Abiding

IS ALL DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN CHRISTIANS A SIN? [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

IS ALL DISAGREEMENT A SIN?
What Saith the Scriptures?

Kingdom Truth to Help You Walk in God’s Peace in Your Kingdom Relationships

Is there room for disagreement within the body of Christ? Yes, yet only on things not doctrinally essential. Not with doctrinal essentials, and yet as far as wisdom concerning direction, real time decisions, disagreement is acceptable. Everyone doesn’t have to see everything the same way as far as non-essentials are concerned.

Do we recall how Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed concerning John Mark?

Paul and Barnabas Separate

“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” Acts 15:36-41

John Mark was the son of Mary, at whose house the members of Christ prayed when Peter was jailed and about to be martyred. They prayed fervently and God sent His angel to free Peter (Acts 12:12).

John Mark was born again. Otherwise, Paul and Barnabas would never have brought him with them to minister our LORD’s Gospel. John Mark had on their first journey with them, departed before their ministry mission was accomplished (Acts 15:38). Paul saw this past departure one way, and Barnabas another. Which of these men of God were in sin? Neither.

John Mark was the nephew of Barnabas and so Barnabas perhaps knew the weaknesses of his family, considering wisely that John Mark was a young man with much growing to do. And Barnabas had faith that young John Mark would come around, would correct his errant ways and mature. Sure enough, Barnabas was correct. Years later Paul said:

“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark (John Mark), and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11

Paul now sees John Mark as “profitable to me for the ministry.”

John Mark had matured, he’d received correction and was growing in Christ and now ready, prepared to be involved in the ministry. He was now a much more mature, equipped man. Barnabas’ compassion greatly assisted this. John Mark was obviously willing and diligent in his repentance and life in Christ.

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Paul now honored the work of God in Barnabas, an elder, who no doubt had been greatly instrumental in the maturing of beloved younger John Mark. Isn’t that what true elders of Christ do – mature and equip the saints “for the work of the ministry”? Yes! See Ephesians 4:11-16.

“4:11 The beloved Doctor Luke was the only one who maintained contact with Paul in Rome. How much it must have meant to the apostle to have the spiritual encouragement and professional skill of this great man of God!

And how thankful we can be for the latter part of verse 11! It holds encouragement to all of us who have failed the Lord in our service that He will yet give us another opportunity to go forth for Him. Mark went with Paul and Barnabas on their First Missionary Journey, but then left them at Perga to return home. When it came time to go out on the Second Missionary Journey, Paul did not want to bring Mark along because of the young man’s previous retreat. When Barnabas insisted that Mark should accompany them, the matter was resolved by Paul’s leaving for Syria and Cilicia with Silas, while Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus. Later on, Paul and Mark were reconciled, and here the apostle specifically asks for Mark as one who is useful to him for ministry.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

One lesson we can learn here is to allow others the freedom of their own opinion concerning non-essentials (Romans 14). If something is not specifically cited as a sin in the Bible, keep learning and consider it a non-essential. See Romans 14 and the 17 soul damning sins Paul lists in Galatians 5:19-21. Just because your personal view is currently negative concerning a certain view or practice, doesn’t make it something GOD calls a sin.

Have you ever seen yourself acting, deliberating more like Paul in some cases and in others more like Barnabas? Is there room for both? Yes. Notice the Bible never hints, never once indicates that Paul was wrong for seeing things the way he viewed them in this situation. Neither was Barnabas wrong.

The blessing of Barnabas arises out of this relationship with his nephew. Barnabas’ name means “The son of consolation.” He lived up to his name. Barnabas was a compassionate man and who was a real helper to the members of Christ’s body.

His name first emerges in the last two verses of Acts 4.

“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37

“4:36, 37 These verses are an introductory link with chapter 5. The generosity of Barnabas is set forth in striking contrast to the hypocrisy of Ananias. As a Levite, Joses … named Barnabas would not ordinarily have owned land. The Lord was to be the portion of the Levites. How or why he obtained the land, we do not know. But we do know that the law of love worked so powerfully in the life of this Son of Encouragement that he sold the land and laid the money at the apostles’ feet.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Barnabas’ name means the son of consolation. He was a compassionate consoler. Think about how Barnabas advocated, stood in the gap for John Mark. What a blessing when someone stands up for you, comes to your defense! Do you feel consoled? Yes. Do you want others to be consoled by your legitimate defense of them? Have you ever needed a second chance? Who is it that you could advocate for, could come to the defense of? Isn’t this what the beloved Barnabas did in the case of John Mark? Yes. See Acts 15:36-41. How far do you think Barnabas’ consolation to John Mark went in the heart of the younger saint, John Mark?

Perhaps some of our relationships over the years, can be seen through the lens of how Barnabas and Paul, neither who was wrong. Yet they separated, God giving them each others to minister with.

Giving preference, giving room for other members of Christ’s body to grow in His grace …… we see exercised through Barnabas (2 Peter 3:18).

