All Sports have Rule Books

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Rule Book? Who Needs It?

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all (track and field), but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain . 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things . Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown (ex. Olympic Gold Medal); but we an incorruptible (eternal glory and reward). 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I (boxing), not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Here Jesus’ apostle Paul speaks of two sports, running (track and field) and boxing. He uses them due to the widespread knowledge of them by the people. Paul uses these sports to illustrate divine truths we must grasp to successfully follow the LORD Jesus. In another place Paul uses the sport of wrestling when illustrating spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).

Paul illustrates a spiritual truth by speaking of running in a race as an athlete according to the rules of the marathon, hurdle, or relay race. Then he says that in his walk with Christ, he makes sure he is not wasting his time only to be “castway” from the LORD in the end as Jesus promised that “many” who think they are serving Him will be (Matthew 7:21-23). If a boxer doesn’t land his punches on the chin or body of his opponent and just throws those punches into mid air, at the end he will lose.

Are your punches landing on the chin of your enemy? Or, are you spinning your wheels?

Would it be better to find out the answers to these questions before it’s too late?

Sports are not a new thing and as is the case for their predecessors, all modern sports have rules that must be followed or disqualification follows. How many times have we seen players fail to follow the rules and their play or whole body of work becomes nullified? We are all aware of recent Heisman trophies that have been taken back and various achievement awards due to violations of the rules including the use of steroids. Can you remember seeing where a track runner steps off the track or a basketball player commits a foul or a good football play is brought back and negated due to a penalty, like offensive holding? Though it grieves us at the moment, we know that the game must be played according to the rules, right?

What’s your favorite sport? Does that sport have rules? Of course, right. And where are those rules contained? In a rule book, right?

The rule book for any sport is the script as to exactly how that game works, what qualifies and what disqualifies a team, a player, or a play. Each play is either qualified or disqualified based on whether or not the player(s) conforms to the established rules of that game.

The same is true concerning the Savior and His salvation. His rules are contained in His Rule Book. Think about it. God’s script is revealed in His Holy Scriptures and His agenda is to save you for His eternal glory. His Rule Book keeps safe and sound those who live by it (Psalms 17:4; Proverbs 30:5-6). They are assured eternal blessings while violators will be penalized and punished eternally (Revelation 1:3; 21:7-8; 22:14-15).

To those who had just believed upon Him, Jesus said “IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) In other words, “Now that you are saved, you must continue in My Word and as you do you will be made free, otherwise you will fall away and not make it. Now that I have found and apprehended you for My glory and kingdom, you must follow My ways and hear My voice and no other.”

“Ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

It’s interesting to notice that rule books are universally accepted in every arena of life except with the Almighty. We are all glad and agree that our favorite sports have to have an established set of rules. That is, rules established which govern how the game is played. In the games we like there is always a written standard to play by so that fairness is executed. Breaking the rules of the game brings disqualification. In fact, my favorite football team played in a big game recently and a running back from the team ran in for a score/touchdown, apparently. Yet, upon reviewing the play, it was discovered that the athlete had stepped out of bounds on his way to the end zone. So, operating according to the rules of the game of football, the officials nullified that touchdown and the ball was placed back where the player stepped out of bounds. Why? –Because the rules say so. No one from either team or fan base disagreed because we all agree with and find safety and fairness in the rules establishing that game.

The Rule Book for the Game of Life

No, life’s not a game, but this is an illustration in accordance to how Paul’s used sports.

It’s interesting that when it comes to the Almighty, our very Maker, Judge, and the One whose air we now breath to keep us alive, we want to scrap, trash, change, ignore, twist, and attack His Sacred Rule Book, the Holy Bible. Many insist upon making up their own rules and playing their own way, never realizing they may be disqualifying themselves by their denial of the Rule Maker. This will end is eternal separation from the LORD in hell.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

Just why do people not want to humble themselves and walk simply according to the Word of the One they claim to have be saved by? – It’s simple – they have not surrendered to Him or are presently serving self and not the Savior. They have chosen to reign over the affairs of their own lives and oust Christ as LORD and Master. Jesus calls them His very “enemies.”

