s also ordained us to “go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”

As we read this discourse from our LORD (John 15 and 17), we discover that He is speaking of that abiding fellowship we have with Him, and how out of it is borne the good fruit of His ministry in and through our life.

Being rooted in that oneness, the abiding relationship with Christ, is all-important to our relationship with Him and the Father. As his student, His disciple, may the reader be encouraged to pour prayerfully over these truths captured, and given to us in John, chapters 15 and 17.

Isaiah 43

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3  For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4  Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5  Fear not: for I am with thee … “

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, please make me one with You. Please deeply root and establish my life in an abiding fellowship with You dear LORD.

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Articles

The One Essential to Victory [podcast]


Victory is at hand!! This message is at the heart of the original Gospel message Christ and that His apostles gave. Yet, this is seldom if ever heard today. Victory awaits you!!!!! God desires to give it to you!!!! You be careful though saint. Be not deceived. Get this truth in your heart and life and God will raise you upward to the victory that brings Him glory and where you belong. Paul said that there are many “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3:18-19) Discover who they are and what is divinely required for you to be blessed with victory in this life and in eternity with Christ!

Raised Up | I Die Daily


The Victory is in Jesus [podcast]


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