WHO among us has ever needed a second chance? Who among us has been in the need of a beloved Barnabas, a consoler, one who would nurse us to health and victory? WHO has ever been super encouraged that someone believed in them, believed to the best, believed by their faith in God, that you were coming forth, were going to be tried and come forth as purified gold? See Job 23:10.

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

Also, we know that Paul controlled no one, unlike some of the warlocks and witches of the modern church world (1 Corinthians 16:12; 2 Corinthians 1:24). All who dare seek to exercise undue, unwarranted, ungodly control over any child of God, any sheep of Christ’s pasture, is under divine condemnation (Revelation 2:6, 15).

“…with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:4

Read Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34. Woah!

Jesus has singlehandedly saved us individually and is the owner of His sheep, each one of them. HE leads them and any man who dares unduly interfere will pay (John 10).

What if someone like the young John Mark, who was lacking maturity in your past re-enters your life? Will you hold them in contempt for past errors, sins, lack of maturity? Have you not needed, and do you not still have great need of growing in the grace of Christ? See 2 Peter 3:18. This disciple has infinite need of growing in our LORD’s grace.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

How do you wish for people to view you? By your past or present? How do you desire other members of Jesus’ body to see you? To see you now, now that God has significantly matured you, now after the cross has begun to take center stage in your daily life and now you are more conformed to the image of Christ – now that much tribulation has come your way and God brought you through it all into a much more matured state? (Romans 8:28-29; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:5-8; 5:10, etc.)

Anyone else here ever shake your head at the thought, the remembrance of the dumb things you did in your past, in your earlier days after being born again? Or is that just this fool?

God be praised afresh, here and now, for His great mercy!

“And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.” 2 Chronicles 1:8

Read that again and scan your memory of the beloved king David – how he enters our view as a shepherd boy, faithfully worshipping God in the privacy of a pasture, guiding the sheep. Then this great worshipper emerges as a warrior to take out Israel’s chief enemy, the giant from Gath (Goliath). David is appointed by the LORD to be king of Israel. He wins many battles and then loses the battle to lust and commits adultery with Bathsheba, then has her husband murdered. He then suffers the loss of their baby (2 Samuel 11-12). God then, after the ups and downs of David, in the New Testament Scriptures, says this of the beloved David: “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22).

How many of us want the LORD to say, in the end “THAT is a daughter, a son ‘after mine own heart”? How would you like to hear the Almighty speak your name and say, “I have found ______ the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will”?

Are you getting a bit happier to begin to increasingly realize that it’s how we FINISH more than about how we started?

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Perhaps we could surmise that part of the fight Paul had to fight in fighting the good fight of faith, was to forget his own past sins, mistakes, failures, rebellion.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

YOUR PRAYER: Merciful heavenly Father, I love You. Here and now, I come before Your holy presence in the name of my LORD Jesus, praising and thanking You afresh for Your great mercy upon my many sins, disobedience, rebellion, self-idolatry, and pride. Please wash me, wash my life afresh by the precious blood of Your only begotten Son, my LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Bless this life to be from here forward settled at Thy holy feet dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen LORD. I love You.

Top 12 Missing Essential Doctrines in the Modern Church World! [podcast]

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOUR “CHURCH” OR FAVORITE PREACHER? It’s real simple… if they are not preaching the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel given to us in the New Testament, they are preaching “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9). “For MANY DECEIVERS ARE ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, […]

Liberty in Non-Essentials: Receive Ye One Another [podcast]

“Let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10 Get gone the guile. Crucify it. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14 The divine command to “love one another” appears 13 times in God’s word. “Greater love hath no man […]

Is the Crucified Life Essential for Going to Heaven? [podcast]

WHO among us, after being saved, can remain free from sin without the cross, the crucified life? Not one of us. Read and believe, embrace every word of Romans 6 carefully. Please don’t rush. “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul was clearly declaring here that he would be “castaway” into Hell if he didn’t keep under his body which means live the crucified life – without which no man can overcome sin. IF there […]

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Warned and Safe [podcast]

“By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach

“Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28

Did you catch what the apostle Paul did to prepare the church to meet Christ?

Preach
WARN
Teach

Lynne Parker writes:

“I truly believe Christians will be tried by the Word in this hour. There is no more riding the fence or taking a neutral position. God Himself will place us all in a position to stand or fall according to the Word. “Deception” and its sister “delusion” are gripping the Body of Christ – like a dark cloud it is covering the land. The false dominion (NAR) theology and signs and wonders movement has effectively conditioned multitudes to forsake the authority of God’s Word and embrace their subjective feelings as guidance in discernment concerns. But in these latter days only those who divorce their feelings and trust only in God’s Word and have developed a love for the truth will overcome the devil’s schemes. Sadly many will be lost – it’s unfolding right before us.”