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slaythem before me.” Luke 19:27

In the sport games we like, we all trust and generally agree with the rules that establish the parameters of that game and yet, when it comes to the LORD, so many who claimed to know Him, could care less to even learn His Rule Book, much less walking accordingly.

You see, rules are a blessing. Keeping them is certain to keep us safe, sound, and secure in the end.

Soon, you and I shall stand before Him to give account of every thought, motive, and action done in this life. We will each give account to the ultimate Law Giver as to whether or not we obeyed what He said in His Word. Those who ignore and do not do things His way – by His Rule Book – have this to look forward to:

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away ; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened : and another book was opened , which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15

You see, God’s Rule Book is the only eternal Book of Rules for life and blessing (2 Peter 1:3-4). His Rule Book reveals the One Savior whereby the individual can play by the rules He has established and not be disqualified in the end. His blessings and promises are all there to be received by His children. All that we need and desire is found therein.

“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 divinenature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

Saved or Sorry?

At the end of a whole game, no one wants to find out that they have been disqualified due to not following the standards set forth in the rule book, right? This is why it makes no sense and is deadly to assume one is following God’s Rule Book if that person does not even study and know the Word. Many think they are following the LORD and believe they will be accepted into Heaven in the end and miss the eternal, conscious misery and suffering of hell. But Jesus foretold of them. He said that “many,” not a few, will be shocked in the end to be told that they are rebels who refused to get to truly know Him in their earthly lives. “Many” will be misled by “false prophets” who preach a “broad way” or wide acceptance instead of what the only Savior taught – “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” Then He tells us who and who is not building their eternal futures upon the rules of the game. This determines who is safe and who will be eternally sorry. Whatever you do, listen closely to these words from the Son of God:

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits . Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down , and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them , I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended , and the floods came , and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended , and the floods came, and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell : and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:13-29

Whose rule book are you following? God’s, or your own?

Warning:

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men,after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

The prayers of the rebellious are not answered. Rebels don’t like rules because they are lawless, full of pride, deliberate unbelief, and self-righteousness. The lake of fire awaits.

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9

One thing’s for certain – with no exception – ALL who know and follow Jesus Christ, count His Word as highest authority and refuse to put their worship and honor toward mere men or ministries (Ezekiel 14:3; Zechariah 11:17; John 5:41-44; 8:47; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5; 8:5). Any person who thinks they are saved and isn’t following Christ according to the written Word of God, is deluded and the LORD is calling them to repent and be saved.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

Whether we like it or not, when we get pulled over by a policeman and we say to the officer “But I didn’t know the speed limit,” he says “that’s no excuse and it’s your responsibility to know the speed limit.” We then get a ticket. Right? The Bible says “And if a man also strive for masteries (to win), yet is he notcrowned (qualified), except he strivelawfully (according to the rules).” (2 Timothy 2:5) God has guidelines and those who ignore or refuse to learn them are doomed (Jonah 2:8).

“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8

God forbid that we get to the end of our lives, which could be today, and discover the horrific truth that we did not truly follow Christ according to His Word but rather other notions, philosophies of mere men, and wolves who misled us!

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalms 127:

Want to do things the right way and be ready to meet your Maker and eternal Judge? Go here.

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Articles

Is Your Church Your Idol? [podcast]

Is Your Church Your Idol? (below)

Is Church Membership Biblical? (below)

SO, YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR CHURCH, THE PASTOR, THE PROGRAM, AND HOW YOU LOVE IT AND THE MUSIC AND EVENTS…YET THE NAME OF JESUS NEVER FLOWS FROM YOUR LIPS IN PRAISE? WOW! IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO REPENT, RETURN TO CHRIST, AND COME OUT FROM AMONG THE WICKED BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! (2 CORINTHIANS 6:14)

EVER stop to ponder how we’ve commercialized, monetized, and grossly complicated what God ordained to be a time of rejoicing and blessing? Fellowship! Read Acts 2:42 and Colossians 3:16. Study the biblical model. Real fellowship with other saints is so simple, biblically. The bureaucracy of wolves has completely ruined such simplicity and that’s why so many no longer patronize their church busine$$e$ (2 Peter 2:1-3).

SO MANY TODAY WILL TALK ABOUT THEIR “CHURCH,” THEIR PASTOR, OR FAVORITE MINISTER – BUT NOT JESUS! THEIR WOLF HANDLERS ARE INDOCTRINATING AND USING THEM AS THEIR SALES AGENTS! SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. IDOLATRY.

Looking for the church means simply looking for other true members of Christ’s body! WE are HIS church – called out ones. Amen Jesus. Fellowship, Gatherings

“Church” today has become a staged event with a cast, crew and light show to entertain the members and seekers.

ANY thing you won’t give up for Christ – including religion – is a soul damning idol.

Are you doing the “church” thing or is your heart and life all about JESUS?

WHO is to have the preeminence? Church? The pastor? The organization? NO! Repent!

Colossians 1:18 says:

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

WHO, WHAT holds the ultimate “preeminence” in your heart? Colossians 1:18

IF you are not hearing that the ALMIGHTY commands you to lay down your life, you have placed yourself under a false prophet ministry and God is not going to bless you but rather going to turn you over to “strong delusion” so that you believe the cross-less lie and ultimately perish, all the while believing you were saved (Matt 7;21; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4).

Is your “church” or is JESUS your “first love”? (Revelation 2:4-5)

So let me get this straight…

You run around telling people how much you love your church and pastor but never testify of the saving mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ? God is calling you to repent and be saved for real!

“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33

The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings where ever they went. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Jenn W. writes:

“That’s exactly why I left the church I grew up in. It turned into a social club almost like a cult that was more focused on people and the ‘church’ but none of it was centered around Jesus Christ at all. They all beg me to come back, but every time I pray asking God, ‘Do you want me to go back there, Lord?’ I always hear Him flat out tell me ‘NO!’ God is not the author of confusion, He gives us confirmation and full rest and peace in our spirit about decisions. Whenever I even think of going back there I feel anxiety and panic because I know God doesn’t want me there. We can’t people-please just because they want us to do something or tell us to ‘not forsake the assembly.’ They will use all types of guilt trips to make you try to conform down to their lukewarm level and fit in. I refuse to do that. The church is extremely carnal, and everyone is concerned with money and building mega-churches. They say when you’re too holy or sanctified that you are ‘legalistic,’ and they hate when you are set apart.”

Holy Ghost anointed preaching will ALWAYS lead you to fresh repentance.

Brett Gibney writes:

“Many small churches are more like businesses with employees to maintain. The member becomes a customer and the church entertains them for donations and offerings. The pastor is the boss and manager operating within a strict budget. Big business in today’s Christian movement. Jesus Christ has never been to the place they call ‘church.’ He would flip their book, DVD and CD tables over! When money and theatrics are involved, God isn’t! Nowhere in the Bible is the pastor called to run the church. They appoint themselves. The only difference between a calling and a occupation is a salary.”

We are going back to Acts 2:42-47.

Church is what you are, not somewhere you go!

PLEASE show us where anyone in the New Testament Scriptures went around looking for an elder, a pastor, a church? YES, fellowship is essential and so is submitting to our elders in Christ and yet, perhaps today, far too much emphasis is placed on these things (Hebrews 10:24-25; 13:7, 17, etc.). None of this matters if the individual disciple is not engaged in seeking the face of the LORD personally.

You don’t need a preacher because you have a Bible. Read it. You don’t need a preacher to tell you what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning yourself. Today is your day to take more personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Jesus is Coming.

WHEN a person truly repents, he clears all idols from his life and Jesus Christ is truly reigning – on the throne of His heart. 1 idol will eternally damn the soul the same as a million idols!

DENOUNCE THE IDOL OF SELF.

DENOUNCE THE IDOL OF RELIGION, A PASTOR, A CHURCH.

BE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST.

NOW!

Memorize:

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22

Repent afresh. Seek God for real. Lay down your life in this world and follow Jesus. Cry out to Him to make you His authentic disciples, to strip all hypocrisy, deceit, depravity, and hatred in your heart. | Fresh Start with God

Many who initially believed will ultimately and eternally be damned for their idolatry…..

“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42-43

“And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” Mark 7:14-15

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:23-26

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“It is Godly to have a church building to meet in. Jesus does not speak against it. If there is one, just one church that preaches the Gospel, and there is, then this comment is leading people astray. Go visit, til you find the right church…don’t be lazy and loose your soul…Amen! But that is a half truth to deter people if there is one church preaching the Gospel. You are trying to be God!”