"Adorn the Doctrine of God" [podcast]

“Exhort servants (employees, slaves) to be obedient unto their own masters (bosses), and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” Titus 2:9-10 The context of the above passage is instructions to all Christian “servants” (employees) and how they can be Christ’s witnesses among those they work with, including their “master” (boss, owner, etc.). “2:10 One of the most obvious differences was that Christians did not succumb to the besetting sin of other slaves, namely, pilfering. The […]

"Warn them from Me": The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God's People [podcast]

The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast] Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in […]

The Purpose of Elders in Christ's Body [podcast]

There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.). “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus […]

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Teach the Bible [podcast]

JESUS IS COMING AND THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST IS “HOLDING FORTH (BOLDLY DECLARING) THE WORD OF LIFE”

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16

WHEN you speak God’s Word, you are speaking divine authority.

“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

Nourishing the Body of Christ

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15

The best way to learn is to teach.

HOW well do you know your way around in God’s Word?

Jesus knew His way around God’s Word. Do you? If not, why not?

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he FOUND the place where it was written,” Luke 4:17

The disciple of Christ must daily and diligently search, study, and learn God’s Word in light of His Great Commission command to us to teach His Word to others (Matthew 28:18-20). Our ability to minister is in large part based on our knowledge of God’s Word or the ability to navigate God’s Word (King James Bible).

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – OBEY GOD, “PREACH THE WORD.” (2 TIMOTHY 4:2)

Tip: Always know WHERE you are reading in God’s Word – chapter and verse. You’ll be surprised at the repertoire that begins to build, making you, like Jesus, a good navigator of our LORD’s Word as you preach His Word (Luke 4:17).

Have you ever pondered why there is little or no Scripture being used when listening to someone pretending to be speaking about the LORD? You should wonder (Matthew 7:16, 20; 1 John 4:1).

“Preach the word” is the divine mandate, command (2 Timothy 4:2).

Let us cease to pretend that we represent the LORD when everything we say isn’t coming straight out of His Word. Read that again please.

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

Think God is calling you to serve? Good. If He has saved you, He has called you (Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:7). Get lost in His Word every day (Jeremiah 15:16). Read it (Revelation 1:3). Study it (2 Timothy 2:15). Memorize it (Proverbs 4:4). Meditate upon it day and night (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1). THAT’s your prep for ministry, not going to an antichrist seminary. Jesus inducted you into His school of the Holy Ghost and Word the moment He saved you.

“As I was listening I was thinking of Paul. Who was a very educated man in the law. But after he was saved he spent three years being taught exclusively by the Lord Jesus Himself. And he says he “conferred not with flesh and blood.” But he was taught “by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal 1:12-18). All of us should be taught by the Lord in His Word and not learned through mere men or books. But by a direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus is The Word of God (John 1:1, Rev 19:13).” Karen Cochran

"Give us this DAY, our DAILY bread" [podcast]

QUESTION ASKED: “Please provide scripture to support your statement that ‘if you aren’t in the word daily you are backslidden and not ready to meet Jesus’?” I am a follower of Christ and have extensively studied the Word. Please provide specific scripture that says if you don’t read the Bible every day you are backslidden and not ready to meet Jesus.” REPLY: The word “daily” appears 7 times in the Gospels directly spoken by or speaking of our LORD Jesus. “Daily” is found 63 times in God’s Word. You are fooling no one except yourself to say that seeking, walking […]

"Be Diligent that ye May be Found of Him in Peace, without Spot, and Blameless" [podcast]

“Them that look for him” “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28 WHO will Jesus return for? – “Them that look for him” Jesus is not coming back for everyone. He’s only coming back for “Them that look for him.” Am I in love with Jesus? Or, am I just religious? Am I an authentic disciple of Jesus or a self-serving counterfeit? The grace-enabled purifying of ourselves in light of His soon return: “And every man that […]

The Book of 2 Peter Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption […]

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Seeking the Will of God [podcast]

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

Maturity in Christ is seen in those who unrelentingly seek His face! 1 Chronicles 16:11

YOU are either going to clearly prove you love God by perpetually flooding your heart and mind with the Word, prayer, and praises of our LORD Jesus Christ…. or you absolutely will fall away (Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-2, etc.).

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

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

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

Notice that those not seeking the LORD today, are forsaking Him.

“if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my sins afresh. I have had other gods before You and so have committed the sin of idolatry and spiritual adultery. Please wash me afresh with Your blood dear LORD Jesus. Create in me a clean heart, an heart of flesh and remove the stony places. Please help me to sense Your leading and impressions. You are my Great Shepherd and I am Your sheep. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost dear LORD and please use me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"NEVER take a Vacation from God" [podcast]

God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used. “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 Make the deliberate decision to “set… “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 22:19 “Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first […]

What is our Highest Priority as we see Christ's Return Nearing? [podcast]

What’s most important? How do we want Christ to find us when He splits the eastern sky? “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 “And he […]