REPLY:

I don’t agree with it being godly necessarily….. A physical building is not a necessity and is usually a great hindrance and worse. Jesus didn’t specifically speak against a physical building but He DID speak against the wolves operating in those buildings. Jesus also didn’t practice it (erecting physical buildings) because He is divine and knows all things and how men make themselves kings and rich off of the people usually as they use that central meeting place for self-serving purposes….. and no, a physical building is not a sin in and of itself. It can’t be, yet what is going on in those apostate “churches” is usually not the New Testament biblical model but rather for the self-serving purposes of those Paul says are “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18-19). Any Berean, discerning Bible student sees that.

You don’t seem to be Bible intensive and perhaps that’s because the wolves who are misleading you want to keep you ignorant so they can continue to use you (Hosea 4:6; Acts 17:10-11). When Jesus spoke of building His church (called-out ones), He was not speaking of something physical like a “church” building but rather the revelation truth of Himself in the hearts of His people (Matthew 16:17-19). You are not yet a discerning person but rather gullible and this is foolish….. Question: Did Jesus and His apostles ever collect one penny to building physical “church” building? yes or no please.

Most organizations, the vast majority functioning in buildings are misleading people and not preaching the original Gospel (Jude 3) You are deceived. The real Church – people of God- don’t need to go find a church because they are the church. Where does the Bible say to go find a church, to visit till you find one? And where does God’s Word say that you will lose your soul if you don’t find a church building to go to? Nowhere. There it is: You are being led to believe that attending the church building is salvation and not Christ – WHOM you have not once mentioned so you are an idolater.

So you have to wait till Sunday morning to preach the Gospel? Wow. There it is again – false church – where most pastors don’t want you doing the work of the ministry daily but rather to patronize their church business. You are telling on yourself. You are a product of a ministry based in a building that is misleading you. Not all are but it seems you are being misled by what you are saying which is a dead give away of what you’re being taught (Matthew 12:34; 5:16, 20). You didn’t mention Jesus Christ one time so obviously Heaven’s nail-scarred risen soon coming KING is not your first love nor being taught in your building based church (Colossians 2:18-19). This proves the point.

I don’t know what I am saying while I give you Scripture? Flash Point: Reading God’s Word and living by it is not “trying to be God.”

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I’ve had people tell me that, even attending and supporting a church for over a year, that the church they were attending would not help them in a time of crisis because they were not members of that church.” M.

REPLY:

YES, have seen this same respect of persons many times brother! Sad! (Matt 25.) We shall all give full account to the One who said:

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” Matthew 25:40, 45

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Neither Give Place to the Devil! [podcast]

“Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27

“This is a really good message!” CB

— MANY have been blinded and duped to believe that either 1) there is no devil, or 2) there is a devil but he’s not active. But God’s Word tells us that Satan, the archenemy of Christ and mankind, is active and has an organized kingdom structure: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Warning:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

The Bible tells us not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices and if we are not even aware of “the wiles of the devil,” how can we possibly discern and overcome them? (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11).

Communism, any communistic form of government arrangement, is an example of the work of Satan and we know this because it steals money and freedom from the people, kills people who don’t agree, and destroys everything good.

ANY person participating in the work of Satan is a child of the devil. Satan’s work is “to steal, to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10) Any questions? Any activity, operation, or plan to steal the freedom or money or anything from another, is the work of Satan himself. So is to kill or destroy people or property unjustly.

—- PEOPLE EVER MAKE UP THINGS ABOUT YOU? Jesus told us we would be falsely accused (Matthew 5:11) and He also tells us never to participate in a “false report” in any way (Exodus 23:1-2). The Greek word for “Satan” means accuser. ….“for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night…” (Revelation 12:7-12)

NEVER EVER DRAW CONCLUSION ON ANYTHING BEFORE YOU’VE HEARD THE WHOLE STORY

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13

“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.” Proverbs 18:17

Are not our laws in this country crafted after this truth? “Innocent UNTIL PROVEN guilty.”…

God gave us these truths for the protection of all. If, as a disciple of Jesus, you have not yet been slandered, lied about, stick around, your time is coming. David had his Shimei, Jesus had His Judas, Paul had his Alexander the coppersmith.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Matthew 5:11

Slander includes bringing up a sin God has already forgiven someone, and/or repeating something you have no proof of.

Beloved saints, based on what Jesus foretold us of in Mathew 5:11, we’d actually better be concerned if no one is making up lies about us …. that just means Satan is upset with the fruitful relationship you have with Jesus who says “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26) In light of this truth, should we not be concerned if everyone likes us, if no one is slandering us?

It’s time to “rejoice” – to obey Jesus – when we are persecuted for that only proves that we are His!!!!!!

“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

If someone is not being lied about, persecuted, and afflicted, they are suspect. That person is very possibly a counterfeit, a tare among Christ’s wheat.

Learn the resurrection power of Jesus by learning a bit more about laying down your life! Get this volume and also I Die Daily.

Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]

Jesus’ Protocol, and Parameters are for Our Protection What does the Bible say concerning allowing a departed person to come back into your life or into a group of believers? God only forgives those who repent and when they repent, they will acknowledge their sin and make restitution to those they’ve harmed. They will “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for (consistent with) repentance.” (Matthew 3:7-10) True repentance is proven by good fruit demonstrated to prove it, or not. If there’s no honest, open admission and restitution, there’s no true sorrow or repentance. “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass […]

Jesus Conquered Sin, Satan, and Death by Dying [podcast]

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15 Jesus conquered sin and death (separation) by dying on His cross. Because of this, we need never live outside of an abiding relationship with Christ. His grace is sufficient to provide everything He died to purchase for us – and all these blessings are appropriated […]

Loving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]

Just WHAT do we need to “remember” about “Lot’s wife”? (Luke 17:32) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:11 Will you finish with joy? “But none of these things move me, neither count I my […]

Consider and Build [podcast]

Consider Your Ways (below) Resting to Build (below) “Whew thank you for that rebuke I needed that ! What a magnificent powerful biblical gospel message.” Cassandra IS GOD (His work and people) important to you? Is the LORD Jesus Christ first place in your life? Is furthering His Gospel a priority to you? Have you scheduled Him into your financial distribution? OR, is the LORD, who bought you with His blood, a second class citizen to you? Well, think about it – we never thought twice to budget for the cable company, the electrical company, the gym, the […]

Apostasy

Wolves who Weaponize and Monetize! Beware! [podcast]

Wolves who Weaponize and Monetize! Beware!

Church membership as perpetrated today was never supposed to be. It’s not found in the Scriptures. Each of His people are members of His body, His one church. Real fellowship and assembling, getting together, is biblical and yet as has always been the case, sinful men use it to exploit those who gather to worship their LORD. At the beginning and end of His ministry, Jesus destroyed the wicked leaders who were robbing the people.

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. 15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? 17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.” Matthew 21:12-17

They are making merchandise of you just as Peter foretold! Read 2 Peter 2:1-3.

Assembling as believers is commanded by God and yet not in order to be exploited by the devouring wolves we’ve been warned to beware of (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 1 John 4:1-3, etc.). When God’s people gather, assemble, it is rather to be edified in Christ, richly blessed in the Word of God (Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:24; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

“If you go to the brick and mortar buildings and you don’t give your money then you’re nobody to them. I was out searching for a place where I could stay and hear the true gospel but that’s not happening in these brick and mortar buildings. These people need to truly repent.” Veronica

Church membership is just another attempt, lure, and seduction to misplace the faith and allegiance and identity of Christ’s saints away from Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Colossians 2:18-19). Beloved of God, you are bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23). This highest price—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a cross —was paid by the Son of God to purchase you to Himself and the Father (1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5-6; Titus 2:14, etc.). HE is your identity and thereafter His true remnant body who live for Him daily, who are crucified with Christ perpetually, not counterfeit church goers/members. Memorize Galatians 6:14. For more on the body of Christ, read Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 2 and 4. God’s Word is your final divine authority, not mere men or organizations of mere men (Mark 13:31; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, etc.).

“Thank you for exposing this. I used to attend an assembly of God here in Olympia and I found it to be false. After a couple years my eyes were opened and I left because a lot of it was a new apostolic reformation or something similar to that they were just off, and at one point they had a homosexual male on the platform scolding the church for how they are mean and nasty to homosexuals because they think they’re better than them. I was attacked for forsaking the assembly and received other statements urging me to come back so I wouldn’t be sinning.” Bella

Anyone trying to get you to become a member of their church is seeking to monetize you to build a church business at your expense.

The reason why many professing Christian do not see the things we are seeing in the Word today in this message, is that they are not in God’s Word for themselves.

“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

Most who claim Christ don’t know His Word and many don’t want to know it, otherwise they’d be in it and it would be in them.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

QUESTION ASKED:

“What if someone is born again, biblically baptized by immersion, but not a formal member of any local church, however they attend church regularly. Could they partake in the Lord’s supper?”

REPLY:

Yes, who else is a higher authority than the Most High who saved you into His church/family? WHAT other “membership” would be needed as if Christ’s saving you and putting you into His family as a member of His body wasn’t enough? Read 1 Corinthians 12. You are a member of the one universal blood bought, born again body of Christ. Any other so-called church membership is a fraud and an afront to Christ. He didn’t die and rise again to then hand over the reigns to a bunch of self-serving enterprising, greedy pharisaical nicolaitan wolves. Read Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 23; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 2:6, 15. Oh and this isn’t even to mention that these fake “churches” are 501(C)(3) corporations. They have entered into an unholy alliance with the state and by doing so have affronted, rejected the Savior. They entered into a contract with the state unnecessarily and are now under the antichrist dominion of the state, who can tell them where and what they preach and can’t preach.”

“This church membership topic riles me up! Many judge us because we don’t go to church. I want nothing to do with how apostate they have become. Most are in willful sin and could care less. Jesus is not there!” Karen Cochran

One dear sister in Christ shared this:

NEARLY EVERY LOCAL “CHURCH” IS A COMPLETE SCAM IN THIS LATE HOUR, JUST AS WAS FORETOLD.

“Partnership, as defined by most ministries, today, is you send them a check every month & they send you a letter with some Scriptures. Very sad. However, I take refuge in this Scripture – 1 Peter 4:17. It’s not a political problem, it’s a spiritual problem. During the scamdemic, I suggested we give groceries to those who needed them, have a cookout with burgers & hotdogs, offer healing to those who needed it, fellowship among the people. The church had a wonderful full circle drive so the people could pull in, we’d fill their trunk with groceries, etc. I was told “NO.” I offered to handle all of it, pay for it, still “NO.” The pastor wanted to remain shut down. I went ahead & did it from my home. I hired a Christian group to sing, we preached the Word, fed the people, prayed for anyone who wanted it. Quitting should never be a part of our vocabulary. The religious manipulation is off the charts. Filling seats & manipulating people for financial gain is repulsive.” Charlotte

The fact that most brick and mortar church building based churches are not run biblically in no way negates the need for essential, real, biblical fellowship. To this point, a brother in Christ named Peter writes:

“People want faith community even if there is church membership and mandatory tithing. People want social life with other believers. It’s safe and not that sinful. Yet, I’m against church buildings but I believe in accountability to one another and God.” Peter

Church membership ropes you into an unholy alliance with the state and a state owned church. Example:

“During the scam-demic, many churches hid behind Romans 13 and said they must obey the government. Yet there are many examples in the Bible where God’s people did not obey because it went against God and was evil. Just as in modern day with all the covid supposed mandates. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego did not obey. Daniel, and the apostles. And many more disobeyed civil authorities when they demanded things that went against God and His will. The fake churches used Romans 13 because really they were afraid of standing for Jesus! So they cowered in fear! Hiding behind masks, closed doors and vax’s. But wearing masks was not such a big deal because most already are wearing them. Hiding behind their pharisaical and self-righteous attitudes pretending to holy.” Karen Cochran

God exposed these fake “churches” and fake “Christians” for all to see. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men“ (Acts 5:29). The false churches had already sold the Savior down the river for the state when they signed up for their 501C3—which is a contract with lots of small print. That contract they chose to enter into, makes those “churches” the government’s, the state’s churches. As we saw with the scamdemic, the state tells what they can preach, where they can preach, and when they can preach. I walked into a “church” to visit some friends during this period and was shocked that they all had on masks, were doing the 6-foot satanic ceremony rule etc. I departed. Sickening sacrilege.

“God’s true church can’t be contained in a building…God’s true church is being led out of these lukewarm businesses labeled as churches….God’s true church isn’t a man led organization ….it’s a relationship with GOD Himself. God’s true church isn’t a temple made by hands….their very own body is where God resides.” Kathy Lemonds

A MEME FROM A SNAKE “PASTOR”

In a meme, “Pastor” HB Charles Jr. is promoting Michael Foster, who writes:

“Nothing grows a Christian like a serious commitment to a single church week in and week out for years and years. Not conferences. Not social media. Not even personal devotions. The local church is where mature Christians are slowly forged in the fires of mundane faithfulness.” – Michael Foster

Notice “a serious commitment to a single church.” This is something God never commanded and it contradicts the essential responsibility He gave anyone who would be HIS disciple. The fruit of good church attenders makes it more than abundantly clear that this whole church attendance, church membership push is diabolical. It’s irrefutably producing bad fruit (Matthew 7:15-21). Let’s further test ‘pastor” Michael Foster’s statement, shall we? So John the Baptist, the apostles Paul, John, Peter, etc., didn’t attend church weekly or “week in and week out” and so you are saying they didn’t grow? Wow. Michael Foster is a typical programmed pawn—an indoctrinated dupe. He reeks of pride and greed (2 Peter 2:1-3). He’s building a church busine$$. Read his words again and think $ and how he is bearing false witness against the LORD he deceitfully pretends to represent as he is seeking to ensure his income for a long time to come. Wolves are making merchandise of their prey (2 Peter 2:1-3)!

“Never heard of the church building places of ‘worship’ until Constantine came along, the father of that demonic religion called ‘Catholic.'” Mark Owen

Seminarian marketing to farm the community—not to preach the whole counsel of God but rather gain more church members. They push for their pawns to invite others in order to get them more members which means more money. They campaign for more money for their unbiblical “church” projects, and yet never push for more personal Bible reading, evangelism, more of the crucified life, more worship of God, repentance, holiness, the fear of the LORD, etc…. and you still don’t see what’s going on?

Wow!

Okay so you go to a church building on Sunday morning yet don’t seek God in His Word and prayer daily? You are backslidden—which means you are away from God. Any person saved in the past and yet who is not presently hungering and thirsting after more of Christ, of His righteousness, has backslidden and in need of true repentance before it’s too late.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

“The activities and ‘fellowship’ only among themselves can be a big distraction to serving the Lord and doing His work and will. Not to mention keeping you enslaved to the false unbiblical doctrines they preach there. No one is allowed to disagree with the pastor(s) and leaders.” B.

Totally disagree with these “pastors” who are wolves building church businesses. How many “good church members” do we see winning souls, evangelizing, feeding Christ’s sheep His Word, denying self, taking up the cross, devouring God’s Word, living the crucified life, talking about judgment, repentance, overcoming all sin, and being ready for Christ’s return daily? None. Jesus says we know them “by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16, 20). 99% of local churches = bad fruit. The LORD’s true under shepherds are preparing and equipping Christ’s disciples “for the WORK of the ministry” not to do THEIR (the pastor’s) bidding, work in his little Sunday morning circus gathering where he performs and collects money. Only counterfeits prop up, support counterfeits (Ezekiel 22:25-27; Hosea 4:9; 2 John 10-11).

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

Here’s a biblical perspective: Being a good church member at a local “church” is never once taught in the Bible. No it’s something false prophets push for their own self-serving purpose and agenda. It’s for their benefit, not yours.

1 Chronicles 21:1 David was influenced by “Satan” in numbering the people …. this is a tool in order to control, manipulate and monetize the people…

GOD never called you to be a “good church member.” No, He called you to repent, to deny yourself, to live the crucified life, to seek His holy face daily with reckless abandon, to fellowship daily with His people, and to obey His Great Commission mandate.

THE FACT that you have no Great Commission involvement, no personal evangelism, no real fruit of good works in your life…. doesn’t this clearly reveal that you, as a good church member, are merely propping up a church busine$$, funding a fraud?

Can a man or woman of God sit back and just allow lost souls to go to hell without doing something about it, without having great conviction of conscience toward repentance, refreshing, and Great Commission Gospel action?

The next time some churchianity dupe begins to preach to you about “going to church”…. Tell them you don’t wait till Sundays, you fellowship in prayer and the Word daily with other saints of Christ (Acts 2:42). Ask them when the last time was that they personally preached the Gospel, fed the flock of God the Word of God, and led someone to Jesus…. mic drop, crickets.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

The Truth about Fellowship and Going to “Church”

Perhaps a simple observance of the earliest followers of Jesus would inform us that they weren’t always “in church” serving some wolf but rather they went “every where preaching the word,” etc. (Acts 8:4), right? Oh and their gatherings were quite simple with no religious gold gathering bureaucracy! See Acts 2:42.

What they do is basically make you their good church member then get you to go tell others so that their church busine$$ grows that way. Notice how no one is being equipped “for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-14) by being taught to minister and to do it out in the world daily…. to bring the blessing, the bless-ed Gospel to the people. No. Instead they become like little agents of their local church which is now their idol. They are sent out to invite folks to church instead of bringing the KING to those same people.

Wake up. Repent before God of wasting His time and resources on such wolves in sheep’s clothing. Deny self, take up the cross, follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24).

“Being a Christian isn’t about making a weekly trip to a so-called church building. No, it’s about BECOMING the church, an actual place where Jesus lives.” Matt McMillen

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Psalms 89:7

Good Church Member or True Disciple of Christ?

Wolves can be known in that they don’t get their prey in the Word for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).

Going to be entertained on Sunday mornings as what some call “church” does not replace daily Bible reading and prayer and the cross (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, etc.).

Anyone not in God’s Word and living a life of prayer every day as they seek His holy face fervently, has told the LORD that He is not important to them … and they will not make it (Matthew 25:1-13).

There is NO work, no-thing transpiring on the earth more important than the work of our LORD’s Gospel. Most of the other things are vying for your affections. Read Luke 21 and Colossians 3:1-4. JESUS is coming.

Summation:

The instruction of Hebrews 10:24 is from God and yet never intended to give license to men to build their own kingdoms, to exploit and use the people for their own self-serving and greed-driven agenda.

Yes there are elders ordained in Christ’s body and they are to feed (John 21:15-17), to warn (Colossians 1:28), to teach sound doctrine to the members of Christ’s body (Titus 2:1), to teach them discernment (Ezekiel 44:23), etc. This can be in a regular meeting time and place. That’s not a sin. The sin comes in when we don’t see biblically stated things being accomplished and that’s how we know those are false shepherds and this would involve most local brick and mortar based “churches” today.

The truth is self-evident. Fruit. Not all but the vast majority of local churches are absolutely apostate as the Bible foretold (2 Timothy 3:13; Matthew 24:11; 1 Timothy 4:1-2, etc.). There is no blood of Jesus, no cross, no crucified life, no judgment to come, no sin, no repentance, no holiness, no readiness for Christ’s return, no KJB, etc. Apostasy. Fellowship as defined by Holy Writ is essential, not church attendance. Saints, people do not need us. They do not need our fellowship. They need Christ and His people and that should be 24/7. The headquarters of the true saint is the throne of our God, right? (Jeremiah 17:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26). That doesn’t mean that attending a fellowship weekly is wrong and yet, is it a real fellowship? One should examine the fruit and ask: Am I growing in Christ? Am I growing to know Him (John 17:3)? Do I live a repented life and a crucified life? Is the extent of my relationship with the LORD going to church/church attendance? Do I care for and help the body of Christ? Do I evangelize? etc. The professing church has largely misused Hebrews 10:25. Fellowshipping, assembling is essential, is commanded, and that would be according to how Scripture defines assembly fellowship, not the modern church (Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16, etc.). If one is part of a rare truly Christ-centered, Scripture-rich fellowship, that’s a blessing. The problem is that most aren’t. And they must be exhorted to “try the spirits” as 1 John 4:1 instructs.

Church Membership Exposed

The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study [podcast]

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Is Church Membership Biblical? [podcast]

SATAN'S SEMINARIANS [podcast]

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